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Here’s a Valentine for some sweethearts of Salem.
Maybe your own sweet self is among them. Not romantically surrounded by candlelight, moonlight and roses — but up to your elbows with kids’ sticky-tape, sticky fingers and paper hearts.
n You might be a “room mom,” readying plans for classroom Valentine parties. Count dads and the occasional grandparent among the volunteer ranks too.
Logistics are of military caliber: Who will bring what? Treats! Crafts! Games? Plus set-up and clean-up — all in a limited school-day slot.
Just one example (So Salem welcomes more): A belated tip-of-Santa’s-elf-cap to Jen Thomas, who made 27 — 27! — graham-cracker “gingerbread” houses for Mrs. Mahan’s West Salem Elementary third-graders. Other parents supplied candy decor and helped kids wield frosting glue.

Sparky-the-Fire-Dog with some fans at Salem Presbyterian Church’s “RoundTable” program. Courtesy of Caroline Velasquez

“SuperFUN,” Jen said. But she never wants to see another graham cracker.
(Fun fact for next year’s calendar: Sweden celebrates national gingerbread house-wrecking day Jan. 13, Knut Day. Swedes also have name-day parties: say, for all those named “Karolina” or “Erik.” Any excuse for a party!)
n Jen also helped arrange a recent visit by the Salem Fire Dept. to Salem Presbyterian Church’s “RoundTable.”
That’s the all-generations program headed by SPC Associate Pastor Janet Chisom, organizer extraordinaire. Activities include music with Director Reed Carter IV; Bible study; recreation or crafts; and dinner (thanks to Judy Garst’s keen kitchen management).
There’s a weekly theme (Super Bowl, puppets, talent, etc.), frequently costumed. Fun! On “Firehouse Night” Salem firefighter / Jen’s husband Scott Gibson was an engaging speaker; kids inspected gear, met firefighters and toured a fire engine.
“A good night,” emailed Rev. Janet. “Stop, drop and roll drills were practiced. And Sparky-the-fire-dog had no accidents.”
And tummies and souls were filled. RoundTable is a cool way to link and enliven many ages.
n Rev. Janet also put her organizational talents to work coordinating the recent Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Twelve Salem and Glenvar churches hosted short, music-filled evening and noontime services. It’s an excellent way to experience different styles of worship — while praying for common causes.
It’s meaningful to add your own prayers — general or specific, joyful or what-ails-ye/others. Come mid-January 2013 we hope to be around for The Week — and also smashing gingerbread houses.
Meanwhile, may a handmade card, frosted heart-shaped cookies and chocolates come to you. Or from you! (If not, cherish your sweet memories.) Happy Valentine’s Day!