Wedding & Event Venue Near Dillon, SC.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Having roots in Dillon County, Zion Johnson graduates from the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind in Spartanburg.

Participating in both the Leo Club and SC School for the Blind (SCSB) Student Improvement Council, Zion’s favorite quote is, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

While at SCSDB, Zion received his Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and CPR certifications. He plans to enter the workforce and work with the SC Commission for the Blind in the future.

The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is the state’s specialized school for students who are deaf or blind.

NOTE: This is just one of the students featured in our graduation issue on stands now through Monday.

If you haven’t noticed it yourself on the sides of the road and elsewhere, there is a tremendous litter problem in Dillon County. As fast as the county cleans up an area, more people come and dump more trash. It can be anything to paper, cans, and regular household trash to mattresses, couches, and more. Since Dillon County assigned a crew to regularly pick up litter and trash, they have picked up nearly 500,000 lbs. The litter problem was recently discussed at a Dillon County Council meeting when a Hamer resident came to speak on the issue. He said more enforcement is needed and that is absolutely correct. If the people who throw out litter were caught and had to pick up litter for a certain amount of time, it would discourage others from doing so. It’s going to take enforcement and a change of attitudes to change the problem. One would hope that people would take pride in their community and stop trashing it. One can keep their trash in their vehicle and dispose of it home instead of throwing it out of the window of their vehicle as they ride by. For household trash and other items, the county provides convenience trash sites throughout the county where trash can be taken. We have a landfill where trash can be dumped for a small fee. This trash doesn’t have to end up on the sides of roads or private property. It’s a choice that is being made by the people who dump it, and they need to be encouraged through fines and community service not to make bad choices. We all need to do our part in the fight against litter. There are public clean-up days in some of our communities and some of our county council members have sponsored clean-up days. If you have the time, take part. Establish your own area to keep clean and litter free. If you see someone dumping trash, report them if you know who they are or take down their license tag number if you can safely do so. Palmetto Pride has a phone number where one can report a litter bug, 1-877-7-LITTER. They also have a litter busters report form on their website. Also, take the time to educate your family about litter and ways they can help. If we all join the fight, maybe we can have a cleaner, greener Dillon County.

By Betsy Finklea The Pee Dee Community Action Partnership’s Strengthening Families Program held a “Chat and Chew” at the City of Dillon Wellness Center recently.

Anita Stevenson Magwood, the Strengthening Families Program Manager, led the event. As the event started, “No Failure,” played in the background. The reason why this song was chosen is because there is “no failure for our families.” Prayer was given by Pastor Larry McCallum of Hazy Grove Baptist Church. Magwood explained that the program is under the umbrella of Pee Dee Community Action Partnership, which has always worked to help people and change lives. She said they have a dynamic group of people working in Dillon County, who are passionate about what they do. “It’s not just a job,” she said. She said the program is what it says, “strengthening families.” She said they identify risk factors and building upon strengths in the family. They have 14 different sessions and meals are provided.

Candace Bethea, a graduate of Strengthening Families, spoke to the group about her positive experience with the program. She spoke about the methods she was taught to get the desired results out of the child. She said as a result of the methods she learned, it strengthened her bond with her children, and she noticed a change in their behavior. She said Strengthening Families was “a light for me in a dark place.” Chevella German, site coordinator, and other staff members spoke about the benefits of the program and the importance of having both mothers and fathers involved. Mrs. Magwood said that Strengthening Families was “good soil” and a “good investment.”

The community can support the program with donations such as cleaning supplies, gift cards, providing meals, or making other donations. Use the contact information in the box at the left to contact Mrs. Magwood about ways the public can help and get involved.

