Citizenship Class with Faviola Olvera at The Literacy & Learning Center
2026-05-13 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-05-20 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-05-27 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-06-03 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-06-10 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-06-17 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Ready to take the next step toward U.S. citizenship? 🇺🇸 The Literacy & Learning Center is here to support your journey with our FREE weekly Citizenship Class!

Led by Faviola Olvera, this program is designed to help you navigate the naturalization exam with total confidence.
What We Cover:

English Test Prep: Practice the speaking, reading, and writing skills needed for the exam.
Reading & Writing Proficiency: Get structured practice for the specific sentences you’ll need to read and write during the official test.
Civics Test: We cover all 100 possible questions on U.S. history and government, including the principles of democracy and the system of government.
Wednesdays 5:30-7 PM

Village Nature Series | Embracing the Dark at The Village Green
2026-05-19 17:30 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Embracing the Dark- Light Pollution, Health and the Environment with Stephan Martin
For more than a century, artificial lighting has transformed our nights—brightening our homes, streets, and cities. But only recently have scientists begun to fully understand the hidden costs of this constant illumination. Light pollution is now recognized as a significant factor affecting wildlife behavior, human health, and the balance of our environment. In this talk, we’ll explore why natural darkness is essential—not just for ecosystems, but for our own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We’ll look at how excessive nighttime lighting disrupts sleep cycles, impacts animals, and alters natural rhythms that have existed for millennia. We’ll also focus on practical solutions. You’ll learn simple, effective ways to reduce light pollution at home and in your neighborhood—strategies that can improve your health, lower energy costs, and help restore the night sky for everyone.

Free ESL Classes at The Literacy and Learning Center
2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-26 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-16 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-23 18:00 - 19:00 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for free ESL classes at The Literacy & Learning Center!
Tuesdays
6 – 7 pm
At The Literacy & Learning Center

Highlands Chamber of Commerce | Lunch & Learn Sessions: A.I. at Highlands Community Building
2026-05-20 11:30 - 13:00 | Highlands Community Building, 869 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Curious how AI can transform your business?
This introductory class explores the exciting ways artificial intelligence can streamline tasks, improve decision-making, and boost productivity. From chatbots to data analysis, discover practical AI tools you can start using today to work smarter, save time, and gain a competitive edge in your industry.

Mountain Heritage Series | Making Their Mark: The Women of Biltmore Estate at Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library
2026-05-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Albert-Carlton Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28741, United States
Cashiers Historical Society- Mountain Heritage Series “Making Their Mark: The Women of Biltmore Estate”
While it is easy to tell the story of George Washington Vanderbilt at Biltmore Estate, buried just under the surface are the stories of the female residents of Biltmore House, Edith Vanderbilt and Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil. From the late 1890s to the 1930s, Edith and Cornelia shaped not only the estate on which they lived, but the wider communities in which they were active. Born in different eras and yet united by an abiding love for Western North Carolina, this talk will examine the Vanderbilt women’s involvement in the social, philanthropic, and public life of the region with an emphasis on how society perceived them—and how they perceived themselves.
Meghan Forest-Singeris Associate Curator at Biltmore Estate, where she has worked for seven years. Her graduate work at the University of Oxford (Kellogg College) fostered a passion for uncovering stories of those that may otherwise be lost to history. During her time at Biltmore, she has authored five exhibitions and piloted Biltmore’s online exhibition program, in addition to her involvement in conducting archival research, supporting room restorations, and advancing equitable, multimedia interpretation that makes all guests to Biltmore feel welcomed.
Free admission for CHS members;
$5 suggested donation for non-members

Youth Nature Series | Map & Compass Nature Treasure Hunt at The Village Green
2026-05-26 16:00 - 17:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
This nature based map and compass scavenger hunt is an engaging adventure where participants use compasses to locate natural items and nature themed prizes. Participants will learn cardinal directions (North, South, East, West), beginner map reading skills, spatial awareness, pacing, teamwork and communication. This scavenger hunt will be a fun and exciting adventure while participants experience the benefits of connecting with the natural environment and the community around them.
Youth of all ages are invited to participate in these educational and interactive programs!
All of the Nature Series Programs, adult and youth, are FREE, family-friendly, held RAIN OR SHINE, and no reservations are required.

