Coffee & Community: The City of Darlington Planning Department seeks input on "What direction do you want Darlington to grow? Where do you see the City in 2035?"  at a series of events from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Fridays at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dates continue January 7, 14, 21, & 28. Coffee or breakfast will be Dutch treat. Surveys also will be available at City Hall, 400 Pearl St. Pick up or drop off surveys at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., Darlington, or mail completed surveys to City Planning, P.O. Box 57, Darlington, SC 29540. For information, contact the Planning Department by email rock@cityofdarlington.com or by phone at 843-398-4000 or 843-992-1561.

Darlington Area Recreation Walkers Challenge begins January 3! The Optimistic Radiant Confident Active Seniors group will meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Any senior that walks 20 miles in a month at AW Stanley Gym or Harmon Baldwin Gym in Darlington. Info: 843-398-4030.

Anonymous Ancestors, an installation by Susan Lenz, will be on display from Jan. 6 to Feb. 25 at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Each snapshot is a frozen moment on life's timeline. Letters and words clipped from vintage print material allow one's mind to wander, envisioning forgotten friends, past holidays, ancient occasions, former cars, and hilarious fashion trends. Yet, all the images are anonymous. The photos come from yard sales, auctions, and abandoned locations. Who are these people? Who really knows? They are distant aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings, and in-laws. They are society's family tree, our collective wall of ancestors.

Is your company a Great Place to Work? You want to find out for absolutely sure? Then join companies from across the state and let's all find out together. All you have to do to take part in the fun is register to participate in the annual Best Places to Work in South Carolina program. If you truly are a great place to work, you'll join other companies from across the Palmetto State designated as such to celebrate your accomplishment together. You'll find out how you stack up against friends, colleagues and competitors. PLUS, it will all happen at a party unlike any other. There will be a red carpet welcome, surprise speakers, cocktails, dinner, music, TV cameras, media coverage, and LOTS of glitz and glam.

DDRA Members Breakfast: 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St. Free for members and $5 for others. Members meet to network, make suggestions, and find out about upcoming events.

 

Today

LAST CHANCE FOR AUTHORS TO REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE! The Darlington Library will hold the Black Creek Literary Festival Saturday, Feb. 19, to meet local authors, buy books and get them signed, attend our moderated Q&A panel, and enter to win one of our many door prizes. Free admission. FOR AUTHORS THAT WISH TO PARTICIPATE: Applications must be submitted by Monday, Jan. 10. To apply, fill out the form at https://darlingtonsrlp.aidaform.com/expert-account... . Authors selected to participate will be notified by Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Darlington County School District Board of Education holds its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10 and on the second Monday of each month at DCSD Administrative building, 120 E. Smith Ave., Darlington. http://www.dcsdschools.org/

Society Hill Library holds Adults Game Night: Pictionary at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the library 114 Carrigan St., Society Hill.

Monday night cornhole tournament will be held weekly beginning at 7 p.m. Mondays at the Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. Anyone can play, all skill levels welcome. Entry fee: $20 with guaranteed minimum of four games. Cash prizes. Round Robin Switcholio Format: 4 rounds, different partner each round. Ranked by wins and points to lead into a playoff tournament. Lodge membership is not required for players. However, if you plan on hanging out at the bar before/after or outside of tournament times, please sign up. It's only $52 a year.

Monday Night is Spaghetti Night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Info: 843-944-0626

Tuesday

Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become America's "Small Business Person of the Year" for 2022?  If so, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wants to hear from you. All nominations must be received by the South Carolina District office by electronic submission ONLY to the District's BOX account, no later 3:00 p.m. on January 11, 2022. 

Darlington Library starts its new program Kids Craft at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the library, 204 N. Main St. Kids will learn how to make a simple play-dough with basic kitchen ingredients.

PRAYER GATHERING: All are welcome to join fellow believers daily at 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays as we pray for the upcoming revival at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington.

Hartsville Memorial Library has Pre-School Story Time at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the library, 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Reading, singing, and play!

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 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.

Each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Darlington Country Club will hold 9-hole scramble. $10 per player goes into the pot for prize money. 843-393-0236

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

Kingdom Seekers Holiness Church will hold a Bible Study from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at 124 Jordan St., Darlington.

Keep Darlington County Beautiful Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 11 and on the second Tuesday of the month at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St., or County Fire HQ, 137 N. Center Rd., Hartsville. Info: Gary White gwhite@darcosc.net

CANCELED. The Williamson Park Committee meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at City Hall. Dates for 2022 are March 8, May 10, June 14, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, and Nov. 8. - THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED. 

