Good morning, Salem.

A small group of Salem’s Chinese community gathered at Salem Pioneer Cemetery on April 5 to honor their ancestors and welcome spring at the annual Qingming Festival.

The ceremony—revived from traditions dating to the 1800s—included a speech by Mayor Julie Hoy and traditional music performed by local university students.

Classes at South Salem High and McNary High started late Monday after school officials learned of counselor Leah Anderson’s sudden death on Sunday—staff used the delay to plan support for students.

Salem Reporter will host two college students from the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism as summer interns.

Mirandah Davis-Powell and Hailey Cook—selected from the program—will start work in June to receive hands-on training in local reporting.

The federal government rescinded nearly $3.5 million in funds on March 28 to support Oregon students' literacy and math skills, causing the Oregon Department of Education to cancel five programs that helped educators serve more than 500,000 students statewide—prompting the department to request reconsideration of the decision.

Bridgeway Community Health ended its plan to open a new men's recovery home after state funding changes cut its budget by $3 million—forcing cuts in counseling and a freeze on new hires.

Marion County providers will also lose $1 million each year, which will reduce available hours for job assistance and community programs.

Greeters Hosted by SBBI

8:30-10:00 a.m. — Northern Lights Theatre Pub — No entry fee — Network with local businesses and discover word-of-mouth marketing strategies.

The Princess and The Wind

4:00 – 5:15 PM — South Salem High School — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the world premiere of a mesmerizing ballet inspired by Mayan folklore, combining music and dance to tell a beautiful story of love and transformation.

2025 ONRQC Annual Conference

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Salem Hospital - Building B — Includes breakfast and lunch — Engage in a day of evidence-based practices featuring a keynote from renowned nursing leader Elizabeth Bridges.

Needle Felting Class - Nest

6-8 p.m. — CreativiTEE & rofe designs — Pre-registration required — Learn to needle felt a wool nest and expand your fiber arts skills with a fun spring project.

Resource Fair for Individuals with IDD

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Salem Convention Center — Free entry — Connect with valuable resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and enjoy family-friendly activities.

April Paint Night at Valiant The Sandwich

6-8 p.m. — Valiant The Sandwich — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with a fun paint night while enjoying delicious sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere.

Stargazing Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Center 50+ — $10 — Explore key terms for night sky observation, followed by a live stargazing session with hands-on app use.

Make Parenting a Pleasure Workshop

4:30-6:30 p.m. — Willamette Family Medical Center: Fay Shannon — Registration required — Discover parenting insights and boost your confidence in family goals through engaging education.

2025 USA Gymnastics Region 2 Xcel Championships

8 a.m. — The Pavilion — Parking $10 — Top gymnasts compete for glory from States across the region.

Oregon Ag Festival

All day — Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center — Admission details not provided — Discover Oregon agriculture through hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities.

Communications and Outreach Specialist

We’re looking for a Full-Time Communications and Outreach Specialist to help strengthen our visibility, reputation, and connection with the communities we serve. For full job description and application go online at https://www.marionswcd.net/cos25/