Laurel Magazine

Henry Ossawa Tanner, America’s First Internationally Recognized African-American Artist at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-22 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
In this lecture Dr. Harvey sketches the career of Henry O. Tanner, from his roots in the AME Church to his studies with Thomas Eakins in Philadelphia and his blossoming career in Paris. Although he is best known for his religious subjects, painted after his arrival in Paris in 1892, Tanner has an important connection to Highlands, where he spent the summer of 1888 during a teaching stint in Atlanta at Clark University. His experiences here influenced two of his widely admired paintings of the African-American community, The Banjo Lesson (1893) and The Thankful Poor (1894), both exhibited to wide acclaim in Europe.
This program is in collaboration with the Highlands Historical Society.
Join us after Dr. Harvey’s presentation from 4:30 – 6:30 for a wine reception at High Country Wine & Provisions!

Nature Center Nights | What Bat is That? at Highlands Nature Center
2025-07-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Stretch your wings and tune into the sounds of the many special bats of the Highlands area! Join our Naturalists on a walk through the Botanical Garden to watch them in flight.
All ages welcome
FREE | Registration required
(Weather dependent)

Sky Valley Garden Club Annual Arts & Crafts Show at Sky Valley Country Club
2025-07-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Sky Valley Country Club, 568 Sky Valley Way Box#1, Sky Valley, GA, 30537, United States
Held at the Sky Valley Country Club located at 568 Sky Valley Way, there will be vendors selling a variety of products, including jewelry, nature photography, wreaths, wool felting, suncatchers, encaustic art, quilts, cards, totes, folk art, pottery, several types of paintings, smocked clothing, painted wine glasses, embroidery, purses, cutting boards and, new this year, roasted nuts. Many of the tables will be set up indoors for a cool shopping experience.

Tinker Time for Tots at The Literacy and Learning Center
2025-07-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-30 11:00 - 12:00 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Literacy & Learning Center is excited to bring back another season of engaging workshops tailored for preschoolers and their parents. The aim is to empower parents by demonstrating inventive ways to utilize everyday household items for their children’s educational benefit.
These sessions will showcase practical activities that parents can seamlessly incorporate into their daily routines, fostering a rich learning environment at home.

Locally Grown on The Green at The Village Green
2025-07-23 11:00 - 15:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Choose the Food Less Traveled at Locally Grown on The Green
Discover the taste of homegrown goodness at Locally Grown on The Green, Cashiers’ farm stand market featuring local growers.
This producer-only market showcases the best of our region, with vendors who grow and make their products within a 50-mile radius of Cashiers.

Garden Tour at Highlands Nature Center
2025-07-23 12:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Join in for a free guided tour of the Highlands Botanical Gardens! Led by our Horticultural Specialist, a naturalist, or a guest expert, these weekly tours explore the fascinating native plants, ecosystems, and seasonal wonders of the Southern Appalachians. No two tours are ever the same!
Meet at the Highlands Biological Station Amphitheater. Come take a walk with us and see what’s blooming!

Unearthing the Past: Geologic Foundations and the Quest for Lithium in the Carolinas at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The geologic history of the Carolinas spans over one billion years. The forces that built the foundation of the Carolinas have shuffled us between super continents and provided us a wealth of mineral resources. Human history is a tiny fraction of geologic history; however, we have learned to exploit geology beginning with favored rocks for stone tools through lithium resources for batteries. Research into lithium in the Carolinas is significantly impacted by local, State, and national politics, as well as the global market. Even over the past few years, there have been significant swings in the enthusiasm surrounding exploration for, and extraction of, lithium in the Carolinas. Presently, the US Geological Survey is taking new stock of historically mined products across the USA searching for resources once cast aside as waste but now valuable.
The talk will summarize the geologic history of the Carolinas and link the formation of economic deposits to their origin story. We will see the role of dating rocks in mineral exploration.

Understanding Generative AI: Demystifying the Technology Shaping Our Future at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Generative AI is reshaping industries and redefining what’s possible in technology, creativity, and decision making. In this talk, we will demystify the terms surrounding AI, explain the current AI landscape, and explore its exciting possibilities. From breakthroughs in art and science to its integration into business and healthcare, generative AI is a transformative force. However, with great power comes great responsibility.
This session will also delve into the risks, including over reliance, biased decision-making, and ethical concerns, offering a balanced perspective on what AI might mean for the future.

