People and Events Nov. 11

Nov 11, 2009 (The Messenger - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --

Alternative location for Veterans Day Celebration

A Veterans Day Celebration is scheduled to take place today at 11:11 a.m. at Burry Park in downtown Hartsville. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Wesley United Methodist Church on the corner of Fourth Street and College Avenue. The Pilot Club of Hartsville is organizing the event.

Veterans Helpline offered today

As part of our Veterans Day coverage, News 13 will partner with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 354 from 5 to 6 p.m. today for a Helpline on Veterans Affairs.

Experts will take phone calls from veterans and their families, and callers can get information on veterans' benefits and other issues related to military retirees.

The number to call in the Pee Dee is (843) 317-1399.

Volunteers needed for disabled veterans

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is looking for volunteers to drive the Disabled American Veterans van to take veterans to Dorn VA Hospital in Columbia for medical appointments.

Volunteers must complete a health questionnaire; pass medical physical (at no cost to the volunteer); possess a current, valid South Carolina driver's license; and have current, valid personal vehicle insurance.

For more information, contact Kammy Benton at (843) 669-6761 or .

League of Women Voters meets

The Darlington County League of Women Voters will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Allard Alston Conference Room of the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington.

Darlington County Sheriff Wayne Byrd will speak on community law enforcement efforts.

The agenda includes supporting improvements in the function of the state Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice to include attention to the offender's responsibility to the community and his/her return to the community.

For more information, call Patricia Barker at (843) 383-8931, Sheila Haney at (843) 332-6468, Pecolia Grove at (843) 859-9074, Dyan Cohen at (843) 393-285, Belinda Copeland at (843) 332-5186 or Joyce Franklin at (843) 393-7646.

Humane Society raises more than $3,000

The Darlington Humane Society has great news. The Rescue Fund yard sale held Friday and Saturday generated $2,600 in funds for the animals. Thanks to Barbara Benjamin, Carolyn Powers, Linda Dargan, Russell Edwards, Robin Jones, Kathy McGowan, Kathy Nelson and her sister Debra Bledsoe, Kay Pierson, Cassandra, Wendy Odom, Susan Rogers, Fire Chief Jimmy Stone and his volunteers who delivered and set up tables. A special thanks to our hard worker, jack of many trades, Kathy McDonald. She brought many loads of items from Hartsville to Darlington.

During the Good Living Marketplace, the shelter also found a home for two dogs and received a total of $403 in donations. The Strut Your Mutt entry fees generated $145, people donated $90, Myers balloon animals generated $142 and the group earned $26 from the sale of Ludwig dog treats.

Hospital hires marketing director

Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center announces the addition of Johnna Shirley as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Shirley's responsibilities will include Marketing and Community Relations, Physician Relations and Volunteers Services.

"Selling Hartsville is one of my passions, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to market one of Hartsville's greatest assets -- Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. The fact that we have an award winning medical center with such qualified and caring physicians and staff is another pleasant surprise for a community our size," Shirley said.

She is married to Billy Shirley, member of Hartsville City Council. They have two sons, Will and Nils. She is a graduate of Clemson University, an active member of West Hartsville Baptist Church and serves as a Board Member of The Byerly Foundation, Selling Hartsville Marketing Task Force Chairperson and Junior Achievement volunteer. She is also a graduate of Leadership Darlington County.

Info: (843) 339-2100.

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