Hartsville Happenings

TODAY – OCT. 31

Hartsville Furniture Company 75th Anniversary Birthday Party: 5 to 7 p.m. today. Refreshments will be served. Special giveaways and discounts offered throughout the month and night of event.

Darlington County Kick-Off of National Red Ribbon Week: 10 a.m. Friday at the Darlington County School District Administrative Building, 120 E. Smith Ave., Darlington, in the training room.

SCHSRA Rodeo: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in McBee.

Haunted Hills of Lynches River: Friday through Sunday and Oct. 29-31. Admission $5. A two-mile hayride through the swamps of Lynches River with many scenes of frightful content awaiting fresh victims. The halfway point features a walk through our brand new haunted house designed to torment and terrify. The trail opens shortly after dark and tickets will be sold until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. This marks the eighth year for this event. The location is on the corner of Joye Road and East Lynches River Road. This event is sponsored by the Lamar Firemen’s Association. Info: (843) 326-1057, (843) 326-5967, (843) 346-7140 or e-mail Hauntedhills2007@aol.com. Also check us out on Myspace and Facebook.

Meet and Greet Lucy Nolan Book Signing: 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Wesley United Church Family Life Center.

American Legion Fall Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Legion Hut at North Fifth Street and Society Avenue. Westwood Barbecue will provide a meal of barbecue, rice with red gravy, slaw, pickles and bread. A donation of $7 per plate is requested. The Auxiliary will have a bake and craft sale in conjunction with the mea. Eat in or take out.

Darlington County Disabilities and Special Needs Board BBQ Fundraiser: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Scott Center, 201 N. Damascus Church Road, Hartsville. Plates: $7. Delivery provided for advance orders of 10 plates or more. Info: (843) 332-7252

Hartsville High School Wrestling Team Fundraiser: Tuesday at McLeod Farms in McBee chaperoning for the seven-acre corn maze. Come out for a great evening while supporting your team. Info: Call Coach Larson at (320) 290-2245

Plainview Elementary School PTO Auction: Tuesday, during Annual Fall Carnival in Patrick. A representative of Plainview Elementary will be contacting local businesses about making a donation. Info: (843) 498-6633.

Northeastern Technical College Board of Trustees Meeting: Noon Tuesday at Owens Board Room, Cheraw Campus. Info: (843) 921-6900 or www.netc.edu.

Darlington County Humane Society Open House: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at the shelter, located off Highway 151, ½ mile west of Darlington Raceway. Turn beside the water tower. Join us to celebrate recent shelter improvements and to thank our generous supporters. Info: (843) 398-4402

Taste of the Farm: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29 at Ovis Hill Farms. Celebrate the state's extensive agriculture industry and South Carolina grown products. RSVP: (843) 393-2641.

Hartsville Masonic Lodge #173 Chicken Bog: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 30. Free delivery of ten plates or more. Info: (843) 639-2733.

Tally Johnson Book Signing and Ghost Storytelling: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

Thomas Hart Academy 12th Annual Halloween Carnival: Oct. 30 from 6 - 9 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium at 852 Flinns Road. Come enjoy the infamous cake walk, pony rides, inflatables, face painting, a costume contest and a specially designed booth sponsored by each grade from kindergarten – eighth grade. Barbeque plates by Mr. B’s will be sold for $7 at lunchtime from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and dinner from 6 - 9 p.m. Eat in or take out. Info: Call the school at 332-4991.

State Harley Owners Group Meeting: Oct. 31 at Darlington Raceway. Convoy will travel from Columbia to Darlington.

NOVEMBER

People to People Monthly Meeting: 6:15 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Hartsville Satellite Campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College, 225 Swift Creek Road. The public is invited. Info: Clayton Richardson at (843) 332-3420.

Relay For Life Pancake Supper: 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at West Hartsville Baptist Church. Plates are $5 each, eat in or take out. Tickets may be purchased at Burry bookstore, the Hartsville Family YMCA or by calling the church office at (843) 332-6221. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”: Coker College Musical Theater, for two weekends in November in the college’s Watson Theater. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 7, and at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. During the following weekend, the performances will be at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. Admission at the door is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 18 and students, and free with Coker ID. For more information, contact Dr. Graham Wood at (843) 383-8064 or gwood@coker.edu.

