28PRECAL

Editor's note: The deadline for Preview Calendar items is noon Monday the week before the event takes place. Items submitted after the noon deadline will not be printed in the Preview Calendar.

Ongoing

BB&T Charleston food + Wine Festival: Today-March 2. Times and prices vary. Marion Square, King and Calhoun streets. Highlighting Charleston's epicurean culture, this four-day event is packed with culinary events, including wine seminars, a culinary village, chef's competitions and dine-arounds. Call 722-5549 or visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com for a complete list of events.

Southern Conference basketball championships: March 6-10. North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr. Visit www.soconsports.com for game times and tickets.

Read across america: March 3-4. Join the fun at your local Charleston County Public Library branch, and celebrate Read Across America with activities, celebrity guest readers and all things Dr. Seuss. Call 805-6817 or visit www.ccpl.org for a full listing of scheduled programs.

Palmetto pig pick'n championship: March 7-8. Exchange Park, Ladson. Prices vary. This two-day barbecue competition, featuring live entertainment, children's activities and lots of food, is the Olde Charlestowne Sertoma Club's major fundraiser. Over 75 cooking teams from the Southeast, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and as far away as Chicago will compete in the competition. Visit www.pigpickn.com for a complete list of scheduled events.

All level yoga: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Mondays March 3-31. Summerville Medical Center, 295 Midland Pkwy. $45 for five weeks, prepayment required. This bodywork reduces stress, helps to alleviate neck and back pain and develops strength, flexibility, energy, better balance and posture. Call 832-5000.

all women art exhibit: March 1-31. MUSC Wellness Center, 45 Courtenay Dr., Charleston. Artwork of local female photographers marks Women's History Month. Visit www.c4women.org.

art discovery walking tours: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Charleston. $20. This 90-minute tour highlights the many historic sites that have inspired artists for centuries. View artistic treasures at the Gibbes and then walk in the footsteps of the artists who created them. Reservations made through The Original Charleston Walks at www.charlestonwalks.com or 729-3420.

Ballroom Dance Club: 7:30-11 p.m. Saturdays and first and third Fridays of the month. Ballroom Dance Club, 1632 Ashley Hall Road, West Ashley. $8, $5 students. Join the Ballroom Dance Club for an hourlong group lesson and dance party. Visit www.ballroomdanceclub.org.

Ballroom Dance Parties: Every weekend (except holidays). Creative Spark Center for the Arts, 757 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. $10 (cost may be increased for theme or dinner parties). Participate in an adult ballroom dance party, with group lessons beforehand. For a schedule, call 881-3780 or visit www.creativespark.org.

basic drawing: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Feb. 26. Creative Spark, 757 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. $105 for six weeks of classes, plus $20 supply fee. Adult beginners will learn the basic pencil drawing skills of line, values, proportion, neutral space and personal expression. Call 881-3780 or visit www.creativespark.org.

belly dance for health and happiness: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays March 8, 15 or 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays March 4-18. Trident HealthFinders, 9330 Medical Plaza Dr., Charleston. $10 per class. Get your shimmy on with a Belly Dance Burn — low-impact, high-energy workout. Call 797-FIND.

black history month exhibit: Through March 9. The City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St., Charleston. Presenting Lou Stovall, "Artist and the Landscape," and Gary Grier, "Room Full of Mirrors." Call 958-6486.

black history month trivia: Through Feb. 29. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., Charleston. Free. Grades 6-12 can stop by the Young Adult area of the library to test their knowledge of Black History Month. Small prizes will be awarded for correct answers. Call 805-6801 or visit www.ccpl.org.

bluegrass society: 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. Holiday Inn Ocean Deck Lounge, 1 Center St., Folly Beach. Free. The Folly Beach Bluegrass Society performs for a "Bluegrass Open Stage." Bring an acoustic instrument. Call 345-1678.

business network international meeting: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays. The Crab Shack (upstairs), 1901 Ashley River Road, West Ashley. Join the Ashley River Chapter for its weekly meeting. Call Nancy Green at 364-8465.

camellia walks at middleton place: Beginning 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through March 29. Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston. Free with regular admission. View thousands of blossoms and learn more about the flowers on a 1 1/2-hour Camellia Walk. Reservations requested. Call 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org.

clothes to dye for: Through April 18. The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Learn about four centuries of garments worn by Charlestonians and dyeing processes used to achieve the rich shades and hues. Curator-led tours are available the first Thursday of the month throughout the exhibit's run and are free with general admission. Call 722-2996 or visit www.charlestonmuseum.org.

"The Complete History of Charleston For Morons" Walking Tour: Saturdays. Charleston Legends and Lore Ghosts Theater, 161 Church St. $16. Begin with a 35-minute, one-man version of the popular "Morons" show and then tour the historic French Quarter. Call 937-0916 or visit www.charlestonlegendsandlore.com.

connections from africa to america: 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. daily through Feb. 29. Drayton Hall, 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston. This 45-minute interactive program uses maps, historic documents and artifacts to trace the story of Africans to the New World and through slavery, emancipation and into the 20th century. Call 769-2600 or visit www.draytonhall.org.

dangerous book club: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., Charleston. Explore something new every week, from knot tying to stargazing, from "The Dangerous Book for Boys." Call 805-6930.

dangerous boys club: 7:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Mount Pleasant Barnes & Noble, 1716 Towne Centre Way. Community leaders will host meetings based on a variety of activities, including The Golden Age of Piracy, The Basic Rules of Soccer and How to Play Table Football. Based on the best-selling book "The Dangerous Book for Boys" by brothers Conn and Hal Iggulden. Call 216-9756.

early morning bird walks: 8:30 a.m.-noon. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. $5, free for Gold Pass holders. You'll walk through many distinct habitats, allowing you to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies and other organisms. Preregistration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

"Father and son" exhibit: March 7-21. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Wells Gallery, 125 Meeting St., Charleston. The gallery presents "Father and Son," an exhibition of new work by internationally renowned figurative painter Glenn Harrington and his son, emerging still-life painter Evan Harrington. Call 843-3233 or visit www.wellsgallery.com.

gallery art exhibit: Through Feb. 29. Saul Alexander Gallery at the Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., Charleston. Pedro Rodriguez, a local artist and musician, will exhibit his paintings titled "Cityscapes From San Juan to Charleston; Images to Cherish When Nostalgia Hits." Call 805-6801 or visit www.ccpl.org.

the gathering book group: 7 p.m. the last Thursday of each month. Barnes & Noble, 1716 Towne Centre Way, Mount Pleasant. Call the store at 216-9756 to find out this month's title.

The great state museum leprechaun hunt: March 1-31. South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia. Hunt for hidden leprechauns throughout the museum. Ask for your clue sheet at the Front Desk and claim your reward at the Cotton Mill Exchange at the end of your hunt. Call 803-898-5397.

hilton head island gullah celebration: Through Feb. 29. The 12th annual event showcases the heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Call 689-9314 or visit www.gullahcelebration.com.

hilton head international piano competition: March 3-10. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head. Ticket prices vary. With 20 contestants from around the world competing for $33,000 in prizes plus performance engagements in a new four-round format, the Southeast Tourism Society named the Hilton Head International Piano Competition one of the top 20 events in the Southeast for March 2008. Call 842-2055 or visit www.hhipc.org for tickets.

"hollywood comes to S.C.": 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 19. South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia. $3 plus regular museum admission. This exhibit showcases the movies produced in South Carolina over the past 100 years. Call 803-898-4921 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

Jazzed series: 5 p.m. (one hour prior to Jazz Vespers) the second Sunday of each month. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston. Free. Presented as a community partnership of the Charleston Concert Association, Circular Congregational Church and Charleston Jazz Initiative. Call 571-7755.

jonathan green week: March 1-8. Times, venues and prices vary. Jonathan Green Week is a collaboration between the city of Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Charleston County Public Library, the Charleston Jazz Initiative and the Coastal Community Foundation, involving a series of events throughout Charleston that celebrate the artist and his contributions to cultural life in the Lowcountry. Visit www.jonathangreenweek.com.

"KidStory": Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. $7, $6 students, $4 children under 12. Children will learn about the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry. Call two weeks in advance to schedule a tour of this hands-on exhibit. Call 722-2996 or visit www.charlestonmuseum.org.

love art exhibit: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday through February. Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston. Free. Artists Kizzi Staley Gibson, Bretta Staley and Alvin Staley's exhibition "All in the Family" will include a variety of media, but the theme of love links all the works. Call 529-5000.

mended hearts support group: 6:30-8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Irene Dixon Auditorium of Roper Hospital, Charleston. Chapter 266 Cardiac support group offers hope and encouragements to heart disease patients and their families. Includes a "heart smart" meal. Call 556-0368.

modern dance class for adults: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Creative Spark, 757 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. $12 per class/$40 per month. Jocelyn Nugent brings her broad background to a class aimed at developing creative minds and bodies using interesting music and movement ideas. Call 881-370 or visit www.creativespark.org.

Monday Night Blues: 8 p.m., open mike 9 p.m. Mondays. East Bay Meeting House, 159 East Bay St., Charleston. Free. The city's longest-running weekly literary event includes a featured poet reading. Musicians are welcome. Free. Call 853-9332 or 723-3446.

"Natures's Dance" Exhibit: March 7-31. Hamlet Fine Art Gallery, 7 Broad St., Charleston. Celebrate the new works of Melinda Lewin in an exhibit titled "Nature's Dance Revealed," inspired by the beauty of nature, with emphasis on florals and landscapes. Call 722-1944 or visit www.hamletgallery.com.

"Nature's Palette" exhibit: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday through March. Courtyard Art Gallery, 149 1/2 East Bay St., Charleston. Featuring works by Helen K. Beacham. Call 723-9172.

"New Structures" exhibit: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Redux Contemporary Art Center, 136 St. Philip St., Charleston. Free. This two-man exhibition investigates the role of structures in the public and private realms, featuring artist Blake Hurt and painter Todd McDonald. Call 722-0697 or visit www.reduxstudios.org.

nia dancing for better health: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays March 7-28. Trident HealthFinders, 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, Charleston. $36 for the four-week session or $10 per class. For those with reduced mobility but who want to increase activity level, stamina and flexibility. Call 797-7000.

Nia Dancing thru life: 6:45-7:45 p.m. Tuesdays March 4-25. Trident HealthFinders, 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, Charleston. $36 for the four-week session or $10 per class. This high-energy class offers a variety of movement routines designed to energize and invigorate the body while stimulating mind, emotions and spirituals connections. Call 797-7000.

