Darlington County School District families may request to switch to virtual or face-to-face learning modes (or vice-versa) during the district's transfer window through 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30. You must apply to do so. Students will be notified in January if their transfer was approved. Any changes will take effect at the beginning of the second semester, which is Jan. 29 for high schools and Feb. 5 for elementary and middle schools. Families who do not wish to change their child's learning mode do not need to take any action. Info: 843-398-5100 or http://www.dcsdschools.org/

The Darlington Rescue Squad Christmas Parade & Festival will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, followed by the Darlington Kiwanis Club Tree Lighting. Price: $25 per vehicle, Golf carts are free. Please email us for float rental pricing Please remit payment to: DFRS Christmas Parade 107 S. Sycamore St Darlington, SC 29532 For questions please contact: 843-616-2629 dfrs1956@gmail.com. Vendor Application.

FDTC's Corporate and Workforce Development Division can provide beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of Excel training for your workers. Instruction is available face to face at any FDTC location, onsite at your organization, or through virtual delivery. Contact FDTC Corporate and Workforce Development at 843-413-2715 or CERegistration@fdtc.edu, to schedule a class, or for more details. Ask how to get funds to help offset your training costs!

 

Today

The Knitting & Crochet Club of Lamar will meet at 4 p.m. on Mondays at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Monday Night is Spaghetti Night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Served with salad, bread, and tea for $8.95.

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets weekly at 8 p.m. Monday nights at Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington. Use the Orange Street entrance. Info: 843-395-6897

 

Tuesday

The Annual Turkey Giveaway will be held Tuesday, November 24, on the Public Square beginning at 6 o'clock in the morning. To donate, please make checks payable to The Lord Cares, and mail to Eads Chiropractic, 208 Cashua St., Darlington, SC 29532.

Pace Makers, a faith-based community walking program, meets twice a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.  on Tuesdays and Fridays at Byerly Park in Hartsville. The purpose of this group is to build community through diversity. Info: Anna Grace Hubbs, Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 843-398-0060 or AnnaGrace.Hubbs@fmcdc.org

Temple Free Will Baptist Church's Don Squires will hold a weekly Bible Study and fellowship every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St., Darlington. Come at 8:30 a.m. for Dutch breakfast.

Free COVID Testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 24 at Coker College in Hartsville. Testing provided by CareSouth Carolina.

The Rotary Club of Hartsville meets at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Pam's Restaurant, 1009 W. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville.

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night with 50-cent wings for supper on Tuesday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only.

Wing specials, Drink Specials and Karaoke Every Tuesday Night at the Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington.

Darlington Country Club will continue to have Tuesday Family Night dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 125 Country Club Road. Now our Members can bring the kids out for a fun filled night while they enjoy a quite dinner. 843-393-2196. 

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

 

Wednesday

Free COVID Testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 at CareSouth Carolina, 737 S. Main St., Society Hill. Testing provided by CareSouth Carolina.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold a Book Signing for Paula Alford from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the chamber, 38 Public Square, Darlington. Paula Alford (Tahj) is the author of the book Off Track. This Darlington High School graduate attended Claflin University then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where she continues to serve our great country.

St. Matthew's Churchwill hold a Virtual Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays and a Virtual Women's Bible Study at 12 Noon on Wednesdays.

Senior Movie Mornings will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 25 and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Sunrise Rotary Club of Hartsville meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 am at Hampton Inn & Suites of Hartsville, 203 E. Carolina Ave. The Rotary Club of Hartsville is a part of District 7770 of the Eastern South Carolina. (843) 229-2729 or hartsvillesunriserotary@gmail.com

Wednesday Night Dogfight begins each week at 5:30 p.m. at Darlington Country Club. Register at the Pro Shop by 5 o'clock. Food provided.

Enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, from 4 to 9 p.m. with wine and wing specials.

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Church at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. St. Matthew's Church will hold a Foundation Class at 6:15 p.m. virtually and at The Purple Fish, 110 E. Hampton St. (Mask required)

Come celebrate the night before Thanksgiving with Wingz-Giving from 5 to 11 p.m. Nov. 25 at Spiro's Wingz & Ale, 500 S. Fifth St., Hartsville. This is taking place of Macsgiving with 3 bands in 1 night! Consumed, Taylor Richardson, and AJ Sanders are set to take the stage for a night you won't forget!

