<b>Rescue dogs on parade at Pet and Kids Fair</b>

What: 5th Annual Pet and Kid’s Fair

When:  Saturday, April 6 from 10 to 2

Where:  Boundary Street 1300 Block (in front of Beaufort Dog)

Details: Dog Rescues, Craft Booths, Food Vendors, and Inflatables. Free.

Parade of Rescues and Doggie Talent Show begin at 10 a.m. The Coast Radio Station will be live. There will also be a Vet Clinic during the 2013 Pet and Kid’s Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For an appointment, call 812-5394 or email kelley@beaufortdog.com.

<b>Annual KidFest will feature live burn demo</b>

At noon on Saturday, April 6 the Beaufort County Fire Chief’s Association in conjunction with the SC State Residential Sprinkler Coalition will be conducting a live burn of two identical rooms to demonstrate the value of residential sprinkler systems as part of KidFest, a free day of fun and games for families. The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will celebrate keeping kids safe for Child Abuse Prevention Month and Month of the Military Child in the Cross Creek Shopping Plaza parking lot at 330 Robert Smalls Parkway. For more information, contact 228-1569.

<b>Friends of Callawassie Island holds yard sale</b>

The Friends of Callawassie Island will hold their 7th Charity Yard Sale on Saturday, April 6 (rain date April 13) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority on S.C. 170 at Snake Road in Okatie. All sorts of quality items will be for sale, all generously donated by residents of Callawassie Island, and all priced to sell!  Items include furniture, housewares, sporting goods, electronics, appliances, tools, TVs, luggage, fine china and crystal, lamps/lighting, holiday decorations, art, and so much more. Friends of Callawassie Island (FOCI) will grant all yard sale proceeds to needy and worthy charitable groups and community service organizations in the Lowcountry. For more information, call Cindy Levy, 843-987-3086.

<b>Happy Days for HELP is 50s theme fundraiser</b>

Happy Days for HELP will take place at The Shed in Port Royal, Saturday, April 6, from 6 to 11 p.m.  HELP of Beaufort is a nonprofit emergency assistance organization. Tickets are $40 a person or $75 for two and can be purchased at the door or online at helpofbeaufort.com. Those attending this super fundraiser will enjoy food, liquor, wine, beer, dancing,and silent and live auctions. 94.5 The Coast will broadcast live and Chris Jones and The Blue Notes will get the crowd rocking about 8 p.m. The Sweetgrass Singers will also make an appearance.  The Silent Auction, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,  will feature 58 items and the live auction will have 7 tempting offerings. A raffle will be held with tickets costing $2 each or 3 for $5. Come and join us!

Some Silent Auction Items include: A day on the Beaufort River with food and beverages provided by Billy Vincent and Bobby Cooler; Capt. Ledford offers a day of boating, swimming, tubing or fishing; Man Alone Tactical will provide a gift certificate for a SC Concealed Weapons permit; massages; tanning; Ballroom or Latin Dancing; $1000 worth of free advertising and more.

<b>April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month</b>

Help proclaim April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in the Lowcountry at the Parkinson’s Support Group’s next meeting on Thursday, April 4, at 1 p.m. Local officials from Beaufort and Port Royal will attend to officially proclaim April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The meeting will be especially meaningful as the featured speaker will be Dr. Paul Mazzeo, board certified neurologist of Coastal Neurology. The support group meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at Shell Point Baptist Church at 871 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906. The meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rose at 843-252-3001 or e-mail rewing@alcco.com.

<b>Yacht, sailing club holds annual Jean Ribaut Cup</b>

The Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club is sponsoring the Jean Ribaut Cup/Beaufort Race weekend sailing regatta starting on Friday, April 5 and running through Monday, April 8. The primary event of the weekend will be the Jean Ribaut Cup on Saturday. Two races are planned for the cup, held in Port Royal Sound, and 20 boats are expected to sail in this event. There will also be PHRF racing held on Friday, Sunday and Monday; and social events at Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club on Friday and Saturday evenings. For information, please contact Roy Crocker, Event Chairman at 843-838-2453 or by e-mail at lcrocker@me.com.