Outdoor sculpture competition: Through March 28. North Charleston Riverfront Park. North Charleston's second annual Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition features 13 sculptures by 13 artists from 10 states. Call 754-1089 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

photography exhibit: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Gibbes Museum, 135 Meeting St., Charleston. $9, $7 seniors, students and military, $5 children under 12. Since the 1960s, artist William Christenberry has photographed the American South, focusing on landmarks such as kudzu, churches, graves and architecture in his Alabama hometown. Enjoy his exhibit, "William Christenberry: Photographs, 1961-2005." Call 722-2706 or visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.

picasso project: Through March 3. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St., Charleston. This student arts competition benefits Voices for South Carolina's Children. Call 805-6930.

The Poetry Show: 9 p.m. the last Friday of each month. Sonia's Manila Grill, 3381 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston. $5. The show offers culture and expression through the body and words. Call Carlos Johnson at 406-3959.

power of positive painting classes: 1-4 p.m. Thursdays. The Meeting Place, 1077 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston. $150 for six classes. The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department offers classes, led by Robert Maniscalco, to teach students to think like a painter by breaking down the fundamentals of painting. Call 745-1087 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

"Purse universe" Exhibit: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday through April. Center for Women, 129 Cannon St., Charleston. Free. Photographer, writer and poet Barbara Hagerty created a photo exhibit for the publication of her book, "Purse Universe." Call 763-7333 or visit www.c4women.org.

race week exhibit: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Edmondston-Alston House, 21 E. Battery, Charleston. Guided tours are $10. The exhibit, "The Races! The Races! Charleston's Gala Race Week," emphasizes the popularity of horse racing in Charleston during the 18th and 19th centuries and tells the history of the social season. It runs through the end of February. Call 722-7171.

"red state blues" exhibit: Through Feb. 29. Halsey Institute Gallery, Simons Center for the Arts, 54 St. Philip St., Charleston. Free. This exhibit displays works by South Carolina artists who explore social and political commentary through their work. Call 953-5680 or visit www.halsey.cofc.edu.

salsa class and party: 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Arthur Murray Studio, 1706 Old Towne Road, West Ashley. $8. Participate in a group salsa class for beginners and advanced participants followed by a practice party. Call 571-6500 or e-mail arthurmurray@bellsouth.net.

salsa night at Southend brewery: 10 p.m. Thursdays. Southend Brewery, 161 East Bay St., Charleston. $4 cover. DJ Luigi mixes live as the crowd dances to salsa, merengue, bachata and raggaeton. Call 853-4677.

"Sculpture and Woodworking" Exhibit: Through March 6. Colleton Center Gallery, 494 Hampton St., Walterboro. Free. The exhibit consists of carved fantasy staffs inspired by computer games, books and fanciful found-object sculptures. Call 549-1922.

Sea Turtle Hospital tours: 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. S.C. Aquarium hospital, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston. $8 ages 2-11, $16 adults, $14 seniors 62 and older. Behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium offer visitors a look at the efforts of the staff as it cares for sick and injured turtles through the Sea Turtle Rescue Program. Reservations recommended by calling 577-3474.

"Seeking" Exhibition: March 1-Aug. 31. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., Charleston. Featuring Jonathan Green's painting, "Seeking," this exhibition explores personal discovery through art. Call 722-2706 or visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.

shag for adults classes: 6:30-8 p.m. Fridays. North Charleston Cultural and Civic Center Complex on the former Charleston Naval Base. $185 for an eight-week session. The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department offers classes teaching the basic steps of the state dance. No partner necessary. Registration required one week prior to first class. Call 745-1087 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

"Soft Light" Exhibit: March 7-30. Sylvan Gallery, 171 King St., Charleston. The gallery presents new works by Joan Potter and Nancy Bush in a show titled "Soft Light," featuring warm and welcoming landscapes and still lifes that evoke a sense of coming home to a safe haven. Call 722-2172.

sophia institute weekend retreat: Feb. 29-March 2. Magnolia Plantation, 3550 Ashley River Road, Mount Pleasant. Marianne Williamson, internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, will spend the weekend addressing how to embrace midlife as a turning point, drawing from her book "The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife." Sponsored by The Sophia Institute. To register, call 720-8528 or visit www.thesophiainstitute.org.

"Southern Remains" exhibit: March 5-31. Corrigan Gallery, 62 Queen St., Charleston. The gallery presents the first duo show of works by Kevin Bruce Parent and Gordon Nicholson titled "Southern Remains," featuring Parent's soft photographs created by alternative or early tradition photographic methods and Nicholson's brush and pen on paper. Call 722-9868.

sporting artist exhibit: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday through March 15. The Dog and Horse Fine Art and Portraiture Sculpture Garden, 106-B Church St., Charleston. Beth Carlson's third annual exhibition. Visit www.dogartdealer.com.

square dance class: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Felix Davis Community Center (Park Circle), North Charleston. Learn how to perform a basic square dance. Call 552-3630.

"Their eyes were watching god": Through February. John's Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy. Quilted wall hangings from eight St. John's High School students representing their interpretations of Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" are on display. Call 559-1945 or visit www.ccpl.org.

welded sculptures: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St., Charleston. Free. The gallery presents "The Softness of Iron: Welded Sculptures by Orna Ben-Ami." Call 958-6484.

window exhibit at The Meeting Place: Daily through Feb. 29. The Meeting Place, 1077 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston. Free. The works of local artists Billie Fowler and Judy Shoemaker. Call 745-1087 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

Today

Priscilla's Homecoming: 10:30 a.m. John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St., Charleston. Ages 11 and up. Join Tomlind Martin Polite on a history quest from Sierre Leone to South Carolina and back again. Polite is a seventh-generation descendant of a 10-year-old slave girl named Priscilla who was taken on a slave ship to South Carolina in 1756. Call 722-7550.

Lunch with authors: Noon. Country Club of Hilton Head, 70 Skull Creek Dr., Hilton Head Island. Free. A lively lecture featuring Matt and Ted Lee, authors of "The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook: Stories and Recipes for Southerners and Would-Be Southerners." Preregistration required. Call 521-4147 or visit www.beaufort.com.

hints from the hat lady: Noon-1 p.m. Trident HealthFinders, 9330 Medical Plaza Dr., Charleston. $15. Archie Burkel offers simple, successful secrets designed to make you look good and feel good. Bring a bag lunch and receive an hour of fashion tips. Call 797-FIND.

explorer's club: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. Ages 6-12. This week: Make your own old-fashioned, life-size silhouette. All you need is your own shadow. Call 806-6930.

teen movie night: 5 p.m. St. Andrews Regional Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Dr., Charleston. "Pursuit of Happyness." Rated PG; 117 minutes. Chris Gardner is talented but struggling to make ends meet. When he and his 5-year-old son are evicted from their apartment, Gardner takes a chance with a prestigious brokerage firm. Call 766-2546.

new book club: 6 p.m. Johns Island Regional Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy. Adults. Discuss "Clover," the first novel by South Carolinian Dori Sanders. The novel is a coming-of-age story set in a small Southern town, where Clover, a 10-year-old African-American girl loses her father in a tragic accident and gains a white stepmother all in the same day. Call 559-1945.

young adult chocolate festival: 6-7:30 p.m. Otranto Road Regional Library, 2261 Otranto Road, North Charleston. Grades 6-12. Celebrate a world of chocolate at the annual Young Adult Chocolate Festival. There will be crafts, games, prizes and lots of chocolate. Call 572-4094.

charlestonian event: 6-8 p.m. Thoroughbred Club, Charleston Place Hotel, 205 Meeting St. Visit www.thecharlestonian.com.

Independent lens film: 6:30 p.m. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. See "Iron Ladies of Liberia," an intimate documentary that goes behind-the-scenes with Africa's first freely elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia. Call 805-6930.

comedy hypnotist show: 7 p.m. The Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston. $15, $10 with student ID. Comedy hypnotist Gary Conrad entertains. Visit www.etix.com for tickets.

lecture and book signing: 7 p.m. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Free. Longtime society members John C. Bernens and P.J. Gartin will discuss and sign copies of the latest volume of "America's Membership Libraries," in which they wrote a chapter regarding the history of the Charleston Library Society. Call 723-9912.

preservation and community planning lecture: 7 p.m. Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. Free. David Schwarz will speak on "Traditional Design Excellence." Call 953-3888.

South Carolina, a multicultural stew: 7-9 p.m. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. Presented by Dr. Bill Brockington of USC-Aiken. The collision of various European, African and American Indians cultures has created loosely defined regions in the Palmetto State, each with a flavor all its own. Call 805-6930.

Friday

birding and tour of Bear Island: Call for time. Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, 585 Donnelly Dr., Green Pond. Free. As part of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Exploration Series, tour the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area with an emphasis on birding. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/NERR/seminarseries.html to register, or call 953-3367.

boat show: Noon-7 p.m. Feb. 29; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 1; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 2. Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, 1 International Dr., Savannah. $8 adults, free for children 10 and under. Mercury MerCruiser presents the Savannah International Boat Show, the largest in-water and indoor boat show from North Florida to North Carolina, featuring live music, face-painting and a seafood festival. Call 864- 404-7818 or visit www.savannahinternationalboatshow.com

book signing and tasting: 1-3 p.m. Bartons/The Silver Puffin, 327/329 King St., Charleston. Free. Artie McPherson and Curtis "Dr. Fishbone" Gowans, authors of the cookbook "Dr. Fishbone Presents Local Recipes of the Carolina Coastal Planes," will sign their cookbooks and offer a sampling of dishes from the book. Call 723-7900 or visit www.silverpuffin.com.

blind tasting 101: 2:30 p.m. Charleston Grill, 224 King St. Presented by Charleston Magazine, learn how to blind taste wine like a pro with Rick Rubel, sommelier at Charleston Grill. To reserve your spot, you must be a ticket-holder for Friday's Culinary Village and RSVP to printern@charlestonmag.com. Include birth date, name, address and phone number.

cookBook signing: 4-6 p.m. Blue Bicycle Books, 420 King St., Charleston. Free. Dan Huntley and Lisa Grace Lednicer will sign copies of their book, "Extreme Barbecue: Smokin' Rigs and Real Good Recipes." Call 722-2666.

children's movie madness: 4-6 p.m. John's Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy. Ages 11 and under. "Arctic Tale" follows a walrus and a polar bear from birth to maturity and parenthood in the frozen wilderness of the Great North. Rated G; 100 minutes. Call 559-1945.