Tech Time at Hudson Library
2026-05-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Hudson Library, 554 Main St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Have you ever received the gift of a new digital device, like an iPad, smartphone or laptop, but had no idea how to use it? Hudson Library has the perfect solution-
Tech Time sessions offer one-on-one help on any personal digital device. Tech Time is a chance for residents of all ages to bring their devices and ask any questions. Learn how to set up an email account, mute your cell phone, back up and store files, and more.
Tech Times are free. No library card is required and no appointment is necessary. Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tinker Time for Tots at The Literacy & Learning Center
2026-06-03 11:00, 2026-06-17 11:00 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Little hands, big imagination!
Join us for Tinker Time for Tots — a free, playful hour designed for toddlers and their caregivers.
Each session sparks creativity through hands-on activities that build curiosity and connection.

Introduction to Modern Batik with Lana Hall at The Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio
2026-06-03 17:00 - 19:30 | The Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio, 51 West Main Street, Brevard, NC, 28712, United States
Introduction to Modern Batik (2.5 hours)
A beginner-friendly introduction to batik, focusing on how resist works and how pigments flow on fabric. Participants create a mosaic-style textile piece using simple techniques and leave with a finished work in a 12-inch embroidery hoop frame.

Craft Camp at The Literacy & Learning Center
2026-06-08 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-09 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-10 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-11 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-12 12:00 - 15:00 | The Literacy & Learning Center, 675 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Craft Camp offers an engaging space for children to dive into imaginative art-making and hands-on activities.
Guided by Kara Long, this session encourages campers to explore different materials and techniques while building confidence in their creativity and enjoying the process of making something all their own.
3 – 5th Grade

Youth Nature Series: Bugs in Our Backyard! at The Village Green
2026-06-09 16:00 - 17:00 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
In the summer, bugs are everywhere, and these awesome critters do so much for us! They clean up our forests, make our flowers grow, and so much more. Come get an up-close look and learn about what bugs you can find in your own backyards, where we can find them, and what they do for our planet!
The Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust co-host a series of lectures each summer. Visitors and residents learn about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage from expert speakers in their fields!
All of the Nature Series Programs, adult and youth, are FREE, family-friendly, held RAIN OR SHINE, and no reservations are required.
Thank you to Cedar Creek Club for sponsoring the Village Nature Series!
Presenter Bio: Sara Rivera (she/they) is a former Insect Curator for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a graduate student in the Biology department of WCU. Their thesis research focuses on the evolution of tropical, predatory fireflies. In her free time, Sara also does science outreach with her own organization, THEM in STEM, which focuses on making science accessible and entertaining through local Firefly Walks, Science Storytimes, and endlessly entertaining public talks!

Zahner Conservation Lecture Series at Highlands Nature Center
2026-06-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Highlands Nature Center, 930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741
Weird and Underappreciated Arthropods of North Carolina

Featured Speaker
Dr. Matt Bertone, Entomologist and Director, NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (NCSU)
Everyone knows butterflies, dragonflies, and praying mantises, among other popular arthropods. However, have you heard of thrips? Bark lice? Eriophyid mites? In this presentation Dr. Matt Bertone, strange critter enthusiast, will share with you information and photos of some of North Carolina’s weirdest and least talked about arthropods.
Sponsored by Vicki and Donny Ferguson

Village Nature Series | Illuminating the Fabulous Worlds of Fireflies at The Village Green
2026-06-16 17:30 | The Village Green, 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Fireflies are known for their magnificent flashes that fill our summer nights with magic. How do they glow, and are there any that don’t glow? How do they help with medical research? What special kinds can we find in our own backyards? The world of fireflies is full of trickery, romance, and awe, so join us as we illuminate the mysteries of these amazing insects!
Presenter Bio: Sara Rivera (she/they) is a former Insect Curator for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a graduate student in the Biology department of WCU. Their thesis research focuses on the evolution of tropical, predatory fireflies. In her free time, Sara also does science outreach with her own organization, THEM in STEM, which focuses on making science accessible and entertaining through local Firefly Walks, Science Storytimes, and endlessly entertaining public talks!
