Cooks are needed to compete for the title belt of Best Chili in Town as Joe's Grill and the DDRA present the return of the Annual Chili Championship on Saturday, March 6, at the grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Proceeds from the $5 tasting wristbands go toward the Darlington Fire Department. (843) 944-0626

The DDRA Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, April 14, at Darlington Country Club! Join the DDRA for a tasty buffet lunch, 4-man captain's choice tournament, and plenty of networking opportunities. Thank you to our GRAND SPONSORS who have supported our event for years! Darlington Raceway, Carolina Bank, Fitness World Gyms, MPD Electric Cooperative, and Nationwide Insurance! Sponsorships and teams available. 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org

CareSouth Carolina encourages you to visit its newly redesigned website

The SBA has re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to all participating PPP lenders. PPP provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The Paycheck Protection Program remains open for First and Second Draw PPP loans until March 31, 2021, as set forth in the Economic Aid Act, or until Congressionally-appropriated funding is exhausted.

Single Family Home Loans & Grants for Repairs Available

 

Today

Start 2021 with a new career in EMS! We are launching a new FREE EMT-Basic Class in Florence with classes starting March 1. Guardian Ambulance is partnering with Florence-Darlington Technical College to offer an EMT-Basic course with free tuition, materials and certification fees supported by a grant awarded to Apprenticeship Carolina. To further remove barriers to a new career, Guardian is also offering a classroom wage and full benefits during the class with a two-year employment commitment. Accepting applications now through February 8. APPLY HERE

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. Info: 843-944-0626

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

For Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault is asking you to wear ORANGE on February 9 as a symbol of your support! Wear Orange Day is a national initiative taken by advocates all over, and we hope you will join!

City of Darlington Planning Commission meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9, via Zoom. Other dates for 2021 are March 16, May 18, July 20, September 14, and November 16. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

SBA South Carolina District Office offers a free webinar, Contract Bonds & Surety Bond Guarantee, from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. Learn how to obtain contract bonds up to $10M. REGISTER HERE.

SCORE's Marketing Plan Workshop at 11 a.m. and at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, covers defining target customers, selling/value proposition, advertising/promotion, pricing strategies, positioning, competition, & marketing strategies. Gain knowledge to successfully integrate key marketing processes into your business plan. Cost: $10. This is an online event. Register here.

 

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.

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

Pizza & Pen Pals, Sending Hope & Love to the Elderly will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9 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

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night with 50-cent wings for supper on Tuesday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

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

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

 

Wednesday

COVID Vaccine Event at CareSouth Carolina, 1268 South Fourth St., Hartsville, on Wednesday, Feb. 10. You must call ahead for an appointment: 843-332-3422

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 Feb. 10 and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, from 4 to 9 p.m. with wine and wing specials. (843) 944-0880

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Church at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Drive In Worship Service at 126 Pearl Street parking lot of Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington at 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Hope to see you there! Listen on FM 88.7.

Carolina Nightlife & Grill will hold a Cornhole Tournament every Wednesday at 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Anyone can play. Register at 6 p.m. with play starting at 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Tournament is blind/random partner draw, double elimination format. Cost is $10 per person for the Advanced Bracket and $5 per person for the Tailgate Bracket. If you can average 2 in the hole every time, we recommend the advanced bracket. Cash prizes for winning teams.

 

Thursday

A TIME TO LAUGH from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington. Cost: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Childcare will be provided for $5 per child. Pizza, snacks and games will be provided. Catering by Jamie Beasley. Doors will open at 6 p.m. For any questions or to purchase a ticket, contact Jami Meyer (843)-260-7586.

The Hartsville Museum presents its Monthly Lecture Series at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, on Facebook Live, as Shawn Cannon, District Grand Master for South Carolina, talks about the history of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, and the impact of local chapters to our area and communities.

The American Legion Post 13 of Darlington meets at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 and the second Thursday of the month at 1752 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. All veterans are welcome.

Adult Craft Classes will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 and the second Thursday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

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

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

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: https://al-anon.org or 843-992-2981

Friday

The Lamar Beautification Committee will meet from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 12 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

Burning Bridges Memorial Benefit Sing at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Temple Free Will Baptist Church, 1660 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington and live on Facebook. Featured groups will be 2nd Chance Ministries, The Tyners, and Next Chapter. For more information call 910-995-8544. Free admission, but we will be receiving an love offering for sister Anita. Face coverings will be required.

Fahrenheit 225 will have Trivia & Rock Bingo Night on Fridays beginning at 7 p.m. Pick up to-go orders at 26 Public Square, Darlington. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call in take-out orders at (843) 944-0321.

Carter Lybrand and his drummer Steve Osbourne will be coming to play some country tunes beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Carolina Nightlife & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Cover charge: $5.

 

Saturday

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

Join The Grand Old Post Office for a special treat for Valentine's weekend: All you can EAT and DRINK PRIME RIB buffet with LIVE entertainment from Darlington natives THE HOT SPRINGS BAND beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 201 Pearl St., Darlington. Cost: $40 per person or $75 per couple. Limited tickets to this members-only event. For membership information, call 843-944-0157, email info@thegrandoldpostoffice.com or visit the website.

Faith Plus Ministry Community Outreach will be held Feb. 13 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.

My Saxxy Valentine Mask-querade Ball is just the Vaccine we need for that special someone or just a lovely night out with your peeps beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at The Darlington Tavern, 1125 N. Main St., Darlington. Cabaret style live music with dancing and special musical skits along with the Saxxy Keyz Band. Wings, Sandwiches and Cocktails for purchase. Tickets: $15 for individuals or $25 for couples in advance or $20 each at the door.

