SALEM — Our city has been starring in some radio commercials this winter.
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism started running 30-second ads highlighting Salem attractions, beginning a few weeks ago.
The commercials feature the Salem Witch Museum, The House of the Seven Gables, the Hawthorne Hotel and Salem Harbor Sweets and plug the state's MassValuePass, which offers 25 percent discounts on hotels, dining and attractions across the state.
"People are looking for values, and we're just trying to offer that," said Lisa Simmons, the agency's director of communications.
The state is running six different commercials, each highlighting a different region, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. Salem locations make up nearly the entire "north of Boston" version of the ad.
If you haven't caught it, there's still time. The ads run until March 15.
Cupid contest
There were some interesting Valentine's Day scenes playing out inside the city's downtown shop windows last week.
Nearly 30 businesses took part in Salem Main Streets' Salem's So Sweet window contest.
Witch City Thrift & Consignment Store, for example, displayed a woman being stood-up on Valentine's Day. For that, the Essex Street shop won the Most Whimsical award.
Samantha's Costumes on Essex Street set up a series of both Valentine and anti-Valentine themes, including a pregnant Cupid. The shop won Most Original.
Honest Jerry
We're always learning something new about our elected officials.
For example, can you name the Salem city councilor who's named after a famous U.S. president?
That would be Jerry Ryan — Jerry Lincoln Ryan.
The good councilor from Ward 4 got the middle name because he just happens to have been born on Lincoln's birthday.
Free flicks
It's hard to beat a free night out.
Salem's Wicked Running Club and the city's recreation department are hosting a free Running Night at the Movies at the Salem Moose Lodge tomorrow night.
At 6:15 p.m., the 50-minute documentary "Fire on the Track," about the life of track star Steve Prefontaine, will be screened.
At 7:30 p.m., you can catch "The Spirit of the Marathon," a feature film shot on four continents tracking both amateur and professional runners as they gear up for the Chicago Marathon.
Exemplary kids
Eight local high school students have received Exemplary Service and Leadership Awards from the Salem Rotary Club.
They were nominated by their teachers for their volunteerism and leadership skills in the community and received plaques.
The award recipients are Salem High School students Ashley White, grade nine; Diego Fellows, grade 10; Lucia Ozoria, grade 11; and Maureen Regan, grade 12; as well as Salem Academy Charter School students Fallon Burke, grade nine; Casey Ryan, grade 10; Alison Palmer, grade 11; and Michelle Aroko, grade 12.
Way to go.
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