The InstigatorSalem Reads is going virtual in February 2021
Salem Reads, the community-wide reading project that invites everyone in Salem to read the same book, take part in discussions, and enjoy related programs, is going virtual for 2021, but will still include favorite activities such as the book giveaway, a documentary movie, panel discussions, art exhibit, author talk and more!
The selection for 2021, Walking with Peety: The Dog Who Saved My Life by Eric O’Grey, is a memoir about being unhealthy, stressed and receiving a doctor’s prescription to “go to the animal shelter and get a dog.” The dog Eric adopts changes both their lives; It’s a tale of mutual rescue, friendship and strength.
2021 Calendar of Events:
Friday, January 22 | 9 a.m.
KMUZ 100.7 Radio Show Talking About Art
Host Joel Zak presents an interview with Walking with Peety author Eric O’Grey and speaks with local artists participating in the Salem Reads Art Exhibit on display at the Elsinore Fine Art Gallery February 3-25.
Wednesday, January 27 | 8 a.m.
KMUZ 100.7 Radio Show Willamette Wakeup
Host Melanie Zermer will present an interview with Walking with Peety author Eric O’Grey.
February 1 through 27
Salem Reads: At Home and On the Go
Be inspired by Walking with Peety all month long! Earn badges and prize drawing tickets by reading, viewing movies, showing up at Salem Reads events, and getting out into the community for the centerpiece Salem Stroll (see below) or other on-the-move experiences! An All-Ages Challenge powered by Beanstack; sign up and track your progress here.
February 1 through 27
Walking With “Your Peety” – Salem Stroll
As a special part of our All-Ages Challenge, take a walk with your furry friend, your human friends, or on your own during Salem Reads month. Walk options include 1K, 3K, or 5K paths at Salem’s Riverfront Park as laid out by the Willamette Wanderers. Beginning walkers encouraged! Routes are accessible to all abilities, anything on wheels, and pet-friendly. Click here to register.
Wednesday, February 3 through February 25
Walking with Peety Inspired Art Exhibit
View the work of local professional artists inspired by reading Walking with Peety on display at Elsinore Fine Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St. SE. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Groups of 10 or less are welcome with masks.
Thursday, February 4 | 7-9 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Walking with Peety author Eric O’Grey speaks
Eric O’Grey will speak about his memoir, the story of finding health and love with a shelter dog. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Friday, February 5 | 12-1 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Salem City Club presents Willamette Humane Society
BJ Andersen, Executive Director of the Willamette Humane Society, believes that Walking with Peety and the Willamette Humane Society value something in common: the power of the people-animal bond. Join us to hear Andersen speak about the Willamette Humane Society, the challenges and rewards of working in animal welfare, successfully matching companion animals with people, and the positive impacts of pets on people in our community. Free for Salem City Club members; $5 for non-members. Register after Jan. 11, 2021, at www.salemcityclub.com.
Saturday, February 6 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Live on Zoom: How to Find Your New Best Friend: Pet Adoption Information Session
Join members of the Willamette Humane Society and Marion County Dog Services staff as they discuss adopting a shelter pet. They’ll answer questions such as: What is the life of a shelter dog like? What are the benefits of adopting an adult dog instead of a puppy? What kinds of backgrounds do rescue animals have? What do I need to know to ensure a dog is a good fit? How long does it take to settle in and bond with an adopted animal? Do I have to do dog sports to keep my pet happy and exercised? Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Tuesday, February 9 | 7-8 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Virtual Book Club
Pass a pleasant evening in the comfort of your own home while sharing your thoughts about the story and themes of Walking with Peety. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Wednesday, February 10 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Practicing Mindfulness Workshop
Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment non-judgmentally. Learning and refreshing the practice of mindfulness may enrich your sense of wellbeing, your relationships, and your appreciation of daily life and help you cope with stressors. In this workshop, we will discover mindfulness experientially while focusing on the present moment in our mind, hearts and bodies. This session will be led by Meredith Krugel, a registered nurse and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is also a certified mindfulness teacher. Workshop is free, but space is limited. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Monday, February 15
Furry Best Friends Photo Contest
Think your pets are the most adorable and photogenic pets around? Of course you do! Now, you have a chance to prove it. Salem-area pet owners are invited to submit up to two photos (per household) of the pets that share their homes. We will be awarding prizes in the following categories: Pets in Clothes; Pets in Nature; Pets and their People; Pets at Home; Pets with their Animal Friends. Judges will narrow the entries to a Top 10 in each category, with the final decision made by public voting in late February. Deadline to enter Feb. 15, Voting starts Feb. 19, Awards Feb. 27. Visit salemlibrary.org for a link to the online entry form.
Tuesday, February 16 | 7-8 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Zentangles Workshop for Beginners
Come learn a drawing practice that anyone who can draw these letters: CISO, can do. In learning these simple patterns and techniques, you can increase your creativity, reduce your stress, and find a new creative outlet to add to your life experience. This workshop is taught by Linda Lockwood, certified Zentangles instructor. Workshop is free, but space is limited. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Wednesday, February 17 | 10-11 a.m.
Live on Zoom: Walking: Shoes and Getting Started
Are you inspired by Walking With Peety to begin your own journey to an active, healthy lifestyle? Join Susan Gallagher of Gallagher Fitness Resources as she discusses why being “on your feet” matters, how to get started, and the basics of how good shoes make a difference to your walking success. Q&A to follow. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Thursday, February 18 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Dog Trivia Night with Kelly Williams Brown
Join Salem-based, nationally acclaimed author Kelly Williams Brown for a night of pub-style trivia all inspired by Eric O’Grey’s relationship with the prince of pets. Dogs, dogs, and more dogs will inspire the questions and the prizes for this night of trivia fun. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Saturday, February 20 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Live on Zoom: Memoir Writing Workshop
Ready to start writing your memoir? Melissa Hart will teach you how to choose a theme and/or era around which to shape a memoir. She’ll help deepen your understanding of setting, characterization, dialogue, narrative arc, and theme. You’ll come away with a solid sense of how to begin your memoir and sustain its creation from the first to the final page. Workshop is free, but space is limited. Sign up to receive Zoom access information on the day of the event at salemlibrary.org
Wednesday, February 24 | 10-11 a.m.
Live on Zoom: Virtual Book Club
Pass a pleasant evening in the comfort of your own home while sharing your thoughts about the story and themes of Walking with Peety.
Saturday, February 27 | 9-11 a.m.
Everyday Biking in Salem
Get to the Salem Public Library at Broadway, 1400 Broadway NE at 9 a.m. where the HUB Repair Stand Bus will open and offer free bike safety checks and minor repairs as time allows. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., local bike experts, Angela and Gary Obery, will lead an onsite Q&A for anyone wanting advice on gear, routes, and strategies for adding bike rides to your everyday life. Stop by and have your questions answered, pick up resources, and enter to win a door prize.
Salem Reads aims to foster a sense of community by bringing people together in person or virtually through reading, discussion and programs based on the themes of a common book.
For more information, visit www.splfoundation.org.
Carlee Wright
