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Submitted photo
Roanoke Cement Company / Titan America recently celebrated 900 consecutive days of safety with no lost time at work with a socially distanced gathering at its onsite Wildlife Habitat Council certified trout pond.
Spartan History > Salem native Mark O’Connell has released a second book chronicling the history of high school football in Salem, The Spartan Succession: The Genesis (1972-1985), a sequel to The Team the Titans Remember, namely Andrew Lewis High School. Andrew Lewis became a middle school when Salem High School opened its doors in 1977. The Submitted photo program struggled to regain its past glory (two state titles under then-head coach Eddie Joyce), until Willis White took over in 1983. To date, White and his successors have played in twelve state championship games, winning nine. Salem High School football is also big business for that locality, for local eateries, shop selling Spartans gear etc. O’Connell is now a freelance sportswriter near his current home in Orange, also broadcasting local high school football and lacrosse. Before a virtual talk about his book last month the Salem Museum described The Spartan Succession as “a riveting journey from the locker room to the playing field and beyond, providing a keen view of what it takes to make and sustain a high school football dynasty.”
Wonderous Books in Salem > The first ribbon cutting for the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce didn’t happen until late August (a sign of the times) when Wonderous Books and More debuted on Main Street in Salem. The new business features gently used books and other gift items. The shop also offers a small event space for rent. Wonderous Books and More is owned by Savannah Oaks, a college junior. The store’s name pays homage to Alice in Wonderland, Oaks’ favorite book. Visitors can also meet the shop bunny, appropriately Facebook photo named Poe.
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t OCTOBER 2020 / vbFRONT.com