<b>New featured exhibit coming to BAA Gallery</b>

“Blending Digital Art with Photography” is the title of an exhibit featuring artist Gordon Fritz at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery from Sept. 2 through Oct. 28. An open house and reception will be held at the Gallery on Friday, Sept. 7, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and the public is invited.

<b>YMCA swim team registration open</b>

The BYAC Tiger Sharks Swim Team is registering swimmers for the 2018-19 season now through Sept. 10. The Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal offers three levels of swim team depending upon an individual’s skill level. Youth ages 5 and up who meet minimum requirements will be evaluated by swim coaches to determine placement level. For more information visit beaufort-jasperymca.org, stop by the Y at 1801 Richmond Avenue, or call 832-522-9622.

<b>YMCA adds additional CPR training dates<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>

The Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal will offer three more CPR classes for community members this year. The remaining courses will be held on two Saturdays — Sept. 8 and Oct. 13 — from 8 a.m. to noon.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Cost is $30 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. Contact aquatics director Lou Bergen at 843-522-9622 to register or visit beaufort-jasperymca.org.

<b>Join the YA Everlasting Book Club</b>

If you are an adult but still enjoy reading young adult literature, this book club is for you. The Young Adult Everlasting Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St. The next title will be “The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano” by Sonia Manzano (Sept. 12). For more information, call 843-255-6458 or visit beaufortcountylibrary.org.

<b>Learn to use digital services at the library</b>

Learn how to instantly access and download free ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, and more. Bring your own favorite mobile device (tablet, cell phone, or laptop) and learn how to use the digital services offered by the library.

Thursday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St. Free. For more information, call 843-255-6458 or visit beaufortcountylibrary.org.

<b>September activities&nbsp;</b><b>at Hunting Island</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, 4 p.m.; Full Moon Lighthouse Climb, 7 p.m., Sept. 24</li>
 	<li>Tuesdays: Sea Turtle Tracks, 10:30 a.m.; CCC Video, 1 p.m.; Beach Walks, 3 p.m.</li>
 	<li>Wednesdays: Reptile Talk, 11 a.m.; Lighthouse Tour, 10 a.m., Sept. 26</li>
 	<li>Thursdays: CCC Video, 1 p.m.; Feeding Frenzy, 3 p.m.; Lighthouse Tour, 10 a.m., Sept. 13</li>
 	<li>Fridays: Stepping Stones, 1 p.m., Sept. 7, 21, 28</li>
 	<li>Saturdays: Tie Dye, noon; Creatures of the Night, 2:30 p.m., Sept. 1 and 15</li>
 	<li>Sundays: Alligator Talk, noon</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>Sea Island Fly Fishers<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>to meet Sept. 12</b>

The Sea Island Fly Fishers’ Sept. 12 meeting will feature Erin Levesque, the newly appointed manager of the Waddell Mariculture Center in Bluffton. Ms. Levesque will provide a presentation on her 18 years of saltwater species sampling and testing along the S.C. coast and river basins. The Waddell Center is a field experiment station of the SCDNR and is one of the country's largest and most sophisticated facilities for mariculture research. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The meeting starts with refreshments at 6 p.m. before the 7 p.m. program. The event is free and open to the public. Join us at 825 Bay St. in Beaufort. Call Jack Baggette at 843-441-4023 or email jackbaggette@hargray.com for more information.

<b>Sportfishing and Diving Club meets Sept. 13</b>

The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club’s September meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Beaufort Yacht Club on Lady’s Island off Meridian Road. The social begins at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m.

The club will host retired Waddell Mariculture Center manager Al Stokes and introduce new manager Erin Levesque. Al and Erin will help us understand how the changes at WMC will impact such areas as: stocking; the Friends of Waddell; the SC Department of Natural Resources; the future role with Beaufort County fishermen; water quality initiatives; engagement with civic organizations; tour and educational programs; the intern program; renovations; turtle and dolphin rescue efforts; and, many other areas that Al has overseen as SCDNR’s ambassador. The meeting will also give members an opportunity to provide Erin with ideas and input to make the transition easier.

Guests are welcome, and you do not need a reservation. For additional information contact Captain Frank Gibson at (843)-522-2122 email fgibson@islc.net.

<b>Yemassee Shrimp Festival returns in September</b>

The dates for the 2018 Yemassee Shrimp Festival are Sept 13-15, and the beauty pageant is Sept. 8. Organizers are now accepting applications for the beauty pageant, parades, talent show, shrimp battle cook-off, and craft and food vendors. Visit yemasseeshrimpfestival.com for more information.

