Please continue to keep my son, Brent Wall, and all our family in your prayers throughout these difficult times.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Brent Wall’s Brentfest Saturday. We had a large crowd and appreciate all who attended; participated in the yard sale; cooked chicken stew, hotdogs, hamburgers, cakes and cookies; did face painting for little ones; and gave money. We enjoyed the music. May God bless each of you. Please continue praying for us.

Bob Carroll’s book, “Old, Odd and Other Stuff” is available at Gentry’s Store in King, Priddy’s Store in Danbury and the Arts Council in Danbury, or call Cecilia King at 336-325-3440.

Welcome to the Chamber’s newest member: Papanana LLC, a retail craft store specializing in supplies and instruction located at 145 Retail Circle in the shopping center on Mountain View Road in King. Check out the website at www.papananas.com or call 336-403-5445 for more information.

Congratulations! Business Leader of the Year — Linda Lane, Linda Lane Realty, LLC. Retired Business Leader of the Year — Carolyn Byerly. Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award — Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County. Spirit of the Chamber Award — David L. May Jr., David L. May Jr. Nationwide Insurance Agency. They will be honored this Thursday, November 1, at our 2012 Annual Awards Banquet at Jefferson Church of Christ at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 31 was the last scheduled day for the 2012 Farmers Markets.

Friday, November 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Talley’s Flower Shop, located at 322 South Main Street, will hold their annual Christmas Open House. Register for door prizes, enjoy seasonal refreshments and “catch” the holiday spirit with the lovely decorations and gift ideas.

Saturday, November 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — The Stokes County Arts Council will host the 2012 World Championship Chicken Stew Festival at King Central Park, located at 302 Kirby Road in King. This celebration will include a chicken stew cooking contest, art demonstrations, craft vendors and music/dance entertainment. The festival will provide an economic benefit to participating schools and nonprofit organizations through the preparation and selling of chicken stew. The admission is free. Please visit www.StokesArts.org or www.FoothillsHayride.com or contact the Stokes County Arts Council for more information.

Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Village Care of King will host their Annual Fall Bazaar. A variety of vendors with new and handmade merchandise will be present. They will be selling sausage biscuits in the morning and hotdogs for lunch. A raffle is also scheduled. Three gift baskets will be raffled off the day of the bazaar as well.

Sunday, November 11, 5 p.m. — Veteran’s Day Ceremony at King Central Park, featuring guest speaker USAF Brigadier General Hoyal B. Kye (ret.). Come join us as we honor and pay our respects to the brave men and women of our armed forces and dedicate the new tiles for the Veteran’s Memorial. The West Stokes High School Band will play a selection of patriotic music beginning at 4:30 p.m. Please bring your lawn chairs and make plans to celebrate Veteran’s Day with us. This event is sponsored by the City of King, Carl Calloway American Legion Post 290 and the Stokes County Arts Council. Rain date is Monday, November 12 at 11 a.m.

The Stokes County Arts Council is seeking a new official sponsor for the King Christmas Parade. If you are interested in taking over the organization and management of the annual King Christmas Parade, please contact 336-593-8159. The 2012 parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. with the theme “Let It Snow.” Stokes Arts will gladly assist your organization in becoming the new official sponsor. Spread the word, as a new organization is needed to continue this wonderful annual holiday tradition.

Early voting will be taking place at the King Public Library Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Nov. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. After you cast your vote, please visit the library and register for a library card if you don’t already have one.

The King Public Library will be having Amnesty Days Nov. 5-10. Simply bring in canned or non-perishable food items, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc., to the library and lost material or fines and fees may be forgiven. Items which have passed their expiration date cannot be accepted. If you don’t have fines and fees, you too can help. All donations are accepted to help King Outreach Ministries.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension would like to announce their new 4-H agent, Matthew Barber. Matthew will be starting Nov. 1st.