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Salem Super Cruise kicks off today

Salem West Healthcare Center resident Walter Andre sits behind the wheel of a 1956 Mercury Monterey owned by Tom Hall, accompanied by Salem West Healthcare Center Administrator Katy Brock during a mini cruise sponsored by CommuniCare at the Bentley Drive facility. For many years, the nursing home has hosted a car cruise the day before the Salem Super Cruise kicks off. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

SALEM — Let the cruising commence.

The Salem Super Cruise kicks off today, with Mayor John Berlin set to give the “Start your engines” signal at 7 p.m. in the Pershing Street/South Lundy municipal lot.

On Wednesday, the cruising started early at Salem West Healthcare Center on Bentley Drive where CommuniCare sponsored the annual mini super cruise show. The event featured prizes of first, second and third for the cars selected by the residents and community members, along with dash plaques for participants.

There was also food, raffle baskets and an employee playing some tunes under a sunny sky.

Half the proceeds will go to the Mullins family, which suffered the tragic loss of two members, a father and son, during a car accident in April. Jim Mullins was 72 and his youngest son, Jake, was 34 when they were killed on U.S. Route 30 in Lisbon. Jake left behind his two children, ages 8 and 6, and a GoFundMe page has been organized for them.

“We wanted to reach out to a local family going through a hard time,” Salem West Healthcare Center Administrator Katy Brock said.

She said they found the GoFundMe page and contacted the organizer.

The show attracted 20 to 25 vehicles. Brock said the company paid for free food for the staff for staff appreciation. Salem North Healthcare Center residents were also brought around the corner for the car show.

CommuniCare is really looking forward to having more events with the community, she said, adding “the residents love the interactions.”

For many, this is the first big outing, whether it’s the cruise at Salem West Healthcare Center or the Salem Super Cruise.

“We’re thrilled that people finally get to come out and get together and we want everybody to have a super time. We’ve been cooped up as well and happy to get out and about,” Salem Police Chief J.T. Panezott said.

He’s reminding people to follow the laws and be responsible for their own actions. He also stressed that there is no Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area this weekend. The DORA is suspended for the cruise.

The state highway patrol will be in the area, along with the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and a full crew of Salem Police officers, both on foot and in patrol cars.

“We will be enforcing open container, public intoxication and all traffic laws. We just want people to be safe,” Panezott said.

mgreier@salemnews.net

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