Around Burke for March 29

Note: Depending on when you read these announcements, some events may have already occurred.

The Quaker Meadows Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosts a Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Day at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square in downtown Morganton. The event will take place at the Kia War Monument on the courthouse lawn. In case of inclement weather, the event will be inside the historic courthouse in the old courtroom upstairs. Elevator is available.

A Women’s Day fish fry and gospel singing will be held Saturday, March 29, at Shiloh AME Church from 11 a.m. until sold out at the Julius Moore Building across from the church, 1323 N. Powerhouse Road. The menu will include fish or hot dog plate (baked beans, slaw, drink, and dessert) for $12 or fish sandwich for $8. The dinner is sponsored by Shiloh’s men. The gospel singing will feature 4ever Faithful, The Wilson Family, and Morning Star Choir from Hickory. All proceeds will benefit the Women’s Day program. Women’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, during the 11 a.m. worship service. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Wanda L. Howell, who pastored several churches in the Western North Carolina Conference before retiring.

Join “Hands Off: Burke Fights Back” on Saturday, April 5, at the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square in downtown Morganton. The in-place march will be from noon to 2 p.m., rain or shine, on the sidewalks surrounding the Historic Courthouse Square. “Hands Off: National Day of Action” events are scheduled in communities across the country to protest attacks on our democracy, social services, and civil protections. All are welcome. Make a sign and join. Visit Indivisible.org or e-mail indivisibleburkenc@gmail.com or call 828-475-6198 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays for more information.

The Town of Glen Alpine will have a special called meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 31, for the annual Fire Department Budget Workshop. This is the Town’s first workshop related to the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. All budgets must be approved before July 1. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, which will take place at town hall, 103 Pitts St.

The Women’s Leadership Luncheon, hosted by the Burke County Chamber of Commerce, will feature Emmy winner and author Molly Grantham. Her program, “Bet on Yourself,” will focus on five how-tos she has been transparently learning as she reinvents herself in the public eye. Individual tickets are $40 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. A reserved table for eight is $500. The luncheon is Tuesday, April 1, at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. Register online at burkecountychamber.org.

The Burke County NAACP Unit #5367 will hold its regular unit meeting on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center at 645 1st St., Morganton. Several important items will be discussed, as the unit continues to plan events celebrating its 90th anniversary as a Burke County Unit. All Members are encouraged to attend. Please keep in mind that the unit is still practicing social distancing and healthy protocols to keep everyone safe.

The Rotary Club of Burke-Sunrise invites all runners and walkers to participate in the Strive 5K on Saturday, April 5, beginning at 8 a.m. The scenic course winds through the campuses of Western Piedmont Community College, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, and the North Carolina School for the Deaf. A post-race breakfast will be served. A race T-shirt is included in the entry fee and is guaranteed for those registering no later than March 18. Registration is $35 ($25 for those 20 years and younger) through race day. Sign up online at www/runsignup.com/Race/NC/Morganton/BurkeSunriseRotaryStridesForSTRIVE5K.

The Lake James Community Center will have free bingo on Friday, April 11, from 6-9 p.m., at the center near the Lake James Fire Department on N.C. 126. Hot foods including fish, fries, and hot dogs will be available for purchase to eat in or to go. Door prize drawings will also be held throughout the evening, and you must be present to win. The public is invited.

The Valdese Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 7:30-11 a.m., with photos with the Easter Bunny from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tickets are $10 for the all-you-can-eat breakfast and kids younger than age 5 eat free. The event will be held at First Methodist Church in Valdese. Call 838-413-4280 in advance for tickets or at the door.

The Morganton Rotary Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. The menu will include pancakes with a topping bar, eggs, sausage, coffee, and juice. The charge is $9 per ticket, with tickets available from any club member. Mimosas will also be available for purchase with ID, provided with support from the Mimosa Insurance Agency. Entertainment will be provided by the Morganton Ukulele Society and a special appearance is planned by the Easter Bunny.