<b>Volunteers can help build local oyster reef</b>

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), SC’s Topwater Action Campaign and SCDNR’s SCORE program need help with the Beaufort County Oyster Reef Habitat Build on Thursday, May 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. They will depart from Whitehall Landing on Lady’s Island. The build and restoration part of the SCORE program works with local citizen groups to conduct actual habitat restoration projects and to monitor the success of those efforts. To volunteer or for more information, contact CCA SC by calling 803-865-4164 or email hsmith@ccasouthcarolina.com.

<b>Local Colonial Dames chapter holds meeting</b>

The Dr. Henry Woodward Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 15.  The meeting will be held at the home of Priscilla Dukes located at 29 Burckmyer Drive, Lady’s Island, SC. The guest speaker is Dr. Travis Folk of Green Pond, SC,  a biologist with Folk Land Management. Please contact Chapter President Anita Henson at 843-524-1256 for more information.

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<b>Local facility holds loss and grief support group</b>

Those grieving a loss, a death of a loved one or who are experiencing any major change in their lives are encouraged to attend a loss and grief support group on Thursday, May 15, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Helena Place Senior Living in Port Royal. Karen Kouzmanoff, the bereavement care coordinator at United Hospice, will lead the interactive group discussion. The sessions will be held every third Thursday of the month. They are free and open to the public. Helena Place is located at 1624 Paris Avenue in Port Royal. For more information, please call 843-522-0476 or e-mail at kkouzmanoff@uhs-pruitt.com.

<b>Sea Island Quilters will meet at Praise Assembly</b>

The Sea Island Quilters will meet on Thursday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at Praise Assembly, 800 Parris Island Gateway. Anita Bowen will show attendees how to “Jump Start Your Creativity.” A family picnic is planned for June, a game night at The Haven in July  and an Ice Cream Social at Habersham in August. For details, contact program chairperson Debi Bacon 757-3416.

<b>Simran Singh’s Rebel Road comes to Beaufort</b>

TheraVista and ONE Yoga Sanctuary welcome Simran Singh to Beaufort on Sunday, May 18. Have you ever wished to live the adventure of a lifetime? What if that is your true birthright? Are you ready to be a rebel in your own life, diving into the greatest, most courageous unknown parts of you? Simran Singh is sparking this experience everywhere she goes by sharing a mix of story, humor and song, while bringing together individuals within communities to share, inspire and be inspired in an interactive rich experience of community, unity and ONEness. This is the journey of darkness to light and the necessary essence and beauty of both, showing how similar, connected and one we truly are. Simran will speak at the 10 a.m. service at Universalist Unitarian Fellowship on Sams Point Road, followed by the Rebel Road and Panel Discussion from noon to 2:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchase recommended online at www.therebelroad.com/66shows. Reception to follow at TheraVista 263 Brickyard Point Road South. Call 812-1328 or email theravista@gmail.com to RSVP.

<b>Program talks mental health in Lowcountry</b>

The Mental Health Access Coalition of Beaufort County announces the second in a series of public conversations on “Creating Community Solutions for Mental Health in the Lowcountry”, to be held on Saturday, May 17 at Okatie Elementary School, 53 Cherry Point Road, Okatie, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free but registration is required. The public is invited to participate in a moderated dialogue to discuss how mental health issues affect our communities. To register, contact Sarah Eliasoph at NAMI Beaufort County, 832-681-2200 ext. 1# or nami@hargray.com.

<b>AAUW Beaufort branch meets at Talbots </b>

The Beaufort Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet on Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. at Talbots in Newcastle Square. They will award the 2014 Mature Woman Scholarship. Dinner will be catered by Debbi Covington. Talbots will provide wardrobe tips for summer wear and have modeling of some of their newest styles, and members will have private shopping time at the store. All members and new members are invited to join the organization, which works to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. For details, contact Dr. Diana Steele at 843-522-2796 or steele.diana@comcast.net.

<b>United Way accepts </b><b>home repair applicat</b><b>ions </b>

The United Way of the Lowcountry is now accepting applications for the Catholic HEART Work Camp program. Now in its 16th year, this program is conducted by United Way of the Lowcountry in partnership with The Catholic HEART Work camp as an effort to achieve one of its strategic priorities — to provide safe shelter for people who live and work in Beaufort and Jasper counties. From June 23-26, more than 300 high school students from around the country will work on various minor repair projects and yard cleanup from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day while being housed in Hardeeville. There are 63 slots available in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Local non-profit agencies, organizations and churches are encouraged to send referrals of people in need of simple home repairs to Bethany Marcinkowski at United Way of The Lowcountry, 843-837-2000 or bethanym@uwlowcountry.org. Volunteers for the program are also needed and the deadline to apply is May 16.