34th Annual Women's League Auction will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Hartsville Country Club. Get all gussied up in your favorite 20's attire and join The Hartsville Women's League for our annual auction honoring the Hartsville Center Theater. Tickets: $50 single or $90 per couple.

 

Sunday

COUPLES TENNIS 101: Are you and your special someone looking for a safe, socially distant activity? Sign up for 6 weeks of beginner tennis instruction tailored for couples. Each clinic will be one hour and full of great instruction and lots of fun. Program begins at Hartsville Country Club from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, and continues weekly through March 28. Cost is $30 per person and $40 for those who need a racquet.

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 Virtual Church Service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Info: 843-393-4112

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: 843-393-2672 or online

Darlington Presbyterian Church

http://dpchopeingod.org

 

Monday

The Board of Directors of Darlington County Water & Sewer Authority will meet in the conference room at 131 Industrial Way, Darlington, at 5 p.m. on Feb. 15 and on the third Monday of the month.

 

Mark Your Calendar

Mastering Finances for Black-Owned Businesses, an educational webinar presented by Owner & CEO of PKJ Consulting Phyllis Johnson, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16. The session will break down this critical element of business success into simple terms, so you are more informed, understand your numbers and can make better financial decisions. REGISTER HERE.

Join industry leaders, biotechnology and pharma executives and medical device, medtech and life sciences supporters from across the U.S. for SCBIO 2021. The South Carolina Life Sciences' Annual Meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.n. on Feb. 16 and Feb. 17. REGISTER HERE.

Stream 2021 is a new tradeshow concept that envisions connecting local manufacturers within the Carolinas to facilitate increased supplier and procurement opportunities for companies based in both states. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16 and Feb. 17. Virtual. REGISTER HERE.

Choose the Right E-Commerce Technology to Grow Your Small Business at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. REGISTER HERE.

Brown v. Board: Cheryl Brown Henderson and the Legacy of the 1954 Supreme Court Case at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18. Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the first webinar in this series featuring Cheryl Brown Henderson, the founding president of the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research and one of the authors of the recently released "Recovering Untold Stories: An Enduring Legacy of the Brown v. Board of Education Decision." The series aims to broaden our understanding of Brown v. Board of Education through a series that will highlight the people, places, and stories from each of the states involved in the landmark case.

Get some Little Rusty in your ears beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Carolina Nightlife & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Cover charge: $7. Plenty of cold, adult beverages to be had.

SBA South Carolina District Office presents a webinar, Business Smart Series: Ready! Set! Go!, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. REGISTER HERE.

Learn how to create customer loyalty & grow your business through excellent customer service! SCORE's Support Sales with Excellent Customer Service webinar from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 24 will cover the most important customer service skills, 5 ways to deliver excellent customer service, & will review well-known reputable companies who excel in customer service. Cost: $10. This is an online event. REGISTER HERE.

Unlearning Systemic Racism Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Y's African American CEOs from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. All Y staff and volunteers are invited to participate, and the event is also open to the public. Register here.

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet, brings the full, powerful band experience to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the 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 of your favorites!

The 31st annual South Carolina Rural Summit brought to you by the SC Department of Commerce & SCETV will be presented live from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 1 & 2 from SCETV's studios. REGISTER HERE.

The Grand Opening of Sassy Girl Vintique will be celebrated beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, March 1, at 212 Pearl St., Darlington. Enjoy eclectic vintique style in the heart and home of Darlington!

Reach More E-Commerce Customers with Expert Online Marketing Tips during a webinar at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 2. REGISTER HERE.

Ask the CPA 2021 - Tax Advice for Your Small Business at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 11. REGISTER HERE.

How to Define Your Vision and Increase the Probability of Success at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18. REGISTER HERE.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. Live DJ, food vendors, and cash bar, all in an amazing venue. Tickets are $25 per person. Info: 843-393-2641

S.C. Energy Office Offers ASHRAE Course, Evaluating HVAC System's Readiness to Mitigate the Spread of SARS-COV-2, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon March 11. Cost: $10. This course expands on the online ASHRAE COVID-19 details for reopening buildings and the Building Readiness Plan for HVAC systems. Register here.

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet, brings the full, powerful band experience to the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, March 19, at the 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 of your favorites!

Ladies Night Gone Wild Magic Experience comes to Darlington from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 2, at Carolina Night Life & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Show supports St. Jude's Children Hospital Research. Tickets on sale now. Cost: $15 general admission, $25 VIP, and $45 Queen.

S.C. Energy Office Offers ASHRAE Course, Commercial Building Energy Audits, from 1 to 4 p.m. April 28 and 29. Cost: $10. The seminar includes a summary of materials essential for performing ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3 audits, time-saving tips for every auditor, how to hire an auditor, what to ask for in a comprehensive audit report, and how to build a successful energy efficiency retrofit team. Register here.

 

COVID TESTING

• DHEC Sponsored Testing at Darlington County Health Department, 305 Russell St., Darlington. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays, with a break from 12 noon to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary. Preregistration encouraged: 1-855-472-3432 or scdhec.gov/gettested

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, 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
• 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 Jan. 31, 2021. Call toll-free 888-346-5592 or apply online.

 

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

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

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.

All in-person court proceedings statewide beginning on or after January 11 are hereby suspended until further Order of the Chief Justice, subject to limited exceptions. Read the full notice here.

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.