still Strong
There has been no let up in the efforts to support Luke Hampton and his family emotionally and financially since he broke his neck in a wrestling match Dec. 3. (Notices often feature his football jersey number 36.) He is at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, a facility specializing in spinal cord injuries. There are many ways to support him and his family with the considerable expense of his care. The simplest is to make a donation into a special account at any State Employees Credit Union. Information on other activities is available at the Alleghany Schools' website. An ACTV broadcast that features news about Luke during the first seven minutes can be found on the Vimeo video sharing website. Lastly, Luke's injury and the story of how the community is rallying to support him was the top headline story on last Wednesday's Winston-Salem Journal. It has also been picked up by the AP and is being told across the country.
VOLLEYBALL BRINGS POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS UP OUR MOUNTAIN: January through March is Junior Olympics Volleyball Tournament Season and that means approximately 500 players, family and friends, and coaches will be in Sparta at Alleghany High School each Saturday for tournament play. Players from the east usually come up Friday, arriving at 8p or later. Closer teams come early Saturday. Those coming Friday have learned there are few eating places open and have taken to eating on the trip or staying down the mountain, usually in Elkin. The Chamber is making an effort to encourage these folks to trade here. They must eat and sleep here (assuming they aren't close enough to commute on Saturday). There often have two hour breaks between play on Saturday and parents and sometimes players shop (gifts, clothes, art, etc.) or seek diversions (wineries, artisan studios, etc.). We have a website spartajotournaments.wordpress.com that is part of this effort. A Twitter and Facebook page are planned. We are offering listings on the site for $25 that includes your name, address, phone, web address (if available) and a 25 word description. The money goes for a welcome banner over Main Street. I've dummeyed-up some ads under the Eat link. If you want part of the Friday night crowd, it pays to be open past 8p. Traffic is slow in the winter. This is an attempt to capitalize on low-hanging fruit. Questions? Call 336-372-5473 and ask to speak with Ashley or Bob. Act quickly. Play begins Jan. 7.
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Chilly Water Farm sits on 84 acres of land, located at 442 Laurel Glenn Church Road in Sparta. Purchased in January 2011, it is owned and operated by Kim and Sara Brown, the mother/daughter farming operation raises eggs, meat, and produce. Although not organically certified, Chilly Water Farm follows organic practices on the farm. Currently, free-range, naturally fed chickens are producing beautiful eggs. These healthy eggs can be purchased for $4.50 per dozen or $20 for five dozen. In August, 2012, Chilly Water Farm plans to begin a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) network that will consist of Dexter cattle that the farm presently raises. During the summer months, organic produce is grown and is available for purchase. Chilly Water Farm has eight miniature donkeys with the long-term plan of selling foals when "the girls" reach the adequate age for breeding. More information coming soon on their blog site and Facebook page. 336-372-2552
HELP ALLEGHANY PREPARE FOR HAZARDOUS WEATHER: Your help is need to help prepare for future hazardous weather event and it only takes a few minutes. Please visit this website and take a few minutes to answer some simple survey questions. 336-372-6220
HEAR GARY YORK SPEAK AT ROTARY: This entrepreneur from Pilot Mountain will speak to the Alleghany Rotary Club this Thursday, Dec. 15. Mr. York, is the owner of York Oil, Neighbors Convenience Stores, Radio Station WIFM 100.9 in Elkin, NC, as well as Dr. Flippin's Bed and Breakfast (Pilot Mtn). Gary is a very inspiring speaker who integrates his love of photography to tell stories of people who have made a difference in his community. Gary reminds us all that when small things are done extra-ordinarily well, good results will follow. The Rotary Club of Alleghany County meets every Thursday at 7a for breakfast and a brief program in the Alleghany Memorial Hospital Solarium. Visitors welcome. Meetings always end promptly at 8a so as not to interfere with morning commitments. Contact Rotary President George White, 336-372-2265, with your questions.
