Around Burke for the week of March 7

Spring forward. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

The Rotary Club of Morganton will hold a Red Cross blood drive Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St.

The History Museum of Burke County will host the 20th annual Explore Joara Foundation Archaeology Day on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the museum lobby. Held with the Explore Joara Foundation and Dr. David Moore, the public may bring artifacts for identification. Children’s activities will be available. The museum is at 201 W. Meeting St., Morganton.

The East Burke Senior Center is hosting several events this week: Modge Podge Eggs on Monday, March 9, at 3:30 p.m.; a two-part Small Tote Sewing Project on Tuesday, March 10 and 17, at 10:30 a.m.; free blood pressure checks Wednesday, March 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.; Easter-themed Minute-to-Win-It event Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. (registration required); and Pressed Flower Bookmarks on Wednesday, March 11, at 2 p.m. (registration required). The East Burke Senior Center is at 101 Main Ave. W in Hildebran.

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments Planning and Transportation department is offering monthly Digital Literacy for Seniors classes at the Morganton Public Library. On Wednesday, March 11, at 2 p.m. the class focuses on “Managing Online Privacy.” The class will cover essential privacy strategies, how to limit tracking, using browser settings to better control how information is shared, as well as some key features of password managers. No pre-registration is required, and the class is free of charge.

The Burke County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its annual meeting Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Burke County Agricultural Building, 130 Ammons Drive. Dr. Benjamin Rajo of N.C. State University will present. Registration is required by March 10. Call 828-764-9480.

The Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale will be Friday, March 13, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. for a members only preview. Non-members may join at the door. The book sale is open to everyone Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a $10 bag sale from 1-3 p.m. The sale will take place at the Collett Street Recreation Center, 300 Collett St. Volunteers are still needed for the sale. Call 828-764-9269 if you are interested.

The Lake James annual clean-up, sponsored by Catawba Riverkeeper, is Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help remove trash and debris from the lake and surrounding roads. Dress warmly and wear boots or appropriate shoes. Safety vest, grabbers, and gloves will be provided. For more information, call Howard Morgan (828-438-7003) or Jerry Fantry (828-639-4046).

The Western North Carolina Rail Committee will host a Railroads and Regional Economic Development Conference on Wednesday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. Cost is $40 and includes meals. A Drinks at the Depot reception follows from 4-6 p.m.

Partners Health Training will be offered Wednesday, March 18, at 10 a.m. at the Burke Senior Center in Morganton. Pre-registration required.

The Burke County Cattlemen’s Association is offering two $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school seniors or full-time college students pursuing agricultural degrees. Applications must be returned to the Extension office by April 8. For more information, call the Burke County Cooperative Extension, 828-764-9480.

The Col. Alexander Erwin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a free SAR Historical Speaker Series program Thursday, March 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. Craig Isaacson will present “Broken Links in the Chain.” RSVP by March 13 to Kevin Hancock at kevin.hancock91@outlook.com.

The Lake James Community Center will have free Bingo on Friday, March 20, from 6-9 p.m., at the center. Hot foods will be available for purchase to eat in or to go. Door prize drawings will be held during Bingo. The public is invited. The center is near the Lake James Fire Department on N.C. 126.

Burke County 4-H is accepting applications for the 2026 Kermit Holshouser Jr. Beekeeping Project. Youth ages 8-18 may apply. The deadline is Saturday, March 21. Applications and details are available at burke.ces.ncsu.edu.

Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church will be having a chicken pie/country ham supper on Saturday, March 21, from 3-6 p.m. The menu will include chicken pie, country ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, hot biscuits, homemade desserts, and drinks. It will be dine in or take out. Proceeds will go for missions. The church is located off N.C. 181 No about half-mile from Oak Hill Elementary School. For further information, call Anita at 828-238-6380.

Soap Box Derby race signups will begin Saturday, March 21, at the Burke County Fairgrounds in Morganton. Race day is May 9, weather permitting. Call Marylin Waters (828-443-0407), Tommy Waters (828-443-4786), or Johnny Puett (828-403-1817) for more information.

Burke County Smart Start’s board of directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at 4 p.m. at the Partnership offices at 304 W. Union St. Board meetings are open to the public.

A MediHome presentation will be held Thursday, March 26, at 11:30 a.m. at the Burke Senior Center in Morganton. Pre-registration required.

Spring Williams-Byrd will be honored at a retirement celebration celebrating her 37 years with the N.C. Cooperative Extension on Friday, March 27, from 2-5 p.m. at the Burke County Agricultural Building. The public is invited.

Pinwheels for Prevention, recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, will be held Thursday, April 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Old Courthouse Square Amphitheater in Morganton. The event will include community leaders and advocates raising awareness and planting blue pinwheels. Lunch will be provided while supplies last.

Aging Well, a free resource event focused on healthy aging, will be held Friday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at R.O. Huffman Recreation Center, 700 S. Main St., Drexel. Co-hosted with Grow With Drexel, the event offers information on caregiving, Medicare, scam prevention, and more. Refreshments provided.

Catawba Riverkeeper and the Lake James Environmental Association will host a Lake James Watershed fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, from 5-8 p.m. at Camp Lake James. The event includes wine, beer, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction supporting watershed protection efforts. To be a sponsor and provide auction items, email sophie.m@catawbariverkeeper.org. Tickets available soon.