Fun At Home

Consider saving a furry friend at your local shelter this month- these pups will give you unconditonal love for your trouble!

October 5 Do Something Nice Day

Today is Do Something Nice Day. Go ahead, do something nice, anything nice. And, do it to, or for, another individual. It won’t hurt; we promise. Doing something nice for someone almost always evokes a very pleasant response. At the very least, it results in a smile. More likely, that person will do something nice to, or for you. And, best of all, doing something nice just might be contagious. In keeping with the spirit of this day, set a goal to do something nice for someone. Perhaps, you can do this for several people. Then, sit back and watch the results!

October 21 International Nacho Appreciation Day

Eating Mexican or Tex-Mex tonight? Have it your way. A pile of nachos is all but certain to be included with the meal. We may not know anything about who created International Nacho Day, why it was created, or exactly when it was first celebrated. But, the creation of the nacho itself is well documented. The inventor is Mexican Agnacio “Nacho” Anaya in 1943. Anaya lived and worked in the Mexican border town of Piedra Negras. After a long day

of shopping, several U.S. Army wives entered the restaurant looking for something to eat. The kitchen staff had left, so Anaya went into the kitchen and went to work creating a snack for them. He cut tortillas (some say he cut up tostados) into triangles, placed some cheese and jalapenos on top, then put it into the oven to melt the cheese. When he removed it from the oven, the nacho was born.

October 25 International Artists’ Day

Artists of all kinds are celebrating around the world today, as it is International Artist Day. On this day, we can and should honor and recognize all of the artists who enrich our lives and society in so many ways. It is important to recognize the contributions of artists around the world. It certainly makes sense that this should be an international event. There’ are so many famous artists from virtually every corner of the world. It would be shame, had the creator of this special day limited it to one area or a single country. Celebrate International Artist Day by recognizing artists in your community. Take an active role and support them, if possible. Spend a little time today, to appreciate all of the art that surrounds you. Visiting an art gallery, attending a symphony, or watching a movie at the theater, are just a few ways to enjoy the day. during this holiday.

October 31 Halloween

It’s absolutely Halloween. And, Halloween is absolutely the best holiday of the year. It is the favorite for many of us, as there is no stress or overload, It’s just absolutely fun.

“Home is where the haunt is!”

Did you know? About 9 t of 10 parents admit to sneaking a treat from their kids treat bag.

Happy Birthday to RL Stine creator of Goosebumps

November 7 Run for Donuts 5K Sherwood Memorial Park

Bring your family and friends to run, jog, and even walk through the beautiful grounds at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. Strollers are welcome. YES, this is an IN-PERSON EVENT that will be COVID-friendly with staggered starts in small groups. The 5k will be timed by Mountain Junkies.

Roanoke Valley’s Only Trampoline Park

Book Your Birthday Party Today!

launchingpadsalem.com

1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153 540-404-9235

Dangerously

Delicious

We’ve chosen some our favorite delicious Halloween-themed snack and dinner recipes for your family’s celebrations!

Spider Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 4 oz goat cheese • 4 green onions - chopped • 3 garlic cloves - minced • 1 tablespoon dried dill weed • 2 teaspoons dried oregano • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/2 cup black sesame seeds • 2 cups pretzel sticks • Additional pretzels and crackers

Directions:

1. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and olive oil until smooth. Then beat in the goat cheese, green onions, garlic, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes.

2. With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (for small spiders) and 3-inch balls (for large spiders). Then roll the balls in the black sesame seeds to coat.

3. For the small spiders, use four pretzel sticks broken in half to create eight legs (four on each side of the ball.) For the large spiders, use eight pretzel sticks to create eight legs (four on each side of the ball.)

4. Cover the Spider Cheeseballs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until you’re ready to serve them. Serve with crackers or additional pretzel sticks.

Jack-oLantern & Cheese

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt • 6 orange bell peppers • 8 oz elbow macaroni • 1 1/4 cups half-andhalf • 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature • 4 oz mild Cheddar, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water.

2. Cut the tops off the peppers and reserve. Remove the seeds and membranes. Put the peppers and the tops in the boiling water and cook until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Plunge the peppers into the ice bath.

Trampolines & More!

Bumper Cars Ninja Warrior Course Basketball Dodgeball Jousting Pit Fidget Ladder Airbag Pit Launch Tower Arcade with prizes Flight Training Wall Snack Bar 5 Party Rooms

3. Once cool, remove them and use a sharp knife to carve a jacko-lantern face into one side of each pepper.

4. Return the water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain (don’t rinse the pasta). 5. Heat the half-andhalf in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer.

6. Continue simmering until reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 10 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. 7. Off the heat, add the macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Season with salt if needed. Let sit for 10 minutes, then divide the mac and cheese among the peppers and cap each with a pepper top.