Purging the extra weight
Well, I did it. I packed my life into a 65-liter backpack plus a 20-liter carry-on. And I’m sitting here staring at it, thinking, but do I have enough stuff? Obviously, yes, and I can always buy more. But that’s…
December 2025
SNAP Uncertainty Tip of the Iceberg for Marion Polk Food Share
Marion Polk Food Share’s mission is to bring people together to end hunger and its root causes. Especially when a crisis is on the horizon, like the uncertainty surrounding the distribution of SNAP benefits as the federal government shutdown, which…
Head Starts Expands Services in West Salem
The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Head Start program has expanded its services into West Salem. This new location, which resides at 1205 Wallace Road, will offer childcare to a community where options have historically been limited. “We’re doubling our impact…
Meet the Artist: Mike Light
When Mike Light noticed there weren’t any comics in The West Side’s November edition, he sent out an email to the publication. “I said, ‘hey, wanna see some of my work?’” Light said. “And the editor said, ‘sure, send over…