Thursday, February 9, 2012



ROTARY SPEAKER TELE-COMMUTES FOR PROGRAM: The Feb. 16 Alleghany Rotary Club meeting presents a novel presentation for members and guests. Nurse Rayetta Johnson, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center stroke program manager, will offer a program on stroke prevention and warning signs. But Nurse Johnson will not have to make the early drive from Winston-Salem for the 7 a.m. breakfast meeting. She will make her presentation by way of the hospital’s Telestroke Network. Rotarians will hear and speak to Ms. Johnson via “Alle,” an interactive, mobile robot. 
    “Alleghany Memorial Hospital is one of half a dozen hospitals in Western North Carolina who has access to this technology in partnership with Baptist Hospital,” Ralph Castillo, AMH CEO, said. He explained that the robot doesn’t perform medical procedures but it lets a specialist at Baptist conduct a two-way video assessment of a patient and advise local professional in regards to treatment. “The robot is the conduit from Baptist to advise our care team here." 
    The Rotary Club of Alleghany County meets every Thursday at 7 a.m. in the AMH Solarium for breakfast and a program. Visitors are always welcome and enjoy breakfast as guests of the Club. The meeting ends promptly at 8 a.m. to permit members to get to work. (Pictured: AMH CEO Ralph Castillo and Rotary 
President George White with "Alle,", the hospitals  telecommunication link with Wake Forrest Baptist Medical Center.) 336-372-5473, 336-372-2265

CHATEAU LAURINDA: New Website, Great Lodging Deal: Check out the new website for Chateau Laurinda and the special lodging deal that have for the Laurinda House: Book a two-night minimum stay in their exclusive carriage house, now through March 31, with a four-day notice and receive $50 off. That's a great deal on this historic home with a hot tub, for family or friends visiting the area or a getaway for you and your sweetheart on a Valentine weekend. Call today: 336-372 2562.

4-H TAKING ODERS FOR SPRING GARDENS: Order now to get your blueberries, blackberries, grapes, herbs, horseradish, raspberries and strawberries plants in time for spring planting. All orders are due by Friday, March 16, 2012. Payment is due at the time the orders are placed. Check the 4-H Website for more details or call 336-372-5597.


Clay MatthewsPRO JERSEY TO SUPPORT LUKE:  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, is being praised for he insistence that manufacturing of his invention stay in the USA when he appeared on the TV show "Shark Tank". Read what one blogger wrote regarding McCall. View the Shark Tank episode. Is the word out about Invis-A-Rack? Google or Bing invisarack and see how many hits show up.

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. For lovers, their chef will offer Special Romantic Valentine Meals Feb. 10, 11 and 14. Call for details: 336-363-6060.


BOOKS 'N FRIENDS Fill-A-Bag Sale: Throughout the month of February get a bag from selected hardback books and pay only $2. Readers, that's a deal. 


STUDIO ART CLASSES RESUME: Develop your talent. Contact Chris Davis at 336-372-7111 regarding adult and after-school art classes. Hurry: Registration ends Feb. 17.

HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: 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

PLEASE OFFER YOUR IDEAS: I've had several people ask why we don't offer Chamber gift certificates all year long. I like the idea, but at Christmas, the majority of the certificates are given out by the county as a Christmas bonus. I'm interested in how to encourage individuals or businesses to purchase the certificates throughout the year. Got ideas? Share them with me: director@sparta-nc.com 336-372-5473


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.


Friday, February 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, will be presented at 7p at the Library. This presentation features Galileo (Frank Hazard), Emily Dickenson (Cynthia Grant), Atilla the Hun (Nathan Lundy), Charles Darwin (Bob Bamberg) and host Dudley Carpenter. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. 336-372-5473


DATE NIGHT CHALLENGE: Cornerstone Christian Fellowship invites you to come and be entertained and inspired by webcast performances of comedian Jeff Allen and musician Michael O'Brian, and guest speakers Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez 6:30-9p.  Couples bring your kids. Childcare is provided and there is no admission charge. Bring your favorite dessert or finger food to share. 336-372-3070


Sunday, February 12
You are invited to the Second Sunday Mission Meal at Sparta United Methodist Church.


Wall-E and The Big Year are the Sunday Matinee Movies at River Country Estates. Bring the whole family for two movies, drink and popcorn for the low admission price of just $5 each.


You are cordially invited to the King Moravian Church Organ Concert Series. The recital organist is Mr. Timothy Olsen, Kenan Professor of Organ, UNC School of the Arts; trumpet artist is Ms. Judith Saxton, brass coordinator, UNC School of the Arts. Ms. Annette Covington and Mr. Matthew Covington will also perform accompanied by Mr. Olsen. This service will honor the memory and contributions of Mr. Billy Long. For more information, contact Julia Simmons at 336-657-3032 or email Julia@DialogueMatters.org.


Wednesday, February 15
Alleghany Chiropractic Center, 777 South Main Street, is offering a Free Exam and Free Adjustment to all Children. Call 336-372-2005 to schedule an appointment.


Friday, February 17
The Rhythm of the Drum will be presented by the Alleghany Arts Council at Sparta United Methodist Church at 6:30p. Admission is free (donations appreciated) for the presentation of native African music, stories and dance. 


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!



Sunday, February 19
Courageous is the Sunday Matinee Movie at River Country Estates. Bring the whole family for a movie, drink and popcorn for the low admission price of just $5 each.



Tuesday, February 21
Fill your hunger at Christ Episcopal Church Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feast at 6p. This is a youth outreach benefit. Everyone is invited. Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day) is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. 336-372-7983


Friday-Sunday, Feb. 24-26
NEW RIVER BRIDAL EXPO: Brides and Wedding Services Providers, it's not too early to sign up. The New River Bridal Expo, February 24-26 at River Country Estates offers brides a chance to pamper themselves and discover all the services available for their special day. Bridal Services: whether you have a stunning location for an outdoor wedding or are looking for cantering opportunities, you want to be sure to be there and grab the attention of these brides to be. Learn more at: http://newriverbridalexpo.com/.

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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