By Kay Whatley, Editor
This list covers events from the North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond.
Though the snow and ice are going away, it is a good idea to confirm events are still happening. Where available, contact information has been included.
In addition to the events below, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is hosting multiple events. Their January list may be found online here.
A variety of coastal events may be found via What’s On Wilmington’s calendar.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Science Cafe: Microbial Food Safety (January 12, 2017 @ 7-8:30pm)
Come for this Science Cafe event, subtitled “You Cannot B. Cereus: Microbial Food Safety in The Modern World.” With an estimated 48 million illnesses annually in the United States, food safety is a big deal. Some of the most recognizable brands have been linked to outbreaks in the past year. While food has been known to be a source of illness for eons, how outbreak investigations are solved — and more importantly, how academics, regulators and the food industry learn from incidents — has changed drastically. Café Speaker Dr. Ben Chapman studies how food becomes contaminated with pathogens, how to avoid it, and what to do once food has been contaminated. Focusing on risk analysis, Chapman gathers data on food handling practices to prioritize management and communication efforts. Event is free; donations are appreciated. Scheduled for the SECU Daily Planet Cafe, Nature Research Center, 121 W Jones Street, Raleigh NC.
An additional “Science Cafe” event is planned for the following week. On January 19, 2017, plan to attend “Science Cafe: Cats rule. Dogs drool.”
Teen Photography 101 (January 12, 2017 @ 4:30-5:30pm)
Join local photographer, Amanda Kessler, as she teaches teens how to take better pictures for Instagram and other apps! Held at the Wilson County Public Library, 249 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. See more online on their Teen-events page.
K-5th Adventures (January 12, 2017 @ 4:30-5:30pm)
K-5th grade kids read, create, discover and explore through books, hands on activities and more. Explore quilts and make a chalked quilt square. Held at the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC.
ABC Craft and Learn: A Kindergarten Readiness Program (January 14, 2017 @ 10:30-11:15am)
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in an interactive program with an alphabet craft to nurture pre-reading skills through writing and play and to give opportunity to develop fine motor skills children require to start school.
Free. No Registration Necessary. Held at Wendell Community Library, 207 S Hollybrook Road, Wendell NC.
This program is also held, same day and same start time, at the Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon NC.
Video Marketing Made Easy (January 12, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
Learn how to create content and share your business story via video! Find the right combination using Periscope, YouTube, Animoto and other apps to showcase your business. Attendees should have an iPhone or Android phone to get the most out of this seminar.
Speaker is Chisa Pennix. Organized by Lady Bizness, the event is being held at Wilson Community College, 902 Herring Avenue E, Wilson NC. Register by 3pm, January 12.
Community Decision-Making (January 12, 2017 @ 6-8pm)
This session will cover: How to handle community problems & needs, Effective group decision-making tools, and Community problem solving model. This event by the Nash County Community & Rural Development is being held at the South Rocky Mount Community Center, 719 Recreation Drive, Rocky Mount NC.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Family Movie Night (January 13, 2017 @ 7-9pm)
Come and see a free movie in the St. Ann’s Parish Center on the new big screen. There will be concessions sold to raise funds for upcoming parish events (Pizza, Popcorn, Sodas, etc.). In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima we will be watching the classic movie “The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima”. All are welcome! Bring a comfy chairs or pillows if you wish. Held at St. Ann Catholic Church, 4057 US 70 Business West, Clayton NC.
Free Dental Screenings–UNC Dentistry (January 13, 2017 @ 1:30-3:30pm)
The fourth-year DDS students at the UNC School of Dentistry are holding free dental screenings on a first come, first serve basis at the UNC School of Dentistry, 385 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill NC. Screenings may include x-rays and exams, and selected patients may be asked to serve as a patient for student licensing exams. No appointments necessary, but you must be 18 years or older to qualify and should be available to receive treatment on February 17, 2017.
Film Screening (January 13, 2017 @ 6pm)
As a prelude to the Share The Dream Talent Show on Saturday, this Friday night film screening of the movie Selma will be held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson NC. Cost is $1 per person to see the film.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Walk-up Rabies Clinic (January, 14, 2017 @ 8-9am)
No appointment needed. Tar River Veterinary Hospital is holding rabies clinics at the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 351 T. Kemp Road, Louisburg NC. Rabies Vaccines will be $5 for one-year vaccines. Three-year vaccines will be available, but will only be administered with a current certificate of previous rabies vaccine. Also available are one-year vaccines, at $15 per vaccine, for the following: Canine Distemper-Parvo, Canine Kennel Cough,Feline Distemper, and Feline Leukemia Vaccine. Tar River says, “Be sure to thank Dr. Goldman for her service to Franklin County and the surrounding areas!” Call 919.494.5500 if you have any questions.
