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<p><strong>Hunting Island State Park Nature Center February naturalist programs</strong></p>
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<p>All programs are free with park admission. Call 843-838-7437 for information or reservations.</p>
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<p><strong>Tuesday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m., Nature Center. Discover some of the wildlife found around Hunting Island as represented by the animal ambassadors. (all ages); <strong>Traces of Wild Ruffians </strong>– 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nature Center. Find ut what mammals are rummaging through Hunting Island and learn how to identify mammal tracks. (ages 7 to 12); <strong>Beach Walk </strong>– 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse. Walk along the beach with a naturalist to learn more about the treasures from the ocean. (all ages) (not held on Feb. 8).</p>
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<p><strong>Wednesday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Turtle Talk </strong>– 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Learn about the variety of turtles on Hunting Island. (all ages); <strong>Walk With a Naturalist </strong>– 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Enjoy a 0.7-mile scenic walk that ends at Little Hunting Island, which you can explore on your own. Wear walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water. (limited to 15 walkers) Call by noon the previous day for reservations.</p>
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<p><strong>Thursday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Gator Gab </strong>– 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Congregate around our modern-day dinosaurs and watch our vicious hunters eat a delicious meal. (all ages); <strong>What a Wharf </strong>– 2:30-3 p.m., Nature Center. Walk down the pier and learn how Hunting Island and its ecosystems came to be. (all ages).</p>
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<p><strong>Friday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Serpent Exploration </strong>– 12:30-1 p.m., Nature Center. Get a chance to fight your fears and touch a snake or two. (all ages); <strong>Beach Walk </strong>– 3-4 p.m., Lighthouse.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>Saturday: Creature Feature </strong>– 10:30-11 a.m.; <strong>Sea Turtle Discovery </strong>– 2-3:15 p.m., Nature Center. Four species of sea turtles are found on the S.C. coast, and one is the state reptile. (all ages); <strong>Walk With a Naturalist </strong>– 2:30-3:15 p.m., Nature Center.</p>
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<p><strong>Tour Historic Fort Fremont</strong></p>
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<p>10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Fort Fremont History Center, Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Docent-led tours are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Saturday. Travel back in time to the 1800s and the Spanish American War. Visitors to Fort Fremont can learn about the fort’s history by reading interpretive panels, taking a self-guided tour with a smart phone, visiting the history center exhibit hall, or attending a docent-led tour of the property. The Preserve is open to the public Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks manager Stephanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.</p>
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<p><strong>Port Royal Farmers Market</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.</p>
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<p><strong>“Pull Yourself Up” Group Exercise Class for women</strong></p>
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<p>9:30 a.m., select Saturdays, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. This multi-generational women’s group training is a 5-week program taught by Kelly Blackston. It is designed for females who wish to be stronger especially using back muscle shoulders and arms plus build camaraderie and make new friends. Free for ages 13-19; $10 per class for YMCA members; $20 per class for adult non-member. Questions should be directed to Denice Davis, YMCA Healthy Living Program Director at 843-521-1904 or beaufort-jasperymca.org.</p>
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<p><strong>Artists That Teach instructor show</strong></p>
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<p>Through Feb. 25, Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Art League Academy is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. There will also be an artists reception from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19 that is free and open to the public. Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching Academy. For more information, call 843-842-5738.</p>
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<p><strong>Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands guided tours</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 25. The Friends of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands (501c3) offers free tours with Master Naturalist Jill Moore as guide. Learn about the different types of wildlife, birds, and plants that inhabit this special place To sign up for a tour please email Kat Bray at info@foprcw.org. For more information, visit www.foprcw.org, follow us on Facebook at FriendsofPRCypressWetlands, or on Instagram at friendsofprcypresswetlands.</p>
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<p><strong>Sea Island Quilt Guild</strong></p>
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<p>6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, Carteret Street United Methodist Church, 408 Carteret Street, Beaufort.</p>
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<p>Sea Island Quilt Guild will be meeting “In Person.” Group will also meet by Zoom for those who are not able to make it to the meeting. February is challenge month. Everyone who is entering the “Happy Quilt” challenge will be bringing their quilts to show and hope to win a prize.</p>
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<p><strong>CPR training</strong></p>
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<p>8 a.m to noon, Saturday, Feb. 19, March 26, April 9, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. Cost is $35 for YMCA certified course. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort TEA Party Meeting</strong></p>
