Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a new NSF grant will change STEM classes at Chemeketa
Spotted on the Salem calendar: Sundial Tour of Homes
Coffee in hand, Salem? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new NSF grant will change STEM classes at Chemeketa
- What will replace Salem's shuttered Cinebarre at the downtown multiplex?
- How Salem-based state grants could boost Oregon's nursery research next year
Also on today's calendar: Sundial Tour of Homes and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 55 degrees.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 80, low: 52.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 80 and low of 53 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Chemeketa Receives NSF Grant to Expand Student STEM Research Opportunities (kykn.com) — Chemeketa Community College in Salem has landed a major National Science Foundation grant to weave real research projects into everyday STEM classes, including work with the City of Salem and at Opal Creek. The effort aims to boost low-income and first-generation students' success and smooth their transfer into four-year STEM degrees. 
• Shuttered Oregon cinema finds new life as live theater troupe takes over (statesmanjournal.com) — A Salem-based nonprofit, Wandering Players Theatrics, is transforming the shuttered Cinebarre multiplex downtown into a multiuse performing arts hub for theater, music, comedy, dance and community events. Their hit "Evil Dead The Musical," previously staged at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre, will launch the new venue with a run starting October 23, expanding local options for live entertainment.
• 2026-27 Nursery Research Grant Applications (morningagclips.com) — Oregon's Department of Agriculture, based in Salem, is inviting nursery-related research proposals for its 2026–27 grant cycle, funded through industry assessment fees. Projects must tackle plant pests, diseases, or improved growing methods that benefit Oregon's nursery sector, and proposals are submitted by email in PDF format.
📸 Around Salem
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Salem
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Sundial Tour of Homes →
2310 Lancaster Dr SE, Salem
12:00 pm
Saturday August 29
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Salem Emerging Leaders - Coffee Social - 08.27.2026 →
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Location & Address to be announced.
8:30 am - MWVCAA Meet the Employer Event
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Job Connection 3535 Lancaster DR. NE Salem, OR 97305
1:00 pm - Catalyst Member Dinner - Exclusive Invite →
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce RH Estate Wines 2995 Michigan City Lane NW Salem, OR 97304
6:00 pm - Greeters Hosted by Center 50+
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Center 50+ 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
8:30 am - House Concert benefiting Salem Parks Foundation, hosted by Mark Wigg →
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Sunday, August 30, 7-8:30 p.m. 1950 Saginaw St. S, Salem, Oregon
7:00 pm - Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series presents: The Elsewhere Ensemble3
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Hudson Hall, Willamette University 900 State Street Salem, OR 97301
7:30 pm - Business Advocacy Monthly Meeting
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 1110 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301
7:00 am - Leadership Salem - Orientation (09-03-2026)
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce 1110 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301
4:30 pm - Florence Mineral and Gem Show →
Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St, Florence
10:00 am
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Sunday August 30
Wednesday September 2
Thursday September 3
Saturday September 5
📣 Salem Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- MWVCAA Meet the Employer Event
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Goodwill Job Connection 3535 Lancaster DR. NE Salem, OR 97305
1:00 pm - Greeters Hosted by Center 50+
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Center 50+ 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
8:30 am - CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 1 →
Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field Of Dreams Way Northeast Suite 101, Keizer
6:00 pm - CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 2 →
Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field Of Dreams Way Northeast Suite 101, Keizer
6:00 pm
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Salem PatchAM possible:
- Sundial 55+ Active Lifestyle Community — (503) 363-6234
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- My boyfriend and I just moved up here from Southern California for school/work.
We are completely new to Oregon let alone Salem… any suggestions for us on things to do, see, or try? We have only been in Salem for a few days so… (Nextdoor Battle Creek) - Week 30 — A Year in Flowers
This one was made for a birthday. Bright yellow sunflowers, bold blue balloon flowers, white cosmos, rudbeckia, lupine, and sedum — cheerful,… (Nextdoor Brooks)
- The Home Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Warehouse Maintenance Associate in Salem. Apply here.
- Oracle posted a job opening for Oracle Health Federal Senior Learning Consultant - 100% travel in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.
🗞 Nearby News
Keizer
- Lego reseller apologizes, settles with Oregon family after $200K collection vanished (centraloregondaily.com)
Monmouth
- Falcons the favorite in close men's soccer coaches poll (gnacsports.com)
Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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