Wednesday

Join Central Baptist Church Pastor Tim Coker each Wednesday at 9 a.m. for Flight Training, his mid-week Bible study, at https://cbcdarlington.com/.

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Purple Fish Coffee Company, 104 W. Hampton St.

Sunrise Rotary Club of Hartsville meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 am at the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 214 N. Fifth St. 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 Jan. 12 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

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.

Test-N-Tune / N/T Grudge held every Wednesday night at Darlington Dragway, 2056 E. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville. Gates open at 5 p.m. Testing starts at 6 p.m. Spectator admission: $15. Testing Fee: $10. Info: 843-383-0008

Thursday

Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center and Carolina Pines Medical Group will host a recruitment event from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 13, at the Coach TB Thomas Sports Center, 701 W. Washington St., Hartsville. Sign-on bonuses and educational opportunities are available for certain positions! Bring your resume! We will conduct interviews on the spot, door prizes will be given away every hour and refreshments will be served! Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Our hospital and physician offices are hiring for a wide variety of positions in different departments. To view an all inclusive list of our current openings, visit cprmc.com/careers. Don't miss out on the amazing opportunity to work for Carolina Pines! For more information, call 843-339-4506

Adult Craft Classes will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 13 and the second Thursday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

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

Darlington Library's next What the Fork potluck club meeting will be Soup-er Bowl themed at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Bring your favorite soup dish to share with others.

Hartsville Memorial Library's YA book club will be reading is Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed and meet to discuss it at 6 p.m. Jan. 13, at the library, 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Copies are available for pick up from the reference desk. Sign up at the front desk to join the club.

PRAYER GATHERING: All are welcome to join fellow believers daily at 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays as we pray for the upcoming revival at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington.

On Thursdays, Darlington Country Club will hold an individual points game (points based off your USGA handicap). Tee off anytime during the day and add $20 to the pot. Blind draw at 6:30 p.m., need not be present to win. Everyone participating must play with someone else that is in the game.

At 7 p.m. on Thursdays, the Atomic Mountain Bikers meet for a no drop ride through High Hill Creek Park off South Charleston Road. All skill levels are welcome, and no one will be left behind. Please bring a head lamp and or bike light as the sun will go down before we finish our ride.

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

Coffee & Community: The City of Darlington Planning Department seeks input on "What direction do you want Darlington to grow? Where do you see the City in 2035?"  at a series of events from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Fridays at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dates are January 14, 21, & 28. Coffee or breakfast will be Dutch treat. Surveys also will be available at City Hall, 400 Pearl St. Pick up or drop off surveys at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., Darlington, or mail completed surveys to City Planning, P.O. Box 57, Darlington, SC 29540. For information, contact the Planning Department by email rock@cityofdarlington.com or by phone at 843-398-4000 or 843-992-1561.

Sign your child up for Hartsville Memorial Library's Brain Boosters, a bi-weekly program for home- school students ages 6-12. The first program will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan 14, at the library, 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Topic: Circuits. Registration is required. Visit the library's front desk to sign up.

The Lamar Beautification Committee will meet from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Jan. 14 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

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.

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet brings the full, powerful variety band experience to the stage from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington.

 

Saturday

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

Welcome Keith Allynn to the stage to perform as Neil Diamond on Saturday, Jan. 15, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. Doors open at 5 with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. and show starts at 7. Tickets and tables are available. Go to Thegrandoldpostoffice.com. All proceeds go to The Grand Old Post Office Foundation. Info: 843-944-0157

Professional Hard Rocker Greg Spittle is back from his space tour, has his guitar tuned up, and is ready to rock your face again from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Wild Heart Brewing Company, 317 Railroad Ave., Hartsville.

 

Sunday

Prayer on the Square will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 16 and on the third Sunday of each month. Come together for fellowship and spiritual uplifting. Open to all.

Central Baptist Church will hold Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 512 Spring St., Darlington. Regular worship services are held at 10:30 a.m. Sundays in the sanctuary as well as via livestream. Info: (843) 393-8581

Darlington Presbyterian Church holds service at 11 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. at the church, 311 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 In-Person and 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: 843-393-2672

Mechanicsville Baptist Church will hold indoor church services and Facebook live service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 2364 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington. All are welcome.

Children's church for ages 6-12 will open back up at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Northwood Family Worship Center, 1100 E. McIver Road, Darlington. Praise & worship, puppets, Rovercomer the Dog, Deputy Dugan, crafts, & many fun things planned for upcoming services. Parents are not required to stay for adult services but are welcome to stay and get spiritually fed as well. It's about the relationship and not the religion. Come as you are but not leave as you came. Adult services are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

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.