<b>Black Chamber of Commerce has meeting</b>

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will have its First Friday Networking Event hosted by Hampton Inn Beaufort on Friday, April 5, located at 2342 Boundary Street from 6 to 8 p.m. All members and the public are invited. Refreshments and prizes. Details call 986-1102.

<b>Wine Tasting fundraiser </b><b>benefits March of Dimes</b>

A Wine Tasting Fundraiser for March of Dimes will be held at Emily’s Restaurant, 906 Port Republic Street, downtown Beaufort, on Sunday, April 7 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Great wines, appetizers, great silent and live auction items including golf packages, art, handcrafted jewelry and more. Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Real Estate. Tickets available at their office at 1211 Boundary Street or at the door; $25 each or two for $40. Call 986-2444 for more information. All proceeds benefit March of Dimes. Wines supplied by Southern Wine and Spirits and their wineries.

<b>Community health fair to be held in Port Royal</b>

A community health fair will be held on Wednesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. – noon at Helena House in Port Royal. A variety of complimentary health screenings will be offered including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and PSA tests in addition to balance &amp; fall risk assessments by Beaufort Memorial Hospital and THA Group. A complimentary breakfast buffet will be provided for all who attend. Make sure to register for the gift basket and gift card giveaways. The event is free and open to the public. Helena House is located at 1624 Paris Ave., Port Royal, SC 29935 directly across the street from the Port Royal Post Office. For more information, please call 843-982-0233 or e-mail rewing@alcco.com.

<b>Private pesticide applicator training</b>

The Clemson University Extension Service in Beaufort County will be having  a Private Pesticide Applicator Training on Monday, April 8. The training  will begin at 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 102 Beaufort Industry Village Road. Re-certification credit will be for both private and commercial applicators attending this training.  Commercial applicator with 7A license will receive 2.5 credits toward their category.   Details: York Glover, (843) 255-6060, extension 115, or Venus Manigo, (843) 255-6060 Ext. 114 or vmanigo@clemson.edu.

<b>Sea Island Fly Fishers holds monthly meeting</b>

The Wednesday, April 10 meeting of the Sea Island Fly Fishers will be 6 p.m. at Bay Street Outfitters in Beaufort. The public is invited, especially if interested in fly fishing locally. No admission fee and free refreshments are provided. Capt. Tuck Scott will present a talk on cobia fishing.  Find out why they are here, how they act and react, fly and equipment selection, spotting techniques, casting and stripping tips, where to go and how to handle boats around the fish.  The clubs upcoming fly only redfish tourney will also be discussed.  This no fee event, April 20-26, is open to the public and is the perfect opportunity for new fly fishers to experience a day on the water under the guidance of a club member.  Sign up for the tourney at Bay Street Outfitters or contact Jack Baggette at jackbaggette@hargray.com with questions.  Visit the club website at www.flyfishingbeaufort.com.

<b>Beaufort Civic Master Plan has presentations</b>

The draft Beaufort Civic Master Plan will be presented to area residents and groups through April, and the document also is posted to the Beaufort City website, www.cityofbeaufort.org.

Additional information about the master planning process and public involvement will be posted to the city website in coming weeks.

All meetings will be held at City Hall in the Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.

• Sector 2 Workshop (West of Ribaut Road and between Boundary Street and Beaufort Memorial Hospital): April 10, 5:30 p.m.

• Sector 3 Workshop (South of Allison Road): April 11, 5:30 p.m.

• Sector 4/5 Workshop (Boundary Street, Burton &amp; Lady’s Island): April 22, 5:30 p.m.

• Citywide Workshop, May 1, 5:30 p.m.

<b>Sportfishing and diving club has monthly meeting</b>

The Beaufort Sportfishing &amp; Diving Club’s April meeting will be held Thursday, April 11 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. The guest speaker will be local, well-know Captain Owen Plair of Bay Street Outfitters. His presentation will be on Cobia, where he will discuss live bait vs. lures, and sight casting on very calm days. He will also display rods and reels, and compare different lures and techniques. Do not miss this entertaining and informative program. Who will be the first angler to land a legal Cobia this year? You do not need a reservation and guests are always welcome. For additional information, contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2020.

