Lake City Community Planner for Oct. 6

Here's a look at the upcoming events scheduled in and around the Lake City area:

GSSM applications

The S.C. Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) is accepting applications from rising high school juniors (current sophomores) through March 1 for its two-year, residential high school program.
GSSM is highly selective, taking into consideration courses taken, grades, class rank, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities. The school considers not only aptitude but also proven performance and demonstrated interest in science and mathematics.

Students who are accepted into the Class of 2013 will be GSSM’s first students to experience not only the school’s specialized focus in science, math and technology, but also its new concentrations in economics and entrepreneurship.
A GSSM prospective student:

• Is a high school sophomore
• Is a South Carolina resident
• Has a PSAT score of at least 110 in math and verbal only (with exceptions)
• Has a grade point average of at least 3.5 on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale
• Will have taken the HSAP by the end of sophomore year
• Will have completed geometry, Algebra I and II, one lab science and English II all by the end of sophomore year —plus, one year of foreign language is encouraged

GSSM’s “early college” model is unique to South Carolina public high schools and is one of only 15 programs of its kind in the nation. During the day, students are taught advanced-level courses by GSSM faculty, 80 percent of whom hold Ph.D.s. In the evenings, students eat, study and live together, creating a supportive community of like-minded learners.

In March, GSSM announced the launch of its new Economics and Finance Institute, an exciting new initiative that will infuse the study of economics into current course offerings.
Students also participate in field trips, a three week “mini-mester” each January and six weeks of mentored summer research. These opportunities give students the firsthand experience necessary to better master the exciting world of scientific research.
Over its celebrated 22-year history, GSSM has graduated more than 1,200 South Carolina students, 100 percent of whom have attended colleges, universities and military academies across the nation. Eighty percent of GSSM graduates go on to pursue careers as physicians, engineers, lawyers, business leaders and researchers.
For more information or to apply, call the Admissions Office at (843) 383-3944.

Miniature art competition

The Florence Museum of Art, Science and History will hold its 22^nd annual Miniature Art Competition, Holiday Art House, book fair and 5K run.

Since 1989, The Friends of the Florence Museum have organized and sponsored the competition, which has served a dual role as a distinguished exhibition and an important annual fundraiser for the museum.

Each work cannot exceed four inches by five inches, and artists are allowed to submit two works for a single $10 registration fee. First place award will be $300 with the other awards given on a descending scale to four honorable mentions at $65 each. One artist will receive the Ann Finch Award, given specifically to a watercolor. Interested artists may download the prospectus at www.florencemuseum.org.

Also this year, building on the success of the past two years, the Friends of the Florence Museum will be hosting the third annual Holiday Art House. This event will be a temporary retail space in the museum where regional artists and authors will have items for sale for the Christmas holidays. All items will be priced at $50 and under. The 2010 Holiday Art House will begin Nov. 18, concurrent with the opening reception for the Miniature Art Competition.

On Nov. 20, the museum will hold the Friends 5K as well as the Barnes & Noble Book Fair. The 5K will be licensed and officiated by RMS Sports. The Barnes & Noble Book Fair will be located at the Barnes & Noble store at Magnolia Mall in Florence and feature a schedule of activities and events for children and adults including music, face painting and a book signing with local artist and author Patz Fowle. Both events will assist the museum’s educational programming and outreach.

For more information about becoming a museum member, call the museum at (843) 662-3351. For information about other events, call the contacts as follows:

• Miniature Art Competition — Stephen Motte, curator, (843) 662-3351
• Barnes & Noble Book Fair — Heather Dillon, curator of education, (843) 662-3351
• Holiday Art House — Paula Efird, the Friends of the Florence Museum: (843) 615-8311
• Friends 5K — Kyle Miller, the Friends of the Florence Museum: (843) 319-1338

The museum is open fro 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 2-5 p.m. Sunday.

Small business class      

The Lake City Partnership Council and Francis Marion University will offer a free small business class that will meet from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays for 13 weeks in Room 221 of Lake City High School. Business owners or potential business owners with a minimum of a high school education or equivalent are eligible to participate. The 25-hour class is free to participants with funding by the Lake City Partnership Council. For more information, call Dr. Susan Peters at speter@fmarion.edu or call (843) 661-1102.

Fair

The Florence County Fair will be Oct. 6-16 at the Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fairgrounds. For more information, call (843) 665-5173 or visit www.ecafair.com.

