NOVEMBER 2023 | COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

This month we are highlighting Calhoun County Cares. We spoke with Reta Westbury to get more information on this organization that does so much for our local community.

The Calhoun County Cares thrift store is open on Thursdays 3-6 pm and the first Saturday of each month from 9-12. Visit them at 304 Agnes Street in St Matthews.

What is Calhoun County Cares?

"Calhoun County Cares is a Thrift Store which operates under the Calhoun County Community Resource Development Board, a 501(C)(3) non-profit charitable organization operated solely by volunteers. It is NOT supported by or a part of county government. From the proceeds of the sale of donated items, it gives back to Calhoun County residents in many ways. Last year it gave back $70,025. If you have an organization who would like more information on how we do this, Reta Westbury will be happy to come and tell your group all about what we do in more detail."

The donation room is open 24/7. Drop off items at your convenience.

How can citizens participate?

"Calhoun Cares needs three important things from the citizens:  (1) donated items of usable clothing for men, women and children, shoes, household goods, furniture, toys, books, appliances that work, etc... Anything citizens no longer want or need but that someone else can use. These items can be left at our drop-off room next to our Thrift Store which is open 24/7 at 304 Agnes Street in the John Ford Community Center. (2) we need volunteers to work sorting, pricing, and placing these items out for sale and (3) citizens to shop on Thursdays every week from 3-6 pm and on the first Saturday of each month from 9-12. With these things, Calhoun Cares can continue to help residents to make Calhoun County a great place for all who live here! If there is a need, please send your request by mail to Calhoun County Cares in writing giving full details to P.O. Box 417, St Matthews, SC 29135 to be presented to the Board for consideration. Requests for donations directly to individuals are not approved per our Bylaws and donations are for Calhoun County residents and appropriate groups only."

Fall and Christmas items are currently in stock at the thrift store.

What's new at Calhoun County Cares? 

"The Thrift Store will have fall and Christmas decorations for sale and there are numerous items for gifts! REMEMBER, the store is open on Thursdays 3-6 pm and the first Saturday of each month from 9-12. Don’t miss out on shopping and clean out your closets - we need items to sell!  Watch for Calhoun Cares in the town Christmas Parade.  Check out our Facebook page for exceptionally exciting items that are available each week!

"Our next Board meeting will be on January 25, 2024, should you want to submit a request for a donation. Get those requests in! Contact Reta Westbury for more information (803) 378-0921 or call and leave a message at Calhoun Cares at (803) 874-4981.

"Thanks to all who support Calhoun County Cares! You help us help others!"

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The winter season is fast approaching. Have you finished all of your holiday shopping yet? There are holiday markets, craft fairs, and bake sales aplenty coming up soon so you can shop local and be merry!

With all of the upcoming fun holiday events in Calhoun County, we wanted to showcase just a few of the festivities that you can participate in.

Sandy Run Holiday Market - Craft Show & Bake Sale

Thursday, November 16, 2023 5-8pm

Sandy Run K-8 School

Interested vendors please contact jculler2@gmail.com or lrabon@ccps.online.net. If you would like to donate a baked item for the bake sale, please text 803-960-9851 or 803-394-4782. 

Calhoun County's 1st Annual Holiday Market

Saturday, December 9, 2023 10am-4pm

John Ford Community Center

Please email Cindy at chaigler@calhouncounty.sc.gov if you would like to be a vendor.

Holly Oak Farms Community Christmas Gathering

Saturday, December 9, 2023 4-9pm

Holly Oak Farms

Hand-made holiday market and family Christmas movie showing.

Please sign up as a vendor here. 

Please register to attend here. 

St Matthews Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 9, 2023 5:30pm

Bridge Street

The Christmas parade will run down Bridge Street. Hot chocolate and festivities to follow at the Town Hall Pocket Park. Email townofstmatthews@windstream.net to sign up as a parade participant.

GET LOCAL ASSISTANCE

The Library has resources available to assist in applying for various  public benefits. For more information, please call Terri Williams Parker, Health and Social Services Manager, at 803-874-3389.

There is also an upcoming Lunch and Learn at John Ford Community Center to help you discover the types of local assistance available. Lunch will be provided. Please call 803-456-3577 to register.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please note information may have have been sent to the community calendar since time of publication.
Visit https://calhounconnects.com/calendar/ for details.

SC Works Center on Wheels

Wednesday, November 1 and November 29, 2023 10:00am-2:00pm

Piggly Wiggly

Job search assistance, resume assistance, and more for job seekers.

Jordan's Way Online Fundraiser

Friday, November 3, 2023 10:00am-1:00pm

Virtual Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/976847333420761

This partnership with the Calhoun County Animal Shelter is to advocate and raise money for homeless pets.

