Photo courtesy of Mike Stevens

The 2013 Salem Fair is all set for its mid-summer return to the Salem Civic Center/Taliaferro Complex this July with new rides and attractions.

America’s largest free gate fair has attracted nearly 300,000 patrons each of the past few years and, despite the recession, has proven itself to be an affordable outlet for family fun.

Deggeller Attractions returns to the 14-acre midway this year with more than 40 rides guaranteed to satisfy thrill seekers of all ages. Nightly ride promotions that allow fair-goers to purchases discount wristbands are once again offered, and unlimited ride passes also will be available at all local Kroger locations.

There are more than 30 different food vendors scheduled for this year’s fair, who will be dishing out everything from crab cakes to fried gummy bears! The free shows on the midway this summer include the Elephant Encounter, Kachunga and the Alligator, Grandpa Crachet, Richard Barker – the Incredible Hypnotist, the always popular Hedrick Racing Pigs, the Kandu Magic Show and much more.

The musical stage also will once again feature some of the top bands and solo acts from the region – absolutely free! In addition, fireworks will be part of the festivities on the evening of July 4.

As always, gate admission and parking, and the popular Blue Ribbon Exhibit areas are also free at the Salem Fair.

You can get more information at www.salemfair.com and keep up with the latest fair happenings on Facebook and Twitter.

– Submitted by Mike Stevens

Black Flag. Photo by Robert Kenney

The iconic punk band Black Flag is coming to Awful Arthur’s in Salem.

Music writer Tad Dickens explains why in this post on his cut’n'scratch music blog.

Josh Lough, class of 2001 Salem High School. Photo courtesy of Nancy Lough

Josh Lough, class of 2001 Salem High School. Photo courtesy of Nancy Lough

Nancy Lough shares these photos of Josh Lough ’01, drummer, performing at House of Blues, Orlando, Fla., with the band Lit Up.

All routes will be delayed by one day for the holiday. Please contact the Solid Waste Division at 387-6225 for any questions regarding the collection schedule.

Submitted by Roanoke County

The Yard Dawgs 2020 11 U AA baseball team win a Super NIT Tournament in Johnson City, TN. While the competition was tough the Yard Dawgs defeated the #1 and #3 ranked teams in Tennessee and then defeated the #1 ranked team in Kentucky in the Championship game. Front row: Kyle Evans, Seth Rakes, Hunter Tensen, Aaron Richardson all from Salem, Cody Camper from Botetourt, Anthony Cacciatore Back row: Hayden Conner, Bryceton Cooper all from Roanoke, Adam Gordon, Trevor Gallagher, Lance Price and Parker Stallard all from Salem. Coaches: Dan Stallard, Shawn Price, Joe Gallagher, and Shawn Rakes.

Submitted by Brian Camper

Splash Valley is open Friday through Monday this weekend from 11am to 7pm. Roanoke County residents may enter at 10am on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Green Ridge Recreation Center is open modified hours on Monday, 8am to 7pm. The Brambleton Center and Craig Avenue Recreation Center are closed on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.

Submitted by Roanoke County

During their student awards ceremony on Thursday, May 23rd, Glenvar High School announced Alexis Trinchere as the “Highlander of the Year” recipient for 2012-2013.  Given to a rising senior, the award exemplifies the highest ideals of Glenvar High School, including honesty, loyalty, service, reliability, courage, citizenship, humility, consideration of others’ rights and feelings, and scholarship. This Highlander embodies the mission of Glenvar: to insure that all students participate in quality learning experiences necessary to grow, adapt and meet the new challenges of a changing world.  The 2011-2012 winner was Bryce Mallette, who is headed to Liberty University this fall.

Trinchere with her mother Sue.

Salem Sabres bring home the ICRD Crossroads Classic Championship (U10 Girls Division) from Statesville, NC. 5/18-5/19

Pictured (all players & coaches are from Salem) :

Bottom row from left to right – Mary Mattlyn King, Alida Schreuders, Hope Wimmer, Carmen Davis
Middle row from left to right – Madi Winstead, Alyssa Diomedi, Allyson Gallagher, Kantner Eversole, Regan Repasky, Sarah Mowbray, Emily Goodpasture
Back row – Coach Remco Schreuders & Coach Kevin Diomedi

Submitted by Candy Mowbray

Glenvar High School revealed their winner for “Teacher of the Year” on Thursday, May 23rd, and this year’s honor goes to Ann Franco.  Franco teaches World History and AP World History at the school and is the wife of Theater teacher Steve Franco.

“It is absolute honor. This is without a doubt my favorite school I have ever been at…I love the students and they are the ones who make it possible,” she said.

More coming soon on Mrs.Franco’s story, including her fight with cancer and journey to where she is today.

Ann Franco and her family, including fellow GHS teacher Steve Franco to her left.

Summer Faith Series: Theology of the Body begins June 2

Theology of the Body will give you a revolutionary and fulfilling vision for life, as it offers a new way to authentically see yourself, your faith, your relationships, and your world!  Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 314 Turner Road, Salem will host this twelve session series in the church’s Family Life Center at 9am beginning on June 2.  For more information, contact Andrea in the church office, 387-0491.

Art & Faith at OLPH on June 6

Join author and educator Louis Bosco for a visual presentation on the ways in which art reveals the meaning of life on June 6 at 7pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 314 Turner Road.  Mr. Bosco holds an MFA from the George Washington University, and an MA in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He will be available to sign copies of his new book, Images of the Unseen, following the presentation.  The church is located at 314 Turner Road, near Walmart. For more information, contact Andrea in the church office, 387-0491.

Year of Faith Series Continues on June 17

Father Michael J. Herbert will continue the Year of Faith series at Our Lady of Perpetual Help with a special presentation the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation – Dei Verbum on Monday, June 17.  Dei Verbum addresses the following questions: What is Revelation?  When did public revelation end? How is God’s self-disclosure conveyed throughout history?   Who is the author of Sacred Scripture? What is Tradition?  What are the roles of the Holy Spirit and the Magisterium? The presentation will begin at 7pm in the church Social Hall located at 314 Turner Road, near Walmart. For more information, contact Andrea in the church office, 387-0491.

– Submitted by Andrea Sexton, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church