<b>New workshop group looking for screenwriters</b>

Lowcountry Screenwriters is a new workshop group in Beaufort looking for committed individuals who either have screenwriting experience, some prior experience in film or prose writing, or who have a strong interest in pursuing film writing.

This will not be a class on screenwriting but rather a workshop to critique and provide feedback to the group.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>If you have any interest on attending the initial get-together, please email us at emilydfj@gmail.com or bakerjef@hotmail.com and tell us a little about yourself.

<b>Classes set for first-time homebuyers</b>

The Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will hold its next round of classes for first-time homebuyers on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18. With these classes and one-on-one sessions on budgeting, you will earn a 15-credit-hour certificate which can be presented to your lender when getting ready to purchase your home.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>All classes will be held at the new chamber building located at 711 Bladen Street at 6:00 p.m.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>Call 843-986-1102 or 843-379-4588 for additional information.

<b>TCL presents “Sounds of the Season” concert</b>

This free concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29 in the TCL Beaufort Auditorium, building 12, 921 Ribaut Road. The concert will kick off with students, alumni, faculty and staff performing the college's new Alma Mater. Holiday and Christmas classics will follow featuring local vocalists and musicians on the piano, bass, drums, saxophone and trumpet.

"This is the perfect way for the College to wrap up its year-long anniversary celebration of 150 years of The Mather School and 50 years of TCL," said Leigh Copeland, Assistant Vice President for Marketing.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

TCL commemorative anniversary ornaments will be available for $10.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Please contact Leigh Copeland for more information at lcopeland@tcl.edu or 843-525-8231.

<b>Lowcountry DHEC offers free testing for World AIDS Day</b>

Join Lowcountry DHEC on Nov. 29 in support of World AIDS Day to promote HIV testing, prevention, treatment and care. The organization will offer free fast track (HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HEP B and Syphilis walk-in testing) from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Beaufort Health Department, 601 Wilmington St., Beaufort. For more information contact Shauntae at 843-694-1740 or Charmella at 843-987-7559.

<b>Smile for Santa<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>

The Beaufort Garden Club will hold its third annual Smile for Santa event at the

Port Royal Farmer’s Market on December 1, 8 and 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your children and/or pets to the gazebo area at the market and have your picture taken with Santa. Your photo will then be emailed to you.

A $5 donation is suggested. All proceeds will go to local charities.

<b>Fripp concert series continues Dec. 2</b>

Craig Butterfield, double bass, and Bert Ligon, piano and guitar, both from USC in Columbia and equally comfortable in jazz and classical music, will perform at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Fripp Community Centre, 205 Tarpon Blvd. This remarkable concert is presented by Fripp Friends of Music and supported by the SC Arts Commission. Attendees get a free pass at the Fripp gate. Tickets at<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>the door: adults $30 (cash or check only), students free thanks to the Peg Gorham Memorial Fund. You are invited to join the musicians at a complimentary catered reception after the performance. For more information, visit www.frippfriendsofmusic.com or call 843-263-5916.

<b>Festival of Trees brings holiday fun</b>

The annual Festival of Trees to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice is one of Beaufort’s most beloved holiday celebrations, and the 2018 event continues a tradition that started more than 30 years ago.

Events kick off with Snow Day on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Tabby Place at the Beaufort Inn. Bring the kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy playing in the snow, building a snowman or having snowball fights in the outdoor snow fields, face painting and more. Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen will also be there to enjoy talking with the kids and taking photos. Admission is $3 for children 5 and older; children 4 and younger admitted free.

Tree viewing will be open to the public from Dec. 4-6. More than 60 beautifully and whimsically decorated trees will be available for purchase, and tickets for some spectacular raffle items will be sold all week. General admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Santa will also be in attendance all week for photo opportunities with attendees.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

This year a special Angel Tree will be adorned with ornaments in memory or honor of a loved one. Ornaments are $25 and will be tagged with your special message during the event. The ornaments can be picked up after the event at the Friends of Caroline Hospice office at 1110 13th Street, Port Royal.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

This year’s Celebration of Giving Gala will be from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 at Tabby Place amidst the trees with music, wine, beer and lots of food from 10 of Beaufort’s best local restaurants. Opening Gala Reception tickets can be purchased online by visiting http://www.FriendsofCarolineHospice.org/Events.

<b>Christian Women’s holiday luncheon<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>

The Low Country Christian Women's Connection will hold its December luncheon and Holiday Celebration at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 11:30 a.m. Our feature will be our annual sing-along led by Terry Wigglesworth. Our guest speaker is Kelly Stigliano from Orange Park, Florida, and her topic is "Messy Places." This is our annual fundraiser and we will be raffling off gift baskets.

