Photos from the Dennis Haley football campPosted Jul04, 2008 at 04:11 PM Dennis Haley’s Elite Performance Football Camp was held Saturday, June 28th held at Salem Stadium and we have this photo gallery of eight photos, thanks to Jill Sluss. If you don't know, Haley is a former Salem Spartan and current linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. At left: Haley takes time for a photo with some players from South Salem Elementary. Pictured left to right are: Grey Wolfe, Noah Beckley (rising 4th graders), Dennis Haley, Brayden Meadows, Levi Sluss (rising 3rd graders). Do you have sports photos involving teams or players from Salem or western Roanoke County? If so, you can share them at news@sosalem.com just like Jill did. Willkomen! Guten Tag! Was machst du heute nachmittag?Posted Jul03, 2008 at 07:54 PM Zach Mills, a rising junior at Salem High School, will have spent nearly a month at the Virginia Governor's German Immersion Academy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond on July 13. Mills, along with 44 other Virginian high school students, learned the language through usage in the cafeteria, in the dorm, on the soccer field, as well as in the classroom. Monday through Saturday, participants attend five unique and creative classes, such as East-West history, geography and culture, and music to encourage them to take an active part in their learning. Students will also be introduced to a second foreign language, taught through German. Afternoon activities such as cooking, soccer, volleyball, and ballroom dancing, photography, and journal writing fully immerse the students to make the language acquisition meaningful, practical, and lasting. Summer photos: Here's what some in Salem are doingPosted Jul03, 2008 at 03:00 PM So what are folks in Salem doing this summer? Well, Darrell and Donna Barr were at Motor Madness out on Williamson Road in Roanoke last weekend. Our photographer got this shot of them there. (You can see other scenes from Motor Madness here.) But what about photos you've shot? Send us your summer photos! It doesn't have to be a big European trip or anything -- although Salem High School teacher Theresa Grey is currently leading a tour of the continent with a group fo 15 recent Salem alums. Maybe it's your trip to the beach, or just a backyard barbecue. Heck, it could be just a foray to the Salem Fair. Just send your photos to news@sosalem.com and we'll put you on the map -- our Salem Summer '08 map. Here's who is on there already: * Theresa Grey and her touring group: Elizabeth McArthur, LeAnna Minnix, Amy McArthur, Krysti Nelson, Sarah Hall.Nitya Reddy, Millie Leach, Nick Leftwich, Tristan MacDonald, and David Crotts. Salem High alums tour EuropePosted Jul01, 2008 at 05:55 PM Venice, Rome, anybody? Fifteen recent alums of Salem High School are currently on a 17-day- and at least nine-city-whirlwind tour of Europe. Theresa Grey, a Salem High School teacher, leads a tour each year (not affiliated with the school.) They'll be in Venice and Rome for the States' Independence Day. Cities on the itinerary: Here is a picture taken of five on June 25, before they headed up to Dulles Airport for their plane trip over the Atlantic. From left: Elizabeth McArthur, LeAnna Minnix, Amy McArthur, Theresa Grey, Krysti Nelson, and Sarah Hall. Not pictured: Nitya Reddy, Millie Leach, Nick Leftwich, Tristan MacDonald, and David Crotts
Lautenschlager passes the Salem Rotary gavel to Joe CundiffPosted Jun30, 2008 at 04:31 PM Joe Cundiff stepped up to fill Edward "Skip" Lautenshlager's position as President of Salem Rotary on June 27. The club meets once a week as well as volunteering and raising money for vaccinations abroad, bringing canes and braille-capable technology worldwide, and other worthy causes. The worldwide organization is well-known for its efforts to eradicate polio worldwide. Salem Rotary hosts the ODAC Division III basketball tournament at the Salem Civic Center. Other appointed officers include: Aaron Garber, President-Elect Our last post about Rotary was here. Here's what some in Salem are doing this summerPosted Jun27, 2008 at 05:37 PM
