JUST FOR PARENTS

SUSIE EADES BOOK CLUB is 1:30–3 p.m. July 20 at St. Andrews Regional Library discussing “The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl” by Timothy Egan. For more information call 766-2546.

CONTEMPORARY FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION is at 2 p.m. July 20 at the Main Library featuring “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga. For more information call 805-6930.

NOT FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION is at 11 a.m. July 22 at the West Ashley Library featuring “This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War” by Drew Gilpin Faust. For more information call 766-6635.

SEA ISLANDS BOOK CLUB for adults is at 2 p.m. July 20 at John’s Island Regional Library discussing “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. Copies of the book may be obtained from the reference desk for checkout while supplies last. For more information call 559-1945.

NOT FICTION BOOK DISCUSSION is at 6:30 p.m. July 6 at the Main Library featuring “This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War” by Drew Gilpin Faust. For more information call 805-6930.

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION, a forum for thoughtful adults to talk about literature and the enduring ideas and issues found in classic writings, is at 6:30 p.m. July 14 at the Main Library. This month’s selections are “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin and “Argument and Persuasion” by Donald Hall. Books may be picked up at the fiction desk of the Main Library. For more information call 805-6930.

BOOK DISCUSSION for adults is at 3 p.m. July 17 at Dorchester Road Regional Library featuring “The Wedding” by Dorothy West. Copies are available at the Information desk for checkout. For more information call 552-6466.

FREE HEALTH TALK–VARICOSE VEINS for ages 30 and older is 10–11 a.m. July 7 at the East Cooper Medical Center. Led by a physician. For more information call 884-7031 or visit www.eastcoopermedctr.com.

FREE OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENING is 9:30 a.m.–noon July 19 at East Cooper Medical Center. Call 884-7031 to register.

FLAMENCO DANCING is 8–9 p.m. Wednesdays at Creative Spark. Learn Flamenco Dancing movement basics through technique, rhythm and choreography. Cost is $12.50. Call 714-0286 or visit www.flamencosoltado.com.

ZUMBA is 5:45–6:45 p.m. through Aug. 26 at Creative Spark. Take a fun, Latin-inspired dance fitness class that will boost your energy, improve your strength, tone your body and burn calories. Cost is $10 to drop in or $30 for four classes. Call 881-3780 or visit www.creativespark.org

MIXED MEDIA FOR ADULTS is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 19–23 at Creative Spark. Students will combine painting, collage and assemblage to make works of art using recycled materials. Cost is $115 plus $10 for supplies. Call 881-3780 or visit www.creativespark.org

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS for all ages are offered weekdays through August at Creative Spark. Lessons in piano, guitar, violin, and voice are available on weekday afternoons. Cost is $26. Call 881-3780 or visit www.creativespark.org.

FARMERS MARKETS

CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET is 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays in Marion Square. Local vendors offer fresh produce, plants, baked goods, arts and crafts and more. Call 724-7309.

DANIEL ISLAND FARMERS MARKET is 3 p.m.–dusk Thursdays at the Family Circle Tennis Center. Shop for local produce, herbs, flowers and crafts while enjoying live music. Visit www.danielislandfarmersmarket.com.

MOUNT PLEASANT FARMERS MARKET is 3 p.m.–dusk Tuesdays at Moultrie Middle School, 645 Coleman Blvd. The renovated farmers market features local produce, flowers, baked goods, live music and more. Call 884-8517 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.

SUMMERVILLE FARMERS MARKET is 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 13 at West Doty Avenue between Cedar and Main streets. More than 72 local vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, jellies and more. Call 873-6000.

NORTH CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET is noon–7 p.m. Thursdays at the Felix C. Davis Community Center at Park Circle. The market offers fresh, locally grown produce and features art and craft booths, food vendors and entertainment. For more information, call Belinda Swindler at 745-1028 or visit www.northcharleston.org.

SUPPORT AND LEARNING

THE PICKY EATERS CLUB is Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. July 7–Aug. 11 at East Cooper Medical Center. This class helps parents and children work together as a team to build the child’s trust, confidence and enjoyment in eating. They will educate kids about making healthy choices. Cost is $90 and includes curriculum for the parents to make this a part of everyday life. Call 416-6636 to register.

CALEB MINISTRIES is a nonprofit Christian outreach ministry for women who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or early infant death. Visit www.calebministries.org or call 884-6050.

PATHFINDERS BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP meets at Moncks Corner Medical Center. The program is presented by Palmetto Health Hospice. The group is open to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Call 797-3463.

THE NATIONAL STUTTERING ASSOCIATION’S Lowcountry Chapter sponsors a support group for kids and teens who stutter and for their families. The group meets 6–7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at 725 Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant. For details, contact Caroline Pittard at carolinepittard@yahoo.com or 225-8905 or Michelle Polhamus at michelle@drrhett.com or 813-5227.

A GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP meets 2–3 p.m. Wednesdays in the Trident HeathFinders H2U conference room. The group is for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. Call 797-3463.

DIABETES: UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY is 6–8 p.m. Tuesdays at Trident Medical Center. Learn to manage your diabetes in this four-series class. Registration and individual initial assessments required. Insurance may cover the cost of classes with a physician’s order. Call 847-4397.

DIABETES: UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY is 8:30–10:30 a.m. Thursdays at Summerville Medical Center. Learn to manage your diabetes in this four-series class. Registration and individual initial assessments required. Insurance may cover the cost of classes with a physician’s order. Call 847-4397.

LOUIE’S KIDS’ FIT CLUB is a four-month program designed to fight childhood obesity. The program is implemented through Charleston-area schools. For details, visit www.louieskids.org or call 343-5746.

LIFEMANAGEMENT CENTER is a nonprofit organization that helps children and adults develop positive strategies for life and learning. LMC provides consultations, referrals, psycho-educational testing, tutoring, adult coaching, support groups, community outreach and educational programs. Locations are in West Ashley, Summerville, and Walterboro. Visit www.lifemanagement.org or call 852-5705.

HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK’S Charleston Chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Lotus Estleene. This is a nonprofit support and discussion group for families interested in natural/holistic and alternative health and parenting. Visit www.holisticmoms.org or contact Samara at 766-8800 or lotusestleene@gmail.com.

FAMILY CONNECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA provides free support programs for parents of children with special needs. Call 556-5010 or visit www.familyconnectionsc.org.

MORNING COFFEE, a support group for mothers of children with disabilities, meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Atlanta Bread in Summerville. Call 556-5010.

AN AUTISM/ASPERGER’S SUMMERVILLE SUPPORT GROUP meets 6:30–8 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Summerville YMCA. Call Kima Schmidt at 821-9337.

TRIDENT ACADEMY’S PARENT GROUP meets monthly at Trident Academy in Mount Pleasant. The program is free and includes a variety of topics. Call 375-0479.

OUR LADY OF MERCY COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER offers a family-centered literacy program. Call 559-4109 or visit www.olmoutreach.org.

PARENTS ANONYMOUS OF SOUTH CAROLINA INC. is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and empowering communities. Free weekly support group meetings for parents and other primary caregivers of children are offered in the tri-county area. Contact Donna Xenakis at 747-0480, ext. 26, or donnaxenakis@bellsouth.net or visit www.parentsanonymousofsouthcarolina.org.

THE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION CHARLESTON SUPPORT GROUP meets 7–8:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month at Holy Cross Episcopal Church on Daniel Island. Come alone or bring a spouse, friend or family member. Contact Risa Mason-Cohen, licensed clinical psychologist, at 345-7294 or e-mail risa@livedreamthrive.com .

THE RUTH RHODEN CRAVEN FOUNDATION FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AWARENESS provides support and learning for women and their families suffering from PPD. Contact Helena Bradford at 881-2047 or buzerhel@aol.com or visit www.ppdsupport.org. 

LUNCH BUDDIES GRIEF SUPPORT, for adults who have lost a loved one, meets 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Mourning to Morning Bereavement Center in North Charleston. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch. Call Lisa Anderson at Hospice of Charleston at 529-3100.

RECORDING FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC, a nonprofit organization, serves people who cannot effectively read standard print because of a visual impairment, learning disability or other physical disability. Recorded books are provided at all educational levels in a broad range of subjects. For more information, visit www.rfbd.org/ruvc/sc or contact Tina Winchip at 803-603-3217 or twinchip@rfbdruvc.org.

PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, educational and social support group for single parents and their children. Custody is not a factor. Call 766-3078 or e-mail jensen.pwp@gmail.com.

I-TO-WE RELATIONSHIP COACHING offers free monthly tele-classes. For reservations and details, visit www.i-to-we.org.

A FATHER-TO-FATHER PROGRAM meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. Peters AME Baptist Church in North Charleston. This is a fatherhood initiative group offering information and services for fathers or expectant fathers. Guest speakers visit weekly. Call 744-2126 or visit www.fathertofatherproject.org.

GRIEF SUPPORT, for adults who have lost a loved one, is offered quarterly by Hospice of Charleston. A pre-admission interview is required. The program is free but donations are accepted. Call 529-3100 or visit www.hospiceofcharleston.org.

CHANGING FAMILIES is a nonprofit organization offering classes for single parents and stepparents. Some scholarship funding is available. A weekly support and teaching group also meets at St. Andrew’s Church in Mount Pleasant. For details, call 224-1781.