WHAT IS STRENGTHENING FAMILIES? The Strengthening Families Program-6-11(SFP 6-11) is a parent and family skills training program designed to serve families with children ages 6-11. The program is designed to serve the general and at-risk families, including families experiencing parental substance use issues and child behavioral problems. SFP 6-11 aims to help parents increase their children’s protective factors, such as coping skills, and reduce their children’s risk factors, such as behavioral problems. SFP 6-11 consists of multi-family group sessions. Before each session, families and trained group leaders have a sit-down meal together where group leaders provide support, guidance, and praise and get to know families on a more personal level. Each session contains three components: parental skills training, children’s skills training, and family skills training. During the first half of each session, parents and children meet separately for parent skills training and children’s skills training.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM (6-11) SUMMARY The goal of SFP is an evidence-based program in which families are provided the opportunity to learn, practice, and develop parenting skills from a strengths based, positive perspective. The SFP is a 14 week curriculum whereby families learn to enhance communication skills, manage difficult behaviors appropriately, and reward positive behaviors. The program is appropriate for all families and has proven successful in various demographic areas across the nation. The SFP encourages families to engage in a safe, nurturing environment. Over the course of the program, participants are provided a nutritious, home style meal, transportation to and from the program, and incentives to remain involved. SFP enables families to learn, grow, and establish healthy bonds amongst themselves and others. Demographics Target Settings: Urban, rural, suburban. Target Groups Served: Target groups served are families with at least one child between the ages of 6-11 years old. Siblings of the 6-11 year olds are encouraged to attend and child care is provided for them during the program. PDCAP is currently serving Marion and Dillon Counties. Any additional funding could expand current sites’ work or be used to target under-served, rural counties for implementation of the Strengthening Families Program. Research and Evaluation: SFP is rated at the top of the list for parenting curricula by international and national review groups including the prestigious World Health Organization, Cochrane Collaboration Reviews in Oxford, United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes in Vienna, White House, National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Sponsor of the initial SFP research, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Evaluation: Evidence shows the SFP is successful for families. Outcomes include increased family strength and resilience and reduced risk factors for problem behaviors in high risk children, including behavioral problems, emotional, academic and social problems. SFP is now widely used as a universal primary prevention intervention in schools, churches and communities offering SFP, hoping thereby to attract more high risk families. SFP builds on protective factors by improving family relationships, parenting skills, improving the youth’s social and life skills. Randomized control trials and health services research also showed positive results in reducing substance abuse and delinquency risk factors by improving family relations.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM Children’s Trust of South Carolina is now partnering with Pee Dee Community Action Partnership (PDCAP) to deliver the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) in Dillon County. Strengthening Families Program is a nationally and internationally recognized evidence-based program that works closely with families to teach effective parenting techniques that reduce problem behaviors and conflict through positive discipline. Through a partnership with The Duke Endowment and the S.C. Department of Social Services, Children’s Trust is providing multi-year funding to the PDCAP along with designated partners to deliver program sessions and work with families in their respective communities. Here is what our SFP Program provides: —14 weekly educational skills training sessions for both parents and their children age 6-11 —Child care services for non-participating children —A delicious family meal during each training session —Transportation provided for families, if needed —Prizes and program incentives i.e., gift cards, gas cards, household items, etc. —Incentives for families who successfully complete and graduate from the program by attending 12 or more training sessions —Incentives for families with perfect attendance attending all 14 sessions. —A maximum of 15 families will be allowed to participate during this cycle. SFP is a program of Children’s Trust of South Carolina, funded in partnership with the Department of Social Services and The Duke Endowment.

CHILDREN’S TRUST Children’s Trust of South Carolina is the only statewide organization focused on the prevention of child abuse, neglect and injury. The organization trains and educates professionals who work directly with families, and it funds, supports and monitors proven prevention programs. Children’s Trust is the voice for South Carolina’s children and advocates for strong, well-founded policies that positively impact child well-being. Children’s Trust is home to Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina. KIDS COUNT South Carolina and Safe Kids South Carolina.

For information regarding referrals, donations and volunteer efforts, contact: Anita Stevenson Magwood Program Manager 803-269-8136 or 843-678-3404, Ext 114. amagwood@peedeecap.org

By Betsy Finklea The Dillon County Farm Bureau held their annual meeting recently with several people in attendance.

Keith Allen, president, reported that they had a busy year. He spoke about the land trust that Farm Bureau had formed. He said they gave out two scholarships, had the ag simulator come out to the Dillon County Health Initiative Farmer’s Market, and sponsored a book of the month for third graders, who received a book about agriculture. He thanked Rep. Jackie Hayes and Senator Kent Williams for the passage of a bill that is a more efficient way to deal with water in the state. He said the $1 million to help trap wild hogs had been a blessing. He said money had also been allocated for a veterinary school at Clemson. A poultry research farm has also been funded at Clemson. He said he appreciated the Inland Port Dillon, which had helped the economy in this county as well as the farmers. He said they can export soybeans out of the port.

