<strong>Black Chamber to host Artist Showcase 2011</strong>

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce welcomes local and visiting exhibitors to the Artist Showcase 2011 scheduled for May 27-28 at Sea Island Best Western in downtown Beaufort. The ninth annual event is free and open to the public Friday, May 27, from Noon until 8 p.m. with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For additional information and artist details, follow and connect at bcbcc.org, on Twitter @BeaufortBlack and on Facebook.

&nbsp;

<strong>Gullah Festival returns for 25th anniversary</strong>

This year marks the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Gullah Festival. In addition to a number of festivities, organizers will be remembering and honoring the former co-founder/president Rosalie F. Pazant, who passed away last year. This year’s theme is “We Are One Family That Has Come This Far by Faith.” The Festival will go from Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29, at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. The Gullah Festival of South Carolina celebrates and recognizes the history, customs, cultures, language and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry. This year’s Honorary Chairperson will be Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma Evans from the 70’s TV show “Good Times”). For a complete entertainment lineup and lots more information about the festival, visit www.gullahfestival.org or www.gullahfestival.net.

&nbsp;

<strong>St. Helena businesses host Spring Fling</strong>

St. Helena Island Businesses will host a Spring Fling on Saturday, May 28, to include open house events with artists, authors, book signings, refreshments, food tastings and discounts on shopping. Penn Center’s York W. Bailey Museum will feature Diane Britton Dunham’s Solo Exhibit “Gifts of the Spirit.” The Red Piano Too Art Gallery will host “The Art of Mel Green,” with authors Vertamae Grosvenor, Alvin Green, John Warley and Earl Cooler. The St. Helena Branch of the Beaufort County Library will hand out information on library services and the summer reading program. What’s In Store, Bellavista and Octopuses will offer special discounts on shopping. Also join Bella Luna Restaurant, The Lowcountry Store, and other downtown island businesses for a fun day for all.

&nbsp;

<strong>St. Helena businesses host Spring Fling</strong>

Mr. Jonas Gadson, DTM, and local author will be signing copies of his brand new book “How To Fly Like An Eagle With Wings Like A Wimp!” at the 25th Annual Gullah Festival this weekend. His booth is in the local author’s section and he will be there on Friday May 27, and Saturday May 28, from 10 a.m. to  6 p.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Jonas Gadson, is a nationally-known motivational speaker, certified trainer, consultant and radio personality. For more information call (843) 379-8145 or email jg@jonasbonus.com.

&nbsp;

<strong>Don’t miss Street Music on Paris Avenue </strong>

Street Music on Paris Avenue is a free concert series that is a gift from the Town of Port Royal and produced by ARTworks.

<strong>• On Saturday, May 28, The Homemade Jamz Blues Band</strong> is back by popular demand — Ryan, Kyle, and Taya Perry who, at 18, 16, and 12 years of age, are the Youngest Blues Band in America, the youngest winners of the “Jus Blues Music Award,” and the youngest nominees of the Blues Music Award. Their latest CD “The Game,” is some sweet, hot Delta Blues fo’ sho’.

<strong>• Saturday, June 11, is Candace Woodson and the Domino Theory Band. </strong>After touring the U.S. and Europe with various well-known bands, Tony, Keith and Mark formed The Domino Theory Band in 2007, later finding Candace Woodson, a radio personality in Nashville and performer: now they are known for dynamic performances of both cover and original songs.

All the concerts are free and at 6:30 p.m. Bring your chairs and dancing shoes. For more information, contact ARTworks at 843-279-2787, www.ArtWorksInBeaufort.org.

&nbsp;

<strong>Be sure to renew your business license</strong>

All businesses in the unincorporated parts of Beaufort County must have a county business license to operate and the deadline for renewals is May 31. Renewal applications can be downloaded at www.bcgov.net. They are also available at the County Administration Building, 100 Ribaut Road, Room 225, Beaufort, or at the Myrtle Park Professional Center, 4819 Bluffton Parkway, Room 315, Bluffton. For more information, call (843) 255-2270.

