Liz's Pet Portraits / Photo courtesy of Ann Whitenack

Ann Whitenack of the Salem Farmers Market shares this photo and says:

Many of you had the opportunity last year to see Liz at work taking an animal picture and turning it into an amazing pastel portrait capturing the petality (pet personality) of your beloved pooch, puddy cat, horse, donkey or any other animal you choose.

Liz brings with her many of the prints she has finished along with the pictures so you can see the uncanny likeness, it’s hard to determine at times which is the photograph and which is the pastel.

Are you having trouble thinking of a gift for your friends with pampered pets? Well think no further, come on down to the Salem Farmers Market on Saturdays and see for yourself what Liz has to offer!

Thanks, Ann! Do you have photos you’d like to share? Email news@sosalem.com or upload up to 10 photos at a time using our share tool.

From the Roanoke County website:

This week’s storm serves as a reminder that others need your help. The American Red Cross will be at Green Ridge on Thursday from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. Your gift of life will help those in need throughout the country, including victims of natural disasters like the hurricane currently pummeling the east coast. When you hold your appointment, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free one month membership to Green Ridge. Our goal is 50 donors, and when we meet that goal we will give away TWO free months to TWO lucky participants.

The sign-up procedure is simple! Call the Green Ridge front desk @ 777.6314- tell them you are signing up for the BLOOD MOBILE on November 1st. They will ask you about what time you would like- then ask for your name and phone. Please give a number that you will be able to be contacted in case we may need to reach you.

Thank you for giving your time and a special gift of life…please know you make a difference!

Sarah Chambers of JDRF shares the following information about two upcoming ‘Blue Out’ events in November in support of National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Thursday, Nov. 1, is Type 1 Day and the first of two Blue Out days; the second comes on Wednesday, Nov. 14, which is World Diabetes Day.

Salon VeLuxe in Salem will be participating on Nov. 1 by offering $10 blue hair streaks. All proceeds will go to JDRF. Salon VeLuxe is located at 27 E. Main Street in Salem.

Salem BlueOut 1101

Do you plan to participate in the Blue Out days? Share your photos by emailing news@sosalem.com or upload up to 10 photos at a time using our share tool.

Today’s Daily Deal on roanoke.com is at Fusion Salon and Day Spa on Apperson Drive in Salem.

For details, or to sign up for e-mail alerts about future Daily Deals, see dailydeal.roanoke.com.

The 14U Scrappers-Leftwich 99 team. Photo courtesy of Allyson Leftwich

Congratulations to the 14U Scrappers – Leftwich 99 team for placing 1st in the Gold division of the 6th Annual Scaremare tournament held in Greensboro, N.C., on Oct. 20 – 21. With a field of 19 teams, the Scrappers – 99 team finished on top with a record of five wins and one loss. Congratulation girls for a strong start to the fall season.

Pictured are:

Front row: Hannah Nelms (Buchanan), Morgan Leftwich (SW County), Kaitlin Deeter (Botetourt), Cassie Powell (Vinton), Megan DiCenzo (Forest)

Back row: Rebecca Hensley (Bedford), Sara Brown (Rocky Mount), Megan Murphy (Ashland, KY), Olivia Garman (New Castle), Elena Boitnott (Vinton), Sydney Gordon (Buchanan). Not pictured: Brianna Whorlety (Montvale)

– Submitted by Allyson Leftwich

Medeco shows off a new sign / Photo courtesy of Rachel Spencer

Medeco, located at 3625 Alleghany Drive in Salem, now has a new sign to reflect their association with sister brand Arrow Lock & Door Hardware, a smaller company which has occupied the building with Medeco for several years, according to Rachel Spencer, who shares the photo.

Read on for more information about Medeco. Read more »

Mark Early shares this flyer and says:

HopeTree Family Services will host a Brunswick Stew on its Salem campus on Nov. 17. This is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to the community for all its support over the past year. Please RSVP so we have plenty of stew on hand.

Salem HopeTreeBrunswick 1102

From the Roanoke County website:

Cheer on your favorite college team on Saturday at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Quidditch Championship at Green Hill Park. While you’re there, participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a fun family event from Roanoke County Parks from 10am to 5pm. Compete as an individual or as a team for “house points” by performing challenges including a scavenger hunt, potions making and trivia. We’ll also have Potter themed crafts and activities all afternoon, plus live Quidditch demonstrations with the players. You’re welcome to come dressed in your wizarding best as you enjoy this FREE family event.

The following local residents have become independent consultants with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct sales company featuring more than 60 delicious, easy-to-prepare foods:

* Kristin Callaway of Roanoke, who can be reached at krismandi89@gmail.com
* Teresa Custer of Salem, who can be reached at custer.teresa@yahoo.com

These independent business owners offer delicious food samples at home taste-testing parties, along with easy ideas for everyday meals, recipes, serving suggestions and fun. All of Tastefully Simple’s products are open-and-enjoy or can be prepared by adding only one or two ingredients.

“In today’s world, ‘staying in’ has become the new ‘going out!’ You don’t have to leave home to enjoy wonderful food, fun and laughter with your family and friends,” says Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple Inc.
founder and CEO. “That’s why we’re proud to offer great experiences, easy-to-prepare products and an exciting business opportunity for people who are looking for something more.”

For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or starting your own Tastefully Simple business, visit www.tastefullysimple.com.

About Tastefully Simple
Tastefully Simple is the original national home taste-testing company featuring easy-to-prepare foods and gifts. The company’s unique, high-quality products are offered through independent consultants across the United States. For more information about Tastefully Simple, visit tastefullysimple.com.

Submitted by Tastefully Simple

Photo courtesy of Tammy Bouck

Tammy Bouck shares this photo of her granddaughter Nevaeh, who she says loves Pumpkinfest and goes every year.