Five Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin That Doesn't Include Pie

Pumpkin is a delicious, thoroughly American ingredient that has been ubiquitously linked to Thanksgiving and pie since that autumn eve more than 300 years ago.

And while everybody who is anybody loves them some pumpkin pie, sometimes it's fun to try a new spin on a classic. 

1. A pumpkin pasta no-brainer
"Brown butter and sage with any kind of squash or pumpkin is the ultimate of classic combinations. The sweetness of the pumpkin with earthy sage and nutty brown butter is absolutely dynamite, and for my palate, never gets old. Plus, this combination is ultra simple to put together, and only five ingredients."

Spaghetti with Roasted Pumpkin, Brown Butter and Sage

Ingredients

• 1 small baking pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 bunch sage
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 pound spaghetti (or any pasta you like)
• grated Parmesan, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Cover the cubed pumpkin with salt, pepper and a few tablespoons of olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
2. Boil a pot of water and add a small handful of salt. Cook your pasta until al dente (it'll be tender but still have a little bite).
3. Meanwhile, melt butter with the sage leaves over medium heat until it smells fragrant and turns a golden brown hue (about 4 minutes).
4. In a large bowl toss the pasta with the pumpkin and brown butter. Grate with Parmesan and serve.

2. Flip out for pumpkin
"In my version of everyone's favorite breakfast classic, I put a pumpkin twist and add some richness with ricotta and some fresh blackberry syrup to balance out the creamy sweetness of the pancakes. I’m not one for frilly recipes with extraneous steps, but beating the egg whites and folding them in make the lightest, fluffiest pancakes you could imagine. Pumpkin for breakfast is definitely a delicious thing."

For the pancakes

• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 hefty pinch nutmeg
• 1 pinch cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk (or regular milk plus some heavy cream)
• 1/2 cup fresh ricotta
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin purée
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Cooking Directions

1. Whisk the dry ingredients in large bowl to blend.
2. Whisk milk, pumpkin, egg yolks, melted butter and vanilla in medium bowl to blend well.
3. Add pumpkin mixture to dry ingredients; whisk just until smooth (batter will be thick).
4. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in another medium bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold whites into batter in two additions.
5. Grease a large non-stick skillet and place over medium heat. Working in batches, pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls into skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the bottoms are brown, about 2 minutes per side.
6. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the skillet between batches.

For the blackberry syrup

• 18 ounces fresh blackberries
• 1 lemon
• 2 1/2 cups white sugar

Cooking Directions

1. Clean the blackberries and place them in a large bowl. Cover them with the sugar, add the juice of 1 lemon and mix with a spoon to distribute evenly. Cover with cling wrap and let the berries macerate overnight in the fridge.
2. The next day, put the berry mixture in a large pan and bring to a slight boil (bubbles around the edges). Stir for about 10 minutes (or until the syrup clings to the spoon) and transfer the mixture to a large jar, or glass bowl and let it cool in the fridge.

3. It's the Great Pumpkin (cake), Charlie Brown
"My favorite carrot cake had a perfect 1:1 ratio of cake to frosting. That explains why it was my favorite. Rich, dense, moist and flavorful - it was perfection. However, I quickly realized that much frosting had to be overcompensating for something. That's what fat, sugar and salt does anyway, right? It adds flavor to the flavorless. So when it came time for me to make my own rendition of this classic cake, I aimed for flavor and moistness in the cake itself, with the frosting as an added bonus.

The addition of pumpkin and butternut squash create an earthier flavor and richer texture, plus the addition of classic pumpkin pie spices (ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.) turned up the volume on this autumnal dessert. It ends up becoming the Great Pumpkin Cake, so be sure to have at least a dozen friends around to try it."

