Friendship Salem Terrace

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.

01/28/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight - Katie Bowles | National Activities Professionals Week 🌟

Katie is one of the heartbeats of our Life Enrichment team, bringing compassion, creativity, and genuine connection into everything she does 💙 As an Activity Assistant, she has a special gift for meeting residents where they are and creating moments that feel meaningful, joyful, and uplifting. Not only does Katie work in activities at Salem Terrace, she also joins in and assists with the fun at our Joseph C. Thomas campus at Friendship Richfield Living - Assisted Living

As a mom of four, Katie leads with patience, empathy, and understanding—qualities that shine through in the relationships she builds every day. Known for her “healer” spirit, she’s passionate about helping others feel seen, valued, and empowered to be their very best selves.

When she’s not brightening our community, Katie enjoys reading, board games, and creative outlets 📚🎲 She’s also always up for an adventure—especially when water is involved! From peaceful river floats to sunny lake days and paddle boarding, she loves embracing life to the fullest 🌊☀️

👉 Join us in giving Katie a big THANK YOU for the heart she pours into our residents each day! Drop a 💙, leave a kind note, or share a shout-out in the comments below—we know it’ll make her smile!

01/28/2026

📚❄️ Nothing beats cozy winter creativity! ❄️📚

There’s truly nothing better than settling in during winter weather with a good book—and making cozy bookmarks to go right along with it! ✂️✨ Whether it’s warm colors, fun patterns, or a little sparkle, handmade bookmarks make every reading moment feel extra special.

Perfect for snowy days, warm drinks, and getting lost in a great story 📖☕❄️
What book are you currently reading this winter? Drop it in the comments! 👇

01/27/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight - Rachelle White | National Activities Professionals Week 🌟

Rachelle one of our dedicated Activity Assistants - brings creativity, curiosity, and authenticity to her work each day 🎨📚. She enjoys painting, drawing, reading, and writing, and finds balance through caring for her plants and spending time in nature 🌿—helping her stay grounded in an increasingly digital world. With a strong passion for research and learning, Rachelle loves exploring ideas that inspire creativity and deeper understanding.

Outside of work, she enjoys video games, anime, and science fiction and paranormal programs 👾✨—especially content that is imaginative and thought-provoking. She values genuine connection, dry humor, and maintaining a curious perspective about the world and the people in it.

This summer marks an exciting personal milestone as Rachelle prepares to become a grandmother 💕. She brings the same care, creativity, and thoughtful presence to her personal life that she shares each day with our residents and team, making her a truly valued member of our life enrichment family.

💬 Join us in celebrating Rachelle!
Drop a comment below to share your appreciation, a kind word, or a favorite memory you’ve shared with her 👇💙

01/26/2026

Today kicks off National Activity Professionals Week, and here at Friendship Salem Terrace, we want to take a moment to celebrate and recognize our incredible Life Enrichment Team!

We are truly thankful for all they do each and every day to create resident-centered programming that brings purpose, joy, connection, and meaningful moments to our community. From special events and celebrations to daily activities that keep our residents engaged and thriving—this team pours their hearts into everything they do.

Now we want to hear from YOU!

💬 Share your favorite programming memory at Friendship Salem Terrace
👏 Leave a shout-out to one of our Life Enrichment team members
📸 Feel free to post photos (past or present) that capture those special moments!

Let’s fill the comments with appreciation, gratitude, and great memories as we celebrate this week together! ❤️

01/25/2026

Snow Day Check-In! ❄️☃️

How did YOU spend your snow day today?

Here at Friendship Salem Terrace, our residents and staff have truly enjoyed the beautiful blanket of winter wonderland covering our campus—there’s just something special about watching the snow fall and taking in the peaceful views.

We would love to see how your day looked, too! 📸
Drop your snow day pictures in the comments so we can share them with our residents and spread a little extra joy and connection.

Stay warm, stay safe, and keep making memories! 💙

01/24/2026

As winter weather approaches, we want our residents to feel calm, confident, and cared for. 🤍

Our team is actively preparing for the incoming winter storm with your safety and comfort as our top priorities. Across our campuses, we are taking extra steps to ensure everything runs smoothly—stocking essential supplies, coordinating staffing coverage, checking emergency systems, and preparing our buildings and walkways for winter conditions.

Our clinical, dining, maintenance, and leadership teams are working closely together to make sure residents continue to receive the same high-quality care, warm meals, and daily routines they count on—no matter what the weather brings. If conditions change, we are ready, and we have plans in place to keep everyone safe and comfortable indoors.

To our families: thank you for trusting us with those you love. To our residents: thank you for being such a wonderful community. Winter storms may come and go, but our commitment to caring for you never changes.

Please stay safe, stay warm, and know that you are in good hands.

01/20/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to nominate Friendship as the Best Senior Living in Roanoke. Vote 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.

01/14/2026

If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, be sure to check out our January Newsletter! 📰✨

It’s filled with highlights from around the community, upcoming events, and fun moments you won’t want to miss. Thank you for staying connected and being part of all we do—there’s always something exciting happening here! 💙

📌 Take a few minutes to read it and see what’s ahead this month!
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