Thank you to everyone who participated in and came out for the Darlington Rescue Squad Christmas Parade, the DDRA Christmas Festival, and the Darlington Kiwanis Club Carol Lighting Service on Sunday! It was a wonderful day in Darlington! #darlingtonproud

Shop Darlington Contest and your chance to win one of three $100 cash prizes continues through Christmas! Shop at five DIFFERENT Darlington businesses from Thanksgiving to Christmas, send in receipts with an entry form, and you are entered into the drawing. The drawing will be held the first week in January. More details here.

Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce and Connect Young Professionals presented six young professionals with awards on Thursday as the Greenwood Under 40 Stars newest members including one who is originally from Darlington, Maggie McMahon. Mahon began working as the Greenwood County litter prevention coordinator in July 2019. She has been an active member of the Greenwood community for more than three years. A graduate of Anderson University, McMahon obtained a bachelor's degree in business and marketing in 2017 before obtaining a master's degree in organizational leadership from Liberty University. She serves as president of the Emerald City Rotary Club, secretary of the Keep Greenwood County Beautiful's board of directors and graduated from Leadership Greenwood in 2020. She also participates in Connect Young Professionals and the Chamber's Women's Leadership Council. McMahon is a Green Steps mentor for Greenwood County schools and participates in America in Bloom. She is married to Matthew McMahon, a math teacher and offensive line coach at Emerald High.

 

Today

American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Raceway Ford and Chevrolet in Hartsville on the Bloodmobile. To schedule your appointment online, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code RACEWAY. Info: redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED-CROSS

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice will hold a telephone town hall at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 7, to answer your Covid-19 questions and tell you about my work on behalf of the Seventh District in Washington. Dial 866-295-1745 or register online here. Dr. Danielle Scheurer and Dr. Gerald Harmon will be joining the call to provide expert advice on Covid-19 and the vaccines currently being developed. Dr. Scheurer is the Chief Quality Officer and Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a member of the SC Vaccine Committee. Dr. Gerald Harmon is a family medicine specialist who has practiced in coastal South Carolina for more than 30 years. He was elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in June 2013 and elected board chair in 2018.

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.

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

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

The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce presents Business Power Hours at 8 a.m. on Dec. 8 and the second Tuesday of every month at 214 N. Fifth St., Hartsville. These monthly roundtable sessions give community leaders and business professionals an opportunity to explore best practices for tackling day-to-day issues and steps to achieving long-term goals. Cost: Free for members and $20 for non-members $20 per session.

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.

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.

Pizza & Pen Pals, Sending Hope & Love to the Elderly will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 8 and the second Tuesday of the month at Northwood Family Worship Center Fellowship Hall, 1100 E. McIver Road, Darlington. Pizza, drinks, and pen pal info provided. RSVP to Teressa Wright 843-731-5586

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

St. Matthew's Church will 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.

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

Senior Movie Mornings will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9 and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

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)

 

Thursday

The Rotary Club of Darlington meets at noon on Thursdays at the Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road.

Adult Craft Classes will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 and the second Thursday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Enjoy classic Shrimp-N-Grits (or pork chip and grits) at Joe's Grill on Thursday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington.

Fahrenheit 225 will have Trivia & Rock Bingo Night on Thursdays beginning at 7 p.m. Pick up to-go orders at 26 Public Square, Darlington. Call in take-out orders at (843) 944-0321.

Al-Anon, a fellowship of adult relatives and friends of alcoholics for mutual support, will meet at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Hartsville AA Hut, 310 S. McFarland St. Info: 843-992-2981

 

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

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.

The Lamar Beautification Committee will meet from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 11 and the second Friday of every month at Town Hall, 117 Main St. Come support the Town of Lamar's efforts for a clean and beautiful town. 843-326-5551

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

 

Saturday

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

Faith Plus Ministry Community Outreach will be held Dec. 12 and every second Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., to help those that are in need of food, clothing and household goods. Event begins at 1 p.m. Hosted by Kingdom of Gods Children at 811 N. Governor Williams Highway, Darlington. Everyone in the surrounding Darlington County are All welcome to attend. Food and Refreshments will be served. If anyone has any barely used clothing and household items they will like to donate, please contact Sis Laura Byrd (843) 420-9150 for more detail and information.

Enjoy the Christmas Season in downtown Darlington at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Public Square and mural parking lot. Photos with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate, and more. Free.

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

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.

 

Sunday

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.

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.

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

 

Mark Your Calendar

Gingerbread TO GO houses will be available December 19th for the first 12 children to sign up.  Please let the office, Janet, or Tracy know if you are interested by December 16th.  Please share your completed gingerbread house by taking a picture and emailing it to the church.  The church office's email is: office@saintmatthews.us.

Please plan to join St. Matthew's Church on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 pm as we present our annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. The Festival is a worship service of hymns, carols, choral works, and organ selections that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The members of our Chancel Choir will lead us through this special and moving service.  Our Festival is based on an original service which occurred on Christmas Eve 1880 in a wooden shed used by the Bishop of Truro (later the Archbishop of Canterbury) as his cathedral. In 1918 that first service was adapted for use in the chapel of King's College, Cambridge by its Dean, Eric Milner-White. Wherever the service is heard and however it is adapted, whether the music is provided by choir or congregation, the pattern and strength of the service, as Dean Milner-White pointed out, derive mainly from the scripture lessons. "The main theme is the development of the loving purposes of God as seen through the windows and words of the Bible." Don't miss this wonderful, yearly celebration!

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 at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington, on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Tickets are $25 each. Food, music, and champagne toast and reveal at midnight.

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 apply online.

 

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.

Established in 1956, family owned, Thad Weinberg's Sausage makes our sausage using our family recipe. We sell pork products as well as process wild game at 1014 Pearl St. In Darlington. (843) 393-2544