Tuesday Tails for September 2, 2014 These precious dogs are looking for their forever homes. Please consider making them a part of your family.          Meet Moon, she's an American Bulldog, a momma whose babies have all been adopted. Victoria is a large female adult Collie. Ricardo is a Pharoah hound and he is really in need of some attention. Did you know that you can volunteer to walk the dogs, come in and sit with them or play with them in the fenced yards? 63 DOGS ARE WAITING for their forever homes right now. Can you make room in your heart and home?   Donate, Volunteer, Adopt   Two of the simplest ways to donate to the Franklin County Humane Society are: Kroger Community Rewards 'Kroger is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Year after year, local schools, chur... 09/02/2014

It's FELINE FRIDAY.....let me tell you about the adorable kittens and cats available for adoption at Franklin County Humane Society's Planned Pethood Adoption Center.  You are welcome to come in and visit with the kitties and become a part of the Kitten Crew.   Visit the #kittiesinthecity at PetSmart, Valley View Mall, Roanoke.    These beautiful cats are available at FCHS right now:                           Clara is a small adult, Dilute Calico, Pattie Belle, a small, young Domestic Short Hair and Chipotle, a small, adult orange Tabby. This is the list of CURRENTLY AVAILABLE KITTENS & CATS.   Looking for a dog? Want to see who's waiting? CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DOGS & CATS   What can you do? Donate, Volunteer, Adopt a shelter pet.  To Adopt, please visit http://plannedpethoodrockymount.co... 08/29/2014

It's Harvest Time!     Booker T. Washington was born into slavery on April 5, 1856 on the Burroughs  tobacco farm near Hardy, Virginia. The Booker T Washington National Monument includes almost 200 acres of that farm. The Booker T Washington National Monument will be holding its Harvest Time 1864 Event on September 20, 2014 from 10am-4pm in Hardy, VA.   Admission is FREE! There wiill be demonstrations from costumed interpreters, music, wagon rides. Food, Ice Cream & drinks will be available for sale.   Demonstrations will include: Blacksmithing, Rag Doll Making, Tobacco Twisting, Sheep Sheering, Wool Spinning, Open Hearth Cooking, Butter Churning, Tatting, Carved Wooden Animals, Whittling, Chair Caning, Basket Making Music by Ladies of the Lake - Civil War music Tina Liza Jones & The Fl... 08/28/2014

For every animal that the FCHS takes in, they spend at minimum $250 on that animal. Some of the dogs that have been saved from the euth list have heartworms and their treatment can run as much as $1,000. I'll be driving over to the Franklin County Humane Society later today with boxes of household items that have been kicking around in my basement since we've moved last year. The Purrfect Treasures Store will resell these and the proceeds will be used to fund the work of the FCHS Planned Pethood Adoption Center. Purrfect Treasures Store depends on donations from the community and welcome new and gently used household items.    There are too many dogs looking for their forever home. Please take a look at these beauties and consider making them a part of your family!                      ... 08/25/2014

It's FELINE FRIDAY and time to tell you about all of the adorable kittens and cats that are available for adoption at Franklin County Humane Society's Planned Pethood Adoption Center.   These 3 fur babies are looking for their forever homes:           Jersey, Baby & Possum   They are all domestic short hair cats. Come visit all of the beautiful kittens & adults that  are available for adoption. Mention this ad to to take advantage of reduced adoption fees at the FCHS Planned Pethood Adoption Center.   Looking for a dog? Want to see who's waiting? THESE beautiful fur babies are ready to go to their forever homes RIGHT NOW!     What can you do? Donate, Volunteer, Adopt a shelter pet.   To Adopt, please visit http://plannedpethoodrockymount.com/ for an application and forward to plannedpet... 08/22/2014

The weather on Saturday was perfect for a night out at Smith Mountain Lake and since getting there is half the fun, we decided to skip the drive and take the boat to the restaurant.                       On the way to dinner, the Captain spied The Ice Cream Boat. So...                   Dad always said, Life is short...Eat Dessert First!       After purchasing our tasty treats, we continued on our way thanks to  my mad navigational skills. No, not really- iPhone's work great on SML! I just followed the little blue arrow and took in the amazing views!     We found a great spot to dock at Jake's Place.   Jake's is one of 19 Waterfront Restaurants at Smith Mountain Lake. There's a $5 cover charge on the weekends if you eat outside when there's live music. But since Barefoot West is one of ... 08/21/2014

