September 11th – Jessica Howard, President Chemeketa Community College
Chemeketa is proud to be the community college of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties, and every year, President Jessica Howard makes plans to visit the Salem Rotary, where she is a member, to provide updates and answer any questions.
This year, she will be providing information on the college’s proposed bond measure, slated for the November ballot. Her presentation will discuss the impact of the last Chemeketa bond (from 2008), the results of extensive community input and polling, and the exciting projects this bond measure would fund if passed. She will also invite questions about Chemeketa, the proposed bond, and how the college can continue to meet its mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities.
-Program Chair: Brenna Baucum
Reflecting on September 11
As we mark the anniversary of September 11, 2001 this Wednesday, we all remember where we were on that fateful day. Twenty-three years have passed since that tragic morning when the world stood still, witnessing the unimaginable loss of life, the heroic acts of bravery, and the unity that emerged in the face of devastation. Today the unity we experienced after this tragedy seems a distant memory.
After her presentation at the end of August, Andrea Castenenda shared her desire to form a group with the goal of healing the divisions and strengthening bonds in our community. As Rotarians, we are uniquely positioned to help bridge divides and foster unity by living out our motto of Service Above Self and demonstrating the core values of Rotary: diversity, integrity, and fellowship.
One of the most powerful ways Rotarians can help combat polarization is by encouraging dialogue. Rotary has always brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to work toward common goals.
I’ve been a Rotarian for 30 years because of this commitment to understanding, compassion, and kindness to each other and to others throughout the world.
President Cathy Grimes
Rotary Club of Salem
2024-2025
