<b>Black Chamber to hold networking event</b>

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will have its First Friday Networking Event at the Quality Inn located at 2001 Boundary Street, Beaufort from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2016. The host will be Gertha Dansby. The company, Total Life Changes will share information about the Long Life Tour of South Carolina. The public is invited. There will be refreshments and prizes.

<b>YMCA hosts Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser </b>

Don't forget — the Childcare Staff of the YMCA of Beaufort County will host a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, April 2nd from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the YMCA located at 1801 Richmond Ave. in Port Royal.

<b>WVU President to address Palmetto Chapter alumni</b>

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee will visit Hilton Head Island Saturday, April 2, to address alumni and friends of the Palmetto Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association. The noon luncheon at Sea Pines Country Club is open to Chapter members, WVU alumni and guests. Registration and a reception begin at 11:15 a.m.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Gee is able to join us for this spring event and update us on all the great things happening back in Morgantown,” said Chapter President Eric Magnin, a 1991 WVU graduate. “He is truly a visionary who is leading change at our University and transforming the arc of higher education nationally.”

In addition to Gee, several other distinguished guests will be in attendance, including Sean Frisbee, new executive director and vice president of the WVU Alumni Association. For further information, call Margaret Phillips, 304-290-7569 or margaret.phillips@mail.wvu.edu. All proceeds from this event will benefit the WVU Scholarship Fund.

<b>Congressman Sanford </b><b>to give legislative update</b>

The Greater Bluffton Republican Club is pleased to announce that their next meeting will be held at Rose Hill Golf Club at 4 Clubhouse Dr. on Monday, April 4, 2016. We are honored to have Congressman Mark Sanford join us. He will give a legislative update, discuss our Second Amendment rights, and will answer questions from the crowd.

<b>Faith Memorial Baptist celebrates anniversary</b>

Faith Memorial Baptist Church will celebrate her Sixty-First Church Anniversary beginning April 4th through April 10th. Services will be held nightly Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. and concluding on Sunday April 10th at 12:30 p.m. Participating Pastors are Monday night Pastor Kenneth Doe of Bethesda Christian Fellowship, Tuesday Pastor Sam T. Spain of Lady’s Island Baptist, Wednesday Pastor Kenneth Hodges of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Thursday Pastor William Carpenter of Orange Grove Baptist Church, Friday Pastor J.W. Williams of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and on Sunday Pastor Abraham Murray of Brick Baptist Church. Host Pastor Michael A. Williams. For more details, email faithmemorialbaptist@gmail.com.

<b>Fly Fishing Expo to be held April 9th</b>

The fourth Annual Lowcountry Fly Fishing Expo is Saturday April 9th! This event is not to be missed for any outdoorsmen who enjoys the sport of fly fishing or has interest and wants to learn! Whether you are a beginner or advanced angler, this is an event for all experience levels. Come see what the surrounding Lowcountry waters have to offer and learn from a long list of great instructors and presenters. Limited tickets available so sign up today to reserve your spot online at www.baystreetoutfitters.com. If you prefer, you can also call the shop 843-524-5250 to sign up.

<b>Beaufort County offers free secure shredding</b>

The Beaufort County Public Works Department Solid Waste and Recycling Division has established a secure document shredding event for Saturday, April 9, 2016. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. (or truck containers are full) at the Shanklin Convenience Center at 80 Shanklin Road in Beaufort.

Any types or colors of paper, file folders, or envelopes are acceptable. Staples or paper clips do not need to be removed. Materials can be brought in any container or bag and will be emptied into roll carts for immediate shredding. Only residential quantities will be accepted. No materials from commercial businesses will be accepted. No electronics will be collected at this event. For more information, contact the Solid Waste and Recycling Division at 843-255-2736 or visit www.bcgov.net/recycle.

<b>Meditate with Brittney Hiller at workshop</b>

This will be a meditation for beginner’s workshop. Saturday, April 9th at 11:00 a.m. To register, call 843-255-6458 or email sinman@bcgov.net. The event will be held at 311 Scott St. in downtown Beaufort. Learn simple meditation techniques, including breath and posture with meditation expert, Brittany Hiller. For additional information, go to www.beaufortcountylibrary.org.