(You may need to click the map around a bit, because at least one Salemite is over in Europe!) So what are you doing? Send us your photos and tell us and we'll put you on the map, too. You might also like this photo gallery of people we've talked to about their 4th of July plans. Sticks, snails, and puppy dog tails...Posted Jun27, 2008 at 12:28 PM Crystal Pruett sent in this picture of her son, Cole. We've added it to our photo gallery of Fellowship Community Day. She writes: Cole Pruett, age 2, is in hog heaven as he sits on a Harley Davidson at Fellowship Church's Community Day. A local biker group had their blessed motorcycles on display at this event. Cole is the son of Crystal and Randy Pruett. You can send us a picture of a family outing, just like Crystal did! Just let us know who's in the picture, what's going on, and the ages and/or schools of the kids in the pic! Email it to news@sosalem.com, or drop it off in our box--affixed to our newsstand at the front of Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea in Salem! What are you doing for the 4th of July?Posted Jun26, 2008 at 10:42 AM That's what we asked 12 people in Salem this week. You can check 'em out in our photo gallery. Among the folks we talked to were Ross Hart and Susan Proctor, producing this memorable exchange: Ross: "I’m tempted to sit by the pool, drink mint Juleps, and stay the hell off the streets." Photos by Tiffany Gibson Others we talked to were Fred Campbell, Mark Novak, J.R. Shelor, Katherine Hoffman, Wanda Hayes, Tony Weaver, Mark Lucas, Allan Fashnact. So what are you doing? You can leave your comments below.
Salemite goes green the old-fashioned way with a garden and a clutch of her ownPosted Jun25, 2008 at 02:17 PM It all started with finding little ways to save money, like making homemade laundry detergent and cooking meals from scratch. Then Carrie Cox, founder of the environmental group Big Lick Green Drinks, decided that she wanted to be organic. She had some experience by working at the Natural Foods Co-op on Grandin Road, but the prices for natural and organic food were still out of reach. “Once you see the effects of how your food is raised … you can’t unsee it” she said. “I started thinking, what did our grandparents and great-grandparents do during the Depression…they obviously did something to get by, they obviously didn’t die off, so what did they do and how did they do it?” Cox said. She’s got deep enough roots in Salem’s history to know. Her great grandmother Carrie Brown-Taney, she said, used to live where Roanoke College’s Fintel Library stands now. “She gardened all the way down the hill and across Thompson Memorial, which wasn’t there then…I think you can still see the outline of the chicken coop,” she remembered. Her ancestor later moved into the family house on Academy Street where Cox lives now. While Brown-Taney didn’t take chickens to the new house, she did garden in the lot out back. “There used to be horses in the field behind her house,” Cox said. Her eco-friendly approach to natural foods falls in line with an old-fashioned way of thinking, when neighbors dropped off vegetables, eggs, and baked goods off on one another’s porches and when a family didn’t buy something at the store when they could make it at home. Continue reading "Salemite goes green the old-fashioned way with a garden and a clutch of her own" » The not-so-typical life of a Gus Mitchell School graduatePosted Jun25, 2008 at 10:26 AM Graduation season has come and gone, and left Jorge Cuestas Jr. -- Lee to friends -- with a high school diploma. Photo by Josh Meltzer Laura Cox honored at piano recitalPosted Jun23, 2008 at 03:41 PM Laura Michelle Cox of Salem was honored during the June 7 piano recital given by the students of Sarah Reaser O’Brien. Laura is a recent high school graduate who has studied piano with O’Brien since March 1999. She has performed in 18 studio piano recitals, three outdoor concerts at the Salem Farmers Market, and she has auditioned for adjudication at the Virginia Music Teachers Association Fall Festival three times. Among her numerous piano awards during the last nine years are three practicing awards and 13 perfect attendance awards. Laura has maintained a perfect recital record, never missing a studio recital in her entire term of study. She plans to continue studying music as well as dance in college and pursue a career in