Around Burke community briefs

FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAM

The Burke County Literacy Council is hosting the Family Literacy Program at First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton. These free ESL classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The morning sessions are 9:30-11:30 a.m.; the evening sessions are 7-8:30 p.m. Childcare is provided for those 5 years and younger. 

Class is a welcoming and supportive environment for adults who want to improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills.

For more information, email officemanager@burkeliteracy.org or call 828-437-7477.

2026 CHRISTMAS MARKET-VENDOR OPPORTUNITY

The Burke County Fairgrounds is seeking artisans, craft vendors, food vendors, and food trucks to participate in the 2026 Burke County Fair’s Christmas Market.

The event will take place inside the fairground’s heated entertainment building on four consecutive Saturdays, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited to 24 12-by-12-foot spaces and are $20 per space/day.

Interested in being a vendor? Call 828-443-1258 or email events@burkecountyfairgrounds.org.

CHORAL EVENSONG

The Chancel Choir of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will sing Choral Evensong for Feast of All Souls’ Day, on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 5:30 p.m.

The Feast of All Souls’ falls on Nov. 2 each year and is an opportunity for us to remember all those who have lived faithful lives and are with us no longer.

St. Alban’s is at 130 39th Ave. Place NW in Hickory.

NAACP BRANCH ELECTION

The Burke County Branch of the NAACP will hold its election of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee on Thursday, Nov. 5. The vote will be administered using an electronic voting platform. Voting will be open from 2-6 p.m.

To vote in a Branch election, you must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days before the election. The election will be conducted electronically by the National office. Ballots will be sent electronically to the email and/or mobile phone on record.

Should a run-off election be necessary, that election shall occur at a date and time determined by the Branch. Run-off elections shall be conducted not less than 10 days after the original election.

The regular chapter meeting is also Nov. 5, starting at 6 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center, 645 1st St., Morganton. 

Charity Childers, executive director of Burke County Long Term Recovery Group for Hurricane Helene damages and assistance, will be the featured guest.

GLEN ALPINE MEMORIAL TREE

Honor a loved one by making a contribution ($1 per name) to the Glen Alpine Memorial Tree lighting, which will be held at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29. The memorial tree lighting is a fundraiser for the Glen Alpine Ruritan Club, and donations are now being accepted by any club member.

All names will be read aloud at the Glen Alpine Bandstand, 113 Linville St., starting at 4 p.m. Ceremonies will be led by the Rev. Kevin Crawford.

Come help honor loved ones past and present. Call Jean Lane (828-413-4888), the Rev. John Terry (704-242-3455), Reid Scott (828-443-4660), and Patsy Scott (828-430-1909) for more information.

INDUSTRIAL SEWING MAKERS' SPACE

The Industrial Sewing Program at The Industrial Commons is hosting a Makers' Space on Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. 

This is an open studio time where people can bring their own projects and use the equipment, thread, and tools on-site. A short intro to the Industrial Single Needle will be provided both days, so beginners are encouraged to come if they have ever been curious.

For more details and a link to register, visit carolinatextiledistrict.com/makers-space.