PARENTING CLASSES are offered through Trident and Summerville Medical Centers. Call 797-3463 for more information.

ANGELS OF OURS, a perinatal loss support group, meets at Trident Community Center classroom. The group is for those dealing with the loss of an infant through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Call 797-3463.

SOCIAL GROUPS

SECULAR HUMANISTS FAMILIES OF CHARLESTON, a Charleston-based organization of atheists, agnostics, skeptics and other freethinkers, has monthly family-oriented activities, including playgroups and other kid-friendly events. For more information, visit www.lowcountryhumanists.org or contact SecularCharlestonMom@gmail.com.

RIVERBLUFF MOPS meets 9–11 a.m. the first and third Fridays of each month at Riverbluff Church off Dorchester Road. MOPS is for mothers expecting for the first time and those with children through kindergarten. Child care is provided. Contact Tonya Wolfe at 303-1070 or tandt4@comcast.net.

MOPS meets 9:30–11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Cooper River Church, 1059 Crawford St., North Charleston. The cost is $5 per meeting and child care is provided. Call 747-7389 or visit www.orgsites.com/sc/cooperrivermops.

THE OLD FORT BAPTIST CHURCH MOPS group meets at 9:30 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. All mothers of preschoolers are welcome. Child care is provided. Call Heather Hansen at 873-2283.

WEST ASHLEY MOPS meets 9:30–11:30 a.m. the second Thursday of each month through May at Rutledge Baptist Church. Call the church office at 556-6802.

CHARLESTON AREA MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in classroom 2 at St. Francis Hospital. Call 875-0167 or visit www.camom.org.

THE MOMS CLUB OF CHARLESTON offers support and activities for moms in the West Ashley, James Island and John’s Island areas. Activities include playgroups, outings and Mom’s Night Out. Contact Stacey at 277-0845 or stacey_leinberger@yahoo.com.

SUMMERVILLEMOMS.COM is a support group for moms and children. Daily activities offered. Call Michele at 364-5755 or visit www.summervillemoms.com.

MOMS CLUB OF SUMMERVILLE NORTH meets at 9:30 a.m. the last Wednesday of each month at Summerville Presbyterian Church. Contact Nori at nkayse@yahoo.com.

CHARLESTONMOMMIES.COM has online forums, group events, mom’s night and activities for moms and children.

THE MOMS CLUB is an international nonprofit support group for at-home mothers. Activities include playgroups, park days and more. Three Mount Pleasant area chapters are available. For the Dunes West area (neighborhoods with main entrances on Highway 41), e-mail momsclub_mtpn@yahoo.com. For the Park West area (neighborhoods north of Highway 41 with main entrances on Highway 17), e-mail momsclub_mtpnpw@yahoo.com. For the south (neighborhoods south of Highway 41), e-mail momsclubmp@hotmail.com.

MOTHERS AND MORE OF SUMMERVILLE includes playgroups and mothers’ activities. At-home mothers and those in the workforce are welcome. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Bethany United Methodist Church. E-mail summervillemoms@yahoo.com or visit www.summervillemothersandmore.com.

FAMILY PLAYTIME is a natural-minded moms’ group for the whole family. Activities are held in all areas of Greater Charleston. The group includes families with interests in a broad range of natural living topics. Free to join. Visit www.familyplaytime.org, e-mail familyplaytime@cs.com or call 276-2278.

THE CHARLESTON SALSA CLUB offers classes in salsa, bachata and meringue, as well as a variety of events. Call 216-6393 or visit www.charlestonsalsaclub.com.

MOM’S MORNING OUT for ages 5 and younger is 8:30 a.m.–noon weekdays at the Summerville Family YMCA’s Oakbrook facility. For details, call Jill at 821-1028.

ADOPTION

REGION III ADOPTIONS, one of four state regional adoption offices and a division of the S.C. Department of Social Services, offers information about adoption. Contact Jacqueline Adams at 953-9247.

ADOPTION SUPPORT, for women who wish to adopt and those who have, is at the Center for Women. The cost for the six-week course is $30 for center members and $35 for nonmembers. Call 763-7333 or visit www.c4women.org.

GREAT WALL CHINA ADOPTION, a nonprofit adoption agency, hosts local adoption workshops. For more information or to register, visit www.gwca.org.

CHRISTIAN WORLD ADOPTION hosts free seminars for prospective adoptive parents hosted by Jenny Dickinson, outreach coordinator and adoptive mother. Discussion topics include: legal issues and process, parent age and travel requirements, cultural concerns, financial aid, grants and tax credits, available children, and books and other resources. To register, visit www.cwa.org or e-mail jennyd@cwa.org.

THE SOUTH CAROLINA COUNCIL ON ADOPTABLE CHILDREN offers adoption information to prospective adoptive families. Visit www.sc-adopt.org.