Chamber Briefing

Drive Parkway Traffic to your Business: The Chamber invites the following business categories to claim a place on our brochure map of places to shop and trade in the county and surrounding area. This map is being created with the summer Parkway traffic that will be detouring through the heart of the county, but we expect it to be used for other purposes. The map is targeted for the businesses that a traveler might use, including the following businesses categories: Attractions and Music Venues; Apparel; Antiques, Gifts and Home Accessories; Books; Gas/Convenience Stores; Public Golf Courses; Hardware; Jewelry; Motels and B&B Inns; Parks and Recreation; Pharmacies; Restaurants and Coffee Shops; River Outfitters; Studios, Galleries and Arts and Craft Stores; Super Markets; Sporting Goods; Thrift Shops; and Wineries. One side will feature business listings and a map of Sparta. The other side features the county and surrounding area. Listings and your location shown on the map are $40. Ads, which include listings, start at $99. Email or call 372-5473 soon. I want to get this printed and out ASAP. Click to see a draft of the map (note this is for illustration purposes only. The ads are placeholders. I will try to honor placement requests and spots marked sold have been requested. Chamber members are listed free and get a special rate on ads. County side is similar.)

Sparta Parkway to be dedicated to veterans: Join friends and neighbors at 10 a.m. this Thursday at the recently renovated VFW building, 1193 US 21 South, for a ceremony dedicating the Sparta Parkway as a Blue Star Memorial Highway. Sam Halsey, Alleghany's representative to the NC Board of Transportation, will emcee the program and a Department of Transportation official will be on hand for the designation. Refreshments will be served. The National Council of State Garden Clubs, now known as National Garden Clubs, Inc., started the program in 1945 after World War II. The blue star was used on service flags to denote a service member fighting in the war.

Want to meet fellow veterans in the county? The VFW hosts in informal coffee gathering just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.

Interesting Links: Check this link to a story by Bloomberg News on our community. It went out to papers all over the country. Several local residents have the skills to start an endeavor similar to this first-of-its-kind Asheville business. Lastly, like me I'm sure you are transfixed on the tragedy in Japan. Use you pointer to slide the black vertical line from the right across the image to see before and after satellite photos of the devastation on this ABC News website.

We need brochures: If you are a Chamber member and have not brought any brochures by this office lately, we're running low for several businesses. Also, some of our brochures are dated. Call 372-5473 to check your supply.

2 -- count them -- business plan competitions: If you are thinking about starting a new business, there are two business-plan competitions upcoming. A Rural Center sponsored grant for Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes counties offers a $2,000 first prize and is open to anyone 18 or older. Details and application available online. Verve Magazine for Women is offering a $10,000 first prize to some lucky women-owned business in western North Carolina. Check it out.

4-H is looking for host families for exchange students: The NC 4-H International Exchange will be hosting 20 Japanese students and 2 chaperones this summer, Sunday, July 24 through Friday, August 19. (These are the pick-up and drop off dates for host families.) All inbound month long students are required to stay with families that have a host sibling of the same gender, within 2 years of the same age, and have similar interests. The student must have their own bed, but it is not necessary to have their own room. Host families are responsible for all meals, transportation to and from the designated pick-up and drop-off locations, supervision and other family activities. If you would wish to open your home to a youngster so they can experience 4-H and Alleghany County, pick up an application and return it to the County Extension Office by April 15. 336-372-5597

DANCING WITH THE STARS: We have tickets for this March 26 event that shows off the unexpected talent of local notables.

HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: Alleghany Historical Museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special exhibit on display through March is "A Woman’s Work was Never Done." What a great way to learn and share local history. Best of all there is no admission charge. You never know who will show up there. Last month, Roy Ackland, of WGHP Channel 8's Roy's Folks dropped by. Click to see the broadcast. Learn more about the museum and the Alleghany Genealogical~Historical Society. 7 North Main Street, Sparta. See more activities available every week in our community at the bottom of this page.

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

Monday, March 14
Books 'N Friends kicks off their Fill-A-Bag-For-A-Buck Sale that continues through March 26. Drop in and see what a buck will buy.

4-H Spring Plant Sale continues through March 15.

Wednesday, March 16

The community is invited to the first Wednesday Lenten Service, sponsored by the Ministerium, county ministerial association, at Sparta United Methodist Church. A light lunch follows.

Thursday, March 17

Lunch and learn about photography at the Alleghany Library. There is no charge. Registration encouraged.

Saturday, March 19

The Almost Irish Band entertains diners at Nikolas.

Sunday, March 20

Learn about natures Dam Builders at this New River State Park nature program.

Wednesday, March 23

The community is invited to the second Wednesday Lenten Service, sponsored by the Ministerium, county ministerial association, at Sparta United Methodist Church. A light lunch follows.

The Dance of the Woodcock. Learn about the mating flight of this local bird from a New River Park Ranger.

Thursday, March 24

Calendaring Meeting, sponsored by the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce. All event providers are encouraged to attend.

Alleghany Art Guild presents John Sturgill who will demonstrate his copper art.

Friday, March 25

Backwood Bean's Monthly Wine Tasting. It's a happening place. Some 40 people squeezed into Selma's shop for the February event.

The Kids take on their Elders. This fundraiser for Kids Voting features our future leaders on the court against the community leadership.

Saturday, March 26

Join a New River Park Ranger for a Spring Nature Hike.

Operation Medicine Drop will be held at the Alleghany Senior Center (granite building behind the Courthouse) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring in any unused prescription and non-prescription medicines for proper disposal. The program is sponsored byNC Department of Insurance in an effort to stem accidental poisoning or children. Prober disposal also helps keep these drugs out of drinking water. 336-372-4252

Learn who is really light on their feet at the Dancin' With the Alleghany Stars fundraiser for the Educational Foundation.

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.

>> Veterans' Morning Coffee at the VFW: The VFW hosts in informal coffee just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.

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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