QUICK EDITORIAL - Sports double-header brings folk to Sparta: With a 2A/1A Wrestling Conference Tournament in the old AHS gym and 10 14-year-old brass Junior Olympic Volleyball teams competing in the new gym, there will be a number of visitors in the county Saturday. We don't think of winter weekends as a time to welcome folk into the area, but these visitors eat and shop much like summer folk. If you bump into them, give them a hearty Alleghany welcome. The retail trade visitors bring is always welcome, but particularly in January. Check out our website to introduce the weekly J.O. Vollleyball teams to the area.
SPEAKING OF WRESTLING: An authentic Green Bay Packer jersey has been donated by Green Bay's popular linebacker, Clay Matthews (#52), to the Murphy wrestlers to raffle for Luke. The jersey is accompanied by a letter of authenticity. All proceeds go to benefit Luke Hampton. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. The drawing will be held on February 18 during the 1A West Regional Wrestling Finals at the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy near Forest City, NC. Tickets may be purchased locally at the Alleghany High School office. Call 372-4554 for more information.
Sparta Invis-A-Rack Inventor, Donny McCall, made me proud during his appearance on "Shark Tank". You could tell that several of the "sharks" were moved by his appeal -- one shared some personal history about his late father's factory jog -- but no one offered him money because he stood by making his Invis-A-Rack in the USA. This really is worth seeing. Click on the Shark Tank website to view the episode.
The New York Giants and New England Patriots square off in the Super Bowl for the second time in just four years on Sunday, Feb. 5.
The MarketWatch.com website has estimated that Americans will consume 1.5 billion chicken wings during the final football match-up of the season. Don't be left out.
GUYS, IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK OF THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE: Hair Gallery 21 and Skintastic have teamed up for some spa specials that would warm the heart of your special someone now or on Valentine's Day. Ladies, some of us men are thick skinned, so print out the following list of offerings and leave copies around the home. 336-372-6464
NIKOLAS' WINTER DINING SPECIAL: Print this coupon and January through March, you can order one entree and get the second half off. Make a date with someone special and take advantage of the winter meal deal. 336-363-6060
HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: 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. The current display features apparel from our past.
Chamber Gift Certificates: Green like money! Can be redeemed at any Chamber Merchant for goods and services (even at the guns, lures, bullets, tackle and jacket store.)
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Through the month of January, the Blue Ridge Business Development Center is hosting their annual Atrium Quilt Show. And the Alleghany Library is accepting entries into the NWRL Photo Contest. The Library is also holding a book sale to support Luke Hampton.
Wednesday, February 1
If you are organizing an event for 2012, don't forget to join us at the Alleghany Inn Conference Room at 5:15 for the Chamber's Annual Calendaring Meeting. (Details at the top)
Thursday, February 2
The Alleghany County Republican Party will hold their "2012 Kick-off" meeting at the Silver Dollar Music Park with dinner starting at 6:00 pm on Thursday Feb. 2. Meal reservations are suggested. Please call: Susan Murphy at 657-7187, Barbara Church at 372-8729, or Lawana Murphy at 657-8548. We will have two speakers: NC Representative Sarah Stevens and NC Representative Dale Folwell. Dale is also Speaker Pro-Tem and now a candidate for LT. Governor.
Sunday, February 5
Why go out of town when you can go to the movie theater right here in Alleghany County? Save the gas and enjoy 2 movies, popcorn, soft drink and candy for one low admission price of $5.00 with the proceeds benefitting the Razors Edge Skatepark and Youth Ministry. Playing this Sunday: Igor and Reel Steel.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 7, 9 & 10
Meeting of Minds, an ACT Readers' Theatre performance of the Steve Allen series that brought together famous people of the past to discuss history, politics and other matters. Tuesday at 7p at River Country Estates, Thursday at 1:30p at the Senior Center and Friday at 7p at the Library.
Sunday, February 12
You are invited to the Second Sunday Mission Meal at Sparta United Methodist Church.
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19
WANNABE ARTISANS - Jewelry Fabrication Weekend Workshop at the Sawtooth Center in Winston-Salem: This is an introduction to creating jewelry the traditional way, by starting with sheet metal and wire. You'll learn about the basic tools of the jeweler: a jeweler's saw, pliers, hammers, and the torch. We'll cover techniques that will enable you to create beautiful wearable jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, and pendants! Work with copper with sterling silver, and will provide all the materials, tools and equipment. No experience necessary - all you need is enthusiasm!
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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