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<p>5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, Fuji's Restaurant, 97A Sea Island Parkway, Lady's Island.</p>
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<p>Guest speakers include County Council Vice Chair Paul Sommerville, who will speak on the new Redistricting Map and what it means to citizens. The final vote is Feb. 24. Sheila Roemeling, founder and Executive Director of Fresh Start Healing Heart. Her goal is to protect children with H4563 ( a cyber sexual harassment bill) and H4535 (an amendment about Device Filter Bill). For more information, visit our website at www.BeaufortTEAParty.com or email us at BeaufortTEAParty@gmail.com.</p>
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<p><strong>Pray-Sing-Shout: The History of the Prayer/Prays House in the Gullah Geechee Community</strong></p>
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<p>11 a.m. &amp; 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 22, The Learning Center, 913 West Street, Beaufort. Free and open to the public. Two presentations. Presented by the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Researcher and cultural preservationist Victoria A. Smalls will discuss the significance of Prayer Houses in building Gullah Geechee communities. The presentation will include images of Prayer Houses still existing in Beaufort County and images of artwork by local and regional artists depicting these Houses of Worship. For more information, email info@gullahgeecheecorridor.org.</p>
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<p><strong>Fripp Audubon Club’s Ten Eyck Lecture Series</strong></p>
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<p>7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, Fripp Island Community Center, 205 Tarpon Blvd. In his presentation “The Berry Conundrum: Birds and Their Berries,” retired Massachusetts Audubon Society naturalist Bob Speare will describe how landscaping with native versus non-native plants affects songbirds. What happens when an introduced species produces a greater number of flowers, fruits, and seeds – could this potentially be a greater food supply for birds? What about the nutritional value of food produced by native vs. non-native plants? He’ll address these questions and discuss how we can all make a positive impact on the birds in our yards and local areas. There will be no Meet &amp; Greet. The program will begin at 7 in the Chapel with Club announcements followed by Bob's program. Masks are required in the Chapel. Off island visitors are welcome – receive pass at gate. Visit us at www.islc.net/audubon/ or contact us at frippaudubonclub@gmail.com.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Republican Women’s Club Membership Drive Luncheon</strong></p>
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<p>11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, Carolina Room, Dataw Island Club, 123 Dataw Dr., St. Helena Island. Jessica M. Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, will be the featured speaker. Vaughan has testified before Congress many times and has appeared on NPR, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and PBS’s News Hour. The cost of the buffet luncheon is $35 and is by reservation only. To reserve a seat, please mail a check to BRWC, P.O. Box 1835, Beaufort, S.C. 29901 by February 16. For further information, call Diane Roney at 843-838-4972.</p>
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<p><strong>Full 30-hour lifeguard training</strong></p>
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<p>March 4-7 &amp; 13; April 22-25 &amp; May 1; May 13-16 &amp; 22, location TBD. Cost is $170. Schedule: Thursday 4 p.m. – swim test; Friday 4-9 p.m.; Saturday 8-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page. See Frank Hamilton for lifeguard recertification dates and times.</p>
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<p><strong>FUN WOMEN 5K Race</strong></p>
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<p>8 a.m., Saturday, March 5, Newcastle and Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort. The certified 5K course will run through downtown and across the scenic Woods Bridge. This race is part of USC Beaufort’s Center For The Arts’ Women’s Wellness Retreat (March 18 and 19, 2022). Our mission is to elevate, empower, enlighten and enrich all women. Topics include financial, spiritual, physical and mental wellness. Register at https://bit.ly/3qjg1V9.</p>
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<p><strong>Maye River Quilters</strong></p>
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<p>10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, Church of the Palms, 1419 Okatie Highway. The wearing of masks is encouraged. For more meeting dates and times, and for membership forms to join the group, call 843-530-1244. To attend the meeting as a guest, send an RSVP email to mayerivequilters@gmail.com.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast</strong></p>
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<p>1 to 10 p.m., Saturday, March 5, Live Oak Park, Port Royal. All you can eat local oysters from 1 to 8 p.m. Live music by "The Entertainers" (4-7 p.m.) and "Steel Rail Express" (8-10 p.m.). Free kids zone (Ages 5 to 12) from 1 to 10 p.m. Two Live Auctions. Tickets are $40 pre-sale and $50 at the door. To purchase tickets or beverage cups, visit https://bit.ly/3rS4FZ2. Tickets are non-refundable, and music is subject to change in the case of inclement weather.</p>
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<p><strong>Sea Island Rotary Club Community Service blood drive</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, Big Red Bloodmobile, Hilton Garden Inn, Beaufort. Future donation dates will be Tuesday, June 14; Tuesday, Aug. 23; and Tuesday, Nov. 15. OneBlood is testing all blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody. The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if your immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether you ever showed symptoms. You will be able to see their results approximately two to five days after donating by logging into OneBlood’s donor portal at www.oneblood.org. If you test positive for the antibody, you will be eligible to become COVID-19 convalescent plasma donor. All donors will receive a OneBlood gift and a $10 eGift card. Plus, a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. OneBlood takes extra precautions to ensure that the donation process is safe from the COVID-19 virus including extra cleanings, wearing masks, etc. All time slots are currently available. Contact District Governor-elect Bob Gross, at bob@beaufortgroup.com or call 843-321-0196 and indicate the time slot that best suits you.</p>
