Hartsville not a typical small town

This past weekend was a busy time in our city. There was an artist crawl, sports at Coker, a dance, a live show at the Center Theatre, and perfect weather for kayaking down Black Creek among other things.

But that’s the norm for Hartsville rather than the exception. There are always events and activities going on and it’s tough to choose what to join and attend.

Not a problem you’d expect to have in a small city, but Hartsville is not your typical small city.

Consider the following.

Hartsville High School achieved International Baccalaureate Accredi-tation this past December. Plans are underway to rebuild the Kelleytown Stadium, home of the Red Foxes.

The City of Hartsville approved a strategic comprehensive plan. Of the 26 elements in the plan, there is movement on 23 of them.

State lawmakers have approved $15 million towards expansion of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics’ campus.

Thanks to the volunteer efforts of “green” minded citizens, the city was awarded the designation of Tree City USA for the 22nd consecutive year.

Last week, a public meeting was held to begin work towards the Butler Revitalization Project. The project is a joint effort between the planning and landscape architecture schools at Clemson University and planning officials from the City of Hartsville.

We’ve recently seen the renovation of Lawton Park, the expansion of Byerly Park, the opening of Louchi’s Restaurant and numerous other businesses, and updates and repairs to downtown city storm drains.

There’s not enough space here to list all the examples of Hartsville’s vitality, but you get the idea.

Clearly, Hartsville is not your typical small city. But do we really know what we’ve got?

Research has shown that we’ve lost inner-city population. Employees of businesses in our area are choosing somewhere other than our Hartsville to live and spend their money.

Why are we losing population? How can people choose to live somewhere other than the place that visitors call, “wonderful, beautiful city” and “love it?“
Perhaps we’ve been a little too quiet about the uniqueness of Hartsville. Perhaps it’s time to boast a little - a lot.

The Byerly Foundation has announced the “Sel-ling Hartsville” initiative public kick-off on Thurs-day, Oct. 2, from 6 - 8 p.m. in downtown Hartsville to unveil, “Hartsville - The Art of Good Living.“ 

The project is designed to encourage more people to move here, shop our businesses, and visit our resources. It’s also a neighborhood party of sorts. The neighborhood of Hartsville.

There will be entertainment, dedications, and celebrations at Burry Park, Centennial Park and in front of the Center Theatre. The public is invited to come celebrate Hartsville. It’s a free event. 

This is your invitation to attend the kick-off and re-discover Hartsville. It’s time to let everyone know exactly why Hartsville is a great place to live, work and play. It’s time to share the secret and share Hartsville.

It’s time to remember a line from the song by the 80’s band, Cinderella, that goes, “Don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.“

All Member Lunch - The Chamber All Member Lunch is today at noon at Garden Terrace Restaurant, 1129 N. Fifth Street.

Featured speakers are Dick Puffer and Johnna Shirley for the “Hartsville - The Art of Good Living” initiative.

Hartsville High School teacher, Johnny Andrews will present an update on the IB Programme, a two-year rigorous, holistic international education for high school juniors and seniors.

Hartsville High School joins approximately 2,200 schools in 125 countries that are classified as IB World Schools.

The cost of the lunch is $9.10 and covers your buffet meal.

Ribbon cutting - Coldwell Banker Gandy-Tiller and Associates has moved to a new location at 152 E. Carolina Ave. There will be a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the new location on Friday, Oct. 3. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 4 - 4:30 p.m. and the open house runs until 7:30 p.m.

FORE! - Practice that swing for the Eighth Annual Hartsville Golf Classic Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 10 at the Hartsville Country Club.

Golf committee co-chairs, Bob Braddock of State Farm Insurance and Jim Stock of Heritage Community Bank have a big event planned this year.

Join golfers for a 9 a.m. shotgun start for a morning tournament. Enjoy sinking putts all day and then return to the clubhouse for a buffet lunch, awards and some great prizes.

You could be driving home in a brand new car if you play your game right. Raceway Automotive Group - Chrysler Jeep Dodge is offering a hole-in-one opportunity.
Contact the chamber at 332-6401 to register. 

Think Hartsville first! Support community business.

Sharman Poplava is president of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at . The chamber web site is http://www.hartsvillechamber.org