Darlington County Happenings

“Claude Hart…Early Commercial Photographer,” is open in the Hartsville Museum Showcase Gallery until May 28. The exhibit shows the variety of subjects Hart photographed in chronicling the growth of Hartsville. The subjects range from local citizens, landscapes and buildings, to homes and gardens, some of which are still recognizable today. March 30 – April 3, the museum will close for minor repairs, re-opening on Saturday April 4. Admission is free. Hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In March, Black Creek Arts Council will be offering a series of free art classes, demonstrations and workshops. Topics range from acting to pottery and oil painting to illustration. Jazz workshops will also be offered. Contact Bruce at the arts center for more information, or visit http://www.blackcreekarts.org for a full schedule. Click on the Arts Education Classes link.

The Palmetto Ballroom Dance Club March Dance will be today, March 13, at the Leatherman Senior Center, 600 Senior Way, Florence. The class lesson, waltz, is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Instructors are Pauline and Vince Jelovchan. Open dancing will continue until 10:45 p.m. with Eddie Collins, DJ. Black tie is optional. Charge is $5 for members and $10 for guests. Club members are asked to bring finger food snacks. For more information, call 667-9322, 618-1802 or 393-2465.

On Sunday, March 15, Black Creek Arts Council is sponsoring the Friends of the Lamar Library’s Art in the Park. The event will last from 3 -5 p.m. and will be held in the Lamar Library Park, with some displays inside the library.

On March 24, Black Creek Arts Council is hosting a luncheon to honor Willard Jacobs. The luncheon will be held at the arts center and will begin at 12 p.m. Tickets are $12. Contact Bruce Douglas at the arts center for tickets at (843) 332-6234.

 On Saturday, April 4, accomplished Ukrainian egg artist Ivy McLaurin will be leading a workshop at the Black Creek Arts Center.  The workshop will last from 10am to 4p.m. Cost is $70. All supplies are included. Call Bruce Douglas at the Arts Center for more information at (843) 332-6234.
The Hartsville Community Center Building Commission will meet on Tues., March 17, at 4 pm in the Community Center Building at 212 N. Fifth St.
Darlington County Fire District Station 12 (Byrdtown) will hold a chicken bog on Saturday, March 21, at 2262 Byrdtown Rd. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plates are $6 each, eat in or take out.

Women, please mark your calendars for a free “Women’s Health Fair Art and More” Sunday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Butler Heritage Foundation Gym. The theme is “Remembering Our Health — It’s Our Time.” The event will feature blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, HIV testing, body mass, eye exams, a Mary Kay representative, fitness trainer and more. The first 100 women will receive a free gift. For more information, call Barbara Carraway at (843) 276-9433. Vendors are welcome.

Free computer classes will be offered in the Darlington County Library System.  Variety class - From Basics to the Internet and Microsoft Office 2007 classes available at all four branch libraries, Monday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.  and 3 - 5 p.m. in Hartsville; Tuesday 12 - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. in Lamar; Wednesday 1 - 3 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. in Society Hill; and Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. in Darlington. Seating is limited, and registration is required. Contact Charlene McDonnough at (843) 398-4940 ext 309.
The Jacob Kelley House Museum is open to the public the first Sunday of each month through December. The 19th century farm house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the Darlington County Historical Commission. During the Civil War, federal forces used the house as a headquarters for scouting parties seeking provisions for Gen. William T. Sherman’s army.  Admission is free.

Emmanuel Christian School preschool is now enrolling 2K-5K for the 2009-2010 school year. ECS is a genuine preschool and will soon be both licensed and registered by the state. To enroll, call 332-0164 or visit http://www.ecscrusaders.com. 

A depression support group meets the third Monday of every month at St. Luke United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. The church is located at 302 Dunlap Dr., Hartsville, The public is invited. For more information, call Danny at 616-2723 or Kathy at 307-8220.

Scrapbooking 101 is available through the Hartsville Recreation Department on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. cost is $40 for city residents and $46 for non-city residents. Call 383-3020 for details.

The Hartsville Recreation Department will offer Japanese martial arts with Gary Carpenter Mondays and Wednesdays at the Coach T.B. Thomas Sports Center for ages 5 and up. Cost is $50 per month. Call 383-3020 for time.