the performing arts thereafter. For our previous post on the recital -- including a link to video -- click here. Photo of Sarah Reaser O'Brien's piano students (with video link)Posted Jun23, 2008 at 03:35 PM Sarah Reaser O'Brien sends us this photo of her piano students. There's even a link to video of their recital earlier this month. Thirty-one piano students of Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM, of Salem performed in an all-ensemble recital Saturday afternoon, June 7, in Talmadge Recital Hall at Hollins University. The program included twelve duets, five trios, three quartets, and one sextet. Solos were performed by senior Laura Michelle Cox as well as by Tara MacMillan – a student who moved to Atlanta last month but returned to Roanoke to perform in the recital. The entire group of performers is pictured here. Front row: Tara MacMillan, Urmila Bharathan, Elly Goldstein, Elizabeth Almond, Lydia Warren, Natalie DeForest, Eve-lynn Deegan, Jordan Hayes, Grace-Marie Mills, and Skyler Hayes. Middle row: Phoebe Stevens, Kimberly Stephenson, Richard Warren, Alex Baynum, Isabel Baynum, Caroline Stephenson, Rebekah-Lynn Mills, and Caroline Warren. Back row: Sarah Gobble, Savannah Stevens, Carrington Austin, Laura Cox, Molly Deegan, Morgan Gart, Janagan Bharathan, Natalie Dilley, Alyssa Bradley, Audrey Stephenson, Sarabeth Bukowski, Charlotte DeForest, and Sarah-Dale Mills. Video highlights of the recital can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoSchool. Salem lawyer recognized by the Supreme Court of VirginiaPosted Jun23, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Ross Hart, of Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd. in Salem, received an award for his pro bono work, a certificate of appreciation from the Virginia State Bar and the Supreme Court of Virginia. He was honored by the Salem/Roanoke Bar Association on May 5. The award commends him for accepting "twenty-two complex cases covering domestic relations...and guardianship of persons with severe physical and cognitive disabilities" in the last eight years. His firm specializes in guardianship, elder law, wills & trusts, and estate planning. "I grew up with the idea that lawyers have a duty...to represent our clients, yes, but also to represent those that cannot afford our services but whose legal aid needs are as great as, if not greater than, those who can [afford them]" Hart said. His father, Colonel James Hart, had a hand in beginning the Legal Aid Society of the Roanoke Valley. Hart received his bachelors at Monmouth College in Illinois and a degree in law from the University of Virginia. Many came to rescue during cyclist’s collapsePosted Jun20, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Somewhere between 10:20 and 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, Kate McIntyre’s heart malfunctioned. The 32-year-old mother of two, stepmother to two, and cupcake entrepreneur was riding her bike on Apperson Street into Salem. It’s believed that she was following the route she and her husband of five months, Tim, rode together just three days before. She was climbing the Colorado Street Bridge when she collapsed "like a rag doll." Unconscious and still clipped into her bike pedals, the amateur cyclist gasped for air. Several motorists stopped, including Al Wooldridge, Cheryl Staver, Stephen Hughes and three others. Continue reading "Many came to rescue during cyclist’s collapse" » Photo of Salem fan at Movies in the ParkPosted Jun19, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Refugee Girls Summer Program visits Roanoke CollegePosted Jun18, 2008 at 04:43 PM
