Is your small business engaging as it could be? Join NC business experts for this new, free one-hour presentation that’ll give you a professional “gut check” for your business. We’ll show you how to discover (or rediscover) your purpose, improve your branding, and sharpen your networking skills. You’ll leave invigorated with new ways to find, tell, and network your story into your success. 9:00-9:30am - Registration / Open Networking 9:30-10:30am - Presentation 10:30-11am - Open Networking RTP Event co-hosted by Jim Reklis (Leadership Consultant + Coach),  Annie Franceschi (Brand Creator), and Joe Novara (Networking Expert + Coach). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-business-gut-check-pittsboro-tickets-24705470728

This is the first of four public input sessions at the downtown office.  Based on the document that was submitted to the Town of Pittsboro.  http://pittsboronc.gov/vertical/sites/%7B512CE168-4684-4855-9CD9-7D209FE775E3%7D/uploads/ADDITIONAL_ELEMENTS_-_FINAL_May_2016(1).pdf There will also be additional sessions on the following three Wednesdays, held at the new office (near Bojangles).

CLASS: SIP & PAINT with Patrick Hitesman "Are you tired of believing you're not an artist?" "Wouldn't it be fun to create an original painting while you hang out with your friends and sip wine and munch on classy snacks?" Enjoy a relaxed learning atmosphere in which you'll enjoy guidance through the painting process in a fun and non-threatening environment... Tuition includes all instruction, art materials, snacks, and beverages are provided..! Meeting Days and Time: Friday July 1, 7 – 9pm Tuition: $40 per person

Beth Bale Opening Art Reception: “The Art of Shadow & Light” July 3, 1 – 3pm featuring  watercolor paintings that focus on the colors within shadows cast by animals in sunlight.  The Joyful Jewel 44-A Hillsboro St. in downtown Pittsboro.  (919) 883-2775. www.joyfuljewel.com

Reclamation Roadshow starring Chris DiGiovanna of Trader Chris Consignments Curious about the value of your family heirloom, collectible, or special piece of jewelry? Join us at Reclamation, 102 Hillsboro St. in downtown Pittsboro, on Sunday July 17, from 1:30 to 4:00 and receive a free informal appraisal. Trader Chris Consignments is a local EBay consignment business with over 15 years experience. Find out if selling your item on EBay is right for you. Please,  one hand-carried item per person. Call the shop at 919 200 2176 for more information and visit Traderchris.biz for a look at some of the items Trader Chris has sold. Refreshments will be served.

Basic watercolor painting techniques will be taught, including use of various brushes, how watercolor varies from other paints, types of watercolor papers, wet-into-wet technique vs. dry brush, color mixing, glazing/layering of color and more.  Students will work on sample pieces and then complete a painting of their choice with direction by the instructor.  Photos provided by the instructor may be used if desired.  Each student will be guided to choose a subject to paint that matches their skill level so that each will have success.  Students will receive individual attention as they work on their paintings and will be encouraged to paint loosely and freely and with the largest brush that will work for the task.  This is a no pressure class that will be fun and encourage students to paint loosely and use saturated color.  The instructor, Beth Bale, paints animals, landscapes and florals in watercolor in a colorful and painterly style.  See her work atwww.bethbale.com or on facebook at Beth Bale Fine Art to look at her work or see it at The Joyful Jewel. Meeting Days and Time:   Sunday July 24, 1 – 5pm Tuition:  $55 per person   To sign up: call to let us know, bring or send a check for the tuition to the Joyful Jewel (P O Box 1483, Pittsboro, NC 27312).  Make the tuition check payable to the Joyful Jewel.  Give us your name, email address, phone number and the name of the class you’re signing up for.

  Soul Speak July 31, 5 – 7pm. Sharon Blessum readings with chant and instruments of Sheila Fleming and Amy Durso; Billy Mason stone talismans; Emmanuel Nsingani, Congolese musician; Angelica  Rodriguez leading us on a journey into the power of our own creation.