Calendar

Saturday, March 6

ACA Introduction to Kayaking -Level 1
Let our ACA certified instructors help you learn a new skill comfortably and enjoyably at James Island County Park.  Using a variety of boats, this entry-level course teaches you basic strokes and skills to have fun on the water!  Pre-registration required. 1pm-5pm. Course # 22006 Age: 16 & up. Fee: $42/$35 CCR Discount. 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com.

Pet Support Team for Junior Volunteers
Pet Helpers Junior Volunteer Program, the Pet Support Team, will meet at 2 p.m. Kids ages 6 to 11 are invited to join this group of young animal lovers for a monthly meeting. Parents MUST email Christine Bush at cbush@pethelpers.org to register for upcoming sessions. Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island.

Sunday, March 7

Intro to Kayaking
Learn how to be safe and have fun in this on-water kayak class.  Topics include: safety, boat fit, getting in and out of your kayak (gracefully), basic paddle strokes, and more.  $45 per person includes kayak and gear.  Call Sea Kayak Carolina at (843) 225-7969 to register.

Dogmore Stew Festival at Magnolia Plantation
From 1 – 5pm, enjoy a Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, Pet Fashion Show, Pet Vendors, Dog Training Demos, Grooming Demos and more. Tickets are $17 ($20 at door) and $10/children, and include admission to the plantation, a Lowcountry feast of  hors d oeuvres, Frogmore Stew, and delicious desserts. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome. For more info or tickets, call 343-8063.

Tuesday, March 9

Daytime Sessions for Citizens to Learn about County Government
Learn how your tax dollars are spent  through the Charleston County’s Citizens’ Academy. Classes will be offered as one-day sessions on a quarterly basis. Topics include the county budgeting process, garbage and recycling, law enforcement, the court system, emergency services, planning and zoning, and much more. Classes will be held at the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building, 4045 Bridge View Drive in North Charleston. Email Mai Green at maigreen@charlestoncounty.org or call 958-4000 to attend.

Thursday, March 11

The Gentlemen of the College: William & Mary Acapella Men’s Chorus
Starting at 7:30pm, Gentlemen of the College, the longest running a cappella men’s chorus at William and Mary College, will perform popular standards and ballads at the Church of Our Saviour for a unique musical experience. Tickets are available at Kiawah Island Town Hall beginning February 26, 2010 (February 23 for Kiawah Island residents). For more info, call 768-9166 or visit kiawahisland.org.

Friday, March 12

Coastal Exploration Series: Birding in the ACE Basin
Tour the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area with an emphasis on birding with Pete Laurie, former DNR employee and writer for S.C. Wildlife magazine. 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register at:  www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/seminarseries.html. For more info, call 953-9354.

Cocktails for a Cause
Join Sea Island Habitat as they host an evening of art, drinks and hors d’oeuvres to raise funds and awareness for the 2010 Women Build Project.  Live music provided Gary Pecorella. 6:30 – 9pm at the Robert Lange Studio, 2 Queen Street in downtown Charleston. Tickets are $50 each.  Call 768-0998 or log-on to www.seaislandhabitat.org to purchase tickets.

Folly Beach County Park Bird Walk
Birding experts from Charleston County Parks and the South Carolina Audubon Society explore Folly Beach in this partnership program.  This walk focuses on the southern shoreline of Folly Beach.  A chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. 10:30am-12:30pm. Course # 22104. Age: 12 & up. 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com.

The Festival of Ballycahill
Charleston’s first Irish Festival from March 12 – 17, throughout downtown Charleston. Enjoy arts, crafts, music, talk and merriment, including Bling from the Bog, Way with Words, Greengraf 2010 and Bia Devil specials at local Irish restaurants. For specific events and more information, visit www.ballycahillfestival.com

Saturday, March 13

SSC Points Contest #1: Washout
March 13 & 14. Southern South Carolina District of the Eastern Surfing Association points contest #1 at the Washout, Folly Beach. Entry deadline is March 7. Mail entry to SSC-ESA PO Box 740, Folly Beach, SC 29439 or bring to any local surf shop by closing time on the Sunday before the contest.www.ssc.surfesa.org

2010 Tides of March: a Folly Festival of the Arts & St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Saturday, March 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 14, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Folly River Park. Enjoy perusing pottery, photography, fine art originals and prints, artistic glass, book signings, jewelry and much more provided by the Folly Beach Arts and Crafts Guild. Live entertainment and performances provided by Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina. For more info, call Kerry Hupp at 345-8739.

Gardening with Tommy Blizard – Soil Structures
Concerned about eating produce that has been repeatedly sprayed with insecticides and herbicides?  Join our gardening guru to learn how to garden organically and get started on your own Earth-Friendly garden today! Pre-registration required. 10am – 12pm at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Course # 22266. Fee: $9/$7 CCR Discount. For more info, call 795-4FUN, or visit www.ccprc.com.

Palmetto Pump & USA Climbing Competition
Climbers of all ages and abilities will enjoy competing on these new challenging and fun routes.  Categories are determined by age and gender.  No competition experience is necessary.  Space is limited, so register early and save. For ages 4+. 8am-2pm. James Island County Park. Fee: $30. 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com.

“Murder Me, I’m Irish …”
Join the Women’s Guild of Our Lady of Good Council at the “Shakin’ Shamrock Pub” for a St. Patty’s Day celebration with a forecast for murder. A traditional Irish dinner will be served as participants try to solve the mystery. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased after each Sunday Mass or from members of the Women’s Guild. Fr. Kelly Hall at 105 West Hudson Avenue, Folly  Beach.

Sunday, March 14

Daylight Savings
“Spring” those clocks forward one hour!

