Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Salem Public Schools Issues Special Education Records Notice

Also check out Gods, Gold, & Lost Worlds: Aegean Culture From Atlantis To Alexander on the Salem Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday October 1st Patch AM
Thursday October 1st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Salem! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Former Salem special education students urged to claim records soon
  • Plan ahead for Thursday's Haunted Happenings parade road closures
  • Salem State to host key forum on statewide zoning ballot question

Also on today's calendar: Gods, Gold, & Lost Worlds: Aegean Culture From Atlantis To Alexander and 17 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Warmer with increasing clouds, with a high of 76 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 78, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 68 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Salem Public Schools Issues Special Education Records Notice (patch.com) — Families in Salem whose children received special education services before July 2018 are being urged to claim their records before the district destroys them in mid-November, as required by state and federal law. Parents, guardians, or eligible former students have 30 days from the notice date to contact Salem Public Schools' Special Education Department and arrange pickup, after which all unclaimed files will be permanently destroyed.
   

2. Salem Halloween 2026: Haunted Happenings Parade Route Road Closures Set For Thursday (patch.com) — Drivers and pedestrians in Salem should prepare for major downtown disruptions Thursday afternoon as roads along the Haunted Happenings Parade route begin closing at 4 p.m. and stay shut until the event ends. The 27th annual parade steps off from Shetland Park at 6:30 p.m., with metal barriers, crossing points, and strict parking restrictions affecting access to South Harbor Garage and streets leading to Salem Common.
   

3. 2026 MA Elections: 3 MA Universities To Host Ballot Question Forums (patch.com) — Salem residents will have a chance to dig into a major statewide zoning ballot question when Salem State University hosts a public forum on Question 7 on Oct. 8. The event is part of a new multi-campus initiative offering nonpartisan discussions of three November ballot measures, including same-day voter registration and gun laws, with sessions recorded for ongoing civic learning.
   

4. Exchange Salem 115-Unit Housing Project Clears Key Financing Hurdle (patch.com) — Salem's long-discussed Exchange Salem project by the commuter rail station has secured $48 million in financing, allowing construction of 115 mixed-income apartments on a former municipal lot. City officials say the seven-story building will add affordable and middle-income housing, new retail, public open space, and better pedestrian links between North Salem and downtown while supporting reuse of historic courthouse buildings nearby.
   

5. Brigadier General Andrea Gayle-Bennett of Lynn Announced as Winner of 2026 Peter J. Gomes Service Award (house.gov) — A major community service award for Massachusetts' 6th District was presented in Salem, where Brigadier General Andrea Gayle-Bennett of Lynn was honored for her work with disabled veterans. Local residents can take pride that this district-wide recognition, inspired by Reverend Peter Gomes and presented by Congressman Seth Moulton, spotlighted volunteerism and veteran support close to home.
   

📸 Around Salem

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Salem Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Salem PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Help Wanted in Beverly: Experienced Alzheimer's Caregiver Needed Part Time
    Please note: We do not use caregiving agencies. We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and reliable Personal Care Assistant (PCA) to provide... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am looking for a company who is bonded and insured as well as certified to clean a sofa, chair and ottoman in my home.
    In addition I need a carpet cleaner as well. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks. (Nextdoor Whalers Lane)
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Dunkin' Morning Team Member in Salem. Apply here.
  • Lark Hospitality posted a job opening for Bartender in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Salem