For something new and different, the NC Department of Agriculture has a new program called The Best Dish which rewards and recognizes restaurants and chefs who use NC Products. For more information go to, www.bestdishnc.com for a complete list of finalists and restaurant information.

The NC Chapter of ReRun, a non profit organization that places ex-race horses into adoptive homes, now has thoroughbreds available for adoption. These thoroughbred horses do well as show horses, eventers, jumpers, fox hunters or pleasure horses. For more information, www.rerun.org,  contact Elizabeth MacDonald at hemacd@mindspring.com

For those that like to go to the ocean/beach in the fall, please look at going to Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC. It is just gorgeous and the rates have been reduced for off season. The Resort is 100% ocean front suites. For reservations call 1-800-689-6765, www.shellisland.com.  Shell Island Resort is located at the far north end of Wrightsville Beach, 2700 N. Lumina Ave., across the inlet is Figure Eight Island. The Resort is just beautiful. Wide beautiful beach with indoor and outdoor pool. Let me know how you like Shell Island Resort; jim.kennedy@piaofnc.com

For PIANC members only, that go on cruises, land tours, river cruises, safaris etc., PIANC can now offer its members a 5% discount coupon off 7+ night cruises, 7+ day land tours, 7+ night river cruises, safaris, trips, anywhere, booked through Mann Travels. (excludes taxes/fees) Call Pam Smith at Mann Travels, 1-800-284-5524 X 295, e-mail Pam at, psmith@manntravels.com. This 5% discount coupon is good for anywhere in the world for the above cruises, land tours, river cruises, safaris etc. for 7 days or longer. Not sure, call Pam and let her book your next European, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Hawaii, Pacific cruise, river cruise in Russia or Danube, tour of British Isles, Scotland, Ireland, Europe, Italy, Germany, Austria, Australia, Japan, China, South America, Antarctica etc.. Members must meet Mann Travels criteria for 5% discount.  Being a PIANC member just saved you 5% off your next trip. (For discount coupon, call or e-mail Jim Kennedy.