What a busy month for  Franklin County Humane Society's Planned Pethood!     96 pets were adopted to start their new lives, including Bazzle who I profiled last week! Meet some of the dogs who are available for adoption:  Senator William Stanley & Tanner   Tanner was on the euthanasia list at RCACP as he tested positive for heart worm disease. Franklin County Humane Society agreed to take him (though donations for treatment are needed- cost could be as high as $1,000). With the help of Virginia State Senator William Stanley, Ingalath Cooper and other donors. Tanner (a hound dog), will be fostered and gets a second chance at life.    Lucy & Ethel:                                           Lucy and Ethel are two young, large Labrador Retrievers. The girls are looking for their forever hom... 08/18/2014

There are 19 restaurants accessible by boat at Smith Mountain Lake. Most are only open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, but open for lunch, dinner, a snack or a drink at other times during the day and night. If you decide to arrive in style, this is a list of the restaurants that have docking available: Bridgewater Marina Docks   IN MONETA At Bridgewater Plaza you will find a large docking area to tie up and a nice selection of eateries: Moosie's Restaurant  540.721.5255 Chopsticks Chinese    540.721.8839 Mango's Bar & Grill    540.721.1632                 ALL CHANNEL MARKER R28 Pizza Pub  540.721.1234 Ice Cream Cottage   540.721.1305 Oar Knot        540.719.0411   Take your picture with Moosie!   At Bernard's Landing you will find AMAZING FOOD thanks to Chef Bruno: The Landing Res... 08/13/2014

I needed to order water filters for my refrigerator so I logged onto Amazon where they're half the price of the manufacturer. In case you weren't aware, Amazon has a program called AmazonSmile which makes a small donation (based on your eligible purchases) to your favorite charity.   With an add-on for Firefox, you choose your charity and it appears at the top of your account page, like mine:   Supporting: Franklin County Humane Society Inc         I read a story from Huffington Post in which the author stated some people may give less to charity- thinking they'd already given by using programs like this. That's not my feeling at all; I'll still be donating to the charities I've supported. But if I'm purchasing water filters at a big box store, NOTHING goes to charity. Every little bit ... 08/13/2014

I recently visited the Franklin County Humane Society's Planned Pethood and Adoption Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia.  It's quite a facility and I was impressed with how clean it is, the open outdoor areas that the dogs can run around in, the large kennels, the rooms with a view, large play room for the kitties. The staff are amazing- there are many volunteers too, but more are needed. The Franklin County Humane Society's Planned Pethood Clinic provides low cost spay, neuter and wellness services. They are dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and are in need of DONATIONS.                      As the mom of a rescue dog, it breaks my heart to see so many beautiful dogs who are in desperate need of a home. Other than donating food and needed items, what can I do to help? I will be wri... 08/12/2014

It's hard to believe the 26th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is next month! Once again the festival will be held at LakeWatch Planation in Moneta, Virginia. $20 Advance TASTER and $12 NON-TASTER tickets can be purchased online, at the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce and at many local businesses. Tickets are on sale until 5pm September 26th and may also be purchased at the gate for $25 and $15 respectively.   Wine Festival hours are: Saturday, September 27th from 11am-6pm Sunday, September 28th   from 11-5pm RAIN OR SHINE!     Live music from 3 bands, 85 craft & food vendors and 27 Wineries are participating: Amrhein Wine Cellars, Barboursville Vineyards, Beliveau Estate Winery, Bright Meadows Farm, Brooks Mill Winery, Byrd Cellars Winery, Chateau Morrisette, Davis Val... 08/11/2014

If you haven't visited the Purrfect Treasures Store in Rocky Mount, VA, you're missing out! They have a nice assortment of  furniture, mirrors, lamps, candles, household items, accessories and jewelry- all new or in gently used condition. The store has TWO FLOORS of incredible finds and 100% of the profits goes to help support Franklin County Humane Society's Adoption Center.                                                             Donations Purrfect Treasures are currently in need of include furniture pieces (in good condition), accessories, paintings, antiques, etc. Are you still 'Spring Cleaning'? Your donations of gently used goods are most welcomed. Purrfect Treasures is located next to the Franklin County Humane Society and Planned Pethood Adoption Center, at:     18401 Virgil ... 08/07/2014

There's nothing better than having a garden and growing your own food, but if that's not an option, buying fresh produce direct from the famer is a great alternative! We are fortunate at Smith Mountain Lake to have the Westlake Farmer's Market that is held on Saturdays (May - October) from 9am-1pm. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can also purchase local eggs, dried herbs, jams, and assorted pies, baked goods and much more.   You'll find the Westlake Farmer's Market at the intersection of Booker T Washington Highway & Enterprise Lane in Moneta, just before Westlake Town Center. For more information, contact Janet Walke, (540) 482-0577 or jwalke13@gmail.com 08/05/2014

