Monday, April 5, 2010

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MIS ARADOS, GREAT MEXICAN CUISINE
Enjoy great Mexican meals seven days a week at Mis Arados, 403 South Main Street, in the Sparta Square Shopping Center. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Eat in or take out. Monday-Thursday 11a-9p; Friday 11a-9:30p; Saturday 12n-9:30p; Sunday 12n-9p. 336-372-1414

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: CLOSING IN ON T-WINNER
We have had 5 postings on our Facebook page suggesting things to do in this spate of delightful spring weather. Two more participants and we give away one of our t-shirts (pictured at the left). 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. This if FREE publicity for your event! 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.

GET NOTICED: MEMORIAL WEEKEND EXPO
A heads up to all Chamber members, in cooperation with the Village Park Business Center and the Blue Ridge Business Development Center, we are co-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


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.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: BLOODMOBILE AT AMH
The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Alleghany Memorial Hospital Solarium Tuesday, April 6, from 11a-3p. Show your support. Give the gift of life. 336-372-5511

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 calling Benita Hampton at 336-372-5061, ext. 230.

ALLEGHANY PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
Some 30 homes and 5 developments are opening their doors to show their stuff for the Realtor Nationwide Open House Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11. Local Realtors will be opening selected homes and showing lots for prospective buyers. Select your home now before the federal tax credit expires. For a list of open homes, go to AlleghanyMLS.com and click on Open Houses. For more information, contact one of the Chamber member Realtors:
Boyer Realty and Auction 372-8888; Deerwood Realty 372-8256; Miles Realty 372-5646; Mountain Dreams Realty 372-1622; Olde Beau Realty 363-3333; River Mountain Realty 372-4445; Roaring Gap Realty 363-9999; Scenic Realty and Auction 363-1111; and United Country Foxfire Real Estate Group 372-5773.

COUNTRY COMFORT HOMES OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND
Pete Pyles of Country Comfort Homes will be opening his home,
42 New River Drive Sparta, 10a-6p Saturday and 1-6p on Sunday to show off its log construction. Get an advance look at his website at CountryComfortHomes.com. Before you come, please call Pete at (336) 372-1501 office, (336) 830-4445 mobile, so he can make sure everything is ready for your visit.

NEW HOME OF OLLIE'S SMALL WORLD HOLDS OPEN HOUSE
Our newest Chamber member, Ollie's Small World Learning Center, is holding an open house at her new location at 28 North Sparta Parkway (the former Roxie's Ranchhouse building) Saturday, April 10, 2-4p. Come tour the building, renovated just for caring for youngsters. Enjoy light refreshments and watch some of her kids strut their stuff. Ollie's has openings for youngsters birth through 12. Located near the Parkway's intersection with US 21 north. 336-372-4775.

ENJOY THE COUNTRY SOUNDS OF WOLF CREEK
Enjoy dinner and then dance to Wolf Creek Saturday, April 10, at the Silver Dollar Music Park. Buffet at 6p. The music starts at 8p. SilverDollarMusicPark.com

SECOND SUNDAY MEAL AT SPARTA METHODIST
Sparta United Methodist Church invites everyone to join them for 11a worship and stay for the Second Sunday Mission Meal in the fellowship hall Sunday, April 11. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. 336-372-4441

LAUREL RIDGE SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH
Treat a friend to a special meal a the Second Sunday Lunch April 11 at Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp, Laurel Springs. Savor baked barbecue chicken, smashed potatoes with cheddar cheese, garlic, sour cream and chives, mixed vegetables, Caesar salad, and cheddar biscuits. For those with a sweet tooth we're serving scrumptious mocha brownie pudding for dessert. As always our Second Sunday Lunches are just $10 a person; call the office today at 336-359-2951 to make a reservation.

SPECIAL LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR KIDS
"Trunks and Tales for Children," Monday, April 12, at 10:30a is a special musical story time for preschool children celebrating American Roots Music. It is presented by Heather Elliott from the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. 336-372-5573


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 was rescheduled from April 1) Select from hundreds of quality books and unique gifts at a great price. 336-372-5511

FINANCING FOR NEW OR EXISTING BUSINESS
Learn the ropes of business financing Thursday, April 15, 6-9p, at this program at the Alleghany Campus of Wilkes Community College. Tuition is $15 to cover the packets of information distributed. Reserve a seat today by calling Benita Hampton at 336-372-5061 ext. 230.

EMPTY BOWLS SUPPORT SOLID ROCK, HONOR MANGUM
Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Solid Rock Food Closet, Friday, April 16, at Village Park (old Charleston Forge), 12n-2:30p in honor of Bet Mangum. You donation of $25 for each meal includes a hand-made pottery bowl. 336-372-6560

ARTISTS IN THE PARLOR FEATURES QUILTERS
The final segment of the 2010 Artist in the Parlor series at the Davis Bourne Inn in Independence, Va., will be “Quilts of the Blue Ridge” April 16-24. The exhibition will feature quilts and quilters from the Alleghany Quilters Guild and the Mountain Home Fiber Guild. Learn more at DavisBourneInn.com.

TENNESSEE GREEN AT THE DOLLAR
No karaoke this Friday, April 16. Enjoy the great sounds of Tennessee Green. The buffet is available at 6p. Music starts at 8p. SilverDollarMusicPark.com

GO FROM LOSING YOUR JOB TO OWNING YOUR JOB
Find out what skills it takes to be an entrepreneur and take the plunge into becoming an business owner, Monday, April 19, at the Alleghany campus of Wilkes Community, 6-9p. Reserve your place. Call Benita Hampton at 336-372-5061, ext. 230.

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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