Literary Shout Out

Kiki Howell is the author of titles including The Sorcerer’s Song, The Witch’s Beast, and The Healing Spell. She is working on a new series and the first book will take place right here in Salem. She was inspired to pen the new series after a trip to our city this summer. Salem, you are so inspiring.

Kick Butt

Want to kick some butt of your own in 2011?Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts will hold its first self-defense class for women on Feb. 12. The class is $30 and proceeds benefit local non-profitHAWC. This could make a really fantastic Girls Night Out for you and your friends.

Save!

I received a great gift for Christmas — the 2011 Boston Area Entertainment Guide. The book is filled with discounts and coupons for stores, amusements, restaurants and more. I was so excited because I can start using it immediately right here in Salem. Participating Salem locations include: Daily Bagel Cafe, Damatas Pizza, Star Dry Cleaners, Uncle Bob’s Self Storage, Subway, McDonald’s, and Green Land Cafe.

Salem Tops the List

A new article by Maria Olia came out to celebrate the New Year. The on-line magazine iStopOver published “Make the Most of 2011: A Dozen Places to Take Your Kids in New England.” Salem was named as the hot destination for the month of October (duh). But congrats Salem for making the news again!

Get Involved

Hoping to get involved with the local theatre this year? The Salem Theatre Company is holding auditions for the production of Sarah Ruhl’s “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” The company is searching for two males and four females to fill parts. Auditions will take place tonight and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the theatre.

Fit to the Core

It is day three of your New Year’s Resolution — how are you doing? If you need a little bit of butt-kicking, sign up for Core Conditioning for Runners. The eight-week class starts on Jan 12. Karen Giroux will be your trainer and get your core strengthened and into tip-top shape! Contact Salem Park, Recreation & Community Services for more info.