Fall Frenzy

Fall Frenzy will be held Oct. 16 at Lynches River County Park. For more information, call (843) 389-0550 or visit www.lynchesriverpark.com.

Workshops for cancer patients, caregivers

The American Cancer Society is offering free telephone workshops for cancer patients and caregivers.

Workshops include tips and practical problem solving techniques as well as time for questions and discussion. Participation is free to residents of Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. No phone charges apply.

Workshops topics include:

• What you need to know about Social Security benefits, from 1-2:15 p.m. Tuesday
• Childhood lost: supporting the tween caregiver to a parent with cancer, from 1-2:15 p.m. Nov. 9
• Helping caregivers cope with the loss of a loved one during the holidays, from 1-2:15 p.m. Dec. 14
• Body image: supporting your loved one with cancer, from 1-2:15 p.m. Jan. 11
• Take a break: self-care tips for the cancer caregiver, from 1-2:15 p.m. Feb. 8

Telephone workshops are led by American Cancer Society patient advocates, trained clinical social workers available to assist cancer patients and caregivers with problems such as loss of income or lack of health insurance, locating community resources, and providing assistance with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.

To register for the workshops, call the American Cancer Society at (800) 966-3586 or visit http://cancer.org/sacaregiverworkshops.

To learn more about programs and services available in your community for you and your loved one, contact the American Cancer Society anytime at (800) 227-2345 or visit http://cancer.org.

FMU lecture

Francis Marion University’s McNair Center and Phi Alpha Theta will sponsor an event featuring Cortlandt Barnes, one of the Americans held during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979-81. The free lecture is at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 in the Lowrimore Auditorium of the Cauthen Educational Media Center. For more information, call (843) 661-1550.

Fiction, poetry festival

Francis Marion University’s fifth annual Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festival features readings, panel discussions and presentations by noted authors and poets on Nov. 4 and 5 in the Lowrimore Auditorium of the Cauthen Educational Media Center. Admission is free. For more information, call (843) 661-1371.

FMU literary events

• In anticipation of Francis Marion University’s fifth annual Pee Dee Fiction and Poetry Festival, the Florence Public Library will host an evening program on the work of two festival authors, novelist Silas House and poet Tracy K. Smith, on Oct. 14. FMU faculty will lead a discussion of “Clay’s Quilt” by House and “Duende” by Smith from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. For information, visit the library’s website, at http://florencelibrary.org, and click on the “Among Friends Newsletter.”
• In addition, the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library will host an evening program on the work of two festival authors, poet Ted Kooser and fiction writer Z.Z. Packer, on Oct. 28. FMU faculty will lead a discussion of “Delights and Shadows” by Kooser and “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere” by Packer from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit the library’s website, at http://florencelibrary.org, and click on the “Among Friends Newsletter.”

FMU concert

A Francis Marion University Chamber Recital Series Concert is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Kassab Recital Hall of the Hyman Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. For more information, call (843) 661-1385.

Senior fashion show

The Lake City Senior Center will have a fashion show sponsored by Hamrick’s from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 19. For more information, call (843) 394-2432.

Euro 2011 tour

National Bean Market Museum Travel Leaders are offering a Euro 2011 tour through Germany, Austria and Switzerland from July 15-24.

Atlanta is the international departing city. Local ports to Atlanta will be arranged. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces are limited.

Total package: $3,195. Single supplement: $340/additional cost; deposit $300 due Oct. 22. Payment deadlines: $1,500 due Jan. 31; balance due: $1,395 on April 1.

Prices are at current charges and taxes by governments and airlines and are subject to change. These do not include baggage-handling fees imposed by airlines.

Cancellation deadlines: $100 charge by March 1; 20 percent of package fee if canceled by May 1; and no reimbursement after May 1.

Details of the trip meeting will be announced January 2011. The package includes round-trip airfare, three- and four-star hotels, all breakfasts, seven dinners and one island lunch, entrance fees, boat fees, tips, taxes and gratuities, guided tours of castles, and deluxe AC motor coach.

For more information, call Sherri Moore at (843) 374-1502, fax (843) 374-1501, e-mail sherri@nbmmsc.org or look up “NBMM Travel” on Facebook.

