Hartsville Happenings Sept. 1

TODAY- SEPT. 8

Diabetes – Know the Signs, Manage the Disease Lunch & Learn: Noon today at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. Kim Alton, dietitian and director of food and nutritional services will present. Open to the public. Reserve your spot by Friday by calling (843) 339-4563.

Digital McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Piggly Wiggly, 100 N. Railroad Ave., Lamar. Women may schedule a mammogram on the mobile unit by calling McLeod Reservations and Scheduling at (843) 777-2095 and choosing Option 1.

Black Creek Arts Council Exhibit Opening Reception: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Features the artwork of Sketchboii Lance, Louise Dailey and Jo Jeffers. Info: (843) 332-6234.

Darlington County Historical Commission Board Meeting: 10 a.m. Thursday at Darlington County Historical Commission, 204 Hewitt St., Darlington. Info: (843) 398-4710 or DCHC1968@aol.com.

Coker Activity Fair: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday along Davidson Hall at Coker College.

Girls’ Fall Softball Registration: Through Friday at Coach T.B. Thomas Sports Center. Some travel to Darlington and Bishopville. Cost: $30 city residents, $36 for others.

Mayo High School Alumni Association Alumni Day Party: Noon to 4 p.m. Friday at Mayo High Hall of Fame. Also Friday, alumni will celebrate at the rivalry football game at 7 p.m. at Virgil Wells Stadium.

Golden Bears Heritage Day and Parade: 9 a.m. Friday through downtown Darlington and 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at Darlington Raceway’s infield.

Mayo High School Alumni Association Special Worship Service: 11 a.m. Sunday at Macedonia Baptist Church.

Mayo High School Alumni Association Black and Gold Ball: 8 p.m. to midnight at the SiMT building on the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College.

Town of McBee General Election: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at town hall, 38 W. Juniper Ave. Two council members up for election.

Hartsville City Council Work Session: 6 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.

StrokeMobile Free Screenings: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Belk in Hartsville.

Farm Bill Public Forum: Noon Sept. 8 at the Pee Dee Education Center (Clemson Extension) on Pocket Road, Florence. Congressman Collin Peterson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and Congressman John Spratt will attend.  This is an open forum; the public is invited to discuss the Farm Bill, its possible changes in 2012 and how it will effect local farmers and agriculture in our area. 

Flood Zone Maps Public Meetings: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at Lawton Park Pavilion in Hartsville and 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9 at Palmetto Rural Fire Department on McIver Road near Darlington. The meetings are designed to give residents an opportunity to see the maps and review FEMA findings regarding their property. Property owners who disagree with the findings will be instructed on how to challenge the findings.

Town of McBee Council Meeting: 5:45 p.m. Sept. 8 at town hall, 38 W. Juniper Ave.

Financial Peace University: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Swift Creek Baptist Church, 413 North Center Road, Hartsville. The 13-week program is taught by Dave Ramsey on DVD in a fun and entertaining way. Info: Marvin Odom (843)332-3843.

SEPT. 9-15

Darlington Raceway Blood Drive: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Darlington Raceway. Donors receive goodie bags and pace car ride. Info: www.redcrossblood.org by entering the sponsor code “DarlingtonRaceway” or by calling (800) RED-CROSS or (843) 395-8892.

Cassandra King Author Luncheon and Book Signing: Noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 in the Gallery at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave. Burry Bookstore and Black Creek Arts Council are co-hosting the author luncheon. Tickets are $25 and include lunch catered by Bizzell's Food and Spirits.

Town of McBee 911 Service and Flag Dedication: 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at McBee Town Hall, 38 W. Juniper Ave.

Cassandra King Author Reading and Book Signing: 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Watson Theater at Coker College. Free.

Good Living Marketplace: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 11 on Cargill Way between Fourth and Fifth Streets in downtown Hartsville. Info: (43) 332-1600.

StrokeMobile Free Screenings: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at Tabernacle Worship Center in Darlington.