A clinic is also planned for February 25, 2017, 8-9am.
Teen Leadership Corps Orientation (January 14, 2017 @ 4-4:45pm)
Join a group of committed teens (Grades 6-10) who meet regularly to work on leadership and service projects for the library and the community. To join, teens must complete an application and attend an orientation. To sign up, contact Janet West via email for more information. Held at Library East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC.
Share The Dream Talent Show (January 14, 2017 @ 6pm)
This eighth-annual show offers its audience a stage full of talent, a fashion show, Community Spirit Awards, vendors, and more. Entry tickets are $5 per person. The location is the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, a performing-arts theatre located at 108 Nash Street NE, Wilson NC. (Article)
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Town of Garner MLK Celebration (January 15, 2017 @ 4-6pm)
Garner holds its annual celebration of the life and teachings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W Garner Road, Garner NC.
Mama’s Girls 2 (January 15, 2017 @ 4-7pm)
Mama’s Girls 2: Sugar Ain’t Sweet is both an educational and entertaining play and musical production by award-winning playwright Garrett Davis. Prepare to laugh as well as learn about diabetes and living healthy. Held at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center,
201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson NC. Tickets Available for $20. See www.McGregorHall.org for more information.
What’s Your Story? (January 15, 2017 @ 7-8:30pm)
Theme is “What’s That? Stories about being confused.” That means you could talk about anything that makes you think of that theme. The mission of “What’s Your Story?” is to connect members of the community through narrative. Come prepared with a story in mind that fits the theme or just come to listen or share on the spot. Hosted at Johnny’s Gone Fishing, 901 N Main Street, Carrboro NC.
MLK Birthday Observance (January 15, 2017 @ 10am-1pm)
Service by Reverend Mark Thompson. Held at Greenleaf Christian Church DOC, 2110 N William Street, Goldsboro NC.
Music in The Library: Soothing Sounds (January 15, 2017, 3-4pm)
Join us for an hour of soothing music presented by local musicians. No registration required. Held at the East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC.
Sisters in Crime Writing Group: Create Characters with Psychic Abilities (January 15, 2017)
In this presentation, M. Angie Harmon shares unique skills with all. She has done psychic readings and healings professionally since 2009, and teaches others to connect to their guides and angels and do readings themselves. She’s experienced the paranormal since the age of 4. High Point Library hosts, and is located at 901 N Main Street, in High Point NC. To learn more, visit www.murderwewrite.org or contact Mary “Angie” Harmon, Recording Secretary for Sisters in Crime-High Point Chapter, via email.
Coming Soon
2017 Economic Forum & Forecast Breakfast (January 11, 2017 @ 7:30-9:30am)
This special business-oriented meeting is being held at the Knightdale Town Hall, located at 950 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale NC. The agenda includes a panel of local leaders from education, government, and industry to address questions and leading initiatives critical to our state and local communities. Join us as leaders collaborate and explain why now more than ever it is imperative to understand the 2017 economic outlook and trends for businesses and our community-at-large. See here for event details or to register. Registration is $25 for chamber members and $30 for the general public. (Article)
Front Porch Stories: A Writing Workshop (January 14, 21 and 28, 2017 @ 2-4pm)
Organizer Donna Campbell Smith, of the Franklin County Arts Council and Writers Guide, describes the purpose of this writing workshop: “The tradition of story telling, whether it be a bit of family history or tall tales passed down from generations, is giving way to computer games and television. Folks don’t sit out on the front porch after dinner anymore. In this workshop we will explore the importance of preserving our family stories, exercises in remembering and research our stories, and writing the stories.”
You do not have to be a “writer” to join this workshop series. It is not about grammar, writing technique, or even correct spelling. It is just about saving the stories. In fifty or a hundred years the reader will not care about the mechanics of the writing, just the stories.
This will be a three-part workshop, meeting once a week. Stories will be professionally published in an anthology and each participant with receive one free copy after the workshops are done. Cost $45 per person. Held at a home studio in Franklinton NC; address provided on registration. First come, first served; limited to 8 people. Email if you have questions.
