Many Neat Events, Alleghany Foundation Grants, Local Notes & More RidgeRunner   May 29, 2015 - Much is going on in the Alleghany Highlands, 95% of which is positive. I'm happy to report that the Masonic Amphitheatre is alive and well and packed with events this late spring and summer. Check out all the cool happenings set for the Alleghany Highlands Heritage Day and Train Show, set June 6th in Clifton Forge. Follow the action by clicking here! * * * I am NOT happy to report the closing of the Red Caboose restaurant in Clifton Forge a while back. The hot dogs and crinkle cut French fries, and salted peanuts (among other good offerings) are now gone. Running a restaurant is a tough thing to do and with all the competition in this business, it's a wonder so many stay open as long as they have! My thanks to this operation's owners, however, for a job well-done. We'll very much miss you! * * * In the department of "wow" comes the news that three W&L seniors shared the valedictorian honors because all three had 4.0 grade point averages. That is no small task at any school, let alone one so prestigious. Congratulations to all for such a wonderful achievement. * * * I'm told that Alleghany County will soon announce that a new business with about 50 employees may be making an announcement soon. I'm sorry that my sources haven't been able to identify this operation...but I'm working on it! When I know, YOU'LL know! * * * The Alleghany Foundation just released a big list of its latest grants totaling a whopping $1.5 million. What a wonderful financial resource for the region. The grant submission process isn't simple and the requirements are significant, but those who do their homework and are well-organized have a chance at funding. Check out the complete list of the latest awards by clicking here. One of the community upgrades currently under construction and partly funded by the Alleghany Foundation is the vast improvements being made at Clifton Forge's Linden Park. The Little League field has been completely reconstructed with new fencing, grass, and other facilities. The basketball court and tennis courts are being worked on right now with the total effect being stunningly nice. Local character Gary Price had a lot to do with advocating these positive changes and he deserves a substantial amount of credit for his persistent interest. * * * Penny's Diner in Low Moor has a senior pick three breakfast menu deal for $3.99. Check it out. Coffee is now $1.99 but that's not bad since most of us consume at least three cups. Make sure to leave enough for me if you decide to frequent the place. * * * I have no idea what a free" barbecue grilling" event entails, but the Clifton Forge Kroger store will be having one on Saturday, May 30th. You want to check this out. On another note, the Clifton Forge Save-A-Lot store certainly has been having some great specials lately. I bought at least ten of the store's T-bone steak offerings in recent days, giving some of them to relatives. The price was very low indeed. Some of the frozen food brands the store carries were names I'd never heard of, but to my delight the frozen corn, limas, mixed vegetables and more were very good quality. The produce department there is always clean (as is the rest of the store) and getting in and out is very simple and fast. * * * I try to keep this column positive but when the news media reports that our national economy has just SHRUNK it's maddening. What incredible incompetence! The latest Commerce Department reports are that on a seasonally adjusted basis, the economy dipped .7% in the first quarter. A strong US dollar has, according to the government, caused foreign products to become cheaper, but US products more expensive, thus hurting US goods. Sheesh. * * * I wonder what would happen if, say a major Baltimore employee like Stanley Black and Decker Company with over 1,100 employees told the city's government that if the mayor and outrageous local DA did not resign, they would relocate their company elsewhere. The full story of a recent unfortunate death while an individual was in police custody has drawn a response of some police officers getting indicted. But now, the entire department is under virtual siege and the city's murder rate is soaring, while arrests have plummeted. One wonders if one of America's largest cities isn't about to implode... * * *

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