Youth baseball clinic

The Francis Marion University baseball program will hold a youth league baseball clinic at 6 p.m. Oct. 14 on the Patriots’ Cormell Field. Admission is free. Local youth league coaches, players and parents are invited to attend. FMU players and the Patriots coaching staff will go over philosophies on hitting, pitching and defensive play.  Instruction in these areas, as well as demonstrations and a question-and-answer session, will be provided. To register, or for more information, contact Francis Marion assistant coach Robbie Wilson at rwilson@fmarion.edu or (843) 661-4624.

Happy Halloween Afternoon

Lake City Scranton Healthcare Center is planning a Happy Halloween Afternoon from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 30. The residents will have tables set up for trick-or-treaters, and the staff will be cooking hot dogs on the grill. The center is asking for donations of candy for the residents to give out to the children. For more information, call (843) 389-9201.

Computer classes

In October, the Dr. John M. Thomason Public Library in Olanta will offer the following free computer classes:

• Computer Basics: The Mouse — 10-11 a.m. Thursday
• Computer Basics: Hardware and The Keyboard — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday
• Computer Basics: The Internet — 10-11 a.m. Oct. 21 and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 26

Each class is about one hour long. Each session is a complete class and not part of a series. Admission is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, please call the Dr. John M. Thomason Public Library in Olanta at (843) 396-4287.

Gaither Fest

Songwriters Bill and Gloria Gaither will present the fifth annual Gaither Fest music spectacular at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach at 7 p.m. Friday as well as concerts at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.

Gaither’s group, The Gaither Vocal Band, will perform along with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Russ Taff, Jeff and Sheri Easter, The Isaacs, Lynda Randle, Kevin Williams, Janet Paschal, Charlotte Ritchie, Ivan Parker, Buddy Greene, Karen Peck & New River, Gordon Mote, The Collingsworth Family, Gene McDonald, Ben Speer, Logan Smith, and the Down Home Horns. Speaker and humorist Jeff Allen will also be featured. 

Complete information regarding Gaither Fest 2010 is available online at www.gaither.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Fire Prevention Parade

The Lake City Fire Department will hold its annual Fire Prevention Parade on Thursday. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. with a line-up beginning at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Lake City Shrimper, at 340 W. Main St., and ending at Main Street Elementary School, at 318 E. Main St. Call the fire department at (843) 374-2470 so that the department will have an accurate number of organizations participating in this event.

Class reunions

• The Carver High School Class of 1969 is planning a reunion. Please forward contact information, including an e-mail address, to Carver High class reunion 1969, P.O. Box 282, Lake City, SC 29560-2428, attn: Mattie Gaskin, or call (843) 210-3046.
• The Lake City High School Class of 1971 is planning a class reunion in June 2011. Forward contact information and questions to Jerry Singletary (Jerry52@ftc-i.net) or Cynthia W. Burgess (CynthBrg1@AOL.com).
• The Lake City High School Class of 2002 will have its reunion from June 8-12, 2012, in Lake City. For additional information and to RSVP, please contact class President La’Tekia Harrell by phone at (843) 229-2128 or by e-mail at latekiaharrell@yahoo.com. Class members also may contact student body President Se’Mekia Harrell-Green by phone at (843) 230-4789 or by e-mail at mekiaharrell@yahoo.com.

Lake City library programs

• The Lake City Public Library will offer weekly after-school Programs for children ages 5-12 at 4 p.m. Wednesdays. The weekly programs will consist of guest speakers, crafts, movies or games. Programs began this week and will run through Dec. 8. Homeschooled students are invited to participate.
• The Lake City Public Library will also offer movies on early dismissal days from school. These dates are Oct.8, Nov. 1 and Nov. 19. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call the library at (843) 394-8071.
• The Lake City Public Library will offer programs for Teens in grades six through 12. The monthly programs will be held at 4 p.m. the third Thursday of each month in the Community Room. Programs consist of guest speakers, crafts and movies. Programs will run through Dec. 17. Homeschooled students are invited to participate. For more information, call the library at (843) 394-8071.

Fire department open house

Lake City Fire/Rescue will have an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There will be a fire safety trailer, fire truck display, fire safety videos, Freddie the Fire Cat, fire safety and prevention handouts, an automobile extrication demonstration, fun and games for kids, and a free bicycle giveaway. The event will take place at the Lake City Fire Department, at 233 N. Acline St.

Bags for Soldiers

The residents at Lake City Scranton Healthcare are making Bags for Soldiers. The bags, decorated by the residents, will be ready for shipment the week before Thanksgiving.

