NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Consuelo's Latino Market is open at 32 West Whitehead Street (the former Backwoods Beat or Blue Ridge Sun location, depending upon how long you've lived here). Don't be fooled by the inflatable toys in the window. That's just to grab your attention. Conseulo Alvaralo has packed a lot into that little store, including fresh produce! When was the last time a store offered fresh produce in downtown? When the hunger bug bites, get a healthy apple instead of candy (healthy eating: what a concept!). And or course lots of items for Latino recipes. Drop by and pay her a visit. 336-372-2822
TWO GREAT PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESS: Wilkes Community College is offering two valuable programs for local business people in the coming days. Providing Excellent Customer Service is offered at two times tomorrow, Wednesday, 9a-12n and 1-4p. The following Monday, May 9, from 6-9p WCC presents Minute to Manage It: Employee Management for Small Businesses. What business could not benefit from both courses? Call 336-372-5061 to reserve a seat.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS celebrates Selma Quintero's first anniversary as proprietor of Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop, 5-7,Thursday, May 5. The Backwoods Bean has become a popular gathering spot in the county and a lot of credit goes to Selma's welcoming personality. Drop in, network with friends, and enjoy the goodies she's bringing over from her and Lazaro's Latin Friends Cafe in West Jefferson. New River Winery will be there offering samples of their fruit of the vine. Special Pre After Hours Treat:Wednesday, Rob Mangum will be playing at Backwoods Bean around 9:30a.
WHY DO I NEED TO COME TO BUSINESS AFTER HOURS? Sometimes I get asked and there are numerous good reasons besides the good food, seeing faces that you've not seen in a while and maybe learning about a business you are not acquainted with. If you are a small business-person -- particularly if you are home-based or located off the main roads -- this is an opportunity to make contact with people that don't do business with you. Bring your business cards. If you have a name tag or shirt that features your business name, wear it. See how many folk you can gently steer the conversation around to the great products and services you offer.
JAM CD Release Event: Alleghany JAM announced a CD release event on May 20, 6p at Sparta School Auditorium. JAM director, Susan Pepper, received a grant to make a CD that features former and current JAM students, JAM teachers, Helen White and Wayne Henderson. There will be entertainment from JAM students and also a few items, such as pottery and musical instrument for raffle or auction. Thank you for your help. For more information, please contact Susan Pepper at 336-372-5266(JAMM) or at peppersg@alleghany.k12.nc.us.
The first-ever parade commemorating Memorial Day in recent memory is planned for Saturday, May 28, beginning at 10a from the Sparta Auditorium parking lot and ending at Village Park (the former Charleston Forge facility). The VFW is scheduled to perform a flag folding ceremony at the completion of the parade. The Business and Tourism Expo returns to Village Park, but only for that Saturday, 10a-6p.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor the sacrifice of service-people who gave their lives in defense of the country. It also honors those who served in uniform, particularly disabled veterans and and keeps the meaning of Memorial Day and sacrifice for country alive in the minds of citizens. I think it would be very appropriate for parade entries to display the name of a service member who died in defense of the country. Veterans could be offered a place on floats. Disabled veterans deserve special recognition. Put on your thinking caps for ideas. This is a day of remembrance. Show your respect. No candy thrown from the parade. No entries that are just commercial advertising. Parade participants are asked to register with Barbara Lucier at 336-372-6135. Leave a voice message if no one is available. Marchers, floats and other participants are asked to gather in the Sparta School Auditorium parking lot at 9 a.m. To facilitate orderly traffic flow, please enter from Trojan Avenue.
The Business and Tourism Expo will showcase Alleghany County business and tourism. The fee for participation is only $10 and includes use of one 6-foot folding table. For businesses that don’t have a storefront on a main thorough-fare, this is an opportunity to make customers aware of your products and services. It is also an opportunity for established businesses to meet new customers. Applications are available at the Chamber and online at. Download application. Call 336-372-5473 with your questions.
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Thursday, May 5
Lunch and Learn about the history of quilting at the Alleghany Library noon program.
Don't forget Business After Hours at Backwoods Bean.
Alleghany Wellness Center Rummage Sale. Come early to get the bargains.
Lunch and Learn One-Stoke Painting at the Alleghany Library. Discover the artist in you.
Big Blues Beat at the Silver Dollar Music Park. Great food. Great music.
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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