Home Builders Association of the Greater Pee Dee 2010 Tour of Homes: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 and 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Free. Donations to the Florence Area Humane Society will be accepted. Info: (843) 665-5885 or www.hbapeedee.com.

People to People Meeting: Sept. 13, 6:15 p.m. at Florence-Darlington Technical College Hartsville Satellite Campus, 225 Swift Creek Road. All citizens are invited to attend and be a part of the group. Info: Clayton Richardson at 332-3420.

Childbirth Classes: 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. The classes meet each Tuesday for seven weeks. Info: (843) 339-4563.

Hartsville City Council Meeting: 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at city hall.

Darlington Professional Women's Group: Noon Sept. 15 at Darlington Country Club. Program: Cynthia Poston’s fashion tips for shoes and dress.

SEPT. 16-30

Taste of Society Hill: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Japonica Hall, 548 S. Main St., Society Hill.

StrokeMobile Free Screenings: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Greenhill Baptist Church in Hartsville.

Williamson Park 5K Run and Walk: 9 a.m. Sept. 18 at Williamson Park in Darlington.

Evening at the Theater: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Black Creek Arts Gallery, 116 W. College Ave. Black tie optional reception will include live entertainment, specialty hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entrance to the play “The Hallelujah Girls” and reserved theater seating. There will also be a silent auction held in the theater lobby. Benefits CareFIRST Carolina Foundation’s Friends and Neighbors Fund. Cost: $50 each or two for $80.

Second Annual Fall Festival: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at Pim Farms, 464 Dovesville Hwy, Darlington. Take a trip to Dovesville for food, animals, wagon rides, carpet golf and live music! Also, try to find your way through Darlington County’s oldest and largest corn maze. Tickets are $7 for ages 12 and up; $6 for ages 5-11; and ages 4 and younger are admitted free. Info: www.cornfieldmaze.com,  (888) 277-7815 or (803) 983-9073.

Home Builders Association of the Greater Pee Dee 2010 Tour of Homes: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18 and 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 19. Free. Donations to the Florence Area Humane Society will be accepted. Info: (843) 665-5885 or www.hbapeedee.com

Women in Business Celebration: 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Lakeview Baptist Church Family Life Center, Hartsville. Tickets: $25. Info: (843) 332-6401.

McBee Community Resource Center After School Program: Begins Sept. 20 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per child. Families with three children or more may call (803) 404-0898 or the center at 353-5150 or Jean Dawson at 658-6020. The center is located at 89 W. Pine St. behind Sandhills Bank. The center is offering Internet tutoring with students from the University of South Carolina and Benedict College. The Rev. Ben Corley is the center director.

Lamar High School PTA Meeting: 5 p.m. Sept. 21 in the school’s multipurpose room.

Friends of Lamar Library Bar-B-Que Dinner: 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Bernard's Restaurant on Main Street in Lamar. Cost is $7 per plate. Eat in or take out. A bake sale will also take place during dinner. Benefits the expansion of the Lamar Library. 

Darlington Historic Racing Festival: Sept. 24-26 at Darlington Raceway. Info: (866) 459-RACE or http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.

Scape Ore Farms Open House: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 25 at Scape Ore Farms, 105 Gooding Place, Bishopville. Walk the paths to view swans, waterfowl, peafowl and nearly 20 breeds of migratory ducks from across the globe. Check out the emus, rheas, chinchillas and coatimundi during this full day of open house activities. Info: (803) 428-4508 or www.scapeorefarmssc.com.

Darlington Soil and Water Conservation District Meeting: 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Clemson Extension Kitchen, 300 Russell St., Room 307, Darlington. Other dates for 2010 include Oct. 25 and Nov. 22.

Darlington County Ambulance Commission Meeting: 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at 1625 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington.

OCTOBER

Hartsville High School Class of 1985 25-Year Reunion: Oct. 1-2. Tailgating at 6 p.m. at Kelleytown Stadium on Oct. 1. Look for the Class of 1985 banner. Bring a snack or dessert to share and bring your own drinks and chairs. Reunion night Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Prestwood Country Club, 534 Prestwood Drive, Hartsville. Info: Michelle Darvey at (843) 230-6496.

