TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly): All ages are invited to participate in the non-judgmental program at the Salem Senior Center on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. There is a registration fee and a $3 per month fee. Call Charlene Lester at 540-293-7753 with questions.
Roanoke College—MAPLE’S Kids by Toy Like Me Takes place from 9-11 a.m. every Saturday during the following time frames: Oct. 5-Oct. 26, Nov. 2-Nov. 30 in the Bast Center. MAPLE’S Kids (Multiple Adaptive Play Experiences in Sports) is an extension of Toy Like Me, part of Roanoke College’s new Disability Studies Program. We have partnered with Wheel Love, a local nonprofit that creates active opportunities for local adults with physical disabilities, to promote adaptive sports. Staffed by Roanoke College student volunteers, MAPLE’S Kids has become a community for local families with children with disabilities.
Roanoke College—“Forget Me Not” Exhibition: Sept. 13- Dec. 8, 2024, 1-4 p.m.
Olin Hall Galleries, Lower Smoyer Hall. The exhibition “Forget Me Not” by Roanoke College’s Center for Studying Structures of Race (CSSR) chronicles projects completed since 2019. This set of works highlight questions about structural racism in local, national and global contexts. By examining the physical and symbolic structures of racism, the CSSR explores and complicates the understanding of race through interdisciplinary research, teaching and community engagement.
Roanoke College—“Child Be Free” by Johnny Floyd: Sept. 14- Dec. 8, 2024, 1-4 p.m. Olin Hall Galleries. Johnny Floyd’s exhibition, “Child Be Free,” explores our relationship with time and how we define ourselves within its bounds. Influenced by conversations with his grandfather, a theoretical physicist, Floyd delves into questions of purpose and identity, often through the lens of recursion theory, where repetition leads to revelation. Through experimentation with paper, sewing and digital manipulation, Floyd intertwines archival imagery with themes of ancestry and connection. Drawing inspiration from the Center for Studying Structures of Race’s project on naming unnamed enslaved individuals who contributed to Roanoke College’s history, Floyd intertwines archival African American vernacular photography from the Maurice Berger Memorial Archive and Library with themes of ancestry and connection. By utilizing the Black experience in the United States as an analogy for the constructs of time, his art aims to deconstruct and question the necessity of these constructs, inviting viewers to contemplate their own temporal identities.
Roanoke College—“Freedom is Not a Metaphor” by Sandy Williams IV: Sept. 14- Dec. 8, 2024, 1-4 p.m. Olin Hall Galleries, Smoyer Gallery. “Freedom is Not a Metaphor” by Sandy Williams IV presents a collection of works spanning photography, sculptures, research and installations. Through personal narratives and historical contexts, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider the construction and contestation of memory. Williams intertwines family portraits with discussions on public space, challenging conventional narratives and encouraging dialogue on agency and historical injustices. Their innovative approach, seen in works like “The Time Ruler” series, prompts reflection on collective memory and cultural moments. The exhibition serves as a platform for diverse voices to engage with the complexities of public memory, advocating for reconciliation and collective healing. By highlighting struggles against oppressive systems and emphasizing liberation and justice, Williams reminds viewers of our collective strength and the potential for transformative change. The exhibition prompts us to confront our shared consciousness and envision a more inclusive and just society built upon a deeper understanding of our history and identity. In collaboration with the Center for Studying Structures of Race, funding for this exhibition is provided by the Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo Center for Art at Roanoke College.
First Mondays: The family-friendly events are held by Gary John, who manages the “Mason Creek” bluegrass group, and Vicky Sword from the center. The bluegrass/acoustic shows are free, but a tip bucket will be passed around for donations to the musicians. Cake raffles and door prizes will be offered. The event is on Monday, Dec. 2: 7-9 p.m. – The Bluegrass Brothers. It will take place at the Salem Parks and Recreation Senior Rec Center at 110 Union Street, Salem.
Glo Fiber Lighting of the City Christmas Tree at Salem Public Library and The Hardee’s Parade: The Annual Lighting of the City of Salem Christmas Tree will be on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. on the Salem Public Library lawn. This tradition brings the community together in the downtown area to view the beautiful decorations and enjoy some holiday music just before the Salem Christmas Parade begins at 6:15 p.m.
Gingerbread Festival at the Salem Museum & Longwood Park: The Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Museum present this year’s Gingerbread Festival at the Salem Museum & Longwood Park on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the culinary creations, children’s activities, vendors, the holiday train and Santa.
Salem Crafty Christmas with Craft Artisans at Salem Farmers Market: The Salem Farmers Market and Salem Parks and Recreation are hosting a “Salem Crafty Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salem Farmers Market. Over 40 crafters and vendors will have handmade crafts, artisan items, greenery, baked goods, cheeses, eggs and many more items available for your holiday shopping.
Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops at Salem Civic Center: The performance is at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. Tickets are available at the Salem Civic Center Box Office Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at: https://www.salemciviccenter.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=981&month=12&year=2024&day=6&calType=0
Holiday Concerts by the Salem Choral Society: Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. Salem Presbyterian Church, 41 E. Main Street. Free. Donations accepted.
Salem Holiday Market at Salem Civic Center: This two-day Craft and Vendor Show will feature unique crafters, artists, and “direct-sell” companies. Homemade crafts and local delicacies from more than 70 regional sellers on Dec. 14 and 15. Admission to the event is free, but shoppers are encouraged to contribute to the Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry with a donation of nonperishable food items, such as peanut butter, boxed pasta, canned vegetables, and spaghetti sauce.
Public meetings:
The Salem City Council will meet on Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
The Salem City School Board will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
The Salem City Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