“Can you spend the night here?” That was one of many questions asked by a group of 18 middle and high school girls during a visit to Roanoke College Wednesday morning. The visit was scheduled as part of the Refugee Girls Summer Program. This free program, sponsored by Refugee and Immigration Services and St. John’s Community Youth Program, is meant to expose young refugees from African and Middle-Eastern countries to various career possibilities and give them the necessary skills to pursue higher-education. Since many refugees come from places where education is either not possible or not encouraged, they face multiple challenges upon their arrival in the United States. Language barriers and a lack of basic education from their home country mean they are sometimes ill-prepared for placement in American schools where grade-level is based on age. This makes it difficult to even begin thinking about college. “It’s a cultural nightmare … You just can’t play that amount of catch-up,” said Margaret Whitt, instructional director of the Refugee Girls Summer Program. The purpose of Wednesday’s visit was to introduce the girls to the basics of college life; from what to call a college teacher to the difference between living “on-campus” and “off-campus.” “The guidance counselors aren’t talking to them about this kind of thing,” said Whitt as she introduced four pre-service teachers who would act as tour guides for the girls. The guides are all recent graduates or current students of the education department at Roanoke College. Continue reading "Refugee Girls Summer Program visits Roanoke College" » Parent photos from Glenvar graduationPosted Jun16, 2008 at 05:16 PM We asked folks to send in photos from graduation and Glenvar parent Carol McGuire has done just that. Thanks, Carol! Here's K.J. Ford, Erin Brookshire, Kayla Strickland and Jim McGuire. Below, Jim McGuire -- looking good for the camera. We have more Glenvar graduation photos from Carol McGuire in this photo gallery. And, of course, we posted our own photo gallery last week. If you have graduation photos from either Glenvar or Salem, you can share them at news@sosalem.com. And our special invitation to graduates is still open: Write your own graduation blurb on what you'll be doing next and we'll use it in an upcoming issue of So Salem. Here's how. Salem kids draw sidewalk artPosted Jun12, 2008 at 10:11 AMIf you've seen The Roanoke Times today -- specifically, the Extra section -- you'll find some photos from our "Sidewalk Chalk Challenge" where kids have drawn sidewalk art with summer themes. If not, well, here's the photo gallery. Included are two drawings from Salem kids -- Morgan E. Leeson of Andrew Lewis Middle School drew one that features Spongebob. And Caroline and Claire Peterson, who attend South Salem Elementary School, drew a very elaborate road network so little brother Walker could drive around on it in his plastic car. Do you have photos of what your kids are doing in and around Salem and western Roanoke County this summer? You can share them at news@sosalem.com Glenvar grad brings his Boston-based band to Roanoke on SundayPosted Jun12, 2008 at 09:33 AM Glenvar High grad Adam Clark brings his Boston-based collection of Afrobeat freaks -- the Superpowers -- back to Roanoke. If you're into the groove, this show will have it running deep for you. Go check out the band's MySpace page for some incredibly hip, in-the-pocket playing with cool melodies. If you can listen without something on your body tapping or swaying, you might want to make sure you're still breathing. When: 7 p.m. Sunday. For more on the music scene in the Roanoke Valley this weekend, check out music writer Tad Dickens' full report. Don't touch the cactus!Posted Jun11, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Over at the Skyline Dry Cleaners and Laundromat on West Main, there's an interesting sign on the cactii: "Do not handle the plants". One might think it's a no-brainer, but apparently, a couple of the plants are top-heavy and can't be moved around. A customer gave Sandy Dawley the cactus in 2002. Since then, it's grown quite a bit and has several off-shoots. Gravel in the bottom of the container as well as wire supports help to balance out the weight. Mike Stevens leaving Channel 7 to work for SalemPosted Jun11, 2008 at 03:47 PMThis just in: Mike Stevens is leaving his job at WDBJ-TV (Channel 7) to become director of communications for the city of Salem. For more details, click here. Photos of Salem fans at Salem Avalanche gamePosted Jun10, 2008 at 05:57 PM Our paparazzi photo crew was at the Salem Avalanche game on Sunday and who should they find but, well, a lot of people from Salem. At left is Cynthia, Karli and Matthew Andrews. But we also have photos of Rick and Sidney Cooper -- plus an entire gallery of fans. See anyone you recognize? If so, let 'em know you saw 'em on So Salem!