Goldsboro Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration (January 16, 2017 @ 12pm)
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good, the City of Goldsboro will once again join with Wayne County to host this event, in its 29th year. The MLK Luncheon will be held at the Goldsboro-Raleigh District Assembly, located on 211 West Hooks River Road, Goldsboro NC. Tickets are $15 and may be picked up at the Community Relations Office, 214 N Center Street or from one of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee members. Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, January 9, 2017.
The theme for the MLK Celebration will be “There is but One Race, and that is The Human Race”. This message was articulated very clearly by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Visionary, who saw things from a different perspective. Over fifty-two years later, we now see those things and we will strive to incorporate them into our everyday lives in the knowledge of “Change Begins with Self”. For more information, contact the Community Relations Office at 919.580.4359 or email C. Johnson or S. Simpson.
Rocky Mount MLK Unity Breakfast (January 16, 2017 @ 7-10am)
The City of Rocky Mount is holding this annual event, with breakfast starting at 7am, followed by a program 8am. Hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Jason Miller. Miller is a professor at NC State University. He restored the audio of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech in Rocky Mount in 1962; the speech was a prelude to Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech. The event’s location is The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, in Rocky Mount NC.
Death Cafe Raleigh (January 24, 2017 @ 6:30-8:30pm)
Renaissance Funeral Home and Cremation Service is hosting their second Death Cafe Raleigh at the funeral home, 7615 Six Forks Road, in Raleigh NC. During the event, they will discuss death, dying, hospice, green burial, cremation, end of life issues, and anything else the attendees suggest. Email to register and ensure a seat.
Wendell Family Movie Night (January 28, 2017 @ 6:30pm)
Come and enjoy a movie Saturday at the Wendell Community Center, 601 W 3rd Street, Wendell NC. Bring a blanket or chair and hang out with the neighbors while enjoying Finding Dory.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park Oyster Roast Fundraiser (January 28, 2017 @ 6-9pm)
Cooler weather means oyster season in Eastern NC. Sylvan Heights Bird Park is hosting its first annual Oyster Roast fundraiser. Tickets are $40 and include shrimp, oysters, slaw, hush puppies, beer, wine, and entertainment. There will be a non-seafood option and a vegetarian option. This event will raise funds to support the Park’s mission of conservation and education. Did you know that the staff use ground up oyster shells to feed nesting birds? The shells provide critical calcium to nesting shore birds and waterfowl. So come eat oysters and help the birds at the Sylvan Heights Bird Park, 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck NC. See more at shwpark.com.
Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting (February 2, 2017 @ 6-8:30pm)
Tickets may still be available for this 113th-annual meeting at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount NC. To purchase tickets, see rockymountchamber.org.
Praxis Film Festival (February 3-4, 2017)
PRAXIS Film Festival is in its 7th year of screening independent film. The two day event includes narrative features and shorts, documentary features and shorts, animation, and student films. Held at the Paramount Theatre, 139 S Center Street, Goldsboro NC. Tickets are $15 for one day, or $25 for both. For more information, see the lineup and ticket information at www.goldsboroparamount.com.
Take Your Child to The Library Day (February 4, 2017 @ 10am-noon)
Families are invited to attend this free event with stories, crafts, snacks, door prizes, and books. To learn more visit www.edgecombelibrary.org or call 252.823.1141 Held at the Edgecombe County Memorial Library, 909 N Main Street, Tarboro NC.
Feast Down East Local Food Conference (February 10, 2017 @ 8am-3:30pm)
Feast Down East’s 7th annual Local Food Conference brings together all those in our community who are involved in supporting and growing the local food system in Southeastern North Carolina — farmers and fishermen, food retailers and establishments, foodies, advocates and community leaders, etc. Conference registration includes full access to workshops and activities, along with locally-sourced breakfast and lunch. Tickets range from $20-45 per person. Details, schedule, and registration link online here. Held at the UNCW Burney Center, on Price Drive, Wilmington NC.
Seussical The Musical (March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12, 2017)
Performances will be at The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, located at 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount NC.
If you have any questions, contact the Theater Manager of the Imperial Centre via email, or visit the website at imperialcentre.org.
International Festival of Cultures (March 4 @ noon-4pm)
You’re invited to celebrate the diverse cultures of Rocky Mount at this special event organized by the city. There will be food and entertainment. The festival location is the Brown Auditorium, Nash Community College, 522 N Old Carriage Road, in Rocky Mount NC.
International Festival of Cultures (March 4, 2017 @ noon-4pm)
Celebrate the diverse cultures of Rocky Mount. There will be food and entertainment. Held in the Brown Auditorium, Nash Community College, 522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount NC.