Cullen Bryant gave the report of the nominating committee. The officers are President: Keith Allen, Vice-President: Cullen Bryant, Executive Secretary: Joe Gleason, Treasurer: Tommy Stephens, State Director: Cullen Bryant, and Alternate State Director: Joe Gleason. The Executive Committee is Keith Allen, Joe Gleason, Cullen Bryant, and Tommy Stephens. The directors are Elizabeth Snipes, Daniel Coleman, Randy Berry, Caleb Coleman, Bruce “Sonny” Price, Jr., Daniel Baxley, Fitzhugh Bethea, Lavern Brigman, Curt McSwain, Heather Benjamin, Gerald Arnette, Tre Coleman, Harold Gasque, Joe Hayes, and Wesley Price. The Woman’s Committee Chairman is Kate A. Miller. The Legislative and Public Affairs Chairman is Cullen Bryant, and the Young Farmer Committee Chairman is Caleb Miller.

Congressman Russell Fry spoke about some of the things occurring in Washington that affect farmers and answered questions from the audience. A resolution was presented regarding the state deer population. They discussed adding some language to make the resolution stronger.

By Betsy Finklea The Pee Dee Community Action Partnership’s Strengthening Families Program held a “Chat and Chew” at the City of Dillon Wellness Center recently.

Anita Stevenson Magwood, the Strengthening Families Program Manager, led the event. As the event started, “No Failure,” played in the background. The reason why this song was chosen is because there is “no failure for our families.” Prayer was given by Pastor Larry McCallum of Hazy Grove Baptist Church. Magwood explained that the program is under the umbrella of Pee Dee Community Action Partnership, which has always worked to help people and change lives. She said they have a dynamic group of people working in Dillon County, who are passionate about what they do. “It’s not just a job,” she said. She said the program is what it says, “strengthening families.” She said they identify risk factors and building upon strengths in the family. They have 14 different sessions and meals are provided.

Candace Bethea, a graduate of Strengthening Families, spoke to the group about her positive experience with the program. She spoke about the methods she was taught to get the desired results out of the child. She said as a result of the methods she learned, it strengthened her bond with her children, and she noticed a change in their behavior. She said Strengthening Families was “a light for me in a dark place.” Chevella German, site coordinator, and other staff members spoke about the benefits of the program and the importance of having both mothers and fathers involved. Mrs. Magwood said that Strengthening Families was “good soil” and a “good investment.”

The community can support the program with donations such as cleaning supplies, gift cards, providing meals, or making other donations. Use the contact information in the box at the left to contact Mrs. Magwood about ways the public can help and get involved.

WHAT IS STRENGTHENING FAMILIES? The Strengthening Families Program-6-11(SFP 6-11) is a parent and family skills training program designed to serve families with children ages 6-11. The program is designed to serve the general and at-risk families, including families experiencing parental substance use issues and child behavioral problems. SFP 6-11 aims to help parents increase their children’s protective factors, such as coping skills, and reduce their children’s risk factors, such as behavioral problems. SFP 6-11 consists of multi-family group sessions. Before each session, families and trained group leaders have a sit-down meal together where group leaders provide support, guidance, and praise and get to know families on a more personal level. Each session contains three components: parental skills training, children’s skills training, and family skills training. During the first half of each session, parents and children meet separately for parent skills training and children’s skills training.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM (6-11) SUMMARY The goal of SFP is an evidence-based program in which families are provided the opportunity to learn, practice, and develop parenting skills from a strengths based, positive perspective. The SFP is a 14 week curriculum whereby families learn to enhance communication skills, manage difficult behaviors appropriately, and reward positive behaviors. The program is appropriate for all families and has proven successful in various demographic areas across the nation. The SFP encourages families to engage in a safe, nurturing environment. Over the course of the program, participants are provided a nutritious, home style meal, transportation to and from the program, and incentives to remain involved. SFP enables families to learn, grow, and establish healthy bonds amongst themselves and others. Demographics Target Settings: Urban, rural, suburban. Target Groups Served: Target groups served are families with at least one child between the ages of 6-11 years old. Siblings of the 6-11 year olds are encouraged to attend and child care is provided for them during the program. PDCAP is currently serving Marion and Dillon Counties. Any additional funding could expand current sites’ work or be used to target under-served, rural counties for implementation of the Strengthening Families Program. Research and Evaluation: SFP is rated at the top of the list for parenting curricula by international and national review groups including the prestigious World Health Organization, Cochrane Collaboration Reviews in Oxford, United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes in Vienna, White House, National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Sponsor of the initial SFP research, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). Evaluation: Evidence shows the SFP is successful for families. Outcomes include increased family strength and resilience and reduced risk factors for problem behaviors in high risk children, including behavioral problems, emotional, academic and social problems. SFP is now widely used as a universal primary prevention intervention in schools, churches and communities offering SFP, hoping thereby to attract more high risk families. SFP builds on protective factors by improving family relationships, parenting skills, improving the youth’s social and life skills. Randomized control trials and health services research also showed positive results in reducing substance abuse and delinquency risk factors by improving family relations.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM Children’s Trust of South Carolina is now partnering with Pee Dee Community Action Partnership (PDCAP) to deliver the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) in Dillon County. Strengthening Families Program is a nationally and internationally recognized evidence-based program that works closely with families to teach effective parenting techniques that reduce problem behaviors and conflict through positive discipline. Through a partnership with The Duke Endowment and the S.C. Department of Social Services, Children’s Trust is providing multi-year funding to the PDCAP along with designated partners to deliver program sessions and work with families in their respective communities. Here is what our SFP Program provides: —14 weekly educational skills training sessions for both parents and their children age 6-11 —Child care services for non-participating children —A delicious family meal during each training session —Transportation provided for families, if needed —Prizes and program incentives i.e., gift cards, gas cards, household items, etc. —Incentives for families who successfully complete and graduate from the program by attending 12 or more training sessions —Incentives for families with perfect attendance attending all 14 sessions. —A maximum of 15 families will be allowed to participate during this cycle. SFP is a program of Children’s Trust of South Carolina, funded in partnership with the Department of Social Services and The Duke Endowment.