Was your picture taken at Shrimpfest?Posted Jun10, 2008 at 05:42 PMWe've got tons of Shrimpfest photos, courtesy of Paul Collins! If your picture was taken at Shrimpfest, then it's likely on our Flickr photosharing site. Click here to browse the Shrimpfest gallery, and identify yourself, family, and friends if you dare! Our last blog about Shrimpfest was on Monday, June 9. East Salem Elementary braves the heat for Field DayPosted Jun10, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Students at East Salem Elementary enjoyed a welcome break from class today and braved temperatures climbing near the 90 degree mark for their Annual Field Day celebration. With upbeat dance music blasting in the background from DJ Dale Bayless, students from kindergarten to fifth-grade participated in more than 24 events like “Noodle Fencing” and “Water Polo.” The event selection was complete with a dunking booth manned in shifts by parent volunteers. PTA president Faye Crute even took her turn at the mercy of softball-wielding kids. Crute was one of over 140 parents who signed up to take part in the day’s festivities. To beat the heat, field day organizers made sure to include plenty of opportunities for kids, parents and teachers to cool off. Shaded tents, inside games and water hoses helped, but the “sno-cones” and mist-tent were the clear favorites. East Salem has been giving students this end-of-the-year opportunity to let loose for about four years now. Also part of the Field Day tradition is the Fifth Grade Survivor Challenge—a special treat for fifth-graders, who are enjoying their last Field Day at East Salem. This year the Challenge included a tennis ball bounce-off and a tricycle race. For some, Field Day as a fifth-grader is bittersweet. “It’s kind of a mixed emotion. It’s like, I’m going to middle school, but I’ll still miss this place,” said fifth-grader Brianna Battaglia on leaving East Salem next year. For most students, though, Field Day is something to look forward to for years to come. Continue reading "East Salem Elementary braves the heat for Field Day" » Salem Valley 8 hosts martial arts demonstrationPosted Jun06, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Six students from the Salem martial arts school American Freestyle Karate provided live demonstrations of martial arts techniques about 15 minutes before the movie was scheduled to start. The students, all part of the after-school program at AFK, demonstrated basic karate skills including punching, kicking and blocking. They kicked and punched their way through small pieces of wood and even demonstrated the proper use of a popular martial arts weapon, nun-chucks. Continue reading "Salem Valley 8 hosts martial arts demonstration" » Salem church member participates in Wreath Laying at Tomb of the UnknownsPosted Jun06, 2008 at 05:24 PM
The ceremony was also attended by members of the 29th Division Association from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Bill King and his wife, Juanita King, are from Southwest Roanoke County, and both attend First Christian Church in Salem. Juanita King is a board member for the St Lo Normandy, France Sister City to Roanoke. As a board member, she acts as a liaison with Post 64 of the 29th Division Association. She is currently serving as National President of the Auxiliary. Continue reading "Salem church member participates in Wreath Laying at Tomb of the Unknowns" » Salem Sheriff Atkins sworn in againPosted Jun06, 2008 at 12:42 PM Sheriff Eric Atkins was sworn in once again on Wednesday, June 4, a requirement after being chosen in special election by the city of Salem. His official term will run from June 4, 2008 to December 31, 2009. Atkins was sworn in as sheriff after December 7, 2007, when Roger Surber took his own life. He’s still the accreditation manager until July 1, however — a job that he doesn’t take lightly. “It’s worth it to be able to show your constituents that you are performing your duties up to professional standards,” he said. Salem was the first city in Virginia to have its police department and sheriff’s office accredited. “There’s obviously a lot more pressure… but having a tremendous amount of support from the city that has rallied behind this office in the last six months has helped make the transition a lot easier,” Atkins said. He’s beginning to move his things from his accreditation office into the actual sheriff's office, but it’s been difficult. “He was a good friend and colleague for 23 years so it’s hard not to think about him…I wouldn’t want to forget.” Snakes alive! Student brings snake to graduationPosted Jun06, 2008 at 10:15 AM Here's something other graduation speakers this year might want to keep in mind about how to keep your audience's attention: Bring a snake. Drape it around your neck. Restless graduates and their parents are bound to pay attention then. That was the formula that eighth-grader Alex Bentley of Salem used last night, anyway. He's a student at Community School -- a private school near Hollins University that goes through eighth grade. (There's a related Community High School in downtown Roanoke.) It's the tradition at the school for each eighth grader to give a going-away speech at the school's year-end Celebration event. And, as previously reported in So Salem, Bentley likes snakes. Lots and lots of snakes. File photo by Miranda Adkins Continue reading "Snakes alive! Student brings snake to graduation" » Salem student selected as delegate to AustraliaPosted Jun05, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Sixth grade teachers at South Salem Elementary should