Requested items are: shaving cream, sunblock, cookies, gummy bears, mints, deodorant, chewing gum, bottled water, pop-top canned foods (i.e. Chef Boyardee spaghetti and ravioli, Vienna sausages), and books of crossword and Sudoku puzzles.

The residents started their work the day after Labor Day, and they plan to keep on making the bags until they have enough so that no soldier in the unit/platoon they are helping is without a Christmas Gift from them. Anyone interested in helping should call Lake City Scranton Healthcare Activities Director Angie Poole at (843) 389-9201, ext. 220.

Living Well South Carolina workshop

Living Well South Carolina will have a workshop for people with ongoing health conditions from 9:30 a.m. to noon Fridays from Oct. 22 to Nov. 26 at the Lake City Senior Center. A donation of $5 is requested, and participants will receive a manual and relaxation CD. For more information, call (843) 394-2432.

Family story time

The Dr. John M. Thomason Public Library in Olanta has kicked off its family story time programming at 7 p.m. on Thursdays.

This program is open to families with children ages 3-9 years. It consists of stories, games, and songs and lasts about 45 minutes. Crafts will be provided during programs near holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Dates are as follows:

• Oct. 14
• Oct. 21
• Oct. 28
• Nov. 4
• Nov. 11
• Nov. 18
• Dec. 2
• Dec. 9

For more information, call the library at (843) 396-4287.   

FMU observatory

• Francis Marion University’s Observatory will hold a public viewing of the moon, Jupiter, Neptune and deep sky between 8 and 10 p.m. Friday, depending on clear skies. Admission is free. For sky conditions, call (843) 661-1355. For other information, call (843) 661-1441.
• The Francis Marion University Observatory will hold a public viewing of Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and the deep sky from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29, depending on clear skies. Admission is free. For sky conditions, call (843) 661-1355. For more information, call (843) 661-1441.

FMU cultural events

Francis Marion University’s Fall 2010 Cultural Events Calendar is available online at http://departments.fmarion.edu/finearts. Admission is free for most events. Call (843) 661-1385 for additional information.

‘Elmo’s Healthy Heroes’

Sesame Street Live “Elmo’s Healthy Heroes” will come to Florence Civic Center, at 3300 W. Radio Drive in Florence, at 10:30 a.m. as well as 2 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 7. Tickets are $11, $15 and $20. A limited number of $25 Gold Circle seats and $55 Sunny Seats are available. A facility fee of $1.50 will be added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and discounts may apply.  For more information, call (843) 679-4525. To charge tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information online, visit www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Lake City One Stop

Lake City One Stop Center/WIA Youth Program is accepting new applications for 2010-11. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 21. Program offers GED/high school diploma, Summer Youth JOBS, basic skills upgrading, Keytrain/Aztec, community service projects, college tours, resume preparation and Work Keys. Free workshops cover the topics of mentoring, resume preparation, interview preparation, completing FASFA and career planning. For more information, visit the center at 209 Graham Road in Lake City or call Alberteen McFadden, youth career specialist, at (843) 374-0970, ext. 1080.

FMU events

• The Francis Marion University Art Gallery Series will present 2-Dimensional Works by Honor Marks and 3-Dimensional Works through Nov. 11 in the Hyman Fine Arts Center Gallery. The free exhibits may be viewed between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call (843) 661-1385.
• Francis Marion University’s Hewn Timber Cabins will be open for tours between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, weather permitting.  Admission is free. For more information, call (843) 661-1311.
• Francis Marion University’s Cinema Film Series presents the free film “The Ninth Day” at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12. in the Lowrimore Auditorium of the Cauthen Educational Media Center. For more information, call (843) 661-1385.
• Francis Marion University’s observatory will hold Sun Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 16, depending on clear skies. Admission is free. For more sky conditions, call (843) 661-1355. For other information, call (843) 661-1441.
• Francis Marion University will hold an open house for prospective students and their families Oct. 16. For registration and more information, call (843) 661-1231.
• The Francis Marion University Wind Symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Chapman Auditorium of the McNair Science Building. Admission is free. For more information, call (843) 661-1385.
• Francis Marion University’s Theatre will present “Spoon River Anthology” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21-23 in the Hyman Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. Call the box office at (843) 661-1365 between 1 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for seating availability. For more information, call (843) 661-1385.
• Francis Marion University’s English Department Film Series will present “Killer of Sheep” on Oct. 27. The free film will be shown at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. in Lowrimore Auditorium of the Cauthen Educational Media Center. For more information, call (843) 661-1371.