CHILDREN’S TRUST Children’s Trust of South Carolina is the only statewide organization focused on the prevention of child abuse, neglect and injury. The organization trains and educates professionals who work directly with families, and it funds, supports and monitors proven prevention programs. Children’s Trust is the voice for South Carolina’s children and advocates for strong, well-founded policies that positively impact child well-being. Children’s Trust is home to Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina. KIDS COUNT South Carolina and Safe Kids South Carolina.

For information regarding referrals, donations and volunteer efforts, contact: Anita Stevenson Magwood Program Manager 803-269-8136 or 843-678-3404, Ext 114. amagwood@peedeecap.org

By Betsy Finklea The Dillon County Farm Bureau held their annual meeting recently with several people in attendance.

Keith Allen, president, reported that they had a busy year. He spoke about the land trust that Farm Bureau had formed. He said they gave out two scholarships, had the ag simulator come out to the Dillon County Health Initiative Farmer’s Market, and sponsored a book of the month for third graders, who received a book about agriculture. He thanked Rep. Jackie Hayes and Senator Kent Williams for the passage of a bill that is a more efficient way to deal with water in the state. He said the $1 million to help trap wild hogs had been a blessing. He said money had also been allocated for a veterinary school at Clemson. A poultry research farm has also been funded at Clemson. He said he appreciated the Inland Port Dillon, which had helped the economy in this county as well as the farmers. He said they can export soybeans out of the port.

Cullen Bryant gave the report of the nominating committee. The officers are President: Keith Allen, Vice-President: Cullen Bryant, Executive Secretary: Joe Gleason, Treasurer: Tommy Stephens, State Director: Cullen Bryant, and Alternate State Director: Joe Gleason. The Executive Committee is Keith Allen, Joe Gleason, Cullen Bryant, and Tommy Stephens. The directors are Elizabeth Snipes, Daniel Coleman, Randy Berry, Caleb Coleman, Bruce “Sonny” Price, Jr., Daniel Baxley, Fitzhugh Bethea, Lavern Brigman, Curt McSwain, Heather Benjamin, Gerald Arnette, Tre Coleman, Harold Gasque, Joe Hayes, and Wesley Price. The Woman’s Committee Chairman is Kate A. Miller. The Legislative and Public Affairs Chairman is Cullen Bryant, and the Young Farmer Committee Chairman is Caleb Miller.

Congressman Russell Fry spoke about some of the things occurring in Washington that affect farmers and answered questions from the audience. A resolution was presented regarding the state deer population. They discussed adding some language to make the resolution stronger.

At its annual state convention in June at the Hilton Embassy Suites in Columbia, Dillon VFW Post 6091 received the Most Outstanding Post award and was recognized as an All-State Team by the VFW Department of South Carolina. Attending the convention to accept the awards was Dillon Post Senior Vice Commander Chris Norris. Also attending were the Post Commander John Harlow and the Post Quartermaster Jim Chavis.

