With constant demands at home and work, it’s no surprise people struggle to fit everything into 24 short hours. Rowan Public Library wants to inspire a spirit of exploration, power  imagination, feed the joy of reading and encourage a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. In January, they launched a second series of Learn. Act. Grow. workshops.

 In It’s Not What You’re Eating, It’s What You’re NOT Eating, participants will learn more about protein and nutritional food that will help keep them full and energized for the day.  Chef Chris will give a special cooking demonstration and Sarah Lynch, director of food and nutrition at Morrison Food Service will provide education.  Healthy snacks, recipe ideas and handouts will be provided free of charge.

 The event will be 5:45 – 7 p.m. on Monday, March 23 at the South Rowan Regional Library in China Grove.  All ages welcome, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will be given a ticket, which will allow registration for the final grilling workshop (complete with full meal) in May.

 While there is no charge to participate, registration is requested.  Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-7841 to register, or for more information.

Rainbow and Ramps

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will celebrate the arrival of the spring season with the annual Rainbow and Ramps Elder Meal March 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, 545 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee.

 The annual event has marked the traditional fishing season and the start of the yearly ramp or mountain leak harvest. Tribal elders and their families will gather to eat, play games and listen to popular regional music. The public is invited.

 The festival will feature a variety of local entertainment, including music by the popular Ross Brothers and dancing by the J Creek Cloggers, as well as games such as bingo and horseshoes offering cash prizes.

 Admission to the event is free and meals can be purchased on site for $10. The menu includes fried trout, ramps and other vegetables.

 For additional information: Contact the Cherokee Welcome Center at 800-438-1601 or visit travel@nc-cherokee.com.

Kyle and Friends Chefs Dinner

HICKORY — Kyle and Friends Chef Dinner on March 23 includes chefs Kyle McKnight and Sam Stachon from Highland Avenue, Pastry Chef Rebeca Alvarado Parades and Executive Chef Jameson Chavez from manna in Wilmington, Executive Chef/Owner James Doss from Rx and Pembroke’s in Wilmington, Executive Chef/Owner Jason Smith from 18 Seaboard, Harvest 18 and Cantina 18 in Raleigh-Durham, Chef de Cuisine Todd Woods from Seven Sows in Asheville,  Executive Chef Stephen Sharp from Ink and Elm in Atlanta, and Chef de Cuisine Chris Edwards from Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Va.

The event starts with a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres at The Crossing at Hollar Mill where guests have the opportunity to mingle with chefs, and culminates in a dinner to remember at Highland Avenue Restaurant. Tickets are $125 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. Guests can buy tickets through Eventbrite or at www.highlandavenuerestaurant.com or may call 828-267-9800 for questions.

This event benefits the Hickory Soup Kitchen.