Karen Kistler

A free six-week “Building Better Caregivers” workshop will be held Tuesdays from September 1 through October 6 at Trinity Living Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. The program is designed to help caregivers manage physical and emotional health, reduce stress, handle difficult behaviors, plan for the future, locate resources, and improve communication. Registration is required by August 24 through the Rufty Holmes Senior Center.

Project LIGHT Rowan will hold its annual Fiesta Night fundraiser on Sept. 15 at the Rowan County Events Center in Salisbury, with Alicia Kozakiewicz as keynote speaker. Kozakiewicz, who survived an internet-facilitated abduction at age 13, will discuss her experience and digital safety. The free event includes a taco bar and is open to the public, but seating is limited and attendees must RSVP by Sept. 4. Organizers aim to raise $50,000 to support Project LIGHT’s prevention education, community awareness and survivor-support work addressing human trafficking and child exploitation.

The Spencer Historic Commission will hold a second community history class on August 23 at the N.C. Museum of Dolls, Toys and Miniatures. Led by Barbara Moran and Leslie Talbott, the session will focus on identifying architectural styles of Spencer homes, including Queen Anne, Arts and Crafts, Colonial Revival, Tudor and Prairie styles. Attendees may bring home photographs for identification, and the event will include a history contest, prizes and refreshments. The program follows a well-attended inaugural class and is intended to build interest in and appreciation for Spencer’s historic resources.

The annual Frontier Coffee Shop Veterans Lunch, themed “Saluting Service, Honoring Sacrifice,” will take place Wednesday at the Rowan County Events Center in Salisbury. The free event is open to veterans and one guest, with donations requested from other attendees. Activities include veteran memorial trees, a historical rifle display, military vehicles, veteran-support vendors, a keynote address by former American Legion state commander Devell “Bo” Durham, and a meal provided by Register of Deeds John Brindle.

Salisbury Parks and Recreation held its third annual Back to School Bash at Hall’s Gym, where a large crowd received bookbags, school supplies, clothing, shoes and hygiene items. Community partners, churches and volunteers helped distribute nearly 1,200 bookbags, while vendors provided information, food and other giveaways. Eight hairstylists and barbers donated haircuts and styling services, and organizers said the event has grown each year and should continue expanding to support Rowan County students.