MARCH IS FROZEN FOOD MONTH: The 2018 Annual Survey of Manufacturers reported that frozen food manufacturing in the U.S. had 89,111 employees with $4.0B in annual payroll.

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: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

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.

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. Season Passes are available online now and include many great perks, including 3 single use Bring-a-Friend passes, discounts, Early Bird Entry to the park, and more. All 2020 Season Passes have been extended to be valid until June 30, 2021 in response to the park's delayed opening last season. For 2020 season pass holder who wish to take advantage of the remainder of summer once their pass expires, there will be an opportunity to extend their season passes at a discounted rate in person only July 1-15.  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.

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

The Darlington County Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on March 16 and on the third Tuesday of the month at the Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Info: 843-398-4610 or planning@darcosc.net.

Darlington City Council will hold a Special Meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., to enter executive session to discuss the city manager's contract. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

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 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

Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, invites you to check out this week's special events on the patio! (843) 944-0880

Book Club will be held at 10 a.m. on March 17 and the third Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

The Darlington Professional Women meet at noon on March 17 and on the third Wednesday of the month at the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, 38 Public Square.

The Darlington County Economic Development Partnership meets at noon on March 17 and on the third Wednesday of the month at various locations. Info: 843-413-3210 or RLKilgo@darcosc.net.  

The Darlington County Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. on March 17 and on the third Wednesday of the month at one of the County library locations. Info: 843-398-4940 or jimmie.epling@darlington-lib.org.

The City of Darlington Beautification Board meets at 5 p.m. on March 17 and the third Wednesday of the month with no meeting in November and December. Remaining dates for 2021 are April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, and October 20. Info: 843-398-4000 x 103 or rock@cityofdarlington.com

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

Resource Partner Day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 17. Join the SBA South Carolina District Office as we discuss available free services, levels of certification and available resources. Participating organizations include: SC Dept. of Transportation, SC Dept. of Commerce, SC Small Business Development Center, Benedict College Women's Business Center, SCORE, Richland County Library, SMBCC, Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity and the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities.

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

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

BINGO will be held at 11 a.m. on March 18 and the third Thursday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Darlington Kiwanis Club will meet at 1 p.m. March 18 and the first and third Thursday of the month at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Speaker: Mr. Lee Wilson about his renovation of the Haynesworth House

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

DHEC Vaccine Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18 at Darlington First Baptist Church, 216 S. Main St., Darlington. Register online at https://cvas.dhec.sc.gov or by calling 1-866-365-8110.  We are currently in Phase 1B for the COVID-19 vaccine, which includes frontline workers like school staff, daycare workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, and law enforcement officers; individuals 55 and older; and others. To determine which phase you are in, visit https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine. Visit scdhec.gov/vaxlocator to see the locations accepting vaccination appointments.    

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

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

The Bridge, a casual support group for first responders and veterans. Meets at 6 p.m. on March 18 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

DCC Dinner Club for Members. Join Darlington Country Club from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 18 and on the third Thursday of each month for a night of elegant dining and good company at the club, 125 Country Club Road. Reservations are required. (843) 393-0236

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

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!

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.

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 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: 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.

 

Monday

The Darlington Conservation District meets at 7 a.m. on March 22 and every fourth Monday of the month at the District Office in Room 228 at 300 Russell St., Darlington. Info: 843-393-0483 or marie.chaplin@sc.usda.gov.

Mark Your Calendar

A string quartet from The Florence Symphony will treat you to a special experience from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl Street. Enjoy the sounds of this string ensemble, a glass of wine, and hor d'oeuvres. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for others.

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.

What better way to spend your weekend than with some of the best local comedians around! Bring your friends and be ready for a Saturday Evening full of laughs with us at Carolina Nightlife and Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, on Saturday, March 27. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 8 o'clock. Check out some current and rising comics from around North and South Carolina. Tickets are $10 at the door or online. Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../saturday-comedy-night-at...

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.

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.

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: https://www.disneyinstitute.com/disneys.../course-schedule/. For more information on registration, contact president@hartsvillechamber.org.

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

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.

 

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:

• Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center: 843-656-0101
• Pee Dee Health Care: 843-393-7452
• Lamar Family Care: 843-395-8400
• Walmart Pharmacy #1135 (S 4 St Hartsville): 843-332-4891
• CareSouth Carolina-Hartsville Suite A/B(Fourth Street): 843-332-3422 
• McLeod Regional Medical Center @ Darlington Raceway: (866) 365-8110
• Walgreens #10329(South Fifth Street, Hartsville): 843-332-4523
• Walgreens #9737(South Governor Williams Highway, Darlington): 843-393-2679
• CVS Pharmacy(Darlington): (800) 746-7287

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.

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.