Thursday, July 16
Author Talk — Author Marisha Pessl and Ackland Educator Leslie Balkany will discuss Special Topics in Calamity Physics. This discussion is a part of the Art and Literature in the Galleries series and will focus on connections between Pessl’s book and the Aldwyth exhibition on display. 3:30-5pm, free for high school and UNC students and Ackland members, $5 general admission. ackland.org or 966-5736. Advanced registration required.
Friday, July 17
Contra Dance — The Carolina Song and Dance Association hosts a dance with music by the New Hope String Band. Bring smooth-soled, clean shoes to dance in. Beginner’s workshop at 7:30 pm, dance at 8pm. 967-9948 or csda-dance.org
France versus California Wine Tasting — It’s been over 30 years since the famous Judgment of Paris Tasting when for the first time, a panel of blind tasters awarded the top honors to wines from California over the host country’s submissions. Chapel Hill Wine Co. presents a repeat of the original tasting 5-7pm, free.
Saturday, July 18
IAR Fundraiser — Independent Animal Rescue will host the 7th Annual Painted Chair and More Auction from 5:30-9:30pm at the American Legion Hall, 1714 Legion Road. Tickets are $15 advance or $20 at the door. Advance tickets can be bought at the Cat Hospital of Durham and Chapel Hill and IAR adoption events. animalrescue.net, 403-2221, or info@animalrescue.net
Friday, July 24
Author Reading — Valarie Schwartz will discuss Remembering Chapel Hill: The Twentieth Century as We Lived It, at William Travis Jewelry, 133 W. Franklin St. at 5pm.
Sunday, July 26
Mosaic Artist — Meet mosaic artist Jeannette Brossart, recently selected for the 2008 Fall “Artist @Work†residency program by the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission. 2-3pm, Chapel Hill Public Library Meeting Room
Ongoing
Cancer Support — Support groups for cancer patients and their families. cornucopiahouse.org
Compassionate Friends — Free self-help support for all adults grieving the loss of a child or sibling. Third Mondays, 7-8:30pm, Evergreen United Methodist Church. 967-3221, chapelhilltcf.org
DivorceCare — Support group for those separated or divorced. Mondays, 7pm, Orange United Methodist Church. 942-2825, connect2orange.org
Garden Tour — Free tour of the N.C. Botanical Garden’s display gardens. Saturdays, 10am, in front of the Totten Center at the garden. 962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu
Job Search Meeting — A networking and support group for job hunters. Wednesdays, 9:30-11am, Binkley Baptist Church, 1712 Willow Drive. 942-4964
Open-Mike Poetry — Tuesdays except first Tuesday, 7-9pm, Looking Glass Cafe & Boutique, 601 W. Main St. 636-5809
Computer Classes — Free computer classes: Computer and Web Basics, Intro to Email, MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and an Open Project Workshop. Wednesdays through June 24, 7pm, Carrboro Cybrary, 100 N. Greensboro St. Registration required. 918-7387, cybrary@co.orange.nc.us, co.orange.nc.us/library/cybrary
Computer Classes — A free series of introductory computer classes with topics including Introduction to Microsoft Word, Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint and Buying and Selling on Craig’s List. Saturdays through July 25, 9-10am, Carrboro Branch Library at McDougle School. Advance registration required. 969-3006, lib.unc.edu/cws
Kids
Toddler Time — Thursdays, 4pm, Carrboro Branch Library. 969-3006
Preschool Story Time — Saturdays, 10:30am, Carrboro Branch Library. 969-3006
Express Yourself! — Art program for ages 3-8 and their caregivers. Saturdays, 10:45-11:15am, 11:30am-noon, Kidzu Children’s Museum, 105 E. Franklin St. $2. 933-1455, kidzuchildrensmuseum.org
Garden Story Time — Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to come read theme-based nature tales and participate in activities in the garden. Thursdays through Aug. 27, 10-11am, N.C. Botanical Garden. $5 per family. Preregister 962-0522, ncbg.unc.edu
Volunteers
RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program — Seeks volunteers at least 55 years of age and older who would like assistance in finding an opportunity that matches their interests. 968-2056, co.orange.nc.us/aging/RSVPindex.asp
Meals on Wheels — Seeks volunteers to deliver meals and/or bake simple desserts for recipients in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. 942-2948
Orange County Literacy — Seeks volunteers to help with adult literacy, basic math and English language tutoring, creative writing workshops at local homeless shelters and family literacy workshops. New tutor training workshops every month. Skills Development Center, 503 W. Franklin St. 933-2151