Warhorse Club Membership Drive
The Barnwell Warhorse Club will hold their annual membership drive Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon and a yard sale of Warhorse merchandise at the Barnwell High School cafeteria beginning at 9 a.m.

Valentine Cards
Children ages 5-13 can create, cut and decorate Valentine’s Day cards on Feb. 8 at 3:30 p.m. at the Barnwell Museum which can be given to family and friends.
This program is free but registration is required by Feb. 1 at Barnwell City Hall.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 259-3317.

Cupcake Crafters 
Kids will not only learn to cook, bake and create delicious cupcakes, they will also learn some basic decorating techniques and ideas to make their cupcakes one of a kind during the program which runs Feb. 13–20 on Mondays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Barnwell Museum.  On the last day of class they will be challenged to use what they have learned to build their very own creation.
Registration is required by Feb. 3 at Barnwell City Hall.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 259-3317.

Chamber Facebook Classes
The Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce will hold Facebook classes for their members Wednesday, Feb. 8 at their office, 367 Fuldner Rd., Barnwell.
There will be two classes: Facebook 101 from 8:30 a.m. to noon for people who need help setting up and learning about Facebook business pages for the first time; and Facebook 201 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for people who have already set up their own Facebook business page.  
The cost is $30 and space is limited. Seats must be reserved by Monday, Feb. 6.  
For more information, contact the Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce Office at (803) 259-7446 or executivedirector@barnwellcountychamber.org.

First Aid, CPR & AED Certification
Learn valuable lifesaving skills for emergency situations in this course on Feb. 2 and 7 from 5:30–8 p.m.
You will be certified for two years through ECSI-Emergency Care and Safety Institute in First Aid, CPR & AED. A course handbook and certification card is included in the $30 fee. This course is great for people of all ages, more specifically teachers, babysitters, etc.
Pre-registration is required by Jan. 27.  
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 259-3317.

Early Education Conference
The annual Early Care and Education Conference will be Jan. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Kelly Edwards Elementary School (1071 Elko St., Williston).
The conference brings partners together as a team to break educational barriers and strengthen the local early education system. It also allows individuals and partnering agencies to discuss, learn and strategize ways to reach our neediest and most at risk children.
Admission is free and there will be fun interactive sessions for parents, teachers, early care providers, First Steps staff and board and community advocates for children.
For registration information, call Nigel Fisher at (803) 284-3160.
 
Daddy/ Daughter Sweetheart Ball
The Daddy/Daughter Sweetheart Ball will be Feb. 10 from 6–8 p.m. at the Legion Ministry Center. Activities will include a dinner buffet, dancing and take home craft.
The cost to register is $20 per couple ($5 for each additional child). Registration is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. Register by Jan. 27 at Barnwell City Hall Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 259-3317.

Blood Drives
Shepeard Community Blood Center will hold blood drives Friday, Jan. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 24 from 2 to 6 p.m. at The People-Sentinel’s parking lot. Please bring your donor card or photo ID.
All January donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 Visa Gift Card this month.
For more information, visit www.shepeardblood.org.

Warhorse Dance/Auction
The Barnwell Warhorse Club will host their 27th Annual Warhorse Dance and Auction Friday, March 23 at the Sweetwater Country Club in Barnwell at 7 p.m. to help raise money for the Barnwell High School student athletes.
There will be a silent and live auction, raffle items and merchandise, heavy Hors D’oeuvres and music by DJ Gary Brantley. Admission is $35 per couple or $25 for singles.

Warhorse Golf Classic
The Barnwell Warhorse Club will host their 27th Annual Warhorse Golf Classic Saturday, March 24 at the Sweetwater Country Club in Barnwell at 9 a.m. to raise money for Barnwell High School’s student athletes.
The format will be a3-person Captain’s Choice; $50 per player which includes green fees, cart and lunch (excludes mulligans, tee busters, etc.). There will be a $10,000 Hole-in-One shot and a $5,000 – 50’ putt.
To sign up individually or as a team, call Sweetwater Country Club at (803) 259-5004.

Jakeria Jamison Fundraiser
The Community Uplift Program (CUP) will hold an informal drop-in fundraiser, “Benefit for Jakeria’s Heart,” Saturday, Feb. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Culbert Branch Missionary Baptist Church’s fellowship hall (647 E. Elko St., Williston).
This event is being held to raise funds to assist Jakeria Jamison’s family with medical expenses and serve as an informational forum to enlighten our community about the effects of heart disease and stroke. Jakeria Jamison was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and at the age of 9 her heart began to fail. She received a Berlin Heart Pump as a temporary fix on Oct. 27, 2011 and on Nov. 10, 2011 she had a heart transplant.
Dinners of grilled chicken, green beans, seasoned rice and macaroni salad will be available for a $6 donation.
For more information, call Cassandra Donaldson at (803) 671-2697 or Etoya Myrick at (803) 671-3425.

