Salem Pantry Takes Fight Against Hunger to Washington Executive Director and communications leader advocate on Capitol Hill for SNAP preservation amid rising food insecurity Salem Pantry Joins National Anti-Hunger Advocacy Effort The Salem Pantry joined over 900 advocates from across the country last week at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, hosted by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). Executive

sev·en·ing /ˈsev·ən·ing/ v. The act of showing up after seven(ish). Of showing up for your people, your community, your neighbors, your county, and, honestly, yourself. Being in Essex County, where all the weird, wild, wonderful, and worth showing up for things happen when the evening opens up, and anything becomes possible. Considered by some to be the ancient and underrated

Interviewee: Ash Reed (She/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. dead puppy society is an immersive horror brand creating custom monsters, masks, costumes, and effects-driven storytelling for haunted houses, theatrical productions, and horror events. We help horror creators build characters and experiences that linger long after the lights come up. Tell us a bit

Interviewee: Linda Sessa (she/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. We’re on the move, bringing fun, interactive, and totally unforgettable events, classes, and programs right to you! Specializing in Messy Science, we’ve got everything from artsy adventures to nature explorations, sewing and crochet lessons, STEAM experiments, and even cooking classes. Whatever sparks your curiosity,

What Running a Small Business Actually Costs Your Mental Health Nobody hands you a disclosure statement when you start a business. There’s no fine print warning you that your revenue month will feel like a verdict on your character, or that rest will start to feel like a risk you can’t afford. Mental Health Awareness Month tends to fill our

Interviewee: Rachel TonThat (she/they) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Airtight Garage is a brand new contemporary art space and incubator in Salem out of my new studio in a converted garage. The space is opening for its first exhibition in May, and free workshops began in March. There are so many platforms for

A converted school auditorium in downtown Salem held an unlikely cross-section of the affordable housing world this morning. A priest from the Archdiocese of Boston. A state senator. The director of the Punto Urban Art Museum. Affordable housing financiers. City planners. And Sarah Ashodian, the building’s first artist-resident. The occasion was the ribbon-cutting for Hawthorne Lofts, 29 units of affordable

New Contemporary Art Space Airtight Garage Opens in Salem with Assemblage Exhibition Artist-run gallery brings paid opportunities and free workshops to North Shore artists starting May 2026 Salem Welcomes New Contemporary Art Space Airtight Garage, a contemporary art space and incubator, opens its doors in Salem this May with its inaugural exhibition “Assemblage.” Organized by artist and art writer Rachel

Interviewee: Jennica McCleary (she/her/they) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret was created by Bette Midler Tribute Artist, Jennica McCleary. A professional actress, singer, and choreographer, McCleary has been tributing the work of The Divine Miss M for over a decade. In 2015 she was the first woman hired by the

Historic Hearts Yoga at Hamilton Hall Benefits Plummer Youth Promise Pop-up yoga class in Samuel McIntire’s Federal masterpiece combines wellness and charity on May 18 Why Yoga at Hamilton Hall? The Answer is Community Throughout its 220-year history, Hamilton Hall has hosted countless events to facilitate conversation, connection, and fun among community members. Historic Hearts Yoga honors that history and