Drop in for a visit: 58 South Main St., Sparta
Mark Your Calendar

Helpful Links

Area Music 
& Entertainment
Come to listen or to dance to the blue grass and old time musicians who play on Tuesday beginning at 7p and Saturday at 7p and the first Friday of every month at 7p. Admission $4. The Jubilee is located on North Main Street, across from the Courthouse. 
336-372-4591
 
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.
Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10a to 5p. 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 8:30-11a. Click to learn more.
 
 
Alleghany Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 800/336-372-5473
Email: Info@Sparta-NC.com 

Alleghany Chamber of Commerce           February 21, 2013
St. Paddy's Bowling for Dollars
The Chamber of Commerce is holding a St. Paddy's Bowl-A-Thon to raise money for Mountain Heritage Entertainment, Saturday, March 16, at River Rock Grill and Family Fun Center beginning at 9a, Saturday. Also included is a silent auction and 50/50 Raffle. The cost is $25 per person or $100 per team. Rules: team scratch, no handicap, and high team score wins a cash prize. Businesses interested in sponsoring a team and individuals interested in forming teams, please contact or drop by the Chamber of Commerce, 58 South Main St., 336-372-5473; or River Rock Grill and Family Fun Center, 583 S. Main Street, 336-372-2694.
Poet Phillip Shabazz workshop
The Alleghany Arts Council presents two programs by Phillip Shabazz, poet, author, and teacher on Thursday (TODAY), February 21, at the Alleghany County Library.
   4 PM: Creative Writing - He will emphasize writing techniques, imagery, and more with a focus on poetry. Bring your poem creation for reading (please no more than 35 lines)
   6:30 PM - Phillip will discuss his book "When the Grass Was Blue", the Civil Rights Movement as seen through the eyes of 12 year old Kathoor.   This book is used in public schools across NC in Language Arts and Social Studies classes. 336-372-5573
Community Lenten Services

Community Lenten Service, will be offered the following Wednesdays at 12n at Sparta United Methodist Church. The 30-minute service will be followed by a light lunch. There is no charge for lunch but donations are accepted and go to the ministries of the Ministerium, the county ministerial association. 

Speakers are as follows:

Pastor John McCray, Sparta First Baptist Church, Feb. 27

Pastor Mike Austin, Alleghany-Grayson Charge of the United Methodist Church, March 6

Father Stuhrenburg, St. Francis of Rome Catholic Church, March 13

Father Lin Walton, Christ Episcopal Church, March 20

Pastor David Felts, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, March 27 

336-372-4441

New Member Spotlight: Ofelia's on Main

Ofelia's On Main offers a distinctive selection of gifts and unique items that are sure to suit you or someone special that you're shopping for. From stylish aprons, inspirational books and jewelry, to gourmet food, mind-twisting puzzles and candles, there is something to please almost anyone. Located on the corner in the former Studio Redwood storefront, she has retained much of the retail items carried by the previous tenant. Ofelia Killeen is also offering a line of cosmetics and her 15 years experience at Saks Fifth Avenue to assist and guide you. Pat Killeen began playing drums for 40 years and is offering lessons for young and old. Talk to Pat about lessons for your child to put them at the head of the band, or for your own enjoyment.  Call 336-372-2882 or drop by 4 South Main Street.

Pioneer Eclipse Awarded for Safety
Local maker of high-speed floor-care products, Amano Pioneer Eclipse (APEC), 60 Eclipse Road, Sparta, will be inducted into the Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program.  SHARP recognizes NC businesses for their safety program and achievements.  It requires a successful three year record that meets the strict program requirements. Thanks to the collaboration of all employee, APEC has been working diligently toward this achievement for the past three years. NC Dept. of Labor's Commissioner of Labor Cherie K. Berry will make the award in a formal ceremony midday on Feb. 26 at the plant in Sparta, NC. Click to learn more about Amano Pioneer Eclipse or contact Trasa Jones at 336-372-3748.

