We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 9th Annual Pumpkin Painting Contest, sponsored by GA at Home at Green Acres Landscape. 1st Place: Kelsey Ensz Kelsey will receive a $150 gift card to GA at Home at Green Acres Landscape 2nd Place: Michelle Isaksen Michelle will receive a $75 gift card to GA at Home at Green Acres Landscape 3rd Place: Emily Pate Emily will receive a $50 gift card to Geppetto's Italian Restaurant Voter's Prize: Shirley Hicks Shirley will receive a $100 gift card to The Cozy Taberna. Thank you all so much for participating, and thanks again to our sponsor, GA at Home at Green Acres Landscape. …

For people with pet allergies, the idea of finding a hypoallergenic pet can be encouraging. However, are “hypoallergenic animals” really hypoallergenic, and do they really make a difference for people with allergies? Let’s go into some of the basic information (and misinformation) about these animals. What Defines “Hypoallergenic” Pets? The term hypoallergenic is used to describe animals that are considered less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people, such as sneezing, itching, wheezing, or hives. The term is commonly used to describe certain breeds of dogs or cats, but it can also be applied to pets like reptiles or amphibians. However, using “hypoallergenic” as an umbrella term can be tricky and mislead…

Maintaining the health of your garbage disposal is important to keep it in good working order, and it reduces the costs associated with having to call in a professional for future repairs or replacements. Add these easy-to-remember steps to your kitchen-cleaning checklist to ensure that your garbage disposal smoothly functions for years to come. Clean It Regularly Frequently cleaning your garbage disposal quickly removes food and other waste that may cause sludge buildup and clogging issues. Use natural products such as baking soda and vinegar to remove sludge rather than harsh chemicals that may damage the parts of your disposal. Also, run cold water instead of hot water to prevent any built-up grease from liquefying, which may clog…

How do you get more traffic and boost your website’s visibility in the search engines? Link building is a proven way to accomplish both! It will not only increase the chances that someone comes across a link to your website, but it also adds to your reputation factor in the search engines, giving you a boost in the search engine rankings. With that in mind, what link-building strategies should your small business use? Consider the following strategies, all of which can be done with very little resources. Look for Mentions Without Links – And Claim the Links Your company is likely mentioned more frequently than you realize. But most of those mentions likely won’t include backlinks. If you find those, you can ask for the…

When it comes to working out, many different options are available. Some people work out independently, while others prefer to join a gym or fitness class. And then some opt to work with a personal trainer. While it may seem like an extra expense, there are several benefits to working with a personal trainer. Below are five of the most notable benefits. 1. Expertise and Guidance One of the biggest benefits of working with a personal trainer is gaining access to their expertise and guidance. They can help you create a workout routine tailored to your specific goals and needs and provide guidance and instruction on proper form and technique. This can be incredibly helpful, especially if you're new to working out or looking to make sign…

It’s starting to cool down outside, and it’s time to take a look at your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system if you haven’t already. HVAC systems usually don’t get the attention they deserve until the first signs of cold weather start to hit, and it’s important to take care of them now so you can be prepared for colder days ahead. Let’s take a look at a few HVAC maintenance tips that will help you prep your system for winter. Change the Filter Believe it or not, the air filter in your HVAC system should be changed every 90 days, if not more frequently. If the filter is clogged with dirt and debris, your HVAC system can become much less efficient at heating and cooling your home. A dirty HVAC system will not only re…

This October, it’s more important than ever to focus on healthy eating. That’s because October is National Eat Better Eat Together Month! This is the perfect opportunity for families and friends to meet together at the table and enjoy good food that is both healthy and delicious. Eating Together as a Family If you’re looking for ways to make the most of National Eat Better Eat Together Month, here are a few ideas: Make a point to slow down and eat together as a family at the dinner table. This is a great way to connect with each other and enjoy delicious food.Plan meals that are healthy and easy to prepare. This will make it easier for everyone to get involved in the cooking process.Try new recipes or variations of ol…

At the end of a long day, you’re probably looking forward to some rest. While you might not consider winding down before bed to be crucial, it’s actually an important part of your sleep routine! Get ready for a good night’s sleep after your busy day with these six activities to help you relax before bed. Turn Off Screens The bright light from your phone, computer, and TV can have a negative impact on your sleep quality and keep you up at night. Try to limit your screen time in the last 30-45 minutes before bed to let your eyes and mind rest and get ready for sleeping. Read a Book Reading from a physical book or e-paper device (such as a Kindle) is a great way to wind down before bed. Turn the lights low, pull up your …

What comes to your mind when you think of SEO? For most, the answer is a combination of content marketing and keywords. To say that this is a narrow view of SEO, particularly in 2022, wouldn’t entirely be inaccurate. While it’s true that conventional SEO is still as important today as it was many, many years ago, there's another element that businesses should focus on, one that has significant potential to bring in a lot more customers. Interestingly, it has little to do with the number of blogs you’re writing or the content you’re creating to target featured snippets on the results page. It requires a hyperlocal focus, with the idea being that you should be paying particular attention to customers that are in the vi…

When you turn on your stove top burner or open your oven door, gases and heat escape. Most of these are invisible, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, but some you can see—like smoke from cooking oil. Whether you see them or not, they're all released into your kitchen, making it very unpleasant to be in there for long periods. That's why it's important to have an exhaust fan that vents outside. 1. Remove Moisture and Humidity From the Home Exhaust fans are critical for removing moisture and humidity from the air. Excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be dangerous to your health. In addition, high humidity levels can cause wood to warp and paint to peel. By removing e…