Chick-fil-a "Fine Dining Night": 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chick-fil-A, 4926 Centre Point Dr., North Charleston. This location of Chick-fil-A celebrates its one-year anniversary with a red carpet, dinner by candlelight, free long-stemmed roses and free live music by Ron Durand. Dinner and a movie for a year will be given away. Normal prices apply to menu items. Call 744-9051. teen movie night: 6 p.m. James Island Library, 1248 Camp Road. Grades 6-12. "Radio." Watch the true story about the relationship between a prominent high school football coach from a small South Carolina town and the illiterate, mentally disabled man named Radio, whom he mentors. Rated PG; 111 minutes. Call 795-6679.

that friday movie thing: 6-9 p.m. Charleston County Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. Ages 13-18 only. A viewing of "Blades of Glory." Free pizza and snacks; games and prizes during intermission. Call 805-6930.

friday evening lecture: 6:30 p.m. Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St., Charleston. Marianne Williamson, well-known author and lecturer, will speak on how to embrace midlife as a turning point, drawing from her new book, "The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife." Sponsored by The Sophia Institute. Call 720-8528 or visit www.thesophiainstitute.org.

stingrays hockey: 7 p.m. North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Blvd. $11-$16. Call 744-2248 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

book signing: 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 1716 Towne Centre Way, Mount Pleasant. Free. Joshilyn Jackson, author of "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming," will sign copies of her book. Call 216-9756.

Director's circle: 7 p.m. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston. Donation. Enjoy an evening of entertainment and support Charleston Stage's arts and education initiatives by attending the opening night of "Fiddler on the Roof." A reception with elegant food and wine follows. Visit www.charlestonstage.com.

star light, star bright: 7-8:30 p.m. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. $9, $7 CCR discount. Ages 9 and up. Become familiar with the night sky, using telescopes to view galaxies, globular clusters, nebulas and other deep space forms. Preregistration required. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

The Preemie Project benefit show: 8 p.m. The Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston. $5, $3 under 21 surcharge at the door. Proceeds benefit the Preemie Project. Featuring Path of Reprisal, In This Skin, Two Steps Back, Blindsyght, Virgil Kain, Affectation and Mind's Own Brutality. Visit www.etix.com for tickets.

Saturday

spring agility trial for dogs: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 1-2. Palmetto Islands County Park, Mount Pleasant. Free with $1 park admission. Presented by the Lowcountry Dog Agility Club, more than 100 dogs from all over the East Coast will compete on various courses based on height and skill level. Call 720-8021 or visit www.lcda.bravepages.com.

jump rope for heart: 8:30-11:30 a.m. East Shore Athletic Club, 910 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Help raise money for the American Heart Association. There will be jump roping, obstacle courses, relay races and access to the Fun Fit! gym. Call 324-0145.

breakfast with the easter bunny: 9 a.m. Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston. Admission is one nonperishable food item to be donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Children will receive breakfast from Chick-fil-A and the Easter Bunny will hop by each table to visit. Clowns and face painters will be on hand to entertain. Call 766-8511 to reserve your seat.

heritage to habitat canoe tour: 9-11:30 a.m. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. $12, $10 CCR discount. Ages 9 and up. Travel back to the age of rice as we paddle through ricefields and canals that now serve as one of the richest wildlife habitats in the Lowcountry. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

parent-child canoe and kayak sampler: 9 a.m.-noon. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. $15, $12 CCR discount. This hands-on class for ages 8-16 and their parents introduces basic strokes and equipment before giving families a chance to paddle a variety of kayaks and canoes. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

gardening with tommy blizard: 10 a.m.-noon. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. $9, $7 CCR discount. Ages 9 and up. Join our gardening guru to learn how to garden organically and get started on your own earth-friendly garden. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

the painted image with jonathan green: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. $25 per educator. Renowned artist Jonathan Green will help educators explore painting as a form of creative expression, historical documentation, cultural record and a teaching tool. Call 722-2706, ext. 23, or e-mail artacademy@gibbesmuseum.org to register.

Charleston Arts and crafts show: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 1; 1 p.m.-4 p.m. March 2. Wragg Square, Charlotte and Meeting St., Charleston. Free. An exhibition and sale of decorative, visual and fiber art, including paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery, jewelry and more. Call 239-530-8072 or e-mail palmettoartshows@aol.com.

charleston quilt show: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 1-2. Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St., Charleston. $5. This event will feature nationally known quilter Anita Shackelford, as well as more than 250 quilts from local and regional artists, including antique, bed-size and wall quilts, and wearable art. Visit www.charlestonquiltguild.com.

artist lecture/demonstration: 3:30 p.m. Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, 1 1/2 Broad St., Charleston. Free. Presenting Brian Scanlon's "Tackling the Landscape in Oil" as part of the Artists Speaks series. Meet-and-greet reception follows. Call 722-5353 to reserve your spot.

Chick-fil-A "Family Fun Day": 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chick-fil-A, 4926 Centre Point Dr., North Charleston. Free. This location of Chick-fil-A celebrates its one-year anniversary with a jump castle, balloon artist, face painter and birthday cake. Normal prices apply to menu items. Call 744-9051.

book signing: 1 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 1812 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston. Beth Webb Hart, author of "The Wedding Machine," will sign copies of her book. Call 556-8979.

book signing and tasting: 1-3 p.m. Bartons/The Silver Puffin, 327/329 King St., Charleston. Free. Artie McPherson and Curtis "Dr. Fishbone" Gowans, authors of the cookbook "Dr. Fishbone Presents Local Recipes of the Carolina Coastal Plains," will sign their cookbooks and offer a sampling of dishes from the book. Call 723-7900 or visit www.silverpuffin.com.

book signing: 1-3 p.m. Waldenbooks, East Gallery at Charleston Place, 120 Market St., Charleston. Free. Liz Tucker, author of the Lowcountry memoir "Pigs on the Patio," will sign copies of her book. Call 816-6684.

welcome back spring canoe trip: 1-3 p.m. Old Santee Canal Park Interpretive Center, 900 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner. $15. A naturalist-guided trip through Biggin Swamp to the Old Santee Canal and witness the changing of the season. Call 899-5200 or visit www.oldsanteecanalpark.org.

battle for broxton bridge re-enactment: 1:30 p.m., camps open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Broxton Bridge Plantation, U.S. Hwy. 601, Earnhardt. $6 for one-day admission, $3 ages 10-17, free for children 9 and under. Join the seventh-annual re-enactment for the Battle for Broxton Bridge and learn the history of the battle for the Salkehatchie River, where Sherman's Union troops marching through the Carolinas skirmished with Confederate forces on Feb. 2-3, 1865. Call 800-437-4868.

gullah heritage program: 2 p.m. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Free. Featuring a Gullah cooking demonstration by Veronica Gerald and Jesse Gant, African tales told by Alada "Muima" Shinault-Small and African drumming and dance with NIA Productions. Call 881-5516.

oyster roast: 4-8 p.m. $15 donation. Dale Cook Moving and Storage, 7167 Cross County Road, North Charleston. Proceeds from this all-you-can-eat oyster roast benefit the American Council of the Blind. Call 766-9810.

St. John Catholic School's silent/live auction: 6-10 p.m. Blackbaud Atrium, 2000 Daniel Island Dr. $20 donation per person. Proceeds benefit St. John Catholic School. Tickets sold at door. Visit www.saintjohncatholicsc.org.

jonathan green week kickoff: 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 7:30 p.m. dinner. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., Charleston. $150 ($35 tax deductible). Meet the artist and preview his exhibition, "Seeking." Live jazz, hors d'oeuvres and a three-course meal highlighting Lowcountry cuisine. For reservations, call 722-2706, ext. 22. Visit www.jonathangreenweek.com.

2nd annual "Pink in the rink" hockey game: 7:05 p.m. North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Blvd. $10-$30. The Charleston Stingrays take on the Columbia Inferno and will wear pink jerseys to be auctioned off to benefit the American Cancer Society. Call 744-2248 or visit www.stingrayshockey.com.

21st annual MUSC Charity Ball: 8 p.m. Omar Shrine Convention Center, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant. $40. This black-tie-optional event benefits local charities and includes a silent auction, open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. Call 792-2086 or visit www.musc.edu.

Sunday

$1 Sunday at the S.C. museum: 1-5 p.m. South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia. General admission to the State Museum is only $1 today. Call 803-898-4921 or visit www.museum.state.sc.us.

massing of the colors: 3 p.m. Summerall Chapel at The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston. Free. This annual ceremony pledges faith in the colors of the United States. Retired Marine Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston will speak. Call 953-6779.

charleston wind ensemble: 3 p.m. West Ashley High School auditorium, 4060 W. Wildcat Blvd. Free. In their 4th annual Winter Concert, the musicians will perform a variety of music. Call 729-8206.

jonathan green week symposium: 3-5 p.m. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., Charleston. $30. Titled "Seeking Routes; Finding Spirit," four renowned panelists will reflect on Jonathan Green's work, on the influence of Gullah culture in the Lowcountry and more generally on Southern art in the context of our times.

Stingrays hockey: 4 p.m. North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Blvd. $11-$16. Call 744-2248 or visit www.stingrayshockey.com.

"The full monty" AuditionS: 7 p.m. March 2; 8 p.m. March 3. Robert Ivey Dance Studio, 1910 Savannah Hwy., Charleston. The Footlight Players will hold auditions for parts in "The Full Monty." Be prepared to sing something of your choosing and wear clothes in which you can easily move. Call 722-7521.

Monday

Educating the Whole child conference: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. College of Charleston. $50, free for full-time employees of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester District 2 and 4 county school districts and College of Charleston faculty, staff members and students. Price included breakfast, lunch, reception and conference materials. The Center for Partnerships to Improve Education (CPIE) works in collaboration with schools, businesses, families, and the greater community to improve student outcomes in South Carolina. Call 953-2742 to register and for exact location.

community health workshop: 6:30-7 p.m. Total Life Care, 825 Wappoo Road, Charleston. Free. Dr. Robert Bockneck presents "Stretching." Bring appropriate clothing. Call 402-0310 or visit www.tlccharleston.com to reserve your space.

beach education series: 7 p.m. Isle of Palms Recreation Center, 28th Avenue. Free. "Planning for Shoreline Change in South Carolina." Call 886-8294 or visit www.iop.net.

