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                March 6, 2013
Books N' Friends Marks 10th Year
with Thursday Business After Hours
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. Refreshments provided by Homespun and Kathy's Kreations. Meet the Friends' volunteers. Take advantage of great prices on book and door prizes. 336-372-5155
Your taxes: Get a Second Look,
Enjoy hot dogs, music with H&R Block
Don't chase rainbows in search of extra money; have H&R Block search your past returns for missed credits and deductions. Visit H&R Block for a second look
review. We can review your past returns FREE any day for accuracy as far back as 2009 which could mean more money in your pocket. H&R Block is having a St. Patrick's Free Second Look Day, March 16, 11a-3p, at the Sparta office on 323 North Main St. Stop by for FREE hot dogs and drinks and FREE drawings every half hour, handmade lap quilts and other prizes. Andy Wright from 98.1fm WBRF will be there to play music and we will have country line dancing and maybe some shagging too. Bring your lawn chairs. Bring your tax returns from this year or prior years and we will take a look FREE while you enjoy food and dancing or just watching. You might even go home with more money in your pocket from a second look on your tax returns.Questions? 336-372-4197
Documentary Editor to speak at Rotary
Award-winning documentary editor, Bobby Jones, will speak at Alleghany Rotary, this Thursday. Jones has worked on projects for National Geographic, the History Channel, ESPN, to name a few. He has a home in Alleghany County and is an avid bee keeper. Rotary meets in the Alleghany Memorial Hospital Solarium at 7a each Thursday for breakfast and a program. Visitors welcome. Questions 336-372-7158
Just for Chamber Members: 
Special Deal from US Cellular

At U.S. Cellular®, our business is helping your business.  That is why for a limited time you can receive special promotional discounts on new business lines or new lines added to your business account.  This is in addition to the everyday value U.S. Cellular provides customers through special business pricing, national coverage and great deals on the latest smartphones.  Switching your business to a better wireless carrier has never been easier. For a limited time get up to $300 for your business through our special Chamber Partner Program.  Chamber business members from Alleghany Chamber of Commerce are eligible for a $50 credit for each new business line activated (up to six) with a Smartphone and applicable date plan on our awarding winning national network.  Now that's something worth talking about! Questions: 336-372-7679 Trojan Village Shopping Center

Discount on ad in Our State
80th Anniversary Edition
The Alleghany Tourism Development Authority is offering local businesses a chance to advertise in the June issue of Our State magazine at a reduced rate.
Our State has a unique place in the hearts of North Carolina residents and this is a special keepsake issue marking their 80th year of publication. It will surely attract readers' attention and be kept for reference long after June, 2013. The Alleghany TDA plans a full page to acquaint readers with the county. That page will face a page for the featured advertisers. Three ad sizes are offered: 1/6 page, 1/3 page and 1/2 page. Click to learn more about this unique advertising opportunity. To learn more about advertising in Our State, go to the Our State advertising page. The Alleghany Chamber of Commerce is handling inquiries regarding this opportunity. Call 336-372-5473 with your questions. DON'T DELAY. The DEADLINE for committing to this advertising opportunity is March 15!
Witness First Polar Plunge!
Participants are praying for a warm winter's day Saturday, March 9, as Alleghany Special Olympics kicks off its first Polar Plunge. Plungers register at 1p, costume contest at 1:30 and the plunge is at 2p at Lake Louise at the Roaring Gap Club. Come out to plunge or just to cheer on the brave and foolhearted. Questions: elisabethedwards12@gmail.com, joeandlillis@yahoo.com or sprinkle89@skybest.com.
Lifestore Insurance in New Location
Lifestore Insurance has moved to 112 South Main Street, in the offices formerly home to Reeves and Vannoy attorneys (beside former Kangaroo location). Lori Osborn, office manager, invites everyone to drop by and see their new quarters. Don't be put off by the renovations to the exterior. Lifestore Insurance is open for business. 336-372-3509 Remember special deal for Chamber members on business owners insurance. 
NC House Member at GOP Meeting
The Alleghany County Republican Party will hold the 2013 County Convention and dinner  on March 7,  6p, at Alexander Hall (formerly Silver Dollar Music Park). The program includes a presentation by NC Senator Dan Soucek who will provide an update on legislative activities in the North Carolina Senate.  Also, officers will be elected for the new two year term beginning in March. For reservations to attend, call Susan Murphy at:  657-1887 or Barbara Church at: 372-8729
Kids lost in the Woods? What to do? 
Bring your small children out for this short video and presentation about what kids should do if they get lost in the woods. Meet a Park Ranger at the US Hwy 221 Visitor Center of New River State Park at 2:00 pm for this informative presentation. 336-982-2587
Witness Woodcock Sky Dance
Join the Park Ranger at 5:15p Saturday in witnessing the spectacular sky-dance as the male woodcock tries to impress the on-looking females in the romantic light of dusk. Meet at New River State Park's visitor center located at the US 221 Access for a short slide presentation followed by the woodcock's show, nature permitting. Come dressed for cold temperatures and bring binoculars and flashlights. 336-982-2587. 
Medicare Questions Answered
Are you approaching the age when you qualify for Medicare? The Alleghany Library will present a special workshop to answer all your questions Tuesday, March 12. Pre-registration requested. For more information, contact the library at 336-372-5573 or email dbrewer@nwrl.org.
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.
Discover 
The Power of Less at
Dialogue Matters Book Discussion
We do not need to "keep up with the Joneses". We can choose what to accept, and what not to accept: what to keep, and what to lose, joyfully and consciously. With this handbook of simplicity, Leo Babauta shows us how. Make plans to join this reading and discussion group held at the Blue Ridge Business Development Center on the fourth Monday. Bring a bag lunch and 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. 
Community Lenten Services & Lunch

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 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. Questions? 336-372-4441

Caregiver Support Group Launched
Help us launch this Caregiver Support Group. Our first meeting will be at 5p on Wednesday, March 13, at Forest Ridge Assisted Living at 151 Village Park Drive, West Jefferson, NC. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, please join us as we launch this new group focusing on support, education, information, assistance and referral sources for the caregiver. For more information, contact Brenda Reece at 828-265-5434, ext 128 or email breece@regiond.org.
Updated Studio Redwood Art Classes
16 S. Main, Sparta, NC. Questions, to register, call 336.372.7111 
  Adult Watercolor/Drawing Class, each Thurs., 3 p-5 p. Class size limited. Beginners or intermediate. $20. per class. Call for Supply List. 
   Both Wed. after-school classes are full! Tuesday After School Art Class has 2 openings left. 
   1 day Chair Caning Workshop offered in spring, beginners, teen-adult. Call by March 6, if interested.    Beginning Faux Finish Workshop, Monday, March 11, 10a-3p: Learn 6 popular finishes for walls, floors, ceilings, accessories. Take home 6 finished sample boards. Supplies furnished, bring lunch. $195. Also offered April 6, Register by Mar. 23rd. 
   Furniture Finish Workshop, Monday, March 25, 10a-3p : Learn 6 popular finishes. Take home 6 finished sample boards. $195. (Only 1 space left) Register by March 9. Supplies furnished, bring lunch.

Clodfelter Photos on Display,

Reception Planned March 18

The Alleghany County Library has photography by Sherry Clodfelter on display for the month of March.  A reception will be held on Monday, March 18 at 6p.  Stop by the library at 122 N. Main St., Sparta, and enjoy Sherry's photography.  For more information, contact the Alleghany County Library at 336-372-5573 or at dbrewer@nwrl.org.