Betsy Vega We had the good fortune of connecting with Betsy Vega with Rose City Balloons at a recent event in Salem. We've shared our conversation below. When did you start your business and where are you located? I founded Rose City Balloons in 2015. My shop is at 45th Parallel located at 2195 Hyacinth St NE, Suite 146 in Salem, Oregon. Rose City Balloons ribbon cutting with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce What do you do? I am a balloon artist and I specialize in creating unique balloon arches, flowers, arrangements, garlands, 3D structures and sculptures. I enjoy listening to my clients as they share their likes and wants for their special event, party or promotion and I do my best to create whatever they w…

There are many reasons why dermatology should be considered an important part of your healthcare. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of skin conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. A dermatologist can also help diagnose skin cancer or other serious conditions that can occur on the skin. Here are five reasons why you should consider visiting a dermatologist. Acne Acne is a very common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. While it’s not dangerous, acne can be uncomfortable and may leave scarring if not treated properly. Because everyone’s skin is different, acne treatment is not a one-size-fits-all situation—but a dermatologist works with each individ…

Aging-in-place services are becoming more and more popular as a senior-care option. What are these services, and what do they entail? Here, we will discuss the basics of aging-in-place services and what they can do for you or your loved one. About "Aging in Place" Services Aging-in-place services help seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible. This can include anything from simple housekeeping and yard work to more complex needs like transportation and home modifications. There are several reasons why someone might want to age in place. For some, it's a matter of independence and wanting to maintain their autonomy. For others, it may be a financial decision - living at home is often cheaper than moving into an assist…

Marketing is essential for any business. You need to put your message in front of the desired audience in order to grow the business substantially. Marketing has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Online or digital marketing in particular has revolutionized the way businesses reach out to prospects, nurture leads, and close sales. At its core, online marketing is no different than placing an ad in a local newspaper or putting up a billboard. However, both of those options may either be too expensive for most small businesses or not targeted enough to generate a decent return on their investment. That’s one of the benefits of digital marketing. It provides small businesses the opportunity to maximize their ROI while…

Water conservation is important for both residential and business properties. Not only does conserving water help to save money on your monthly water bill, but it also helps to preserve our natural resources. Below, we will discuss some tips on how you can conserve water indoors. 1. Check for Leaks in Your Plumbing Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. If you suspect a leak, there are a few ways that you can check. One way is to keep an eye on your water meter. If the needle moves even when no one is using water, you are likely to have a leak somewhere in your system. Another way to check is to take note of your monthly water usage. If you see a sudden spike in your usage, this could indicate a l…

On Wednesday, September 28, 2022 members of the local community gathered to celebrate a dream that has now become a reality, the opening of the Epping Homestead Boys & Girls Club Branch located at 3805 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem OR 97305. Sue Bloom, Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, shared that in late 2018, Gary Epping, son of Larry and Jeanette Epping, called her and said that the family wanted to give the homestead property to build a Boys & Girls Club. She said that Gary shared with her later that his dad had told Gary, Shawn, and the trustees to "use the property for its highest and best use." Full of gratitude, Sue told the crowd, "It's where we are standing today folks. The highest and best …

Buying a used car can be challenging. However, it can be a lot easier when you know what factors to consider. Here are some of the most essential. Your Budget One of the first things you should consider before heading out to your neighborhood dealership is your budget. Establishing a set amount of money you are willing to spend can help you to stay within your means and can narrow down the scope of cars that you will potentially buy. Its History Of course, you will want to know the complete history of any vehicle you’re considering buying. Taking a scan of the interior and exterior, even if it looks flawless, doesn’t tell you about the true history of the car. You should get a full history of the vehicle, including past num…

Your bedroom's design can affect your sleep more than you think. A well-designed bedroom makes it easier to sleep peacefully while a poorly designed room might have you waking up in the middle of the night. If you want to design the ideal bedroom for better sleep, here are a few things to consider. Find the Right Bed First of all, you'll need the right bed for your room. This obviously means finding a mattress that isn't too firm or too soft, but it also means making sure that your bed isn't too big or too small for your room. For example, if you have a bedroom with tall ceilings, you can probably get away with a taller bed as long as it isn't too tall for you. On the other hand, if you have a smaller bedroom, a larger bed could …

Every small business needs to have an email list - it’s one of the most valuable assets you can develop in today’s largely digital world. Having a list of people you can send information to regarding product launches, sales, and service reminders will give you a big boost to your business. But you need people to opt-in to receive emails; you can’t just add someone to your email list without their consent. The following strategies will help you grow your list. Make It Easy to Sign Up Start by ensuring that it is as easy as possible for people to sign up for your email list. Asking for someone’s first name helps with personalization, but your list will grow more quickly if you get rid of this field. You will have t…

If you own a pet, chances are you will experience a time when your furry friend is not feeling well. When this happens, it's important to have a game plan and know what information to give your vet so they can help your pet feel better. Check out these five tips on what to tell your vet when your pet is sick. 1. A Complete History of Your Pet's Health This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to give your local vet a history of your pet's health, both current and past. This includes any changes you noticed in their behavior or appearance, as well as any medications they are currently taking. This information will help your vet get a better understanding of your pet's overall health and make a diagnosis more quickly. …

Do you feel like your home is feeling a little dark and gloomy as the sunlight decreases each day? If so, there are some simple fixes you might want to try! Let’s go over six tricks to brighten your home. Add More Lighting It may seem too obvious, but adding more light sources can really help brighten up your home. If you’re lacking natural light from your windows, consider adding an overhead light or wall sconce to illuminate the area where it’s needed, or try installing brighter bulbs for lamps and other fixtures throughout your home. Lights that are higher up will better imitate natural lighting, as will most “Daylight” light bulbs. Utilize the Power of Mirrors Strategic mirror placements are a quick and easy …