August 24, 2026
Presented by Salem Plastic Surgery
A MESSAGE FROM SALEM PLASTIC SURGERY
From Wake to Salem
Now in its 34th year, Salem Plastic Surgery continues to grow. Meet the surgeons behind the practice, from founder to newest addition, who all have roots to Wake Forest.
Dr. Tucker | Started the practice in 1992 after finishing residency at Wake Forest.
Why plastic surgery? "I've always been an artsy guy. A rotation in med school hooked me on the way the pieces come back together."
Local favorites: Forsyth CC golf course, Cibo Trattoria, and Ramkat for live music.
Most requested surgery: Breast enhancement: augmentation and reduction.
Dr. Howell | Attended Wake Forest Medical School and joined the practice in 2006.
Why plastic surgery? "I studied mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech and realized I wanted to be a surgeon. The problem-solving and artistry fit perfectly with my background."
Why he loves the team: "As a small office, we're a family — serious about what we do, but we laugh and tease and enjoy working together."
Most requested surgery: Mommy Makeovers: combining breast surgery with a tummy tuck.
Dr. Lloyd | After completing her medical residency at Wake, she fell in love with the city and is proud to be their newest surgeon.
Local favorites: Dough-Joe's, Taqueria Los Juanes, and walks around Reynolda.
Why Salem Plastic Surgery? "It was an easy choice because of the people. The team welcomed me like family from day one!"
🖋 Helping Others Tell Their Story
Veronica Smith is giving the community spaces to be heard, from group journaling sessions to a packed storytelling night.
Veronica Smith (in white) and storytellers at The Grackle | Photo courtesy of Veronica Smith
Who: Veronica's sobriety journey led her to use writing as a way to process and sparked a bigger idea: how many other people needed this same outlet?
Backstory: In 2024, she started The Healing Pen, guiding others through group journaling sessions. Those sessions taught her the power of storytelling, which led her to launch The Grackle in April 2026.
The Grackle: A free-to-attend communal storytelling night held in Lot 63’s Underground. Expect to hear authentic, personal stories from a group of 6 speakers — the next one is this Thursday!
The Experience: Devone H. loved her experience as a storyteller at the inaugural Grackle. “[The audience] laughed, reacted, and connected with parts of my story. I felt like I was sitting in a living room with friends."
People from all stages of life find their strength at RideUnited. From young parents to busy professionals and young adults, everyone has a place.
Middle-aged working mom | "I can’t explain how much RideUnited has helped me become a better version of myself!"
Young adult female | "As someone who values community and is new to town, I love the come-as-you-are vibe here!"
Middle-aged working male professional | "There's a variety of class times and formats that enable me to get in my workout fix several times a week!"
Young adult male | "It always feels like a big party. I know I am going to have a great time and a great workout."
See what all the hype is about — enjoy a week of unlimited classes for just $29!*
🗓 Events
Tuesday, August 25
Dash Baseball - It's the last homestand of the season! This week’s promos include Harry Potter Night and Bolt's 16th Birthday. Daily games through Sunday.
Movie Screening - Don’t miss "Harriet" at a/perture, starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman. This is the first feature in a/perture's Face to Face Goes to the Movies series. 6:30 PM
Idea Potluck - Grown-up show-and-tell. Seven locals share their stories, passions, and projects at this Mac & Cheese Productions event! 6 PM
Toddler Time - Music & movement class plus 2 hours of open play at Safe Haven Play Cafe! 8:15-11:15 AM
Wednesday, August 26
Game Night - Play board games and make new friends with the Camel City Board Game Enthusiasts at Joymongers. 6-10 PM
Cocktail Class - Learn how to craft the perfect Old Fashioned at Joyner’s! 7 PM
Paint & Sip - Date night idea! Paint a UFO while sipping on a complimentary glass of wine at The Observatory. 6 PM
Mahjong & Apps - Learn game basics with Camel City Mahjong at SoHo, plus a few easy appetizer recipes! 5:30 PM
Thursday, August 27
Drinks @ Dusk - Explore the Reynolda House and its artwork, sip on drinks, and compete in a scavenger hunt along the way. 6-9 PM
Music at the Farm - Escape the city for an evening of live music, local art, yard games, and food at Mossy Hill Farm. 5:30-8:30 PM
ConvergeSouth - Check out a startup expo, listen to keynote presentations, and sign up for 1-on-1 investor meetings at Biotech Place! Presented by Flywheel. Runs through Friday.
🗞 Other News
🌮 Coming Soon: Cactus Mexican Cuisine opens at 3450 Old Salisbury Road in late September, bringing authentic Mexican flavors, Tex-Mex favorites, and handcrafted drinks to the former Maxburger Burger Bar spot.
🎵 Music: May the Force be with you. The Piedmont Wind Symphony hosts a free Star Wars concert at Incendiary Brewing on September 13! Come dressed as your favorite character.
🏁 Racing: NASCAR is returning to Bowman Gray Stadium for the Craftsman Truck Series debut on August 20, 2027, the track's first points-paying national series race since 1971. Meanwhile, next year’s Clash race is heading back to Daytona after 2 years at Bowman Gray.
🎾 Tennis: 5 days left. It’s not too late to grab tickets for the Winston-Salem Open! Bonus: former world No. 1 and 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev debuts tomorrow.
🍺 Spotlight: Have you been to The Sand Trap? Local April W. opened the neighborhood bar and grill last summer at Heather Hills Golf Course. Expect weekly music bingo, live music, and food specials! We’re eyeing the 50¢ wings on Wednesdays.
🖋 Do you journal?
👀 Poll results: Which easytalk bar is more your style?
Easy bar - 49%
Talk bar - 51%
Cindy S. prefers the talk bar and shared, “I drink my drinks straight but love both bars. I go to easytalk weekly. Absolutely love everyone there.”
SPONSORED
Upcoming Events
Half Marathon Training - Join Fleet Feet, Winston-Salem's running expert of 20+ years, for group runs, training guides, and encouragement leading up to the Mistletoe Run! Info session September 8.
🌀 The Wrap
👀 Live in Clemmons? Learn more about the proposed asphalt plant at the Clemmons Library tomorrow at 6:30 PM.
🚴♂️ Do you use the Salem Creek Greenway? The city wants your input on improving its flood-prone stretch.