Tuesday

St. Luke's recital series: 12:15 p.m. St. Luke's Chapel, MUSC, Ashley Avenue at Bee Street. Free. Sponsored by the Charleston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and College of Charleston. Call 792-6775.

car seat safety checks: 4-6 p.m. Northwoods Mall parking lot, near the Trident HealthFinders entrance. Free. Care seat safety checks and information on proper usage of booster seats will be taught. Call 797-FIND.

investment act: 4-6 p.m. Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Boardroom, 2750 Speissegger Dr., North Charleston. Free. The four venture capital firms selected by the state to allocate the funds from the Venture Capital Investment Act will be present to explain their role in the VCIA and what they are looking for in South Carolina companies. Call 805-3042 to register.

Gardens by the sea lecture: 6:30 p.m. Bond Hall, Room 165, at The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston. Angie Whaley LeClercq, director of The Citadel's Daniel Library, will provide a PowerPoint and video tour of seaside gardens worldwide, including Italy, Madeira, Scotland and Newport, R.I. Call 953-6779.

health community lecture: 7 p.m. Total Life Care, 825 Wappoo Road, Charleston. Free. Dr. Stephanie Latter presents "Natural Alternatives to Fatigue and Boosting Energy." Call 402-0310 or visit www.tlccharleston.com to reserve your space.

Stingrays hockey: 7 p.m. North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Blvd. $11-$16. Call 744-2248 or visit www.stingrayshockey.com.cooking class: 6:30 p.m. Charleston Cooks, 194 East Bay St. $55. Chef Aaron Deal's of Tristan hosts a themed cooking class — "Celebration of Spring: Spring Harvest and Wine Pairings." Call 722-1212 to reserve your spot.

walk for autism volunteer meeting: 7 p.m. East Cooper Regional Hospital main hospital classroom, 1200 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant. All those interested in volunteering for the Walk for Autism event April 19 at Hampton Park are welcome. Contact Becky Doolittle at 402-6382 or becky.doolittle@tenethealth.com.

Wednesday

"Reflections on the changing south" lecture: 6:30 p.m. Bond Hall at The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston. Free. Earl and Merle Black will discuss how Southern politics has evolved since World War II. Call 953-6779.

padi discover scuba diving: 6-10 p.m. R.L Jones Center, 391 Egypt Road, Mount Pleasant. $45 resident, $52 nonresident. Ages 10 and up. Experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI professional in the pool. During this one-day adventure, you'll be introduced to basic scuba concepts and skills. Call 884-2528 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.

Jonathan Green Reception: 6:30-9 p.m. I'On Creek Club, 44 Saturday Road, Mount Pleasant. $25. Meet Jonathan Green and learn about the inspiration for his work and the unique painting "Seeking," which he created and donated to Mepkin Abbey. Call 881-7541 or visit www.theiontrust.org.

March 6

finding donors seminar: 8:30-10:30 a.m. YMCA, 61 Cannon St., Charleston. Free. Learn how to find donors for your charitable or nonprofit organization who believe in your mission and love the work that you do at Benevon's seminar, "Major Gifts: Find the Perfect Donors." Call 709-9400, ext. 104.

opening reception: 5-6:30 p.m. MUSC Wellness Center, 45 Courtenay Dr., Charleston. Free. Celebrate the opening of the "All Women Art Exhibit," featuring artwork of local female photographers in honor of Women's History Month. Call 763-7333 or visit www.c4women.org.

Water for life gala: 6 p.m. Charleston Place Hotel, 205 Meeting St. $150. Barrier Island presents Water Missions International's gala featuring a seated dinner and silent and live auctions. Proceeds support WMI's work to provide sustainable access to safe water in developing countries and disaster areas. Call 769-7395 for tickets.

ladies' martini night: 7 p.m. The Charleston Grill at Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St. $48 members, $58 nonmembers. WineDineWine presents a sampling of three signature martinis paired with fruits, nuts, cheeses and petit fours. Call 810-0088 or e-mail winedinewine@comcast.net to register.

lecture and book signing: 7 p.m. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Free. Caroline Cousins (Meg Herndon, Gail Greer and Nancy Pate) will discuss and sign their newest book, "Way Down Dead in Dixie." RSVP to 723-9912.

March 7

senior covered dish luncheon: 11:45 a.m. Alhambra Hall senior room, 131 Middle St., Mount Pleasant. Free. Bring a side dish or dessert to share; the main course is provided. Everyone is welcome, as this is a great way to keep in touch with friends and make new ones. Call 856-2166 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.

babes on a budget drop-in: 2-6:30 p.m. Victoria's Consignments, 920 Houston Nortcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Free. This WineDineWine benefit will raise awareness of MUSC's neonatal intensive care unit with a percentage of the day's sales being donated to the unit. Enjoy a champagne reception for the boutique's opening of the spring designer collection. RSVP to 810-0088 or winedinewine@comcast.net.

first friday on broad: 5-7 p.m. Participating galleries, boutiques and bodegas on Gallery Row, historic Broad Street, will feature demonstrations, entertainment, food and wine tastings. This month, Mary Martin will feature Amy Guion Clay, encaustic on panel.

French quarter art walk: 5-8 p.m. The French Quarter Gallery Association begins celebrating its 20th anniversary with its Spring Art Walk. Stroll the cobbled streets and gaslit alleyways of the original walled city to discover the works of hundreds of artists representing a variety of styles and mediums from traditional to contemporary. Participating galleries are on Meeting, Church, State, East Bay, Broad, Cumberland, Chalmers and Tradd streets. Call 577-7101 or visit www.frenchquarterarts.com for maps of the galleries.

Inaugural Painting exhibit: Wells Gallery, 125 Meeting St., Charleston. Opening for the French Quarter Art Walk, the gallery presents "Father and Son," an exhibition of new work by internationally renowned figurative painter Glenn Harrington and his son, Evan Harrington. This is the inaugural exhibition for the Well's Gallery new location on Meeting Street. Call 843-3233 or visit www.wellsgallery.com.

artist reception: 5-8 p.m. Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, 6 N. Atlantic Wharf. Celebrate the opening of works by Marty Biernbaum titled "Pear Lady: A Celebration of Feminist Mystique," inspired by the honest beauty of a real woman with a full figure, an intelligent, curious mind and a sense of humor. Call 722-2454.

opening reception: 5-8 p.m. Sylvan Gallery, 171 King St., Charleston. Celebrate the opening of works by Joan Potter and Nancy Bush, "Soft Light," featuring landscapes and still lifes. Call 722-2172.

opening reception: 5-8 p.m. Corrigan Gallery, 62 Queen St., Charleston. The gallery presents the first duo show of works by Kevin Bruce Parent and Gordon Nicholson titled "Southern Remains." Call 722-9868.

opening reception: 5-8 p.m. Hamlet Fine Art Gallery, 7 Broad St., Charleston. Celebrate the opening of works titled "Nature's Dance Revealed," featuring Melinda Lewin's works inspired by the beauty of nature, with emphasis on florals and landscapes. Call 722-1944 or visit www.hamletgallery.com.

Family fun night: 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Sandbox, 18A Pope Ave, Hilton Head. Free. Families will enjoy face-painting, spring crafts, ball toss and bowling games, hot dogs, cotton candy and drinks. Call 842-7645.

family fun night at the rec: 6:30-8:30 p.m. R.L. Jones Center, 391 Egypt Road, Mount Pleasant. Free. Bring friends and family for a night of swimming and games. Floats and water toys welcome. Call 884-2528 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.

organic oregon dinner: 7 p.m. Middleton Place Restaurant, 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston. $65 per person, includes gratuity. Enjoy this four-course dinner with wine pairings from the Maysara Winery in McMinnville, Ore., which practices holistic farming. Call 266-7463 for reservations.

special olympics midwinter games: 7 p.m. The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston. Come support more than 600 athletes as they compete in badminton, basketball, masters bowling, power-lifting, table tennis and team handball. The games commence with the torch run and opening ceremony. Call 852-9275 or visit www.so-sc.org.

southern circuit tour of independent filmmakers: 8 p.m. Simons Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston, Room 309, 54 St. Philip St. Free. Following a screening of Nybo and Simon Umlauf's film, "Guerrilla Radio: The Hip-Hop Struggle Under Castro," the duo will discuss the film and their work as filmmakers. Call 953-7891.

old school hip hop concert: 8-11 p.m. Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St., Charleston. $30 and $40, $60 VIP (includes Crown Royal and heavy hors d'oeuvres). As part of Black Expo '08, featuring Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and Whodini. Call 747-1442 for VIP tickets. Call 577-7400 or visit www.ticketmasters.com for regular tickets.

karma art exposition and dance: 9:30 p.m. doors. Toucan Reef, 360 Concord St., Charleston. $10 entry with first drink. U-topia events and Groovers, in collaboration with Biton, present a night of photography and new media artists and DJs spinning the best house music in town. Tables with champagne service available. Dress code: sexy. Call 513-8055 for reservations and guest list.

March 8

water for life walk: 9 a.m. Hazel Parker Playground, 70 East Bay St., Charleston. Presented by Water Missions International, this 3-mile walk is inspired by the experience of women and children who fetch water for their families daily. We encourage walkers to form teams and raise support to bring these families clean water. Call 769-7395 or visit www.watermissions.org.

micro soccer festival: 9 a.m. Park West Recreation Complex, Mount Pleasant. Free. Enjoy the kick-off event with games and activities for all registered FUNdamental youth soccer players for the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department. Parents and spectators welcome. Call 884-2528 or visit www.mpsoccer.com.

