Lunch and Learn series adds more classes
The popular Lunch and Learn series at the Port Royal Farmer’s Market in Heritage Park has been extended for three more weeks. These Saturday, open air classes at the gazebo are free, just bring a folding chair. Presented by the Lowcountry Master Gardeners Association, classes begin at 11:30 a.m.
• September 29: Keeping it Growing: With a tip of the hat to Clemson’s popular TV series, “Making it Grow,” an open forum with Clemson Extension Agent Laura Lee Rose as the guest expert, former LMGA President Will Balk as moderator, and a panel of three Master Gardeners, Alice Massey, Martha Jamison and Joe Allard,  to answer questions from the audience.   People with funny hats get preferred seating!
• October 6: Winterizing Your Garden:   The final Lunch and Learn class for the year. Tips and advice on protecting in ground and potted tropical plants from winter damage. We can’t count on another mild winter, so be prepared!  Come and share techniques that have worked in your garden.

Does exercise help fend off effects of Parkinson’s?
Senior certified personal trainer Denice Davis will demonstrate how specific exercises can help those suffering from the disease at the Parkinson’s Support Group of the Lowcountry’s next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 1:30 p.m. Peter Wolf, a retired Marine who suffers from Parkinson’s, will discuss and demonstrate how consistent exercise has helped him ease his symptoms. Come dressed to exercise if you wish to fully participate. The support group meetings are held at Helena House on Paris Avenue in Port Royal on the first Thursday of every month. They are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rose or Whitney at Helena House at 843-982-0233 or e-mail rewing@alcco.com.

Discussion looks at role of America in the world
Event: America’s Role in the World: What Does National Security Mean in the 21st Century? Join a moderated discussion examining three options for America’s role in the world.  A discussion guide, prepared by the National Issues Forum, will be provided prior to the event. Registration is required. Free
Time and Date: Friday, October 5 at 2 p.m., Beaufort library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
Contact: Call 843-255-6464, jorourke@bcgov.net or visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/ocroc.

Beaufort’s Janet Garrity to hold book signings
Beaufort author and photographer Janet Garrity will be signing copies of her book “Goin’ Down the River, Fish Camps of the Sea Islands” on Saturday, October 6, from Noon to 3 p.m. at McIntosh Book Shoppe, 917 Bay Street, during Beaufort’s Shrimp Festival. The book, the first published about fish camps, includes Garrity’s original photos, history, stories, old photos, and quotes about “goin’ down the river.”

18th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival starts
Mains Street Beaufort, USA and the South Carolina Shrimpers Association are gearing up for the 18th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival, to be held Friday, Oct. 5, and Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. Friday and include live music and area restaurants previewing their shrimp dishes for Saturday’s competitions. Saturday’s events continue at 11 a.m. with live music, children’s games and activities and arts and crafts. Local restaurants will put their unique spins on fresh local shrimp and will compete for the prestigious “Silver Cup.” The Sea Island Rotary Club will host its annual Charity Shrimp Race also, and there will be competitions for shrimp heading and peeling.. For more information, visit www.beaufortshrimpfestival.com.

Adoption walk to focus on awareness, fostering
Region III Adoptions, SC Department of Social Services, is having an Adoption Awareness Walk to bolster community interest in foster children adoption. Our theme is “Adoption Matters to Me!”  The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 6, at the North Charleston Park Circle. Debi Chard (Live 5 News Anchor) will kick off the event at 9 a.m. Participants will jog, stroll, or walk twice (1 mile) around Park Circle, then form a link around the perimeter.  Anyone who cares about foster children is invited to join us! Donations of new stuffed animals or family-themed picture frames are appreciated. There will be vendor display tables inside the Felix Davis Community Center. These organizations will provide information about their family and child-centered services. Participants will be able to view the display tables and talk to representatives until 12 p.m.  For more information about the event or vendor displays, please contact Jackie Adams at 843-953-9758 or Jacqueline.adams@dss.sc.gov. We don’t want any “waiting child” left behind.

