<b>Church holds annual nativity celebration </b>

First Presbyterian Church Beaufort presents its third annual Nativity Celebration Dec. 6, 7 and 8, at the Education Building located at 1201 North Street. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7, and noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8. Come celebrate the joy of the season by viewing beautiful nativities from around the world, collected by the Presbyterian Women’s group at FPC Beaufort. This is a free event but donations are appreciated, with any funds raised donated to church charities. If you have questions regarding this event, call the office at 843-524-3051.

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<b>Rotary Club holding annual wreath sale </b>

The Rotary Club of the Lowcountry’s Annual Christmas Wreath sale is back with beautiful 24-inch, evergreen wreaths, boxed, with pine cones and red bow for only $30. Proceeds go to local charities such as Child Abuse Prevention Association, Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse, Beaufort High School Interact, Boys &amp; Girls Club, Beaufort Humane Society, Hope Haven, Alzheimer’s Family Services, and more.

The wreathes will arrive in Beaufort around the first weekend of December and can be picked up by appointment or delivered if necessary. You can pay with check, cash or money order. To order a wreath, call Rep. Shannon Erickson at 843-263-1867.

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<b>Give blood at American Red Cross Blood Drive </b>

There is a gift that you can give this Christmas that costs nothing, but can save a life. Yes, this gift is a donation of blood at the next Carteret Street United Methodist Church-sponsored American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, December 5 in the Fellowship Hall from noon until 6 p.m. ARC blood is distributed regionally and throughout the world and is a source for blood used by the U.S. military services and natural disasters around the world.

To make an appointment, call 1-866-611-7137 or log onto www.givelife.org (it’s very simple). Please remember to eat at least two hours before donating and reduce intake of tea and sodas at least one day before donating so that you can pass the “iron” test; drinking lots of water is also suggested. For questions, please call Merle Hoagland at 522-2073 or email merle13@embarqmail.com.

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<b>‘Stir It Up’ fundraiser </b><b>supports Gullah</b><b> cooking </b>

“Stir It Up!” Oyster Roast &amp; Gumbo celebration, catered by hometown restaurant Gullah Grub, is a fundraiser for the Seventh Youth Gullah Style Cooking Class and will be held Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Shed (behind Gullah Grub) 877 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island. Tickets are $25/adults, $10/children. Call Sara’ Reynolds Green at 843-473-0477 or 843-838-3841.  Local oysters, gumbo, fried fish, cornbread, dessert, along with cool music, handcrafted jewelry and good company. This is the seventh year Gullah Grub’s Bill Green will teach students Lowcountry cooking. The fundraiser hopes to support 20 student scholarships, $200/student for 8 hours of classes, as a way to educate youth about Gullah culture through organic farming and cooking. Dinner donations keep these traditions alive. Please consider sponsoring a student; donations are tax deductible.

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<b>Celebrate Arbor Day </b><b>with Clemson Extension</b><b> </b>

Beaufort County Clemson Extension Service celebrates Arbor Day every year and gives away native bare root seedling trees. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with planting tips and selection on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year we will have persimmon, dogwood, redbud, oak, crabapple, and longleaf pine.  Selection is limited to 5 trees per family. Pick up seedlings at the Clemson Extension office, 102 Beaufort Industrial Village Road. Call 843-255-6060 for details.

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<b>2013 synergy business conference will be held </b>

TAB-Low-Country is holding its 6th Annual Synergy Conference at the Officers Club at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, on Tuesday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The conference focuses on topics and tools of interest to local business CEOs, owners, partners and key decision makers. “The Power of Influence: LinkedIn, it’s not Social Media, it’s Business” is the seminar given by Lindsey Stemann, VP Client Development, Intero Advisory, Greenville, SC. “Alignment: Is your company in it or out of it?” This insightful workshop is led by Harry Corbett, Chief Operating Officer, The Alignment Factor. TAF is a comprehensive, powerful program for CEOs and business owners to bring employees’ activities into alignment with owners’ vision for their company. The keynote address “Business, Partnerships, Family and the Law” will be given by William Craver, Attorney. Cost of the conference, which includes a buffet and coffee breaks, is $40 per person, cash or check at the door. RSVP (mandatory for admission to the air station) at 843-522-0200 or clare@TAB-LowCountry.com.

<b>TLC Women host toy and food drive social  </b>

The “TLC Women” are hosting their Second Annual Holiday Social and Toy &amp; Food Drive. The event will be held Saturday, December 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Penn Center Frissell Hall (meal, desserts, drinks and entertainment included).  The tickets are $20 and all proceeds will go toward the NAACP scholarship fund.  The drive will also support children who are in less fortunate situations, therefore, bringing a toy, clothing, or nonperishable food item to the event is optional.  Everyone is welcome to participate.  To purchase tickets or make donations, contact Tonya Phillips at 843-322-0262, or email thelowcountrywomen@gmail.com.

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<b>Sportfishing and diving club has Dec. meeting  </b>

The Beaufort Sportfishing &amp; Diving Club’s December meeting will be held Thursday, December 12 at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club on Lady’s Island, off Meridian Road. The social begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Well-known Captain Herman “Bo” Von Harten will give a presentation on winter shoreline fishing. Captain Von Harten is also a commercial fisherman, who now works out of Charleston. He will discuss rules and regulations regarding fisheries. His wife, Amber, is a member of the South Atlantic Marine Fishery and will give an update on their current regulations, quotas, and future management agendas. You do not need a reservation and guests are always welcome. For additional information, contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2122.

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<b>Military officers group will meet on Dataw  </b>

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Low Country Chapter protects the rights and interests of active, retired, National Guard, Reserve and former uniformed U.S. officers. Join members on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Dataw Island Club (free gate pass); Rep. Shannon Erickson will fill you in on the latest from the legislative front lines. The cash bar opens at 11:30 a.m., and the noon luncheon includes the chef’s Chicken Cordon Bleu, whipped potatoes and veggies, dessert, tea, coffee at $20 per person; casual dress. For reservations, contact Past Pres. Nick Russell at captnick@hargray.com or call 843-524-5577 or 843-812-9697 or Pres. Rich Baker, tl9198@embarqmail.com at 843-525-0795 or 843-694-1329 or visit www.lowcountrymoaa.x10host.com.

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<b>DAR will hold annual Christmas Tea  </b>

The Thomas Heyward, Jr. Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold their annual Christmas Tea on Thursday, December 12 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. Sam Chesnutt, 24 Creekside Lane, St. Helena Island. Hostessing along with Mrs. Chesnutt will be Mrs. Crowther, Mrs. Hailston and Mrs. Servaes. For more information call Charlene Shufelt, Regent at 5251-0158. The Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization comprised of ladies who can trace their lineage back to those who fought for or provided patriotic service to the American forces in the Revolutionary War.

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<b>Sign up for free nutrition, fitness classes  </b>

Attend free Nutrition Classes every Tuesday at 1 or 6:30 p.m.  Learn all about the benefits of eating healthier, the types of foods to eat to maximize your metabolism and build lean muscle mass and what to do for your overall healthy lifestyle. Free fitness classes are being held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:15 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to work out with a group of like-minded people, have lots of FUN and get the group support you need to keep going so you can reach your goals. Participants of both classes receive a free Wellness Evaluation, your own Personal Coach, nutrition education and group support. They meet at WebsNutrition, 129 Burton Hill Road, Beaufort, next to Domino’s Pizza. For more information, contact Margie at 843-592-5109 or Melody at 843-844-7309. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.
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