Tue., May 28, 2 p.m.

The Hive  - General Charlotte Area

Price: $99 Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively in a local business marketplace! Are you a services professional - financial, legal, marketing, technical, creative, etc.? If so, then LinkedIn may be your most important professional networking tool. Use LinkedIn to: Grow Your Network Improve Your Professional Positioning Boost Referrals The class is geared toward the professional serving a local marketplace. We will explore the benefits of using the tool effectively and walk through a hands-on tutorial. You will learn how to: Create and manage your online profile Build and leverage your network Participate and get value from discussions and groups

Fri., May 31, 6 p.m.

Design Within Reach  - General Charlotte Area

Price: Free How has the South embraced modern architecture? That will be the focus of a panel discussion led by the principals of two award-winning architecture firms: Charlotte-based Dialect Design and Raleigh-based in situ studio on Friday, May 31, 6-8pm at Design Within Reach in Charlotte. The discussion, followed by a reception, is free and open to the public. Erin Sterling Lewis and Matthew Griffith, principals of in situ studio and Jahan Nourbakhsh and Toby Witte, principals of Dialect Design, will also speak on where they see modern architecture heading in the South and within their own hometown.

Thu., June 6, 10 a.m.

Charlotte Convention Center  - Uptown

Price: Free, Business Track $25, Lunch/Keynote $25 3 concurrent tracks 1) Diversity Within the Community (FREE) - DIVERSE members of the community discuss openly how issues impact them personally. Great for "the family" or those who have a hard time accepting/understanding "gay people" 2) What Works in the Workplace ($25)- presentations by consultants, trainers, academics, and LGBT professionals covering best practices, with a focus transgender. Morning sessions are overviews. Afternoon sessions are more advanced. 3) Breakout Sessions (FREE)- Alternative sexuality and soft-skills training Keynote: Mandy Carter

Tue., July 2, 9 a.m.

YWCA Central Carolinas  - Myers Park

Price: $65 members/ $75 non members Prepare your child to take on the responsibility of caring for other people's kids with this babysitting class.

Sat., Sept. 7, 10 a.m.

Gaston County Public Library  - Gastonia

Price: free Interactive multi-media presentation of essential information for adults considering beginning or resuming a college education, including choosing a career field, career outlooks, financial aid, the application process, school accreditation, and more. Free public event presented by Gaston County Public Library and Belmont Abbey College / Adult Degree Program. No reservation required. Information: 704-868-2164 / Dial 4.

Sat., Nov. 23, 2 p.m.

Gaston County Public Library  - Gastonia

Price: free A multi-media presentation by Dr. Melinda Ratchford exploring the history, politics, myths and theories behind the November 22, 1963 assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Free public event appropriate for older students and adults presented by Gaston County Public Library. No reservations required for individuals and families. Advance reservation required for organized groups. Information: 704-868-2164 / Dial 4.

Second Friday of every month, 11:30 a.m. Continues through Jan. 10

Jonathan's of Matthews Restaurant  - General Charlotte Area

Price: 29.95 Megabites - Lunch & Learn are monthly workshops for business owners, marketing people, and others that would like to learn in simple, fun terms how tools such as social media, internet marketing, and quality web sites can help increase their business and ROI.

Second Saturday of every month, 12 p.m.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture  - Uptown

Price: Free workshop; $5 for slam Respect Da Mic Poetry's slam team presents a writing workshop at 12 p.m. Charlotte youth showcases their spoken word at 1 p.m. and is followed by the main poetry slam at 2 p.m. For detailed info, visit www.respectdamic.org.

Sundays

Wet Willie's  - Uptown

Price: $150 for a six week session Charlotte Comedy Theater offers six week classes to help with improv skills, public speaking, confidence, stage presence and more. For more information, visit www.charlottecomedytheater.com.

Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.

Madison’s Coffee House  - Matthews/Southeast Charlotte

Price: FREE Michael Alvarez, Indian Trail Mayor, and a member of the town council will join us each month. They will share updates of Indian Trail town news and then have an open session for questions.