<b>Beaufort Junior Shag Club has dance party</b>

The Beaufort Shag Club is pleased to host the Junior Shag Club April Dance Party on Sunday, April 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at AMVETS Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal.  The dance is free and open to juniors age 8 to age 18 who want to learn the SC state dance, the Carolina Shag.  Instructors will be on hand to teach beginner, intermediate and advanced steps.  Parents welcome and encouraged.  Visit the Junior Shag page at www.Beaufortshagclub.com.

<b>CAPA holds annual Step Up For Kids 5K</b>

The Child Abuse Prevention Association will hold its annual Step Up For Kids 5K on Saturday, April 13 in Live Oaks Park, Port Royal. The month of April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and CAPA invites you to  Step Up For Kids to raise awareness and funds necessary to ensure prevention and intervention programs are available for Beaufort County’s children. Child abuse and neglect are community problems and touch the lives of all ages and socio-economic groups. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 in Live Oaks Park.  Participants may run, walk or push a stroller.  Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for juniors (8-12) and free for children under 12 with a paid adult. Applications are available at CAPA’s outreach center in Port Royal, or register online at www.stepupforkids.eventbrite.com. Register by April 1 to guarantee a T-shirt. For more information or to become a sponsor, call CAPA at 843.524.4350 or email capa714@earthlink.net.

<b>Artisans &amp; Antiques event held at Habersham</b>

The picturesque Habersham Marketplace will be the site of the premier event Artisans &amp; Antiques at Habersham on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free to this one day event. The Habersham Marketplace is located at 13 Market, just off of Joe Frazier Road in Beaufort. For more information visit www.ArtisansAndAntiquesSC.com or call 843-644-1864.

<b>Take Back the Night will be at Waterfront Park</b>

In 2012, Hope Haven of the Lowcountry served 473 primary victims of sexual assault and child abuse.  In honor of April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, please join us on Friday, April 12, 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Beaufort Waterfront Park for the 2013 Take Back the Night event to build communities intolerant of sexual violence and child abuse.

Through spoken words of hope and healing from surviviors, performers, and speakers young and old, and slam poets with their poetry to raise awareness, we will shatter the silence of child abuse and sexual violence.  The event is FREE and all are welcome to attend and speak or perform at the event. Lighting of luminaries will follow the event to honor the 473 survivors Hope Haven served in 2012. Join us for a night of hope and inspiration. For more information, please contact Leigh-Ann Shoupe at (843) 524-2256.

<b>Light It Up Event to benefit autism group
</b>

The Low Country Autism Foundation is holding “Light it Up Event” on Monday, April 15, at 6 p.m. at The Irish Rose Pub and Bistro located at 2121 Boundary Street, Suite 100, Beaufort.  Christopher Drury will perform, there will be hair chalking by Michelle as well as featured “Blue Drinks” and giveaways. Ten percent of sales to be donated to Low Country Autism Foundation. For more information, contact Cjira Presland at irishrosepubandbistro@gmail.com.

<b>10th annual Port Royal Soft Shell Crab Festival</b>

The 10th annual Port Royal Soft Shell Crab Festival presented by Old Village Association will be held Saturday, April 20 from noon to 5 p.m. in the historic town of Port Royal. There will be great food and drink, live music, a classic car show and a crab race. For more information, call 843-470-1110 or visit www.oldvillageportroyal.com.

<b>57th annual Spring Tour of Homes to be held</b>

Continuing in its tradition of celebrating the beauty of Beaufort homes and historic buildings, the Parish Church of St. Helena announces its 57th Annual Spring Tour of Homes on Friday, April 19 and Saturday April 20. This year’s tour of homes includes six historic homes in downtown Beaufort, as well as several plantations and historic buildings on St. Helena and Distant islands. Attendees will be able to visit the interiors of these lovely homes and plantations and docents will be on hand to talk about their histories.

The Friday, April 19 historic walking tour begins at 3 p.m. and will last until 6 p.m. A reception will be held during that time at one of the homes. This tour is $40 through April 10; then it will be $45. On Saturday, April 20 the plantation driving tour begins at 9 a.m. and will last until 4 p.m. A Lowcountry luncheon will be provided at one of the plantations, and entertainment will be included. This tour is $60 through April 10; then it will be $65. Tickets are available online by visiting www.sthelenas1712.org. or they may be purchased by writing to: Parish Tours, P.O. Box 1043, Beaufort, SC 29901. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 843-524-0363.