For the cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups olive oil
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups shelled pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1 cup grated butternut squash
• 1 cup canned, puréed pumpkin

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Set aside. With a mixer, beat the eggs until frothy and pale. Gradually add the sugars and beat for a few minutes, until the batter is thick.
3. Add the oil in a steady stream and then beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the flour mixture and pumpkin alternatively and beat on low just until incorporated.
5. Add the vegetables, pecans and coconut and mix just to combine.
6. Evenly divide the batter between three greased cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. After about 5-10 minutes, invert the cakes onto the wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting

Ingredients

• 3 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup canned puréed pumpkin
• 2 to 3 cups sweetened coconut flakes, lightly toasted
• 7 to 8 halved pecans

Cooking Directions

1. Cream the cream cheese in an electric mixer until light and a little fluffy, add the butter, beating for 1-2 minutes, or until combined. Add the brown sugar, pinch of salt, zest and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Turn the mixer to low and add the powdered sugar and pumpkin purée alternatively. Turn the mixer on a low speed so it doesn't blow out everywhere.
2. On a cake platter, place one layer of the cake. Working from the center outward, smooth about a half-inch of frosting. Add the second layer, repeat.
3. On the third layer, add a large deal of frosting and working outward push the frosting over the edge, covering the sides. Continue smoothing the frosting until the entire cake is covered.
4. Grab a handful of coconut and gently press into the sides. Continue until the entire cake is covered. Decorate the top with pecans and enjoy.

4. Soup's on!
"Consider this the anti-classic sweet potato side dish. Yes, it's filled with that squash-y, yam-my sweetness, but without the marshmallow intensity you'll find with most side dishes. Subtly spiced and all about the vegetables, this pumpkin, yam and celery root soup - with hints of smoked paprika, cumin and coriander - is the perfect autumnal appetizer."

Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus two tablespoons
• 2 onions, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, crushed
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (also known as pimentón)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes
• 2 small baking pumpkins
• 1 large yam
• 1 large celery root
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• brown sugar
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water (if needed)
• pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds)

Cooking Directions

1. Halve and seed the pumpkins, peel and halve the celery root, and coat them, plus the yam, in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Roast in a 425 F oven for 45 minutes, or until soft and deeply browned.
3. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add a 1/4 cup of olive oil, add the onion and garlic, caramelizing.
4. Grind the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and chili flakes in a mortar and pestle.
5. Scoop the roasted pumpkin out of its shell, and the yams out of its skin, and add them, along with the celery root, to the pot with the caramelized onions. Add the spices and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the broth and simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. Pour the soup into a blender or using an immersion circulator, blitz the soup until luxuriously smooth.
7. Add water if it feels too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and brown sugar.

5. Mix it up
"If you have a fridge with random odds and ends of produce and you'd rather not wait until it's a wilted mess, this recipe is for you.

Quinoa is a super grain: high in protein with couscous-esque texture and nutty flavor. Perfect with an herb dressing, spices, or honestly whatever you feel like, it's that adaptable.

In fall and winter, I love this salad with sautéed kale, butternut squash, a little pecorino and maybe some persimmon for sweetness. So get a little creative and have some fun with it, and please try the roasted fennel - it's like candy."

Pumpkin, Kale, and Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups quinoa
• 2 medium fennel bulbs
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 small baking pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cubed
• 1 bunch kale, roughly chopped (no smaller than 1-inch segments)
• 1 bunch arugula
• 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup mint, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• pinch of chili flake
• 2 lemons, juiced
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2. Using a mandoline or your awesome knife skills, thinly slice the fennel lengthwise. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, along with your cubed pumpkin. Roast the fennel for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisped at the edges. Keep roasting your cubed pumpkin for another 15 minutes, until tender and golden brown.
3. Meanwhile, put the quinoa in a pot with 4 cups of water. Bring it up to just a boil, then cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is just translucent and the little germ ring is visible. You might have some water left, so just strain it out. I cannot tell you how many times I've turned my quinoa into a mushy mess by forgetting about it for 2 minutes, so keep an eye on it.
4. Place the quinoa into a large bowl and mix in the mint, parsley, and pomegranate seeds along with about a teaspoon of salt and pepper. Add the lemon juice and about a 1/4 cup olive oil, mixing thoroughly. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
5. Heat a saucepan over medium high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, the kale, the garlic, chili flake, and some salt and pepper. Sauté until just wilted. Add the kale and fresh arugula to the quinoa. Mix and enjoy.

Bluffton Seafood Festival

Don't forget the seventh annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival will be held in the charming and eclectic historic district of Bluffton, well known for its quirky art community and natural river beauty. The festival is a week long event offering a myriad of activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, delicious Low Country cuisine, rich history, culture and art
of the area and Southern hospitality found only in Bluffton.

The highlight of the festival is the Streetfest which includes a juried fine art show featuring
over 90 artists from 10 different states displaying and selling their art, delicious food provided
by the area's premier restaurants and caterers and great music and entertainment on Saturday,
October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd.