Trey Davis' annual Pre-Turkey show will be at 8 p.m. Nov. 25 at J. Michael's Grill, 636 Poole St., Hartsville.

 

Thursday

The 29th Annual Turkey Trot will be held at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, at the Hartsville YMCA. Packet pickup Sunday, Nov. 22, through Wednesday, Nov. 25, and from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Nov. 26. Info: www.YMCApd.org.

City of Darlington offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Trash will not be collected on Thursday. Collection will resume Friday and continue on Saturday.

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule - County Offices will be closed November 26 - 27, 2020, in observance of Thanksgiving Holiday. The Landfill and Solid Waste Collection Centers will close at 1 p.m. on November 25, and close all day on Nov. 26, in observance of Thanksgiving Holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

 

Friday

Pace Makers, a faith-based community walking program, meets twice a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.  on Tuesdays and Fridays at Byerly Park in Hartsville. The purpose of this group is to build community through diversity. Info: Anna Grace Hubbs, Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 843-398-0060 or AnnaGrace.Hubbs@fmcdc.org

Trinity United Methodist Church presents a Holiday Food Bazaar from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the church parking lot on Orange Street. Proceeds benefit local missions.

Free COVID Testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at Coker College in Hartsville. Testing provided by CareSouth Carolina.

Don't leave town for a nice dinner! You can enjoy a steak dinner every Friday night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington.

Each Friday, Excel Gymnastics and Tumble Academy will be having Fun Gym from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the academy, 102 Lamar St., Hartsville. Games, prizes, fun and more. Cost is $15. Pizza and drinks can be added for an additional $2.50. Open to the public. For ages 3 and up. Info: (843)-917-0022

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet, brings the full, powerful band experience to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. From country to beach to Motown and rock and roll, Christi and Jim will bring you all your favorites.

 

Saturday

The Darlington Soup Kitchen is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 586 W. West Broad St.

Masters Chaos Draft will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 at Multiverse Gifts & Games, 329 S. Fifth St., Hartsville. Pack per round win. Entry: $60. 16 spots available. (843) 917-0753

The Darlington Moose Lodge Annual Turkey Shoot returns Saturdays at 3 o'clock at the lodge, 1065 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. Huge Prizes, New Range Master, Food and Drink Specials every Saturday! Sponsored by Darlington Gun Works, Piggly Wiggly, Wingz & Ale, Southland Gun Works, Mayflower Seafood Restaurant, and Fahrenheit 225. Come by for a chance to win Turkeys, Gift Cards, TVs, Steaks and more! 843-393-2311

 

Sunday

St. Matthew's Church will hold a morning service at 8 a.m. on Sundays. Virtual Church Service and In-Church Service will be held at 11 a.m. Sundays at the church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington. Please call the Parish Office at 843-393-4112 to reserve a spot.  

Drive-In Worship Service at 10 a.m. Sundays at Trinity United Methodist Church, 126 Pearl St. This service is for those who do not feel comfortable coming into church building but still want to be in the same place on Sunday Mornings! All are welcome!

Parking Lot Church in the grassy area behind the ball field at 10:30 a.m. at Mechanicsville Baptist Church. There will be ushers directing you where to park your vehicle. Once parked, please tune your radio to 102.5FM. All are welcome.

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lamar will hold services at 11 a.m. in person or online. Masks required in person. (843) 332-1188.

Lee Street First Church of God brings the Word of God to you. Connect via Facebook Live or Zoom 646-558-86-56 ext. 222 777 7676. Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. Tuesday midday prayer at noon. Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p.m. Prayer Hotline 1-888-409-8880. Info: https://leestreetfirstcog.org/ or 843-393-2672

Children's Activities begin at 5 p.m. Sundays with Kids for Christ at the Kid Central Building then share the love of God with them through teaching and songs from 6 to 7 p.m. for Children's Musical Practice at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St., Darlington.

 

Monday

The 40th Annual Economic Outlook Series features its second virtual event at noon Monday, Nov. 30.  Cost is $30 to attend both events or $20 to attend one event.

Free COVID Testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 30 at Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Testing provided by CareSouth Carolina.