<b>Gamecock Classic Golf Tournament to be held</b>

The Beaufort County Gamecock Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by DuPriest Construction Co. will be on Saturday, June 14. It will be held at the Sanctuary Golf Club at Cat Island. This is a 4 person scramble, Captain’s Choice format starting at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit USC Scholarship Athletes. Entry fee of $100 per player includes a green fee and golf cart, gift bag, sausage or chicken biscuits for breakfast,  awards lunch, beverages (on the course), and hole contests and prizes. If you would like to play or get a team together, please call Linda McCarty at 843-521-1445 or send to Beaufort County Gamecock Club, 2 Carolina Lane, Beaufort, SC 29907.

<b>Beaufort Citadel Club holds coaches night</b>

The annual Beaufort Citadel Club Coaches night will be held on Tuesday, June 3 at the Beaufort Yacht &amp; Sailing Club at 30 Yacht Club Drive, Lady’s Island. The new Citadel Football Head Coach Mike Houston will be the guest speaker, along with members of his staff. Coach Houston ended 2013 with a school-record 13 wins and a trip to the Division II national championship game.. The social begins at 6 p.m., followed by a Lowcountry Boil served at 7 p.m. Dress is casual and cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple. RSVP to Chris Gibson at 843-522-2020; cgibson@insuranceserv.com.

<b>Beaufort Church of Christ holding revival</b>

The public is invited to the Beaufort Church of Christ, “Where All the Doors Swing Loose on Welcome Hinges to You and to Yours!” for the Gospel Meeting  and Revival, June 8 to 13. The theme is “A Pure Fountain But A Contaminated Stream” Proverbs 3:5-6. Guest speaker will be Brother Samuell Pounds, Minister from Winter Haven, Fla. Sunday, June 8 is Family &amp; Friends Day, services are 11:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13, services will be 7:30 p.m. All services are held at the Beaufort Church of Christ, 170 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort, SC, 29906. For more information, email jg@jonasbonus.com or call 843-524-4281 or visit www.BeaufortCoC.com.

<b>Mentoring group holds Young Men’s Conference</b>

The Extra Mile Club (EMC) is a mentoring group in the Beaufort community. The club’s vision is to promote academics, leadership, discipline, self-esteem and sportsmanship in a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment while serving God and community. EMC invites young men (ages 7-21) to attend a Young Men’s Conference on Saturday, June 7, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Dale, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.  There is no charge to attend. The conference is intended to encourage, motivate and inspire young men to achieve greatness. Please RSVP by May 18 by calling Chris Dantzler at 843-812-3904 or Gaynelle Dantzler at 843-812-2056.

<b>Habitat for Humanity holds High on the Hog</b>

The third annual CBC National Bank High On The Hog BBQ Festival to benefit LowCountry Habitat for Humanity will be held the first weekend in June at the old Whitehall Plantation on Lady’s Island. Friday, June 6, from 6 to 10 p.m., will be “Everything Lowcountry” where teams cook their favorite dishes in the Lowcountry theme. The local band Deas Guys will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wristbands are $20, active military, $18. There will also be a VIP tent Friday night, sponsored by The Island News. Tickets are $50 per person and include seating under the tent, unlimited samples while they last, two drink tickets per person and a dessert. Saturday, June 7, is the barbecue competition and the South Carolina BBQ Association certified judges will start Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Gates open to the public 12 until 4 p.m. Broke Locals will entertain. Wristband price is $15, active military $14, kids under 12 free. Two-day ticket price is $30, active military $27. For more information, visit www.highonthehogbeaufort.com. For more information on sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, or build partnerships, call Habitat at 843-522-3500.

<b>NAMI offers support for mental illnesses</b>

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Beaufort County provides support and education for the mentally ill and their families countywide since 1991. Peer support groups that offer support for individuals with mental illness are offered every Monday, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Palmetto Electric, Mathews Drive, on Hilton Head Island; every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Room 144, USCB Library in Bluffton; and the second Friday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Beaufort Medical Plaza, Room 350, Beaufort. Family Support groups for caregivers are available the fourth Tuesday of every month from 10 to 11 a.m., Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, Bluffton; the fourth Thursday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m. at Unitarian Universal Church, Bluffton; and the third Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Lady’s Island. For more information, call 843-681-2200 or nami@hargray.com.
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