Tuesday, July 19, 2011

MORE BANG FOR YOUR WEEKEND: Four major events take place this weekend, something for every taste, or for the adventurous, a chance to take them all in. Friday, 10a to 4p, the events kick off with the Quilters' Guild show at the Black Building at the County Fairgrounds. See what these talented seamstresses can do and check out the sewing supply vendors. The show continues on Saturday for the same hours.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Fair kicks off at 2p to 7p on Friday in Crouse Park. This craft, food and entertainment event has something for everyone. It returns on Saturday from 9a to 5p.
The VFW Vehicle Show fills the NAPCO parking lot on Trojan Avenue (turn at the traffic signal at Betty's Mart) with antique and classic vehicles. Entries accepted beginning at 7:30a. The show wraps up at 4p. Food and entertainment also available.
Last but not least, Lawnmower Racing begins at the County Fairgrounds at 5p on Saturday. See these NASCAR wannabees slinging dirt as they barrel around the red clay track. Nothing to do in Sparta? I don't want to hear it.

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Prof. Pablo De Vincenzo, Phd., and Sandra Mora of the Alternatiave Medicine Center of Sparta are bringing new medical services to the area. Prof. De Vincenzo has 13 years experience in counseling, mentoring and as a motivational speaker. Ms. Mora is a licensed acupuncturist in North Carolina and Virginia and a diplomate in oriental medicine, as well as 10 years traditional medical practice in her home country of Colombia. They can assist clients with physical, emotional and mental health problems using oriental and alternative medicine, herbs and acupuncture, but no drugs. Call for more information or an appointment: 336-3592447. Appointments are available at Alleghany Chiropractic Center, 771 South Main St., Sparta; Alleghany Wellness Center, 508 Collins Road; and in your home. Learn more about Dr. Mora at her website.

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

QUICK EDITORIAL: "Hey Bob, I've got a great idea for Sparta and Alleghany County." I've lost count of how many times I've heard that. Some of the ideas do sound good to me. Some not. It wasn't long before I learned that most of these idea people didn't want to so much discuss their idea, but rather wanted me to agree and implement it.

What's the old saying: Ten percent of the people do 90 percent of the work? According to the 2010 census we've only added 1565 people to the population in 20 years. That's only adds 156 people to the 10 percent carrying the load. Truth is, we don't need more good ideas as much as we need idea implementers. We need folks that will take a good idea and run with it to its completion.

Don't get me wrong, I like hearing new ideas. This is the first step toward progress, but my plate is full. Got a good idea? Research it. Ask friends for help improving it. Then implement it, but be prepared to tweak it every step of the way, because you learn something new each step you take. You want to use newly acquired knowledge to improve what you are doing.

I'm not putting down idea people. I'm inviting them to become players. More players -- that's something this county could use.
~ Bob Bamberg

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

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.

They are cranking up the mowers for another race.

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

Thursday and Friday, July 28 & 29
Ever wonder what Marx, Thomas Moore, Marie Antoinette and U.S. Grant would discuss if they could meet in the same room? Find out at this ACT Readers Theater.''

Friday, July 29
It's Latin night as Selma's as she unveils a selection of special wines for this month's tasting atBackwoods Bean.

Saturday, July 30
Bowl for Hospice at the River Rock Grill and Entertainment Center. Silent auction and more.

Rock the Park: Alleghany Uprising to support Relay for Life in Crouse Park.

Sunday, July 31
Family Fun Day at Trojan Village. Games, entertainment and fun for the whole family. Lots of free activities and free watermelon.

Join a Park Ranger for a canoe ride down the New River.

Tuesday, August 2
Join your friends and neighbors at Crouse Park for the National Night Out.

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

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.