<b>Church holds chili </b><b>cookout and silent auction</b>

Riverview Baptist Church, 2209 Boundary Street, invites everyone to join them for the Annual Chili Cook-Off &amp; Silent Auction on Saturday, February 17th at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp; All funds earned will be donated to missions. The church will also hold a Blood Drive on Friday, February 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.

<b>Christian Women’s group holds Feb. luncheon</b>

The Low Country Christian Women’s Connection will hold its February luncheon at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.&nbsp; Beth Hancock of “Where’d You Get That?” in Beaufort will demonstrate arranging terrific table top decorations. The guest speaker from Pooler, Ga., is Kim Polote, who will sing and speak on “Persistence … Being a ‘Kept Woman.’” Lunch is $25 and must be prepaid and received by Wednesday, February 14.&nbsp; Make checks payable to “CWC Bluffton” and mail them to:&nbsp; Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton, SC&nbsp; 29909.&nbsp; Details, call Carol at&nbsp; (843) 705-7604.

<b>Lenten </b><b>Luncheon &amp; Lecture series to be held</b>

Each Tuesday during Lent, the Parish Church of St. Helena sponsors a Lenten service at noon in the Parish Hall at 507 Newcastle Street, downtown Beaufort, followed by a light lunch and lecture.&nbsp;This year, guest preachers from the community will discuss the five-part series titled "The High Peak of Scriptures" that looks at Romans 8. The program is free, with a small donation asked to help with the cost of the lunch.&nbsp;A nursery is available by reservation. Call Melissa Davis at 843-522-1712, ext. 215. On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Rev. Jim Wooten of Baptist Church of Beaufort will discuss Part I (Romans 8:1-11) "No Condemnation."

<b>Get ready for annual&nbsp;</b><b>Bands, Brews &amp; BBQ</b>

The 9th annual Bands, Brews &amp; BBQ will bring two days of food, music and fun February 23-24 to Paris Avenue, hosted by the Town of Port Royal. This official South Carolina Barbecue Association sanctioned event kicks off the 2018 season and benefits FRIENDS of Caroline Hospice. General admission passes are available online and at the gate for $10 per day, with children 12 and under free. The sampling of wings&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;night and BBQ&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;will be available by purchasing tickets for $1. Craft beer and wine will also be available for purchase. For tickets or more information and volunteer opportunities go to friendsofcarolinehospice.org&nbsp;or call&nbsp;843-525- 6257.

<b>Republican Women’s Club hosts luncheon</b>

Beaufort Republican Women’s Club will hold its 2018 kickoff luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Tavern at Royal Pines, 139 Frances Marion Circle, Lady’s Island. Guest speakers will be SC State Senator Tom Davis, Beaufort County Councilwoman Alice Howard, and Port Royal Town Councilwoman Mary Beth Gray-Heyward. The cost is $22 per person. For more information, email beaufortrwc@gmail.com.

<b>Verdier House Dinner &amp; Lecture coming Feb. 26</b>

Archaeologist Daniel Battle will bring his research on Jewish Troops in the 1779 Battle of Port Royal Island to the Verdier House Dinner &amp; a Lecture Series on Monday, February 26 at 801 Bay Street. Incredibly loyal to the American cause, the Jews of Charleston joined Continental troops to assist the Beaufort militia in the assault from British units.

Dan Battle is an archaeologist with 22 years of experience working with cultural resources. He is a Staff Battlefield Archaeologist for the South Carolina Battlefield Preservation Trust.

A wine and hors d’oeuvre reception begins at 5:30; the program is 6 – 7 p.m. Admission for members is $15/$25 per member/couple. Non-member admission is $20/$30 per person/couple. Call 843-379-3331 to make reservations. Reservations for Saltus River Grill’s special for lecture ticket-holders may be made by calling Saltus at 843-379-3474.

<b>AAUW hosts dinner&nbsp;</b><b>and meeting</b>

The Beaufort Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host Dr. Eve A. Ashby, speaking on the topic “Preventative Care for Women.” The meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1201 North Street, Beaufort, on Tuesday, February 27. A catered dinner prepared by Debbi Covington will begin at 6 p.m. and the address by Dr. Ashby will follow. Reservations may be made by calling or texting Peggy Scott at 413-207-1149. AAUW strives to create societal change through non-partisan advocacy on issues impacting women and girls.

<b>Connoisseur’s Trip&nbsp;</b><b>to visit historic sites</b>

Historic Beaufort Foundation is hosting a Connoisseur’s Trip to visit two national historic landmarks on Tuesday, March 6. Spend the day visiting Drayton Hall and Middleton Place along the Ashley River near Charleston. The cost is $145 per person, HBF member rate; $165 for non-members. The event is limited to 20 participants so RSVP by February 21 to Isabella Reeves at ireeves@historicbeaufort.org&nbsp; or 843-379-3331.

<b>Calling all dresses:&nbsp;</b><b>JSLB Prom Boutique</b>

Help Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton county high school girls get the dress of their dreams for free. On Saturday, March 17, the Junior Service League of Beaufort (JSLB) Prom Boutique will open for teenage girls who are in need of a gently used dress for free to wear to the junior/senior prom at their high school. Donations of formal and semi-formal dresses and accessories for this special event are welcome. Drop off locations include: The Beaufort Sound, Lady’s Island; Sugarbelle; Sew Beaufort; Savvy Apple, Port Royal; Amazing Rentals, Hardeeville/Okatie. For more information, visit www.jslbprom.com.
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES</strong></p>
<b>Habitat for Humanity</b>

Wondering how you might be able to help LowCountry Habitat for Humanity? Attend their Volunteer Orientation held at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of every month at 616 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Volunteer opportunities exist in every area of operations at LowCountry Habitat; there is a need for all types of abilities and skill levels, from construction to volunteering at the ReStore to serving on committees.&nbsp;For more information, contact Lee McSavaney, volunteer coordinator, at 843-522-3500 or email info@lowcountryhabitat.org.

<b>Historic Beaufort Foundation&nbsp;</b>

Historic Beaufort Foundation is looking for volunteers to be docents or greeters at the Verdier House Museum on Bay Street. Give Jacque Wedler, museum director, a call and she will provide the information needed to become a part of a very important team in the community.&nbsp;Call 843-379-6335 or email jwedler@historicbeaufort.org.