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<p><strong>The Pickled Eagle pickleball tournament</strong></p>
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<p>8 a.m., Saturday, March 12, Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $40, $5 for each additional division, three divisions total. Double elimination. Skill division 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0. Men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles. Singles, two divisions. Age divisions – skill divisions but limited to 50+, 60+, 70+. Proceeds benefit Beaufort High School Tennis. To register online, go to pickleballtournaments.com and search for pickledeagle. Register online and get a free T-shirt.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort County Library Special Programs</strong></p>
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<p>These are the special programs available at the Beaufort Branch Library Downtown: 2:30 p.m., March 17, Gardening Class; 4:30 p.m., April 6, Pat Conroy’s Love of Libraries; 2:30 p.m., April 12, Poetry Slam; 4:30 p.m., April 26, Pat Conroy’s Love of Poetry; 2:30 p.m., May 4, May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Celebration; 2:30 p.m., June 14, Hurricane Preparedness; 2:30 p.m., July 12, Comic Con; 2:30 p.m., Aug. 16, Local Art Display; 2:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Civic Awareness; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 20, Friends of the Library Celebration; 2:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Beekeeping; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Gingerbread House Contest.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Twilight Run</strong></p>
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<p>3:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 11 Market, Habersham Marketplace, Beaufort. The annual race benefits Riverview Charter School (RCS), a free public school open to Beaufort County K-8th grade students (www.RiverviewCharterSchool.org). This year’s efforts will raise funds for the School’s athletic fields and expansion. To register and for details visit www.BeaufortTwilightRun.com. Live Music will be performed by the band Broke Locals. A wide variety of food and beverages will be available from food trucks and the Habersham Marketplace restaurants. The BTR is one of only two events in South Carolina to offer a 10-mile race. All race courses are spectator-friendly and offer beautiful marsh views beneath canopies of live oaks. Events will be held rain or shine.</p>
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<p><strong>CPR re-certification</strong></p>
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<p>9 a.m to noon, Saturday, March 19, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal. Cost is $25. Those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Contact Frank Hamilton at 843-525-0233 or ghh60fwh@comcast.net. To register visit the Y front desk or online at beaufort-jasperymca.org and click ‘Register for a Program’ at the top of the page.</p>
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<p><strong>Bridges Prep Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament</strong></p>
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<p>April 8, 9. Captains meeting, TBD. Weigh in at Butler Marine Dry Stack. Species include spottail bass, spotted sea trout and flounder. Cost is $150 per boat. All funds raised support Bridges Prep athletic programs. Cash prizes for combined weight. Great opportunity to fish and help support the school. Those interested in sponsoring the event, contact Coach Gruel (bgruel@bridgesprep.org) or Gaylets (sgaylets@bridgesprep.org). To register for the tournament, visit https://bit.ly/31JnBi9.<br><br></p>
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<p><strong>THIS WEEK’S MOVIES AT HWY 21 DRIVE-IN</strong></p>
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<p>The movies scheduled for this week (Thursday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 20) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Uncharted (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) and Spider Man No Way Home (PG-13, 9:30 p.m.) on Screen 1 and Dog (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) and Moonfall (PG-13, 9:00 p.m.) on Screen 2.</p>
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<p>Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein.com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.</p>
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<p>Management would appreciate the wearing of masks while in the concession stand.</p>
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<p>“Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”</p>
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<p>A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.</p>
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<p>Upcoming movies include The Batman (March 4).</p>
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<p>– Staff reports<br><br></p>
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<p><strong>PUBLIC ASKED TO HELP DETAIL FLOODING IN THE POINT AND DOWNTOWN</strong></p>
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<p>If you live in The Point or Downtown neighborhoods, the City of Beaufort needs your help to document any past experience with flooding.</p>
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<p>The City has posted a survey, which can be found at https://bit.ly/3rPYnsI, that allows residents or businesses to detail information about past flooding incidents in these neighborhoods. You can input one survey report per flooding experience. You must fill out your name and address and contact information, so that Davis &amp; Floyd, the engineering firm now conducting a drainage study of this area, can follow up.</p>
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<p>The Point/Downtown neighborhoods will be the site of the City of Beaufort’s next major stormwater infrastructure project to lessen destructive flooding.</p>
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<p>At 10 a.m., on Friday, Feb. 18, a public meeting will be held at City Council chambers, where Project Manager Neal Pugliese will update the public with information about the drainage study being conducted in these neighborhoods. The meeting will include a brief presentation and a question-and-answer session.</p>
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