Sea Kayak Instructional class: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. $36, $30 CCR discount. Ages 16 and up. Let our ACA-certified instructors help you learn basic strokes and skills using a variety of boats in the entry-level course. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

toy soldier show and sale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Omar Shrine Temple, 176 Patriots Point St., Mount Pleasant. $3, free for children under 12. There will be 50 tables of toys soldiers, miniature army cannons and vehicles, military history books for sale and several miniature dioramas on display. Call 412-3593 or visit www.angelfire.com/planet/scmms.

antique auction: 9 a.m. doors, auction 10 a.m.-until. National Guard Armory, 849 Cottageville Hwy., North Charleston. Free. Auction to benefit St. Paul's Academy in Hollywood. Public and dealers welcome. Call 693-1304.

spring swamp survey: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel. $9, $7 CCR discount. Ages 9 and up. Enjoy the Lowcountry cypress-tupelo swamps offering a multitude of natural wonders and featuring reminders of the bygone era of rice and slaves. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

basics of backpacking: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CCPRC Headquarters, 861 Riverland Dr., James Island. $24, $20 CCR discount. Ages 18 and up. Learn about the essential skills and equipment needed for backpacking, plus get hands-on experience setting up tents and choosing gear that's right for you. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

Figure drawing marathon: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., Charleston. $25 nonmembers, $20 members, $15 students. Choose your studio and work from the figure (nude and costumed) in gradual movement, 10-minute, 30-minute and 1-hour poses. Painters and sculptors welcome. Call 722-2706 ext. 23 to register.

pruning seminar: 11 a.m.-noon. Down to Earth, 215 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Free. Horticulturist Jason London leads this pruning demonstration and discussion. RSVP to 881-4885 or katie@downtoearthliving.com.

black expo '08: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Charleston Area Convention Center, Coliseum Drive. $10, $5 children 5-12. Featuring Earl G. Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprise, actor Idris Elba and singer Tye Tribbett. Call 747-1442.

introduction to climbing: 1-4 p.m. James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. $24, $20 CCR discount. Ages 14 and up. Learn about knots, harnesses, belaying, climbing. Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

shuckin' in the park oyster roast: 1-6 p.m. Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stoney Landing Road, Moncks Corner. $3-$5. Featuring a jump castle for the children, entertainment by the Custom 4+2 Band, playing beach music, oldies and popular music and great food. Small coolers are allowed, but no pets. Call 899-5200.

Gullah heritage program: 2 p.m. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Free. Featuring quilting and toys with Vermelle and Andrew Rodrigues, a sweetgrass basket demonstration with Vera Manigault, stories and skits with "Sista, Sista" and castnet making and woodwork with Charles C. Williams. Call 881-5516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi.

live bird program: 2 p.m. Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, 5821 S.C. Highway 17 North, Awendaw. Free. Presented by The Center for Birds of Prey, learn amazing facts and learn how can be a volunteer at the facility that treats injured raptors. Call 928-3368.

bird identification walk: 2 p.m. Sewee Visitor and Environmental Center, 5821 S.C. Highway 17 North, Awendaw. $3. Registration required by March 6. Learn how to identify birds by looking at their size, shape, markings and beaks. The class begins with an education segment then heads out for a walk. Finally, you'll make a feeder out of recycled materials. Call 928-3368.

road ralley and oyster roast: 3:30 p.m. Charleston Area Visitors Center, 31 Ann St. Call for price. Sponsored by LifeManagement Center, this is a scavenger hunt with clues given for drivers to decode and great prizes to be had. Call 852-5705 or visit www.lifemanagement.org.

Krystall in concert: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John

St. $15, $10 each for groups of 10 or more. Water Missions International presents the award-winning, Congolese, contemporary Christian music group, Krystall, that excels in various genres, including R&B/pop, gospel, urban and world (African). Call 769-7395 or visit www.watermissions.org.

S.C. Academy of Authors induction ceremony: 7 p.m. Riverview Room, The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston. $35. James Oliver Rigney Jr. will be inducted into the academy's Literary Hall of Fame. Rigney is best known as the renowned fantasy author, Robert Jordan. Call 762-9729.

Benefit concert: 8 p.m. Gage Hall Coffeehouse, 4 Archdale St., Charleston. $10, $5 students. The Hungry Monks will perform folk and Celtic favorites to support Charleston area after-school programs. Gourmet coffee, donated by Earth Fare, and home-baked desserts will be served. Call 224-4472.

March 9

garden tour: 1-4 p.m. tour, 3:30-5:30 p.m. cocktail reception. $60, reservations required. This year's self-guided Emily Whaley Memorial Garden Tour's theme is "Charleston Gardens by the Sea," and features 10 gardens on Church and East Bay streets. Each of the featured gardens will show special techniques for coping with the challenges of the sea: wind, salt spray, sun and aridity. Call 953-7691 for reservations and a list of gardens.

Sierra club oyster roast and auction: 2-5 p.m. Bowen's Island Restaurant, 1870 Bowens Island Road, off Folly Road, James Island. $20 adults, $15 students, $5 children 6-12, free for children under 6. Enjoy oysters, chili, hot dogs and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Draft beer available for $2 a cup. Open to the public. Call 343-3580 for tickets.

Soup-A-Bowl Benefit: 5-8 p.m. Fire & Earth Pottery, 1417 Ashley River Road, Charleston. $30. The soup and dessert reception benefits the Hollings Cancer Center. Attendees take home a beautiful handmade bowl. Call 792-6966.

Theater/dance

"defiance": 8 p.m. Through March 8, 5 p.m. March 9. The Village Playhouse, 730 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant. $24 adults, $22 seniors and military, $20 students. Patrick Shanley's play, set in 1971 at Camp Lejune, is about power, love and responsibility. To purchase tickets, call 856-1579 or visit www.villageplayhouse.com.

"Fiddler on the roof": Feb. 29-March 9. Times vary. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St., Charleston. $36.50, $34.50 seniors, $25.50 students. One of the most beloved Broadway musicals of all time, this performance is directed by Marybeth Clark and tells the story of a Jewish milkman and his three daughters in turbulent turn-of-the-century Russia. Call 577-7183 or visit www.charlestonstage.com.

Ghosts of Charleston Emerge: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Charleston Legends and Lore Ghosts Theater, 161 Church St., Charleston. $9 adults, $6 children 5-12, free children under 5. Go back in time to hear haunting stories from the ghosts who lived centuries ago. Call 937-0916.

"giselle": 8 p.m. March 5. Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St., Charleston. $15-$55. The St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre, consisting of 70 classically trained dancers, presents one of the most romantic ballets. For tickets, visit the Gaillard Auditorium, call 554-6060 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

"The Tragedian": 7:30 p.m. today; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston. This one-man tour de force is an explosive portrait of Edwin Booth, one of the most brilliant theatrical artists in history and the older brother of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth. For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com or www.puretheatre.org.

"The violet hour": 8 p.m. March 7-8, 13-15, 20-22; 3 p.m. March 9, 16. The Footlight Players, 20 Queen St., Charleston. $25 adults, $22 seniors, $15 students. The Footlight Players present this complicated drama about a young publisher in New York City. For tickets, call 722-4487 or visit www.footlightplayers.net.

"Laugh for a Lincoln": 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St., Charleston. Get a weekly dose of improv for $5. Call 853-6687 or visit www.thehavenots.com.

The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Jam: 8 p.m. Fridays. Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St., Charleston. $10. Call 853-6687 or visit www.thehavenots.com.

The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Company: 8 p.m. Saturdays. Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St., Charleston. $12.50. Call 853-6687 or visit www.thehavenots.com.

Call for entries

AFFA Film Entries: The Alliance for Full Acceptance is accepting entries from all filmmakers in the local and tri-state area for its upcoming film festival "Reel Grits: A Southern Gaze," a S.C. GLBT Film Festival. Documentary, short, animation and feature length. Must address issues of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and Southern culture, and equality and diversity. Deadline is today. . E-mail reelgrits@gmail.com.

battle of the bands: March Madness Battle of the Bands is looking for original artists to compete. $500 prize. Battle dates are March 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 at the Village Tavern in Mount Pleasant. Contact Stu Johnson at 259-4507 or sjohnson@allnightkungfu.com.

Charleston Barbershop Chorus: Looking for men to sing four-part harmony a cappella style. Rehearsals Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m., Church of the Holy Communion, 218 Ashley Ave. Call 557-0500.

Charleston men's chorus: Meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 142 Church St. Informal audition required for new members. Call 768-4571.

CHARLESTON RENAISSANCE ENSEMBLE: A group of 10-12 singers specializing in a cappella music of the Renaissance and medieval periods is auditioning altos, tenors and baritones. Good sight-reading skills and the ability to blend required. 559-3166.

CHARLESTON COMMUNITY BAND: Adult musicians welcome. Meets 7:30-9:30 Tuesday evenings in the band room at The Citadel. E-mail rhondaflong@hotmail.com.

Folly Felder Film Festival: Original film submissions of 15 minutes or less accepted for Palmetto Awards. Call 588-9636.

national outdoor sculpture competition: Sculpture artists from across the nation are invited to participate in the third annual competition and exhibition. Compete for $11,000 in exhibition honorarium and awards. Deadline is March 7. Call 745-1087 or e-mail culturalarts@northcharleston.org. Download application at www.northcharleston.org.

North Charleston Arts Festival: Accepting applications from performers of dance, music and theater for the North Charleston Arts Festival. Also accepting applications for artists in multimedia, visual arts and fine crafts. North Charleston Cultural and Civic Center, Avenue B South on the former Charleston Naval Base. Call 745-1087 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

North Charleston "beautiful Places" photograph Contest: The city of North Charleston and Keep North Charleston Beautiful invite photographers from all levels of experience to submit their entries, which should reflect the locations throughout North Charleston that capture the charm and beauty of the area. Deadline is Aug. 31. Call 745-1073 or e-mail chanlon@northcharleston.org.

religious poetry contest: A $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a religious poetry contest sponsored by the Sacramento Rainbow Poets, free to everyone. There are 50 prizes in all. To enter, send one poem of 21 lines or less to: Free Poetry Contest, 2935 Clay St., Sacramento, CA 95815, or enter online at www.rainbowpoets.com. Deadline is March 10.

s.c. palmetto hands find craft exhibition: South Carolina fine craft artists are invited to participate in the 2008 exhibition. Compete for cash prizes totaling $4,000. Deadline is March 21. Call 745-1087 or e-mail culturalarts@northcharleston.org. Download application at www.northcharleston.org.

SOUTHERN HARMONY CHORUS: Southeastern Region top 10 women's chorus is looking for women to sing four-part harmony a cappella style. Rehearsals 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 817-0598.

Summerville Community Orchestra: The Summerville Community Orchestra is looking for musicians. Ongoing. Visit www.orchestra.summerville.com.

Women's Caucus for Art, Charleston Chapter: A national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for women in the visual arts. Meets to discuss exhibit opportunities, critique art and build a network of women in the local art community. Meetings are informal and held at a variety of sites throughout the Charleston area, often at openings and art events. E-mail WCAcharleston@yahoo.com or visit www.WCAcharleston.blogspot.com.