Bridal Showcase
The Blackville Community Development Corporation ineeds caterers, photographers, DJs, videographers, seamstress, bakers, florists and other wedding industry professionals for its first Bridal Showcase Sunday, Feb. 26.
The Blackville CDC is looking for wedding industry small business in Barnwell, Bamberg, Hampton or Orangeburg counties who are interested in having a booth at the Bridal Showcase. The booth fee is $30.
For more information or to reserve a booth, call the Blackville CDC at (803) 284-0735.

Valentine Gala
The Salkehatchie Arts will have their 2nd Annual Valentine Gala fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the USC-Salkehatchie Conference Center, Hwy. 301, Allendale. The event will raise funds for the Salkehatchie Arts Center.
Enjoy a “Taste of the Salkehatchie Region” buffet, free bar, live auction, silent auction, live band and dancing for $30 for one person, $50 per couple or $200 for a corporate table (eight people).  Tickets can be purchased from the Salkehatchie Arts Center and the Leadership Institute in Allendale, Evelyn’s in Barnwell, Brookers in Denmark, or from any SA board member.
For more information, visit SAC Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call (803) 584-8084.

Stakeholder Meeting (Dist. 45)
Barnwell School District 45 will hold a stakeholder meeting on Monday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. in the Primary School Auditorium. The meeting will consist of Committee reports concerning the District Accreditation Process.  
All community members, parents and staff and faculty are invited to attend.

BA Registration
Barnwell Academy is now accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year for students entering preschool through grade 6.
Barnwell Academy offers small class sizes, certified teachers with advanced degrees and a safe Christian environment.
Applications are available at www.barnwellacademy.org or from the school office by calling (803) 259-4465.

Home School Dissection Class
Barnwell Area Homeschoolers is sponsoring a Human Eye Anatomy and Physiology with cow eye dissection course every Tuesday (except May 1) between April 10 and May 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Double Pond Baptist Church in Barnwell and is open to all area home school students (grades 7 and up).
The course costs $15 and will cover human eye anatomy (the parts) and physiology (how they work) in depth.  There will be required homework to be completed each week prior to the next class.
For more information, contact Bernadette St. John at (803) 259-1459 or bbstjohn@gmail.com.

BHS Financial Aid Workshop
The Barnwell High School Guidance Department will hold a free financial aid workshop for seniors and their parents on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the media center.
Glenn Schumpert, the financial aid director at USC Aiken, will conduct the workshop. Questions will be addressed concerning every possible aid available to finance further education, plus information about U.S. government financial aid forms.
For more information, call the guidance department at (803) 541-1398.

Montessori Meetings
Barnwell Primary School will hold interest meetings for their Montessori class for parents of children who will be 3-4 years old by September 1, 2012.
Parents interested in having their child in the class for the 2012-13 school year should attend one of the following meetings in room 16 at BPS (Marlboro Ave. entrance, office 1): Wed., Feb. 1 at 7:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. A parent/guardian MUST ATTEND one meeting to receive an application.
The meetings will explain the Montessori education and application process.
All applications including child’s certified birth certificate, S.C. shot record, social security card and two current dated proofs of residence in parent/guardian’s name and address must be turned in to office #2 by March 16 to be eligible for lottery.

BPS Circus
The Barnwell Primary School PTO is sponsoring a circus is Friday, Jan. 27 at Hagood Gym. The doors open at 5:45 p.m. with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Besides an array of acts, there will be a contest where you can bring a colored clown and can win a prize. There will also be concessions.
Advance admission (purchased at office #2) is $3 for students and $4 for adults, while it is $4 at the door for students and $5 for adults. Some of the proceeds will benefit the school.

Tobin Scholarship
In loving memory of L. Belton Tobin, a scholarship of $1,000 is offered annually to a qualified graduating senior at Blackville-Hilda High School.
The scholarship will be awarded to a senior that has been accepted into a four year post-secondary institution with a declared major in the science field. The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates academic excellence with an average of no less than 3.5 (on a 4.0 grading system), a SAT score of at least 1100 or an ACT score of at least 24.
Interested students should submit a completed application packet which includes the scholarship application form, essay, letter of recommendation and counselor’s form to the Blackville-Hilda High School guidance office no later than March 1, 2012.
For more information, please call (803) 284-2890 or e-mail questions to tobinlb@bellsouth.net. Those wishing to contribute may mail donations to: L. Belton Tobin Memorial Scholarship, 142 Tobin Circle, Blackville, S.C. 29817 which is a non-profit organization.

