<b>Franciscan Center holds Christmas Yard Sale </b>

A Christmas Yard Sale will be held at The Franciscan Center, 85 Mattis Road, St. Helena Island, SC, 29920, on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many treasures await including children’s toys, Christmas items, home décor, collectibles, housewares, electronics, bedding and linens, books, cds, tapes, furniture, designer clothing and jewelry. For more information, contact the Franciscan Center at 843-838-3924.

<b>Local Military Officers Association to meet </b>

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is committed to a strong national defense and protects the rights and interests of all U.S. commissioned and warrant officers: Active, reserve, National Guard, former and retired. Come meet the Low Country Chapter at its quarterly lunch and business meeting on Tuesday Dec. 9, at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Officers Club. Speaker will be S.C. Adjunct General, Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr. The meet and greet starts at 11:30 a.m.; noon will be luncheon buffet, $20 per person; casual dress. For reservations, call or e-mail Acting Treasurer Rich Baker at TL9198@embarqmail.com or 843-694-1329 by Dec. 1; or visit online at http://www.lcmoaa.org.

<b>DAR to hold meeting, annual Christmas Tea </b>

The December meeting of the Thomas Heyward, Jr. Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will take place at 3 p.m., Thursday, December 11, at 522 Island Circle East, Dataw Island, SC. This month’s meeting is the annual Christmas Tea. For more information, contact Regent Harriett Bosiack at 843-466-0305.

<b>ArtiZen Yoga holds class for active military
</b>

ArtiZen’s Being of Service class will be Thursday, December 11. On the second Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ArtiZen Yoga provides a free all-level yoga class exclusively for active military and their spouses. It will be taught by Ayren Pfeifer, certified Ashtanga teacher and a military spouse of 13 years. (Childcare will be available for a small fee: $5 for one child/$3 for each additional child.)

<b>Free workshop discusses how to prevent falling </b>

As a person ages, a fall can become a devastating health crisis that has the potential to lead to life altering consequences such as pain, fractures, surgery, prolonged hospitalizations or even death. Those who want to avoid the consequences of falls can find help at a free workshop on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Helena Place Senior Living. Tim Gurley, physical therapist with Amedisys Home Health, will speak about the “Balance for Life” program, which outlines ways a senior citizen can use his/her five senses to prevent falls and improve strength, gait and balance. He will also discuss tips on strengthening, maintaining a safe walking speed and creating a living space to reduce the chance of falls. Helena Place Senior Living is located at 1624 Paris Avenue in Port Royal, directly across from the U.S. Post Office. Space is limited. To register, please e-mail rewing@enlivant.com or call 843-252-3001.

<b>Riverview Baptist holds Christmas Celebrations </b>

Riverview Baptist Church, 2209 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC, 29902, announces Christmas Celebrations on Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 6 p.m. “Don’t let the Grouches Steal Your Christmas,” an adult comedy, and “A  Light at Christmas,” a children’s musical, will be performed. Fellowship to follow plays.
Community members invited.

<b>Port Royal holds fifth annual Golf Cart Parade</b>

The 5th annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at Helena Place Senior Living on Paris Avenue in Port Royal. All area residents are invited to decorate their golf carts and participate in the parade. All golf carts must be lined up in the Helena Place parking lot by 5 p.m. The procession of carts will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. The parade will advance down Paris Avenue to 8th Street, then to London and end at Live Oak Park. Everyone wanting to partake in the Christmas revelry is encouraged to line the parade route. All are invited to enjoy hot refreshments and snacks under the pavilion at Live Oak Park where the winners of the golf cart decorating contest will be announced. The parade will feature a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Town of Port Royal and the Old Village Association of Port Royal. The rain date is Sunday, Dec. 14. For more information, call 252-3001 or e-mail rewing@enlivant.com.

<b>Open house supports LowCountry Food Bank</b>

Edward Jones is having an Open House on Thursday, December 11 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the local office located at 1702 Ribaut Road, Port Royal, SC. Refreshments will be served. Jeff Baumhoer is also supporting The LowCountry Food Bank by using his office as a drop-off location for a food drive. Visitors to the open house may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the office.

<b>Group celebrates Yule, the Winter Solstice</b>

Encounter the longest night of the year with merriment, mirth and magic. Come join Ancient Sea Island Continuum for Yule, the Winter Solstice, mankind’s oldest continuous celebration. Bring a dish for the potluck feast and a non-perishable food donation for Help of Beaufort. Child care provided but this indoor celebration is kid-friendly on Saturday, December 20, at 178 Sams Point Road, Lady’s Island at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort. Smudging begins at 6 p.m. For questions, email asic.herald@gmail.com.

<b>TCL Women’s Holiday Luncheon to be held</b>

Everyone is invited to attend the 3rd Annual TLC Women’s Holiday Luncheon, to be held Saturday, December 20, at noon at the Cat Island Pub &amp; Grill. The luncheon will include food, fellowship, and fun wrapping gifts for children in the local shelters and community. Average cost of lunch is $12. Call Tonya Phillips for any questions at 843-322-0262 or thelowcountrywomen@gmail.com.

<b>Drop off Toys for Tots at Merry Maids office
</b>

The local Merry Maids office at 829 Parris Island Gateway will once again serve as a Toys for Tots drop off location. They are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be accepting toys until Dec. 24.

<b>Support ‘Adopt A Child’ gift giving drive</b>

It’s that time of the year again to celebrate the holidays, while giving back to the community. The Lowcountry Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring an “Adopt A Child” Christmas Gift Giving Drive for the children in local shelters and the community.  Most of the children in CAPA, CODA, Family Promise and Hope Haven are displaced due to homelessness or abuse. Let’s put smiles on their faces by showing them our love and support during this holiday season. If you would like to purchase a gift or gifts for a child or children, please contact Tonya Phillips at 843-322-0262 or thelowcountrywomen@gmail.com.

<b>‘Market of Hope’ supports global artisans</b>

Sea Island Presbyterian Church’s Market of Hope offers Christmas gifts with a purpose. Until December 7, the public is invited to discover an exquisite collection of handmade gifts, home decor, musical instruments, jewelry and personal accessories at the Market of Hope. The market will help skilled artisans in 38 countries receive a fair price for their products. Featured items include hand-loomed textiles, pottery, jewelry, baskets, toys and a variety of nativities. The market will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m. until December 5. On Saturday, December 6, the market will be open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. The items are marketed by Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair trade organization based in Akron, Pa. To learn more, visit http://seaislandpresbyterian.org.
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