Tuesday, February 15, 2011

MITCHELL SAVES COKE CAPS TO HELP LIBRARY: Walnut Branch Road resident Steve Mitchell has participated in the Coca-Cola Rewards program to secure subscriptions to 39 magazines for the Alleghany Library freeing up money for other resources in these lean budget times. Many of the subscriptions replace current Library magazines. Others will be new to Library patrons. While the donation pales in comparison to the Library's total budget, amid reports of deep cuts by the state of North Carolina, a grateful County Librarian Debbie Brewer says, "Every little bit helps."


2011 SPARTA MAGAZINE HAS ARRIVED: The new SPARTA Magazine has arrived from the printer and already I'm getting positive comments about this issue which highlights locally produced pottery. Page 20 features a special highlight of the role Mangum Pottery has played in this art. A big thank you goes to our advertisers who stepped up to the plate in these lean economic times. In the next couple weeks we will be distributing them to area locations, but you can drop by the Chamber of Commerce and pick up a copy. They are available in the lobby which is always open. As always, it is also available online.

WELLNESS CENTER OFFERS SWEETHEART DEAL: Through Feb. 27, the Alleghany Wellness Center is offering a special on memberships. Pay for three months and get the fourth month for only $1. Sign up today and you don't have to wait for warm June weather to hit the water. You can swim the Wellness Center pool every day between now and summer! You might even keep that New Year's resolution to get into better shape. Click for details.

GREAT DINNER DEAL FROM NIKOLAS: Nikolas of High Meadows in Roaring Gap is offering a great dinner deal through March 30. Buy one dinner and get the second of equal or lower value for half price! Click here for details and be sure to tell them that you heard about the special in the Chamber Briefing.

Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.

Thursday, Feb. 17
Wiping Out Stress, free workshop at the Alleghany Wellness Center. Stress robs you of energy, sleep and quality time with friends and family. Learn how to get a grip on stress.

Friday, Feb. 18
Local Christmas Tree growers are reminded of the marketing workshop in Boone.

Saturday, Feb. 19
Join a New River Park Ranger at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center to learn about birds and their homes. Great program for all ages.

Join a New River Park Ranger in witnessing the spectacular sky-dance as the male woodcock tries to impress the on-looking females in the romantic light of dusk.

Be inspired by the Mwangaza Children's Choir, a group of 20 spirited and talented children, ages 9-14, who represent the orphaned and poverty-stricken youth of Uganda. Concert held at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship.

Families are reminded of the weekend Ninja Camp sponsored by the Alleghany Wellness Center.

Monday, February 21
Glenda Jones, local representative for It Works and Jockey Clothing, is holding a fund raiser to benefit local fire departments and the Rescue Squad at the Mountain House Restaurant. Click for details.

Friday, February 25
Join your friends and neighbors at Backwoods Bean Coffeeshop at 6 p.m. for their fourth Friday tastings of Selma's latest wines. Click for details.

Join friends and admirers for this special tribute in story and song to Phil Hanes at the Stevens Center. This is a free event, but seating is limited. Arrive early to assure a seat.

Saturday, February 26
S&L Outdoors is sponsoring a Concealed Handgun Carry Class beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Blue Ridge Business Development Center. Click For details.

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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