Local author Charles Gwaltney will hold a book signing and reflective talk Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at the Salem Museum. The program is free and open to the public.
Gwaltney’s latest book, Spanning the Years: A Collection of Poems, reflects on memories shared with family and friends in Salem over several decades. The collection features acrostic poems and odes dedicated to friends, as well as rhyming quatrains honoring loved ones who have died. Throughout the book, Gwaltney emphasizes two central themes: a deep love for family and for God.
During his presentation, Gwaltney plans to discuss the inspiration behind several poems, including those about his late brother, Russell “Russ” Gwaltney, a former deputy chief with the Salem Police Department who also won the National Marbles Tournament championship in 1952. Gwaltney will share childhood memories of teaching his younger brother to play marbles, Russ Gwaltney’s victory at the tournament in Asbury Park and his celebratory return home to Salem.
He will also reflect on poems inspired by weddings, births and family celebrations that have shaped both his life and his writing.
A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will benefit the Salem Museum.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located in the historic Williams-Brown House at 801 E. Main St. Admission and parking are free, though donations are accepted. The entrance is located at the Oakey Field Complex sign across Main Street from the Berglund Ford service entrance.
For more information, call 540-389-6760 or visit SalemMuseum.org.
-The Salem Times Register
