06.28.2024

Today’s Forecast

88º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:06 a.m. | Sunset 8:42 p.m.

🖊️ Grab your pen and get writing

Winston-Salem writers group creates safe space for writers to hone their craft

WStoday: Winston-Salem Writers group showcasing their books and work at a table tent

The group also runs writing contests open to residents around North Carolina. | Photo by Judie Holcomb-Pack

Everyone has a story to tell. Whether you’re writing a book (or thinking about it), or would like to master the art of writing, Winston-Salem Writers (WSW) has something for every type of writer.

How it started and how it’s going

The group began in the 1990s when several writers in Winston-Salem decided to create a space to share their craft. The organization blossomed and became a nonprofit. A board of directors and committee chairs handle day-to-day business.

The group has grown to over 120 members — some live in other parts of the world. Novices, published authors, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters are all welcome.

How can I get involved?

There are plenty of ways to participate as a WSW member:

Sign up for an annual membership ($40) which runs through December 31.
Attend “Writers Around Town,” a monthly social event to mingle with fellow writers at Campus Gas.
Join a critique group where you can share your work and receive feedback to hone your craft.

If you’re not ready to commit to a membership, WSW group offers open mics for the public to participate in:

“The Zoom Open Mic” | First Tuesday of each month | Virtual | Sign-ups begin at 6:45 p.m. Readers have 5 to 10 minutes to share their work in a supportive environment.
“On Your Feet Open Mic” | Second Thursday of each month | The Bookhouse, 120-A Reynolda Village Way | Sign-ups start at 6:45 p.m. and readers can share three to five minutes of their work.

Members and nonmembers can also attend “From the Page Author Showcase” to meet local authors and have their book signed. The event in collaboration with Bookmarks features authors monthly from August to October.

Events

Friday, June 28

Outdoor Movie Night | Friday, June 28 | 9-11 p.m. | Family Kicks Championship Martial Arts, 5086 Styers Ferry Rd., Lewisville | Free | Bring your lawn chair and some munchies and watch “Kung Fu Panda 4" in the parking lot.
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Rome Emperors | Friday, June 28 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium, 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem | $13-$53 | End your week with a bang stick around after the game for a fireworks show.*

Saturday, June 29

Independence Day Tribute Concert | Saturday, June 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Shallowford Square, 6555 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville | Free | Join the American Legion Post 522 as members present the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a live performance by Jim Quick & Coastline.
Outdoor Movie Series: “Nacho Libre” | Saturday, June 29 | 8:45 p.m. | East of Texas, 907 S. Broad St., Winston-Salem | Free | Watch the story of a man who raises money for orphans — proceeds will support the Winston-Salem Street School.
Live Performance by Ciera Dean Trio | Saturday, June 29 | 7-10 p.m. | Wise Man Brewing, 826 Angelo Bros Ave., Winston-Salem | Free entry | Watch “The Voice” contestant Ciera Dean and her trio make their debut at the taproom with a mix of country, rock, pop, and soul.
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Rome Emperors | Saturday, June 29 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium, 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem | $13-$53 | The Dash will sport their new black + gold Golden Age jerseys exclusively on Saturdays when they are at home as part of Golden Age Saturday.*

Sunday, June 30

The Healing Pen Presents: Healing Through Journaling | Sunday, June 30 | 3-5 p.m. | Bookmarks, 634 W. Fourth St., Ste. 110, Winston-Salem | $25-$60 | Winston-Salem native Veronica Smith will guide you through expressive writing exercises to help you in your healing journey.
IFS Healing Circle: One-Day Immersion | Sunday, June 30 | 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | 18 Springs Community Healing Center, 2424 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | $190 | Take part in guided meditations and group sculpting to bring energetic healing to your mind and body.
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Rome Emperors | Sunday, June 30 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium, 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem | $13-$53 | It’s Sunday Funday purchase this special ticket package (includes a game ticket + drink voucher to any of the bars at Truist Stadium) for only $20.*

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Seasonal

🇺🇸 Celebrate a star-spangled week with the Dash

Celebrate a star-spangled week with the Dash

Presented by a WStoday partner

a gif featuring images from a previous fourth of july winston-salem dash game

Cheer on the Dash as they take on the Hickory Crawdads. | Photos courtesy of Winston-Salem Dash; GIF by WStoday

In our opinion, there isn’t a better summertime activity than catching a baseball game — especially during Fourth of July weekend.

