Seniors honored at recreation department

Darlington County Council Chairman Wesley Blackwell, standing, chats with Harry L. Colclough and Sarah Hough, both of Hartsville, during the senior dinner at Coach T.B. Thomas Center on Wednesday.

By Lisa Chalian-rock
Published: December 11, 2009

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Senior citizens from across the county converged on Coach T.B. Thomas Center for a holiday meal, musical entertainment and socializing.

“You never seen people have as much fun as when senior citizens get together,” Harry L. Colclough of Hartsville said.

The group represented people from each city or town in the county: Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar and Society Hill. Most participate in the Darlington County Recreation Department’s Senior Citizen’s program, and some senior groups from area churches were also invited.

“This has been a bigger crowd than I expected with the weather,” Ken McRae, county director of the recreation department, said.

Barry Brown of McBee played guitar and sang seasonal songs before the meal, and City Councilman Bobby Braddock gave the blessing.

“This is one of our best programs,” McRae said. “I think it means a lot to them.”

City of Hartsville Director of Parks and Leisure Phil Gardner described some of the activities provided through his department and the recreation department specifically for seniors.

“There’s a bridge group that meets every other Thursday. They have two or three tables set up, and they stay and have a good time,” Gardner said. “That’s what this place is about.”

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, there are senior exercise classes, and 60 to 80 people show up for the program. Many seniors also use the upstairs walking track.

“There’s a group determined to come walk here everyday,” Gardner said. “They socialize and exercise. Some come back to walk again later the same day.”

Starting in January, the recreation department will have a new registration program. Every member must complete a new membership application even if done in the past, so the city can update its records in the new system.

Everyone will be charged for memberships too.

This past year, seniors were “grandfathered in” and didn’t have to pay a fee because of the transition to the new center off Washington Street.

The fee, however, is small, just $5 per month for seniors in the city and $7.50 per month for seniors living in the county. If residents pay for the entire year upfront, they receive a discount equivalent to two-months free. For questions, call (843) 339-2878 or (843) 383-3020.

City and county officials attending the dinner included County Council Chairman Wesley Blackwell, County Council Member Wilhelmina Johnson, Mayor Mel Pennington and City Council Member Bobby Braddock among others.