Child-care class

The Division of Continuing Education at Williamsburg Technical College, in partnership with the Center for Child Care Career Development, is offering a 30-hour credential course for family and group child-care providers. By completing this course, participants will earn the ABC Family Child Care Credential and may be eligible for a $100 Smart Money Bonus.

Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays through Dec. 2 in Room 504 of Building B at the college. The course’s instructor will be Dr. Earlene Walker-Kelly, and the fee will be $60. The deadline to register is noon Thursday.

To register, call Jeanette Brown in the college’s Division of Continuing Education at (843) 355-4182.

After-school program

Faith & Hope After School program is accepting applications for children in kindergarten through seventh grade. The program is an ABC voucher provider for children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Homework assistance: improved social skills and interpersonal behavior, improved grades and work habits, reduced misconduct and risky behavior, and improved test scores. The location is 114C Sauls St. in Lake City, behind Ward’s Fish Market. For more information, call Paula Morris at (843) 598-2236 or Chewanda Barr at (843) 394-3037.

Free, reduced lunch

Lake City College Preparatory Academy will provide applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Free and Reduced School Lunch program. Applications are available at the public charter school’s W.L. Thompson Mt. Clair Education Campus. Applications will also be available at the school’s community office, at 107 S. Acline St. in Lake City. For more information, call (843) 374-9029.

Lake City Farmers Market

The Lake City Farmers Market, at 111 Henry St., is now open from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (843) 374-1500.

Artist-in-Residence program

Painters, photographers, poets and artistic park lovers of all pursuits are invited to apply for the S.C. State Park Service’s 14th annual Artist-in-Residence program.

The program offers a one-week stay in a state park cabin in exchange for a week of inspiration in a natural setting and a piece of original work for the park to keep for posterity and public display.

Interested artists are invited to apply by Oct. 31.  Each application must include examples of past artwork or creative writing. A jury of professional artists and park representatives will select participants based on artistic quality and the ability to interpret and relate the park through their work. Selected artists will be notified by Nov. 30.

Upon completion of the selected artist’s visit, he or she must donate a completed original work to the park within 60 days. In the past, diverse media such as photography, quilts, paintings, wall hangings and pottery have been accepted.

The following state parks are participating: Barnwell, Cheraw, Dreher Island, Givhans Ferry, Hickory Knob, Keowee-Toxaway, Oconee, Poinsett, Santee and Table Rock.

For more information about the Artist-In-Residence Program or to apply, contact Mark Davies at Cheraw State Park at (843) 537-9656 or mdavies@scprt.com. The application form also is available at www.southcarolinaparks.com.

FMU planetarium

• Francis Marion University’s Dooley Planetarium will present “Stories in the Stars” at 3 p.m. Sunday on the second floor of the Cauthen Educational Media Center. Admission is free. For more information, call (843) 661-1441.
• Francis Marion University’s Dooley Planetarium will present “Mighty Jupiter” at 3 p.m. Oct. 24 on the second floor of the Cauthen Educational Media Center. Admission is free.  For more information, call (843) 661-1441.

Nonprofit workshops

Through its Learning Academy, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has six more nonprofit workshops scheduled this year. Workshops are free and open to staff, board and volunteers of nonprofit organizations in South Carolina that are in some way addressing poverty in the state.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina’s Learning Academy leverages training and educational opportunities to meet the needs of multiple nonprofit organizations in South Carolina. The foundation goes beyond grantmaking and provides nonprofits with tools and resources for success in different areas including board governance and ethics, evaluation, financial management, grant writing, and partnerships and sustainability.

Workshops currently scheduled are:

• Tuesday: Keys to Financial Management
• Nov. 16: Grant Writing & Evaluation

To allow for more interaction and targeted, hands-on learning opportunities, each workshop is limited in size. Those wishing to participate should visit the Learning Academy section of the Foundation’s Web site, www.sistersofcharitysc.com, and complete and submit an application for each workshop.

FMU concert

Francis Marion University’s Artist Series will present pianist Enrique Graf at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Kassab Recital Hall of the Hyman Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. For more information, call (843) 661-1385.