 

Mark Your Calendar 

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development (IATF) and Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs (ACVBA) will hold virtual public meetings on Dec. 2 and 3, respectively, via Microsoft Teams. The IATF will meet from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Dial-in: (202) 765-1264. Conference ID: 449 400 128# The ACVBA will meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Dial-in: (202) 765-1264. Conference ID: 298 825 239#

The Inaugural CareFirst Sporting Clay Classic will be held Thursday, Dec. 3 at Moree's Sportsman's Preserve, 1217 Moree Road, Society Hill. Due to COVID 19, limited to 22 teams.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bethea Retirement Community's new Skilled Care and Rehabilitation Center at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at 157 Home Avenue, Darlington. Join us for a sneak peek at this ultra-modern facility.

The 57th Annual Lydia Consignment Auction will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Lydia Community Center, 5069 Indian Branch Road, Lamar. Items include Farm Equipment, Construction Equipment. Trailers, Trucks, Cars, Landscaping Equipment, Tools & miscellaneous Items. Consignments accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. Info: Visit auctionzip.com or call Buddy Lewis 803-983-5040, Jimmy Blocker 843-908-3866 or 843-538-2276.

Darlington Country Club Christmas Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. If you are interested in being a vendor, please use the link below to fill out a registration form or email us at events@darlingtoncountryclub.com

The Darlington Fireman Christmas Toy fund will have Tickets available soon for a Pull behind custom grill with front burner and 30 lb. propane tank included. The grill will be built by Wiggins Metal Works. Tickets will be $5 each. The drawing will be held December 5.

The Town of Lamar is hosting a new family-friendly event, Christmas on Main, featuring pictures with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, Candy Cane Lane, Passion for Praise Dancers, food trucks, vendors, a parade and more from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. A parade begins at dusk. All business owners, vendors and attendees are asked to observe COVID-19 protocols and wear their masks. Proceeds will be used to purchase and maintain Lamar's Christmas decorations. For more, contact: Parade Coordinator Dawn Smith, 704-562-2369; Festival/Vendor Coordinator Danielle Wilkes, 843-339-0419.

SEBGA Bluegrass in Darlington: Outstanding bluegrass with BlueFaith and Carolina Crossroads as the featured bands, open mic and plenty of jamming from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the American Legion Post 13, 1752 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Adults $10, students $5, and younger than 12 free. COVID safety protocols social distancing, masks recommended. Info: 843-669-6952

Crema Coffee Bar will hold a Sugar Cookie Decorating Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the shop, 136 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville. Best Cookie will win a Crema gift card and mug.

Darlington County Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at the Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. Darlington County Council Meeting Room Restricted To Darlington County Council Members And Required Staff Until Further Notice - Due to the COVID-19 threat, public and media access will be accomplished by live video stream. Darlington County Council meetings will be live-streamed on Darlington County Council Live Meetings Facebook page and archived on Darlington County website at www.darcosc.com.

Join the Women's League of Hartsville for a Christmas Party at Black Creek Bistro from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Black Creek Bistro, 110 W. Pinewood Ave., Hartsville. Bring an ornament to exchange and enjoy delicious appetizers and a specialty drink. Members only event.

Gingerbread House Building Contest will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Crema Coffee Bar, 136 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville. Best house will receive a Crema Gift Card.

Darlington Presbyterian Church plans two public events to celebrate the season. The Christmas Festival of Lessons & Carols will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. A Live Nativity Drive Thru will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. All activities will be at the church, 311 Pearl Street, Darlington. Info: 843-393-4851 or dpchopeingod.org.

On Sunday, December 13, 2020, the Long Bluff Historical Society, along with the Town of Society Hill invite you to celebrate Christmas in the Park. This event will be held in the park adjacent to the Society Hill Town Hall at 6:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided by the Long Bluff Historical Society. If you would like to provide something special feel free to bring it as well.

Dominion Church will hold an Ugly Christmas Sweater party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at the church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington.

City of Darlington offices will be closed Thursday, Friday, and Monday, Dec. 24-28, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices will re-open on Tuesday, Dec. 29. Trash will NOT be collected on Dec. 25 due to the Christmas holiday. Collection will resume on Saturday.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold the Mayor's Masquerade Ball on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. More details to come.

