SALISBURY — The summer issue of Salisbury the Magazine, a publication of the Salisbury Post, has reached subscribers and is now available elsewhere.

Closures prompted by the response to COVID-19 have affected some of the normal distribution sites. If you can’t find a copy at your regular spot, magazines are available at the Salisbury Post office, 131 W. Innes St.

Because of precautions taken during the coronavirus  pandemic, the summer edition relied heavily on reader submissions, people who sent in hundreds of photos of their activities during the sheltering in place, their many artistic creations and the beauty of their gardens at home.

The cover showcases a colorful collage technique that Brenda Zimmerman uses on both canvases and 3-D items such as big urns. During the quarantine, Zimmerman took advantage of the extra stay-at-home hours to flex her creative talents, as did many others.

Also in the summer edition look for a feature story focusing on two urban forests — the Tom E. Smith Exploratorium and Spencer Woods.

These rich natural areas, located close to home for many Rowan Countians, have found renewed public interest as people turn to outdoor areas where they can maintain social distancing and exercise to boot.

Photographer Sean Meyers took to the trails to bring back diverse images from both places.

Elsewhere, contributing writer Kris Mueller caught up with grillmaster Cyndi Allison in Cleveland, who recently has written a book on grilling with foil packets. Several of Allison’s recipes also are shared.

Longtime downtown business owner Pam Hylton Coffield, owner of Stitchin’ Post Gifts, sits down for a quick Q&A as this issue’s Rowan Original. Salisbury resident Tim Truemper provided the photograph for Through the Lens.

Connie Loflin Peninger did the artwork for Salisbury’s the Place, and Alissa Redmond, owner of South Main Book Co., offers five reading recommendations in Bookish.

Salisbury the Magazine publishes nine times a year. The August issue will be reaching subscribers in mid July and distributed elsewhere later in that month.

To advertise or subscribe to Salisbury the Magazine, call 704-797-POST or go to www.SalisburyThe Magazine.com.

— Mark Wineka, editor, Salisbury the Magazine