Fall Yard Sale To Benefit The Darlington County Humane Society Rescue Efforts: 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 and 7 a.m. to noon Oct. 2 at Landmark Inn in Hartsville. To donate items, contact Kathy for pick up in Hartsville at (843) 332-7209 or baycreek7209@hughes.net and contact Omie for pick up in Darlington at (843) 393-2094 or omie1031@bellsouth.net.

Elks Parade: 10 a.m. Oct. 2 in Darlington.

Jim Harrison’s America Opening Reception: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Hartsville Museum, 222 N. Fifth St., Hartsville. Info: (843) 383-3005.

Down Under in Darlington County 2: 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at Prestwood Country Club. Benefits S.C. Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics Foundation. Info: (803) 252-9152.

Darlington County Historical Commission Board Meeting: 10 a.m. Oct. 7 at Hartsville Depot. Info: (843) 398-4710 or DCHC1968@aol.com.

Sweet Potato Festival: Oct. 9 in downtown Darlington. Info: (843) 393-3526.

2010 Hartsville Tournament of Bands: Noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 9 at Kelleytown Stadium. High school marching bands from all over the state come to compete. The Hartsville Red Regime does an exhibition performance at the end of the competition right before the awards ceremony.

Gubernatorial Candidate Nikki Haley Meet and Greet: Oct. 14 at Oak Manro Inn, East Home Avenue, Hartsville.

Darlington Professional Women's Group: Noon Oct. 21 at Darlington Country Club. Program: Harvest Hope.

Let’s Get Jazzed 46^th Annual FDTC Education Foundation Gala:  6 p.m. Oct. 21 at Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence. Juno Award nominee Michael Kasenhammer brings his boogie woogie jazz stylings to support scholarships at Florence-Darlington Technical College.

Miss Society Hill Pageant: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Moree’s Cheraw Country Club, 2431 Old Cash Rd., Cheraw. Princess Pageant at 11 a.m. Miss and Teen Pageants at 7 p.m. Info: (843) 378-4221, (843) 409-1198, (843) 307-6367, bann913@aol.com, oliver22cr@hotmail.com or www.misssocietyhill.weebly.com.

Farm Festival and Cotton Harvest Bluegrass Festival: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23 at Coker Farms, 1257 S. Fourth St, Hartsville. Pick out your favorite pumpkins and fall flowers. There will be face painting, antique tractors, hay rides and free hotdogs and ice cream in the afternoon. Enjoy a bluegrass concert in downtown Hartsville from 6 to 9pm. There is no admission fee. Info: (843) 206-3765.

McLeod Fall Festival: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at McLeod Farm, Highway 151 South, McBee. Take a wagon ride to go pumpkin picking and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride tour of the farm. There’s a pumpkin recipe contest, a pumpkin catapult, pumpkin painting, corn maze, inflatable jump castle and slide, face painting and costume contest for children. Info: www.macspride.com or (843) 335-8335.

Family Farm Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Ovis Hill Farm, 1501 Weaver St., Timmonsville. Visit a real-working sheep ranch. Enjoy sheep shearing, a petting zoo, and the spinning, dyeing and weaving of wool. Churn butter, paint a gourd, and take a hay ride to watch border collies at work. Admission is $5 per person and $20 maximum per family.  Info:  www.ovishillfarm.com or (843) 992-9447.

Wine 101 Class: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 23, 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25 and 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 at Black Creek Arts Council. Come and explore wines, laugh and learn the various aromas and tastes you palate will experience. Great gift certificate idea. Cost: $60/person or $100/couple if paying before Oct. 23. Bring two champagne flutes to the first class. Info: (843) 332-6234.

Darlington Soil and Water Conservation District Meeting: 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Clemson Extension Kitchen, 300 Russell St., Room 307, Darlington.

Darlington County Ambulance Commission Meeting: 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at 1625 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington.

