HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Parkway Detour Plans: I’m sure you have seen the Parkway detour signs. Parkway traffic will be detoured through Alleghany County and Sparta through the summer season and into next winter. The Chamber is working on a number of ways to get these travelers to stop at local businesses. I’ll be sharing those ideas when our plans are a little further along. In the meantime, I encourage everyone with a business on US 21 South or NC 18 to think about how to make these travelers want to return to our community in the coming years. I imagine many of these are regular Parkway travelers who have never detoured through Alleghany County and Sparta. I hope we can make them feel so welcome that they consider Alleghany County and Sparta a must stop for future Parkway excursions.
2011 SPARTA Magazine ready for your review: Next year's SPARTA Magazine has been posted on the Web. If you are a Chamber member, please check your listing for correctness and, if you purchased an ad, check it as well. Any corrections or questions regarding the magazine, email me at director@sparta.nc.com BY THIS FRIDAY. And please put magazine in the Subject line. Anyone who wants to read it and report mistakes, please do so. With your help we have a chance of possibly publishing the first issue that is mistake FREE! Just go to: http://sparta-nc.com/magazine. I suggest viewing it in Full Screen. The Esc (escape) key in the upper left corner of your keyboard will return you to regular screen view and bring back your controls.
You Can Still Vote: Voting is once again open for the grant for the Wellness Center to secure their Raise the Roof grant. Vote everyday through Jan. 31 to help raise money to replace the canvas and vinyl cover over their pool with an insulated roof. Let's get this done. Vote us to number 1!
Discover our Historical Museum: The slower pace of winter is a great time to check out the new Alleghany Historical Museum at 7 North Main Street (Across the street from the Courthouse between Kermit's Barbershop and Imaging Specialists). You may be surprised by what you find. You will undoubtedly learn something about Alleghany County that you didn't know. The museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10a-5p. No admission is charged. If you have questions about the museum, contact Margaret Crouse, Docent Chair, at 336-372-8260, or Pauline Jolly, Museum Chairman, at 336-363-2282. Learn more at their website.
NW Regional Library Photography Contest: The Northwestern Regional Library is accepting entries into its 2011 Traveling Photography Contest through Feb. 18. The contest is open to all registered patrons of the member libraries of the Northwestern Regional Library system, except for anyone whose primary source of income is photography. You may become a registered patron at the time of entry at any participating library. Winners will be announced at a reception March 8, at 6:45 pm at the Charles H. Stone Memorial Library, 319 West Main Street, Pilot Mountain. Contact the Alleghany Library, a part of the Northwestern Regional Library, for entry forms and further information. 336-372-5573
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
TUESDAY, JAN. 11
Just in time to shed those holiday pounds: The Weight Loss Challenge Support Group is cancelled because of weather. Beginning in February, it meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Alleghany Library, 7-8p. 336-372-5573 or 336-363-2525
THURSDAY, JAN. 20
Become more computer literate: Bone up on your computer skills or tell a friend who complains he needs to learn to use a computer at this free class at the Alleghany Library.
MONDAY, JAN. 24
African Folk Tales: In cooperation with the Alleghany Library this special Arts Council Program will be held at Sparta United Methodist Church.
THURSDAY, JAN. 27
Mark your calendar for Business After Hours: Great food, door prizes, product demonstrations, and entertainment. Join you friends and neighbors with Touch of Grace and the Mustard Seed Cafe in the Smithey's building for Chamber Business After Hours 5 - 7 p. For information, call 336-372-7444 or 336-372-5551.
>> 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. 336-372-5473
>> 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. 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 Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main Street, 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 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 Street, Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Alleghany Historical Museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to experience local history and to see the new displays, 7 North Main Street, Sparta.
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
PO Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
Director@Sparta-NC.com
Sparta-NC.com
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