Raleigh Week: A Small Step Into Civic Life. St Patrick's Day & Holi

Hi {{first_name}}

Yesterday I attended a Ladies of the NC General Assembly gathering at the historic Borden Building in Fred Fletcher Park — such a beautiful old Raleigh venue.

As a brand-new American citizen, I’ve made a commitment to educate myself so I can participate in a more meaningful and thoughtful way in our community. So, I loved the opportunity to chat with women who are actively shaping our state and learn more about how things work here in North Carolina.

What struck me most was how approachable, warm, and friendly everyone was — a reminder of the quiet strength and leadership women bring to the table.

I had the chance to speak with Senator Lisa Grafstein, Representative Julie von Haefen, and Representative Monika Johnson-Hostler and asked them what advice they would give someone like me who is new to voting in the U.S.

Interestingly, they all shared the same message:

👉 Focus on local issues.

We hear so much about national politics, but local decisions are often where our daily lives are most directly impacted. And the good news? It’s much easier to get to know your local elected officials and actually reach out to them about issues you care about.

One topic that came up repeatedly was public education. (Learn with Dr Emily, Ph.D. in School Psychology, also provided helpful insights!) As a former teacher, this resonated deeply with me. Education touches so many aspects of community wellbeing, and I learned that in North Carolina much of school funding comes from county property taxes, which really highlighted how connected local policy decisions are to everyday life.

There was also discussion around gerrymandering and the importance of both sides coming to the table to find solutions.

For me, the evening felt like a small but meaningful step forward — learning, listening, and starting to understand how I can engage more thoughtfully as a citizen.

My next step? I’m thinking about attending a few local council meetings to learn more about the issues in our district and who represents us.

If you’ve done this before, I’d love to hear from you.

What’s the best way to get more informed and engaged locally here in Raleigh?

Warmly,

Caroline

It’s St Patricks Day Weekend! There is a lot to choose from this weekend in Raleigh from St Patrick’s Day parties to Holi Festivals and the NC Courage season kick off game!

We’re planning an informal meetup at the Hibernian Pub St Patrick’s Day Block Party - 12pm - 3pm. Come hang out with us for as little or as long as you like! Register here.

We recently had new garage doors installed with Ready to Roll Garage Doors, a locally owned company specializing in garage door repairs and installations — and we’re thrilled with the results.

From the free consultation to choosing the right style and features, Kyle and his team were knowledgeable, professional, and made the entire process easy. They walked us through every option so we could find the perfect fit for our home.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your garage door or need repairs, this might just be your sign.