Choreographer at Coker

Coker College welcomes the award-winning choreographer and director Doug Varone and Dancers to campus at 7:30 p.m. Nov.13 in the Watson Theater. The program will feature pieces from Varone’s newest work, “Chapters from a Broken Novel,” set to music by award-winning composer David Van Tieghem (Broadway’s “Doubt,” “Frozen”).

The two pieces that will be shown are called Lux, an energetic work set to Philip Glass’ “The Light and Castles” and featuring music by Sergei Prokofiev.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children, seniors, and Coker faculty and staff. Admission is free for Coker students is free. For more information on Doug Varone and Dancers, visit www.dougvaroneanddancers.org.

For more information about the Coker performance, contact Angela Gallo at (843) 383-8381.

Hospice volunteers

Hospice Care of South Carolina is seeking volunteers in Florence County. Celebrating its 14th year of care with offices in 26 counties, Hospice Care of South Carolina provides compassion and comfort to families and patients living with life-limiting illness. The treatment goal is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so they may live with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. For more information, contact regional volunteer coordinator Whitney Rogers at (843) 409-7991 or whitney.rogers@hospicecare.net or one of your local offices at (803) 484-6869 or (843) 355-3105.

Young entrepreneurs

SC Economics, formerly the SC Council on Economic Education, is looking for five elementary, middle or high school students who have taken up the challenge of running their own businesses. They must understand the costs and benefits of working for themselves and be willing to share their experiences with their peers.

The five 2011 SC Young Entrepreneurs will be interviewed on the ETV Stock Market Game Program, which is broadcast to schools during the fall and spring semesters. In addition, at SC Economics’ awards luncheon, each student will receive a $200 cash prize and be honored by their teachers and fellow students.

If you know a student who fits the profile of a SC Young Entrepreneur, fill out the Young Entrepreneur Nomination Form at http://www.sceconomics.org/entrepreneur_form.htm.

Teachers, parents, community members or even young entrepreneurs themselves may complete the form.

SC Economics is a nonprofit business-education partnership dedicated to providing teachers with the tools and resources needed to educate South Carolina’s students about financial literacy, economic principles, and the changing global economy. To learn more, visit www.sceconomics.org.

Guest Care Program

Lake City Community Hospital now offers the Guest Care Program, which provides a 24-hour care on a short-term or long-term basis. Those who qualify are persons needing supervision, specific therapy or assistance with normal activities. The program is intended to give the caregiver a much-needed break. Generally, a stay is usually no longer than 14 days. Long-term care is available if space is available and criteria are met. Guest Care is not covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, but is payable only by cash in advance. For more information, call (843) 374-6128.

Grief support groups

• McLeod Hospice is offering a support group for people coping with the loss of a loved one, whether or not the loss is hospice related. The group will meet at noon the last Wednesday of each month in the McLeod Hospice House, at 1203 E. Cheves St. in Florence. For more information, call (843) 777-2007.
• A grief recovery program (GriefShare) will be at Lee’s Tabernacle Church, 2226 N. Matthews Road, Scranton, every Thursday night at 6:30 during the month of October.  This is a Christ centered, nondenominational video program for the bereaved.  There is no cost to attend.  Please call 389-7051 for more information. 

Head Start success stories

Head Start is looking for alumni. If you graduated from Lake City/Olanta Head Start, call Yvonne McFadden at (843) 394-5266. The center is planning now for Head Start Awareness Month, which is October.

The Lake City/Olanta Head Start is looking for alumni throughout South Carolina who will share their stories and testimonials of their Head Start experiences. If you or someone you know has attended a Lake City/Olanta Head Start program, call McFadden to be a part of activities as Head Start celebrates 40 years. Head Start would also like to use stories for possible inclusion on its website and in future publications.

House fire

Donations are being accepted for the family of Bobby and Angela Matthews following a house fire. An account has been set up at the Exchange Bank of South Carolina — the Angela Matthews Fire Loss Foundation. For more information, call (843) 244-6785.

Pee Dee Coalition

The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault is seeking volunteers. The coalition is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to the reduction of rape, family violence and child abuse and to the needs of its victims. Volunteers make a direct impact in the lives of victims. Whether it is holding someone’s hand at the hospital or organizing a pantry at the shelter, the coalition has programs that cover a variety of interests. For more information, call County Coordinator Freda Cox at (843) 354-6481.