Good morning, Salem.

Willamette University's baseball field nears readiness with new turf and a March 25 home game; Marion Polk Food Share will move to a larger Northgate warehouse early April; Dollar General resumed its southeast Salem center construction, while a trial against Falck Northwest is set for early August.

Seattle-based Eddie Bauer will close its six Oregon stores as it shifts to an online-only model after filing for bankruptcy.

Customers have until March 12 to use gift cards since all in-store sales are final.

A concert series celebrating women’s voices will perform Friday, March 6, at the Grand Theatre in Salem from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The event features eight singers from across the region and an intermission serving a special pink cocktail *She’s Sparkling*.

Salem-Keizer's CTEC won both top culinary and management titles at the Oregon ProStart Championships on Monday at the Salem Convention Center; the winners will represent Oregon at a national invitational in Baltimore this spring.

After a leadership and financial crisis, Growing Forward Childcare & Resource Center at 790 Marion St. NE now offers seven-day extended care and drop-in options to rebuild trust with families.

A community event will take place March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with resource tables and family activities.

Salem's Clean Streams program marks National Invasive Species Awareness Week and urges boaters to follow the CDCD method (check, drain, clean, dry) to prevent invasive species such as ludwigia from spreading to local waterways.

The Oregon Legislature has reopened its honorary page programs to bring middle and high school students into government sessions.

During the short session, about 50 students have served as Senate pages and additional House applicants are in line + plans for a week-long program are under review.

SNAP recipients are urged to visit WorkSource Oregon centers for free job search and training help to meet new federal work rules, with 37 centers statewide and exemptions for some counties (Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler).

Staff help create plans tailored to individual strengths and career goals.

Salem City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. at Loucks Auditorium to review a Tourism Promotional Area that adds a 2 percent fee on taxable rents for lodging operators (95 percent of funds support travel marketing).

Lodging operators may submit comments.

Dr. Morgyn Beckman, director of forensic evaluation services at Oregon State Hospital, resigned on Feb.

19 because of increased workload under new law HB 2005; her departure — effective March 31 — follows a string of leadership exits amid staffing concerns.

4th Annual Marion-Polk Children, Youth, & Family Services Summit

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free entry — Explore child and family-centered services and ignite hope in the community through engaging discussions and networking.

Plant and Seed Swap

1-3 p.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Trade seeds, cuttings, and plants while getting expert gardening advice.

Toast: A Tribute to BREAD

7-8:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the top tribute act that brings the timeless 70's sound of BREAD to life.

Sonic Journey: Sound Meditation Experience

7-8:45 p.m. — Salem Friends Meeting — $20-40 sliding scale — Immerse in a sound meditation journey with gongs and singing bowls for deep relaxation and self-discovery.

Celtic Celebration with The Gothard Sisters

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Grand Theater — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an enchanting evening of music blending Celtic, folk, and classical influences.

Salem Slam IV

8:00 a.m. — The Madhouse — $25.00 – $50.00 — Watch top MRDA teams compete as Concussion defends its title in this thrilling tournament.

Hyprov - Improv Under Hypnosis

7:30 p.m. — Elsinore Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of mesmerizing comedy and magic with Asad Mecci as he blends hypnosis and improv for a unique show.

St. Paddy's Day Paint Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — South Liberty Bar & Grill — Cost of food and beverages — Celebrate St. Paddy's Day while creating art in a festive atmosphere.

Journey in Exporting: Salem

4-6 p.m. — Chemeketa Community College — Free entry — Hear seasoned exporters share their inspiring paths to success in global trade.

Infant/Toddler Storytime

11:00-11:20 a.m. — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Participate in engaging stories, songs, and rhymes perfect for infants and toddlers.