“Dining out in North Carolina will become healthier starting Saturday, January 2, when the state’s new smokefree restaurants and bars law goes into effect.

The local health department encourages local residents to celebrate Tasty Tuesdays.  Anyone can participate in Tasty Tuesdays by visiting any local restaurant for one meal every Tuesday in January.  It’s a great way to show appreciation to local restaurants for cooperating with the new law.

To report a possible business violation of the smokefree restaurants and bars law, call the local health department, or visit www.smokefree.nc.gov, or call the Care-Line at 1-800-662-7030.

The High Country High School Community Chorale will perform their Christmas choral concert on Thursday, December 17, 2009.  The performance will take place in Hayes School of Music in Rosen Concert Hall on A.S.U.’s campus beginning at 7:30 p.m.    

Santa's Toy Box collection effort kicked off Friday with a day-long effort in front of Mast General Store in downtown Boone.  Hopes for a successful effort were raised with the generosity of folks who stopped by and gave new toys or money.

Oak Grove will host a special outdoor Christmas drama next Friday Dec. 11 at 6:30pm called "Journey to the Cross". The performance is free and open to the public. Hot chocolate and apple cider will be served. For more information call (828)268-1143.