<b>Marine Corps League to host golf tournament</b>

The Yellow Footprints Detachment #1154 of the Marine Corps League is holding its ninth annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 9 a.m. at the Ocean Point Golf Links at Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort.

The fundraiser raises money for annual scholarship awards and the Marine and Sailor Family Outreach program.

Local businesses and/or individuals are encouraged to sponsor holes for this fundraiser.

Golfers interested in playing can contact Ron West at 843-707-7866 or at RonUSMC1280@me.com.

<b>Bring in expired coupons to help soldiers</b>

Did you know that manufacturer's coupons that have expired in the U.S. can still be used by overseas military members? Drop by the Beaufort Branch Library on Sorting Day — Friday, Sept. 21, between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. — to help clip, sort, and bag coupons to prepare for shipping or drop off your unused coupons. Bring in your Smart Source, P&amp;G, and RMN manufacturer's coupons any time. Coupons can be up to two months expired. No store-specific or internet coupons, please.&nbsp;Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St., Beaufort.

Free. For more information, call 843-255-6458 or visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/subscribe.

<b>Join the Great American Read program discussion</b>

Inspired by the Great American Read campaign sponsored by PBS, come to the library to join in a friendly discussion about The Great American Read program and join the search for America's best-loved novel. Did your book make it to the list of Top 100? Or was there a book that made a list that you think shouldn't have? Wednesday, Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St., Beaufort. Visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/subscribe for more information.

<b>Learn how to clip coupons from a pro</b>

Join us for an in-depth look at everything you can do to save money couponing. Hosted by Jenny Martin, author of SouthernSavers.com, attendees will learn how to cut their grocery and household purchases by at least 50 percent, if not more. Registration encouraged but not required. Please call 843-255-6458 or stop by the Reference Desk to register.&nbsp; Saturday, Sept. 29, 5:30 p.m., Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St., Beaufort. Visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/subscribe for more information.

<b>Royal Pites to host Arts and Crafts and Yard Sale</b>

Royal Pines will hold a Community Arts and Crafts and Yard Sale event on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8-11 a.m. Rain date is Saturday, Oct. 6. The sale is being held on Royal Pines Blvd., Lady’s Island.

<b>Food Truck Festival returning to Town Center</b>

The Lowcountry Jaycees will host the second annual Beaufort Food Truck Festival to raise money for Camp Hope on October 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Beaufort Town Center.

If you enjoyed last year’s festival this year is sure to please. After surveying a large population of attendees the Jaycees have made some exciting changes this year. The new event location is easily visible from Boundary St. and provides quicker access with plenty of parking. Additionally, food truck vendors will be serving samples of their menus with prices that are more manageable for those hoping to taste treats from more than one or two trucks. With more space for additional food trucks the Jaycees hope to keep the long lines to a minimum.

The Food Truck Festival is organized to raise money for Camp Hope, a summer camp held in Pendleton, S.C., for ages 7 and up with cognitive disabilities. The South Carolina Jaycees strive to raise money each year to assist in running the camp. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the festival as a food truck vendor, craft/artisan vendor, volunteer or sponsor please send email to beaufortfoodtruckfestival@gmail.com.

<b>Night on the Sound tickets on sale now</b>

The Port Royal Sound Foundation will host its fourth annual “Night on the Sound” on Oct. 20. The foundation’s signature event has featured guests such as Philippe Cousteau, Dr. Bob Ballard and Jack Hanna. David Gallo, American oceanographer and explorer, will be the speaker at this year’s event. Gallo previously worked as the Director of Special Projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He currently serves as Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Climate and Life of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. This annual event includes cocktails, dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction.

General Admission tickets, including cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, and seated dinner with presentation are $250. A limited number of VIP tickets, including a 90-minute cruise on the Chechessee River with guest speaker, cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, and seated dinner with presentation, are available for $750.

The Port Royal Sound Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is dedicated to the betterment and conservation of the waters and lands of our unique salt marsh ecosystem that is the Port Royal Sound estuary system. Their mission is to advance the awareness of Port Royal Sound as a unique ecosystem that contributes to the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of our area, the region and the Atlantic Ocean.

For more information, please contact Alicia Powell at 843-645-7774<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>ext. 204 or email at apowell@portroyalsoundfoundation.org.