Spooktacular Savings

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $720/month

Tired of the old and want to be in with the new? Then Courtney Bend is the place for you! Up to date with the latest trends and designs you will find our apartment homes refreshing and new. Our contemporary floor-plan designs, detailed architecture and brand new luxurious amenities create the stylish atmosphere here. Come home to a new way of living at Courtney Bend! 

Haunted House!

Trunk or Treat

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Bluffton High School

Description: The high school Interact Club will host its third annual Haunted House. There will be games, food, prizes and scary rooms.

Details: Sign up to have your trunk and candy available for children to visit. Set up is from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.; or bring the family to engage in the evening’s activities. Go to blh.beaufort.k12.sc.us.

Creepy Mummy Dogs Recipe

Ingredients:
1 (11 oz) can refrigerated breadstick dough
2 slices cheddar cheese, quartered (optional)
8 hot dogs
black mustard seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. If desired, place one cheddar cheese slice on your hot dog. Then wrap each dog to look like a mummy, leaving a open area for the eyes.
3. Cut two tiny slits in the exposed hot dog and insert two black mustard seeds for eyes. If you'd like to give your mummies entire faces, you can cut a little slit for a mouth, which will gape open a bit during cooking.
4. Place mummy dogs on an ungreased baking sheet and bake around 15 minutes, until golden.
5. Serve with plenty of ketchup and mustard and listen to the kids rave about having such Halloween recipes fun.

Arm Yourself with Knowledge.......

Don't let yourself be a victim of misinformation and the myths generated by fear.

The Myth
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

The Truth
If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. However, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign, or not cancerous. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, and scheduling regular mammograms.

The Myth
Men do not get breast cancer.

The Truth
Quite the contrary. Each year it is estimated that approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also give themselves regular breast self-exams and note any changes to their physicians.

The Myth
A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

The Truth
A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and be sure to discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

The Myth
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it.

The Truth
While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.

The Myth
Breast cancer is contagious.

The TruthYou cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body.However, you can protect yourself by being aware of the risk factors and following an early detection plan.

The Myth
Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can help you prevent breast cancer.

The Truth
While alterations in these genes in men and women can predispose an individual to an increased risk of breast cancer, only 5% to 10% of patients actually have this mutation. This is not an absolute correlation. Like your age or having a family history of breast cancer, it's a factor you just can't control. But you can let your physician know, perform regular breast self-exams, and focus on the fact your chances of not having this disease are greater than 90%.

The Myth
Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

The Truth
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo.

Pink Recipes!

Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Makes 5 servings

• 1 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided 
• 1/4 cup pine nuts 
• 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, packed dry – not in oil 
• 1 cup boiling water 
• 6 cloves garlic, pressed 
• 1/4 tsp. salt 
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper, or to taste 
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper 
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. dried Italian seasoning 
• 1/2 lb. whole-grain fettuccine 
• 1 oz. freshly ground Parmesan cheese 

1. Heat 1/2 Tbsp. oil over medium heat in small skillet. Add pine nuts and cook, stirring frequently until lightly browned. Place in small bowl and set aside.

2. Place tomatoes in a small bowl. Pour boiling water over
them and let them soak until tender. Drain tomatoes, reserving the liquid Coarsely chop tomatoes and set aside.

3. Heat remaining oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, chopped tomatoes, salt, red and black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently until garlic is browned. Add the reserved tomato liquid to the mix.

4. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain pasta and gently, but thoroughly, toss with sauce and stir until liquid is absorbed. Top each serving with equal amounts of pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

**Incorporating nuts into your diet is a great way to include more plant-based protein sources. According to experts, eating more plant foods offers increased cancer protection, thanks to their wealth of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. **

**With research suggesting a link between increased whole-grain consumption and a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, experts continue to encourage Americans to eat more whole grains. **

Tips on How to Win a Halloween Costume Contest

Every Halloween, websites, local companies, and even friends' parties give you chances to win prizes for your costume. If you'd like to take best in show this year, follow these four easy steps to learn how to win Halloween costume contests.

Winning Halloween Costume Contests

Step 1: Read the Rules. Carefully.
When you first hear about a Halloween costume contest that you want to enter, your first instinct might be to start brainstorming ideas right away. But hold on a minute; before you start thinking about costumes and props, read through the costume contest's rules thoroughly. Maybe even more than once.

