The "PRIDE of Salem" is led by Jim Paxton, Chris Wilkes, Ben Newsome, Richard Carr, David Dickerson, Lisa Rose, Megan Carr and assisted by Ryan Davis, Conner McBroom and many other dedicated parents. On Oct. 10, the "PRIDE of Salem" entered their 2009 show "The Power of One" in two back to back competitions.

The competitions consisted of a USSBA competition held at Bassett High School, and the Lynchburg Classic. Salem being such a big band is used to performing last or at least close to the last, but at Bassett they were first.

After performing they hopped on the bus with a two hour bus ride ahead of them. They arrived in Lynchburg with time to warm up and head on to the field to give the crowd what they had waited for. After performing their second show they awaited the results.

The "PRIDE of Salem" won the Grand Champion in the Lynchburg Classic. At last, it was time for the 135 weary souls to get back on the bus for a long bus ride back home. The band was back at home early Sunday morning ready to hit the pillow.

Submitted by Cheryl Abner

Glenvar Community Action team meets

The Glenvar Community Action Team will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Glenvar Middle School Forum and is open to teens, parents, and to any citizen of the community.

The Glenvar Community Action Team gets parents and teens to get involved and to work together to help teens make good choices and to help parents understand what their teens are up against.

Come join the people that serve on the Glenvar Community Action team and make a difference in your community. For more information, email Tabitha Cain at rcps@fsrv.org.

Roanoke County alternate education students will go to HopeTree

Students formerly attending the Roland E. Cook Alternative Education Center in Roanoke County have found a new home, academically speaking. On Oct. 8, Roanoke County Schools and HopeTree Family Services agreed to a five-year contract in which HopeTree Family Services will provide alternative education services for up to 20 Roanoke County students who need specialized or alternative settings for academic success. These services will be provided through the Agency's on-campus school, HopeTree Academy.

HopeTree Academy is fully licensed by the Virginia Association of Independent Educational Facilities to award six different types of high school diplomas as well as the General Equivalency Diploma. The Academy provides alternative education services to its residents, as well as to students from the community on a day-school basis, who need a smaller teacher/student environment for academic success. Through dual-enrollment with Virginia Western Community College, "on-the-job" training, and apprenticeship agreements with area businesses, HopeTree Academy students have access to job training in over 20 different career fields ranging from Building Trades to Auto Mechanics to Health Care.

HopeTree Family Services provides a wide range of residential placement programs for at-risk children and youth across Virginia. The agency has a strong reputation for providing quality care. HopeTree Family Services also operates a network of 16 group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Anyone interested in learning more about education at HopeTree Family Services should contact Dr. Tommy Barber, Education Director or Mandy Bannock, School Social Worker, at 540-389-4941.

Submitted by Mark Early, Director of Communications at HopeTree Family Services

South Salem Elementary enjoys carnival

South Salem Elementary hosted its Halloween-ey fall carnival on Saturday, Oct. 24. Q-Bear, Snookums the Clown helped to keep things fun, and even Chinah Helmandollar, Miss Smith Mountain Lake, came to judge the costume contest.