Darlington Humane Society Rescue Fund Yard Sale: 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at 113 Spring St., Darlington. Turn off Cashua, second house on left facing Spring Street. Donations: Any items EXCEPT adult clothing are welcome. Adult shoes and purses ARE needed. Children's clothing in good repair sells well. Any gold jewelry will be sold for the gold.

Strut Your Mutt Pet Show: Nov. 7 at Darlington County Humane Society booth at the Good Living Market on Cargill Way. Contests include waggiest tail, best smile and more.

Ebony Pearls of the Pee Dee Award Banquet: 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Hartsville High School cafeteria, 703 Lewellen Ave. Presented by the National Council of Negro Women Darlington County Section. Info: Dr. Gwen Dixon-Coe at 260-4514; Louise P. Jordan at 393-0740; Carolyn govan at 861-5910; Carolyn Marine at 332-5732; or Barbara Carraway at 383-8852.

Great Artillery Actions of the War Between the States: 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Hartsville Memorial Library meeting room. Special presentation by Jack Marlar. Sponsored by The Major James Lide Coker Camp #146 Sons of the Confederate Veterans. Free.

Pet Photos with Santa: Nov. 14

We Were Here: Archaeology of the Johannes Kolb Site: Through Nov. 14. Exhibit at the Hartsville Museum in the museum’s Showcase Gallery. The Johannes Kolb site is an archaeological dig located in the Mechanicsville community of Darlington County named for a German immigrant who settled there in 1737. Archaeological excavations have revealed objects spanning from 12,000 B.C. up to the early 20th century. The Hartsville Museum is located at 222 North Fifth Street, Hartsville, and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Free.

Grumpy Old Men 13th Annual Toy Run: Nov. 15 beginning at Newsome Storage, old Wal-Mart location on Fifth Street in Hartsville). Benefits local area children. Donation: $10 or new toy. Bikes out at 1 p.m. Food, raffles, prizes and fun. Rain date Nov. 22. Info: (843) 383-0972 or (843) 332-1961

Miss Darlington and Miss Teen Darlington Scholarship Pageant: Nov. 21. Sponsorships available. Info: (843) 206-1728 or willisgett@hotmail.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group: First Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Info: Margaret Coker (843) 332-7478.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Daily at 310 McFarland St., Hartsville. Meeting schedule posted on door.

Depression Support Group: Third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 302 Dunlap Dr., Hartsville. Info: Danny at (843) 616-2723 or Kathy at (843) 307-8220.

Divorce Care: This is a weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Info: 843-332-7771.

CLASSES

Girls Volleyball: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 29 at Coach T.B. Sports Center at Byerly Park. Cost: $25 city residents, $31 others.

Fall into Fitness: 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Cardio, step and lunges. Cost: $25 city residents, $31 others.

Exercise Classes: Tuesday and Thursday 10 to 11 a.m. and Thursday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hartsville Recreation Department. Remember your resolutions with cardio, step and lunges classes. Cost: $25 for city residents and $31 for non-city residents.

Fitness Over 50: Classes meet 9 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Coach T.B. Thomas Sports Center. This workout program for those over 50 is available through the Hartsville Recreation Department. New members are always welcome.

Japanese Martial Arts with Gary Carpenter: Mondays and Wednesdays at the Coach T.B. Thomas Sports Center, Hartsville Recreation Department. Ages 5 and older. Cost: $50 per month. Info: 383-3020 for time.

Pet CPR Classes: Available through the Hartsville Recreation Department. Cost: $35 for a three-hour class. Times vary. Info: 843-383-3020 or 843-917-4549.

Scrapbooking 101: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Hartsville Recreation Department. Cost: $40 for city residents and $46 for non-city residents. Info: 383-3020.

Living Well South Carolina: This new program is designed to help individuals that suffer from a chronic disease such as COPD, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other health problems. These conditions are associated with pain, fatigue, depression and many other issues that change the way you live. Classes are being held in Darlington, Hartsville, Society Hill and Lamar to help you live better with your condition. Call Ashley at 393-8521 to sign up or for more information. All classes are free.

A Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Classes: Free classes are held in Darlington, Hartsville, Society Hill and Lamar. Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. Classes can help you improve the quality of life and remain independent and include easy exercises and information that will help you to enjoy your life.
Info: Ashley at (843) 393-8521.

ONGOING & RECURRING

Morning Running Club: 7 a.m. every Saturday at Hartsville YMCA.

Umpires: The Hartsville Area Recreation Department is looking for umpires. If you are an experienced umpire or would be interested in umpiring contact the Hartsville Area Recreation Department for additional information. Info: Lee Andrews 843-383-3020.

Guide Right Initiative: The Hartsville Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. extends an invitation to high school males to join the Kappa League Program. The purpose is to help African-American males choose and pursue useful careers by exposing them to cultural enrichment and character development. The young men will participate in seminars and activities to develop leadership skills, refine self-image, build self-esteem and improve social skills. Info: Coach Corey Lewis at HHS or Lynwood Lewis at (843) 332-4337.

Hartsville Toastmasters: Second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Black Creek Arts Council, 116 W. College Ave. Free. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit club specializing in the improvement of leadership and speaking skills in a controlled, constructive setting. Guests are welcome. Info: Dr. Andrew Jackson (843) 332-6151.

The Major James Lide Coker Camp #146 Sons of the Confederate Veterans Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Hartsville Memorial Library meeting room.

Hartsville American Legion Post 53 and Auxiliary: Third Tuesday night of each month at the post on North Fifth Street at Society Avenue just across Prestwood Lake. A meal is served at 6:30 p.m. with the monthly meeting following. All members, eligible veterans, active reserve and National Guard personnel and spouses are invited to attend and join the largest veterans organization in the U.S. Info: Jim Ousley, Post Commander, (843) 332-9340.

Board of Directors of Darlington County Disabilities and Special Needs Board Meetings: Last Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Scott Center, 201 N. Damascus Church Road, Hartsville. The public is invited to attend.

The Golden Hands Needlework Group: First and third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Hartsville. The group knits and crochets hats, sweaters, blankets and other items to donate to charities.

Southern Animal Welfare League: The group is dedicated to helping abused and neglected animals in our area. Some of the organization’s programs include building doghouses for dogs without shelter, educating children about pet care, supporting local spay and neuter programs, promoting change and enforcement of animal welfare laws and much more. Info: (843) 206-1129 or visit www.southernanimalwelfareleague.org.

Butler Heritage Foundation Membership Drive: Through Oct. 30. The theme for this year’s drive is “Be in the 500-plus.” Info: Shelia Squire at (843) 332-1912.

Community Chaplains of America Program: This certified program will teach you to serve as a chaplain to many people who do not have a pastor or church that they regularly attend. As a spiritual caregiver, your training will equip you with the 10 essential disciplines every community chaplain must have to serve God and see lives changed. Info: (843) 332-7771.

SGTM Lyles Scholarship Fund: A scholarship fund has been established in memory of SGTM Clinton “Blue” Lyles Jr. by the S.C. Army National Guard Scholarship Association. Lyles dedicated 40 years of his life to the service of the S.C. Army National Guard. He served as administrator at the Hartsville Guard Unit, Company C of the 3rd Battalion, 178th Field Artillery. Donations to the fund are tax deductible. Make checks payable to the NGASC Scholarship. Send donations to: 1 National Guard Road, Stop 36, Columbia, SC 29201.

DAV Chapter 47: Third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the library. All veterans and spouses are invited to attend. Info: J.W. O’Neal (843) 383-8670.

Keep Darlington County Beautiful: The organization offers citizens, businesses and industries opportunities to contribute to their communities; promotes community pride; and publicly recognizes the efforts of citizens, churches, schools, businesses and industries that participate in activities. Individuals and organizations that would like to participate in Keep Darlington County Beautiful programs such as Adopt-A-Highway, recycling programs or serve on the committee can call (843) 398-4810.

Jacob Kelly House Tours: First Sunday of every month through December. Free. This 19th century farm house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Darlington County Historical Commission. During the War Between the States, the house was taken over by federal forces and used as headquarters for scouting parties seeking provisions to supply General Sherman’s Army. Info: Joann Lee (843) 332-4508.