Friendship Salem Terrace

04/09/2026

We had a great time at the Senior Health and Wellness Fair! We even had a chance to stop by and see some Friendship friends!

04/07/2026

Our Easter EGGstravaganza had everything! Bunnies and bonnets…candy and cuddles!

04/03/2026

At its heart, Friendship is about taking care of one another.

Yesterday, we honored the memory of a resident who passed away by sharing something she loved—flowers. She had collected many artificial flowers over the years, and residents came together to create bouquets to take home and remember her.

Today, those flowers can be found all throughout our community, serving as a quiet reminder of friendship, kindness, and a life that will not be forgotten. 🌼 💛

04/02/2026

APRIL calendars are here! Check out the print editions delivered right to your door or find them online at: https://www.friendship.us/salem-terrace/independent-living

02/19/2026

We’re proud to sponsor Kids Square Children’s Museum—and even prouder of what that partnership makes possible.

Each month, families who visit Kids Square take time to create handmade cards for our residents at Friendship Retirement Community. Those simple notes, colorful drawings, and heartfelt messages travel straight from little hands to older hearts—and the impact is powerful. On Valentine's Day, our sister site Friendship Richield Living received cards and gifts for their Health Center residents.

At Friendship, we believe intergenerational experiences are essential to building a stronger, more connected community. When children and seniors share kindness, creativity, and stories (even through something as small as a card), everyone benefits. Smiles are exchanged. Loneliness is eased. And meaningful connections are formed across generations.

Thank you to Kids Square and the amazing families who help remind our residents that they are loved, remembered, and part of something bigger.

Because community is better—at every age—when we grow it together.

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating a love story that proves it’s never too late to find “the one.” 💕

At Friendship, Tom and Nancy discovered something truly special — a friendship that blossomed into romance, and ultimately, marriage. Their journey reminds us that love doesn’t follow a timeline. It shows up when you least expect it.

Join us as we share their beautiful story and the magic that can happen when hearts stay open. At Friendship, we don’t just help people live fully...sometimes, we help them fall in love too. ❤️

02/12/2026

BREAKING NEWS: We've extended the deadline for seniors to apply for the SENIORS FOR SENIORS scholarship to Feb 27th! Get all the details at friendship.us/scholarship

Apply for Friendship's scholarship recognizing students who champion intergenerational connection. Deadline: February 13, 2025. Download application.

02/10/2026

Black History Month | Vision & Values Honoree
Today, we proudly recognize Rev. Adrian E. Dowell, a lifelong servant leader whose faith, vision, and compassion have strengthened our community for decades.

Since 1994, Rev. Dowell has led Shiloh Baptist Church with integrity and innovative thinking—guiding major growth, a facility expansion, and a vibrant congregation that reaches across Salem, Roanoke City, and Roanoke County. His leadership is rooted in trust, accountability, and a deep commitment to lifting others.

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Dowell has poured his heart into social work, youth mentorship, and countless community boards—helping shape education, healthcare ethics, and opportunities for young people throughout the Roanoke Valley. Whether coaching youth sports or serving on civic and faith-based committees, he leads by example and inspires everyone around him to be their best.

Rev. Dowell truly embodies what it means to serve with purpose—and we are honored to celebrate his lasting impact. Denise Dowell is accepting this award on his behalf, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to their entire family.

✨ Thank you, Rev. Dowell, for a legacy of leadership, compassion, and community.

02/05/2026

We've made it into the finals, but we need YOUR VOTE to get us to the GOLD! Vote at our special link below. https://vote.theroanoker.com/custom_link/6978f8fc0ca51a084d749abb?fbclid=IwY2xjawPx1JxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeyU6ym5J5eiQWfjh_g56HzFFBw-qVnmg-9dC7QLOqp7NXRqVEwcaYXAHAwPY_aem_Ko7NKJYODjnkuyPH2YAw-Q

Welcome to our 2026 Best of Roanoke Reader's Poll Voting Page! This ballot is your chance to weigh in on the people, places and things that make or break your day here in the valley.

