Book Club Meeting

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.

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

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!

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

This workshop is an educational session focused on the care and blooming requirements of Schlumbergera plants. The event is designed to help plant owners troubleshoot common issues and improve the health of their holiday cacti. During this session, you will learn to distinguish between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. Our experts will debunk common care myths and provide actionable advice to help your plant thrive. You will gain a clear understanding of the specific environmental factors required to encourage successful blooming. We will review light, water, and soil requirements to ensure your plant receives exactly what it needs throughout the year. This class is perfect for anyone struggling with a plant that has not bloomed in years or owners curious about seasonal care routines. We encourage you to bring your own plant for personalized guidance and feel free to bring a beverage of your choice to enjoy during the instruction. Space is limited, so please sign up today to reserve your spot and bring your holiday cactus back to life with confidence.

This workshop teaches participants how to mount staghorn ferns onto cork bark for a decorative wall display. You will learn the botanical care requirements for these unique plants and the technical process for securing them to a natural mounting surface. Each attendee will receive hands-on instruction to create their own custom piece to take home. The session covers the essential needs of staghorn ferns including light requirements, hydration techniques, and long-term maintenance. You will be provided with a healthy fern, high-quality cork bark, and all the necessary materials to build your living wall art. Expert instructors will guide you through the mounting process step by step to ensure your plant is secure and properly positioned for growth. This event is designed for plant enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to develop their indoor gardening techniques. The atmosphere is casual and social, making it a great option for friends or solo crafters. Please note that this is a bring your own beverage event, so feel free to bring your favorite drink to enjoy while you work. Register today to reserve your spot.

Houseplant 101 is an introductory workshop designed to teach you the fundamentals of indoor plant care and maintenance. The session focuses on providing practical knowledge to help you confidently manage your greenery and cultivate a thriving home environment. Whether you are a total beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class offers essential guidance for your plant journey. During this session, you will learn how to select the right species for your specific lighting conditions and space. We will cover core topics including proper watering techniques, effective pest management, and the science of successful repotting. You will also get hands-on experience by repotting your own beginner friendly plant to take home. Our instructors provide step by step demonstrations to ensure you leave with the confidence to maintain your plants long term. This event is perfect for aspiring gardeners who want to improve their green thumb in a relaxed setting. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy while we learn together. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and start building your collection with confidence.

Join us for Pop-Up Play Dates at Market Square in the beautiful Sweetwater Town Center located in Apex, North Carolina. These weekly gatherings are the perfect way to spend your summer mornings, providing an engaging environment where children can run, play, and socialize outdoors on the lawn. Each session is carefully designed to offer fun activities that encourage active play and creativity for young children during the vibrant month of August. These sessions occur every Tuesday throughout the month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and are entirely free for all attendees. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and connect with other local families in the community. Whether you are looking for a routine outdoor activity or just a quick morning outing, these play dates offer a welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. We encourage you to mark your calendars and stay updated by checking our Facebook page for any specific announcements or scheduling changes. Come visit us at 2701 Lawnview Lane and enjoy a morning of laughter and outdoor excitement with your little ones.

Discover the vibrant beauty of the Chatham Mills Pollinator Paradise Garden, located at 480 Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This remarkable landscape features over 240 species of perennials, shrubs, trees, vines, and grasses, with an impressive 85 percent of these plants being native to our region. Maintained by Agricultural Extension Agent Debbie Roos and a dedicated volunteer crew, this garden serves as a vital sanctuary for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and a variety of other essential pollinators. We invite you to experience this living classroom firsthand through our guided tours. These educational sessions offer an immersive look at the unique relationship between diverse plant life and the pollinators they sustain. Each tour lasts approximately ninety minutes, providing deep insights into ecological stewardship. Participation is completely free of charge for all guests, though advance registration is required to secure your spot. Join us this summer to connect with nature and learn about the importance of native plant conservation. Please visit the official event page to register for your preferred date and join our growing community of nature enthusiasts today.

Toddler Tuesday: Wild Neighbors is an educational nature program hosted by the Piedmont Wildlife Center designed for young children. This event provides an engaging introduction to local wildlife through direct observation and guided learning. The thirty minute interactive presentation features live animal encounters with a rabbit, a snake, and an owl. Participants have the unique opportunity to see these animals up close and learn about their natural habitats. Following the demonstration, attendees will participate in a guided hands-on craft activity related to the days nature theme. These sessions are structured to keep young children attentive and involved throughout the experience. This event is specifically designed for toddlers who are curious about the natural world. The atmosphere is welcoming, safe, and focused on age appropriate learning. It offers a structured way to introduce children to animal welfare and biology in a manageable format. Parents and guardians looking for an informative and active summer morning activity are encouraged to attend. Please arrive on time to ensure you do not miss any part of the animal presentation as seating is limited.