BPS Kindergarten Registration
Barnwell Primary School will hold kindergarten registration for the 2012-12 school year for students who will be four or five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2012.
Registration will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon or 1:45 to 3:30 p.m. at BPS Office #2 on the following dates: Feb. 23-24 for 4 and 5-year-old Pre-K and Kindergarten, March 29-30 for 4 and 5-year-old and April 19-20 for 4 and 5-year-old.
The following records are required for registration: S.C. shot record (long white form from doctor or the health dept.), certified birth certificate, child’s Social Security card, current dated proof of residence in parent’s name and address (2 forms of proof are required) and $15 material fee due at registration (5K only).
Register during one of the times above to avoid being put on a waiting list and waiting in long lines on the first day of school.  
For questions, call (803) 541-1343.

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Barnwell Library
Preschool Story Time: Thursdays (through April 26) at 11 a.m.
Join for stories, songs and more for ages 3-5.
Friday Flicks: Every Friday at 3:30 p.m. with free popcorn and drink.
Jan. 27: Dolphin Tale
It's in a Book! Afterschool program: Third Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
Grades K-5 can make magic! Hear a magical story, eat an enchanted snack and learn a trick to amaze your friends.
Silent Library for teens: Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.
Can you complete outlandish challenges without getting shushed by a librarian? Ages 10-18 can play to win prizes.
Krafty Kids: Second Mondays from 4-4:30 p.m.
Children (ages 5-12) can make a different themed craft each month. The program is free, but pre-registration is required through the Parks & Recreation Department.
Call 259-3317 for more information.
LEGO donations needed: Donations of new or used LEGOs of any kind are needed to start a LEGO club. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk during library hours.
Art Sale: New “back porch” prints by local artist, Beverly Hebbard, are now available. All unframed prints are $15 each and half of all proceeds benefit the library.
Barnwell County Public Library hours are Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call (803) 259-3612 for more information.
 
Blackville Library
Preschool Story Time: The first and third Tuesdays of every month at 10:30 a.m.
The Blackville Library hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 6 p.m. (closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch) and on Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m.
Call Ruthie Hewitt at (803) 284-2295 for more information.

Williston Library
Preschool Story Time: The second and fourth Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
The Williston Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed each day from 1 to 2 p.m.).  
Call Jo Crider at (803) 266-3027 for more information.

Summer Feeding Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture federally funded program administered in S.C. by the Department of Social Services, needs additional sponsors to operate in under-served areas of the state.
The program provides reimbursement to eligible sponsors for serving nutritious meals and snacks during the summer to children in qualifying areas. Attending an interest meeting is the first step in applying to participate in SFSP as a sponsor.
To register to attend an interest meeting and receive eligibility information for potential sponsors, contact the S.C. Department of Social Services’ SFSP by calling (803) 898-0408 or sending an e-mail about your organization to summerfood@dss.sc.gov.
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Heritage Museum Hours
The Agricultural Heritage Museum, located at the Edisto/Clemson Research Campus (127 Heritage Rd., Blackville) will be open on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. starting Jan. 22. A member of the AHC Board will be available to conduct tours during these hours.
Admission is $2 per person with a 10 person minimum, though students K-12 are free. Group tours are offered weekdays by appointment.
The AHC, a non-profit organization, works to create innovative programs to further educate all generations about S.C. agriculture.
For more information or to schedule a weekday appointment, call (803) 584-7315.

Poetry Competition
The Lanier Library of Tryon, N.C. is seeking entries for the Sidney Lanier Award Poetry Competition by Feb. 15. This annual competition is open to poets from North and South Carolina whose works have not previously been published in book form.
$800 in prizes will be awarded in the adult competition and additional prizes worth $175 will be awarded to the winning entries from high school students. Other poems worthy of an honorable mention will also be recognized.
For entry forms and more information about the competition, visit www.lanierlib.org.

Medicine Show Needs Volunteers
The Axis 1 Center of Barnwell is seeking the help of Barnwell County’s high school students to help revive their Great American Medicine Show (GAMS) after a four-year break.
Students of good moral character are needed to perform a series of skits depicting issues adolescents face—underage drinking, abusive relationships, drug use and drinking and driving.
For more information or to sign up to be a part of The Great American Medicine Show, call Pam Rush at (803) 541-1245.

Teacher Mini Grants
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), LLC is accepting applications from elementary and middle school educators within the CSRA for the 2012 Innovative Teaching Mini Grants program. The program provides an opportunity for area educators to compete, by submitting grant proposals, for classroom supplies and equipment that will enhance and promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lesson plans.
Applications must be received at SRS by March 2 for the grants which are available in amounts of $500, $750 or $1,000. Applications cannot be hand-delivered by non-SRS employees.
Teachers may obtain applications from their school principal or SRNS Program Coordinator Gladys N. Moore at (803) 952-9450 or by visiting www.srs.gov/general/outreach/edoutrch/ed_home.htm.

