Chamber Briefing

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Alleghany Lives is a fledgling non-profit dedicated to lowering the incidents of suicide and depression in the county. Alleghany's suicide rate is one of the highest in the state. Alleghany Lives seeks to educate the public about the signs of depression (which is a factor in the majority of suicides), make the public aware of the availability of local resources and to push back against the stigma of asking for help with depression and/or suicidal thoughts. Their mission is, Ask for help: It's a decision you can live with. Learn more at the Facebook page. Jane Wyatt is the Board Chair (336-372-4059). I'm also on the board (336-200-2468 cell). Feel free to call with your questions and ways to be involved.

Lonesome River Band coming to Fiddlers' Convention: You won't want to miss this year's Fiddlers' Convention this Friday and Saturday, July 15-16. In addition to the area talent that will be jamming in the campgrounds and competing on stage for top awards, this year the Lonesome River Band will play two sets on Friday at 7 and 9p. They've spent 30 years building a national reputation and they'll be here in Sparta. Their latest album, "Still Learning" is climbing the charts. Details about the band. Details about the Fiddlers' Convention.

Clip the Coupon & Save on a Dinner: Through the month of July, Nikola's Restaurant in Roaring Gap is offering a coupon special for a appetizer, meal, dessert for two and bottle of wine. Print the Coupon, clip it and grab your best beau for a special evening.

Carolina Farm Credit Food Drive: Carolina Farm Credit is collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations for Solid Rock Food Closet through Aug. 31. Why not drop off something for this worthy cause.

Six local artists on display at the Library for the month of July. Drop in to see what our local talent can do.

HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: Check the Alleghany Farmers Market Facebook page for information on upcoming vendors at the Thursday (3:30-5:30p) and Saturday (10a-2p) market in front of the Farmers' Hardware Parking Lot.

QUICK EDITORIAL: Periodically I find myself muttering, "I've got to quit working so hard." What I really need to do is sit myself down and say, "Bob, you've got to quit thinking that working harder is the answer and learn to work smarter." Sad to say, I have developed the habit of falling back on working harder rather than smarter. I can't advise the hundreds of people who receive this email on how to work smarter, but I encourage you to take some time to consider how your job could be done differently, more efficiently. And I want to remind everyone of a resource close at hand: Wilkes Community C0llege.

The Alleghany Campus of Wilkes Community College offers classes in almost any field. What's especially nice is that offer free classes in business and related subjects. In the coming weeks there are classes on business finances, and business taxes. There are classes on starting a business on Ebay. Out of a job? There's an opportunity. There's a three-part SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) Workshop on: Are you ready to start a business? How to write a business plan. Marketing your business.

If you are thinking about sinking your life savings in a new business, wouldn't you want to take all three classes to help ensure its success? The Chamber will make a more determined effort to list all these opportunities on our calendar and in the weekly Briefing.

I've posted a list of upcoming classes. Interested? Call 336-372-5061, ext. 230 (Benita Hampton).

Another asset for local businesses is a free workshop at the Appalachian Enterprise Center, 130 Poplar Grove Connector, Boone, Aug. 9, 10:30a-12n, on how Small Business Administration Programs and Services can benefit your business. They can help entrepreneurs, make business loans and hook you up with government contracts (yes, we have local businesses who have won government contracts). Interested? Contact Herman Metzler at 336-983-5330 or email hgpmetzler@frontier.com. Hurry. Space is limited.

~ Bob Bamberg

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

Wednesday, July 13

Plan a fun day at the Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop.

Learn to identify Scams at this Library Lunch and Learn.

Thursday, July 14

The Civil War is the focus of Library program.

Friday and Saturday, July 15-16

The Fiddlers' Convention swings into music and dance at the Fairgrounds.

Friday, July 15

Open House at Bear Creek.

Saturday, July 16

The Stan Bobbit Band will be playing at Sissy's Cafe, 1046 US 21 South from 3p until closing 7p (maybe later if folks want). Enjoy good food and music. Tell Sissy that you read about it in the Chamber Briefing. 336-372-3470

Monday, July 18

Customer Appreciation Day at Halsey Drug Store features door prizes, hot dogs, and snow cones.

Session Two of the Alleghany Wellness Center Summer Day Camp begins. For ages 6-13. Make this a summer that your youngster will remember.

Tuesday, July 19

Stories that Sing is the subject of Summer Reading program at the Library.

Wednesday, July 20

Main Street merchants Sweep in Front of Your Business at the close the day. The streets are scheduled to be swept early Thursday morning.

Thursday, July 21

Show off you specialty vehicle at the Cruise In at JBs.

Robin Cater (vocals and guitar) and Will Fernandez (vocals and bongo) will play a mix of folk, rock and country favorites at this Library program.

Friday and Saturday, July 22-23

Quilters' Guild Show opens in the Black Building at the Fairgrounds. See some of the best needlework in NW North Carolina.

Blue Ridge Mountain Fair returns to Crouse Park. Craft, food and entertainment.

Saturday, July 23

Everybody likes old cars and we've good a lot full for the VFW Vehicle Show.

Gospel singing and Auction at Maw's Delight at 2850 Shawtown Road 1p until to benefit Cherry Lane Fireman Randy Brown and family. Pit-cooked BBQ slaw, rolls, drink and dessert only $8. 336-657-8525 or 336-657-8389

You may find your dream home at the Open House at Bear Creek.

Monday, July 25

The Little Book of Dialogue for Difficult Subjects is the focus of the Monday Reading and Discussion Group, 4:15-6p at the Business Development Center. Learn how to bring up and resolve difficult issues. 336-657-3032

Tuesday, July 26

End of Summer Reading Program Party at the Library.

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

GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Alleghany Farmers' Market: Check the Alleghany Farmers Market Facebook page for information on upcoming vendors at the Thursday (3:30-5:30p) and Saturday (10a-2p) in front of the Farmers' Hardware Parking Lot.

>>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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