Train the Trainer (T4T) opportunity will become available in January 2021.  On Jan. 20-21, community members will be able to attend a two-day virtual AS+K? About Suicide to Save a Life Training. AS+K? is a basic gatekeeper T4T that covers key information about suicide prevention, and enables trainers to then facilitate trainings throughout their communities. If you would like to be considered for the training, please complete the registration link. You may contact Tinotenda Martin at tinotenda.martin@scdmh.org with additional questions. Pre-registration link.

Join the South Carolina Department of Commerce for a virtual webinar training on USMCA (NAFTA 2.0) Updates from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 21. For more information and to register please contact: Norris Thigpen at 803-737-0598 or nthigpen@sccommerce.com.

 

BUSINESS OPERATIONS & CAPACITY

Click here for a list of what businesses are operating and at what capacity. Please send information to info@buildupdarlington.org or text 843-992-1561 to update a listing. We will continue to update this link, www.buildupdarlington.org/covid19, as we get information.

• Darlington County Courthouse will be restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4100
• City of Darlington Offices will be restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4000
• Palmetto Disaster Recovery Offices are opened in Marion and Conway with limitations. To apply, applicants must contact one of these two offices to schedule an appointment. For residents of Darlington County, applicants would need to contact the Marion Office at 803-609-1164 or 843-731-3550.
• Looking for employment? Keep SC Works Pee Dee in mind. Currently open by appointment. Email scworkspeedee@eckerd.org or call (843) 407-9679 for the Florence office or call (843) 309-9817 for the Hartsville office.
• Darlington County Community Action Agency has several programs available to help those in need during these difficult financial times. Click here to download the flyers. 843-332-1155
• How to Apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2: USDA's Farm Service Agency offers multiple options for producers to apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2). Whether you choose to apply online or work with your local FSA staff to complete your application, USDA has options that best meet your business needs. FSA will accept CFAP 2 applications through December 11. Learn more at farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. 
• If you know someone facing eviction and they need assistance, South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) may be able to help. The CDC has halted evictions due to CVOID-19 concerns through Dec. 31, 2020. Call toll-free 888-346-5592 or by apply online at here.

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

The Census Bureau has launched a new tool - the COVID-19 Data Hub - designed to help guide the nation as it begins recovery efforts from the sweeping COVID-19 pandemic by providing economic and demographic data.

More Resources and Recent Releases: 

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Resource Page 
• Taking the Pulse of American Households During COVID-19
• Providing Perspective During COVID-19 Using Census Data

For general information about COVID-19, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are trusted sources of information. We encourage you to visit their websites for the most current and correct information.

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control  
• S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control

DHEC Careline 855-472-3432: Get answers to common questions about the Corona Virus from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

If you are sick, MUSC Health offers a Virtual Visit to determine if you should leave home to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the Corona Virus. Use promo code "COVID19" at this link.

 

CITY SERVICES

While City Offices will be restricted to staff and appointments until further notice, individuals are encouraged to do all business by phone or email during this event. City staff will be available by phone and email, and essential services will not be interrupted. You can find updates here.

You may call the following numbers with service-related issues

• Emergencies, call 911
• Business Licenses - 843-398-4000 ext. 101
• Permits - 843-398-4029
• Water/Sewer, Normal Business Hours,  - 843-398-4040
• Water/Sewer, After 5 p.m.,  -  843-758-1127
• Fire, Non-emergency - 843-398-4013
• Police, Non-emergency - 843-398-4026
• Municipal Court - 843-398-4004
• Streets & Sanitation - 843-398-4035
• Media Inquiries - 843-992-1561

You may still pay your utility bill or traffic citation online here. City staff will disinfect public areas more frequently and have hand sanitizer available in public buildings. Garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection will remain on regular schedule.

CITY COURT RESUMES. Municipal Court will be held twice a day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., Darlington.

Due to COVID-19, the following rules will be in place:

• Only 25 defendants in the courtroom at a time.
• Everyone will be required to wear a face mask before entering.
• Social distancing will be enforced.

Download the DDRA Membership Application here. Download a Map Location Form for your business. Return to info@buildupdarlington.org or DDRA, P.O. Pox 57, Darlington, SC 29540.

To have your event listed on our websites, please email info@buildupdarlington.org or call 843-398-4000 x 103 by the week prior to your event.