Opening ceremony Saturday, Feb. 9

SPENCER — The 49 Days of Gratitude celebrates the 70th anniversary of North Carolina’s Merci train car’s arrival in Raleigh on Feb. 8, 1949. The Merci Train was a gift to the people of the United States from the people of France, given in appreciation for the United States help to the French during World War II.
Many community organizations across Rowan County have “jumped on the gratitude train.” The opening ceremony will be held at the N.C. Transportation Museum on Feb. 9, featuring the Merci car, an exhibition of the original artifacts from the car, display of several vehicles from WWII era, and more.
From Feb. 26 through March 2, the traveling exhibit “Rise Above” will visit the museum. The annual Wine & Dine on the Rails Valentine’s event on Saturday will feature French wine and food.
Community events during the 49 Days of Gratitude will include art exhibitions with the theme of gratitude, Women in Service, Cabaret-themed art gala, panel discussion of African American involvement in WWII, Merci – All Things French weekend event, and many more.
Learn more at www.nctrans.org or https://49daysof gratitude.com/
The NC Transportation Museum is at 1 Samuel Spencer Blvd., Spencer, 704-636-2889.

CFA celebrates gratitude 3 p.m. Feb. 10
In honor of the 49 Days of Gratitude, Center for Faith & the Arts will dedicate all of 2019 to an exploration of gratitude.
Each month’s discussion (3-4:30 p.m. second Sundays) focuses on what it is, how it impacts our lives, what we are grateful for, why is it so hard to be grateful at times, how does gratitude change the world around you, and other topics loosely based on Angeles Arrien’s book “Living in Gratitude,” which will act as a jumping off point for deeper discussions.
February’s theme is “Attend to the Heart.”
There is no charge for this discussion series, but donations to CFA are always welcome. Center for Faith and the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St, behind Haven Lutheran Church. 704-647-0999, www.faithart.org