Taste of Coker: 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at Coker College Soccer Field on Second Street in Hartsville. Advance Tickets: $25 single, $35 couple and $50 family. At the door $5 more. Tickets available at: Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, Burry Bookstore, Flossie Mae's, Brown and Coker Realty, Bow Thai Kitchen, J Michaels Grill and Raw Bar, Saleeby House on Coker College Campus. Info: (843) 383-8073 or cobras@coker.edu

Taste of the Farm: 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at J&W Greenhouses, 1305 Tolson Road, Timmonsville. Sponsored by the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce.

NOVEMBER

Darlington County Historical Commission Board Meeting: 10 a.m. Nov. 4 at Butler Heritage Foundation, Hartsville. Info: (843) 398-4710 or DCHC1968@aol.com.

Veteran’s Memorial Opening Ceremony: 11 a.m. Nov. 11 in Burry Park.

25th Anniversary Celebration & Open House: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at Whitehaven Plantation, 3762 Bethune Hwy., Bishopville. Come spend the afternoon visiting the stables and learning about the exotic Arabian horse. There will be a stallion presentation, pony rides and barn tours. Free.  Info: www.whitehavenplantation.com or (803) 428-5656.

Darlington Soil and Water Conservation District Meeting: 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at Clemson Extension Kitchen, 300 Russell St., Room 307, Darlington.

Darlington County Ambulance Commission Meeting: 6 p.m. Nov. 23 at 1625 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington.

DECEMBER

Darlington County Historical Commission Board Meeting: 10 a.m. Dec. 2 at Lamar Library. Info: (843) 398-4710 or DCHC1968@aol.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group: 10 a.m. first Tuesday of the month 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.

Brain Injury Support Group: 2 to 4 p.m. second Tuesday of each month at Hartsville Memorial Library, 147 W. College Ave. Info: Danny Weaver (843) 383-5585

Depression Support Group: 6 p.m. third Monday of the month 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.

Tournament of Hartsville Home Educators: Local support group for the homeschooling family. Info: Hhe_family@yahoo.com or visit www.hhefamily.com

CLASSES

Community Yoga Classes: 5:30 p.m. Monday at Community Center Building, 212 N. Fifth St., Hartsville. Classes will continue 5:30 p.m. Mondays. Info: Den Latham at (843) 861-1957.

Tennis Lessons: For ages 8 and older, these lessons can be scheduled for 30 minutes or one hour. Call Bryan Howell at (843) 230-9237 to schedule.

Japanese Martial Arts: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Gary Carpenter leads this training class for children ages 5 and older. Cost: $50 per month.

Super Shape Up Class: 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Join Pat Mitchell for cardio, steps and lunges. Cost: $25 city residents, $31 for others.

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.

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 (843) 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.

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.

ONGOING & RECURRING

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

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.

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

Darlington County Guardian Ad Litem Needs Volunteers: The Guardian Ad Litem program represents abused and neglected children in family court. Info: (843) 383-2333 or www.darlington.scgal.org

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

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 at (843) 332-4337.

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.

Hartsville Toastmasters: 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Monday at the Black Creek Arts Council, 116 W. College Ave. 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.

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.

Kiwanis Club of Hartsville: 12:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hartsville Country Club. Anyone wishing to attend can contact any Kiwanis member or Membership Chairman Charlie Deitz at (843) 332-2984. 

Lamar Scrabble Club: 11 a.m. second Saturday of the month at Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St. Info: (843) 326-5524

Lamar Town Council Meeting: 5:15 p.m. second Monday of each month at Court Room, 117 W. Main St., Lamar. Info: (843) 326-5551

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.

Mayo High Class of 1969 Meeting: 6 p.m. third Sunday of the month at Post 210 in Darlington. Info: (843) 393-1486.

Morning Running Club: 7:15 and 8:30 a.m. every Saturday at Hartsville YMCA.

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.

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.

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.

Yesterdays Indoor Flea Market: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at 1140 N. Fifth Street (Old Gloveslingers Building beside IGA Foodliner).