Grants Available
The Greater Savannah River Community Foundation recently received funds earmarked for granting opportunities for entities in Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties. Grants up to $1,000 will be awarded in each county for projects assisting in and improving early childhood education development for children from birth up to fifth grade.  
Any nonprofit group involved in providing services to address these areas can apply for funds by completing an application. Any organization submitting an application for these funds must be recognized as and operating under a nonprofit status. Groups such as religious organizations, health and educational-entities, public organization such as public schools, civic and municipal outreach efforts, and others who feel they meet the qualifications may apply for these funds.
Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 10, 2012 and sent to the Greater Savannah River Community Foundation, P.O. Box 605, Allendale, S.C. 29810.  Grants will be awarded in March 2012.
For more information, contact Gail Richardson at (803) 259-5266 or gailrichardson@rpwb.

GU Lunch Club
Generations Unlimited has a lunch club for people 60 years old or older that meets Monday through Friday at the Gail Reyes Senior Center at 11403 Ellenton Rd., Barnwell.
Activities include Bingo, line dance classes, Bible Study and other programs and activities.
Call Sheila Brooks at (803) 259-4599 and make a reservation at least one day in advance.

Barnwell Cotillion
The National League of Junior Cotillions™ (NLJC), a program of etiquette, character education, and social dance training for middle and junior high school students, has announced plans to establish its National program in Barnwell County.
The organization currently has directors operating hundreds of chapters in 34 states, including South Carolina.
The purpose of the NLJC program is to give students instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them, including honor, sportsmanship, paying and receiving compliments and cell phone courtesy.
Applications or nominations for cotillion director are currently being received.
For additional information, call 1-800-633-7947, visit www.nljc.com, or email to cotillions@nljc.com.   

Host Families Needed
Northwest Services Peace Program is seeking local host families for boys and girls (ages 15-18) from countries around the world for the upcoming high school year. These personable and academically select exchange students have good English, are bright, curious and anxious to learn about the USA by living as part of your family, attending high school and sharing their own culture and language.
The exchange students arrive from their home country shortly before school begins and returns at the end of the school year or semester. Each NWS student is fully insured, brings his or her own personal spending money and expects to bear his or her share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal family activities and lifestyles.
The students are well screened and qualified by NWS. Families may select the youngster of their choice from extensive student applications and biographical essays.
There is no such thing as a typical host family. Whether you are a single parent, retired, have small children, teens, or no children, you can have a great experience hosting an international teen. 
Early placements are crucial to the success of the program so call and begin the process of selecting your new son or daughter today.
To become a host family for the 2012-13 school year, call Reynolds Black at (803) 671-0624. 

ABC Childcare vouchers
Free ABC Childcare Vouchers are now available through the Barnwell County First Steps Office in Blackville.
If any families are interested in filling out an application and learning more about how to become qualified, please contact Nigel Fisher at (803) 284-3160 or you may visit the office at 5961 Lartigue St., Blackville.

SPORTS

Lil Tykes Basketball
Lil Tykes basketball allows your children (ages 2-4) the opportunity to work one-on-one with a parent to help develop basketball skills.
The program runs Feb. 2–23 on Thursday evenings from 6–6:30 p.m. and teaches basketball skills, including dribbling/ball handling, shooting, passing/catching and running.  A parent must attend the class with child.
Registration and a $10 fee are due by Jan. 31.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 259-3317.

VOLUNTEER

Museum Volunteers
The Barnwell County Museum is seeking volunteers to help at the receptionist desk and help with projects to fix up their new home at the Holman Fuller House at the corner of Hagood and Marlboro avenues.
The museum is open the same times as previously (3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday).
For more information or to volunteer, contact Marie Peeples, the museum’s manager, at (803) 259-1916 or barnwell.museum@att.net.

Hospice Volunteers
Hospice Care of S.C.
Have one extra hour a week? Love to bake, take care of pets or spend time talking with someone?   Become a volunteer and make a difference in the life of hospice patient and family.
For additional information, contact Lyne Hufham, a volunteer specialist, at (843) 312-2295 or lyne.hufham@hospicecare.net.  
Regency Hospice
Regency Hospice is seeking volunteers and Spanish-speaking volunteers in Barnwell County.
Free training is available and no medical background is needed.
By visiting an assigned patient regularly, you give a much needed break to a caregiver, a gift of listening and compassion, and a gift of support and assistance.
For more information, call Sue King, volunteer coordinator, at (803) 648-2117.

Meal Deliverers Needed
Generations Unlimited provides home-delivered meal services for disabled and older adults who are unable to prepare their own meals and have no one to do it for them.
The visit provides a check on the customer’s well-being and provides a daily social visit for the homebound individual.
To help, call Sheila Brooks at (803) 259-4599.

REUNIONS