<b>Palmetto Animal League holds online auction</b>

Palmetto Animal League’s 4th annual BID FOR PAL is an online auction which enables the organization to help homeless, stray, abused, and unwanted animals get a second chance at life.

The auction runs from 8 a.m. April 19 through 10 p.m. April 22. There will be a preview of all items up for bid online now. Get your paws on the keyboard and bid for hundreds of items in every price range. You can access the auction site at www.pal.dojiggy.com or visit PAL’s website www.palmettoanimalleague.org Proceeds will help care for the many pets awaiting adoption at Palmetto Animal League’s innovative Adoption Center in Okatie’s Riverwalk Business Park on Highway 170.

<b>Events around the area celebrate Earth Day</b>

• <b>Upcycled Art:</b> The Habersham community’s Earth Day celebration on Friday, April 19, 4 – 7 p.m. in the Habersham Market Place, will feature an art exhibit created from recycled materials.  This year’s theme is, “How Does Your Garden Grow?” and will have installations created by The Boys &amp; Girls Club, Beaufort, Riverview Charter School, E. C. Montessori School, Shanklin Elementary School  and Calvary Baptist Church Christian Academy Homeschoolers Association.

• 2013 Earth Day Beach Sweep: Saturday April 13 at 10 a.m. North Beach Pavilion on Hunting Island State Park. Join Friends of Hunting Island and help keep our park, beach and trails clean and litter free. Volunteers of all ages are needed. The Lowcountry Rotary Club will be providing grilled items. For more information contact Vicki Anne Nestor at 843-379-3389 / vanestor@hargray.com.

<b>Friends of Caroline Hospice Fashion Show</b>

The 10th Annual Friends of Caroline Hospice Fashion Show is just around the corner. Reservations are highly recommended for the popular event, which will be held April 24th from 11:30am-1:30pm at The Shed in Port Royal. The theme is Emerald Elegance, and committee members assure that this year’s show will impress its audience with stylish décor, New York City-inspired presentation and site transformation by Amazing Rentals.

Local retailers participating in the Fashion Show are Bay Street Outfitters, Beaufort Clothing Company, Grayco, Higher Ground, Lulu’s Boutique, LuLu Burgess, Nuances, Red Door Thrift Shop, Rossignol’s, What’s in Store, Sugar Belle’s and Sweetgrass Apparel.

Tickets are $55 per person. Tables of 10 are $500 per table. Again, limited seating is available, so reservations are recommended. In addition to the Fashion Show and luncheon, event planners have organized a silent auction to raise money for the non-profit, and wine will be available for purchase by the glass and by the bottle.

April 24th is Administrative Professional’s Day. The Fashion Show is a great way for a business owner to show appreciation to its staff.

For more information and to reserve your tables, please call 843-525-6257 or email Wendy Pollitzer at wendy@friendsofcarolinehospice.com.

<b>Friends of Beaufort Library has spring sale</b>

The Friends of the Beaufort Library: Beaufort, Lobeco and St. Helena Branches is holding its spring book sale. Visit the new St. Helena Library branch location and browse a handsome selection of gently used books and media items. All proceeds benefit the three Beaufort County library branches north of the Broad. Everyone is welcome. Great opportunity to see the new branch library and get those summer beach reads. The book sale will be Saturday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. For more information, contact Book Sale Co-Chair, Geni Flowers at 843-812-3574, MEFLOWER@uscb.edu, or online at beaufortcountylibrary.org.

<b>Lending Room accepts used medical equipment</b>

The Lending Room is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) charitable organization that lends gently used medical equipment to individuals regardless of income, age or insurance status. It aims to connect those who need medical equipment with unwanted items that would otherwise collect dust in an attic or be discarded. To arrange to donate or borrow items, please contact the Lending Room at (843) 524-2554. The pick-up/drop-off location is at Helena House Assisted Living at 1624 Paris Ave., Port Royal, SC 29935 directly across the street from the Port Royal Post Office.
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