State VFW Commander Ed Stefanak congratulated the Dillon Post on the work being done there to help Veterans and their families. Post Commander John Harlow expressed appreciation for this level of recognition by the VFW Department of South Carolina and acknowledged that it had been a team effort by all the Dillon VFW Post members to work for our local Veterans helping them get the VA benefits and services they have earned and deserve, and working to help Veterans meet the challenges of everyday life after serving in the military. Commander Harlow said that the Dillon VFW regularly volunteers to work with other local Veteran help organizations to assist Veterans. Quartermaster Jim Chavis said that Post 6091 actively promotes Veteran awareness through its Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests in the local schools and recognizes first responders as part of the Dillon Patriot Day program. “Our VFW Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who promote patriotism in the classroom,” Chavis said. Commander Harlow recognized Post Adjutant Jamie M. Hamilton for his work uploading Post activity to the Department Online Dashboard helping to ensure our status as an All-Team Post. Commander Harlow told The Dillon Herald that the Dillon VFW takes very seriously the VFW motto – No One Does More for Veterans. “Our being named the Most Outstanding VFW Post in South Carolina testifies to the commitment of every single one of our Post members to ensure Dillon County Veterans know that the VFW is doing more for Veterans,” Harlow said.

Dillon County Administrator Tim Harper has completed his term as the president of the SC City/County Managers Association. June was his last month serving as the President of this fine organization, and now he will serve as Past-President. He is the first Administrator from Dillon County to have the honor of serving. Harper wants to thank the Dillon County Council for allowing him to be a part of the SC City/County Managers Association, which is affiliated with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Pictured is Harper and the incoming President, Ms. Teresa Wilson, who is the City Manager of Columbia. (Contributed Photo)

CHARLES SPIVEY HONORED FOR SERVICE AS MAGISTRATE JUDGE—Dillon County District Two Councilman Dennis Townsend presents a plaque to Charles Spivey in recognition of his dedicated and loyal service to Dillon County and the Judicial System as a Magistrate Judge. Spivey served as a magistrate for 29 years from July 1, 1994 until June 30, 2023. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald)

At its annual state convention in June at the Hilton Embassy Suites in Columbia, Dillon VFW Post 6091 received the Most Outstanding Post award and was recognized as an All-State Team by the VFW Department of South Carolina. Attending the convention to accept the awards was Dillon Post Senior Vice Commander Chris Norris. Also attending were the Post Commander John Harlow and the Post Quartermaster Jim Chavis.

State VFW Commander Ed Stefanak congratulated the Dillon Post on the work being done there to help Veterans and their families. Post Commander John Harlow expressed appreciation for this level of recognition by the VFW Department of South Carolina and acknowledged that it had been a team effort by all the Dillon VFW Post members to work for our local Veterans helping them get the VA benefits and services they have earned and deserve, and working to help Veterans meet the challenges of everyday life after serving in the military. Commander Harlow said that the Dillon VFW regularly volunteers to work with other local Veteran help organizations to assist Veterans. Quartermaster Jim Chavis said that Post 6091 actively promotes Veteran awareness through its Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests in the local schools and recognizes first responders as part of the Dillon Patriot Day program. “Our VFW Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who promote patriotism in the classroom,” Chavis said. Commander Harlow recognized Post Adjutant Jamie M. Hamilton for his work uploading Post activity to the Department Online Dashboard helping to ensure our status as an All-Team Post. Commander Harlow told The Dillon Herald that the Dillon VFW takes very seriously the VFW motto – No One Does More for Veterans. “Our being named the Most Outstanding VFW Post in South Carolina testifies to the commitment of every single one of our Post members to ensure Dillon County Veterans know that the VFW is doing more for Veterans,” Harlow said.

Dillon County Administrator Tim Harper has completed his term as the president of the SC City/County Managers Association. June was his last month serving as the President of this fine organization, and now he will serve as Past-President. He is the first Administrator from Dillon County to have the honor of serving. Harper wants to thank the Dillon County Council for allowing him to be a part of the SC City/County Managers Association, which is affiliated with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Pictured is Harper and the incoming President, Ms. Teresa Wilson, who is the City Manager of Columbia. (Contributed Photo)

CHARLES SPIVEY HONORED FOR SERVICE AS MAGISTRATE JUDGE—Dillon County District Two Councilman Dennis Townsend presents a plaque to Charles Spivey in recognition of his dedicated and loyal service to Dillon County and the Judicial System as a Magistrate Judge. Spivey served as a magistrate for 29 years from July 1, 1994 until June 30, 2023. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald)