FAC seeks submissions for Bassett Gallery’s 2011-2012 season

The Bassett Gallery at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) is now accepting artist materials for consideration as part of a group exhibition or possible solo show in the Bassett Gallery to be scheduled from September 2011 through May 2012.

Spring Step Show to be held March 12

Family Life Outreach presents its annual Spring Step Show featuring the Lil Diamonds and Rho Chi Kobras of Camden, Sigma Beta, Hartsville High, Lancaster High, St. Andrews, E.L. Wright and also a praise dance competition. This will be the final curtain call for the Rho Chi Kobras' Shakeem and Shynell in Camden.

Restaurant service before integration

The late Mr. Moses Williams and his wife, Mrs. Lottie Williams, were a trailblazer family for ending segregation in Camden and Kershaw County restaurants. I am going to give an overview picture of significant and historic events of a family making a difference from the Knights Hill Community on three different important cases.

Knights Hill community recognized for academic achievements

For 11 of the 18 years between 1952 and 1970, the first- or second-ranked students at Jackson High School came from the Knights Hill Community, and this is not counting other students ranked among the top five in the class. This is unique and historic, having this many top-ranked students from one community. Two additional years have now been added, 1958 and 1970. Those recognized are as follows:

SCSDB students SWING! into action in musical stage production

Students at the S.C. School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB) hit the stage earlier this week for a swingin' good time! SCSDB students' production of "SWING" was held Thurday. The musical whisked audience members back in time to the Swing Era of the 1930s and '40s in Harlem, NY.

Winners of Miss Gold and Black pageant named

On Feb 5, Camden High School held the Miss Gold and Black pageant. The 34 contestants competed in four categories: application, interview, casual wear, and formal wear. The Cruisin' on the Seas themed pageant was emceed and choreographed by Camden High graduates Christa Campbell Boss and Britton Elliott of Palmetto Dance Center in Elgin. The reigning Miss Gold and Black, Mary Calk, assisted with the crowning of the following winners (pictured from left) Miss Freshman, Haley Maree; Miss Senior, Ashleigh Hough; Miss Gold and Black 2011, Charleston Thompson; Miss Junior, Akelia Thomas; Miss Sophomore, Brooke Maxwell.

Happy 50th Anniversary!

Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Jones Sr. (Shelby Jean) will celebrate their 50th anniversary Feb. 26. The couple was married on Feb. 26, 1961 at his parents house in Liberty Hill. They have been blessed with four children, Jack Jones Jr. (Angie) of Elgin, Regina Arrington (Chip) of Asheville, N.C., Kim Ray (Tim) of Lugoff and the late Tommy Jones of Lugoff. They are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. The couple will celebrate this weekend with a renewal of vows and reception at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Camden.

Four citizens met with KCSD before integration of schools in 1965

These are the details from my interview with Mrs. Lottie Williams about the Kershaw County School District before integration in her words.

Children’s consignment shop opens, donates profits to local charities

Started by stay-at-home moms, Mommy-Wise is now a business benefiting parents in a struggling economy.

CHS class of ’81 plans 30-year reunion

The Camden High School Class of 1981 will host its 30th Reunion on Saturday, June 18 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Health Resource Center.

Relay For Life fundraisers approaching in March

The City Slickers Car Show and Fundraiser for Relay For Life of Kershaw County will be held Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tractor Supply Co. in Camden. The event will include a dunking booth with local celebrities, and people's choice awards for classics, "oldies but goodies," trucks, cycles and pro-mods. Registration will be from 8 to 10:30 a.m. For more information, call Mary at 432-2421. The rain date is Sunday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ tumbles onto the FAC stage

It's a little bit Alice and a little bit Through the Looking Glass! Join us at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) as they welcome the Midlands' only professional theater for families and young audiences­ -- Columbia Children's Theatre (CCT) -- for their production of "Alice in Wonderland." The show is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Wood Auditorium. Tickets are $7 per person. This performance is sponsored by Modern Turf.

Miss Camden Pageant to be held Saturday

The Miss Camden Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Camden High School. There will be two winners, Miss Camden and Miss Camden Teen. The girls competing are (first row) Ashley Bowers, Blythe Neal, Julianna Cobb, Virginia Baker, Amanda Bodie, (second row) Meagan Kirkley, Carley Powers, Sallie Pierce, Lauren Jeffcoat, Rebecca Cobb, Erica Catoe and Maggie Jones. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Alpine Agency or from any contestant. Tickets can also be purchased by e-mailing MissCamdenScholarshipPageant@gmail.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

First black sales person at Camden Belk recognized

(The following story as told by Mrs. Lottie Williams.)

Lugoff native crowned 2011 Miss SMC Pageant

Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) crowned sophomore Kayla Jackson as its 2011 Miss SMC.

Dr. Suess, library have new fan

Coin Club announces annual Fall Show

The annual Fall Coin Show of the Camden Coin Club will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Camden Recreation Department, 1042 West DeKalb St., Camden.

Girl with local ties in beauty pageant

Wins double medals in karate tournament

Equestrian recovers, then excels after life threatening injury

A Camden equestrian, writing under the pen name Vanessa Friedrich, is featured in the latest book in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series.

KCSD, Walmart partner again to ‘pack a bus’

Camden Walmart customers know that it's back to school time again when they see the school bus out in front of the store promoting the partnership between the store and the Kershaw County School District to help local needy students receive school supplies. Walmart's annual "Pack A Bus" campaign kicks off Friday and runs for two weeks.