be wary of assigning the “What I did over summer vacation” assignment to Renae Trail come this September. Her summer vacation might include pool days and maybe even a theme park, but for about three weeks, she’ll be a student-ambassador to Australia through the People to People program. The itinerary includes a trip, beginning this July 8, to the Great Barrier Reef, the Irwin family zoo, and many more opportunities to meet Australian people and wildlife. Reluctant at first, Renae is excited to experience new things, including “seeing what they eat—I heard they eat kangaroos and octopus, and we have to try it.” The program, established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, was designed to bring citizens of different countries together in order to promote peace and understanding by sharing experiences and information. The 40-or-so-student group will be escorted by teachers and People to People representatives on their journey halfway across the world. Continue reading "Salem student selected as delegate to Australia" » No senior-skip-days for this graduating Glenvar studentPosted Jun05, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Amber Pratt doesn't have an immune system made of steel, magic cough drops, or a time machine--things that would be useful in attaining perfect attendance throughout one's entire school career. She has achieved that which becomes almost impossible, however, once senior year and "senioritis" begins. According to guidance secretary Shelia Huffman, she hasn't used too many tardies or left school early too often, either. Pratt explains that it has to do with the encouragement and expectations she learned early in her school career. "My parents wanted me to go every day, they encouraged me...there were times that I could've [skipped], but I was afraid that my mom would find out," she said. Our last post about Glenvar High School was June 3. Salem student appears in Mill Mountain Theatre showPosted Jun04, 2008 at 11:45 AM Hallie Newcomer, a student at Salem High School, is performing in the Mill Mountain Theatre production "Into The Woods." Hallie appears as Sleeping Beauty. She's on the right in this photo. At left is Lindsay Wirt from Patrick Henry High School, who plays Snow White. In the foreground are Aaron Keller (Rapunzel's Prince) and David Weitzer (Cinderella's Prince). The show opens tonight and runs through June 29. It's a musical by Stephen Sondheim and features many fairy tale characters. For more information on show times and tickets, see Mill Mountain Theatre. Hallie, by the way, appeared in another Mill Mountain show earlier this year -- "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stoopid Tales." We have a photo of her in that right here. We have another photo from the show -- this one showing Jack, of beanstalk fame, and his bedraggled cow -- on our Southwest Roanoke County news site. Photo by Ayme Gierchak Locals throw it down with Senior PBA bowlers on May 30Posted Jun03, 2008 at 02:41 PM
The night before the Suntrust Senior PBA Open, 114 amateurs and juniors had the chance to compete alongside some of the pros. The jitters that were evident as the second section of amateurs and juniors began to bowl with their pros disappeared as the first frame turned into the second. By the third go-round, each bowler descended into their own rhythm, and the alley seemed to be full of life-long friends. Continue reading "Locals throw it down with Senior PBA bowlers on May 30" » Relay for Life at Green Hill ParkPosted May30, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Roanoke's Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is going on as we speak in Green Hill Park. Photographer Erin Millar captured scenes from Friday evening, including the first lap for cancer survivors. Look for people you know in a So Salem photo gallery from the event. Also, mark your calendars: Salem's Relay for Life will be June 20. Anne Scott McKenney (left) and Mallory Jengo of Salem enjoy the festivities at Relay For Life in Green Hill Park on May 30th. Photo by Erin Millar I Special to So Salem Ben Chester receives Pamplin Leader Award at Glenvar HighPosted May27, 2008 at 04:53 PM
The Pamplin Leader is a one-year, $1,000 tuition scholarship to Virginia Tech. It is presented annually to a top student from each public high school in Virginia. It was established by Robert B. Pamplin Sr. (VT, Class of ’33) and Robert B. Pamplin Jr., to acknowledge students with a record of outstanding achievement that is balanced with a commitment to community service and leadership experience. Photo courtesy of Ben Chester. Our last post about Glenvar High School was May 20. Virginia Tech football player Dustin Pickle visits with local studentsPosted May22, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Bright and early this Thursday morning, students involved with FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, clubs around the valley met at First Baptist Church on Third Street in downtown Roanoke for their last meeting of the year. Special guests included Virginia Tech running back Dustin Pickle, his girlfriend, 2007 Miss Virginia Lauren Barnette, and Virginia Tech football chaplain Johnny Shelton. Pickle attended Glenvar High School until his junior year, when he transferred over to Salem High School. He graduated in 2005. Barnette is from Wise and is a student at VT. Top left, Glenvar crowd: from left, Rusty Galbreath, Thomas McConnell, Dustin Pickle, Brandon Fox, Zach Hill, Kelly Hill, and Heather Keating. Continue reading "Virginia Tech football player Dustin Pickle visits with local stude |