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.
Glenvar High School Class of 1974 50th Reunion: Glenvar High School, Class of 1974, is having its 50th class reunion on Oct. 11 and 12. The schedule is as follows: Friday, Oct. 11, Parkway Brewery, Salem, 5:30–8:30 p.m. There will be a designated room for those attending. Cash bar only and music on this night. Saturday, Oct. 12, Anello’s Banquet Room at Montano’s Restaurant, Roanoke, 5:00–9:30 p.m. Heavy hot and cold hors d’evours and a cash bar for convenience. The cost of the 50th Class Reunion event is $50 per person. Please reference “GHS Reunion” in the memo of check. Check out the Facebook page at Glenvar High School Class of 1974 for more details or contact Donna Bushnell Boles at bolesstudio@gmail.com or Roseanne Caligan Bumpass at rcbumpass@aol.com.
Candidates Forum for Salem City Sheriff: The Salem Kiwanis Club is hosting a forum for the candidates for Salem City Sheriff. There are two candidates that will be present as follows: Chris Shelor and Jonathan Branson. The event is Tuesday, Oct.15th as part of our regular meeting. The forum is to begin at noon and end about 1:15 p.m. Candidates will each have five minutes for an opening speech, and will then take questions and answers. The candidates can then each make a two-minute closing statement. The forum will be open to the public.
Business Advocacy Pathways to Progress: The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is set to hold “Business Advocacy-Pathways to Progress” Business Advocacy Breakfast on Oct. 17 from 8:30-10 a.m. The event will be held in the ballroom of Hidden Valley Country Club, where participants will enjoy a breakfast that is catered by the club chef. Participants will meet and engage with influential leaders from Salem and Roanoke County, including school superintendents, mayors and key economic development figures. “Discover how our local leadership is shaping the future and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth. Don’t miss this unique chance to connect with the people driving progress in our communities,” the chamber said. Registration can be found at: https://member.s-rcchamber.org/events/details/business-advocacy-pathways-to-progress-breakfast-with-salem-roanoke-county-leaders-7673
Coffee with City Council: Salem residents will have the opportunity to meet and hear from the candidates running for Salem City Council. Attend the event at the Salem Library on Oct. 18, at 9 a.m. for a free forum where candidates will discuss their platforms and answer questions. Attend the event for coffee and conversation and learn more about the candidates. All four candidates will be in attendance: Anne Marie Green, John Saunders, Renee Turk and Jim Wallace.
St. Paul’s Choir Performance: On Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m., a Service of Choral Evensong will be offered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 42 E. Main Street in Salem. This centuries-old, reflective service includes readings from scripture, music and prayer. Evensong has its origin in the ancient monastic service of vespers. During the reign of Henry VIII, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer changed the service to Evensong for the Anglican Church. Evensong is sung daily in cathedrals and parish churches throughout the world. The St. Paul’s choir, under the direction of Steven R. Lawrence, will sing settings of the Evening Canticles by Charles V. Stanford and the anthem Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace by Samuel S. Wesley. The choir will be joined by organist Margaret Johnson. The Rev. J. Edward Morris will officiate and preach. Fr. Morris began serving St. Paul’s in February 2024, but he is a familiar face in the Salem community, having served as Assistant to the Chaplin at Roanoke College from 1989-1997. After leaving Salem, Fr. Ned attended General Theological Seminary in New York and later served as Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky and The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Spartanburg, South Carolina. 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 Choral Evensong 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.
How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday: The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and Wheeler Digital are hosting a Zoom session for local small businesses at 12 p.m. on Oct. 23. Visit: https://www.s-rcchamber.org/ to find out more information.
Pumpkinfest: Pumpkinfest returns on Friday night, Oct. 25, at the Salem Farmers Market. This year’s event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and it will once again feature a costume contest and pumpkin give-away. Plus, all attendees can walk through our “Chefs vs. Surgeons” Jack O’ Lantern patch, vote for their favorite carved pumpkin and later bid on it in the pumpkin auction. In addition, children can buy tickets for carnival games and inflatables, stroll through the trick-or-treat zone, get their face painted, and enjoy sand art and a bake sale. This is 24th year Salem is joining forces with Q99 to present this event in Downtown Salem. Pumpkinfest admission for adults is just $5 a person and children 15-and-under are admitted free. The Unlimited activity wristbands are just $5 for children. Dale’s Diner, The Tailgate, Kettle Cooker Express and Sweet Surrender Ice Cream will be selling their amazing creations throughout the evening. Once again, “Five-Dollar Shake” will provide musical entertainment. All proceeds from the event will benefit Area 8 Special Olympics. Q99, Kroger and Salem Parks and Recreation are sponsoring this year’s event and Q99’s Dick and Dave once again will host the fall celebration. The Salem Farmers Market is located on the corner of Main and Broad Street in the heart of Downtown Salem.
Trick-or-Treat with the Downtown Merchants: Youngsters will have a chance to Trick-or-Treat with the Downtown Merchants on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. Children can travel up and down Main Street from Academy St. to College Ave. Businesses that have a pumpkin sticker on their storefront window are participating. InFirst Federal Credit Union is sponsoring the downtown trick-or treating. In addition, the Salem Sheriff’s Office’s Fall Open House is happening from 10 a.m. to noon at 2 E. Calhoun Street.
Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating: Traditional neighborhood Trick-or-Treating will take place citywide in Salem on Thursday, Oct. 31.
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, Nov. 4: 7-9 p.m. – Luv Buzzards. It will take place at the Salem Parks and Recreation Senior Rec Center at 110 Union Street, Salem.
“The Ugly Truth About Stakeholder Capitalism”: The Ugly Truth About Stakeholder Capitalism will be in the Olin Hall Theater at Roanoke College on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 7-8 p.m. Andy Puzder is a speaker, commentator, attorney and retired chief executive officer. Earlier in his career, Puzder was a commercial trial lawyer in St. Louis. For 17 years he served as the CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., an international corporation which owns popular restaurant chains Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. He currently serves on the board of advisors for Young America’s Foundation’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Free Enterprise, and he is a frequent lecturer and author for the organization on economics, business and public policy. Puzder’s lectures focus generally on the material and moral benefits of free market capitalism. He compellingly contrasts the broad-based prosperity and abundance of capitalism with poverty and want of socialism. Puzder recounts that he was just a working-class kid from Cleveland, Ohio, who now considers it his responsibility to ensure that young Americans understand the incredible benefits of the economic system in which they live. His works include books such as “Job Creation: How It Really Works and Why Government Doesn’t Understand It” and features in the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Fox News Online and Real Clear Politics.
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.
Public meetings:
The Salem City Council will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Salem City Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
The Salem City Council will meet on Monday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
The Salem City Council will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The Salem City School Board will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.
The Salem City Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
The Salem City Council will meet on Monday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
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.
