Chamber Briefing

THE ENTERTAINERS THIS SATURDAY: Want to dance the afternoon away to one of the most fantastic beach music bands on the East coast? Then be at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds Saturday, April 7 at 2p, and be prepared to listen to first-class R&B, top 40, classic rock & roll, country, and of course, beach music performed by The Entertainers, a band known all up and down the East Coast from Washington, DC to Naples, Fl. This benefit concert is to raise money to help with medical expenses for three students at Alleghany High School who have been injured or are very ill. Refreshments will be served. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move to Sparta Auditorium. Questions: 336-372-4554

WELLNESS CENTER NEEDS YOUR STUFF: If you need an excuse to clean out the basement, attic and that junk room (I know you have one. We all have one), the upcoming Alleghany Wellness Center Raise-the-Roof Auction on May 5 is just that excuse you need. They are looking for the good stuff. While it may be worthless to you, it would be a treasure to someone else, such as: Antique Children’s Toys; Antique/Heirlooms (Jewelry, Pocket, Knives, etc.); Bicycle, Scooters and Motorbikes etc.; Collectibles; Decorative Pieces (Pictures, Paintings, Lamps etc.); Garden Furniture; Tools & Equipment; Grills; Patio Furniture; Quilts/Wall Hangings/Lap Quilts; Silverware; Platters & Bowls; Sports Equipment; Tools/Equipment; Working Power Tools; Antiques Furniture; Area Rugs; Children’s Furniture & Riding Toys; Current Office Equipment; Furniture (in good shape); Garden Plants; Flowers; Handcrafted Wood Items (Blanket Chests, Bookcases, Pie Safe, etc.); Pottery; Sets of Dishes; Glasses & Kitchen Items; Small working Kitchen Appliances; Tablecloths/Place mats; and Working Autos, Tractors and Trucks. (You know you’re never going to get around to painting that rust-bucket.) Drop off at the Wellness Center, 508 Collins Road, or call to schedule pickup of large items before April 26. Questions or other details: 336-372-2944

SPEAKING OF THE WELLNESS CENTER...
Business After Hours will be hosted by the Alleghany Wellness Center Thursday, April 12, 5-7p. Not only will they have some delightful and healthy finger food; not only will they have new staff to introduce you to; not only will they answer you questions about all the new programs and offerings at the Center, but you'll get the latest update on the new roof over the pool and maybe a few suprises! Drop by after work, but BE THERE. 333-372-2944

PARKWAY FRIENDS NEED YOUR HELP: One or our newest Chamber members is the Northern Highlands Chapter of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a non-profit whose mission is to recruit volunteers to help the Parkway with maintenance and other chores. Sadly, the federal budget no longer provides enough funding to keep this Park in tip-top shape. So come one and all – just bring lunch, gloves, rakes, shovels, and small hand tools. The Northern Highlands Chapter of the FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is holding a workday on the Parkway on Saturday, April 14 (rain date – May 5). In preparation for the opening of the Parkway in our region, some cleanup needs to be done. Doughton Park campgrounds and picnic area and the picnic area in Cumberland Knob are the areas where we’ll be working.

Please come at 10a to the picnic area in Doughton Park for registration, orientation, and assignment. The picnic area is just across the Parkway from the Bluffs Restaurant. There will be someone available to direct you to the appropriate place. With enough willing workers, we should be done by 2 or 3p.

Water and snacks will be provided. Questions: Call Joyce Speas at 336-601-6118.

COUPON CLIPPERS, CHECK OUT NIKOLAS: Grab this coupon from Nikolas Restaurant at High Meadows Inn for a free appetizer, glass of wine or beer with any dinner entree ordered. Where else can you experience find dining and get appetizers like shrimp scampi and baked clams? Only at Nikolas at 10498 Hwy. 21 South in Roaring Gap.

THISTLE STOP OPENS, TOM'S STILL THE MAN: I reported last week on the opening of Thistle Stop Wine Shop in Kernersville, NC, that is operated by Brant and Amy Burgiss. I reported they were the owners, but I was mistaken. Old Tom Burgiss (I can call him old because I'm as old as dirt and he's older than me!) owns that operation as well as Thistle Meadow.

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. April through June, Faith of Our Fathers, Living Still, is the special exhibit highlighting places of worship in the county. Learn more about this exhibit and other Alleghany Historical and Genealogical Society news at the newly redesigned website: www.ahgs.org

CHRIST EPISCOPAL EASTER PROGRAMS: Christ Church builds up to Easter with programs each day beginning this Thursday with Maundy Thursday and Footwashing Service, 5-7p; Stations of the Cross on Friday at 12n; and the Good Friday Service at 6p that evening; Sunday, the Great Easter Vigil will begin at sunset (7;50p); and culminating with Easter Service, 10:30a on Sunday.

Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.

Tuesday, April 3


LIBRARY BOOK FAIR THIS WEEK: The Alleghany County Library will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair through Tuesday, April 10 (except April 8 & 9 when the Library is closed for Easter) to benefit the Library and the Alleghany Homeschool HUB. Learn more. 336-372-5573.


Small business operators, get a handle on taxes in this free program.

Thursday, April 5
Discover out How to Start a Business in Tough Times.

Good Friday, April 6
Sparta Presbyterian Church invites the community to their  Good Friday Service at 12n.  The service is planned for less than one hour to allow those who might come on their lunch hour to attend.  Sparta Presbyterian Church is located at 160 S. Main Street. 336-372-5045

Saturday, April 7
Be surprised by the Wonders of Wildlife at New River State Park.


Easter Sunday, April 8
The Second Sunday Mission Meal normally held on this date at Sparta United Methodist Church will be occur on Sunday, April 15. You are invited to Easter Service at 9 and 11a.

Cornerstone Christian Fellowship will hold their Cornerstone Cafe at 9:30a and their Easter Celebration  at 10:30, at 1276 Grandview Driver (1.75 miles from the Grandview-US 21 intersection on the right). Live praise and worship band, music/drama and video, Bible-based teaching. 336-372-3070

Tuesday, April 10
The Family Resource Center is hosting Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children Training, a special program to recognize and prevent child abuse. This is a must program for anyone who wants to be trained how and when to report abuse. Training is approved for 3 hours of instructional credit.

Meeting of Minds: Join host Dudley Carpenter and four luminaries from the past: Emily Dickens, Attila the Hun, Galileo, and Charles Darwin for a thought-provoking discussion of timeless issues at 7p in the Clubhouse at River Country Estates. This Readers' Theatre production is free to the public but donations are appreciated.

Wednesday, April 11
When Crisis Hits featured at Lunch 'N Learn. Mark your calendar for this program at the Alleghany Library presented by Dialogue Matters. There is no charge but bring a bag lunch.

Friday, April 12
Setting Up Quickbooks for Small Business. Quickbooks has become a must for so many small businesses, but it's not as intuitive as publisher Intuit would like for you to believe. This free class will get you off to a good start.

How to Download e-books to your E-Reader: This free Library program will put you at ease about loading your Kindle, I-pad or other reading device.

Don't forget Business After Hours at the Alleghany Wellness Center.

Saturday, April 13
Third Saturday Dance Bash features Line Dance Lessons at the Silver Dollar Music Park.

Sunday, April 14
Learn the Signs of Spring from a New River Park Ranger.

Enjoy the Sunday Mission Meal at Sparta United Methodist 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

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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