Family Storytime at Hudson Library
2025-07-24 10:30 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for stories, music, and movement at Family Storytime, every Thursday morning at 10:40AM.

Cashiers Quilters at St Jude's Catholic Church
2025-07-24 11:30 | NC
Come join us for lunch each Thursday at 11:30 at a local restaurant and then quilting at the church.
Held at St Jude’s Catholic Church in Cashiers.

Summer Writing Workshop at Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library
2025-07-24 13:00 | Albert-Carlton Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28741, United States
Beginning on June 5 at 1:00 p.m. and continuing every Thursday until August 28, ACCCL staff member Michael Redman will lead a writing workshop that is free and open to everyone, regardless of previous writing experience.
The workshop will be a place to be introduced to techniques, perspectives, and exercises to help you develop your writing. It will also provide a safe,welcoming environment for you to share your own thoughts, ideas, and questions.

Useful Apps for Adults at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-24 13:00 - 15:00 | NC
Join CLE’s tech expert, Loraine Smith, for an exciting and educational course of useful apps for adults! News, Transportation, Medical/Prescriptions, Fitness, Weather, Delivery, Accessibility, Calendar/Tasks, Travel, Reminders, Entertainment, Payment Systems, Find My Car, Find My Phone, and so much more will be covered!
Please bring a charged iPhone or iPad to class.
All experience levels are welcome!

Dementia Caregivers Support Group at Albert-Carlton Community Library
2025-07-24 15:00 - 16:30 | Albert-Carlton Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28741, United States
Join a welcoming group of people that understand what you are going through. We come together to offer each other support, resources, and a listening ear.
The group is a safe place for judgement free discussion.
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Kids Zone at Hudson Library
2025-07-24 15:30 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Kids Zone features a variety of fun and interesting programs where kids can explore art, nature, science & more! Best for ages 5 and up.

Password Management at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
In this digital day and age, it’s easy to lose track of our passwords. Join this helpful course on password management. Learn about various password management apps, PassKeys, where to record your passwords, what a Legacy Contact is, why it’s important to let trusted loved ones know where your passwords are if needed, and more.
Some familiarity with using your Apple device is recommended.
Please bring a charged iPhone or iPad to class.

Zahner Conservation Lecture Series | Understanding Helene as a Geologic Event in Southern Appalachia at Highlands Nature Center
2025-07-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Zahner Conservation Lecture Series Understanding Helene as a Geologic Event in Southern Appalachia…and What is a “Geologic Event” Anyway?
Philip S. Prince, Ph.D., Project Geologist, Appalachian Landslide Consultants, PLLC, Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences

Helene’s impacts on rivers and slopes in the southern Appalachians exceeded all recorded storms, establishing a new benchmark for flooding and landsliding from Haywood County to southwest Virginia. The storm’s severity resulted from a specific combination of weather movement and the unique southern Appalachian topography, whose southeast-facing slopes are perfectly oriented to focus impacts of weather systems from the Gulf. This talk will place the Helene event in a geologic and topographic context, focusing on what the storm actually did to the landscape and river channels from the perspective of fieldwork and remote sensing. LiDAR imagery and the results of past storms will shed some light on just how long the scars of Helene may last and offer some insight into just how important similar storms may have been in shaping the mountains into what we see today.
Sponsored by Ruthie & Berry Edwards.

Carolina Concert Series at Trailborn Highlands
2025-07-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Trailborn Highlands, 96 Log Cabin Ln, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us in the Trailborn Highlands backyard for live music and drinks during our Carolina Concert Series!

Rotary Club Bingo at Highlands Community Building
2025-07-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Highlands Community Building, 869 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for Rotary Club Bingo at Highlands Community Building. This month, proceeds will benefit The Scaly Mountain Women’s Club.
Come out and have some fun for our community!

Weathering the Storm: Understanding Climate's Impact on Our Future at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the raging fires in California, extreme weather is a topic of wide public concern. When someone asks about the weather, the focus is typically on what is going on now. When someone asks about climate, the focus is much broader – the weather over time. The answers to those questions involve a host of variables: pollutants in the atmosphere, volcanic activity, solar winds, and the salinity and temperature of the oceans, etc.
Dr. Shepherd will discuss how these variables shape weather patterns we experience daily and what can be done now to manage and mitigate their most serious consequences over time. It is a discussion that encompasses not only science and technology but political, economic, and social disruption.

