Salem-News.com Holiday articles Page 22

Salem Area Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Closures

Martin Luther King Day was established in 1986 as a United States holiday, only the fourth Federal holiday to honor an individual.

(SALEM) - Here is the list of CLOSURES in the Salem area for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday:

• Schools
• All city, state, and county offices
• The main and West Salem branch of the Salem Public Library
• The Albany Public Library
• All branches of the Corvallis-Benton County Library.
• Cherriots
• Parking meters will not be enforced
• Banks

Willamette University Plans Week of Events to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

King was assassinated at 6:01 PM April 4th, 1968, on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

(SALEM) - While most area colleges and universities have a holiday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Willamette University uses the day to launch a week of discussions and activities surrounding social justice issues and the accomplishments of this revered civil rights leader.

A Cold Journey Through the Afghanistan High Country to a Castle for Christmas

Nobody asked Santa for a castle for Christmas, but the tire tracks in the snow on the road leading there were a gift in themselves.

(KHYAR KHOT, Afghanistan) - I thought I knew what cold weather was, but Afghanistan has been teaching me a few lessons about what a white winter really is, and for the past three days my boots have been soaked completely through. That's what happens when you have to put tire chains on a military vehicle in fourteen inches of fresh powder.

Good Tidings From Salem-News.com

Editors note: The sharing of this poem is a gift, which we accept with much thanks to Hank. Happy holidays!

(SALEM) - Friends, Readers and All Others:

This year’s Christmas season is so fraught with dire possibility and definite debacles, on nearly every side, that reminiscence from the ‘70s brought out again a moving moment-then, from BCR, prior to her six-year illness with Alzheimer’s.

SO --with some small misgivings, but encouraged by the kind comments over some past months from so many of you, here’s Bea’s “70s Moment” to add its solid strength to your Holiday Season, whatever it may be --with Best Christmas Wishes from Op Eds/Salem-News:

A Christmas Lesson (VIDEO)

Artist Glen Bledsoe shares a memorable story of he and his brother, one Christmas back in time.

(SALEM) - This is the story of one of my first lessons as a teacher, thought I was too young to know it at the time.

When I was just a boy, I taught my youngest brother to write... with a little incentive using a letter to Santa.

It's one that has been told to my students for years, and now it's your turn.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Oregon Holiday Travelers Will Pay More For Gas Than All Else in Continental U.S.

At $2.67, Oregon's average gasoline price remains 2nd highest in the nation. Hawaii has the highest average price at $2.83.

(SALEM) - While Oregon's average price gained almost three cents during the week, the national average increased by slightly more than a penny.

In the past week, gas prices across the nation generally continued their upward swing, boosting the national average price for a gallon of regular to $2.31, compared to Oregon's statewide average of $2.67.

The price of crude oil, currently below $63 per barrel, is about where it was one week ago. Late last week, OPEC announced it would reduce oil production by another 500,000 barrels per day, beginning the first of February, 2007.

Santa to Handout Candy Canes Saturday in Keizer

This very special event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.

(KEIZER) - For forty-five years, Santa Claus has made a special trip from the North Pole on a Saturday before Christmas to visit Keizer area children and hand out candy canes.

Oregon Sends the Holiday Spirit to Soldiers in Afghanistan

How to mail to the Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan

(SALEM) - During his recent visit to Afghanistan, Governor Kulongoski received numerous requests for the men and women of the 41st Brigade Combat Team supporting Task Force Phoenix V.

There is a way for all Oregonians to help fulfill this simple wish from the Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard in Afghanistan.

They have requested postcards, Christmas Cards, Calendars etc, however, they would like these to contain scenic photos of Oregon. A reminder of Home.

Members of this Task Force come from every corner of the State, so this could be an effort supported by every citizen interested in bringing a touch of home to our citizen soldiers.

Keizer, Dallas Fire Departments Hosting Annual Breakfast With Santa This Weekend

KIDS! Santa is scheduled to make an appearance at each of the events.

(KEIZER) - The Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, at the Keizer Fire Station, 661 Chemawa Rd. NE in Keizer.

Hours of the breakfast are 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

The Dallas Volunteer Fire Department's annual "Breakfast with Santa" will be held on Saturday, at the fire station, 915 SE Shelton St.

Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and juice will be served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Festival of Lights Parade Kicks Off Salem Traditions

The Festival of Lights spirit will begin with the Tree Lighting in River Front Park and then the excitement continues for the Festival of Lights Parade.

(SALEM) - Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade, the largest lighted parade west of the Mississippi, has been enjoyed in Salem since 1989. The once-a-year experience of beautiful twinkling lights, creative floats, and many parade personalities is a tradition for Salem area families. In 1998 Portland General Electric became the title sponsor for the parade and each year the parade seems to be getting bigger and better.

The annual event will begin by the lighting of the Christmas tree at River Front Park at 5 PM this Saturday, December 9th, followed by the parade, which starts at 6:30 PM.