What’s happening this week

Feb. 1

Feb. 7

• Hudson Library:  We’re celebrating Harry Potter at Hudson Library! Thursday February 7, will see the fifth annual Harry Potter Book Night celebrated throughout the world, including Hudson Library. In collaboration with The Bascom, we’re getting ready to host an unforgettable Harry Potter Kids Zone event themed around – you guessed it — Harry Potter! The fun kicks off at 3:30 PM.At Harry Potter Kids Zone we’ll be sharing the wonder of J.K. Rowling’s unforgettable stories and, most excitingly, introducing the next generation of readers to the unparalleled magic of Harry Potter. Here at Hudson Library, young wizards, witches and Muggles will be treated to an afternoon of magical games, readings from our favorite Harry Potter books, and Harry Potter art projects! It all begins when the Sorting Hat decides who will be in which house. Librarian Carlyn Morenus says, “We are so excited to be joining up with schools, libraries, bookshops and community centers throughout the world to celebrate the fifth Harry Potter Book Night event.”  For more information or to request an accommodation, please call the library at 828-526-3031. Hudson Library, 554 Main Street in Highlands, is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.
• Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library: If you’re a Muggle who wants to learn your way around Diagon Alley, or you’ve ever been considered for a position in the Ministry of Magic, visit Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library for Harry Potter Family Night, set for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7. “The Cashiers Community Library is very excited to offer its very first Harry Potter Book Night,” said James Stewart-Payne, Youth Services Coordinator at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. In planning this night of frivolity and fun, we hope the children and adults will leave the event filled with the wondrous magic J.K. Rowling so expertly created in her books. It is our hope that through our celebration of these beloved books that a love of reading, and of Harry Potter, will be kindled in our youngest participants. Perhaps we’ll even inspire a wizened reader to return to the books for a second read!” Participants, who are encouraged to arrive dressed as their favorite Potterverse character, will discover a party in full swing, complete with snacks, games, crafts, readings and trivia challenges. At the core of the event is a deep appreciation for the Harry Potter books, which have a rabid fanbase that stretches around the world, and even a few realms beyond. As Hermione Granger says in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “When in doubt, go to the library!” But there’s no doubt about this: the first annual Harry Potter Book Night at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library will be magical, bookish fun for the entire family! According to Potter publisher Bloomsbury, “Harry Potter Book Night is a chance for fans young and old to celebrate JK Rowling’s wonderful series – and it’s a chance to pass the magic on to new readers who haven’t yet discovered these unforgettable books.”

Feb. 8

• Art Exhibitions: The Bascom invites members of community to the opening reception for our two newest exhibitions: SOUNDWAVE and hear + there. The reception will be held at The Bascom on Friday, February 8 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. The Bascom partnered with Western Carolina University for the WCU student exhibition, SOUNDWAVE, which is in the Bunzl Gallery.  SOUNDWAVE is a snapshot of the current and diverse artwork being produced by graduate and undergraduate students in the School of Art and Design (SOA+D). The Bascom is proud to showcase emerging artists from our region. The Bascom Winter Resident Artist Program (W.R.A.P.) calls on students or faculty from the surrounding universities to submit site-specific installation proposals for The Bascom’s unique and beautiful Loft Gallery. The W.R.A.P. is designed to accommodate the winter break schedules of those enrolled in degree programs or those in higher education instruction. A record number of applicants submitted proposals for this year’s residency. Selections were made in November, and the first collaborative installation proposal was chosen as well as the first student/faculty collaboration. Artists Ray Baccari and Morgan Kennedy, a Western Carolina University Professor, worked together during the month of December to create an interactive installation addressing new perspectives in regional storytelling. The Bascom offers free admission to our exhibitions. Guests may enjoy these exhibits during our winter hours Friday, Saturday, & Monday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon –  5 p.m. 

Feb. 9

• Highlands PAC: The Highlands Performing Arts Center will present the National Theatre of London’s production of I’m Not Running, Live via Satellite at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 9.  I’m Not Running is an explosive new political drama exploring personal choices and their public consequences, written by Academy Award-nominated writer David Hare. Pauline Gibson is a junior doctor, who becomes the face of a campaign to save her local hospital. She’s thrust from angel of the National Health Service, to becoming an independent Member of Parliament. In the Houses of Parliament, she crosses paths with her university boyfriend, Jack Gould, a stalwart Labour loyalist, climbing the ranks of the party. As media and public pressure mounts on Pauline to run for leadership of the Labour party, she faces an agonizing decision…

  Tickets are available online: HERE or at the door.  All Students are admitted FREE of Charge,  Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, N.C.

Upcoming

Feb. 16

• Chocolate Cook-off: Grab your apron, spatula and favorite chocolate recipe. It’s time to start baking for the Eighth Annual Chocolate Cook-Off to be held from noon to 2 p.m. on February 16 at the Cashiers Library. This delicious and fun event, sponsored by the Friends of the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Friends of the Library, is a community favorite that brings together bakers, chocolate lovers and library supporters for a once-a-year “choco-stravaganza” to raise funds to support the Library. Amateurs and professionals are encouraged to create a beautiful and tasty confection using your choice of milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate or a mixture of any or all three. (Just make sure your dessert is made from scratch and does not include commercially prepared mixes, doughs etc.) Do your best to wow the three-judge panel to win one of multiple awards based on taste, aroma, creativity and eye appeal. You will also be contending for the People’s Choice Award decided by the ballots of those in attendance. Finally, be sure to display your confections creatively for the chance to win the best table decorations. Anyone interested in entering the cook-off may pick up an application at the front desk of the Cashiers Library. You can also find more information and an online application form HERE. Each contestant will make one dessert to be judged by the panel, and subsequently auctioned off, as well as additional small bites for the People’s Choice competition. There is no entry fee for bakers. There is a $6 charge to attend and taste at the event. For more information contact Bonnie Zacher atbjzacher@bellsouth.net.

March 15

The Laurel Winter Photo Contest goes until March 15.

• The Laurel Winter Photo Contest: Whether you’re a professional photographer, or just someone who loves to capture the magic of the moment on your cell phone or pocket camera, The Laurel is offering you a chance to become a cover artist. That’s right, the 2020 Laurel winter photo contest has begun, so grab your camera and start snapping your way to fame. To vote on photos already submitted click HERE.

Contest details: Enter your winter photo in our Facebook Photo Contest for a chance to be featured on the cover of the 2020 Winter edition of The Laurel Magazine. Share the contest with your friends to get as many votes as possible!  How to enter: Upload your winter photo, description and email address or tag #plateauwinter on Instagram or twitter How to win: The 3 photos with the most votes will be critiqued by a panel of local art enthusiasts, who will choose the final winner. The winner will be emailed upon completion of the contest. Contest ends: March 15, 2019 Winner will be announced April 1, 2019 Fine print: The photo must not feature people, must be taken in the Highlands, Cashiers or surrounding areas, and must be taken by the submitter. Up to 5 submissions per photographer. All photos submitted may be used by The Laurel for promotional purposes.