Author Event: Rebecca Hodge

CHILL ACT North Carolina Special Needs & Homeschool Expo is a free community event bringing families together with local providers, educators, therapists, community organizations, and resources supporting children with autism, special needs, and homeschool families. Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Durham Convention Center. Families can explore valuable local resources, meet therapy and educational providers, and enjoy a welcoming day filled with activities for children. Event highlights include: • Free developmental & pre-autism screenings • Therapy, education & community resources • Balloon art • Face painting • Bounce house • Petting zoo • Art exhibition featuring neurodiverse children • Local vendors and family resources Admission is FREE for families. Register for free at www.chillactexpo.com Come connect, learn, explore resources, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the North Carolina special needs and homeschool community.

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

Page 158 Books invites you to an author event featuring Dr. Jen Golbeck, the creator of the popular Golden Ratio Squad, to celebrate her new book, Think Like a Dog. This session explores the science behind canine behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional intelligence. The evening features a moderated discussion, an audience question and answer segment, and a photo opportunity with Dr. Golbeck and the Golden Ratio dog squad. Your ticket purchase includes a pre-signed copy of the book. Please note that dog availability for photos depends on the comfort and energy levels of the animals throughout the event. This event is designed for dog owners, animal lovers, and science enthusiasts curious about the psychological bond between humans and their pets. You will gain research-backed insights on how to build a stronger connection with your dog by focusing on their individual strengths. Whether you are interested in behavioral science or simply enjoy the Golden Ratio community, this presentation offers a unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert. Join us for this engaging look at what is happening inside the minds of our favorite companions.

The Grandma and Me painting event provides a creative space for grandmothers and grandchildren to bond through artistic expression. This session encourages multi generational connection by offering a shared studio experience designed specifically for family members to collaborate on unique ceramic projects. Participants can select from a wide variety of ceramic pieces available in the studio. Once your items are chosen, you will spend time painting and personalizing your creations together. This hands-on activity allows you to focus on the creative process while enjoying quality time with family. All necessary painting supplies are provided for your use throughout the session. This event is ideal for grandmothers looking for an engaging and memorable outing with their grandchildren. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for all skill levels. Grandmas receive a waived studio fee when painting alongside a grandchild who pays the standard ten dollar studio fee. Please note that the cost of ceramic pieces remains at regular pricing for all attendees. We invite you to join us for this special opportunity to create lasting memories and beautiful keepsakes together. Visit our studio to secure your spot today.

Experience art in a welcoming and accessible environment at the Nasher Museum of Art. The Reflections Public Tour is held on the second Tuesday of every month, offering a unique opportunity to engage with rotating exhibition themes. These ninety-minute sessions are specifically designed for individuals living with memory loss and their companions, providing a supportive space to explore creativity through curated gallery discussions and interactive art-making activities. Participants can also look forward to live musical performances within the galleries, creating an immersive and relaxing experience for all attendees. This program emphasizes connection and community, ensuring that art remains an enriching part of everyone's life regardless of cognitive challenges. The tours are fully accessible, fostering a safe space for dialogue and personal expression. Admission is completely free, though advance registration is required to ensure an intimate and comfortable experience for all participants. If you or a loved one are interested in joining this inclusive program, please email reflections at duke dot edu to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nasher Museum of Art for an inspiring afternoon of discovery and artistic connection.

Forging II is an advanced blacksmithing workshop designed to help participants refine their metalworking techniques and improve control over hot steel. This session builds directly on foundational knowledge to help you master heat management and hammer precision. You will explore essential intermediate techniques including bending, upsetting, and forging decorative elements like leaves. The curriculum introduces specialized shop equipment such as bending forks, swage blocks, and cone mandrels to expand your shaping capabilities. Each project is structured to increase your technical proficiency and overall confidence when working at the anvil. This class is intended for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro course. The environment is collaborative and focused on hands-on practice, making it ideal for those looking to take their craft to the next level. If you are ready to advance your blacksmithing skills and learn how to use professional tools more effectively, secure your spot today to continue your development in this rewarding trade.

Experience the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This impressive landscape serves as a sanctuary for local biodiversity, featuring over 240 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses. With approximately 85 percent of the flora native to the region, the garden provides a vital habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and various other essential pollinators. It is a true testament to the importance of sustainable gardening practices. Visitors are invited to join an educational guided tour led by experts to learn more about the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. These tours last ninety minutes and offer a deep dive into the plants that nourish our environment. While the garden is open to the public daily, these specialized guided sessions require prior registration to ensure an intimate and informative experience for all attendees. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and gain practical insights into conservation. Please secure your spot through the official registration link to join us for an inspiring morning session this summer season.

Nature Stories at NCMA is a recurring family program that combines storytelling with outdoor exploration. The event aims to connect young children with the natural world through literature and guided discovery across the museum campus. Participants begin each session with a featured nature themed story. Following the reading, attendees engage in hands on activities designed to reinforce the themes presented in the book. The program often transitions into guided walks through the museum grounds, allowing families to observe local wildlife and plants in their natural setting. These interactive experiences turn abstract concepts into tangible lessons. This free program is specifically designed for children age seven and younger, though all are welcome to attend. Because portions of the experience take place outdoors, attendees should arrive dressed appropriately for current weather conditions. Most walking paths are accessible for strollers. We invite you to join us for a morning of learning, movement, and outdoor engagement. Please prepare for a short walk as we explore the diverse environment surrounding the Art Museum. We look forward to seeing your family there.

Get ready for a sweet transformation as Morrisville turns into S'Morrisville on Monday, August 10, 2026. This delightful community event celebrates the classic campfire treat that everyone knows and loves. Join your neighbors at the Morrisville Community Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an evening dedicated to indulgence and fun. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary s'mores and a variety of other delicious snacks in a welcoming outdoor setting perfect for all ages. To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, designated parking is available at the nearby Morrisville Elementary School located at 1519 Morrisville Parkway. Please note that entry requires a right turn from Davis Drive, and when departing, guests should exit right toward Chapel Hill Road. This is a wonderful chance to get outside, connect with the local community, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some campfire magic. We invite you to gather your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of treats. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this unique community gathering.