It doesn't matter how great your Halloween costume idea is if you get disqualified on a technicality. So jot down guidelines for entry, the goal of the costume, the end date, and other pertinent details to make sure that your entry will be accepted.

While you're at it, also think about the costume contest's sponsor. You may have a leg-up on the competition if your Halloween contest entry ties into the sponsor's product or image.


Step 2: Come Up with a Great Costume

You're not going to win a Halloween costume contest with the same costume everyone else is wearing. Pick a costume that's original and reflects your personality.

Cute or funny costumes have an advantage over costumes that are gruesome (unless the contest is looking for something scary). Avoid the standard fare (witches and vampires) or current contest trends (Harry Potter springs to mind), unless you can add a personal twist.

In photos, you can use props along with the costume to make an eye-catching image.

Some inspiration for original Halloween costumes:

General Halloween Costume Ideas
Free Creative Halloween Costume Ideas to Make Yourself
This is an extensive list of creative ideas that you can create at home.
Lesser-Known Villains to Imitate
If you'd like to base your Halloween costume on a movie, but want to avoid the classic stereotypes, check out this funny article.
How to Style Hair and Make-Up for Halloween
How to create a classic Halloween look.
How to Wear a Halloween Wig
Forget doing your hair - rock an inexpensive Halloween wig.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids
Clever Costumes for Kids
These punny costumes would be great for contests.
Budget Halloween Costumes Your Kids will Reuse
Save money with these creative ideas.
Costume Ideas for Kids in Wheelchairs
How to turn wheelchairs to your advantage in costumes.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Adults
Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples
How to look great as a Halloween pair.
Halloween Costume Ideas for Adults
Costume ideas to make at home.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Pets
Gallery of Halloween Costumes for Dogs
Get ideas from other dog owners.
Gallery of Halloween Costumes for Cats
Ideas to dress your cat for Halloween.
Should Your Pet Wear Costumes?
Keep pet safety in mind when creating Halloween costumes.

Step 3: Make Your Halloween Costume Contest Entry Stand Out

Whether you're entering Halloween costume contests online with a photo or video entry, or you're standing before the judges in a local costume contest, one sure-fire way to stand out from the competition is to really play the role that your costume represents.

For example, look at the photograph above; it wouldn't be nearly as arresting if the angel were looking straight into the camera and smiling blandly. It's the truly angelic expression on her face that would make any judge take a second look, even though the costume itself is a bit pedestrian.

It might help you to come up with a little background for a character that matches your costume so that you can really bring some personality to your costume. Don't be just "an angel" or "a superhero." Come up with a name, consider what your character would be thinking about, and bring that personality onto the stage or into the photo or video before you send it off.

Here are some tips that will help you show off to the judges:

How to Master Your Halloween Role
How to Create a Believable Character
You won't need to be as in-depth with a Halloween costume as with a character in a book, but this article will help generate some ideas.
How to Cope with Stage Fright
This article was written for piano recitals, but works well for any kind of stage fright.

tep 4: Take a Great Halloween Costume PhotoOnline costume contests need a photo of your Halloween costume to enter. Now that you know how to come up with ideas for unique Halloween costumes and how to inject those costumes with personality, it's time to take an amazing photograph.

Judges will be looking at hundreds of photographs, so yours needs to stand out. If appropriate, use props to make your costume really pop. Use good lighting to highlight the subject's expression as well as the costume details.

Here are some more photography tips:

How to Pose for Pictures
Video: How to Look Good in Pictures
This video is not only amusing, but it gives you some great tips on how to pose for the camera.
How to Look Skinnier in Pictures
The camera tends to add weight to any model, so knowing how to stand to avoid unfortunate bulges is useful, even if you're not overweight.
Photography Myth: You Don't Have to Look Directly Into the Camera
If you're used to staring into a camera and grinning, try different angles to capture your best look.

How to Take Great Halloween Costume Photographs
How to Win Photography Contests
This article has general information about how to make your photo contest entries stand out, which also apply to Halloween costume contest entries.
The Basics of Good Photography
Learn how to solve common photography mistakes and take better pictures.
How to Create Spooky Halloween Lighting in Photos
You can really make photographs of your costume stand out if you use some of these spooky lighting tips!
Tips for Photographing Children
These tips were designed for back-to-school photos, but many apply to any pictures of children.
How to Take Great Pet Photographs
Lots of companies run Halloween costume contests for pets. Learn how to take great pictures of animals.