Surfing the Runway Beach Fashion Show
Surfing the Run­way will feature two eco-friendly fashion shows, a silent auction, signature cocktails, gift bags, and giveaways, all benefiting Surfer’s Healing. 5:30pm at the Folly Beach Holiday Inn. Visit www.face­book.com/surfingtherunway for weekly updates on community donations, special appearances, giveaways, and more.

Family Climbing – Family Belay Lesson
A great way to spend time together climbing and learning new skills!  Children ages 4-13 will climb while parents learn to belay.  Children ages 14 and up can learn to belay as well as climb.  Pre-registration required. 1pm – 4pm at James Island County Park. Course # 22063. Age: 4 & up. Fee: $16/$13. For more info, call 795-4FUN(4386) or visit www.ccprc.com.

Monday, March 15

Ladies Night at the Climbing Wall
Come meet other local women climbers in these fun activities and maybe even meet a new belay partner!  Pre-registration is not required. 6 – 9pm. Course # 21664. James Island County Park. Fee: $12/$10 CCR Discount. 795-4386 / www.ccprc.com.

Tuesday, March 16

Charleston Fashion Week
March 16-20, 2010. The fourth annual Charleston Fashion Week will take place in the city’s historic Marion Square. The five-day celebration will showcase the latest trends from both budding and well-established designers and boutiques. For media information, visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com.

Wednesday, March 17

After school Climbing and Crabbing
Come enjoy an afternoon of climbing and crabbing.  We will learn a little about each other and have some fun in the process!  All equipment needed is provided. Meet at Palmetto Island County Park. Ages 6 – 12. Pre-registration required. 3:30pm-6pm. Course # 22091. Fee: $12/$10 CCR Discount. 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com.

St. Patrick’s Day

The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum
Wednesday, March 17 – Sunday, March 21, 2010. In celebration of its thirteenth year, the Forum lecture series is entitled E Pluribus Unum: Thirteen Colonies, One New Nation. Experts will examine architecture, furniture, paintings, silver, ceramics and gardens found in each geographic region of Colonial America. Ticket packages are now available online at www.charlestonantiquesforum.org. To receive the 2010 program brochure, write The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum; 36 Legare Street; Charleston, SC 29401 or call (800) 926-2520.

Thursday, March 18

63^rd Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens
March 18 – April 17, 2010. Guests can discover the interiors and gardens of some of the finest private residences in America during this month-long festival. Each festival tour will allow visitors to explore eight to ten properties dating from the American colonial period through the antebellum and Victorian years of architecture, to the early 20th century. For more information please call 722-3405 or visit www.historiccharleston.org.

Friday, March 19

Charleston International Antiques Show
March 19-21, 2010. For antique-lovers, this exhibition includes a wide range of period furnishings, decorative arts, vintage jewelry, porcelains, ceramics, silver and architectural garden accents from late 17^th – early 20^th century. The antique show will give amateur and avid collectors a unique opportunity to purchase and learn more about the rare pieces. For more information, visit www.historiccharleston.org.

Saturday, March 20

First Day of Spring

Meet the Authors at Michelle’s Salon
Join us from 2-5 p.m. to meet several local authors at Michelle’s Salon and Spa: Bill Noel, author of “The Washout”; Gretchen Stringer, author of “Hermie the Hermit Crab”; Douglas Bostic, author of “Morris Island and James Island History”; and Mark R Jones, author of “Wicked Charleston.” Door Prizes and Refreshments. For more info call 588-2566. 103 E. Cooper St, Folly Beach.

Coastal Exploration Series: Winter Shorebird Identification
Join shorebird expert Nathan Dias, of the Cape Romaine Bird Observatory, at Harbor Island for a classroom and field session identifying winter shorebirds. Following the classroom session the group will venture to beach at beautiful Harbor Island to ID winter resident shorebirds. Noon to 4:00 p.m. Register at:  www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/seminarseries.html. For more info, call 953-9354.

9th Annual Pet Helpers Oyster Roast
Set to the swingin’ sounds of the Shakin’ Martinis and presented by Rosebank Farms Café, Fatboy’s Lowcountry Cooking, and Elizabeth Grace Occasions, enjoy All-you-can-eat oysters, Lowcountry Boil, chili, hot dogs, veggie dogs, and a cash bar.  Bring your dog along and be sure to check out the pawsitively purrrfect silent auction. Tickets are $35/$40 at the door, and are available at www.pethelpers.org, by phone at 795-1110 x 11, or at Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Road, James Island.

The Edge book signing with author Bill Noel
Bill Noel, author of the mystery novels Folly, The Pier, and Washout, will be holding book signings for his latest novel in the Folly Beach Mystery series, The Edge, at Michelle’s Salon and Spa, 103 E. Cooper Street, from 2 – 6pm. For more info, visit www.billnoel.com.

Sunday, March 21

The Edge book signing with author Bill Noel
Bill Noel, author of the mystery novels Folly, The Pier, and Washout, will be holding book signings for his latest novel in the Folly Beach Mystery series, The Edge, at Piggly Wiggly, 1985 Folly Road, from 1 – 4pm. For more info, visit www.billnoel.com.

Customer Appreciation Day at Charleston County Parks
CCPRC wants to thank its visitors with free gate admission to Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center, North Charleston Wannamaker, Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands and James Island County Parks. Plus, free parking at Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms County Parks, as well as the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, where fishing is also free for the day! The Mount Pleasant Pier will also offer complimentary fishing on March 21, but parking fees still apply. For more information, call 795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com.

Monday, March 22

College Night at the Climbing Wall
Come check out the climbing wall and enjoy a special student discount with a valid college ID.  No pre-registration required. 6pm – 9pm at James Island County Park. Course # 22213. Fee: $10. For more info, call 795-4FUN, or visit www.ccprc.com.