Monday, July 27, 2009

Donations of school supplies accepted
at local merchants through August 16

For the fifth year, local merchants will be accepting donations for the “Helping Hands for Education” program in Alleghany County through August 16. Shop these participating merchants: Dollar General, Food Lion, Kerr Drug and Seasons Gifts and Home Décor, and purchase supplies and clothing for the many students in our county who need a helping hand with the cost of necessary items for school. Look for the specially marked box to deposit your donated items. Click for more information or call Sharon Lyons at the Central Office at 372-4345.

Alleghany News seeks histories
for special 150th Anniversary publication
The Alleghany News is working on a special section in honor of the county's 150th anniversary and welcomes you to submit information about local nonprofit organizations, long-time businesses (which have been in business 25 years or more) and events, current or past, with which you have been involved. The main focus is on the county's history from 1959 until the present, but any article or idea will be considered. CALL OR E-MAIL COBY LARUE TO CONFIRM BEFORE WRITING to ensure the paper doesn’t receive multiple articles on the same topic. The articles will be due August 5, so don't delay. Call 336-372-8999 or email news@alleghanynews.com.

Volunteer nominations deadline extended.
There’s still time to recognize service
The deadline for nominating individuals to be recognized for volunteer service has been extended. The Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce coordinates this program that recognizes local volunteers and the deadline for submitting completed nominations has been moved to 5 p.m., Aug. 14. If you have a friend that gives time to help others or your organization has dedicated volunteers, it’s not too late to see that they are recognized for their efforts. However, time is getting short. Details available at Sparta-NC.com/volunteer.

Thursday, July 30
Learn Creative Drawing at the Library
Sparta - The Alleghany County Library will be hosting a Creative Drawing Workshop 4-6p, for seventh grade through adult. The workshop will focus on sketching and the importance of the elements of design. James Allred, BFA in Art Education, Painting and Drawing, is the instructor. There is no charge for this workshop but registration is required. To register call 336-372-5573 or email dbrewer@nwrl.org. Attendance is limited. Register promptly.


Ribbon cutting to mark opening of
Ashley Weekes Family Dentistry
Sparta -
There will be a ribbon cutting for the area's newest medical professional, Dr. Ashley Weekes around 5:20p, Thursday, at her offices at 507 North Main Street, in the tan office building across the street from and just down from Sparta Elementary School. Drop in any time between 5 and 7p for refreshments, door prize drawings, a tour of the facility and to welcome Dr. Weekes. Learn more at http://www.spartasmiles.com/ or call 336-372-3434.

Money Management techniques for lean times
Sparta -
Alleghany Cooperative Extension Agent Jacquelyne Gordon will present a program on money management for tough times at the Alleghany Library beginning at 7p Thursday. Come and help secure your financial well being. There is no charge for this workshop, but registration is appreciated. For more information or to register, contact the library at 336-372-5573 or by email dbrewer@nwrl.org.


Friday, July 31
Watercolor class offered in
Self Portrait/Character Study
Studio Redwood offers this watercolor class from 10a-2:30p for $50. Don't miss this chance to stretch your artistic talent. Call Chris Davis at 336-372-7111 or email
redwood@skybest.com for a list of supplies and to reserve your space. Plan to bring a bag lunch.


Saturday, August 1
Appalachian Musical Instruments Exhibit
Reception at Sparta Teapot Museum

Sparta -
The Sparta Teapot Museum Preview Gallery, 18 South Main Street, will have a reception from 4:30-7p for the general public and creators of their latest exhibit of handmade Appalachian Musical Instruments. Enjoy the music of Rob Mangum and Dennis Show, light refreshment and be impressed with the artistry in the items displayed, many by local artisans. 336-372-7238

LauraLane Osborne performs
music on the lawn at the Davis Bourne
Independence -
Local vocal sensation, LauraLane Osborne, will be performing Broadway and opera selections at the Journey's End Restaurant at the Davis Bourne Inn from 5 to 8:30p, Saturday. This is one of her last performances before leaving for college this fall at University of Southern Mississippi. Reservations are required for all special events and greatly appreciated other times. 276-773-9384

Nine ladies on stage to compete
for Miss and Ms Alleghany crowns
Sparta -
The Miss/Ms. Alleghany Sesquicentennial Pageant kicks off Saturday at 7p in the Sparta School Auditorium to see which two ladies will represent the county during the 150th Anniversary celebration. The winning miss will receive a crown and a $500 scholarship toward higher education. The winning ms will receive a crown and $500 in cash. Both first runner-ups receive
$100 in cash. Each contestant will receive a gift bag. Admission is $5; children 5 and under free. There hasn't been an event like this in 50 years, since the Centennial Pageant. Click to get all the details.

Monday, August 3
Library sponsors storytelling
and mountain music program
Sparta -
Glen Bolick will present this informative and entertaining program at the Alleghany Library at 6:30p. No admission is charged. Supported by the Alleghany Arts Council with an NC Arts Council Grassroots Grant. 336-372-5573

PLAYING IN OUR COMMUNITY: There's music in these hills. When and where below.
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Tuesday, RISE AND SHINE BAND, 7p; Saturday, MOUNTAIN PARK OLD TIME BAND, 8p, 25 N. Main. Admission each night is $4. 336-372-4591.
>> Crouse House Pickers: Local blue grass and old time musicians jam each Monday, 2 blocks north of the Courthouse at the Crouse House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6 p.m. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 372-5473
>> Freeborne's Eatery & Lodge: Free outdoor weekend concerts from 2-5p at 14300 NC 18 South, Laurel Springs. 336-359-8008. Playing Saturday: CYNICAL; Sunday: RUDE MOOD. Thursday and Friday specials and music in the bar.
>>
Silver Dollar Music Park: Supper and karaoke each Friday. Supper begins at 4p and is served home style. Karaoke begins at 8p. Come for one or both events. Big Karaoke contest begins July 10 and continues through the summer. Cash prizes offered so have your vocal pipes tuned. Saturday, 4-WHEEL DRIVE, a popular area country/rock band plays. Come early and enjoy supper, served home style. The band begins play at 8p. Check their Web site for more information
>>
Stations Inn: Free outdoor Sunday concerts from 2-5p at 14355 NC 18 South, Laurel Springs, 336-359-2888. Playing this Sunday: 4-WHEEL DRIVE

ONGOING ACTIVITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY
>>
Craven Studio: Saturday Open House: Drop by Saturdays between 12n and 4p for refreshments on the porch. From Independence, VA, take US 58 toward Mouth of Wilson for 8.8 miles. At Route 711, turn right and go 1 1/2 miles to Little Fox Creek Rd. (Route 680, an unpaved road). Turn right and go 1/2 mile to Foxfire Lane. Turn right and take the unpaved road for 400 yards to the end of the lane to #333. 276-579-2195 or 800-764-2402

Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for
Recurring Activities, Events and local Meetings. Check them often and let us know if your activity is not listed.

Bob Bamberg
Executive Director Alleghany
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
SpartaChamber@inbox.com
Sparta-NC.com

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