Lunch is $25 and must be received and prepaid by Wednesday, Nov. 28. Please make checks payable to: Carol Mock, 607 Argent Way, Bluffton, SC 29909. For details, please call Carol at 843-705-7604.

<b>Beaufort Academy Blue Notes to perform Dec. 6</b>

Beaufort Academy is getting in the holiday spirit by presenting to the community it's new choral ensembles. Under the direction of Victor Varner, Beaufort Academy is hosting a holiday concert featuring the “Beaufort Academy Blue Notes” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at Sea Island Presbyterian Church on Lady's Island.

The concert will feature more than 75 middle and upper school students that make up the Blue Notes, and the choristers. The group performed at Sea Island Presbyterian with the Duke Symphony Orchestra&nbsp;last spring.

<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 each. Contact Beaufort Academy at 843-524-3393 with any questions.

<b>Beaufort Christian Women's lunch to support "Toys for Tots"</b>

The Beaufort Christian Women's Connection’s annual Christmas covered dish lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Fellowship Hall at Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Drive. The program will include singing Christmas songs accompanied by Whitney McDaniel. Bring an unwrapped toy to present to a Marine Reserve officer for Toys for Tots. Kelly Stigliano will be the guest speaker, and a covered dish lunch will be served with meat provided.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Cost is $8 per person.

Reservations due by Friday, Nov. 30. Contact Marti Myers at 843-321-0962 or puddlesportia@gmail.com.

<b>Beaufort holiday weekend is Dec. 7-9</b>

Join us in downtown Beaufort for a weekend of holiday cheer featuring local choirs, dance groups, community organizations, parades and the annual Christmas tree lighting. These events offer something for everyone: entertainment, food, and the opportunity to experience great downtown shopping and dining.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

2018 Holiday Weekend Activities:
<ul>
 	<li>Night on the Town evening shopping: Friday, Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m. (Downtown Bay Street and surrounding blocks)</li>
 	<li>Light Up The Night Holiday Boat Parade: Saturday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. (Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Promenade at The Beaufort River)</li>
 	<li>Beaufort Christmas Parade: Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. (Downtown - Boundary, Carteret, and Bay Street)</li>
</ul>
<b>Indulge in A<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>Taste of Gullah</b>

Come enjoy lip-smacking, finger-licking, Gullah-licious holiday dishes prepared by some of the finest cooks 'round dese parts. This year’s celebration will include beautiful unique Gullah arts and crafts, a live Christmas variety show and so much more, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. Event is sponsored by the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce and held at the BCBCC Multiplex Center, 801 Bladen St. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children. Call 843-986-1102 for more information.

<b>Lace up for the 2nd annual Gingerbread 5K</b>

Run or walk through the streets of Port Royal, starting and finishing at Live Oaks Park, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. Costumes are encouraged and we cannot wait to see Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer running through town. With average December temperatures hovering around 61 degrees, it’s the perfect weather to get out and enjoy a fun run. Run or walk through the beautiful Old Village and down to the Sands. Celebrate your accomplishment with s’mores. For more information visit http://www.FriendsofCarolineHospice.org/Events.

<b>Let HELP of Beaufort prep your pork</b>

HELP of Beaufort is offering Dangerfield's Boston Butts, cooked and seasoned to perfection, for $35 each. HELP of Beaufort currently operates a Wellness Food Pantry, provides emergency financial assistance, free clothing, and a Mobile Meals program. Each of these programs serves those most in need. These programs are primarily funded through the generous donations of private individuals, and churches.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; </span>HELP of Beaufort does receive some funding from United Way and other community grants. <span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Pre-order deadline is Dec. 8. Pick up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Piggly Wiggly, 1347 Ribaut Road, Beaufort.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Order and pay online at www.helpofbeaufort.org or call HELP at 843-524-1223.

<b>YA Everlasting<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b><b>Book Club</b>

If&nbsp;you&nbsp;are&nbsp;an&nbsp;adult&nbsp;but&nbsp;still&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;reading&nbsp;Young Adult Literature,&nbsp;this&nbsp;book&nbsp;club&nbsp;is&nbsp;for&nbsp;you!<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The next book to be discussed is “My True Love Gave to Me,” edited by Stephanie Perkins, on Wednesday, Dec. 12. All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. Join us for our end-of-the-year wrap up meeting and holiday celebration.

Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St. Beaufort. Free. For more information, call 843-255-6458 or visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/subscribe.

<b>Adult DIY: Holiday Craft</b>

All supplies will be provided. No craft experience necessary! Space is limited. Call 843-255-6458 to register. Monday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m.

Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott St. Beaufort. Free. For more information, call 843-255-6458 or visit beaufortcountylibrary.org/subscribe.