Sacred Sundays at Unfurl Wellness Spa
2025-07-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Unfurl Wellness Spa, 454 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Sacred Sundays is a 90 minute class of mindfulness movement and poses accompanied with an acoustic sound meditation held by Robert John Malone.
This is an all levels class focused of a variety of wellness practices to assist in raising our mind/body awareness through conscious movements and poses (1:00 – 2:30 each Sunday this season)

The Literacy and Learning Center presents A Swingin' Soiree at The Farm at Old Edwards
2025-07-27 18:00 - 21:00 | The Farm at Old Edwards, 336 Arnold Road, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Literacy and Learning Center
For over 60 years, The Singin’ Medallions have captivated audiences across generations with their timeless horn-driven American beach-style music and infectious energy. Founded in 1962, the group’s signature high-octane performances continue to delight fans of all ages. The Farm at Old Edwards.

Craft Camp at The Literacy & Learning Center
2025-07-28 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-29 13:00 - 16:00 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Craft Camp for K-2nd graders
Led by Carolyn Middlebrooks, is a fun and creative experience where young artists can explore different crafts! Kids will have the chance to make colorful projects and express their creativity in a hands-on, playful environment.

Triumph and Tragedy Zionism, the Palestinians, and the Creation of Israel, 1917-1948 at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join Professor Kevin Jones for this session covering the early history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, from the beginning of the British Mandate to the creation of the state of Israel.
We will cover four key thematic questions: (1) Why were the Zionists more successful than the Palestinians in establishing organizations and institutions that could function as the nucleus of an independent state? (2) Why did Palestinians turn from diplomacy to resistance and rebellion against both Britain and the Zionists during the course of the colonial period, and how successful was the strategy of violence? (3) How did the relatively small Israeli army (IDF) so decisively defeat the much larger combined forces of the Palestinians and their Arab state allies? (4) Did the Palestinian refugees “flee” or were they “expelled” from their homes during the 1948 war, and why has the ensuing Palestinian refugee crisis endured for so much longer than other comparable refugee crises?

Twilight in the Garden Soirée with Highlands Biological Station
2025-07-28 18:00 | NC
Hosted by Lori and Ed Heys at their beautiful Highlands residence, this year’s Soirée will be held in the couple’s breathtaking garden, renowned for its vibrant summer blooms, especially their spectacular dahlias. Guests will enjoy an enchanting evening of fine food, drinks, and mountain twilight in support of Highlands Biological Foundation’s vital mission.

The Gun and the Olive Branch Palestinian Armed Struggle and the Peace Process, 1967-2025 at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
This session covers the history of the Palestinian national movement from the Six-Day War of June 1967 until the present day.
Professor Kevin Jones will cover four key thematic questions: (1) How did the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) justify its use of violence, including attacks on Jewish civilians and airplane hijacking, and how “successful” were these strategies of warfare and terrorism? (2) Given the widespread popular support among both Palestinians and Israelis for the idea of a two-state solution endorsed by the Oslo Accords, why did the Peace Process ultimately fail? (3) Why did Palestinian public opinion gradually shift away from secular political movements like the PLO and toward religious movements like Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the 1990s and 2000s? (4) What did Hamas hope to accomplish with the high-profile attack of October 7th, 2023, and how is the ensuing war in Gaza likely to reshape the future of the conflict?

StoryTime at Highlands Nature Center
2025-07-29 10:30 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Join local storyteller Ms. KK at the Nature Center this summer as she reads fun books & sings silly songs all about the great outdoors.
This program is geared towards elementary-aged children, but all nature explorers are welcome!

Nature Center Nights | Salamander Meander at Highlands Nature Center
2025-07-29 20:00 - 21:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Join our Naturalists on a nighttime search for our secretive salamander friends.
All ages welcome
FREE | Registration required
(Weather dependent)

Introduction to Alcohol Inks at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-07-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Designed for beginners, this workshop is an introduction to alcohol inks and their versatility in creating translucent and very fluid artworks. Alcohol inks are highly pigmented and fast drying. We will be using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, Yupo paper, plus the inks to create beautiful, colorful art. If you have used watercolors, you will enjoy seeing the beautiful effects these inks can achieve!
All materials for this class will be provided, and you will leave with a supply list for continuing your art exploration at home.
