CHAMBER GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE: There is no better deal in town than Chamber Gift Certificates. They come in $10 and $25 denominations. They can be redeemed with Chamber members. (Typically the certificates are redeemed with Chamber retail and personal service providers. Click for a list. However, any Chamber business member can redeem the certificates. Contact us 336-372-5473.) Best of all, the recipient of your Chamber Gift Certificate can choose from the many Chamber members for the perfect gift. There is no service charge for the gift certificates to the purchaser or redeeming merchants. (Merchants: Redemption is the same as last year and is outlined on the back. Call if you have questions.)
MEALS & MEMORIES SECOND PRINTING: This popular cookbook, lauded by Our State Magazine in their August 2011 issue, is once again available. "For the variety of recipes alone, Meals & Memories would have been a good seller," said the Magazine. "But knowing the cookbook also supports High Country Hospice of Alleghany County (makes) it a must-have for many. Through stories and photographs, (it) preserves memories of people whom Hospice has served as well as volunteers who share their time and talents with the organization." The books are $20 each or 2 for $35 and make wonderful Christmas gifts. Please call 336-372-8018 if you have any questions. Purchases may be made at the Sparta Hospice office, River Rock Grill, Seasons, Twin Oaks Grocery, Medi-Home Care and Freeborne's in Laurel Springs.
WE HAVE "COLOR KANGA" ENTRIES: Dogs by Debbie's professional groomer, Debbie Goldstien, is holding a children's coloring contest for youngsters 4 through 11. Just pick up an entry drawing of Kanga at the Chamber office or one of the elementary schools and color away. Two categories -- 4 to 6 years and 7 to 11 -- compete for $20 cash first prize and $10 second prize. The grand prize winner receives a $50 gift card, one free grooming session for a family pet, five tickets to the Magic Show in Sparta, and a pawtographed photo of the winner with the contest host, Kanga. Entries can be deposited at the elementary schools and the Chamber and must be submitted by Dec. 20, 2011, at 6 p. Winning entries will be displayed at local buisnesses. 336-372-2039
A NEW BLOG: Some of my so-called Quick Editorials have been anything but a quick read. In the future to keep the opinions from making this way too long I've revised the old Chamber Views title for a new blog for the editorial (Opinion writing is in my blood). However, I'll always preview the editorial here with a link to the new blog that opens in a new window. The new blog is open to comments, so let me know what you think.
QUICK EDITORIAL: This ran last week, but it is WORTH REPEATING (I know some of you just skipped over it).
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year can be different. This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! Click for the rest of the story (opens in new window)
HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: Veterans' Morning Coffee at the VFW: The VFW hosts an informal coffee just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.
Wednesday, November 23
Downtown merchants sweep the sidewalk in front of your store into the street for early Thursday street sweeping.
Downtown merchants sweep the sidewalk in front of your store into the street for early Thursday street sweeping.
Thursday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day
The huge High Country Light Show is lit tonight and every night through New Years at the Glade Valley Volunteer Fire Department, on Glade Valley Road, 6.4 miles from its intersection with US 21 South and 5 miles from NC 18. The show contains over 150,000 lights synchronized to your favorite Christmas music broadcast over 96.5 FM.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26
Be sure to visit Mangum Pottery for their Open House and Sale 10a - 5p each day.
This are great days to make your way to a local Christmas Tree farm and select your tree for the holidays.
The Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center will be open 10a-3:30p.
This are great days to make your way to a local Christmas Tree farm and select your tree for the holidays.
The Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center will be open 10a-3:30p.
Friday, November 25
Come out to the Big Daddy Love Homecoming Show at the Silver Dollar Music Park. Dance to their brand of Appalachian rock, contemporary blend of bluegrass and rock. Welcome home the local members of the bands.
Saturday, November 26
The annual Christmas Parade marches down Sparta's Main Street beginning at 2p. Main Street coordinator Barbara Lucier is the parade marshal. Lighting the Way is the theme. The lighting of the Community Christmas Tree follows at dusk that evening.
Monday, November 28
Give the gift of life at the Sparta Lions Club Blood Drive at Sparta Methodist Church.
Join the Book Discussion Group on the book, Drive, by Daniel Pink who writes about the secret to performance and satisfaction at work, school and home.
Tuesday, November 29
The Alleghany County Library is sponsoring a reception to honor our veterans at 6:30p. Help honor these special members of our community. The Library is also collecting information to add every veteran to a 'Book of Honor'. If you are a veteran, or have a loved one who has served, please send in the following information: Name, Branch, and Dates of Service. This could honor someone who is living or may be a memorial to a deceased loved one. Help ensire every vetran is included. You do not have to be an Alleghany County veteran to be included. For more information, contact the Alleghany County Library at 336-372-5573 or by email at dbrewer@nwrl.org.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 2 & 3
If you missed last week's Mangum Pottery open hour and sale, it continues.
Saturday, December 3
Find that special gift at the Christmas Craft Fair in the Black Building at the County Fairgrounds.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 2-4
The Annual Community Singing Christmas Tree concerts are held each evening at First Baptist Church.
Join the Book Discussion Group on the book, Drive, by Daniel Pink who writes about the secret to performance and satisfaction at work, school and home.
Tuesday, November 29
The Alleghany County Library is sponsoring a reception to honor our veterans at 6:30p. Help honor these special members of our community. The Library is also collecting information to add every veteran to a 'Book of Honor'. If you are a veteran, or have a loved one who has served, please send in the following information: Name, Branch, and Dates of Service. This could honor someone who is living or may be a memorial to a deceased loved one. Help ensire every vetran is included. You do not have to be an Alleghany County veteran to be included. For more information, contact the Alleghany County Library at 336-372-5573 or by email at dbrewer@nwrl.org.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 2 & 3
If you missed last week's Mangum Pottery open hour and sale, it continues.
Saturday, December 3
Find that special gift at the Christmas Craft Fair in the Black Building at the County Fairgrounds.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 2-4
The Annual Community Singing Christmas Tree concerts are held each evening at First Baptist Church.
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
>> 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
ACTV SPECIALS
>> Alleghany Jubilee on TV: Every Thursday at 7p on Alleghany CableVision channel 98 (formerly Channel 50) and Skybest cable channel 21.
>> Alleghany Memories: Interviews with long-time Alleghany residents recalling local history Every Thursday at 8p on Alleghany CableVision Channel 98 (formerly Channel 50) and Skybest cable channel 21.
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.
>> 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 an informal coffee just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.
Check 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 http://www.blogger.com/www.sparta-nc.blogspot.com.
Check 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 http://www.blogger.com/www.sparta-nc.blogspot.com.
Subscribe: If you are viewing this on the Web and would like a copy emailed to you as soon as it is updated each week, email director@sparta-nc.com with Subscribe in the subject line.
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