Mary Poppins Takes Flight In Downtown Salem This Summer -06/18/25

Chemeketa and community performers bring a reimagined, outdoor production of the beloved musical to life at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater

Salem, Ore., June 18, 2025 — What if Mary Poppins were alive and well today? This summer, audiences will find out as the magical nanny returns—complete with her iconic umbrella—for an enchanting new outdoor production under the stars at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Downtown Salem.

Presented by Chemeketa Community College, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical blends the charm of the original story with a contemporary twist, featuring a live orchestra, professional cast members from across the Willamette Valley, and the college’s own talented students. With beloved songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Step in Time,” this family-friendly production promises an unforgettable evening of music, magic, and storytelling.

The production stars professional performer Megan Smith as Mary Poppins—a role she’s played before to critical acclaim. Smith brings Disney experience and Broadway polish to the stage. Joining her as the lovable Bert is Benji Burgess, a dynamic talent and finalist on Hungary’s Got Talent. The show also features a full supporting orchestra, including musicians from the Salem Orchestra, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

Audiences are encouraged to pack picnic baskets, bring lawn blankets or low-profile chairs, and settle in for six magical evenings:
July 29, 30, 31 and August 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Gerry Frank Amphitheater, Riverfront Park
Address: 200 Water Street NE, Salem, OR

Food trucks, BBQ, snacks, and beverages—including wine from Chemeketa’s Eola Winery—will be available on-site. Nearby parking is available at Chemeketa Parkade, Liberty Square Parkade, and Marion Parkade.

Please note: dogs are not permitted at the performance.

This event is more than entertainment—it’s a testament to Chemeketa’s commitment to community engagement and workforce development. Students gain hands-on experience working alongside seasoned professionals in a real-world production setting. Last year’s show led directly to job offers for some student performers and technicians.

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins is licensed by Music Theatre International.

Proudly sponsored by: Capitol Auto Group, Gatti Law Firm, Sherman Sherman Johnnie & Hoyt, Leslie Dinsdale, Rubicon Investments, Stacey Jackson, Fischer Hayes Joye & Allen, LLC, Star Rentals, Huggins Insurance, CD Redding, Salem Electric, Forensic Research and Analysis, and the Salem Health Foundation.

For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mary-poppins-summer-2025-4229633

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Chemeketa To Cheer On Clackamas President During 1,500-Mile Statewide Run For Student Support -06/09/25

 Dr. Tim Cook to arrive at Chemeketa around July 21 as part of his ROCCS journey to all 17 Oregon community colleges, raising awareness and funds for students’ basic needs.

Salem, Ore., June 9, 2025 — On or about Sunday, July 21, depending on road and weather conditions, Chemeketa Community College will welcome Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook as he nears the final stretch of an extraordinary statewide journey. Dr. Cook, an avid marathon runner, is on a mission to spotlight the basic needs of Oregon’s community college students through the Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) campaign.

Over the course of 50 days, Dr. Cook is running to all 17 of Oregon’s community colleges—covering more than 1,500 miles and averaging an astounding 32 miles per day. His mission: to raise awareness and critical funds to support students facing food insecurity, housing instability, lack of transportation, and child care challenges.

To celebrate his arrival, Chemeketa students and employees will run the final mile alongside him, symbolizing a shared commitment to equity and student success.

“Chemeketa is proud to support Dr. Cook’s incredible effort to highlight the challenges faced by community college students,” said Marie Hulett, Chemeketa's Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. “His journey brings needed attention to the barriers many of our students experience and helps us secure vital support for their success.”

Funds raised through the ROCCS campaign will go directly to participating colleges to provide students with essential resources. Donations to support Chemeketa students can be made at:
https://www.givecampus.com/schools/ClackamasCommunityCollege/running-for-oregon-community-college-students-roccs/pages/chemeketa-community-college

According to The Hope Center, approximately 41% of Oregon community college students have experienced food insecurity in the past month, 52% have faced housing insecurity in the past year, and nearly 20% have experienced homelessness.

Oregon’s community colleges educate more than 200,000 students—over half of all students in the state’s higher education system. Many are first-generation college students, working adults, or parents striving to improve their lives through education.

