Beaufort Youth Orchestra auditions
The Beaufort Youth Orchestra (BYO) will be holding their semi-annual auditions on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 6 p.m. at Beaufort High School band room for all interested students. Auditions will include brass, woodwinds, percussion and string instruments. The first rehearsal will follow from 6:30 to 9 p.m. BYO is comprised of 45 students from approximately 12 different schools including public, private, home and virtual programs. BYO began over 11 years ago by the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra to provide students the opportunity to learn to play in an orchestra. BYO is taught by Fred Devyatkin who has conducted the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra since 1992. Rehearsals are weekly with community performances at various locations. Call to schedule an appointment, 263-2190. For more information, visit www.beaufortorchestra.org.

All Pro Dads group to meet for new year
Start your new year off right by being an All Pro Dad. The next monthly breakfast gathering is Friday, January 6, 2012, at 7 a.m. in the Coosa Elementary School Gym. This month’s meeting topic is “Encouraging Your Child” where you’ll learn practical methods to be a better dad.  There is no charge for this event, but please RSVP to www.allprodad.com/dd/2508 as space is limited and a good head count in needed for breakfast, complements of Chick-fil-A. For more information please contact Mike Mashke, Team Captain at 843.525.5154.

Black Chamber to hold networking event
• The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce (BCBCC) will have its First Friday Networking Event from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, January 6, at the Holiday Inn &amp; Suites located at 2225 Boundary Street, Beaufort.  There will be drawings, prizes, and refreshments. Open to the public. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.
• The Annual Meeting for members will be held on Saturday, January 7, from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the Holiday Inn &amp; Suites.  During the meeting, businesses that have supported the BCBCC over the years will be recognized and the president will report on the state of the chamber and the goals for 2012. All members are urged to attend. For more information, call 843-986-1102.

Lowcountry Housing Trust holds workshop
It is an exciting time in the growth of the Lowcountry Housing Trust as we look to expand our services and financing to housing developments into the city of Beaufort and Town of Port Royal.  We invite you to join us as we begin to evaluate the housing needs of the residents of Beaufort and Port Royal. We invite your participation as we seek to gain invaluable local knowledge and insight into the unique place that you call home. Please join us Tuesday, January 10, at 3 p.m. at Beaufort City Hall, 1911 Boundary Street. Beaufort, SC 29902. Contact: Josh Martin, Office of Civic Investment at 843-247-2057
or jmartin@cityofbeaufort.org for more information.

Auditions being held for ARTworks productions
Auditions for the first half of the ARTworks theater season will be January 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Roles are available for all ages, races, and levels of experience in productions of “Catholic School Girls,” directed by Gail Westerfield in March, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” directed by J.W. Rone in May/June, and staged readings of “The Exonerated” and “The Pillowman” in February. For more information, call 843-379-2787 or visit http://www.beaufortcountyarts.com/theater.htm.

Sportfishing and diving club has annual awards
The January meeting for the Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club will be held on Thursday, January 12 at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, off Meridian Road, on Lady’s Island. This meeting marks the Annual Awards for the Year Round Fishing Tournament. Certificates will be given for those winning in each category and plaques will be given for Youth Angler, 10 and under, Female Angler, Male Angler, Best Recreational Boat, and Best Commercial Boat. The oyster roast, which begins at 6 p.m., will also include different varieties of chili and hotdogs for the young and young at heart. The awards ceremony will begin around 7:30 p.m. This is the only time of year where the club requests that individuals purchase and/or reserve tickets.


Beaufort Agility Club to start new session
• The Beaufort Agility Club announces that it will begin a new session of agility classes, practices, and trials for novice and expert handlers beginning January 14 at 10 a.m. to be held at Beaufort Dog- 1307 Boundary St.  Cost $120 for six session.  The Beaufort Agility Club is non-profit. Call Beaufort Dog at 812-5394 or e-mail kelley@beaufortdog.com for more details.
• Beaufort Dog will start its next basic obedience session on Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. Positive reinforcement training is used in an outside “real-world” environment. This course is designed for both puppies and adult dogs. Please call 812-5394 or visit beaufortdog.com for more details.