01/30/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight - Mike Puckett | National Activities Professionals Week 🌟

At Friendship, we believe in supporting friends by providing peace of mind—and Mike brings that promise to life every single day. As Program and Activities Director, Mike leads our life-enrichment team and daily programming with intention, compassion, and a deep commitment to resident engagement and team collaboration 💙🤝. His leadership has helped shape many of our signature experiences, including our annual Veterans Day Celebration, Community Easter Egg Hunt, Annual Co****le Tournament, Fourth of July Celebration, New Year’s at Noon, and numerous holiday and other special events throughout the year. Each of these moments reflects Mike’s dedication to creating meaningful experiences that foster joy, connection, and a true sense of community.

✨ Through his leadership, service, and genuine heart for people, Mike helps bring Friendship’s vision to life—to be the leader that transforms perceptions and embraces aging. ✨

🎓 A Commitment to Growth & Excellence

Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University, with additional coursework in Business Management and Administration. He continually invests in professional growth through certifications in Activities Management, Dementia Care Best Practices, Leadership Development, Professional Life Coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Emergency Preparedness (FEMA/NIMS), and serves as a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

🌐 Leadership & Community Involvement

Mike’s passion for service extends far beyond Friendship. He currently serves as Executive Board President of the Southwestern Virginia Association of Activity Professionals (SWVAAP), helping strengthen and support life-enrichment professionals across our region. He is also a proud member of Leadership Roanoke Valley, Class of 2026, serves as a Board Member for Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, and is a Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

In addition, Mike contributes his leadership and expertise as a VHCA-VCAL Convention / Trade Show & Education Committee Member, an Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, and Team Lead for Project ECHO (Alzheimer’s Association). He also gives back as a Volunteer Partner with G.W. Carver Elementary School and an Essay Judge for the National Civics Bee, reflecting his commitment to education, service, and community impact 🌍🤲.

🏅 Recognized for Service & Impact
Mike’s dedication to people and purpose has been recognized through numerous honors, including the United Way 100 Unsung Heroes Award (Healthcare Category, 2025), a Congressional Commendation from U.S. Senator Mark Warner (2025), and the Virginia Health Care Association D.A. Woody Brown Award (2024) for excellence in long-term care programming. He was also named a Roanoker Magazine 40 Under 40 Honoree (2026), recognizing his leadership, community impact, and professional excellence across the Roanoke Valley.

Outside of Friendship, Mike is a devoted husband and proud father of three 💙. He enjoys playing guitar 🎸 and traveling with his wife ✈️—reflecting the same love for creativity, connection, and shared experiences that he brings to our community each day.

💬 Help us celebrate Mike!
Leave a comment below to share your appreciation, a kind word, or a favorite moment that highlights the impact Mike has made at Friendship Salem Terrace👇✨

01/29/2026

We've made it into the finals, but we need YOUR VOTE to get us to the GOLD! Vote at our special link below.

Welcome to our 2026 Best of Roanoke Reader's Poll Voting Page! This ballot is your chance to weigh in on the people, places and things that make or break your day here in the valley.

01/29/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight - Anna Gyaraki | National Activities Professionals Week 🌟

For Anna, moving from the classroom to the world of activities wasn’t just a career change—it was a calling. After relocating to Virginia in 2021, she quickly discovered that teaching and life enrichment share the same heart: connecting with people and sparking curiosity. 💛

Known for her vibrant energy and love for God’s beautiful outdoors 🌿, Anna brings creativity and adventure into everything she does—from jewelry making and oil painting 🎨 to zip-lining, whitewater rafting, RV trips, and exploring new hiking trails. She finds joy in life’s simple wonders too, like watching hummingbirds, admiring Highland cows, and playing with puppies 🐶.

A lifelong educator and learner, Anna approaches every resident interaction with warmth, curiosity, and inspiration. Her philosophy of constant growth is something she lives daily—and hopes to pass on to her daughter and everyone around her.

👇 Join us in showing Anna some love! Drop a comment, a 💚, or a quick shout-out to thank her for the passion and positivity she brings to our community every day.