Winter Symposium & Rare Plant Auction at JC Raulston Arboretum
Inspiration now, brag-worthy plants later.
Shannon
February 13, 2026
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Winter may be chilly, but the Winter Symposium and Rare & Unusual Plant Auction at JC Raulston Arboretum is here to warm up your green thumb. On Saturday, February 21 (9 AM–12:30 PM), horticulture pros Anne Spafford and Dan Benarcik will share ideas to help you garden with confidence—and maybe a little swagger.
You can attend in person or online, and recordings are included (because good ideas deserve replays). Want a sneak peek at the presentations and to claim your spot? You can browse the lineup and register right here.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d let you know if it was). We just really love rare plants. 🌿 (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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🍎 Support Wake County School Meals Through the Angel Fund
The Districtwide Angel Fund helps students who don’t have enough money to purchase school meals. Donations provide assistance to ensure every child has access to healthy food at school.
💳 How to Give
Individuals or organizations can contribute by sending their donation with the donation form. You can make a single gift or set up recurring support to help sustain this important program.
📢 Spread the Word
Community members can also help by sharing the Angel Fund flyer and encouraging others to participate in this effort.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Sip Midweek Savings on Lebanese Wine at Sitti Authentic Lebanese 🔥
Enjoy 1/2 price bottles of Lebanese wines every Wednesday—no code or coupon needed, just ask your server.
📍Where: Sitti Authentic Lebanese
📅 When: Every Wednesday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMS | 1,000 SQ FT | .05 ACRES | $250,000
Charming 3-bedroom bungalow near Downtown Raleigh featuring refinished hardwoods, fresh paint, a modern kitchen, rocking chair front porch, and a large fenced backyard with easy access to I-440, dining, and shopping. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,549 SQ FT | .46 ACRES | $369,900
A retro-inspired 1971 brick ranch blends vintage charm with modern updates, featuring fresh paint, new windows, a landscaped yard, and abundant natural light. Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,190 SQ FT | $528,000
Beautifully maintained North Raleigh home featuring a spacious layout with a bright living room, formal dining area, and a well-appointed kitchen with ample storage. Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2,524 SQ FT | .33 ACRES | $1,175,000
Beautiful 4-bedroom home in Sunset Hills featuring a remodeled kitchen and baths, fresh interior paint, and a new roof installed in 2024. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: The Crunkleton’s Fig & Pear Salad is made with fresh arugula, sweet pear, mission figs, feta, crispy prosciutto, and a house-made fig balsamic vinaigrette.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: MCFLURRY | DOG | 10 MONTHS | FEMALE
McFlurry is a loyal, affectionate pup who may take a little time to adjust but forms a deep bond and shows wonderfully clingy devotion once trust is built. Check her out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Pinecone Bouquet Workshop at Anderson Creek Garden Club on February 17 at 6:30PM.
This fun evening features crafting stunning bouquets using the natural beauty of loblolly and longleaf pinecones. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: LLAFS EVRIR
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Book Club @ Morrisville Senior Center | February 20 | 12:30PM
The Morrisville Senior Center Book Club meets monthly for lively conversation, shared insights, and new reads in a warm, welcoming setting. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Senior Auditor’s Program | Tuition-Free Course Auditing
North Carolina residents 65+ can audit university courses with tuition and application fees waived, provided they’re in good standing and submit the 65+ Tuition Waiver Form.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Hunter Blalock | Country
Hunter Blalock brings an intimate night of heartfelt country songwriting and story-rich songs to Slim’s, perfect for listeners who like their music close, honest, and personal.* | Slim's Dive Bar | February 19, 9PM | More info here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Sting | Rock
Sting is an English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his work with The Police and his acclaimed solo career blending rock, pop, and jazz influences. | Red Hat Amphitheater | May 19, 8PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.
✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Kountry Wayne at Raleigh Improv | February 20-21 | Kountry Wayne is a comedian and actor known for his clean, high-energy storytelling and viral social media sketches rooted in everyday life and relationships. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Drew Lynch at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 27-29 | Drew Lynch is an American stand-up comedian known for his self-deprecating humor and inspirational storytelling, drawing from his life experiences and speech impediment to deliver heartfelt, relatable comedy. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Free Social Dance Classes @ VFW Post 7383 | February 15 | 3PM
These free social dance classes offer a fun way to relax and exercise while learning a variety of Latin, social, and line dances, followed by group instruction and social dancing. Get details here →
🤝 Pints & Palettes @ Carolina Brewing Company | February 15 | 4PM
This fun-filled event at Carolina Brewing Company features step-by-step painting instruction from professional acrylic artist Hannah Grace, paired with craft beer and open to all skill levels. Get details here →
Groovy Duck is one of those little spots you almost miss, but once you go, you keep going back. The cookies are legit, the pastries are always changing, and it’s got this cozy, no-frills vibe that just feels good.
—Tom, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Vasumo is seeking a Virtual Assistant.
💼 CLAYTON JOB: Child Development Schools North Carolina LLC is seeking a Childcare Assistant Teacher.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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