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Community_news
A STITCH IN TIME
Stitching Chicks Needlepoint Winter Retreat 2026 attracts from far and wide
From left, Joyce Kendall, Stitching Chicks co-owner Laura Oden,
and Candace Helms during the second day of the Stitching Chicks
Needlepoint Winter Retreat, held at the Morganton Community
House.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
More than 50 women from 17 states attended the Winter
Needlepoint Retreat, hosted by Morganton business Stitching Chicks
on Feb. 6-7.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Amanda Abraira of Spartanburg, S.C., (left) and Cassie Vale of
Charlotte enjoy a laugh while learning more about their hobby,
needlepoint.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Colors of Praise, the co-headline designer) kicked the event off
with a 3-by-4-foot hand-painted, one-of-a-kind tapestry
unveiling.
FOR THE PAPER
Therese Crumes of Kentucky and Runette Hewitt of South Carolina
chat while stitching during the Needlepoint Winter Retreat.
LISA PRICE photos / THE PAPER
Myra Cowan of Rutherfordton made this short trip to Morganton
for the needlepoint retreat.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
Stitching Chicks is in downtown Morganton, 134 W. Union St.
LISA PRICE / THE PAPER
More than 50 women from 17 states arrived in Morganton last week for the Stitching Chicks Needlepoint Winter Retreat.
The big event kicked off with a cocktail party on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Burke Arts Council.
Colors of Praise, the co-headline designer, kicked the event off with a 3-by-4-foot hand-painted, one-of-a-kind tapestry unveiling. The tapestry was sold online to a customer in Edina, Minn. The other co-headline designer was Cerri Thoomas Bags, based in Mooresville.
Friday and Saturday, the group worked on projects from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morganton Community House. Morganton City Councilwoman and needlepointer Molly McKay welcomed everyone on Friday morning.
Lunches were catered by The Grind and Mountain Burrito.
Swag bags included small rope bowls from Mountain Thread Company in Blowing Rock and fudge from Merrill Mischief.
Colors of Praise designer Marie Barber hand painted two canvases at the retreat and were raffled off. Proceeds will be donated to the Southmountain Children and Family Services.
If you missed the retreat, you can still get all your needlepoint questions answers at Stitching Chicks at 134 W. Union St., Morganton. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday, and 1-5 p.m., Sundays. Closed Wednesdays.
— AKC
Community_news
7 ATHLETES FROM BURKE COUNTY
Special athletes have big showing at Special Olympics games
Seven athletes represented Burke County in the 2026 Special
Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games in Blowing Rock.
FOR THE PAPER
Two athletes competed in adaptive skiing use bi-skis with the
assistance of trained coaches.
Photos FOR THE PAPER
Five of the seven athletes participated in traditional
skiing.
FOR THE PAPER
Seven athletes representing Burke County competed at the 2026 Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games, Feb. 8-10, in Blowing Rock.
These athletes train throughout the season and have shown tremendous improvement in both their skills and confidence. This year, six of the seven athletes earned medals in their respective divisions — an incredible accomplishment that reflects their commitment and perseverance.
Beyond the competition, athletes truly enjoy the opportunity to spend time with other athletes and to compete alongside friends from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship is always one of the highlights of the Games.
Of the Burke group, five athletes participated in traditional skiing, while two competed in adaptive skiing using bi-skis with the assistance of trained coaches.
“Their determination and progress continue to inspire us,” said Alex Bustle, co-coordinator of Burke County Special Olympics. “Kim (Michaels) and I are so proud of all the improvements our athletes have made, and we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone as they prepare for the upcoming Spring Games.”
Special Olympics is a year-round program that encourages healthy lifestyle choices, he said, and promotes ongoing training opportunities and physical activity for athletes of all abilities.
For more information on how to become a volunteer or an athlete, please feel free to contact us at burke@sonc.net.
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