Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 29, 1994                   TAG: 9412290086
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

AROUND NEW RIVER

CHRISTIANSBURG - Southwest Development Financing Inc. is accepting loan applications from businesses and organizations that need money to make tourism-related ideas work.

The nonprofit organization, funded by $1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Farmers Home Administration, provides loans at below-market interest rates.

Businesses, local government and other groups may be eligible for $50,000 to $90,000 loans depending on the type of project, the number of jobs created and other factors, said Jerry Brown, the corporation's director. So far, the corporation has received only two applications, but expects more by spring at the start of the tourism season.

For more information, call Bob Thomas at 633-0081 or Howard Barrett at 674-9344.

Tree pickups

CHRISTIANSBURG - The Christiansburg Public Works Department will collect discarded Christmas trees along with regular trash service Jan. 9 through 13.

Residents are asked to place trees at the edge of the street by 8 a.m. with trash on their regular collection day.

The department will also collect trees discarded in the recycling centers in the New River Valley Mall parking lot near Peebles.

Spring registration

DUBLIN - New River Community College's spring schedule of classes includes courses offered through an independent and distance learning format for individuals unable to attend regularly scheduled classes.

Students may choose from a variety of subjects.

Registration is in progress. Classes begin Jan. 9. Orientation for distance learning students is scheduled for Jan. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Richardson Auditorium on the Dublin campus.

For more information, call Bridget Franklin at 674-3614.