5: Build Enthusiasm for Your Halloween Costume Contest Entry

At this point, you've created a unique and fantastic Halloween costume, you've come up with a way to put some personality into it to really set it apart from the crowd, and you've learned how to take a fantastic picture of it if necessary. Is there anything else you can do to help you win your Halloween costume contest?

For many contests, there is one final step: getting votes for your costume contest entry.

If your local costume contest asks for input from the crowd when picking a winner, make sure that you work the room, talking to people and letting them get to know you and see your costume.

Online, vote requests are a common part of many contests. To get votes, try asking friends and family, writing to any online groups that you visit frequently, and posting in the Vote Requests Section of the Sweepstakes Forum.

JARM Adorable Adoptable DOGS Training at PETCO!

Looking to adopt a new Canine Family Member? Come on over to PETCO, Wednesday, 10/12/11between 3 and 4PM and watch as some of Jasper Animal Rescue Mission's Adorable Adoptable DOGS learn their basic commandsunder the direction of PETCO's Awesome Trainer Abby Bird.

Spuds, Hardee, Irene, Idaho and Tiny are all excited to come out to Bluffton during the week to practice loose leash walking, sitting, greeting and several other basic commands along with our Valient Volunteers as Awesome Abby puts them through their paces.

Show Your Support!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women. Women have a one in eight chance of developing invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In the US alone, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors.*  

Monthly self examination and an annual mammogram are the best tools for early detection. With early detection breast cancer can be cured.

Support local Breast Cancer awareness this month at the following locations:

THE COAST

Oct. 8 — Rockin' the Pink, S.C. — Bluffton Fire Fighters Auxillary Breast Cancer Walk beginning at 12 p.m.

Oct. 15 — Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure, Daniel Island. More information, call 843-556-3343or email race@komenlowcountry.org

Oct. 15 — Wacoal Fit for the Cure, Macy's Willowbrook Mall Event on Daniel Island. For information, call 843-556-8011 or email: race@komenlowcountry.org

Oct. 23 — Pink Sunday , a community outreach program for breast health and breast cancer awareness open to all faith-based organizations and community based non-profits within our 17 county service area. For more information click here.

Oct. 11 — Women's Night Out — Lexington Medical Center will host the annual event at the Embassy Suites hotel on Greystone Boulevard in Columbia. The event features a silent auction, physician exhibits, makeup demonstrations, signature cocktail, fashion show by Belk featuring breast cancer survivors, and a dinner and talk with a keynote speaker. Proceeds from Women’s Night Out benefit the Crystal Smith Fund, a program through the Lexington Medical Center Foundation that helps women undergoing cancer treatment purchase needed supplies. Tickets are $35. Exhibits and the silent auction begin at 5:00 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets by calling803-791-2445.

UPSTATE

Oct. 8 — Reedy Fork Baptist Church, 3115 Fork Shoals Road, Simpsonville, will sponsor a breast cancer program. A “Walk for Healing” will begin at 8 a.m. at Heritage Park. The afternoon program will start at 3 p.m. in the church Family Life Center. The theme is: “Shades of Pink: Modeled Stories of God In Survival.” Dr. Shirnett Matthews of the Cancer Center of the Carolinas will facilitate.Oct. 13 — A Night Out for Every Woman — 6 to 8 p.m., at The Davenport, 230 Trade Street, Greer. Dress in pink. To register, call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636) or click here.

Oct. 18 — Breast Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know — 12:15-1:15 p.m. at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Bring your lunch and join Dr. Brian McKinley, a surgical oncologist with Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, for an informal discussion on breast health. Free; registration required. To register, call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636) or visit ghs.org/360healthed.

Oct. 21 — Zumba for the Cure: Party In Pin Zumbathon Charity Event, sponsored by the City of Mauldin, Mauldin Sports Center and Recreation Department at The Mauldin Sports Center Gymnasium, 10 City Center Drive. $5.00 tickets in advance, $10.00 at the door. Proceeds benefit Susan G Komen/Cancer research. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the ZUMBATHON begins at 6 p.m. Donors will be given tickets for a chance to win logo pink ribbon apparel, Zumbawear, One month Mauldin Sports Center membership. For more email Jennifer Edwins at jedwins@mauldinrecreation.com.

