Tuesday, January 18, 2011


NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: New River Insurance. When you are considering your insurance requirements, drop by the newest service in town, New River Insurance at 53 Cherry Street in the historic house beside Crouse Park. Talk to Kaye Royall or Susan Thomas. Let them put their experience in finance and insurance to create a competitive rate from the companies they represent. These Alleghany natives understand the underwriters they represent. They know you and our community and can tailor a plan with affordable coverage. 336-372-2100

Linda Isner Memorial Service: The public is invited to a memorial service being held Friday, Jan. 21, at 11a at Sparta United Methodist Church for Linda Isner. An active retiree to our community, I knew Linda as a participant in the Chamber's Newcomers' Club, the Alleghany Lives committee that sought to combat depression and suicide in the county and her church. She will be missed. Read her obituary for further information.

Phil Hanes remembered: Phil Hanes died Sunday at age 84. While he certainly had an impact in this community, the recounting of his accomplishments in Winston-Salem by the Journal is quite impressive.

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.


Discover our Historical Museum: The slower pace of winter is a great time to check out the new Alleghany H
istorical 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.

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 with Touch of Grace women's apparel and accessories and florals and the Mustard Seed Cafe in the Smithey's building. Great food, door prizes, product demonstrations (I can't reveal the products. You'll have to come to see), and entertainment. Join your 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.

Friday, January 28
Wine Tasting: Sample the fruit of the vine at Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop the fourth Friday of the month. Gather with friends and sample some new wines. Check their Website for the featured selections or call 336-372-7888.

Friday-Sunday, January 28-30
Special weekend for Friends of Laurel Ridge: Join the staff of Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp in Laurel Springs for this year's Friends Weekend! Friday evening enjoy dinner and fellowship together as well as musical entertainment from special guests. On Saturday there will be several brainstorming sessions, including information about the campaign, facility updates, expanding Friends, and more. Saturday afternoon is open for enjoying time on the mountain; staff will be available to show people the new Suncatcher and Nature Center. Bingo will be offered Saturday evening and everyone will worship together on Sunday before heading home. Call the office today to reserve a room; the weekend is free of charge for all Friends as a thank you for their generous support of Laurel Ridge. 336-359-5922 or 888-831-5922

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. 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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