Home cooking in Twin Oaks: I've eaten at the Farmer's Cafe in Twin Oaks and more than just farmers eat there for good reason: The food. From the menu, it looks like owner Chris Piasta went to a Sunday dinner on the grounds and copied every recipe there. I swear he stole my mother's meatloaf recipe (a regular lunch special on Tuesdays). I can't wait to try the chicken and dumplings on Wednesday. I hope they are a dead ringer for Mom's. It's 11 hours by car to her kitchen and I can walk to the Farmer's Cafe. The hours are hard to beat: 6a-8p Monday through Saturday and 8a-3p on Sunday. Give them a try and tell me if I'm not right. Learn more at www.farmerscafeoftwinoaks.com or call 336-372-5470.
Shaw Fine Woodworking: I was driving down 18 south recently and I was stopped dead in my tracks by the sharp sign and new look of the old Whitehead Post Office building. Ray Shaw, one of the local Shaw Brothers and recently retired from the Parkway, has opened a woodworking shop there. Since Shaw spent part of his career with the Parkway at the sign shop, the businesses sign was no surprise, but the woodworking? I was so impressed I whipped out my camera and shot some photos and posted them on Facebook. Check them out. I think you'll be impressed. 336-529-4080
Speaking of pictures, the Chamber's Facebook site is loaded with pics from last weekend's events: Be Happy, Be Healthy; the Tarheel Mini invasion and the Wellness Center's Tour de Mountains. Check it out. You may find yourself in one of the photos. If you have a Facebook account, see how many faces you can tag.
QUICK EDITORIAL: It is sad to see a new business fail for lack of good planning. For someone to pour his or her life savings into a venture and have it fail is heartbreaking. The good news is that support for new businesses is probably greater now than at any time in the past. Clark Hunter at the Blue Ridge Business Development Center (336-372-1525) has counseled numerous successful new ventures and he works with the Miles J.O.B. fund that can provide financing. I'm always available to discuss and plan marketing strategy. Wilkes Community College offers numerous courses to assist you. And now a new resource has been added to that mix.
Herman Metzler (left) is a SCORE volunteer from the Boone office. SCORE stands for Service Corp of Retired Executives. These are retired business people who volunteer to share their expertise with new and struggling businesses. Mtezler spent over 30 years pioneering international business expansion for U.S. companies. He began his professional career at General Electric in 1962, holding various positions in international management. In 1984 he joined Exide Electronics as Vice President of International Operations. Responsibilities included all international activity, joint ventures, technology licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and operations in 120 worldwide locations. To learn more or find out if Mr. Metzler can assist your business, call 336-982-5330. Got a business idea. Give it the best chance for success. Utilize all the resources available to you and then plan every detail before you open.
~ Bob Bamberg
I've been asked by several people what happened to last weekend's Fried Pies concert. It was cancelled because of weather. I know when the concert was to begin, the storm had cleared, but a decision was made when the sky was raining cats and dogs and the winds almost matched hurricane speed. The good news is that they are returning later in the summer, probably in August.
Nikolas in Roaring Gap is offering a coupon special on a four-course dinner for two along with a bottle of wine! Clip the coupon and hurry over to Roaring Gap. This offer is only good until June 30.
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
>> 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
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Alleghany Farmers' Market: Held Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30p and Saturday from 10a to 2p, drop by for produce, transplants for your garden and local crafts. Support these vendors and watch their numbers grow. Held in the Farmers' Hardware parking lot.
>>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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