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WAYNE ANDREWS DOING WELL: Wayne Andrews underwent surgery last week for a brain aneurysm and is recovering nicely. Wayne is a Chamber Board Member and local builder. Those of you who know Wayne, know he recently suffered a fall off a 2-story roof. The aneurysm was discovered while doctors were looking for further damage from the fall. Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
~ Bob Bamberg
VOTE FOR SPARTA: Readers Digest is offering $50,000 to the small town that receives the most online votes in their "We Hear You America." You can vote as often as you like. The good news is that since it is limited to small towns, we're not competing against Charlotte or Atlanta. We already have 4 votes and I cast two of them, so boot up those computers and GET TO VOTING. We need all the help we can get. Click for details. (If we win the $50,000 and can't decide what to do with the money, the Chamber will happily accept it.) 
4-H TAKING ORDERS FOR SPRING GARDENS: Order now to get your blueberry, blackberry, grape, herb, horseradish, raspberry and strawberry plants in time for spring planting. All orders are due by Friday, March 16, 2012. Don't miss out. You'll be sorry when your neighbors are picking their strawberries. Payment is due at the time the orders are placed. Download a copy of the plant descriptions/order form. For more details or call 336-372-5597.
CHAMBER GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ALL YEAR: The Chamber will be offering gift certificates that can be redeemed at most Chamber members year round. The procedure is the same as with the Christmas certificates. The design is a little different (after all, the holly wreath is out of of season.) This is a great way to keep money circulating locally. Give them for birthdays and anniversaries. Employers: Give them an bonuses or reward for exemplary performance. They're better than money because it is not subject to income tax. They come in $25 and $10 denominations. Questions: Email director@sparta-nc.com or call 336-372-5473. 
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.
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Thursday, March 1
This is an important meeting for local Republicans. NC Representative Mike Hager, the Republican Freshman Leader, will be the keynote speaker. All Republican candidates who filed for office will be introduced and delegates will be elected to attend the GOP District State Conventions.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Prescription Drug Abuse in Alleghany County, Presented by: Fred Wells Brason II, founder of Project Lazarus, 10a-12n at Sparta United Methodist Church, Thursday, March 8, followed by a free catered lunch for the first 50 registrants! Otherwise $10 fee for other pre-registered attendees wishing meal. The big drug problem in Alleghany and surrounding counties is not pot, meth or coke, it's prescription drugs, the kind in everyone's medicine cabinet. I've been told local deaths from prescription drugs surpass suicide in our county. The Lazarus program in Wilkes County is a comprehensive means of halting this scourge. Mr. Brason will explain the cause of the epidemic, top distributed drugs, death rates, contributing causes to overdose deaths, community education, rescue, treatment, and the chronic pain initiative with mental health, ER’s, and physicians. Certificates of Attendance will be available for 2 contact hours. Attendees MUST pre-register by calling 336-372-3462 NO LATER THAN MARCH 1. Presentation hosted by the Alleghany Drug Taskforce. Sponsored by The Alleghany Inn
Friday, March 2
Sunday, March 4
Two family favorites are playing at the Sunday Movies at River Country Estates: Shrek and Puss in Boots.
Tuesday, March 6
Think you might have what it takes to start your own business? Be sure to attend "Exploring Entrepreneurship" at Wilkes Community College, Alleghany Center.
Sunday, March 11
Second Sunday Mission Meal at Sparta United Methodist Church.
Two film favorites are playing at the Sunday Movies at River Country Estates: Dinosaur and Footloose
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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