<b>Local author schedules lecture at library</b>

Neil Baxley, author of <em>No Prouder Fate: The Story of the 11th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry and Walk in the Light: The Story of the 10th and 19th SC Volunteer Infantry Regiments</em> will share his research into the military career of Beaufort’s own Stee Elliott. This presentation premiered at the 2015 South Carolina Civil War Symposium and will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Beaufort Branch Library at 311 Scott Street in downtown Beaufort

This is great history for anyone 12 years old and older. For more information, contact info: Grace Cordial, 843-255-6446, or email her at gracec@bcgov.net.

<b>Sportfishing &amp; Diving Club to discuss new Cobia fishing laws</b>

The October meeting for the Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club will be held on Thursday April 14th at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club located off of Meridian Road on Lady’s Island. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.

The State and Federal laws will be changing this spring for Cobia. Three well-known Cobia experts will present a program on these changes and how to catch and protect this species for both in shore and off shore fishing. They are: Al Stokes, manager of the Waddell Center, Cpt. David Harter, Hilton Head Sports Fishing Club and local Captain Jim Clark from the “Stray Cat” making this important presentation. The monthly $50 drawing for weighing in one of the Year Round Tournament species was won by John Mucha Sr. last month. There will be another drawing at his meeting sponsored by Port Royal Landing Marina for an additional $50. Guests are welcome and you don’t need a reservation. For additional information contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122 or email him at fgibson@iscl.net.

<b>Join a Holistic/Spiritual </b><b>Retreat in Beaufort </b>

The United Church of Jesus Christ for All People is pleased to announce the upcoming 1st Annual Master's Touch Holistic/Spiritual Retreat at the Beaufort Holiday Inn on Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16, 2016. Join us for what promises to be one of the most powerful and healing events in the Lowcountry! Experience and learn first-hand a wide array of natural healing methods to enhance and prolong your life.

Many local and national healing arts practitioners and spiritual leaders will be on hand to offer workshops, demonstrations and presentations, and a healing blessing service; as well as vendors sharing healing arts consultations and information. A sample of offerings will include chiropractic, acupuncture, Reiki, acupressure, aromatherapy, meditation, Zumba, spiritual readings, raw food demonstration, and many more. The healing blessing service will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Jack L. Bomar, Unity Minister of Hawaii, and Rev. Helen R. Cooper, Sr. Minister, Westside Center of Truth for Better Living, Chicago IL.

Accommodations for out-of-town guests have been arranged at the beautiful Holiday Inn on Boundary Street in Beaufort. Time for touring and exploring Beaufort and St. Helena Island will be available on Saturday. Registration for the retreat is: one day - $40.00; both days - $70.00. For retreat schedule or to register, please contact 843-525-6269.

<b>Visitors are invited to brunch at Community Bible Study class</b>

The Beaufort Day Class of Community Bible Study will hold an informational Visitor’s Day Brunch for women on Thursday, April 21st, at 9:15 a.m. at Port Royal Baptist Church. This event is open to all area women interested in joining Community Bible Study for the 2016-17 class studying I &amp; II Thessalonians, James &amp; Mark beginning in September. CBS is a non-denominational in-depth Bible study in a caring format. The Beaufort class is open to women and children, infants to age 12; classes are limited. Childcare will be provided for Brunch, but advanced reservations are required for children. To make a reservation or for more information email fishnet@islc.net or call Sandi Fischer 843-838-0212 or visit the website at beaufort.cbsclass.org

<b>Festival Series wraps us with grand finale</b>

On Sunday, April 24, at 5 p.m. at USCB Center for the Arts, Historic Beaufort Campus, USCB will hold their Festival Series grand finale. Performing pieces from Schubert, Sollima, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky will be Aaron Boyd - violin, Jesse Mills - violin, Dimitri Murrath - viola, and Host, Edward Arron - cello. Tickets start at $42 and are available online at www.uscb.edu/festivalseries or by calling 843-208-8246.

