Karl Rectanus
NC STEM Community Collaborative Leader
Mr. Rectanus will talk about the mission of NC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math).  He will also discuss the collaborative projects that are underway with public officials, business and industry and education leaders to develop ways for the successful learning and teaching of science, technology, engineering and math disciplines for the economic prosperity of North Carolina.

Prader-Willi Syndrome
Christine Rogers takes a look a research being done at UNC-Chapel Hill on Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes low muscle tone, short stature, and a chronic feeling of hunger.  Although it is considered a rare disorder PWS is one of the most common conditions seen in genetics clinics and is the most common genetic cause of obesity that has been identified.

John Dornan
Executive Director, Public School Forum of North Carolina
Mr. Dornan will recall the history of the Public School Forum of North Carolina now that the forum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.  He will also give his thoughts on what he believes to be the status of education in the Tar Heel State.

Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing
Alan Brown takes us to a unique class in Raleigh that has put a new spin on ballroom dancing for those who use wheelchairs.

Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic
Jeff Smith brings us a preview of the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic which will take place August 20th-22nd at Lonnie Pool Golf Club at NC State.  The classic began in 1994 to raise funds for cancer research.  It is in honor of NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano who died of bone cancer in 1993. 

Rachel Gragg
Ms. Gragg will discuss how the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) has been able to bring high profile performers and performances to the Bull City since 2008 and what is coming up during the DPAC's third performance season.

The Swag
Deborah Holt Noel takes us to the Swag Country Inn in Waynesville where you are pampered like royalty while enjoying the majestic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Jihad Shawwa
Muslim Feed the Hungry
Mr. Shawwa will talk about the "Muslim Feed the Hungry" program which takes place during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.  Ramadan begins at sunset August 10th and ends on September 9th.  The program has a goal to provide meals to more than 25,000 needy people during the holy month.

Scott Huler
Author, "On the Grid"
Mr. Huler will discuss his new book, "On The Grid" that looks at the mechanical workings of our infrastructure such as wires, pipes, roads and water support in an effort to help citizens understand the systems that sustain our way of life as well as point out where upgrades or improvements are needed.