 

Monday

City of Darlington offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reopen 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18. City of Darlington residential garbage will be collected on normal schedule.

People 2 People of Hartsville will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Award Service from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at Butler Heritage Foundation Gym, 1103 S. Sixth St., Hartsville. Keynote speaker: Cecil J. Williams, owner of the S.C. Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg. Live entertainment by Jerusalem Baptist Church Men Ensemble, Anisha Green, and Household of Faith Musicians. Info: Barbara Carraway 843-409-5241.

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Women's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Monday live from the Purple Fish. Contact Janet Stoda via Janet@saintmatthews.us for study materials.

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

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 Jan. 18 and on the third Monday of the month.

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.

Story Time will be live at 10 a.m. Mondays at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St. Info: 843-398-4940

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

 

Mark Your Calendars

Darlington Library's next Canvas Paint Class will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Learn how to paint a beautiful Northern Lights scene with step- by- step instructions.

The City of Darlington will hold a Public Meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at Bethel AME Church Annex, 1333 S. Main St., Darlington, to introduce the Southeast Darlington Historic Resources Survey Project and allow the public to meet those working on the project. Staff will be canvassing the area during the coming months. For information, Access Preservation and Staci Richey can be contacted at 803-546-4888, or you may call the City Planning Office at 843-992-1561.

Darlington Library's Not Your Mother's Book Club pick for January is Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. You can pick up a copy of this book at the library or get the E-book version from the Libby app. Join the club in person at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St., or online by Zoom as we discuss our newest book club pick at 6 p.m. Jan. 20. "What if you could live again and again, until you got it right?"

Darlington Library's next Friday Family movie night will be at 5 p.m. January 21, at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Screening: The Addams Family 2. Popcorn and juice provided.

Superintendents Revenge (Tough Day Contest) will be held January 22 with a 10 a.m. shotgun start at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club, Darlington. Two-person scramble format. Cost: Members $35, members with unlimited cart $25, guest $65, includes golf, prizes and light hors d'oeuvre after play.

New Dungeons and Dragons group will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Hartsville Memorial Library, 147 W. College Ave., for teens ages 13- 18. Please visit the library to register for this program and get your character sheet. Bring completed character to the first meeting.

Hartsville Memorial Library's Book Club pick for January will be Faye, Faraway by Helen Fisher. The Club will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Hartsville Country Club. Dutch treat.

Dancing with the Stars of Darlington County will be held Jan. 27 at Hartsville Center Theater. Interested in participating or volunteering? Email darlingtoncountydwts@gmail.com or call 843-615-1625. Proceeds benefit the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault.

The Darlington Library will hold the Black Creek Literary Festival Saturday, Feb. 19, to meet local authors, buy books and get them signed, attend our moderated Q&A panel, and enter to win one of our many door prizes. Free admission. FOR AUTHORS THAT WISH TO PARTICIPATE: Applications must be submitted by Monday, Jan. 10. To apply, fill out the form at https://darlingtonsrlp.aidaform.com/expert-account... . Authors selected to participate will be notified by Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Little Miss & Teen Miss Hartsville, Darlington County and Bishopville Pageant will be held on Feb. 20 at Center Theater in Hartsville. Applications available by email to rcisrael20@gmail.com.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at The Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. The DDRA will present its Member of the Year Award during the evening as well.

The Darlington Country Club's Chafee Jones III Memorial Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for March 12. Info: (843) 393-0236

Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR May 6-8 at Darlington Raceway. You can get your tickets and camping lined up by visiting www.darlingtonraceway.com or calling 866-459-7223.

Southern 500 Weekend Sept. 2-4 at Darlington Raceway. You can get your tickets and camping lined up by visiting www.darlingtonraceway.com or calling 866-459-7223.

 

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

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.

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-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number (844) 684-6333, TTY (800) 462-7585. Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

 

CITY SERVICES

Darlington City Hall has reopened to the public at a limited capacity. Hours of operation remain 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Individuals may only enter through the front door of City Hall, 400 Pearl St.
• Individuals must wear a mask.
• Individuals must maintain social distancing of six (6) feet from others.
• A maximum of three (3) people will be allowed in the reception area at any one time. Others must wait outside.
• Restrooms will not be open to the public.

Individuals are still encouraged to do as much business by telephone and email as possible. City staff will be available, and essential services will not be interrupted. Below are the numbers to call for specific questions.

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

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 the week prior to your event. 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!