CHECK OUT THE MAILBAG: We sent out our Chamber Mailbag to members last week with information about our plans to welcome detouring Parkway travelers into our community. I've heard that an estimated one in seven Parkway travelers leaves that scenic byway to come through our community. With all the traffic detoured through our town we can expect a seven-fold increase! We need to do all we can do to encourage them to stop and then treat them like long-lost friends, so they'll come through Sparta the next time they drive the Parkway, and the next, and the next, and so on. The Mailbag also includes information and flyers on (click link to see flyer) Innovative Occasions' move and expansion to Trojan Village (they've added movie rentals and a coffeeshop), Valentine specials from Hair Gallery 21 and Skintastic and Alleghany Memorial Hospital's 60 year anniversary celebration this Thursday.
INNOVATIVE OCCASIONS OPEN, FEATURED ON WXII: Innovative Occasions event planning and florists has expanded with their move to Trojan Village Shopping Center and added movie rentals (yes, a movie rental store has returned to Sparta) and frappe's and smoothies. And they managed to score a video spot WXII Channel 12. They open today (Tuesday). Drop into their store beside the Cutting Corner. Check out the movies, grab something to drink and look over what they have to offer. Tell Denise, Maynard or daughter you saw the video on the Chamber Briefing.
SURVEY: North Carolina Department of Transportation is requesting citizens to participate in a survey about biking and pedestrian needs in the state. It takes about 10 minutes and who knows, it may make a difference. I'm sorry they don't ask if power poles in the middle of the sidewalk are a problem in your community, but there are a place for comments. Show off your technology savvy. Follow this link and click on the survey button (shown at the left).
LOCAL HOME FEATURED: The home of Pete Pyles, Mr. Country Comfort Homes, was featured on page 48 of the March issue of Log Cabin Homes. We have a copy in the office but the magazine is on local newsstands. The home is located in the Old River Club development on the New River. Check out the magazine and check the Country Comfort Website and their New River Cam with live pictures of the river! (best viewed with Explorer or Firefox)
CONTEST FOR CHEFS: Taste of North Carolina is holding a contest for chefs to submit their best recipes for a chance at a $500 prize and trophy in their Best Dish in North Carolina! The recipe has to use ingredients and products from the state. We've got restaurants and the restaurants have chefs. Why not give it a shot. It would be great publicity for the restaurant and for the community.
TASTY TUESDAYS: Speaking of restaurants, Tasty Tuesdays is a program sponsored by smokefree.nc.gov to celebrate that beginning in 2011 all NC restaurants are smoke-free. Citizens are encouraged to eat out on Tuesdays. When you do, encourage the chef to enter the Best Dish in North Carolina recipe contest. (Wouldn't it be great if someone in the county won!)
TAKE WCC SURVEY, WIN MERLEFEST TICKETS: Wilkes Community College is looking from input from employers of some of their recent graduates. The survey is short and some responder is going to win MerleFest tickets. Check it out.
NW REGIONAL LIBRARY PHOTO 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.
NW REGIONAL LIBRARY PHOTO 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, FEBRUARY 1
Weight Loss Challenge Support Group meets at the Alleghany Library. Join with your friends and neighbors to discover a slimmer you.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Alleghany Memorial Hospital kicks off their 60th anniversary celebration with an open house from 3-6p. Check the details and plan to drop by.
Chamber Business After Hours at Touch of Grace and Mustard Seed Cafe, 5-7p. Phyllis Miller has something special planned but won't say what. And you know the Mustard Seed will have something too scrumptious to pass up. Check it out.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
The Alleghany Rifle Club is planning a turkey shoot. Registration begins at 10a. Learn more.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6
There are bears in these hills and you can learn about them at this great program for all ages at New River State Park.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11
5 Courses of Love Menu Specials at Nikolas Restaurant in Roaring Gap, Friday, Saturday and Valentine's Monday. For the price of the main entre of your choice, receive a 5-course meal!
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN WEEKEND at Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp. Come to Laurel Springs for this special music weekend retreat.
For a taste of Music on the Mountain, the Mountain Laurel Moravian Fellowship will feature the Moravian Band and Choral Music from the weekend retreat at their 11 a.m. Sunday service in Transou United Methodist Church, on NC 88, 2.7 miles from the intersection with NC 18. Call 336-846-7038 or 336-657-3032 for details.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, Valentine's Day
Studio Redwood is excited about its Winter/Spring 2011 Studio Art Classes. These classes will inspire children and adults of all skill levels and many interests. Explore painting, drawing, mixed media, collage and more beginning the week of Feb 14th. Please call now for class information and to reserve your space. Class sizes limited. Sparta location TBD Chris Davis 336.372.7111 or redwood@skybest.com
Don't forget the specials at Hair Gallery 21 and Skintastic!
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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