Around Burke for Saturday, Dec. 20

A Christmas candlelight tour fundraiser at the Capt. Charles McDowell House will be held today, from 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at this event organized by the Historic Burke Foundation. Adult tickets are $15, $10 for ages 17 and younger. Reserve your spot by calling 828-437-4104.

Santa Claus in downtown Morganton. What’s Christmas without Santa? Today is the last day to visit Santa on the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square in downtown Morganton. Santa will be working away in his workshop on the square, ready for visits from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Today is your last opportunity to mail your Letter to Santa at the North Pole mailbox in the Old Rock School in Valdese. Old Rock School is at 400 Main St. W in Valdese.

AMOREM will host the next monthly Good Grief Meal at three locations in January. The Burke County gathering will be 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, at Abele’s Family Restaurant, 2115 S. Sterling St. This informal time of food and fellowship is open to anyone who is experiencing grief and loss. The meal is a Dutch treat. Good Grief Meals will also be hosted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Mike’s Inland Seafood, 174 Jefferson Road in Boone; and 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Mayflower Seafood, 303 Blowing Rock Blvd. in Lenoir.

Burke County Smart Start’s board of directors’ meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15, at 4 p.m. at the Partnership offices at 304 W. Union St. Board meetings are open to the public and are held in handicapped accessible facilities. COVID, flu, and other health restrictions will be observed. For anyone with a hearing impairment who may require the assistance of an interpreter or have other special needs, call the Partnership at 828-439-2326 or use the NC Relay System at 1-800-735-8262.