Tickets available for Chamber Annual Meeting
SPARTA Magazine mailing goes out today
Chamber members, check your mail for information on the 2010 SPARTA Magazine. We will be highlighting the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Alleghany's unique role in that roadway's creation. I welcome your ideas in this task.
Free books at Books 'N Friends
The folks at Books 'N Friends have an oversupply of business books and they are being given away FREE through Oct. 15! You can't ask for a better deal. 336-372-5155
New Exhibit at the Teapot Museum, lots happening
Sometimes I hear the complaint there's nothing going on in our fair community. Not so this week. There's a new exhibit at the Sparta Teapot Museum (open 10a-5p Thursday-Saturday) and there's more going on Saturday than any single person can do in one day. Check it out.
Life Store opens in Sparta
I was scratching my head a bit as the new name for AF Bank was revealed Monday. Life Store? But it started making sense after I thought about it. A bank is no longer just a secure place for your money or to get a loan. They have become the store where you buy insurance, investment products and they dispense financial advice. Banks are changing and the name reflects change. And it sticks in your head! THE GOOD NEWS: AF Bank had not been bought out, as was rumored, or under new ownership. It's the same familiar faces in the Sparta office and at headquarters. When you are in Sparta Square Shopping Center, drop in. They have a number of give-aways with their new name and logo! 336-372-7990
Business After Hours at Village Condominiums
Forget what you know about condominium living. Forget what you think are the costs. Village Condominiums are a new approach to affordable living in our Alleghany mountains. Join your friends at Village Condominiums in Glade Valley, just off Glade Valley Road beside the Post Office, Thursday, Oct. 1, 5-7p, to network and see this new housing opportunity. Each floor plan is unique. It offers pastoral beauty and is just minutes from town. Amenities include a commons picnic area, garden and fire pit. This could be the opportunity for a friend or family member to have a place in our mountains. 336-372-5473
Locals among 12 Angry Men at Ashe Civic Center
Alleghany's own Brad Jenkins and Jim Williams are jurors in the courtroom drama, Twelve Angry Men, Oct. 2-4, 7p, Friday and Saturday, and 2p on Sunday, at the Ashe Civic Center, West Jefferson, presented by the Ashe Little Theatre. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 students. 336-846-2787
Harvest Home Festival at Brinegar Cabin
A special day demonstrating mountain life heritage at Brinegar Cabin, Blue Ridge Parkway Miles Post 238.5, will be held this Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10a to 4p. A horse drawn plow will work the garden. There will be corn grinding demonstrations and other traditional farm life activities will be highlighting this free event.
Thistle Meadow Wine Festival
Sample some of the finest wines in the area at this gathering of vintners at Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs, Saturday, Oct. 3, noon to 5p. Admission $5 and includes a complimentary tasting glass. Naomi's Fancy will entertain with their own take on the Scotch-Irish musical heritage. Hamburgers and hot dogs available. 336-359-2995
Davis Bourne Inn hosts New River Discovery Center
Enjoy a fun and educational day as the Davis Bourne Inn hosts the New River Discovery Center noon to 6p on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Independence, VA. The Blue Ridge Discovery Center (BRDC) was founded by volunteers to further an awareness and understanding of the diverse heritage in animals, plants and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The day's events include food sculpture fun for kids, a 3D map of the New River Plateau (see if you can find where you live), music on the lawn, boxed lunches for adults and a great dinner menu. Learn more at blueridgediscoverycenter.org
Doughton Day on Courthouse Lawn
Bob Doughton Day will celebrate the Laurel Springs' native most remembered for passage of Social Security and the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2p on the Courthouse Lawn in Sparta. Memorabilia will be displayed from the Congressman's long service in Washington. A portrait of a young Bob Doughton will be unveiled for permanent display in the Courthouse. This event marks Alleghany County's celebration of the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary that culminates with a huge gathering at Cumberland Knob and Blue Ridge Music Center Sept. 10-12, 2010. Lunch will be available from the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department behind the Courthouse beginning at noon in the parking lot of the Senior Center. Lunch is $10 a plate and goes to benefit the fire department. 336-372-8140
Ginney's Place moves to Trojan Village
Those great sweets and floral services have not gone away. Ginney's Place is just moving to larger quarters. It opens in Trojan Village Shopping Center Monday, Oct. 5, beside Jerg's Patio. Why not drop in and wish Linda Nichols and Cindy Teague well in their new home. 336-372-3433
Auto Harp music program at the Library
JoAnn Redd will sing and accompany herself on the auto harp in this free Alleghany Library program on Monday, Oct. 5, beginning at 6:30p, sponsored in part by a Alleghany Arts Council Grassroots Grant. 336-372-5573
Special speaker on educational future
Please join the staff of Alleghany County Schools for an evening with Dr. Bill Daggett, President, International Center for Leadership in Education, Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6p in the Sparta Elementary School auditorium. If you have a child, grandchild, a niece or nephew in our school system, or if you are just concerned about how America can continue to compete in the global economy, you are encouraged to attend. Learn more at http://www.alleghany.k12.nc.us/. 336-372-4345
Spaghetti fund-raiser for Piney Creek VFD
Join your friends and neighbors at Piney Creek United Methodist Church between 4 and 8p for a spaghetti dinner to benefit Piney Creek Fire Department. Adults $6.50, children 6-12 $3, and children 5 and under free. Take outs available.
Chamber Annual Meeting at Olde Beau
Join your friends and associates for this special night beginning at 6p Saturday, Oct. 10. We need a count by Friday, Oct. 2! See the ticket information at the top of this page. 336-372-5473
Family Business Forum in Boone
So many area small businesses are run by family members. Learn more about the special challenges and opportunities of this arrangement at this Oct. 20 seminar in Boone: The Family Business Forum. It's filling up fast, so make your reservation.
Start Your Own Business seminar series
If you've ever dreamed about starting your own business, a series of FREE seminars Oct. 27, Nov. 10 and Dec. 1, 6-9p at Wilkes Community College Main Campus in Wilkesboro, might mean the difference between success and losing your savings. Register ASAP. For more information, please contact James Perez, 828-262-7747 / perezje@appstate.edu or Julia Rowland, 828-262-8325 / rowlandja@appstate.edu. Funding is provided by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
PLAYING IN OUR COMMUNITY: There's music in these hills. When and where below.
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Tuesday, RISE AND SHINE BAND, 7p; Saturday, TBA, 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 6p. 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 Saturday and Sunday at 14300 NC 18 South, Laurel Springs. 336-359-8008. Thursday and Friday specials and music in the bar. Check their website for details.
>> 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. 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. Check their website for details.
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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