Good morning, Hickory.

Hickory Public Library hosts a Kwanzaa event—held at Ridgeview Branch Library on Dec.

29 from 6 to 7 p.m.—with special guest Donna Washington sharing African American folk tales that celebrate unity and creativity.

Beth Parham won the Mel Moose Award from the Catawba Valley Wood Carvers Club in Hickory — her win came one year after her husband Eugene received the same honor.

US Census Bureau data shows North Carolina ranks fourth nationally for homeschooled children with over 10% of students—about 404036 out of 3991805—taught at home.

Experts say enrollment grew 40 percent over the past decade and parental choice for home education will likely remain strong after the pandemic.

Frye Regional Medical Center earned national awards from the American Heart Association for its work in treating heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and resuscitation—recognizing its commitment to fast, life-saving care for patients in Catawba County and nearby areas.

The hospital also received the Commitment to Quality Award, placing it among only 158 hospitals nationwide in this honor.

Hickory native Izzi Wood was named to the All-Southeast Region Fourth Team for the third season, becoming the first App State player to earn three postseason all-conference honors — a record marked by her key goal-scoring plays.

She scored five goals and added two assists during the regular season in her final season of eligibility.

Point of View Teen Writing Club

5-6 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Unleash creativity through writing challenges and storytelling games with fellow teen writers.

SAFe® 5.1 (LPM) Training Workshop

9 AM-1 AM — Hickory, NC — Early bird pricing starts at $1,346.06 — This two-day workshop equips attendees with essential Lean Portfolio Management tools and techniques.