NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Sometimes there is a convergence of events that seems almost too perfect to be coincidence. My mother had a small stroke recently, small enough that after several weeks in rehab she'll be able to return home, but not small that she doesn't still need some ongoing help with her speech regaining the ability to associate an object with the right word. Someone mentioned that she might be helped by something like flash cards. I thought, "Now I understand what Speech Path Tools is all about." Janet Tompkins is a local woman who left home and became known for her modeling. She's returned with this new endeavor: Speech Path Tools, a business that creates tools for professionals, caregivers and family members to use with the rehabilitation of speech after a stroke or other disabling event. The illustration at the left gives you some idea of the type of items she has developed. Should you be in a similar predicament as I am or if you are a rehabilitation professional looking for just the right tool, give Janet a call at 336-385-8767.
Sam Williams' Book Signing: Local author Sam Williams will be at Blue Ridge Gallery (from US 21, go 2 miles on Pine Swamp Road) Saturday, August 20, 11a-5p, and Sunday, 1-5p. His recent collection of poems, Garden Snippets, are published by Rosenberry Books, a hand book publisher. The features woodcut illustrations by Diane Katz. This retired teacher is also a master gardener. His first book of poems is By This Christmas Moon. 336-372-1711
Fight Hunger with Fried Pies: Don't forget the big concert in Crouse Park this Saturday to benefit Solid Rock Food Closet. The popular area band Fried Pies will entertain on the Crouse Park Stage from 6-10p. Concessions will be available. Bring a non-perishable food item for admission. 6-10p. 336-372-5473
Happening Every Week: For more than two decades local musicians have been gathering at for a weekly jam session. Several years ago, they began gathering at the Crouse House and they adopted the name Crouse House Pickers. If you've not heard them, you are missing a treat. They gather each Monday at 6p in the Crouse House or, during our mild summers, on the porch or on the Crouse Park Stage, to play. The music is a mix of bluegrass, old time and country. No two sessions feature the same musicians, so each Monday's concert is unique. Check them out at Crouse Park just two blocks behind the Courthouse.
Buckaroos reopens. Photos on Facebook. The great little restaurant in the NW corner of the county has reopened under the new management of Carmen del Pino. She held a grand opening/open house Saturday that attracted a crowd of folks who enjoyed dinner and the good company. Check out the photos on the Chamber's Facebook page. When I posted this, 576 people had checked out the photos. Don't you be left out! See how many friends you can tag!
Tuesday, August 16
Thinking about starting a business? Plan to attend Exploring Entrepreneurship, a free program at Wilkes Community College that is happening TONIGHT. I know many of your reading this have thought about having your own business. Call now to reserve your seat. 336-372-5061 ext 230.
Wednesday, August 17
Downtown merchants: Sweep in front of your store. The town will be sweeping the street early Thursday morning.
Thursday, August 18
Learn the Basics of Business Financials at this free class for existing businesses as well as hopeful entrepreneurs.
Weathering Financial Storms is the title of the Lunch and Learn program at the Alleghany Library. This is a timely program considering the economy. Bring a bag lunch and join them at noon. Drinks provided. An RSVP is appreciated. 336-372-5573
The Alleghany Historical Museum has a new display on Local Agriculture.
Be sure to stop by JBs Pizza and Subs for the Cruise In. If you have an old car or truck, bring it. Or come just to look.
The River Country Estates is offering a FREE FAMILY EVENING OUT at their Clubhouse. A movie for the kids while you swim, work-out or whatever!
Friday, August 19
Free concert by the Almost Irish Band in Sparta United Methodist Church, sponsored by the Library
Saturday, August 20
Fight Hunger with Fried Pies. Be sure to attend this benefit concert to support the Solid Rock Food Closet, featuring this popular band.
Return to the Good Ol' Days along the New River with this special program by a Park Ranger.
Update your fall wardrobe by attending the Hospital Fashion Show Luncheon.
Summer Fest begins at Freebornes and continues through Sunday: music, bike show and poker run.
Don't forget Sam Williams book signing at Blue Ridge Gallery.
The Lions Club is holding a free Family Fun Day in Lions Park, including food!
Sunday, August 21
Go underwater at New River State Park.
Monday, August 22
County Fair Livestock Competition begins. Carnival arrives Thursday.
Tuesday, August 23
Trouble with your business taxes? WCC has the Answer.
Thursday, August 25
The Alleghany Art Guild presents a program by Tina Duffey on Art in Fused Glass.
The Carnival arrives at the Alleghany County Fair. Free activities for kids and families at the Alleghany Partnership For Children Kids' Tent.
Friday, August 26
It's time again for the monthly wine tasting at Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop. If you don't believe this is a fun event, scroll down the Chamber's Facebook page for photos from last month's tasting.
Saturday, August 27
The Community's Foundation Summer's Evening of Wine Tasting and Dinner at Olde Beau returns.
Last night of the County Fair includes a lawn mower race and fireworks.
Monday, August 29
Technology in Small Business is the subject of this free WCC course.
The first half of Steven Covey's book The Speed of Trust will be the subject of the Monday reading and discussion group. Covey is a noted speaker and writer on building productive business practices.
Tuesday, August 30
Extension offers Tier 1 Training on Good Agricultural Practices. Anyone involved in handling fresh produce, from farmers and field hands to packing house employees and truckers, will benefit from the training by learning to identify and prevent contact between sources of contamination and fresh produce.
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.
>> 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.
>>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.