Fripp Audubon Club celebrates fall migration
Thousands of birds stage through the Beaufort Barrier Islands Important Bird Area (IBA) in fall. The IBA includes Fripp and Harbor islands and Hunting Island State Park, where the first-ever Fall Migration Celebration takes place October 6 &amp; 7, open to all and sponsored by Fripp Audubon. Enjoy expert lectures &amp; guided beachwalks. Reserve space now! See www.beaufortbarrierislandsiba.com to get details, register, buy tickets: $25 online by Oct. 1 or $35 “at the door,” Hunting Island Nature Center; includes Sat. and Sunday access to Fripp, Harbor and Hunting islands, all programs, Saturday lunch and evening reception.
Volunteers are needed. If you can help, please reply to Pete Richards at pete.richards@comcast.net.

Sea Island Fly Fishers to meet at Bay St Outfitter
The Sea Island Fly Fishers will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Bay Street Outfitters in Beaufort. A two part program will be presented. John Gribb, an experienced outdoor writer and photographer, will share his expertise and help us take better fishing photos. Alan Dechovitz, an avid fisherman and boater, will help us get the most out of our tide logs. The public is invited to join us for a social hour and the program. Persons interested in fly fishing, especially salt water, are encouraged to join us. Call Jack Baggette with any questions at 522-8911 or visit www.flyfishingbeaufort.com.

Military officers invited to leadership dinner
The national nonprofit Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the local MOAA Low Country Chapter need your help. Active, retired, National Guard, Reserve and former officers of any U.S. uniformed service — you’re all invited! Details, call 843-524-5577. Join us at Beaufort’s Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary St., on Monday, Oct. 15. Social hour from 6-7 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. The cost is $25.50 per person. Contact Rich Baker at tl9198@embarqmail.com or call 843-525-0795 or visit www.lcmoaa.pcriot.com.

TOPS weight loss group gets new location
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Chapter SC 0296, Beaufort has changed its meeting location. The group now meets in Faith Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall at 1812 Boundary Street, Beaufort. Weigh in day and times are every Friday morning from 9:15-10:15 a.m. with a short meeting to follow. TOPS Chapter  SC 0109 still meets at the Family YMCA on 1801 Richmond Ave on Thursday night. TOPS is a nonprofit that promotes the health and welfare of its members by the singular means of collective group stimulus. Visit www.tops.org or call TOPS at 1-800-932-8677 or Helga at 379-3081.

Bark for Life fundraiser will be at Habersham
A Bark for Life fundraiser will be held Saturday, October 20, at Habersham Marketplace. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join The American Cancer Society as we honor our canine caregivers and friends! The event will feature Agility Exhibition; Dog Adoptions; Microchipping, on-site vet; Obedience Demonstration; Music/DJ; Face Painting, Bouncy House; Doggie Halloween costume contest; Fun, prizes and more. The cost is $10 per dog to register, go online at www.relayforlife.org/barkbeaufortsc, including a free BARK FOR LIFE bandana. Day of registration also available. All dogs must be on a leash, licensed and shots current. For more information, email beaufortrelayfundraisers@gmail.com or call 843-757-7450.

Morning of Reflection to be offered at St. Peter
“Morning of Reflection”  to be offered at St. Peter Parish in Beaufort on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Adult Ed Room, Parish Hall of St. Peter’s Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive. Please come, bring a friend, bring your spouse. The Year of Faith is an opportunity to experience a conversion — to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with Him. The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ. If childcare is needed, please contact Deborah at deborahm@catholic.org  or call 575-3742.

Methodist Church has annual Fall Bazaar
The Carteret Street United Methodist’s Church’s annual Fall Bazaar will be held Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 408 Carteret Street in Beaufort. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to purchase baked goods, frozen foods and other edible delicacies; participate in the silent auction; prepare for fall planting with sod and bedding plants from the Garden Shop; or find treasure in the good “junque,” tools, crafts, toys and game booths. Consessions will be sold throughout the day. The Pumpkin Patch will be open, and there will be kids games. This event is fun for the entire family. All proceeds benefit church missions and programs. For more information, call 524-3841.