Dr. Cook’s journey and daily updates can be followed on Instagram at @run4orccstudents.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Chemeketa Community College Teams Up With Marion Berries Baseball For Home Game Partnership (Photo) -06/06/25

Summer season brings fans, field upgrades, and new promotional opportunities to Chemeketa’s Salem Campus

Salem, Ore., June 6, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College is excited to announce its official partnership with the Marion Berries baseball team, who will play their 2025 home games on Chemeketa’s Salem Campus baseball field. The Berries are the newest members of the West Coast League, a competitive summer collegiate league known for developing future professional baseball talent.

The team’s home opener is scheduled for June 23, with games continuing through mid-August. The partnership is a win for both organizations and the greater community.

Chemeketa will see a surge in campus activity on game days, with estimated crowds ranging from 500 to 1,500 visitors. Most fans are expected to park in the Orange, Red, and nearby lots, with games generally beginning between 5 and 7 p.m. Finalized start times will be announced soon.

To prepare for the season, Chemeketa has invested in major upgrades to its baseball field, including improved drainage, new dugouts and bleachers, and enhanced safety padding. These improvements were already part of scheduled facility updates, with additional enhancements requested by the Marion Berries covered by the team.

Chemeketa is also restoring field lighting, thanks to a generous donation from a community supporter. While lighting installation may not be complete by the first game, it will greatly enhance evening play throughout the season.

The Marion Berries are leaning heavily into local pride with a roster full of standout athletes from Salem-Keizer high schools and a coaching staff rooted in the region’s baseball tradition. Their arrival brings high-level collegiate play to Salem and invites the broader community to experience the energy of the West Coast League right in their backyard.

In addition to on-field excitement, the partnership will spotlight Chemeketa’s programs and services. Cross-promotional efforts include banners and signage promoting the college, special highlights for Chemeketa Athletics, and exclusive offerings such as Chemeketa Cellars wine.

Employees and students should plan for increased campus activity around the south end of campus on game days, especially in areas near the Ag Hub and Building 7. Coordination on parking and event logistics will continue throughout the season.

The Marion Berries’ relocation to Chemeketa comes as their originally planned venue at Bush’s Pasture Park remains under construction. Chemeketa is proud to provide a temporary home and serve as a key partner during this pivotal first season.

A full game schedule is attached.

Chemeketa Awarded Over $600K To Expand Clean Energy Workforce Training -06/02/25

New program will embed energy efficiency technology into construction-related education while prioritizing access for historically underserved communities.

Salem, Ore., June 2, 2025 — Chemeketa Community College has been awarded a $601,537 grant from the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to launch the Energy Efficiency Building Technology Training Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at embedding clean energy principles into the College’s Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, and Community Education offerings.

 The grant is part of a competitive statewide funding opportunity established by House Bill 3409, which supports workforce development programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy-efficient upgrades in Oregon homes. Chemeketa was one of only six organizations selected from among 20 applicants statewide.

“This award reflects Chemeketa’s commitment to building career pathways that both strengthen communities and advance Oregon’s energy goals,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “We’re proud to bring these vital skills to our region’s workforce.”

The College’s new training program will focus on expanding access to sustainable technology education in the Salem and Woodburn areas, prioritizing outreach to populations most impacted by climate change and economic disparity. The project will revise existing apprenticeship curriculum to emphasize the role of energy efficiency in construction trades, while also introducing new community education and continuing education workshops in both English and Spanish.

Topics covered will include:

• Home weatherization strategies
   

• Heat pump and heat pump water heater installation
   

• Electrical panel upgrades
   

• Maximizing home energy efficiency using emerging technologies
   

• Navigating available incentives and rebates
   

As part of this initiative, Chemeketa will partner with the Farmworker Housing Development Corporation’s Evolve Workforce & Multifamily Housing Services to co-develop curriculum. Evolve brings deep expertise in property management training and will assist in designing courses grounded in real-world applications.

“Equipping workers with the skills to install and maintain energy-efficient systems is not just good for our economy—it’s essential for the health and resilience of our communities,” said Francisco Saldivar, Executive Dean of Career and Technical Education. “This grant allows us to expand opportunities for underserved populations while preparing them for family-wage careers in high-demand fields.”

For more information on Chemeketa’s Apprenticeship and Community Education programs, visit go.chemeketa.edu/apprenticeship.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 17,500 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.