Child care service returns: Alleghany Wellness Center is providing two volunteers to man the Child Care Room on Monday and Wednesdays from 3:15p to 5p. This service is free to members and non-members while visiting the Alleghany Wellness Center during these hours of operation. What a great time to get a break and stay in shape. Plan your visit accordingly, drop off the kids and enjoy a workout or swim! Also, the Alleghany Wellness Center is accepting donations for their May Rummage Sale fundraiser. Click for details. 336-372-2944
Fed Ex service comes to Radio Shack: No longer do you have to contend with a drop box if you want to ship something by Fed Ex. The Radio Shack store in Trojan Village Shopping Center has added Fed Ex shipping to the services that they offer. Drop by and tell them you read about it in the Chamber Briefing.
Drive Parkway Traffic to your Business: A few spaces are left on the Chamber map to bring detouring Parkway traffic into local businesses. This map is being created for 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.)
Recycle your printer cartridges and old cell phones? Help raise money for the Veterans Memorial Park and help the environment too. The County Recreation Department is accepting these items to help meet their $172,000 goal. This public park will be located on the Sparta Parkway and add multiple recreational uses to our community. The Rec Department is located in the new County Admin Building. Enter through the door on US 21. First door on left. 336-372-2972
Interesting Links: A local motorcycle mechanic got high praise from Ducati rider Tim O'Toole in last summer's issue of the Ducati riders' magazine Desmo Leanings. O'Toole was on the Parkway when his Ducati began acting up. He pulled off the Parkway and into Sparta and found Audie Moore's Sparta Motorcycle and ATV and Small Engine Repair. The problem was his chain. "What was the chance that Moore would have a Ducati 525 chain or at least a master link? Probably none," O'Toole muses. But Audie got him fixed up and for a lot less than what O'Toole's Ducati shop in Atlanta charges. The magazine can be found online (be patient, it's a big file and takes time to load). The part about Sparta begins on page 11. Moore is in the process of moving his shop (old location shown in photo at left from the magazine) to the corner of Main Street and East Doughton Street (former Sparta Garden Center) just in time for lots more Parkway motorcycle traffic. Opening is set for April 1. 336-372-2223And speaking of Sparta Garden Center, Gary Halsey is setting up shop across from the old Pipe Factory.
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.
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
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.
Two -- 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
HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: 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.
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Tuesday, March 22
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.
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.
Kids Core Training continues on Mondays and Fridays at the Alleghany Wellness Center through April 20. Start early. Get in shape for life.
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
Fish Wagon visits Sparta: Stock your pond and eat hearty.
Calendaring Meeting, sponsored by the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce beginning promptly at 5:15p in the old county building conference room. All event providers are encouraged to attend. If you can't come, download the calendar submission form, complete by clicking on the gray box and typing (it will expand to include however much you type), save and email to director@sparta-nc.com. Don't leave any details out.
Alleghany Art Guild presents Alica Smith who will demonstrate her thread lace art. (This is a change from the previously scheduled program.)
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
Dancin' with the Alleghany Stars: Find out who is most nimble on their feet. We have a few tickets left at the Chamber. They are also available at the door.
Monday, March 28
Blink explores the power of quick thinking. Join the discussion of the Malcolm Gladwell classic.
Beyond the basics of Selling on Ebay: Sell online. Turn your trash into gold. Free class!
Tuesday, March 29
New Business Marketing Research: Learn the tools to find out what others think of your business ideas.
Wednesday, March 30
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.
Monday, April 4
Setting Up an EBay Store: Become the ultimate EBay sales force. Free program.
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
This email is a weekly update of news and information from your Chamber of Commerce. If you do not receive a fully formatted copy, it can be viewed on the Web at www.sparta-nc.blogspot.com. If you would prefer not to receive this communication, please just send a return email to Director@Sparta-NC.com with the words Unsubscribe in the subject line, and we will remove you from the distribution list.
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
This email is a weekly update of news and information from your Chamber of Commerce. If you do not receive a fully formatted copy, it can be viewed on the Web at www.sparta-nc.blogspot.com. If you would prefer not to receive this communication, please just send a return email to Director@Sparta-NC.com with the words Unsubscribe in the subject line, and we will remove you from the distribution list.