Volunteers

American College of the Building Arts: Volunteer opportunities exist at the school, which provides a forum for education and training in the building arts, including masonry, ironwork, stone carving and timber framing. Aims to restore pride in quality craftsmanship. 577-5245.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Respond to disasters, become involved in the retired and senior volunteer program or teach lifesaving courses in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. No experience is necessary; training is provided. 764-2323, ext. 364, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to learn more.

BE A MENTOR INITIATIVE: Connect with children in need of friendship, guidance and support. Responsible, caring adults needed to volunteer as a lunch/reading buddy, tutor/mentor and one-on-one mentor. Be a Mentor is a division of the Charleston Leadership Foundation. For more information and to register, visit www.bam.sc or call the Mayor's Office for Children, Youth, and Families at 965-4190.

berkeley county guardian ad litem: According to the Department of Social Services, 220 Berkeley County children were living in foster care on June 30, 2007. The Berkeley County Volunteer Guardian ad Litem program can train you to become a volunteer advocate for these children. The free training will teach you to become a positive, effective advocate for children. We seek volunteers, male or female, who are over 21, of any education, background, ethnicity or race. All that you need is the desire to work with children and the ability to donate four to six hours per month to the program. Call Donna Carter at 719-4953 or 723-3800, ext. 4953. Visit www.berkeley.scgal.org for more information or an application.

CAROLINA HOSPICE CARE: Caring and compassionate individuals needed to help with terminally ill patients and their families. No experience needed; training provided. 849-5910.

CAROLINA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER: Volunteers needed as mentors for children from single-parent families or as tutors or special-event participants for children who have been abused or neglected or who have emotional/behavioral problems. 266-5218.

charles towne landing: Assist with visitor services, interpretation, maintenance and more. Discover how you can support the beauty and history of South Carolina's birthplace. 1500 Old Towne Road. 852-4200.

Charleston Area Faith in Action Coalition: Volunteers needed to help seniors live more independently in their own homes. Contact Peggy Pye at 722-2351.

Charleston Area Senior Citizens: Volunteers needed to package and/or deliver the midday meal to homebound senior citizens in the downtown Charleston area Monday-Friday. Contact Ellen Kent at 722-4127 or ellenk@charlestonareaseniors.com.

Charleston County Park and Recreation: Volunteers needed for special events, as well as for the climbing wall, kayaking programs, environmental education and more. Contact Karen Nugent at 762-8062. www.ccprc.com.

CHARLESTON LACROSSE CLUB: Looking for men and women to play adult lacrosse, as well as volunteer coach at the high school level. To play, men call Clarke at 345-2966; women call Moira at 200-5680.

Charleston Museum: Seeking enthusiastic individuals to serve as historic house interpreters at two of the city's premier historic houses, the Heyward-Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House. 722-2996, ext. 223, or e-mail info@charlestonmuseum.org.

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS: Help needed for mentoring, tutoring, special events, speakers, career shadowing and administrative support. 720-2346.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS TRANSPORTATION OFFICE: Volunteer van drivers needed for the Summerville and Moncks Corner areas. Contact Karen Carnes at 789-7230.

EAST COOPER COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Needing volunteers for interviews, food pantry, donated clothing, housewares distribution and fundraiser assistance. 1145 Six Mile Road, Mount Pleasant. 849-9220 or e-mail info@eccocharleston.org.

EAST COOPER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER: Gift shop workers, escorts, hostesses and patient assistants needed for morning and afternoon shifts. 1200 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Contact Mary at 886-5434.

Edmondston-Alston House: Seeking volunteers interested in decorative arts, architecture and American and Charleston history. 21 East Battery. Contact M. Getz at 722-7171 or visit www.middletonplace.org.

FIELDS TO FAMILIES: A nonprofit agency dedicated to providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the hungry of the Lowcountry. Volunteers needed for donating produce from home gardens, soliciting donations from growers, harvesting crops from various farms and delivering produce in the tri-county area. Call 881-6798 or visit fieldstofamilies@bellsouth.net.

FRANCES R. WILLIS SPCA: Volunteers older than 16 needed to walk and socialize dogs, play with kittens and cats, assist with animal care, catalog media coverage and help with other projects. Training provided. Visit 136 Four Paws Lane in Summerville or call 871-3820.

Friends of the Lowcountry Senior Center: Cell phone recycling is a fundraiser for the senior center, and recycling keeps the harmful materials that are released as phones break down in landfills from leaching into our soil and drinking water. Bring cell phones 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. 865 Riverland Drive, James Island.

GBSI ANIMAL REFUGE: Help feed, clean and bathe the dogs at the GBSI Animal Refuge in Cottageville. Contact J.C. or Faye Commeville at 835-4274.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES: Volunteers needed for special events, thrift and vintage retail, fundraisers, retail and administrative support. 566-0072.

Grateful Goldens Rescue: Volunteers needed to help rescue and foster golden retrievers. All types of opportunities available. 1406 Waterlily Drive, Mount Pleasant. 810-0146 or info@ggrlc.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Volunteers needed during the week, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 722-7145 (Charleston); 881-2600 (East Cooper); 851-1414 (Dorchester); 761-8989 (Berkeley); 768-0998 (Sea Island).

Heartland Hospice: Individuals needed to provide support, companionship and practical help to enhance patients' quality of life. Free training provided. 766-7646.

HELP: Telephone coordinators needed to assist with donation calls to HELP, a telephone ministry to assist the needy. 577-6457.

HOPE LODGE: The American Cancer Society's home away from home for out-of-town cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment is seeking administrative and program volunteers. 269 Calhoun St. Contact Sundi at 958-0930.

HOTLINE AND TEEN LINE: The 24-hour telephone counseling and crisis-intervention service offers training for new volunteers. 747-3007.

International Center for Birds of Prey: Seeking volunteers interested in all levels of medical care and captive management for birds of prey. Training provided. Shifts available seven days a week. 928-3494.

Independent Transportation Network Charleston Trident: Love driving? Here's an opportunity to help seniors (ages 65 and older) and individuals with visual impairments in the tri-county area. Volunteers needed for driving, special events and office support. 225-2715 or www.itncharlestontrident.org.

KEEPER OF THE WILD: Volunteers needed to help with wildlife rehabilitation, particularly cleaning, feeding, maintenance and transportation. All skills welcome. Must be 18 or older. 636-1659.

LOWCOUNTRY AIDS SERVICES: Be trained to transport clients to medical appointments, assist with the agency's nutrition center and provide companionship and support to hospitalized clients. No experience necessary. People with flexible schedules, especially daytime availability, are in demand. Contact Mark Gray at 747-2273, ext. 213.

Lowcountry Food Bank: A local nonprofit agency fighting hunger in coastal South Carolina. Volunteer opportunities available in the warehouse and administrative office in Charleston for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and first Saturday or 3-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Kids Cafe program. Contact Erin Fisher at 747-8146, ext. 102, or visit www.lowcountryfoodbank.org.

LOWCOUNTRY GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE: Volunteers needed who are passionate about helping abandoned and abused golden retrievers. Any donation of time and expertise is appreciated. 571-7177 or www.lcgrr.org.

LOWCOUNTRY LAB RESCUE: Love Labs? Here is your opportunity to help those big, lovable Labs. Volunteers needed to help Labrador retrievers in a number of capacities. www.lowcountrylabrescue.org.

Lowcountry Orphan Relief: Provides services and aid to abandoned, abused and neglected children in the Charleston area. Need volunteers to help take in clothes and package up orders for children in need. 747-4099.

LOWCOUNTRY SENIOR CENTER: Friendly volunteers needed for front desk, special events, mailings and instructors for a wide range of interests and activities. 762-9555.

MIDDLETON PLACE: Interested in American and black history, agriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture and plantation life at America's oldest landscaped gardens? Contact Jeanie Redding at 556-6020, ext. 125.

National Multiple sclerosis Society: Seeks walkers and volunteers for Charleston MS Walk. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter will host MS walks in 18 cities across North and South Carolina this spring. The chapter serves the entire state, as well as 33 counties of North Carolina by providing programs for people living with MS and their families, and by raising money for national MS research. Volunteers are needed to help with festivities, food, route marking and medic stations. There is no cost to walk, but participants are encouraged to raise money before the walk. All money raised will go to support programs for local clients living with MS, and MS research. Contact Matt Honeycutt at matt.honeycutt@ncp.nmss.org or 800-477-2955.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: Volunteers needed to work four-hour shifts at Fort Moultrie, Charles Pinckney and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center in Charleston. Contact Melissa Tynes at 577-0242.

NEWBORNS IN NEED: Volunteers who sew, knit or crochet are needed for a nonprofit charity that makes and donates baby clothes and blankets to hospitals and shelters. 971-6979.

ODYSSEY HEALTH CARE: Hospice volunteers needed to assist in providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families. Training, ongoing support and education provided. 554-4048.

OUR LADY OF MERCY COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Volunteers needed to staff clothing and food pantry and serve as after-school reading buddies (3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday). Our Lady of Mercy Outreach, 1684 Brownswood Rd., Johns Island. Contact Claire at 559-4109.

Palmetto Health hospice: Volunteer training will be offered 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 5-7 at Palmetto Health Hospice, 1815 Old Trolley Road, Suite 109, Summerville. Men and women with a wide range of interests and skill are needed to provide companionship to terminally ill patients and their caregivers in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties. Call Vanessa Griffin at 821-4011 or 775-1392.

Parents Anonymous: Volunteers facilitators are needed for support groups with parents who are experiencing stress and in need of support and resources. Must be capable of working with parents in the Parents Anonymous model of shared leadership. Volunteer child care coordinators are needed to create a safe, structured weekly children's program for children to attend while their parents are meeting in their support group. The focus of this volunteer position is to help children develop healthy social skills, increase their competencies and to build self-esteem and self-confidence. Contact Donna Xenakis at 747-0480, ext. 26, or donnaxenakis@bellsouth.net.

PATRIOTS POINT NAVAL AND MARITIME MUSEUM: One of the world's largest naval museums needs motivated, energetic volunteers who enjoy working with others to assist more than 300,000 yearly visitors. Contact Ned Forney at 881-5935 or nforney@infoave.net.

PET HELPERS RESCUE AND ADOPTION SHELTER: Volunteers older than 16 needed to assist with dog walking and grooming, socializing cats and dogs, special events, fostering animals, and other projects throughout the year. Volunteers younger than 16 welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Volunteer orientations held once a month. To sign up, register at www.pethelpers.org or call 795-1110.

PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF CHARLESTON: Seeking individuals interested in historic houses and gardens to help with the Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes and Gardens. Volunteer positions include house guides, garden guides, street marshals, and ticket office and reservations assistants. Free tour tickets for volunteers. 722-4630, www.preservationsociety.org or e-mail gscully@preservationsociety.org.

rise up and read: Volunteers needed for one-on-one after-school tutoring program for students grades 1-6. Program meets Tues. and Thurs. 3-5:30 p.m. at 43 Wentworth St. Volunteers may commit to one or both days but must be consistent. 224-2213.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES: Groups are needed to join the Prepare-A-Meal program, and individual volunteers are also needed in Charleston's home away from home for families of seriously ill children and at upcoming events. Visit www.rmhcharleston.org to apply or call Sarah at 723-7957, ext. 304.

ROPER HOSPITAL: Roper Hospital welcomes volunteers interested in learning to staff the information desk for 3-4 hours a week, weekdays after 4 p.m. or on weekends. Good customer service skills, a pleasant telephone voice and basic computer skills are needed. Orientation required and provided. Contact Mitzi Neely at 724-2080.

SAFE MOVES FAMILY VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER: Volunteers who can give at least four hours a month are needed to work with children and adults, as well as perform clerical duties and other tasks. 746-9717.

sculpture in the south: The annual outdoor exhibit and sale, held May 17-18, has openings for 50-60 volunteers. The position puts you up-close-and-personal with renowned sculptors from across the country. Training provided. Call 851-7800 or e-mail askus@sculptureinthesouth.com.

ST. MATTHEW'S COMMUNITY CENTER: Tutor/mentors needed for after-school program for students in grades 2-8. Training provided. Program runs Mon.-Thurs., 3-6 p.m. Minimum once-a-week commitment. 579-0420.

Sewee Visitor Center: Looking for volunteer greeters for weekly four-hour shifts between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Field trips to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest will be conducted to orient volunteer workers. Training also will include the use of basic audio-visual equipment, a photocopier, the telephone system, a credit-card machine and cash register. U.S. Highway 17 (12 miles north of the Isle of Palms connector) in Awendaw. Contact Carol Riggs or Ray Paterra at 928-3368.

Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center: A federal facility jointly operated by the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest. Volunteer opportunities available in visitor services, administrative support, education, resource enhancement, trails maintenance, and grounds and facility maintenance. Located in Awendaw. Contact Tricia Lynch at 928-3368 for additional volunteer information. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sun.

S.C. AQUARIUM: Including costume characters, exhibit guides, divers and community outreach assistance, volunteers are involved in almost every aspect of the aquarium. There are also opportunities for volunteers to work as aquarist assistants and in horticulture. 579-8553 or e-mail srahn@scaquarium.org.

S.C. center for BIRDS OF PREY: Be trained to assist in raptor medical care. 928-3494.

S.C. MARITIME FOUNDATION: Volunteers needed to staff special maritime events, provide tours of shipyard and more. Office help also welcome. Contact office at 722-1030 or visit www.scmaritime.org.

SCIENCE RESOURCE CENTER: Volunteers needed Mon.-Fri., 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. to put together sets of materials to refurbish science kits. Located behind West Ashley Middle School. Contact Carol Tempel at 937-6449.

Southeast Bloodhound Rescue Inc: A nonprofit affiliated with and the regional rescue for the American Bloodhound Club Inc. needs foster homes and volunteers to transport bloodhounds to their foster or forever homes. Bloodhounds are used by police departments, the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and various search-and-rescue agencies and are loving and kind family pets. For more information, call 768-8913, 367-8202 or visit www.southeastbloodhoundrescue.net.

TRI-COUNTY FAMILY MINISTRIES: Help fix hot lunches Monday, Wednesday and Friday or deliver meals to homebound people. Office/clerical assistance and volunteer nurses, students and other medical personnel needed to assess clients' medical and prescription needs. A Trident United Way agency. Contact Sue Hanshaw at 747-1788 or tricountyfamilyministries@comcast.net.

TRIDENT LITERACY ASSOCIATION: Help teach adults who want to improve their literacy skills. Volunteers needed two hours/week for beginner reader pairs, basic reading and math classes, general equivalency degree classes and classes in English as a second language. 747-2223.

UNITED WAY: Volunteers needed one shift per week to assist with United Way's 24-hour telephone crisis-counseling hotline. Training provided. 747-3007.

Water Missions International: Volunteers needed to assemble water purification systems for developing countries. Electrical, plumbing, handyman skills desired, or willingness to learn. Weekly or monthly commitment preferred. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of month. 2049 Savannah Highway, West Ashley. Contact Georgia Thompson at 769-7395, ext. 207.

winyaH community hospice: Provide companionship, work on a special patient recognition craft project, make a shawl or lap robe or provide office support. 554-7161 or 803-446-7903 to speak with Sue Vowles.

Museums

THE AMERICAN MILITARY MUSEUM: Aquarium Wharf, 360 Concord St. Displays more than 350 uniforms, 400 pieces of military headgear and numerous artifacts, weapons and personal equipment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 577-7000.

BOONE HALL PLANTATION: U.S. Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Offers guided tours of mansion, slave cabins and gardens. $17.50 adults, $15 seniors, $7.50 ages 6-12. Call for hours. 884-4371.

CHARLESTON MUSEUM: 360 Meeting St. America's first museum, showcasing various cultural and natural history artifacts that tell the story of the Lowcountry, including ancient fossils, a whale skeleton, elegant costumes and Charleston silver. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $10 adults, $5 children. 722-2996.

COMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM: 58 George St. Collection of antique phonographs, radios, televisions, telephones, magic lanterns and motion-picture projectors. Noon-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. except school holidays. Free. 953-5810.

CONFEDERATE MUSEUM: Located at Market Hall, built 1841. Corner of Meeting and Market streets, upstairs. Opened by Confederate veterans. More than 2,000 civilian and military relics, including flags, uniforms, weapons, rifled cannon, clothing, and Robert E. Lee's hair. Excellent Confederate research library. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-12, free for ages younger than 6. 723-1541.

DRAYTON HALL: 3380 Ashley River Road. Drayton Hall (c. 1738), an example of Georgian-Palladian architecture. After seven generations, the Revolutionary and Civil wars, numerous hurricanes and an earthquake, the main house remains in nearly original condition. $14 adults; $8 youths (12-18); $6 for children (6-11); children (5 and under) free. Discounts for AAA members and military. Open daily through August 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; September-May 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 769-2600.

EDMONDSTON-ALSTON HOUSE: 21 East Battery. One of the first dwellings built on Charleston's High Battery in 1825; an example of early 19th-century style. Guided tours Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun. & Mon. 1:30-4:30 p.m. $10. 722-7171.

Gibbes Museum of Art: 135 Meeting St. Ongoing exhibition of 'The Charleston Story,' chronicling the history of Charleston through the visual arts from the Colonial period to today. Tours Tues. and Sat. at 2:30 p.m. Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. $9 adults, $7 seniors, students and military, $5 ages 6-12, free for ages younger than 6. 722-2706. Original Charleston Walks and the Gibbes have teamed to present the Gibbes' Discovery Tour, a 90-minute tour that brings the creative characters of Charleston to life. Professional guides provided by The Original Charleston Walks make the tour a lively blend of art, storytelling and history. Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-noon. $20 fee, includes all-day access to the museum. 800-729-3420 or 577-3800 for reservations.

H.L. HUNLEY: Warren Lasch Conservation Center, North Charleston. Weekend tours available of submarine H.L. Hunley. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. Noon-5 p.m. Walk-up tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased at www.etix.com or 877-448-6539. 722-2333.

KARPELES MANUSCRIPT MUSEUM: 68 Spring St. at Coming St. Running March 4-31, the exhibit "Abolition of the International Slave Trade," displays two dozen manuscripts depicting many aspects of the institution of slavery with a particular focus on the agreements at the beginning of the 19th century to bring an end to the transatlantic buying and selling of African slaves. This is the 200th anniversary of the ending of this nefarious business and the College of Charleston's Carolina Lowcountry in the Atlantic World Program is sponsoring an international symposium on the subject. Our exhibit is being done in coordination with this conference. Free parking and admission. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (closed Mondays). Located in historic St. James Methodist Church building, built in 1857 in Roman Classical Revival temple form. 853-4651.

MIDDLETON PLACE: 4300 Ashley River Road. Explore 65 acres of a preserved 18th-century plantation with landscaped gardens, plantation stable yards and animals, demonstrations by craftsmen, a house museum full of family portraits and furniture. Restaurant, kayaking and nature walks available. 556-6020.

NORTH CHARLESTON AND AMERICAN LAFRANCE FIRE MUSEUM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER: 4975 Centre Pointe Dr., N. Charleston. See how firefighting and its vital importance to our lives has progressed over the years. Fire safety education exhibits teach about the history of fire fighting while kids and adults can enjoy seeing the priceless collection of American LaFrance antique vehicles. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., closed Sun. $6. Free for children under 13 with adult. 740-5550.

old slave mart: 6 Chalmers St., downtown Charleston. Recounts the story of Charleston's role as an urban slave-trading center during the domestic slave trade and tells the stories of the African-Americans who passed through its gates and their contributions to American society and culture. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 958-6467.

PATRIOTS POINT NAVAL AND MARITIME MUSEUM: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant. One of the largest naval museums in the world. Daily 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 884-2727.

Recreation

aboard island hopper boat charters: Offering private charters including shelling/lighthouse tour to Morris Island, inshore fishing, dolphin watches and sunset cruises. www.islandhoppercharters.com. 906-4656.

ACE BASIN: Tour ACE Basin aboard Dixie Lady. Departs Coosaw Island dock at Sam's Point Road on Lady's Island in Beaufort at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. $30 adults, $15 ages 12 and younger. 521-3099, 888-814-3129 or www.acebasintours.com.

ADVENTURE OUTDOORS FISHING CHARTERS: Half- and full-day fishing trips for redfish, trout, sheepshead, sharks, tarpon and more in nearby waters. 345-9969 or www.advoutdoors.com.

ASHLEY RIVER KAYAKING: Take a guided kayak trip on the Ashley River through tidal creeks, hike or ride horseback through woodlands, or rent a bike or kayak for a personal tour. Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Road. Call for prices. 556-0500.