Wine Tasting Friday at Backwoods Bean

A California and three Argentine wines will be featured at the wine tasting beginning at 6p, Friday, Feb. 22 at Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop. PromisQous is a California wine with a provocative name. The Argentine varieties include New Age red and white and Trivento, a melbec. There is a $5 charge and includes hors d'oeuvres. Click to learn more or call 336-372-7888

Moravian Band Performs this Sunday
You are invited to enjoy a special service of Moravian Band and Choral Music at Transou United Methodist Church, Hwy 88, Laurel Springs, 2.7 miles from Hwy 18/88 Intersection, next to Upper Mountain Research Farm, beginning at 11a. For more information contact George Bloodworth at 336-846-7038 or Julia Simmons at 336-657-3032. Regular worship services are second, fourth and fifth Sundays.
Book Group Explores Quiet Power
The fourth Monday reading and discussion group meets at the Blue Ridge Business Development Center on Feb. 25 beginning at 11:15a. Bring a bag lunch and discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.  If you plan to attend, please contact: Julia Simmons 336-392-8183 or Julia@DialogueMatters.org or Pat Bird 336-971-0098 or Pat@DialogueMatters.org.
Community Awarenss Day at Library
The Alleghany County Library will be hosting a Community Awareness Day on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 12 4 p.  Local agencies will be at the Library to share information on what they offer. Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) will also be held at the library on that day, by appointment.  VITA is available each Wednesday and Friday.  Come by the Alleghany County Library at 122 N. Main St. and 'check-out' what our community agencies and organizations can do for you!!  For more information or to register for a VITA appointment, call 336-372-5573 or email dbrewer@nwrl.org 
Alleghany Relay for Life Kickoff
Celebrate 100 years of Hope! You are invited, and bring a guest or two. Alleghany Relay for Life will be hosting a Kickoff event on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 5p at the Alleghany Wellness Center. Come learn what Relay is all about, sign up for this year's Relay for Life event and get some good fundraising tips. There will be a guest speaker at 6:30p, so make sure you don't miss it. RSVP by February 22 to Angie Wagoner, 276-728-8939 or angie.wagoner@cancer.org
Discover & Explore Story Harvesting
Discover story harvesting, an opportunity to write our own stories in a safe and supportive environment. Subjects may be funny, sad, huge, small, mediocre, etc. The first 15 minutes are meet and greet followed by the discussion. Bring a bag lunch. Let us know if you plan to attend: Julia Simmons at 336-392-8183 or Pat Bird at 336-971-0098 or email julia@DislogueMatters.org or Pat@DialogueMatters.org
Dr. Soos joins Blue Ridge Medical
Tamas Soos, MD, has joined 'Our Sparta' Blue Ridge Medical Group, 665 South Main Street, Trojan Village Shopping Center. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, he is graduate of Semmelweis University of Medicine in Budapest, Hungary. He completed a MS in Health Services Administration, followed by a residency and Geriatrics Fellowship at SUNY in Buffalo, NY.  He and his wife Judit reside in Elkin and have three children. 'Our Sparta' Blue Ridge Medical Group is welcoming new patients of all ages, accepting most insurance and offering same day appointments. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 372-5911 and for more information, visit www.blueridgemd.com.
Books N' Friends Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Hard to believe Sparta's Books N' Friends book store is 10 years old! Come celebrate Thursday, March 7, 5-7p at Business After Hours. Light refreshments will be served. Meet the Friends volunteers. Take advantage of great prices on book.. 336-372-5155
Fox Creek Leather Helps you stay warm
When it comes to keeping out the chill, Fox Creek Leather on US 21 2 miles north of Independence, VA, has just the apparel and accessories you need. Their experience providing apparel to motorcycle riders makes them experts on staying warm. Check out their thermal shirts, pants and socks. All made in the USA. Call 800-766-4165 or 276-773-3131, check them on the Web at foxcreekleather.com or drop by and look over their selection. 
Polar Plunge Notification Deadline Fri.
Participants planning to participate in the March 9 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics are asked to contact B.J. E
dwards by Feb. 22 at elisabethedwards12@gmail.com or call 336-306-4555. Actual plunging begins at 2p at Lake Louise, Roaring Gap Club. Plungers are asked to raise $50. All money is due March 9. Dress up because a costume contest precedes the plunge. There is no requirement for how much you plunge. Go for a full body plunge or a big toe plunge. It's for a good cause.
Quick Notes: 
Thank you SRC for Valentine gifts: There were three winners in the Sparta Revitalization Committee's Valentine promotion. Jessie Halsey, Sparta, won a gift certificate to Kathy's Kreations; Helen Cassidy, Mocksville, NC, Touch of Grace gift certificate; and Rita Miller, Sparta, River Rock Grill Certificate.
 
There is no current Chamber map project: We've received calls by folks being called to buy ads on a local map that a connection to the Chamber is implied. We have no map project in the works.