<b>Volunteers needed for Gullah Festival of SC</b>

Volunteers for The Original Gullah Festival of SC scheduled to be held on May 26, 27, 28, 29 are needed. This is for Memorial Day Weekend and you will be working at The Henry Chambers Waterfront Park. Apply on the website www.theoriginalgullahfestival.org and/or call Ms. Pat 843-542-6007.

<b>Sheriff's Office to hold annual golf tournament</b>

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is holding their annual Spring Golf Tournament on Friday, May 13th, 2016 at The Legends at Parris Island Golf Club to raise money for our Annual Appreciation Dinner. This event is held each year to thank our deputies, administrative staff and volunteers for their service throughout the year.

If you are interested in signing up to play in our tournament, please visit www.bcso.net/Events/Golf.
<h2>Upcoming Library Events</h2>
<b>Hilton Head Branch Library: 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head
</b>Turkish Hands: Gesturing in Turkey: Tara Alisbath, former resident of Turkey, will demonstrate and explain the significance of this ancient sign language. This event is free.
Time and Date: Monday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m.
For additional info: Priscilla Pomazal, 843-255-6524, priscillap@bcgov.net

<b>Beaufort Branch Library: 311 Scott Street, Beaufort
</b>Teen Movie Night: Ages 13-17 can enjoy a recent popular movie on the big screen (rated PG-13), and have some popcorn and drinks. Event is free.
Time and Date: Monday, April 4 at 4:30 p.m.
For additional info: Cat Williams, (843) 255-6441, cwilliams@bcgov.net

<b>St. Helena Branch Library: 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena
</b>BookEnders Book Club: If you are 7-11 years old and love to read, come and sign up for BookEnders Book Club! You will read whatever books you want, but then practice talking about your book and summarizing your book. Snacks and possibly a craft or two as well. Please sign up by calling the library at (843)255-6540. Free.
Time and Date: Wednesday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m.
For additional info: 843-255-6540

<b>Bluffton Branch Library: 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton
</b>Lowcountry Flutes Spring Performance: Let Phoebe Stevens and her merry band of flute players enchant you with a variety of seasonal musical genres. Classical, jazz, familiar songs, and fun novelty pieces are their forte. Free.
Time and Date: Thursday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m.
For additional info: Armistead Reasoner, 843-255-6512, areasoner@bcgov.net

<b>Hilton Head Branch Library: 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head
</b>Third Annual Poetry Month Reading: Six local poets – Michael Bassett, Jessica Goody, Marilyn Lorenz, Horace Mungin, Bill Newby, and Stephanie Orrell – will read their original poems. Mike Nicholson will also play his banjo. This event is co-sponsored by the Island Writers’ Network. Free.
Time and Date: Thursday, April 7 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
For additional info: Priscilla Pomazal, 843-255-6524, priscillap@bcgov.net

<b>Beaufort Branch Library: 311 Scott Street, Beaufort
</b>Meditation for Beginners Workshop: Learn simple mediation techniques, including breath and posture with meditation expert Brittany Hiller. Event is free.
Time and Date: Saturday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m.
For additional info: Stacey Inman, 843-255-6458, sinman@bcgov.net

<b>Bluffton Branch Library: 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton
</b>Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Read to a trained therapy dog. Grades K-5. Registration required. Event is free.
Time and Date: Saturday, April 9 from 1:30-2:30pm
For additional info: Kelli Baxter, 843-255-6510, kbaxter@bcgov.net

<b>St. Helena Branch Library: 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena
</b>Spring Break Book Bingo: Stop by the Library and pick up a bingo card of reading activities. Finish a bingo for a prize! All Ages! Event is free.
Time and Date: Now through Saturday, April 16
For additional info: Madeline Helser-Howard, 843-255-6558, mhelserhoward@bcgov.net

<em>For information on any of the programs, visit beaufortcountylibrary.org or call (843) 255-6456.</em>