Obama urges hope before 4,000 at Speaker Series

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Obama speaks on democracy at Salem State series

Former President Barack Obama headlined the annual Salem State University Speaker Series on Monday night, speaking to about 4,000 students, faculty and ticket holders at the school's athletic complex. He returned to the themes of hope and unity from his 2004 Democratic Convention keynote in Boston, urging the crowd to "fight cynicism because it is the enemy of democracy." He also mocked President Donald Trump's recent White House press ban as a violation of a "foundational creed" of America, while arguing the country is not as divided as it seems.

Patch

Salem to dedicate 'Traces of Arrival' sculpture at Blaney Wharf

The City and Public Art Commission will hold a public dedication for Roark T. Congdon's sculpture 'Traces of Arrival,' honoring maritime history as part of Salem 400+, on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at 10 Blaney Street.

City of Salem

Howling Wolf kicks off Oktoberfest with stein-hoisting contest

Howling Wolf Taqueria partners with Samuel Adams for a Jump Start Oktoberfest Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m., with a 6 p.m. stein-hoisting competition and seasonal cocktails.

Patch

Design Review Board evaluates downtown, Lifebridge projects tonight

Salem's Design Review Board meets remotely Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. to review downtown proposals, including a Lifebridge Main Campus plan with 53 affordable homes and a 70-bed shelter.

City of Salem

Preservation in a Changing Climate Conference opens at PEM

The sixth annual conference runs Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peabody Essex Museum's Morse Auditorium, covering climate resilience for historic buildings and neighborhoods.

City of Salem

Sustainability Committee to discuss solar, native plantings, data centers

Salem's Sustainability, Energy and Resiliency Committee meets remotely Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Haunted Happenings logistics, solar initiatives, native planting policy and state data-center requirements.

City of Salem

Council committee to review camping ordinance, police updates tonight

The City Council's Public Health, Safety and Environment Committee meets with the Committee of the Whole Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. to review the camping ordinance and hear police department updates.

City of Salem

Salem State marks geothermal, solar-canopy progress

On Tuesday, September 22, Salem State held a 'Closing the Loop' ceremony marking geothermal-loop installation and a solar canopy over the College Drive parking lot, projects funded by $3.5 million from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.

Patch

MSPCA seeks adopters after 98 cats surrendered statewide

MSPCA-Angell coalition shelters took in 98 cats from two large surrenders, including 28 received by its Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem on Sept. 18; the group is seeking adopters, fosters, donors and volunteers.

Patch

New Liberty Innovation School holds open house tonight

New Liberty Innovation School hosts an open house Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 10 Skerry Street.

Salem Public Schools

Horace Mann Laboratory School holds open house tonight

Horace Mann Laboratory School holds an open house Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 79 Willson Street.

Salem Public Schools

Children's Crafternoon set for Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library hosts Half Day Hooray: Crafternoon for children of all ages Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. at 370 Essex Street.

Patch

Free bingo night returns to Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Gulu-Gulu Cafe hosts Free Bingo Night with Will Pottorff Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 247 Essex Street.

Destination Salem

Notch Run Club hosts weekly 5K from Salem brewery

Notch Run Club meets Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Notch Brewing, 283R Derby Street, for a noncompetitive 5K with free pretzel bites after.

Destination Salem