UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
- The Salem Parks and Recreation Department, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Public Library present this year’s Gingerbread Festival at the Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the incredible culinary creations, take a photo with Santa, warm-up at the fire pits, visit the Little Critters Petting Zoo and enjoy children’s activities, vendors and games. The Holiday Train will be giving rides at the Market, and you can visit the alpacas from Pacaberry Farms. In addition, young entrepreneurs will be setting up shop at the Farmers Market and selling their homemade items that day.
- Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. A 3.1-mile course to celebrate the organization will begin at 8 a.m. at Green Hill Park. Walkers are welcomed. For more information, contact 540-524-2673.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
Come join us for the Annual Lighting of the City of Salem Christmas Tree at the Salem Farmers Market. This tradition brings the community together in the downtown area to view the beautiful decorations on Main Street and enjoy some holiday music just before the Salem Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and travels west to east on Main Street.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
- The Salem Farmers Market and the Salem Parks and Recreation Department are bringing back a “Salem Crafty Christmas” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will take place at the Salem Farmers Market and feature more than 40 crafters and vendors. Handmade crafts, artisan items, greenery, baked goods, cheeses, eggs and many more items will be available for your holiday shopping.
- Starting at 10 a.m., the Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire Department will be at Roanoke County Tower 9 as Santa Clause makes his rounds. If you have a shut-in or sick child and would like to get a visit from Santa, contact Mike Glass at 540-798-7656.
FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS
Salem Host Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., dinner and a program, Salem Civic Center.
SECOND MONDAY
Paint Bank Ladies Auxiliary meeting, 7:00 p.m. at the Paint Bank Fire Department. Contact 540-897-5346 for more information.
EACH TUESDAY
- Practice for the Salem Choral Society, 7-9 p.m. each Tuesday in the choir room of Salem Presbyterian Church, corner of Main and Market streets in downtown Salem. Membership is open to anyone who enjoys singing. For more information, see HYPERLINK “http://www.salemchoralsociety.com/” \t “_blank” Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. contact director Reed Carter at HYPERLINK “mailto:reed.salemchoralsociety@gmail.com” reed.salemchoralsociety@gmail.com.
- Salem Chess Players meet at the Salem Senior Center, 110 Union Street in Salem from 7-11 p.m. Open to anyone 16 years or older. Instructions are available.
- Salem Kiwanis Club meets 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. for lunch, Salem Civic Center.
- Glenvar Rotary Club meets 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. for lunch in Richfield Retirement’s Recovery and Care Center cafeteria, first floor. Guests welcome.
- Knights of Columbus hosts bingo for charity. Proceeds support local charities including RAM House, Madonna House, the Roanoke Rescue Mission, Saint Francis House, food pantries and various youth projects. Games are played from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Gator Hall, located at 5301 Williamson Road, near Happy’s Flea Market.
- Infinity Acres Ranch Fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 321 E. Church Street. Tickets are $8 while children eight and younger can eat for $4. For more information, contact 276-358-2378.
- All ages are welcome to TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) at 5:15 p.m. at the Salem Senior Center. For more information, call Judy at 540-312-7105.
- Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meeting. 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 2011 Brandon Avenue in Roanoke. Contact 540-293-4065 for more information.
SECOND WEDNESDAY
Alzheimer’s /Dementia Caregiver Support Group at 2 p.m. at Salem Terrace at Harrogate.
FIRST THURSDAY
Roanoke County Woman’s Club meets at 10:30 a.m. in the conference room at College Lutheran Church in Salem. New members are welcome.
EACH SATURDAY
- Salem Farmers Market from 9:30 a.m. to noon, weather permitting. Select vendors will have country sausage, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, cage-pasture-raised chicken, homemade rolls, pieces of artisan bread, muffins, seasonal greens and more.
- Beginning yoga class for seniors at Salem Terrace at Harrogate. Contact 540-444-0343 for more information.
- Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meeting. 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 2011 Brandon Avenue in Roanoke. Contact 540-293-4065 for more information.