<b>December activities at Hunting Island State Park</b>

There are fun, interesting and educational activities every day hosted by Park Ranger and Lowcountry Master Naturalist Megan Stegmeier.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>
<ul>
 	<li>Mondays: Secrets of the Salt Marsh, 3 p.m. (no activities Dec. 24)</li>
 	<li>Tuesdays: CCC Video, 1 p.m.; Beach Walks, 3 p.m. (no activities Dec. 25)</li>
 	<li>Wednesdays: Reptile Talk, 11 a.m.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></li>
 	<li>Thursdays: Lighthouse Tour, 10 a.m. (Dec. 13, 27); CCC Video, 1 p.m.; Feeding Frenzy, 3 p.m.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></li>
 	<li>Fridays: Stepping Stones, 2 p.m. (Dec. 21); Tie Dye, 2 p.m. (Dec. 14, 28)</li>
 	<li>Saturdays: Pinecones for Passerines, 2 p.m. (Dec. 22); Full Moon Lighthouse Club, 5 p.m. (Dec. 22); Hunting Island Bingo, 2 p.m. (Dec. 28)</li>
 	<li>Sundays: Alligator Talk, 11 a.m. (Dec. 23, 29)</li>
</ul>
For a description of these programs and a complete calendar of activities, go to southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island and click on “Programs &amp; Events.”

All are invited to attend these free events, though there is an entry fee to Hunting Island State Park and reservations are needed for lighthouse programs.

For more information, call 843-838-7437 or go to the Friends of Hunting Island website and the Facebook page: FOHI Sea Turtle Conservation Project.

<b>Classes set for<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>first-time homebuyers</b>

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will hold its next round of classes for first-time homebuyers on Dec. 18. With these classes and one-on-one sessions on budgeting, you will earn a 15-credit-hour certificate which can be presented to your lender when getting ready to purchase your home.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>All classes will be held at the new chamber building located at 711 Bladen Street at 6:00 p.m.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Call 843-986-1102 or 843-379-4588 for additional information.

<b>Smile for Santa<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>

The Beaufort Garden Club will hold its third annual Smile for Santa event at the

Port Royal Farmer’s Market on December 8 and 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your children and/or pets to the gazebo area at the market and have your picture taken with Santa. Your photo will then be emailed to you.

A $5 donation is suggested. All proceeds will go to local charities.

<b>‘A Lowcountry Christmas: Celtic and Classical’<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>coming to Beaufort</b>

The Taylor Music Group (TMG), a leading Charleston arts organization focused on the blending of classical and folk music, will bring its annual popular holiday concert “A Lowcountry Christmas: Celtic and Classical” to Beaufort.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The concert will be performed at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 157 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Tickets are $20 for general seating and $10 for students and can be purchased at www.tmgcharleston.com.

<b>Adult DIY: Holiday Craft</b>

All supplies will be provided. No craft experience necessary! Space is limited. Call 843-255-6458 to register. Monday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m.

Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St. Beaufort. Free. For more information, call 843-255-6458 or visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/subscribe.

<b>Cookies with Santa</b>

Cookies with Santa will be from 3-6 p.m. on Dec. 20 at United Way of the Lowcountry in Beaufort, located at 1277 Ribaut Road. Children will enjoy cookies and free pictures with Santa. This event is free and all are welcome to attend.

During the event, United Way of the Lowcountry will be collecting unwrapped toys for Operation Holiday Heroes, which benefits children in need throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

Contact the United Way of the Lowcountry at 843.982.3040 for more information.

<b>Riverview Baptist Church Christmas Celebrations</b>

Riverview Baptist invites the community to join them as they celebrate Christmas.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, please join us for the Annual Christmas Cantata at the 11 a.m. service. On Sunday evening, beginning at 6 p.m., the youth of the church will present two Christmas plays. The children of the church will present "Fumbling, Bumbling Angels" followed by the youth of the church presenting "A Christmas Crisis.” Following the performances, join the congregation for Christmas goodies in the fellowship hall.

Christmas Eve Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 24. Riverview Baptist Church is located at 2209 Boundary Street, Beaufort.

<b>Chill out at the&nbsp;</b><b>Pelican Plunge<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>

The Friends of Hunting Island announce the 10th annual Pelican Plunge to be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, at Hunting Island State Park.

Register online at friendsofhuntingisland.org or at the Lighthouse Beach at noon on the Jan. 1. Adults $10, and kids $5. Proceeds go to help with park projects. T-shirts and winter treats will be for sale. Park entry fees apply. Bring friends and family and join us for this always enjoyable and memorable event.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

For more information, go online or call 843-838-2011.

<b>YMCA Puppy Plunge<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>

YMCA’s Puppy Plunge will be held from 9-11 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month (weather permitting) at the Y outdoor pool (1801 Richmond Ave., Port Royal). Pups can splash, swim and play in our safe, enclosed outdoor pool area.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>The cost is $10 per pup and all proceeds benefit the Y’s Learn to Swim program, which teaches local children and adults to swim at a reduced cost or for free. Dogs must be well-behaved, current on all required vaccines and leashed until inside the pool area. Owners must be present at all times and humans are not permitted to swim in the Puppy Plunge. Visit beaufort-jasperymca.org or call 843-522-9622 for more information.

<b>YMCA to offer CPR classes</b>

The Wardle Family YMCA, located at 1801 Richmond Ave in Port Royal, offers CPR classes for community members on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon on the following dates in 2019: February 9, March 2, April 6, May 11, June 8, June 22, July 20, August 17, September 7, September 19, and November 23.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Cost is $35 for this YMCA-certified course and those interested need to register at the Y as space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions? Contact Lou Bergen, Aquatics Director to register for this class. Call the Y at<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>843-522-9622 or visit beaufort-jasperymca.org