<b>Historic Beaufort Foundation holds dinner and a lecture</b>

Journalist and storyteller David Lauderdale will discuss a historic turning point in the lives of 19th century Beaufortonians at Dinner &amp; a Lecture at the Verdier House, sponsored by Historic Beaufort Foundation on Monday, January 22. Out of the Great Revival of 1831 came the founding of the Southern Baptist Convention and the distinctive African-American Christianity that is so much a part of modern America.

“When We All Get to Heaven: Beaufort’s Great Revival” proselytized planters and slaves alike and infused nearly a whole generation of wealthy planters and professional men with religious fervor. The revival corresponded with a growing enthusiasm among many planters for religious instruction for their slaves and perhaps had its most profound influence on the fusion of traditional African religion and Christianity.

Lauderdale is a senior editor and columnist at The Beaufort Gazette and The Island Packet and has been in the Packet newsroom for forty years in a number of capacities. He writes columns and editorials about Lowcountry life and has twice won the President’s Award for journalism excellence, the highest employee honor in McClatchy.

&nbsp;A wine and hors d’oeuvre reception begins at 5:30; the program is 6 - 7 p.m. Admission for members is $15/$25 per member/couple. Non-member admission is $20/$30 per person/couple. Call 843-379-3331 to make reservations.

<b>Groups release study on benefits of open spaces&nbsp;</b>

The Trust for Public Land and The Beaufort County Open Land Trust cordially invite you to the economic benefits study release: "The Economic Benefits of Parks, Trails and Conserved Open Spaces in Beaufort County."&nbsp;

Public Presentations will be held:

• Monday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m. at Beaufort County Council, 100 Ribaut Road

• Tuesday, Jan. 23, 5 p.m. at Beaufort City Council, 1911 Boundary Street.&nbsp;

<b>AAUW to host speaker Amy Brennan at meeting&nbsp;</b>

The Beaufort Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host Amy Brennan, nonprofit consultant, speaking on the topic “Empowering Women in South Carolina.” The meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1201 North Street, Beaufort, on Tuesday, January 23. A catered dinner prepared by Debbi Covington at 6 p.m. will begin the evening. The address by Ms. Brennan follows dinner. Reservations may be made by calling Peggy Scott at 843-838-1496. AAUW strives to create societal change through non-partisan advocacy on issues impacting women and girls.