<b>Therapy dogs wanted in Beaufort</b>

Does your dog have a sweet disposition? Does he/she like to be petted? Does your dog obey your commands? And most of all, does your dog love humankind?

Therapy dogs bring sparkle to a sterile day; rekindle old memories and good conversation. They come in all shapes and sizes – real dogs with real personalities. Some pure bred, others adopted or mixed breeds, but all proud to wear their Therapy Dogs International bandana and tags.

TDI is the oldest and largest therapy dog organization in the United States. Its objective is to provide comfort and companionship, increasing the quality of life for residents and staff at hospitals, assisted living and nursing homes.

They also participate in the Tail-Waggin’ Tutor program, helping children improve their reading skills at local elementary schools and the YMCA.

The Beaufort chapter will host a therapy dog pre-test clinic at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs Center, 100 Clear Water Way.

There is no charge or minimum age for the clinic but you must attend a clinic to be eligible to take the TDI test the following month.

Before attending the clinic, read more about TDI, its chapters, evaluators and insurance, as well as important information about the test requirements at www.tdi-dog.org.

Dogs are required to wear a flat buckle collar with 6-foot leash, be at least 1 year old and owners must present their dogs up-to-date shot records.

Four weeks later, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, the chapter will hold a TDI test at the same location. Space is limited to 10 dogs and the cost is $10. Allow two hours for the clinic and the test. To register for the clinic and test or for more information on Therapy Dogs International, contact Russ Dimke, chapter director, at  dimke@hargray.com of at 843-846-9580.

<b>Center for arts </b><b>celebrates Etta James</b>

[caption id="attachment_30165" align="aligncenter" width="2000"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/etta-james.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-30165"><img class="size-full wp-image-30165" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/etta-james.jpg" alt="Etta James" width="2000" height="3000" /></a> Etta James[/caption]

The USCB Center for the Arts will host a musical tribute to the legendary three-time Grammy winner Etta James at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16.

Dr. Marlena Smalls, world renowned singer, entertainer, educator and actress, will perform many of James’ hits, including her signature hit, “At Last.”

Smalls will perform other James classic tunes such as “All I Could Do is Cry, “Something Has a Hold on Me,” and “Don’t Loose Your Good Thing.”

She will be backed up by the Sweetgrass Angels (Penney Smith, Velma Polk and Elaine Lake) who are known for their phenomenal three-part harmonies.

The Lowcountry Jazz Band, under the direction of David Hershey, will provide the big band sound to make the tribute a “you-don’t-want-to-miss” performance.

James was discovered in her mid-teens, and her raw talent influenced the likes of Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt.

She was not easy to pigeonhole. In fact, she is in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame. She was a soul pioneer who had her share of hard times and emerged a survivor. She is most often referred to as a rhythm and blues singer, and that is how she made her name in the 1950s with records like “Good Rockin’ Daddy.”

Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors and military; and $15 for students. Purchase them online at uscbcenterforteharts.com or call the box office at 843-521-4145.

<b>TCL to hold 5K, </b><b>Oysters on the Bay</b>

The Technical College of the Lowcountry will host its annual Oysters &amp; 5K by the Bay on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the TCL Beaufort Campus, 921 Ribaut Road.

The 5K starts at 5 p.m.; check-in begins at 4 p.m. The race features chip timing and includes a T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest men and women in several categories including a special military division. Runners, walkers and strollers are all welcome. 5K proceeds will go to the TCL Student Veterans Association.

Oysters by the Bay kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat oysters and barbecue, live music, children’s activities and raffles. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Admission is free for children 10 and under. All proceeds benefit the TCL Fund, which supports TCL students and programs. Visit www.tcl.edu/bythebay for more information, tickets and 5K registration.

<b>Latina Music Fest </b><b>being held Oct. 16</b>

In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage month and as a way of crossing cultural divides and building cultural awareness, La Isla Magazine and the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition will host the 5th Annual Latin Music Festival on Hilton Head Island.

The festival will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at Shelter Cove Community Park.

The Latin Music Festival is the largest Latino Festival in the region, and the Miss La Isla Community Pageant is the featured event of the festival.

<b>Kids get cooking </b><b>with Halloween fun</b>

Whole Foods and Sprout Momma Breads invite parents and their children to a Kids in the Kitchen program at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, at Whole Foods on Hilton Head Island. The program will include kids making their own spooky pizzas in time for Halloween while learning about the benefits of healthy eating. This event is open to the public and free of charge. RSVP by Friday, Oct. 14, by calling 843-842-0700 or e-mailing Abby.Wirth@wholefoods.com.

<b>Lowcountry women’s </b><b>group to hold October luncheon</b>

The Lowcountry Christian Women’s Connection will hold its October Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse. The guest speaker will be Susan Davis, a singer, songwriter and author. There will also be a vendor fair and ladies can shop before (10:30 a.m.) and after the program. The cost for the lunch is $25. For additional information, call 843-705-7604.

<b>Tickets on sale for Boots &amp; Bling</b>

The 7th Annual Boots &amp; Bling Fundraiser &amp; Silent Auction presented by CBC National Bank will be Saturday, Oct. 22, at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. This event raises funds for the YMCA of Beaufort County capital campaign.

Boots &amp; Bling is an evening of food, music, dancing, an enticing silent auction and new this year will be a live auction. Tickets are on sale at the YMCA and will be available at the event. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn at Boots &amp; Bling but ticket-holders do not need to be present to win.

Event tickets are $50 per person and $90 per couple and can be purchased at the Y or online at ymcabeaufortcounty.com.

<b>Arts Center presents </b><b>‘Pride and Prejudice’</b>

“Pride and Prejudice” will be presented through Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. Visit www.artshhi.com for tickets and additional information.

<b>Relay For Life coming Oct. 28</b>

Relay For Life of Beaufort will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Oct. 28, at Battery Creek High School at 1 Blue Dolphin Drive in Beaufort. To sign up or for more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/beaufortsc or contact Wendy Pollitzer at 843-263-3216 or Wendy.Pollitzer@cancer.org.

<b>Halloween fun </b><b>coming to Port Royal</b>

Trunk of Treat, a safe, daytime alternative to evening trick or treating, will be held from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, on Paris Avenue in Port Royal. There will be games, costume prizes, food and beverages. Attendees are encourages to bring their decorated cars, trucks or golf carts and get in the sprit by handing out goodies to the children. Or, you For more information, contact Mike Seymour of Sts Mark’s Episcopal Church, one of the event sponsors, at 843-524-2010 or Mike@hol.edu.

<b>COSY holding magical masquerade</b>

The Collaborative Organization of Services for Youth (COSY) Trust is hosting its first, large fundraising event this fall. The COSY Trust Magical Masquerade Evening will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the St. Peter’s Catholic Walsh-Palmetto Room on Lady’s Island. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple. Checks should be made out to CCF COSY Trust and mailed to P.O. Drawer 1228, Beaufort, SC. 29901-1228. Tickets will be mailed out when checks are received.

<b>Ghost Tour schedule revised</b>

Due to the damage of Hurricane Matthew, the Exchange Club has revised the schedule for their 24th annual Ghost Tours. There will not be tours on Oct. 14-16. The new dates are the Oct. 21-23 and 26-30. There will not be any walking tours on Oct. 26 or 27. All proceeds benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) of Beaufort County. Walking tour tickets are $12 for all ages and carriage tours are $12 for children ages 3-11 and $22 for adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult. New this year is a pet- and stroller-friendly walking tour leaving each night at 6:40 p.m. Reservations can be made online at www.capabeaufort.org or by calling 843-52-GHOST.