GREAT BUSINESS TO BUSINESS DEAL: Bland Holland is the manager of the recently re-opened Mountain Hearth Lodge at mile post 231.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers luxury accommodations, gourmet breakfasts and impeccable service. This is one of the oldest bed and breakfast inns in the county and is known for its serene surroundings and for pampering customers. Holland is offering you a certificate for a free night's stay for every five paid nights' stay you refer to Mountain Hearth Lodge. There are no black-out dates or restrictions on the certificates. Use them for yourself, family and friends or best of all, for your customers coming to the area on business or for leisure travel. Please drop in and tour the property at any time or call 336-372-8743 for detailed information. If you refer a guest, make sure that we have your name and company listed to get the proper credits posted.QUICK EDITORIAL: Thanks for the Christmas lights. I don't know whether I'm just noticing more or not, but it seems the town and county are more lit, more in the Christmas spirit. Special kudos to D.W. Miles for the always fabulously lit Trojan Village Shopping Center, to John Kilmartin for a spectacular Alleghany Inn and William Bottomley for his huge High Country Light Show at the Glade Creek Fire Department. Thanks to all the merchants and citizens for making a ride through the countryside such a show. By the way, when I come in early to work out at the Wellness Center I can't help but notice Bob Hamm's house. Not too shabby, Bob.
And speaking of Bob Hamm, HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY. Join everyone at B&T Automotive, 1 mile north of town on US 21, this Saturday, Dec. 17, 10a-2p for hot dogs, drinks, a bounce house for the kids and a display of some of BOB'S ANTIQUE CARS. I'll be there to congratulate the youngun' for reaching this milestone and to break the 10th Commandment as I ogle his old cars. (By the way, Bob, I just so love the hat! It is so you.)
HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: Santa is at Trojan Village every weekend right up to Christmas. And don't forget to catch the High Country Lights!
Chamber Gift Certificates: Green like money! Can be redeemed at any Chamber Merchant for goods and services (even precious jewels)
The Chamber office will be closed the Saturday before Christmas through New Year's Day. Please contact this office now if that poses an inconvenience for you or your business. 372-5473
The Chamber office will be closed the Saturday before Christmas through New Year's Day. Please contact this office now if that poses an inconvenience for you or your business. 372-5473
Wednesday, December 14
Plan to attend the Friends of Luke Hampton Benefit Auction 5-7p at Sparta Family Fun Center (bowling alley). Items available for silent auction include jewelry, new clothing, household decor, kitchen and bath items, gift certificates, and much more. Featured items include a John Deere Tractor ceramic cookie jar and beautiful wide 14K gold ladies' bracelets. If you would like to donate an item(s) please call Jessa Cook at 336-200-2636.
Thursday, December 15
Bring the family to the FREE Evening Out at the River Country Clubhouse.
Come to the Alleghany Library for their Happy Holly Days open house.
Saturday, December 17
Discover the Winter Wonderland at New River State Park.
Holden Bare live at Buckaroo's Grille. Enjoy a great meal and the this singer/songwriter that performs so well all the old tunes I love.
Sunday, December 18
Movies in Alleghany County? Yes, and they have holiday themes!
Monday, December 19
The deadline is not until Feb. 24, but don't put off visiting Alleghany Library for details about their NW Regional Library Photo Contest. February will be here before you know it.
Wednesday, December 21
Feel the spirit of the season at the Community Advent Service and Lunch.
Saturday, December 31: It's not too late to make your plans for New Year's Eve.
Let the Celtic sounds of the Almost Irish Band bring in the New Year at Nikolas in Roaring Gap. A special menu will top off your pleasure
They're back! The Silver Dollar Music Park is hosting Seazuns Pleazuns. Yes folks Seazuns Pleazuns has come out of retirement -- or been raised from the dead. That's Dennis Shaw, David Choate, Homer Crouse, Marty Miles and Nave Blevins. This is a dance and eat evening. They are serving supper and your first breakfast in 2012!
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
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.
>> 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
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