Community Corner
Salem Plans Events Around Community Center Opening
The highlight of the celebrations will be a series of seven public events including musical performances, classes, demonstrations, and more!

From The City of Salem: The City of Salem has announced a series of special events and programs being held in celebration of the opening of the new Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center (CLC), at 401 Bridge Street. The 25,000 square foot CLC opened to the public today, September 10, and houses the City’s Council on Aging, Recreation, and Veterans’ Services departments, as well as multiple program rooms and public spaces.
While the official ribbon cutting and opening reception takes place Friday, September 21st, the highlight of the celebrations will be a series of seven public events – including musical performances, classes, demonstrations, and more – taking place as part of a Community Open House that runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22nd.
In addition to the department’s regularly scheduled programs, Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services will offer many special events and program during the Grand Opening Week. Please check out the Senior Power newsletter (available at https://www.salem.com/council-aging/links/coa-newsletter) for daily Council on Aging programs and www.salemrec.com for ongoing Park and Recreation programs.
Friday, September 21st: Grand Opening Reception 4:00-7:30pm
Ribbon Cutting, Remarks, Room Dedications, Tours, Light Appetizers, Cash Bar
Entertainment provided by James Eric Rogers
Saturday, September 22nd: Community Open House 1:00-5:00pm
1:00-2:00- Sing-a-long with John Archer – room 104
John Archer, well known North Shore pianist and performer will welcome guests through great music and a sing- a- long.
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1:00-5:00- Kiosks for Living Well – room 103
Community Pulse Point designed to promote health, wellness, community engagement and fun!
1:00-2:00- Drum Circle with Mamadou – room 216
Join local musician, Mamadou in this entertaining drum circle.
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1:00-2:00- Backgammon – room 210
Come play or learn to play for the first time
1:00-3:00 – Family Bingo – room 220
This family friendly activity is always popular. We will be playing for prizes
1:00-3:00- Salem Public Library’s Pop Up Library – room 115
This is a great service offered by the Salem Public Library. The Pop Up Library visits us twice a month and allows you the opportunity to check out and return library books.
1:00-3:00- Children’s Activities sponsored by the Salem Public Library- room 207
Join staff from the library for some fun activities.
1:00-2:30 – Science Demonstration with James Eric Rogers – room 201
James teaches several youth science and art classes throughout the year. Come see some of his projects.
1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 – Let Your Yoga Dance with Dale Demonstration – room 221
Come watch and participate in this fun, low impact class. 1:30 class is geared to children, 2:00 for adults and the 2:30 demonstration for participants with limited mobility.
1:30-3:30- Face Painting – room 103
Volunteers will be on hand for face painting
2:00-2:45- Performance by Salem Council on Aging’s Goldentones – room 104
The Goldentones are members of the Salem Council on Aging. They perform at numerous events and travel to nursing homes and assisted living facilities for performances.
3:00-3:45 – Performance by Julie Dougherty – room 104
Local musician, Julie Dougherty will be entertaining guests with her beautiful music.
3:00-4:30 – Witch House Craft – room 103
In 1676, John Evelyn wrote that the elderberry plant provided a remedy for any kind of wound or sickness. Come learn about the properties and recipes for elderberry tea, syrup and tincture for this amazing plant!
3:00-4:00- Knitters Group – room 104
We have a group of seniors who meet weekly for a knitting circle. Come meet them and hear about their group.
3:00-4:30 – Family Art Project – room 201
Linda Abbene will be on hand with supplies to paint wooden pumpkin shapes.
3:00-4:00- Improvisation with David George “A Return to the Kid in You” – room 216
Improvisation allows you to trust your imagination, creativity and spontaneous reactions in making “something” out of “nothing.” Games played allow for creating on the spot characters, situations and interactions that are sure to bring on the laughter and the fun. Join us and be creative!
4:00-4:20– Salem State University Community Chorus -room 104
Enjoy the beautiful voices of the Community Chorus as we close out our open house.
Monday, September 24th
5:00-6:00pm – Enhance Fitness Demonstration – room 221
Enhance Fitness is an hour-long exercise class choreographed to music. The class includes cardio, strength, balance and flexibility and is taught by YMCA instructors, Marie and Jimmy. This is a chance to come try out this class.
6:00-7:00pm –Cooking Demonstration – room 103
Join local chef and caterer, Mary Ferreira of Ferreira Foods in this free cooking demonstration. Mary will be creating homemade ravioli, using wonton wrappers and making homemade sauces. Participants will be invited to taste what Mary creates. This is a free demonstration, but we do ask you to pre-register at salemrec.com.
6:00-7:00pm – Muscle and Strength Class – room 221
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Local fitness instructor, Beth Schultz will be offering this weekly class which will help increase your muscle strength, coordination and endurance. You can register for the 6-week session for $45.00 or drop in for the evening for $10.00. Register at salemrec.com
Tuesday, September 25th
4:00-7:00pm – Transportation Fair – room 104
Salem For All Ages will be holding a Transportation Fair for residents to learn about all of the transportation options available in Salem. This event is free and all are welcome to attend.
5:00-5:45pm – Sweat Machine-Dance Fitness – room 221
A dance-based fitness class for all levels. Get your heart rate up, build flexibility and above all-have fun. This is a free class
6:00-7:00pm – Yoga Flow with Beth – room 221
Join Beth Schultz for yoga flow and challenging mat work. Participants should bring their own mat. Yoga blocks will be provided. You can register for the 6-week session for $45.00 or drop in for the evening for $10.00. Register at salemrec.com
6:00-700pm – Travel Talks- room 115
Marisa Cole, Salem resident and owner of Sensational Travel is hosting a travel talk. Learn about the latest travel trends, how to secure a passport, luggage issues and more. Take yourself away through this amazing talk about travel locations.
Thursday, September 27th
6:00-8:00pm – Paint and Sip – room 201
Join local artist, Linda Abbene for a fun night of painting and sipping. Linda’s step by step instructions will guide you in creating a beautiful fall masterpiece. The $30.00 fee will cover all supplies, beer and wine. Adults over 21 only. Register at salemrec.com.
6:00-7:00pm – Let Your Yoga Dance with Dale – room 221
Come and have fun in this low impact class that combines yoga poses and simple dance moves. $10.00 drop in fee.
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