PICKENS — Santa Claus is coming to town — and he’s bringing a little fun and music along with him.

The Hagood Mill will host its annual Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas show from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 19, featuring music, crafts, food and a visit from jolly old St. Nick himself. There is a $5 parking fee, but admission is free. All proceeds from parking will go to help the Hagood Mill. Music will start at noon.

Several years ago, Hagood Mill approached well-known local Uilleann pipe player Ed Harrison to host a Celtic Christmas show in December. Visitors loved it, and it has become an annual event and featured many fine regional musicians sharing songs of the season, mill officials said.

Harrison was a versatile musician with a passion for playing multiple styles of roots music on a wide variety of instruments. He was an accomplished dobro player and clawhammer banjo player, as well as playing cajun accordion and the Uilleann pipes. His warmth, good humor and ready laugh were a comfort to his family and many friends in the area. Sadly, after more than 20 years of battling cancer, Harrison passed away in 2012. The annual event has been named in his honor.

Along with the event’s co-hosts, Lucy Allen and Marshall Goers, this year’s event will feature local musical groups The Wolf Moon String Band and Lissakeole.

The Wolf Moon String Band is composed of a group of old friends who have played music together in various bands and settings going back 15 years. Allen and Goers have been regulars at the Celtic Christmas show since 2008. Allen and Goers are an acoustic duo whose passion for roots music combines elements of various musical genres. Returning this year is local Irish group Lissakeole, which plays and sings many popular Irish tunes and songs, but the members put their own stamp upon them.

Kids and adults alike are welcome to sit on Santa’s lap and share a Christmas wish. Bring a camera and St. Nick will pose for a picture with you from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

SUNSET — Everyone is invited to the annual gathering of angels, shepherds, wise men and the Holy Family, amid the Christmas lights at McKinney Chapel, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, on Cleo Chapman Highway in Eastatoee Valley.

The program, held each Christmas season at the chapel for so long that grandchildren of the original players are now appearing in the splendid homemade pageant robes, welcomes all in search of the Christmas spirit. Though the little church is now surrounded by the Vineyards gated development, everyone coming to the program is admitted.

A reception and bonfire will follow at the picnic shelter. It’s all free, a gift of the historic community. Donated refreshments will be welcomed.

For more information, contact Georgia Chapman at (864) 868-2225.

UPSTATE — Tri-County Technical College’s Corporate and Community Education Division is offering scholarships for QuickJobs training to help individuals who are unemployed, as well as underemployed, prepare for high-demand jobs that lead to a sustainable wage.

The S.C. General Assembly allotted the state’s 16 technical colleges funding to award scholarship money. Tri-County received $350,000 earmarked for in-demand, QuickJobs training in the areas of manufacturing, health care (both clinic and office related), transportation and logistics (i.e., truck driving), IT, computer, business and highway construction.

Scholarships of up to $2,000 per student will be granted to successful applicants.

“QuickJobs classes are high-quality education for in-demand, high-skills jobs,” said Rick Cothran, dean of Tri-County’s Corporate and Community Education (CCE) Division.

“We offer classes that help you obtain the skills that you need to enter the workforce. Individuals can obtain these basic skills in as little as one week or up to 30 weeks based on the technical skills needed in each career,” Cothran said.

He added that QuickJob classes are designed to upgrade one’s skills and can be completed in less than a year (before summer 2016). For a list of programs, visit tctc.edu/Learn.

“These QuickJobs training programs are designed to build technical skills that can help move you to the front of the line when competing for employment in the areas of administration, healthcare, highway construction, manufacturing and truck driving,” Cothran added. “While most people think that technical skills are what employers seek, soft skills development is often just as important; therefore, soft skills are integrated into each of our training programs.”

For example, South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) is a quick, yet comprehensive training route for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and to secure full-time employment as operators in manufacturing or other organizations.

“Our SCMC training provides individuals the opportunity to earn national credentials that manufacturing employers understand,” Cothran said. “It shows that you have the skills sets to fill those in-demand jobs.

“This training can put the unemployed to work, as well as the underemployed, who are in entry-level jobs but have the capabilities to handle a more sophisticated job or to move from part time to full time. We are working with the economic developers and employers in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties and all training programs are tied to open jobs in our service area.”

Interested persons should call (864) 646-1700 for information on scholarships. Applicants fill out a single-page application and Tri-County staff will help them through the application process and enrollment in classes. Interviews with candidates will be set up in coordination with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

For more information, call (864) 646-1700 or visit tctc.edu/Learn.

[cointent_lockedcontent]• Pancake breakfast set to help PPCCDC

Christmas is for kids, which is why the Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center is working to ensure it can continue meeting the needs of every child who walks through its doors.

The center will host a pancake breakfast with Santa as a holiday fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9-11 a.m. in the All Saints Hall at Pickens Presbyterian Church, located at at 311 W. Cedar Rock St.

Tickets for the pancake breakfast are $6, and children under 4 are free. The ticket includes breakfast, and all children can have their picture taken with Santa. To-go plates will also be available.

To order tickets, call (864) 878-9953 or visit the center at 338 W. Cedar Rock St.

• Dacusville church schedules bazaar

Dacusville United Methodist Church will host an arts and craft bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The event, set to run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature food, fun, fellowship and shopping for handcrafted items.