Sign up now for Senior Leadership Program
A new group is forming now for the January 2012 Program conducted by Clemson University’s Beaufort Extension office.. Space is limited to 35 participants, and applications are already being received. The one day per week, 13 week, Senior Leadership Program includes presentations about Beaufort County and local government with presentations by County Council members, mayors of Beaufort’s incorporated municipalities (there are four you know!), Economic Development with business leaders, county school and local university Education personnel,  Arts, Human Services, Health. If you are interested in joining the new 2012 group starting Jan. 10, please contact Bob Guinn at Clemson Extension: 843-255-6060, X-116 or go to the program website: www.beaufortseniorleadership.com.

Fraternity hosts annual oyster roast
The Omega Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will be hosting its second annual all you can eat oyster roast. In addition to the oysters, patrons will also receive a serving of fish and Lowcountry Boil. The event takes place on Friday, January 14 at the old packing shed 10 De Gullah Way on St. Helena Island. Tickets are $25. For more information, contact Mickey Shumake at 843-304-2120. Omega Alpha Alpha serves Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina. Every year the fraternity gives scholarships to students in both counties. The fraternity also sponsors a boys camp for students in the summer.

Upcoming classes scheduled at ArtLofts
• Art Party  with Susie Stockholm: January 17 from 1-4 p.m. $45. Collage a small painting or greeting cards.  Lunch, wine and supplies are included.
• Oil Painting Workshop with Mary Grayson Segars: Feb. 28, 29 and March 1 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $150. Learn the process of oil painting, including color mixing and composition.
Call 843-410-8815 for more information, or come by ArtLofts to register.

Parish Church of St. Helena save the date
What:    The Parish Church of St. Helena, the oldest public building in Beaufort and one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the country, celebrates its 300th anniversary next year with a special ceremony.
When:    January 22, 2012, 9:15 – 10 a.m. for opening celebration ceremonies. January 22, 2012, noon, Lord Bishop, presentations and proclamations to the Reverend Jeff Miller, rector.
Who:  The Right Reverend and Right Honorable Richard Chartres, Lord Bishop of London, will be a special guest and will preach at the worship service.  Bishop Chartres recently officiated at the royal wedding earlier this year.
About the event:  Ringing of the 1726 church bell begins at 9:15 a.m. calling all to worship as they did in the 18th century. Flag bearers with various historic flags and in period costumes will line the front walkway of the church as a town crier will “cry” a greeting from Queen Elizabeth and the Archbishop of Canterbury.  A special worship service will follow with sermon by Bishop Chartres, and original Tricentennial music composed by renowned English composer Malcolm Archer and performed by the St. Helena’s choir.
Where: The Parish Church of St. Helena, 505 Church Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902. Please visit: www.StHelenas1712.org.
For more information contact:
janspringle@earthlink.net
stewart.cat@gmail.com.

Beaufort Film Festival oyster roast fundraiser
On January 21 from 3-6 p.m., the Beaufort International Film Festival will be gathering at Bubba’s Momma’s house from “Forrest Gump” for a day of oysters, beverages, chili, music and good fun to support the Beaufort International Film Festival 2012. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at the Beaufort Film Society Office at 708 Carteret St., or order online at http://beaufortfilmsociety.eventbrite.com. The 2012 BIFF Oyster Roast will be at 145 Alston Road, Beaufort.

NARFE two chapters meet monthly
National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) has two chapters in Beaufort County that meet monthly:
Beaufort Chapter 1021, second Wednesday, Sept. - May, at Golden Corral, Robert Smalls Pkwy. Contact Mamie Clark at 843 846-6415; Hilton Head-Bluffton-Sun City Chapter 2258, first Tuesday, Sept. - May, at Golden Corral, U.S. 278. Contact Bill Coakley at 843 815-5604.