Wednesday, March 24, 2010

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
KUMMER ASSOCIATES: WELLNESS CONSULTANTS/COACHES
Ted and Ruth Kummer are health and wellness consultants/coaches and just completed Alleghany's first Weight Loss Challenge March 27 with a total of 214 pounds loss by participants in the 12-week program. The biggest loser dropped 41.8 pounds and won $230! Their next Weight Loss Challenge begins April 10. Contact the Kummers today for more information and to start down the road to better health. 336-363-2500 kummer@embarqmail.com

Each week we spotlight Chamber members. To be featured, send a 50-word description to director@sparta-nc.com. I'll feature them in the order received.

FACEBOO
K FRIENDS: TELL US WHAT TO DO, WIN A T-SHIRT
We are wa
nting to expand the list of answers we have for folks who come into the visitors' center and ask "What is there to do in Alleghany County?" April is a particularly tricky month because it can feel like winter one day and spring the next. Facebook friends, please help us. Post your suggestions of things to do in April in Alleghany County and the lucky seventh post wins one of our Chamber t-shirts. You can find us at Sparta-NC.com/facebook.

COMING: MEMORIAL DAY BUSINESS AND TOURISM EXPO
A heads up to all Chamber members, in cooperation with the Village Park Business Center, the Blue Ridge Business Development Center and the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a Business and Tourism Expo Memorial Day weekend at Village Park (former Charleston Forge plant). This is a chance to show off your business to area residents and to visitors to the area. Click to learn more. Look for more information in the coming weeks. Get a head start. Print this online registration form and return with $10 fee. 336-372-5473 or 336-372-1525

VOTE FOR THE BEST DECORATED EGG
Ginny's Plac
e, next to Jerg's Patio in Trojan Village Shopping Center, is holding an Easter Egg contest for ages 6 through 10 and needs your help in picking a winner. You the public are the judges, so DROP BY THIS WEEK AND VOTE no later than Friday, April 2. Prizes will be awarded Saturday, April 3. Questions? Call 336-372-3433

DO YOU HAVE A USED CASH REGISTER?
Contact Chris Davis at Studio Redwood: 336-372-7111.

EASTER BA
KE SALE/BLUEBIRD BENEFIT
The Alleghany Art
s and Crafts Gallery, 36 North Main Street, Sparta, is holding an Easter bake sale to raise money to support the Gallery Thursday and Friday, April 1 and 2, beginning at 10a and lasting until the baked items are sold. The Gallery has also begun their Bluebird Benefit sale. Some 100 bird houses will be sold to support Gallery programs for a donation of $25 or more. You can help stem the decline in these colorful birds by purchasing on of these homes that come in a variety of colors. If you have questions about these programs or membership in this cooperative gallery, drop by or call their store (336-372-1776) on Main Street beside Gills Jeans, or call Delta Peterson at 336-372-5838.

MAKE PLANS TO ENJOY MUSEUM TRIPS
The Alleghany Genealogy and Historical Society is planning a series of trips to area museums and historic displays. The first two will be to Mt. Airy on Wednesday, April 7, and Saturday, April 10, for a guided tour of the Smithsonian Show "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music" at the Mt. Airy Regional History Museum as well as their beloved Andy Griffith, Donna Fargo, Jeb Stuart, Tommy Jarrell, Siamese Twins and Granite Mining exhibits. Lunch will be at Snappy Lunch (your cost). Tour vans leave AIM (old county building at 90 South Main St.) at 9a and return at 5p. Transportation and tour only $11. For more trip info, call Carole Conrad at 336-372-4454.

THE BASICS OF SELLING ON EBAY
The Alleghany campus of Wilkes Community College is offering Selling on eBay Tuesday, April 6, from 6-9p with instructor Nick Hawks. Everybody who has taken instructor Hawk's class has found it so helpful that WCC is bringing him back. There is no charge for this program, but reserve a place to ensure you can attend by call Benita Hampton at 336-372-5061, ext. 230.

GIFT AND BOOK SALE IN THE AMH SOLARIUM
The Alleghany Memorial Hospital Foundation will hold a Gift and Book Fair from 8a to 4p on Thursday, April 15. (Please note: this event is rescheduled from April 1) Select from hundreds of quality books and unique gifts at a great price. 336-372-5511

EASTER CELEBRATIONS
First Baptist Church - Sunrise Service at 6:30p with breakfast to follow. Regular worship service at 10a. 336-372-8446
Sparta United Methodist Church - Maundy Thursday service at 6p; Good Friday service at 6p; Easter Sunday 9a and 11a. 336-372-4441
Christ Episcopal Church - Maundy Thursday Eucharist and Foot Washing, Vigil at 7p; Good Friday Liturgy at 12n; Good Friday Taize Service at 7p; Saturday Easter Vigil and Lighting of the Paschal Candle at sunset; Sunday Easter Festival Eucharist at 10:30a. 336-372-7983
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship: Easter Sunrise Service at 7p followed by breakfast. Regular worship at 10a. 336-372-3070

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!

AREA MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
>> Alleghany Jubilee:
Come to listen or come to dance to the blue grass and old time musicians who play on Tuesday beginning at 7p and Saturday at 8p. Admission $4. The Jubilee is located on North Main Street, across from the Courthouse. 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
>> Silver Dollar Music Park Line dance lessons every Monday 6-8:30p. Supper served at 6p and lessons at 7p. Get both for $12; just a lesson or just a meal for $7. Karaoke and DJ music most Friday evenings. Check the website calendar. 336-372-6874


GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Barn Quilt Trails: Barns and other structures throughout Alleghany County are adorned with large squares illustrating quilt patterns and add interest to a driving tour of the countryside. Drop by the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main St., Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Driving Loops: Brochures for three driving loops of the Alleghany countryside are available at the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center. Each loop is a about a leisurely hour's drive and includes information on historic points along the way. The Chamber office is in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main St., Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.


Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for our Calendar. 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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