  Sunken City Brewing Company has 'Hopped The Pond' and are taking part in the Great British Beer Fest in London!     Come celebrate the British Invasion this weekend! The Kick-off Party starts this Friday and there will be two special "Small Batch" beers brewed especially for the event, On The Job Porter and Sod All London Ale. Great food from Bruno's GastroTruck including FISH & CHIPS, free live music by The Mark Brisson Band on the patio between 5-9. Family friendly! Come out, enjoy some great craft beer and celebrate with Sunken City! Friday Hours 12noon-11pm Sunken City Brewing Company 40 Brewery Dr Hardy, VA (540) 420-0476 08/05/2014

Help raise funds for the Franklin County Humane Society Planned Pethood & Adoption Center  By purchasing this sweet charm bracelet (designed just for FCHS), you are helping YOUR local Humane Society.  These bracelets are so popular and the proceeds go to a great cause!   Bracelets are easy to order thru PayPal - CLICK ON EITHER LINK - the purchase price is $21.00 if you pick up at the shelter or $23.00 with shipping. Additional charms may be purchased separately. There's a  GREAT pet and rescue selection at www.chubbychicocharms.com.    BETTER BE QUICK ABOUT IT-                this Fundraiser only runs through 10PM Friday, August 22nd!   FOR THE FINE PRINT: If you plan to pick up at FCHS, you can order more than 1 bracelet at a time thru the  $21.00 link above. However, if you require s... 08/04/2014

  What a great turnout for the first meeting of Barley's Angels of Central VA! Sixteen ladies were in attendence to tour the brewery and learn more about beer. Barley's Angels is an international, educational beer club for women interested in the expanding their knowledge about craft beer in an unintimidating environment. Brewmaster Jeremy Kirby explains the process of making beer. The next monthly meeting will take place at 7pm, August 26th in the Taproom of the Sunken City Brewing Company and all ladies are welcome! Monthly dues are $5, Pilsners are on the 'menu' and you're asked to please bring a snack to share. For more information, email Sara Kirby  or visit the Barley's Angels of Central VA facebook page. 07/29/2014

The Franklin County Humane Society in Rocky Mount, VA could use your help. This is a caring, local chapter and they are currently in need of Purina Adult Dog Chow, Purina Puppy Chow, and Purina Kitten Chow. However, any and all donations matter- I've got a load of clean old towels, some 6' leads, food my fussy dogs won't eat and toys that I'm dropping off, along with a bag of food. Take a look at this WISH LIST, I'm sure we all have items that could be donated.   The Franklin County Humane Society's Planned Pethood Clinic, provides low cost spay neuter and wellness services. They are dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation. These are some of the beautiful fur babies who are ready to go to their forever homes right now! You'll find the Franklin County Humane Society on YELP.   Franklin ... 07/29/2014

We have two happy little dogs that LOVE to boat with us at Smith Mountain Lake. Sometimes I think our Westie, Duncan,  will jump straight into the lake from the dock, he gets so excited! Much like safe boating with children, boating with pets takes preparation. If you're bringing your four legged friends along, you need to think about their safety and comfort as well.  We purchased Pet Lifejackets for our little terriers and I love that they have handles. Makes it easier to pull the dogs out of the lake after swimming and to transport them onto and off the boat. Make sure you have plenty of water for your pets to drink. I take a boat tote along (with towels, water, treats, etc), just for 'The Boys'. Animals should have a shaded area on the boat where they can go to get out of the sun. I... 07/28/2014

As if living or vacationing at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake isn't enough..... we are fortunate to have The Ice Cream Boat. YES, an ice cream boat. That goes around the lake selling ice cream. Pinch me, right?   Special Delivery!   Brothers Travis and Ryan Burke started the business back in 2000. For 14 summers, they have continued the tradition of boating along the lake, stopping at docks or (at other boats) to deliver frozen treats to happy customers along the Roanoke River channel of SML. If you want to catch up with The Ice Cream Boat or request a special delivery of your own, go to their facebook page and leave a message to find out where they might be, or email at theicecreamboat@aol.com.       07/28/2014

Are you renting a home at Smith Mountain Lake this week and looking for some live entertainment? Check out a great local band, Barefoot West who will be performing live at Sunken City Brewing Company  on Friday, July 25 from 6-10pm. No cover charge. The concert will be held outside on the patio. You may bring in food and enjoy a frosty beverage from the Sunken City Brewery (located next to Kroger, Westlake Town Center).       Barefoot West is a local band from the Franklin County/Smith Mountain Lake area. They were featured in the movie Lake Effects,  filmed at Smith Mountain Lake. For more information on their upcoming performances, go to the Barefoot West facebook page.      Sunken City Brewery 40 Brewery Dr Hardy, VA (540) 420-0476 07/24/2014