A bake sale will begin at 8 a.m., with hot dog plates also available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A blood mobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as well.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the missions and ministries of the church, which is located at 1339 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

• PPCCDC adds private 5K progam

The Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center has announced the addition of a private 5K program for the 2016-17 school year.

The program has been designed to meet and exceed all the state standards.

The program has also been developed to use an innovative hands-on learning approach that matches and enriches the learning styles and abilities of our individual students.

There will be a low student-to-teacher ratio, and the number of students will be limited to 10.

The teacher leading the program is highly qualified and has obtained a master’s degree in education. She graduated with honors and received an award of excellence on her state certification test.

The cost of the program will include before- and after-school care, daycare for school holidays/breaks and lunch, morning and afternoon snacks.

• Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet

The December meeting of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is planned for Monday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at Behavioral Health Services’ office at 303 E. Main St. in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating local youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use. For more information about the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800 or visit steppinituppickens.org.

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PICKENS — The Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites local residents to enjoy holiday events.

The Festival of Wreaths Silent Auction will run from Dec. 1-14. The action ends at 1 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Cannon front lobby.

The Festival of Wreaths open house is planned for this Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m. in the Cannon front lobby.

The Winterfest Christmas Craft Sale will be held on Dec. 10-11 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m

• Holy Trinity makes plans for bazaar

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson has announced that the 2015 Bazaar and Artisan Market will be held this Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

New this year will be vintage Clemson memorabilia.

The event will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 193 Old Greenville Highway in Clemson.

• Dacusville church schedules bazaar

Dacusville United Methodist Church will host an arts and craft bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The event, set to run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature food, fun, fellowship and shopping for handcrafted items.

A bake sale will begin at 8 a.m., with hot dog plates also available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A blood mobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as well.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the missions and ministries of the church, which is located at 1339 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

• PPCCDC adds private 5K progam

The Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center has announced the addition of a private 5K program for the 2016-17 school year.

The program has been designed to meet and exceed all the state standards.

The program has also been developed to use an innovative hands-on learning approach that matches and enriches the learning styles and abilities of our individual students.

There will be a low student-to-teacher ratio, and the number of students will be limited to 10.

The teacher leading the program is highly qualified and has obtained a master’s degree in education. She graduated with honors and received an award of excellence on her state certification test.

The cost of the program will include before- and after-school care, daycare for school holidays/breaks and lunch, morning and afternoon snacks.

• Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet

The December meeting of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is planned for Monday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at Behavioral Health Services’ office at 303 E. Main St. in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating local youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use. For more information about the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800 or visit steppinituppickens.org.

• Senior center to host pancake breakfast

The Pickens Community Senior Center will host a breakfast fundraiser with vendor tables this Saturday, Dec. 5, from 7:30-11 a.m. There will be a cost of $6 per person to enjoy the food and shop the vendor tables. Tickets are available for a special drawing for a white lighted Christmas tree and a Christmas wreath. Each item will be raffled separately. Tickets are $1 each, or six tickets are available for $5. The Pickens Community Senior Center is located at 129 School House St. in Pickens. For more information, call (864) 878-6000.

• Holy Trinty makes plans for Bazaar

The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson announces that the 2015 Bazaar and Artisan Market will be held Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New this year will be Vintage Clemson memorabilia.

The Bazaar and Artisan Market will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church located at 193 Old Greenville Highway in Clemson.

• Dacusville church schedules bazaar

Dacusville United Methodist Church will host an arts and craft bazaar for Saturday, Dec. 12.

The event, set to run from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., will feature food, fun, fellowship and shopping for handcrafted items.

A bake sale will begin at 8 a.m., with hot dog plates also available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A blood mobile will be on site from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. as well.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the missions and ministries of the church, which is located at 1339 Thomas Mill Road in Easley.

• Steppin’ It Up Coalition to meet

The December meeting of the Steppin’ It Up Coalition is planned for Monday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. at Behavioral Health Services’ office at 303 E. Main St. in Pickens.

Meetings are open to anyone interested in educating local youth on the dangers and health implications of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure and use. For more information about the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, contact Cathy Breazeale at (864) 898-5800 or visit steppinituppickens.org.

• Pickens Lions plan meetings each month

The Pickens Lions Club is in need of new members. The club meets the first and third Thursday of every month at Pizza Inn in Pickens.

Dinner begins at 6:40 p.m., and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to anyone interested in joining the club or simply finding out more about the club and how it serves Pickens.

• PCSC to host pancake breakfast

The Pickens Community Senior Center is hosting a breakfast fundraisers with vendor tables on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 7:30 – 11 a.m. There will be a cost of $6 per person to enjoy the food and shop the vendor tables. Tickets are available for a special drawing on a white lighted Christmas tree and a Christmas wreath. Each item will be raffled seperatly. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The Pickens Community Senior Center is located at 129 School House Street in Pickens. For more information call 864-878-6000.

• Legion Post 67 seeks members

American Legion Post 67 in Liberty is accepting applications for membership from all U.S. military wartime veterans. For more information, call (864) 787-2322.

• Sertoma Club invites locals to meet

The Clemson Sertoma Club invites all interested local residents to attend its meetings.

The club meets at noon the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Occasions at Wedgefield, located at 1551 Eighteen Mile Road in Central. New visitors are always welcome.