And you’re in luck, Winston-Salem: The Dash is home next week. Here’s what they’ve got planned for their patriotic homestand against the Hickory Crawdads:

Wednesday, July 3
You’re invited to the Bolt, White, and Blue Stadium Party. This family-fun event will have live music from Reed Foley, a free kids’ zone, free face painting, and more. Bonus: The festivities will end with a fireworks show the same size as the post-game Fourth of July show. General Admission is $5.

Thursday, July 4
Catch the largest fireworks show in Winston-Salem after the game, presented by the City of Winston-Salem. Tickets start at $15 for a lawn seat when purchased in advance. Hint: This is the largest game of the year, so get your tickets early to secure your seat. Gates will open at 5 p.m., followed by first pitch at 7 p.m.

Don’t miss games on Friday and Saturday, too.

Buy tickets

News Notes

Civic

Want to make an impact in your community? Apply to serve on a board or commission committee by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 8. Mayor Allen Joines will select members for open positions on 11 panels — check out our pro tips to get started.

Announced

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office launched a new app to help residents receive critical information in real time. Search Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office on Google Play or the App Store to download the free app. (ABC45 News)

Edu

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County students will not be allowed to use their cell phone during the school day — though some exceptions will apply. Board of Education members, who approved the policy earlier this week, say the new policy will improve students’ mental health and reduce class disruptions. (WFDD)

Outdoors

Looking to explore the great outdoors this weekend? Lace up your boots for these 15 hiking trails, loops, and routes around Winston-Salem for all skill levels.

Plan Ahead

Mom League will host “Moms’ Night Out” on Thursday, July 18. Whether you’re new to the organization or have been involved before, the event is free to open to anyone. Meet the crew at the patio of easytalk (905 S. Broad St.) at 7:30 p.m. — no RSVP required.

State

Now let’s hit a high note. North Carolina has established the NC Music Office with hopes of attracting more music industry events + festivals to the state. It will also work to increase awareness to NC’s music scene and history.

Finance

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Edu

Happy first week of summer. Time to play… or learn? Whether plotting out a path to a new career or dipping your toes in Personal Enrichment courses (think: start a new hobby), now is the perfect time to browse Forsyth Tech’s class options. Need help? Try their Program Finder.*

Eat

Looking to dine out this weekend? According to OpenTable, top-loved restaurants this month include Rooster’s A Noble Grille for food and JOLO Winery & Vineyards for ambience.*

Civic

🗳️ Creating a movement

RJ Reynolds High School student ramps up efforts encouraging residents to vote

WStoday: Reynolds high school student Clara Bryant-Prosterman holds poster that reads "When we all vote, my school votes."

Bryant-Prosterman says she felt inspired to take on this project with the support of her teacher, Mr. Wiley. | Photo by Clara Bryant-Prosterman

While she can’t cast a ballot yet, one Winston-Salem 16-year-old is ramping up efforts to get 200 people to register to vote by Nov. 1.

Clara Bryant-Prosterman is a student ambassador with My School Votes, which is part of “When We All Vote” organization — a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness around voting. The RJ Reynolds High School student is working with local communities and her school to get eligible voters involved in elections. Bryant-Prosterman says taking part of this project ensure that she still has a voice.

“Registering to vote is an easy process [...] and even as teenagers we can still be involved in the political process,” Bryant-Prosterman said.

You can register to vote through Reynolds High School’s online portal, which will count towards Bryant-Prosterman’s goal. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

The Buy

The Buy 6.28.24 (Affiliate)

A Prime membership — because Amazon Prime Day is coming Tuesday, July 16 + Wednesday, July 17. You need a membership to be eligible for the sale prices (which are usually pretty great).

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

Celebrate with a touch of sweetness. Louie and Honey’s Kitchen funfetti cake is back for the summer. The three-layer vanilla almond cake is covered with cream cheese frosting, enfolded with sprinkles on all sides. You can order this festive creation online for $50. I’ll be ordering one for my next hosting party this summer.

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