NEW CHAMBER HOME PAGE: The home page for the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center has a new home page. Actually it is part of an introduction of on-going changes to make the site more attractive and easy to use. Go to CoolSparta.com to see the new home page. If you find glitches, please call 336-372-5473 or email director@sparta-nc.com. It would be a small miracle if it's perfect. And let us know your thoughts on the new Home Page.
ALLEGHANY FEATURED ON NC NOW: UNC TV was in town recently videoing at the Alleghany Heritage Museum and at Mountain Hearth Lodge. I've been told the Museum will air tonight, May 1, and the Lodge will be on Wednesday or Thursday, May 2 or 3. The show is on at 7:30p each weeknight.
PARKWAY WORKDAY : If you wanted to help get the Parkway in shape for the season but could not come out to last Saturday's Friends of the Parkway volunteer work day, the Friends will be on the Parkway again Saturday, May 5, beginning at 10a. Join them at Doughton Park picnic area with a bag lunch, gloves and any yard implements you may have (rakes, shovels, etc.). Snacks, drinks and water will be provided. Call 336-601-6118. (I apologize for the scary guy in the photo, but I knew it would get your attention.) It and other photos from their last workday are posted on the Chamber's Facebook Page. 
CIROS DELIVERS FOR BUCK: Ciro's Italian Restaurant, 430 East Main Street, Independence, Virginia will deliver to Sparta for a buck, one dollar, a greenback, clam, moola, a single samolian. (It must be that cheap Virginia gas). Hungry for pizza, salads, pasta, calzones, subs, seafood, or their lunch specials? Give them a call at 276-773-9100. Tell them you heard about the delivery deal in the Chamber Briefing.
NEWS FROM THE WELLNESS CENTER: There's lots going on at our Wellness Center. New classes opening up. The big Auction this Saturday. Summer camp registration. Big Bike Ride planned for June 9. The pool cover is gone (I didn't recognize the building at first glance). Get the real skinny, checkout their May Newsletter. Better still, go to their Website and sign up to receive your own copy. 336-372-2944
YOU CAN WIN $5000. The Rotary Drawdown returns to Silver Dollar Music Park May 13 beginning at 6p. Top prize is $5000 and net proceeds all go to local charities and agencies right here in Alleghany County. Need tickets? Tickets are $100 each and are available from any Rotary member. Each meal includes two meals. The ticket must be present at the drawing to win. Members who can be contacted in town include: President George White at First Community Bank , 372-2265; Roger Choate at Car Quest, 372-5545; Matt Kovacich at Internal Medicine of Alleghany, 372-2481; Donna Edwards at Grayson National Bank, 372-2811; and Bob Bamberg at the Chamber of Commerce, 372-5473.
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. Their current display is on local churches. Very informative.
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
The Sparta Presbyterian Church invites the community to the Spring concert of the Highland Camerata.
Thursday, May 3
For your health's sake, attend Understanding Depression, the topic of the Alleghany Library's Lunch 'n Learn program.
Come to the Alleghany GOP County Convention and hear the keynote address by Congresswoman Virginia Fox in the State House.
Saturday, May 5
Help the Alleghany Wellness Center and find a special treasure at their Auction Fundraiser.
Tuesday, May 8
Your organization need money? This WCC free Grant Writing Seminar may be just the ticket.
Show and Tell your Quilt at this program by a certified textile appraiser.
Show your respect. Attend the Alleghany Library's Veterans' Reception.
Wednesday, May 9
Downtown merchants, show your pride. Sweep the area in front of your building last thing Wednesday. The Town will sweep the streets early Thursday. Also, encourage any cars that might be parked overnight to park elsewhere.
Friday, May 11
Priority Blue headlines the Friends of the Auditorium Concert.
Come, eat and enjoy. Variety Show at the Silver Dollar Music Park.
Saturday, May 12
It's not too late to be a part of the $5000 top prize Rotary Drawdown (I've got tickets 336-200-2468).
Find the freshest produce and more. The Sparta Farmers' Market opens for the season.
Sunday, May 13
Alleghany Care and Rehabilitation celebrates National Nursing Home Week with events every day through Saturday.
Support a worthy cause and enjoy lunch with your friends at Sparta Methodist Church Second Sunday Mission Meal.
Thursday, May 3
For your health's sake, attend Understanding Depression, the topic of the Alleghany Library's Lunch 'n Learn program.
Come to the Alleghany GOP County Convention and hear the keynote address by Congresswoman Virginia Fox in the State House.
Saturday, May 5
Help the Alleghany Wellness Center and find a special treasure at their Auction Fundraiser.
Tuesday, May 8
Your organization need money? This WCC free Grant Writing Seminar may be just the ticket.
Show and Tell your Quilt at this program by a certified textile appraiser.
Show your respect. Attend the Alleghany Library's Veterans' Reception.
Wednesday, May 9
Downtown merchants, show your pride. Sweep the area in front of your building last thing Wednesday. The Town will sweep the streets early Thursday. Also, encourage any cars that might be parked overnight to park elsewhere.
Friday, May 11
Priority Blue headlines the Friends of the Auditorium Concert.
Come, eat and enjoy. Variety Show at the Silver Dollar Music Park.
Saturday, May 12
It's not too late to be a part of the $5000 top prize Rotary Drawdown (I've got tickets 336-200-2468).
Find the freshest produce and more. The Sparta Farmers' Market opens for the season.
Sunday, May 13
Alleghany Care and Rehabilitation celebrates National Nursing Home Week with events every day through Saturday.
Support a worthy cause and enjoy lunch with your friends at Sparta Methodist Church Second Sunday Mission Meal.
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
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Barn Quilt Trails: Barns and other structures throughout Alleghany County are adorned with normal 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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