Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Salem State Students Tackle Community Projects Across City

Make time for 2026 Peabody Community Market on the Salem Patch calendar

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
Thursday August 20th Patch AM (Paul L.)

Hi Salem! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Salem State students are reshaping stories in the Point neighborhood
  • Old School Halloween theme announced for Salem's Haunted Happenings parade
  • How restoring City Hall's doors ties into Salem 400+

Also on today's calendar: 2026 Peabody Community Market and 10 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Paul L.!

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: An afternoon shower in spots, with a high of 81 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 78, low: 61.
  • Saturday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 74 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Salem State Students Tackle Community Projects Across City (patch.com) — Salem readers can see how Salem State University's new Humanities Brigade is putting students to work on real projects with The House of the Seven Gables and North Shore CDC. From documenting stories in the Point neighborhood's Latino community to improving museum accessibility, the program connects humanities coursework directly to Salem's civic life and cultural institutions.
   

2. Witch City Sets Stage For 'Old School Halloween' For This Year's Haunted Happenings (patch.com) — Salem is gearing up for an "Old School Halloween" as this year's Haunted Happenings Grand Parade kicks off the season on Oct. 1. Locals and visitors are invited to embrace classic monsters and traditions while applications open for marchers and vendors in an event that anchors Salem's massive Halloween tourism draw.
   

3. Salem To Restore Historic City Hall Doors As Part Of Salem 400+ (patch.com) — Salem is temporarily removing the historic wooden doors at City Hall for a careful restoration timed with the Salem 400+ celebrations, but the main entrance will stay open during business hours. A specialist carpenter will repair damage, refinish the doors, and return them by October, with funding approved by local and state historic commissions and Community Preservation Act dollars.
   

4. Harvard to pay $53 million after morgue manager sold body parts (wsgw.com) — A former Harvard Medical School morgue manager's trafficking of donated human remains has been linked to sales through Kat's Creepy Creations, a specialty shop in Salem. Harvard has now agreed to a $53 million settlement and pledged reforms and a new scholarship to honor anatomical donors, while families of affected donors await details on how compensation will be distributed.
   

5. 50 Best Things to Do in Boston: The Ultimate 2026 Guide (newbostonpost.com) — A Boston-focused travel guide highlights Salem as one of the top day trips for its history, maritime character, architecture, and famous witch-trial sites. While most recommendations center on Boston neighborhoods, museums, food, and nearby beaches, Salem stands out as a must-visit North Shore destination that's easy to add to a multi-day Boston itinerary.
   

📸 Around Salem

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📸 Washington Street & Essex Mall —Paul L. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Thanking Katie - a stranger in Collins Cove
    A loitering coyote last Tuesday at 6:25 am prevented me from comfortably getting 3 small dogs home from a walk. As I waited for help to arrive, a… (Nextdoor South Salem)
  • Goodwin Recruiting posted a job opening for Restaurant Manager in Salem. Apply here.
  • PetSmart posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Full Time 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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