Oct. 30 — Pink Sunday — local churches will educate their congregations on breast health and breast cancer. Breast health information packets will be provided to participating churches. Churches may celebrate Pink Sunday in many ways, including celebrating survivors in their congregation as well as honoring those who have lost their battle. Participants wear pink to commemorate the day. Last year, over 400 churches participated and over 60,000 breast health information packets were distributed. Church officials should contact Susan G. Komen to participate.

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $730/month

Tired of the old and want to be in with the new? Then Courtney Bend is the place for you! Up to date with the latest trends and designs you will find our apartment homes refreshing and new. Our contemporary floor-plan designs, detailed architecture and brand new luxurious amenities create the stylish atmosphere here. Come home to a new way of living at Courtney Bend! 

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $730/month

The Circus is coming to town!

The Zerbini Multi- Cultural Family Circus is a rare treat for the eye to behold, with Russian flying trapeze artists, breathtaking stunts, buffalo, a dog act, and camels. The Zerbini Multi- Cultural Family Circus, tours throughout the United States providing the best in modern day circus shows. Our new Big Top seats up to 1500, is fully insured, completely self-contained, has the most modern sound and lighting systems, and is powered by the circus's own generators. In addition to the many exciting circus show performances, the Zerbini Multi- Cultural Family Circus has pony & camel rides, food concessions, and a new ship slide.

The Zerbini family is proud to be a part of eight generations of Circus! The legacy continues. Superb family entertainment is etched in our minds with the sights, the sounds, the laughter, and the thrills of the Zerbini Multi- Cultural Family Circus! We hope you enjoy the show. In this complicated world many of us seek simple pleasures. The Zerbini Multi-Cultural Family Circus brings us to center ring and to what is truly important in the American culture, the simple pleasure of watching children laugh, and the joy children have in watching the adults laugh even harder!

IMPORTANT

Monday, October 10, 2011 AT 10:00 A.M.,  Palmetto Electric and the Courtney Bend Team will be working on the electric meters for BUILDING 10. This requires the entire buildings power to be disconnected for 1-3 HOURS. Be sure to make any adjustments or accommodations needed to prevent additional inconveniences to your schedule. We thank you for your cooperation. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (843) 208-3420.

Thank you

Courtney Bend Team

For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $730/month

Surround yourself with spectacular nature views and gentle breezes, where you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of natural beauty while still being close to everything. Welcome home to Courtney Bend! Located minutes from Savannah, the beaches on Hilton Head Island, shopping, dining, and golf.  Courtney Bend offers outstanding amenities and services. Enjoy a dip in the pool, BBQ with friend’s poolside, relax with friends in the entertainment room while playing a game of pool, or watch your dogs play in our convenient “Paw Park”.  Our tanning studio and Cyber Café are at your fingertips! Courtney Bend provides distinctive features designed with you and your pets in mind.  Luxury living without the inflated price! 
For Rent: 1BR/1BA Apartment in Hardeeville, SC, $730/month

Happy Wednesday!

St. Almo (Savannah True Animal Lovers Meeting Others) will be hosting their annual fundraiser Wag-O-Ween on Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 from 12-5:00 P.M.

"Trick or Treat" with your dog at over 90 local business establishments that give out dog treats in the historic district of downtown Savannah. The event proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.

Wag-O-Ween Maps for participating businesses giving dog treats are available for sale at the Canine Palace located on 612 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31401.

The cost of the event is $5 per person. Also, $1 raffle tickets for either a free night stay at The Mansion on Forsyth Park or The Hyatt are available for sale currently at the Canine Palace through the day of the event.

The event starts at Canine Palace and goes all through Historic downtown Savannah. Theres alot of resturants that are on map that are dog friendly. This event is fun for the whole family.

For more information, visit St. Almo online or call (912) 508-3336.

Help Support Breast Cancer Awareness!

 One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime. To support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in their promise to find an end to breast cancer forever, Otis Spunkmeyer created the Pink Cookie: a dark, chocolate cookie dough filled with pink chocolate candies. It's a double chocolate indulgence that gives you more than one reason to talk about it. Stop by the leasing office and pick up a delicious pink cookie to support the cause!

Happy Monday!