People & Events: Nov. 4

Darlington native chosen to lead state Farm Service Agency

Laurie Lawson has been appointed by the Obama administration as the South Carolina state executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is a familiar role for the Darlington native, who served as state executive director during the Clinton administration.
“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to again serve South Carolina farmers in rural areas of the state,” Lawson said during a telephone interview Monday. “I hope I can make a real difference in delivering the federal programs that they receive.”

Cotton growers asked for feedback

The S.C. Cotton Board asks all growers to participate in a referendum currently underway to amend the Cotton Research and Promotion Order by approving the addition of Florida, Virginia and Kansas as cotton-producing states. The referendum runs through Nov. 10, and producers can vote at their local USDA Farm Service Agency or by mail. Ballots are available online at http://www.ams.usda.gov/cotton.

FDTC Educational Foundation Gala held Thursday

The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College becomes Club SiMT and filled with Jazz for one night, Thursday, November 5, 2009 for the FDTC’s Educational Foundation’s 45th Anniversary Celebration and Gala. Canadian Jazz Artist Sophie Milman brings her Juno Award winning Jazz stylings to the SiMT’s conference center that will be turned into a swanky night club, called Club SiMT. 
For information or tickets, call (843) 661-8002.

Historical marker for former jail to be dedicated Nov. 13

A dedication ceremony for a state historical marker for the old Darlington County jail, now the home of the Darlington County Historical Commission offices, will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the commission building at 204 Hewitt St., Darlington. Tracy Power from the S.C. Department of Archives and History will be the guest speaker for the dedication.

Cheraw named Preserve America Community

First Lady Michelle Obama has designated the town of Cheraw as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Communities.
Communities designated through the program receive national recognition for their accomplishments. Benefits include use of the Preserve America logo on educational and promotional materials; eligibility for Preserve America grants; listing in the Web-based directory that showcases Cheraw’s preservation efforts and heritage tourism destinations.
For more information, visit http://www.PreserveAmerica.gov online.

Boys home hosts yard sale Saturday

The Billie Hardee Home for Boys is having a yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the home, 1133 Timmonsville Highway, Darlington.
Among the items for sale will be microwave ovens, refrigerators, televisions, furnitures, an aquarium, king-size bedspreads and tables.
To donate items or for more information, visit http://www.bhhb.net online or call Dianne Dennis at (843) 393-8600 ext. 308.
Billie Hardee Home for Boys is a residential facility for young boys referred by various agencies for treatment of psychological challenges as a result of abuse, neglect or an encounter with the criminal justice system.