Red Cross Month

March is Red Cross Month. The U.S. Census Bureau produces timely local data that are critical to Emergency Management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

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

 

Single Family Home Loans & Grants for Repairs Available

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.

COVID Vaccine Locations in Darlington County: Pee Dee Health Care (843) 393-7452, Lamar Family Care (843) 395-8400, and Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (843) 339-2100. The Covid-19 Vaccine hotline for the public to schedule vaccine appointments is 843-876-7227. The hotline is open every day from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. and intended only for those who cannot access online scheduling, having difficulties with online scheduling, or to help non-MyChart users cancel appointments.

The 2021 Leadership Hartsville class will be selling commemorative bricks and all proceeds will be donated to the Hartsville Center Theater. Proceeds will go toward some much-needed repairs of the beautiful theater. Two brick sizes will be available for purchase: 4x8 for $150 and 8x8 for $500. Info: (843) 332-5721

 

Today

Darlington County Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, March 1, and on the first Monday of the month at Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. Due to COVID-19, in-person access is restricted. Watch meetings online here. Info: 843-944-8270 or jbishop@darcosc.net

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!

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. 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

Darlington City Council: 6:30 p.m. on March 2 and on the first Tuesday of the month except where noted (*). Remaining dates for 2021 are April 6, May 4, June 1, July 13*, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 9*, and December 7. Due to COVID restrictions, only staff, council, and media are allowed in the courtroom. Watch the meeting live here. You can find the agenda posted online by noon Monday prior to the meeting here. Submit comments to council by noon Monday prior to the meeting to be read aloud during the meeting to rock@cityofdarlington.com or by mail anytime to City of Darlington Planning, P.O. Box 57, Darlington, SC 29540.

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

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. 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

Trinity United Methodist Church of Darlington invites all to participate in a weekly event, its Lenten Love Feast, at noon Wednesdays through March 31. Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86995950151... Meeting ID: 869 9595 0151. Passcode: wYJ1km

The South Carolina Department of Commerce in conjunction with Charleston County is pleased to host a NASA Supplier Matchmaking Summit from 1 to 4 p.m. March 3 to connect with NASA officials and NASA Prime Contractors for partnership opportunities. Prime contractors confirmed to date:  Linc Research, Inc., Northrup Grumman, and Sierra Nevada Corp. This registration page is for the Matchmaking session only. Register for the full conference here. For additional information, contact Tammie Greene at tgreene@sccommerce.com or Dayton Ward at dward@sccommerce.com. Once registered, you will receive an email at a later date with your appointment schedule and link.

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

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

The Bridge, a casual support group for first responders and veterans. Meets at 6 p.m. on March 4 and on the first and third Thursday of every month at the Free Medical Clinic, 203 Grove St., Darlington. Registration required: 843-398-0060 or annagrace.hubbs@fmcdc.org

The Rotary Club of Darlington meets at noon on Thursdays at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St.

Darlington Kiwanis Club will meet at 1 p.m. March 4 and the first and third Thursday of the month at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Program: Online Scams

The Darlington County Historical Commission meets at 10 a.m. on March 4 and on the first Thursday of the month, excluding July and August, at the Historical Commission, 204 Hewitt St., Darlington. Info: 843-398-4710 or bgandy@darcosc.net.

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

Central Baptist Church Preschool and Kindergarten BBQ Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 5, at the church youth building, 512 Spring St., Darlington. Plates by Schoolhouse BBQ are $9 each, take-out only. Delivery available for 10+ plates.

Enjoy Steak Night with Joe's Grill  on Friday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

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.

 

Saturday

Joe's Grill and the DDRA present the return of the Annual Chili Championship

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

Live bluegrass 4-8PM the first Saturday each month. Starting March 2021, concerts will be held at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington. Jamming starts at 4PM followed by open mic and featured bands begin at 5:45. Contact us to reserve your spot in our monthly open mic segment! Soft drinks and snacks are available at the kitchen. SEBGA bluegrass featuring Cabarrus Station and Slope Valley. Centered around Midland, North Carolina, Cabarrus Station proudly shares the rich history of Cabarrus County and bluegrass music. Our blend of bluegrass, country, gospel, and southern rock creates a driving and unique sound that brings audiences to their feet. Slope Valley has been a featured bluegrass band from Darlington and Chesterfield counties, South Carolina for many years and you will enjoy their blend of music! Jamming starts at 4 PM followed by open mic at 5 then the featured bands begin at 5:45. Food available for purchase inside this beautiful facility. Adults $10, students $5 and under 12 always free. for more info please contact Kevin Gowdy or Ernie McCormick on Facebook or email ernie@sebga.org. 843-669-6952 also for immediate information. Make plans to join us!

 

Sunday

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://us02web.zoom.us/j/2227777676 or 843-393-2672

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 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.

Darlington Presbyterian Church, 311 Pearl St., Darlington

 

Mark Your Calendar

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!

Beyond the Green Golf Tournament on March 26 at Hartsville Country Club will benefit the YMCA's Annual Campaign, which brings together staff at all levels, committed volunteers, Y members, and donors to pursue a common objective: ensuring that each Y has the resources to make an enduring impact right in its own neighborhood.

Florence Darlington Technical College, South Carolina National Guard and the SCWORKS invite you to join us at our Home Run Job Fair on March 31. This job fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the SIMT Parking Lot located at 1951 Pisgah Road in Florence, SC.

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.

Join the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15, for Disney's Approach to Business Excellence professional development training course. Presented live online and facilitated by a Disney leader(s), Disney's Approach to Business Excellence offers the opportunity to be inspired by proven Disney business insights that begin to build knowledge of concepts that will impact you, your team or organization. Start to think differently, and be inspired to take action. This event is available exclusively though Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce. Standard registration fee is $199 for a 2-hour course with special pricing for Disney Institute alumni, students/teachers, employees of non-profit organizations and military/government employees is available. To register to attend this program and to learn more, click here. For more information on registration, contact president@hartsvillechamber.org.

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.

Clays for a Cause will be held Friday, June 18, at Moree's Sportsmans Preserve, 1217 Moree Road, Society Hill, to benefit the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault. Registration at 9 a.m. Shoot begins at 10 o'clock with lunch and awards at noon. Info: 843-669-4694 or 814-397-9959

 

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.

 

COVID VACCINE

The Covid-19 Vaccine hotline for the public to schedule vaccine appointments is 843-876-7227. The hotline is open every day from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. and intended only for those who cannot access online scheduling, having difficulties with online scheduling, or to help non-MyChart users cancel appointments.

Darlington County:

• Pee Dee Health Care: (843) 393-7452
• Lamar Family Care: (843) 395-8400
• Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center: (843) 339-2100
• Walmart Pharmacy #1135 (South Fourth Street, Hartsville): (843)-332-4891 

 

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
• 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 by apply online at https://sclegal.org/.

 

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.