Here are a few photos from the Salem Presbyterian Church Picnic.  Music was provided by Misspent Youth.

Submitted by Kate Robinson

Do you have photos from your church events in Salem? If so, you can share at news@sosalem.com.

Hollins University student Sharon Mirtaheri of Salem may be on the verge of seeing her moment of “Aha” become part of a national television advertising campaign.

Mirtaheri’s moving story of how she went to college for the first time at age 46 (and today, four years later, is about to earn her degree) is one of 75 semifinalists in Mutual of Omaha’s “Aha Moment” tour, a nationwide search for the most inspiring examples of what the insurance company describes as “a moment of clarity, a defining moment where you gain real wisdom – wisdom you can use to change your life.”

From October 1 – 15, Mutual of Omaha is asking the general public to go online at www.ahamoment.com/vote and pick their favorite moments from among the 75 submissions. The top 25 will move on to the final round of voting, which ends on October 31; the top ten vote getters will appear in the company’s TV commercials during 2010.

Mirtaheri recorded her “aha moment” in June when the tour’s video crew visited Roanoke. Her story was one of more than 1,000 collected over the spring and summer from 25 tour stops across the country, and can be seen at www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/3868.

Mirtaheri enrolled in Hollins’ Horizon program after working for 30 years as a hair stylist, and is majoring in studio art and creative writing. Established in 1974, Horizon is designed to meet the special needs of adult women who are returning to college or attending college for the first time. For more information about the program, visit www.hollins.edu/admissions/horizon/index.shtml.

For nearly eight months, Ray McCune didn’t take a pair of scissors or a razor to his facial hair. Normally a clean-shaven man, he let it grow out from January 24 to September 23 while his grandson, Karl Crotts, was deployed in Afghanistan.

In these photos, he’s letting Karl clip the symbolic first few locks.

Notice the painting of the Bastian’s BBQ pig? The family got together and painted it before the airplane with Karl Crotts and his cousin Allen Maxey returned on their Delta flight.

Do you have photos of something that ought to be shared? Send them (and your story tips, too) to us at news@sosalem.com.

The following student has finished new cadet week training with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets the university’s longest standing tradition of leadership development.
Kelsey Ginn of Salem. Ginn is a freshman majoring in international studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

The first year cadet experience at Virginia Tech is unlike the experience of most first year college students. The corps first year starts in August with new cadet week held the week prior to the start of classes. During new cadet week, incoming students undergo a series of challenges that build character and leadership skills.

For these incoming students, the academic year is broken into three phases: Red, White, and Blue Phase. Red phase opens with the start of new cadet week and goes until October. New cadets are taught the basics of being active and successful members of the corps during this phase. Students fine tune their skill set during the White Phase. Cadets begin formal training as a leader in the Blue Phase. Students are recognized as completing their first year of training in April.

The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets has been producing military and corporate leaders since the university was founded in 1872. It is one of just two remaining military corps within a large, primarily civilian university. The corps holds its members to the highest standards of loyalty, honor, integrity, and self-discipline. In return, cadets achieve high academic success and a long-lasting camaraderie with fellow members. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

Coach Steve Magenbauer of Salem High School Football to speak at EPIC This Sunday Oct 4 2009.

EPIC is THE teen gathering for grades 9th through12th and is hosted by Fellowship Community Church and is currently be held at 1226 Red Lane Ext Salem….

EPIC is every Sunday night at 6:23 pm……

For more information check out our website: www.fcclife.org

Submitted by Becky Walls

The Salem Kiwanis Club will be at the Ridgewood Farms, Lakeside, and Spartan Square Kroger grocery stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, October 3 collecting food for the Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry.

If you’re out grocery stopping it’s the perfect opportunity to donate without having to spend the extra time and gas making the donation yourself.

Submitted by Paul Bowles

Masons Cove Church of the Brethren at 3630 Bradshaw Road (about two miles past Masons Cove Elementary School) is hosting a Fall Festival and a Revival from Friday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 14.On Friday and Saturday October 9 and 10, there will be a flea market and a food and bake sale for their Fall Festival from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A lighter lunch will be offered on Friday, but there will be a large pot of homemade pinto beans over a fire, barbecue, cornbread, and all the fixings available. All of the proceeds will go towards their church treasury.

From Sunday through Wednesday October 11 through 14, Pastor Thomas Hanks will bring the message for their annual revival starting at 7 p.m. each night. Refreshments will be served on Sunday night, and guest singers will entertain every night.

Masons Cove Church of the Brethren is an offshoot of Peters Creek Church of the Brethren. Before 1975, they held services in a small wooden church that was across the road from their current location.

For more information, call 384-7753 or 342-8858.

The 4th Annual Scripture Ride to benefit Christian Motorcycle Association’s “Run for the Son”Cars and motorcycles will leave the Lakeside Baptist Church parking lot at 10 a.m. October 3, registration begins at 9 a.m. The ride goes up route 311 and back through Daleville approximately 60 miles with stops including one with food and prizes. Bring your bible!

Cost: $10 per bike or car

Contact: Beverly Allison, 986-0817.

***Want to show off your bikes and cars but want to stay in town? Bethel Baptist is hosting a car, truck, and motorcycle show in the church’s lot at Dominion Dodge’s parking lot on East Main Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. Click here for more details.

One of the valley’s fall favorites, Pumpkinfest, is all set to return to the Salem Farmers Market on Saturday, October 31. This year’s event will take place from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature a costume contest, children’s play area, hay rides, a favorite pumpkin contest and a silent pumpkin auction.
Once again youngsters also will have a chance to Trick or Treat with the downtown merchants an hour before Pumpkinfest starts. Children can meet at the Farmers Market at 10am and trick or treat up and down Main Street until 11am.
Admission for adults and children is just $1 a person, but Children will be admitted free if they are wearing a costume! Valleydale hotdogs and chips from Frito Lay will be available, as well.
The event is sponsored by C.H.I.P (The Child Health Investment Partnership), Q99-FM, and Salem Parks and Recreation. For additional information call the Parks and Recreation Department at 375-3057.

Submitted by the City of Salem

Cathy Sargent shares these photos of a very cold and rainy soccer match between the Salem Sabres and Danville.

Fortunately, you can stay warm and dry viewing them in the slideshow above or in this gallery format.

Do you have photos involving teams or players from Salem? If so, you can share at news@sosalem.com.