Sorry for the delay in this week's update! The DDRA office has moved to City Hall, 400 Pearl St. If you need us, call 843-992-1561 or email info@buildupdarlington.org. Thanks!

The Darlington Lions Club will hold its annual Vidalia Onion Sale again this year. Delivery will be May 10-12. A 10-lb. bag is $10 while a 25-lb. pound box is $17. You can contact any Darlington Lions Club member to order or one of the individual Lions below

• John Tyner at 843-393-5950
• Frank Cole at 843-395-9349
• Mike Beckham 843-319-2764

The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. LEARN MORE.

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

Today

Parenting Classes will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through April 6 at Serenity Counseling Place, 708 Pearl St., Darlington. Register by calling 843-393-2773 or email melissad@serenitycounselingplace.com.

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night 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.

Call the Darlington Country Club to make your reservations for our Member Family Night Buffet. The ribs will be delicious and the company will be amazing! (843) 393-0236

 

Wednesday

CareSouth Carolina is scheduling appointments to administer vaccines to those in Phase 1A now and Phase 1B from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays at CareSouth Carolina Hartsville, 1268 S. Fourth St., Hartsville. You do NOT need to be a patient of CareSouth Carolina. Walk-ins are NOT allowed at this time. To make an appointment, call 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

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 Darlington County Historical Commission meets at 10 a.m. on April 8 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.

The American Legion Post 13 of Darlington meets at 6 p.m. April 8 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 April 8 and the second Thursday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Join Heartfelt Calling will hold a Virtual Foster Care Recruitment Event at 6 p.m. April 8. Register with your email and county of residence. Info: (888) 828-3555 or info@heartfeltcalling.org

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

The next Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event will be hosted by Sassy Girl Vintique, 212 Pearl St., Darlington, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8. 

 

Friday

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

Midnight Row comes to Carolina Nightlife, 2244 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, on Friday, April 9. Cover reduced to $5. Come support these guys and their new album. Kitchen will be open.

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

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 April 10 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.

 

Sunday

 

Darlington Presbyterian Church holds service at 11 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. at the church, 315 Pearl St.

 

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 an Outdoor Service at 8 a.m. behind the church and a Virtual Church Service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Info: 843-393-4112

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

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.

 

 Mark Your Calendar

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting for the Florence Animal Hospital at 12:30 p.m. April 13 at 2520 Melon St., Florence, across the Pee Dee State Farmers Market.

Darlington City Council: 6:30 p.m. on April 13 and on the first Tuesday of the month except where noted (*). Remaining dates for 2021 are May 4, June 1, July 13*, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 9*, and December 7. Due to COVID restrictions, seating is limited. 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.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 15, at South of Pearl in Darlington.

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.

Join First Baptist Church of Darlington for the Lifeway Women LIVE Simulcast Pursuing Christ Together from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 17, at the church, 216 S. Main St. Cost: $15, includes lunch. Register by April 11 by calling 843-393-2874 or email fbcoffice@sc.rr.com.

Ladies Hit & Giggle: All Ladies are invited to join us for a fun event where you will be introduced to the game of golf followed up with a glass of wine and small hors d'oeuvres.

The Emmanuel Christian School Drama Department presents Disney's Newsies: A Broadway Musical at 7 p.m. Friday, April 16, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Center Theater, 212 N. Fifth St., Hartsville. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. To purchase, call the theater at 843-332-5721 or come by the theater or school.

CLEAN UP DARLINGTON DAY: Meet at the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, 38 Public Square, at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 17. Work day to 12 noon. Planting flowers, litter collection, and other projects. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

With everything that had been going on in the community Dominion Church has come up with a way to help by opening Dominion Life Center for Children. The church will have a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the church, 1030 Pearl St. All proceeds will help fund so the equipment to make this project happen. We pray that you will help make this possible, and help change the community, one child at a time. Plates are $8 and include BBQ, rice, red gravy, green beans, pickles, bread, and dessert.

Non-Typical Death Investigations Continuing Education Course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington. Cost: $50 per person, includes BBQ lunch. 9 hours SCCJA CEUs awarded. This class will give an overview of several specific types of death investigations encountered less commonly by First Responders. Who Should Attend? Coroners, Deputy Coroners, Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters (full-time & volunteers), EMS, Rescue, Safety Officers from industrial, business, or similar; anyone who may encounter the unexpected death in your line of work. Register here.