<strong> </strong>

<strong>Annual Memorial Day parade, events planned</strong>

The annual parade will wind through downtown Beaufort on Monday, May 30, starting at 10 a.m. following the path of down Boundary to Carteret to Bay streets and ending near the Beaufort National Cemetery on Bladen Street. Then at noon, local former Army lieutenant colonel Joseph Walker Jr. will speak at the cemetery. Then the annual W. Brown Marshel Memorial Day Picnic will be held at 1814 Greene Street from 1 to 4 p.m.

&nbsp;

<strong>Bereavement Support group to gather</strong>

United Hospice will be hosting a Bereavement Support Group on June 9 from 3-4:30 p.m. at United Hospice, 1605 North Street, Beaufort. All are welcome . For questions or more information, call 843-522-0476.

&nbsp;

<strong>Local Therapy Dog group to meet</strong>

The Beaufort Chapter (#229) of Therapy Dog International will hold its next meeting at Bricks, 1422 Boundary St. on Saturday, June 4 at noon. For more information, please call 843-522-2073. Those who are interested in learning more about how to certify their dog as a therapy dog are welcome to attend (without their dogs).

&nbsp;

<strong>YMCA to host first Exercise-A-Thon</strong>

The Wardle Family YMCA will host its first Exercise-A Thon Saturday, June 4th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to assist the 2011 Annual Scholarship Campaign goal for the year. This unprecedented 4 hour event invites everyone to participate in aerobic exercises from stability ball class, spinning, Zumba, kickboxing, power circuit, Pilates, Step Interval and yoga. Non Y members are invited to participate and will receive a complimentary YMCA day pass. Due to limited space in the spinning room, Y members, guests and community participants are asked to reserve their spin bike in advance by either visiting the Y at 1801 Richmond Ave. in Port Royal or by calling the Y at 843-522-9622.  All other participants can register and pledge on the morning of the event.

&nbsp;

<strong>Freedom from smoking classes offered to public</strong>

Freedom From Smoking classes will begin Tuesday, June 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the third floor classroom of the Medical Office Building at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. This is the American Lung Association’s program to help people who want to break free of the bondage of cigarette smoking. These are open to the public and the cost is $60. Please call 522-5635 at the LifeFit Wellness Center for more information.

&nbsp;

<strong>Tour private gardens with Garden A Day</strong>

The Beaufort Garden Club will celebrate National Garden Week with its 17th Annual Garden a Day event. Gardens will be open from 9:30 a.m. each morning until 12:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served by The Beaufort Garden Club. Here is the schedule of featured home gardens:

• Monday, June 6, Beaufort, 500 Port Republic Street.

• Tuesday, June 7, 137 North Hermitage Road.

• Wednesday, June 8, 76 Dolphin Point Road, Cat Island.

• Thursday, June 9, 1 Hermitage Point.

• Friday, June 10, 608 Hamilton Street.

&nbsp;

<strong>Sign up for Gamecock Classic golf tourney</strong>

The Beaufort County Gamecock Classic Golf Tournament will be on Saturday, June 11, at the Sanctuary Golf Club at Cat Island. This is a 4 person scramble, Captain’s Choice format starting at 9 am. Proceeds benefit USC Scholarship Athletes. Entry fee of $100 per player includes a green fee and golf cart, gift bag, awards lunch, beverages, and contests and prizes. Please call Linda McCarty at 843-521-1445 or send to Beaufort County Gamecock Club, 2 Carolina Lane, Beaufort, SC 29907.

&nbsp;

<strong>Beaufort Writers meet</strong>

Beaufort Writers meets every second and fourth Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lady’s Island Airport Conference Room. The next meeting will be June 14.

&nbsp;

<strong>Save the date for up coming Pet Fair</strong>

Save the Date: September 17, at United Hospice of Beaufort, 1605 North Street,

Adoption Fair, dog show, pet boutique, photos with your pet and more. Proceeds to benefit The United Hospice Foundation. For more information, call 843-522-0476.<!--more-->

&nbsp;

<strong>Play Mah Jongg and Bridge every Monday</strong>

Looking for an interesting way to meet new friends and help a worthy cause at the same time?  Come to Mah Jongg and Bridge every Monday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. in the Walsh Palmetto Room at St. Peter Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive. Players are always welcome for hours of relaxation and fellowship. Just bring $3, two cans of food and a spirit of fun.  Instruction is available and refreshments are always served.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;