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.
National Wreaths Across America Day: East Hill and East Hill North Cemeteries, official Wreaths Across America (WAA) locations situated in Salem, will be the site of a wreath-laying ceremony, joining more than 3,700 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. Coordinated and led by local volunteers, the Fort Lewis Chapter NSDAR sponsorship group has raised funds to sponsor the placement of approximately 300 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there. This event seeks to further the yearlong mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach” ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures. Saturday, December 14, 2024, at noon. Veterans’ Garden located behind the Salem Museum & Historical Society, 801 East Main Street, Salem. After a brief program and instruction, volunteers will place wreaths on veterans’ graves located in the East Hill and the East Hill North Cemeteries located adjacent to the Museum.
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.
Festival Service of Lessons and Carols: On Sunday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m., a Festival Service of Lessons and Carols will be offered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 42 E. Main Street in Salem. This beloved service of readings and carols ushers in the Christmas Season. In addition to favorite hymns and carols sung by the congregation, the St. Paul’s choir, under the direction of Steven R. Lawrence, will sing carol settings by Paul Manz, Peter Niedmann, Charles Wood and John Rutter. The choir will be joined by organist Margaret Johnson, flautist Julee Hickcox and a string ensemble. The Rev. J. Edward Morris, St. Paul’s Priest-in-Charge, will officiate the service. An offering benefitting Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley will be received to support St. Paul’s participation in sponsoring a house built by members of five Salem area churches. St. Paul’s, located in the heart of the City of Salem, is a welcoming parish, seeking to proclaim by word and example the good news of Jesus Christ. We warmly invite everyone to attend this service of Lesson & Carols and hope that you will find it an opportunity for refreshment, renewal and joy. A reception follows the service in the Parish Hall. For more information, please visit www.salemstpauls.org or call the church office at (540) 389-9307.