EARTH DAY EVENT: Meet at Williamson Park Spring Street entrance for a litter collection event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

Chicken Bog Fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 23, at Auman Pools, 1000 W. Bobo Newsom Highway, Hartsville. Plates are $8 and include chicken bog, green beans, pickles, and bread. Chicken bog by Oliver Segars. Proceeds to assist Blake and Jennie Sellers who lost everything in a house fire in March. Info: 843-858-0787

GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN UP: Meet near City Hall, 410 Pearl Street, at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 24. Work day to 12 noon. Litter collection and other projects. Lunch provided for volunteers thanks to the Darlington Fire Department. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

Michael Dean Sigmon Memorial Golf Tournament April 24 at Darlington Country Club

Driving Your Personal Money for Business Success, hosted by CommunityWorks and the CommunityWorks Women's Business Center, will be held online at 10 a.m. April 24. Registration: $25.

"What does my personal money have to do with my business?"

The goal of this class is to help you

• Gain clarity about the place of your personal finances in the success of your business;
• Hear from a panel of women business owners who have been where you are in your journey- all role models you can relate to;
• Share stories and experiences in a safe space (not recorded for the world or streamed live);
• Learn the true building blocks to business credit; and
• Access tools and resources to help.
• Plan your next steps to build your personal money confidence

This course is for you if

• I haven't launched my business idea (or even fleshed it out yet) because my credit and finances are not in order;
• I have launched my business idea even though my credit and finances are not in order;
• I'm in business but my personal finances are holding me back;
• I'm planning on launching or growing my business using business credit and worrying about my personals later; OR
• I'm in business and I need help with my personal finances to get to the next level with my business.

The Long Bluff Historic Society presents the Taste of Society Hill from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 24, on the grounds of the historic Adam Marshall House, 454 S. Main St., Society Hill. Info: LBHS President Melissa Burch 813-323-1445 or longbluffhistoricsociety@gmail.com

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.

The 2021 SC Auto Summit is going virtual May 11-13. The event draws draws executives of OEMs; tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers; leading research institutions; and other organizations in the automotive industry. 

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

Take your vehicle for a spin around the track Too Tough To Tame on June 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For just $20, you can take three laps around the unique egg-shaped oval. Track Laps proceeds will benefit Darlington Shares, a donor advised fund of The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable entity, that donates racing-related items and offers financial support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities. Dates are June 19, Benefiting the VFW Foundation; August 21, Benefiting Blessings in a Backpack; and November 20, Benefiting Toys for Tots. REGISTER HERE.

Darlington Raceway will host the third annual Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K presented by Brown's RV Superstore at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. There will also be a one-mile Kids Run as part of the event. Runners can register online at darlingtonraceway.com/memorial5k. Early bird registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the Kids Run through August 1. After that date, registration will be $30 for the 5K and $20 for the Kids Run. All race participants will receive a t-shirt and medal. The race will be run in partnership with Simply Timing to benefit the Terrence F. Carraway Foundation. For fans who may not be able to make it to Darlington, they will be able to participate with a virtual 5K run. Our partner at Simply Timing will offer a virtual course option, and participants will receive a medal for completion. To learn more about the Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K presented by Brown's RV Superstore, visit darlingtonraceway.com/memorial5k.

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

 

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

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.

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:

• CareSouth Carolina-Hartsville Suite A/B(Fourth Street): 843-332-3422 
• Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center: 843-656-0101
• CVS Pharmacy(Express Lane, Darlington): (800) 746-7287
• Hartsville Medical Group, LLC: covidvaccine@cprmc.com; (843) 383-5191
• Lamar Family Care: 843-395-8400; covid_lamar@genesisfqhc.org
• Lamar Family Pharmacy: 843-326-5231
• McLeod Regional Medical Center @ Darlington Raceway: (866) 365-8110
• Pee Dee Health Care: 843-393-7452
• Walgreens #10329(South Fifth Street, Hartsville): 843-332-4523
• Walgreens #9737(South Governor Williams Highway, Darlington): 843-393-2679
• Walmart Pharmacy #1135 (South Fourth Street, Hartsville): 843-332-4891

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.

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.

Neptune Island Waterpark, 1109 Fourteenth St., Hartsville, will open to the public for the 2021 season on Sunday, May 16, following an exclusive 2020 & 2021 Season Pass Holder Day on Saturday, May 15. Neptune Island Waterpark will open for weekends only at the beginning of the season and will be open daily beginning June 12. Neptune Island's hours of operation for 2021 will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

CITY COURT RESUMES. Municipal Court will be held 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.