AUDUBON CENTER: Self-guided boardwalk tours through virgin swamp sanctuary. 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees and native wildlife abound. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues.-Sun. $7 adult, $3.50 ages 6-18. Audubon naturalist-guided canoe/kayak tours available in the spring and other seasons as water level allows. Venture deep into the heart of the sanctuary. All equipment provided. Fri.-Sun. at 1 p.m. for four-hour trip ($25/adult, $15/child), Sat. 9 a.m. for two-hour trip ($15/adult, $10/child). Canoe/kayak tours require reservations. Call 462-2150 or www.beidlerforest.com.

BARRIER ISLAND EXPLORATIONS: Explorer Cruises offers daily, year-round barrier island and dolphin tours for groups of 4 to 72 on fleet of vessels operating from Charleston Maritime Center. 723-5656.

BIRD WALKS: Perry Nugent leads bird walks at Magnolia Plantation, S.C. Highway 61. Sundays 8:30 a.m., refreshments follow. $6 members, $17 nonmembers. 571-1266.

BLACKWATER ADVENTURES AND KAYAK TOURS: 1944 Pinopolis Rd., Pinopolis. Experience scenic guided kayak tours. Also, tour the world's second-tallest hydraulic lock. 800-761-1850 or www.blackwateradventure.com.

boaters class: The Charleston Power Squadron will offer evening BoatSmart Classes. The course runs every Tuesday for four weeks, with a review and exam on the fifth evening. Those who pass the exam, and most do, will receive a certificate, which is recognized by S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Power Squadron's BoatSmart Course covers boat handling, seamanship, knots, charts and aids to navigation. 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Charleston Power Squadron Headquarters Building 1376 Orange Grove Road, Charleston. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. 514-9638 or skromer@telecomdb.com.

BOHICKET MARINA: Offering hourly, half- and whole-day boat rentals, parasailing, sunset and eco cruises and fishing charters. Marina is on Johns Island. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 768-1280.

BROOKGREEN GARDENS: U.S. Highway 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Guided tours through gardens featuring some 550 sculptures. Daily boat and back-road excursions of wildlife park. $12 adults, $10 ages 65 and over and 13-18, free for children 12 and younger. Tues.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 800-849-1931.

CAP'N RICHARD'S ACE BASIN ESCAPES: Visit historic Bonnie Doone Plantation and picnic on its grounds, view wildlife and enjoy boating on the Ashepoo River. 766-9664.

CAPTAIN RICK HIOTT'S INSHORE FISHING CHARTERS: Giant red drum and other inshore species. 4-, 6- and 8-hour trips for up to 4 people. www.reelfishhead.com. 800-437-0433, 412-6776 or e-mail rlhiott@att.net.

CAW CAW INTERPRETIVE CENTER: U.S. Highway 17, Ravenel. Eight miles of trail wind through nine different habitats including hundreds of acres of intact historical rice fields. Walk a 1,300-foot boardwalk through the swamp. $1 general admission. 889-8898 for info or 795-4786 for programs.

CHARLES PINCKNEY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE: 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. An 1828 Lowcountry cottage serves as a visitor center on 28-acre remnant of a Founding Father's farm. Enjoy 20-minute film, exhibits and walking trail. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except Christmas and New Year's Day. Free. 881-5516 or www.nps.gov/chpi.

Charleston Audubon Society: Join Audubon members for a reception and lecture and bimonthly field trips September thru May. Free and open to the public. Go to www.charlestonaudubon.org for information.

CHARLESTON HARBOR TOURS: "Harbor of History" tour covering 75 points of interest is offered daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Departs from the Charleston Maritime Center. Private charters available. 722-1112.

COASTAL CYCLISTS: Cycle the Lowcountry. Rides for all abilities. Contact Charles Fox at 296-4277 or visit www.coastalcyclists.org.

COASTAL EXPEDITIONS: Offering half-, full- and multiday kayaking tours, rentals, sales and instruction. 884-7684 or www.coastalexpeditions.com.

Cypress GARDENS: 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner. More than 170 acres of swamp and gardens rich in history and nature. Enjoy a boat ride, aquarium, reptiles, butterfly house and more. Daily. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 ages 6-12. 553-0515.

DOLPHIN AND MORRIS ISLAND SHELLING TOURS: Outdoor Discovery Tours offers dolphin, nature boat excursions and charters of Charleston Harbor. 744-1224 or www.dolphin-tours.com.

EDISTO WATERSPORTS & TACKLE: Fishing charters, ACE Basin river cruises, guided kayak tours and rentals, and Otter Island shelling excursions. 3731 Docksite Road, Edisto Beach. 869-0663 or edistowatersports.com.

FANTA SEA: Set sail from Shem Creek for a sunset cruise. $45 per person. Half-day and offshore charters available. East Coast Yacht. 800-583-1201.

FLYING HIGH OVER CHARLESTON: Tour Charleston and its historic landmarks from the air. Tours start at $60 per person. 569-6148 or www.flyinghighovercharleston.com.

FORT MOULTRIE: 1214 Middle St., Sullivan's Island. Site of American Revolution's first decisive battle. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $3/adults, $5/family, $1/seniors, and children 16 & younger/free. 883-3123.

FORT SUMTER: Trips from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant and the Interpretive Center near the S.C. Aquarium. $14 adults, $12.50 seniors, $8 ages 6-11, 5 and younger free. 881-7337.

HARBOR KAYAK TOURS: Tour Charleston Harbor with experienced guides. Two-hour tours depart from the Aquarium Wharf dock behind the IMAX Theater at the end of Calhoun street. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-noon; Sun. 2-4 p.m. Epic Kayaks. 720-7772.

HARBOR TOURS: Sail the coast and historic ports aboard the Schooner Pride, an authentic 84-foot, three-masted tall ship. Two-hour daytime sails and sunset cruises depart from Aquarium Wharf. $26 adults, $20 children younger than 12. Private charters available. 559-9686 or info@charlestonharbortours.com

HOPSEWEE PLANTATION: On U.S. Highway 17, 12 miles south of Georgetown. Guided tours of original rice plantation home and self-tour of oak grove and gardens. $8 adults, $5 ages 5-17. Open Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 546-7891.

KAYAK, CANOE, HIKING TOURS: Tour Francis Marion National Forest and Charleston area blackwater swamps, rice plantations, saltwater barrier islands, 1,000-year-old cypress trees and 4,000-year-old Indian shell mounds. Individuals and groups welcome. 800-673-0679 or www.natureadventuresoutfitters.com.

LAKE/SWAMP TOURS: Fisheagle Tours offers nature-based tours on Lake Marion aboard a 38-passenger covered pontoon boat. Departs from Santee State Park Wednesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. $13 adults, $12 seniors, $8 children. Group rates available. 800-967-7739.

MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS: Stroll on boardwalks through Audubon Swamp Garden, featuring 60 acres of swamp, with alligators and exotic plants in a natural setting. $7 and free younger than six. Gardens admission $15 adults, $10 ages 6-12, free younger than 6. With gardens admission, daily guided nature train tour through wildlife refuge and rice fields on Ashley River. $7 and free younger than 6. 3550 Ashley River Road. 571-1266.

MANDALA SAILING CHARTERS: Sail the waters of the Carolina Lowcountry and Folly Beach aboard a 42-foot sailboat. View sunsets, wildlife, including dolphins, otters and more, while listening to Pyrate yarns, Colonial History or live acoustic music. 270-4399.

MUSIC IN MOTION FAMILY FUN CENTER: Open skating every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All-night skating every second and fourth Friday night. Skating and teen dance on Saturday nights. Fun Park open daily at noon with go-karts, miniature golf and carnival rides. Video game room. Parties and more. 832-6077 or www.mimskate.com.

OLD PROVOST DUNGEON: Dungeon where American Patriots were imprisoned during the Revolutionary War. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $7 adults, $3.50 children, free younger than 6. 122 East Bay St. 727-2165.

OLD SANTEE CANAL PARK: 195-acre park featuring the last one-mile section of the historic Santee Canal. Boardwalks and nature trails weave through Biggin Swamp. $3 adults; $2 seniors and groups of 15 or more; free younger than 6. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 899-5200.

Ranger-Guided Battlefield Walking Tour: A S.C. State Park Service historian will lead. Tour includes new information from recent mapping surveys not part of the self-guided tour. Every month on the second Saturday (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.). Meet at the Battlefield, Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, Ehrhardt. Free with park admission (seniors $1.25, adults $2, children younger than 16 free). 803-267-3675 or rbridgesp@scprt.com.

The Reel Deal Charters, LLC: Inshore saltwater fishing charters targeting a variety of species, crabbing, sightseeing. Freshwater fishing available. Coast Guard-licensed & offers for pickup locations. 761-7663 or www.thereeldealcharters.com.

RIVER CRUISE: Pon Pon Guides Unlimited offers two-hour educational boat tour and birding expedition of Edisto (Pon Pon) River in an intimate setting. Seats limited to four adults. $35 day cruise, $45 night. Contact Capt. Albert at 869-7929.

RIVER PADDLE: Outpost Moe's and ACE Basin Adventures offer an after-work paddle on a Charleston river with a relaxing sunset. 6 p.m. weekdays. Historical tours based on rice culture and plantations offered on weekends. 844-2514.

SANDLAPPER WATER TOURS: Tour Charleston Harbor and estuaries on 45-foot Coast Guard-approved catamaran. Historical, nature and sunset tours departing from the Maritime Center. Tuesday-Sunday. $10-$20. 849-8687.

SANTEE COOPER CHARTERS: Professionally guided fishing trips for striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, redfish and sea trout on the Santee Cooper Lakes and rivers. Coast Guard licensed. 899-4325 or www.santeecoopercharters.com.

S.C. AQUARIUM: Visit a world filled with majestic and wondrous creatures. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Foot of Calhoun Street, past East Bay Street. $15 ages 12-61, $13 ages 62 and older, $8 ages 3-11, $2 off for college students and military with proper ID. 577-3474 or www.scaquarium.org.

Sierra club: Monthly trips include hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, walking. www.southcarolina.sierraclub.org/lunz/events.html.

STRIKE ZONE INSHORE FISHING: Sight cast to large redfish in shallow water. Light spinning tackle and fly rods provided. Many species available. Private charters start at $300 for one or two anglers. Contact Capt. Chris Condon at 224-4665 or visit www.hookreds.com.

WATER MUSIC CHARTERS OF FOLLY BEACH: Nearshore and offshore fishing charters, sailing charters, historical and ecological Morris Island lighthouse tours and custom packages available. Contact Capt. Greg Handal at 762-0382 or visit www.watermusiccharters.com.