Pet CPR classes for pet owners are available through the Hartsville Recreation Department. Cost is $35 for a three-hour class. Times vary. Call 383-3020 or 917-4549 for details.

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

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

Learn tai chi for fun and health. Tai chi is an ancient, low-impact, graceful mind-body exercise which promotes balance, flexibility, and strength. Classes are every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Community Center at 212 N. Fifth Street.  For more information, contact Den Latham at 861-1957 or

The Andrews Reunion will be Saturday, April 4, at the First Church of God on North Main Street in Darlington beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. in the church activity building. Please bring covered dishes, desserts and drinks. This is a new day, month and time, so contact your family members and let them know.  There will be drawings for prizes. For more information, call Mike Andrews at (843) 393-9660.

Hartsville’s Alcoholics Anonymous meets daily at 310 McFarland St. Meeting schedule posted on door.

The Hartsville High School classes of 1960 - 1964 will hold a Homecoming on Saturday, April 25, at the Hartsville Country Club.  The invitations have been mailed.  If you would like to participate and have not received an invitation, please call Evelyn Smith Dampier at (843) 332-6426 or Wayne Stratton Wallace at (843) 332-1836 for information and an invitation. 
The Golden Hands Needlework Group meets at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Hartsville the first and third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.  The group knits and crochets hats, sweaters, blankets and other items to donate to charities.

The Hartsville Toastmasters meet every second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Black Creek Arts Council building, 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 and admission is free. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Andrew Jackson at 332-6151.

The Hartsville Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. extends an invitation, to high school males, to join the 2008-09 Kappa League Program. Kappa League is the Guide Right initiative, of the fraternity, with the purpose of helping 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.
For additional information contact coach Corey Lewis at HHS or Lynwood Lewis at 332-4337.

The Jacob Kelly House is open on the first Sunday of every month through December.  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. Admission is free. For more information, contact Joann Lee at 332-4508.

Hartsville American Legion Post 53 and Auxiliary meets on the third Tuesday night of each month. The post is located at North Fifth Street at Society Avenue just across Prestwood Lake. All members, eligible veterans and spouses are invited to attend. For additional information, contact Jim Ousley, Post Commander, 332-9340.

The Southern Animal Welfare League 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.  Please join us on the last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hartsville Memorial Library to find out what you can do to help.  Call 206-1129 or visit http://www.southernanimalwelfareleague.org to find out more.

The Hartsville High School classes of 1960 - 1963 will hold homecoming on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the Hartsville Country Club.  The committee needs everyone’s help in contacting all class members. Also, if other class members are interested, you are cordially invited to participate. Please call Evelyn Smith Dampier at (843) 332-6426 or Wayne Stratton Wallace at (843) 332-1836 for information and to submit correct addresses. 

The Butler High School class of 1967 will have a weekend getaway May 22 - 24, with mini tours of Charleston and Savannah. The event will feature a dinner cruise in each city. For more information, contact Sylvester Wilson at (843) 332-4970 or or Betty W. Pauley at (843) 332-0525 or .

Living Well South Carolina is a new program 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 will be held in Darlington, Hartsville, Society Hill and Lamar. Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. A Matter of Balance can help you improve the quality of life and remain independent. Classes include easy exercises and information that will help you to enjoy your life. Call Ashley at 393-8521 to sign up or for more information. All classes are free.

A community chaplin serves as a chaplin 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 chaplin must have to serve God and see lives changed. Call 332-7771 for more information about “I am community chaplains of America.” This is a certified program.

Divorced? Separated? Divorce Care is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. Call 332-7771 for more information.

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. Call Lee Andrews at 383-3020.

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.

The DAV Chapter 47 meets the third Monday night of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the library. All veterans and spouses are invited to attend. For more information call J.W. O’Neal at 383-8670.

Keep Darlington County Beautiful offers citizens, businesses and industries opportunities to contribute to their communities. The organization’s aim is to promote community pride and publicly recognize 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 398-4810.

The 2008 meetings of the Board of Directors of the Darlington County Disabilities and Special Needs Board are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month at the Scott Center located at 201 N. Damascus Church Rd. in Hartsville.  The public is invited to attend.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Call Margaret Coker at 332-7478 for info.