Fall Festival and Chili CookOff

Sunday, November 5, 2023 3:00pm

First Baptist Church of St Matthews

Free and open to everyone. Games, Trunk of Blessing, Chili CookOff, and more.

Blood Drive

Monday, November 6, 2023 2:00-6:00pm

St Matthews Municipal Court

Roll up your sleeves and save three lives.

Veterans Appreciation Lunch

Thursday, November 9, 2023 12:00-2:00pm

St Matthews Town Hall

All Veterans invited to attend this special appreciation luncheon. Please rsvp no later than Monday November 6, 2023. Call 803-874-2405 to register.

Health Day

Saturday, November 11, 2023 9:00am-1:00pm

Calhoun County High School

Mammogram mobile unit, health screenings, career opportunities, healthy snacks, giveaways, food trucks, and music. Come one, come all!

Veterans Day Celebration and Parade

Saturday, November 11, 2023 10:15am

Parade Begins at St Matthews Town Hall

Celebration to follow at the Calhoun County Courthouse with food trucks and more.

Public Hearings - Landfill Project

Monday, November 13 and Monday, November 27, 2023 5:30pm

Calhoun County Annex Building

Public Hearings on construction of Class 2 Landfill in Calhoun County.

Holiday Market Craft Show & Bake Sale

Thursday, November 16, 2023 5:00-8:00pm

Sandy Run K-8 School

Come make holiday memories! Vendors and bakers welcome.

Mobile Veterinary Unit

Friday, November 17, 2023 10am-4pm

John Ford Community Center

Affordable shots and spay/neuter surgeries. Appointments required for surgery only. Text 803-608-3248.

Ft. Motte Oyster Roast & Shrimp Boil

Saturday, November 18, 2023 4:30-8:30pm

1060 Colonel Thomson Hwy, Ft Motte

Since 1953 Ft Motte has been home to the “Best Oyster Roast in SC”! Oysters and Shrimp Boil served by friendly folk of St Matthew’s Parish. Purchase tickets at link above.

Town Rock Snake Appreciation Picture Day

Sunday, November 19, 2023 2:00pm

Town Hall Pocket Park

To ALL “Rock Snake” painters… Come out and take a drone photo in celebration and appreciation of a successful summer project! Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

Lunch and Learn

Tuesday, November 21, 2023 11:00am-2:00pm

John Ford Community Center

Services Offered: Flu and COVID Vaccines, Medicare and Medicaid Open Enrollment, Senior Resources, Utility Assistance Application and Information. Lunch provided. Call to Register: 803-456-3577

Thanksgiving Eve Bash Featuring the Gaspumpers

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 7:00-11:00pm

Calhoun Hills Golf Complex

Live music and good times! $10 cover - cash bar - food truck.

ONGOING RECURRING EVENTS

Please note information may have changed since time of publication.
Visit https://calhounconnects.com/calendar/ for details.

Rotary Club Meeting

Mondays 1:00pm

Eartha's Bistro

Weekly meeting of the local Rotary Club. Guests welcome.

Cameron Town Council Meeting (Regularly Scheduled)

1st Monday of the Month 6:30pm
Cameron Town Hall

Monthly Council meetings are held on the first Monday night of each month at 6:30PM at Town Hall unless otherwise posted.

Calhoun County Council Meeting (Regularly Scheduled)

2nd & 4th Mondays of the Month 5:30pm
Annex Bldg
County Council Meetings are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 PM unless otherwise posted.

Veterans Breakfast

1st Tuesday of the Month 8:30-10:30am

Calhoun County Council on Aging

Calhoun County Veterans of all ages are invited to come enjoy food and fellowship with your fellow Veterans. This is your time to meet others, form new friendships, and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Mobile Mammography Unit

1st Tuesday of the Month 9:30am-3:00pm
RMC Primary Care

Mobile Mammography Unit (RMC) will visit St Matthews the 1st Tuesday of Every Month. Appointment and doctor’s order required.

Bee Creative

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the Month 5:00-7:00pm

Calhoun County Library

Crafts for adults and children include quilting, knitting, crochet, and others.

St Matthews Town Council Meeting (Regularly Scheduled)

1st Tuesday of the Month 6:00pm
St Matthews Town Hall

Meetings held on first Tuesday of the month at 6 pm unless otherwise posted.

Sandy Run Ruritans Meeting (Regularly Scheduled)

1st Tuesday of the Month 7:00pm
Beulah UMC

Monthly meeting of Sandy Run Ruritan Club. Ruritans promote fellowship, goodwill, and community through service, and seek like-minded members. Visitors are welcome!

Republican Party Meeting

3rd Tuesday of the Month 6:00-8:00pm
Town and Country Restaurant
Monthly meeting of Calhoun County Republicans. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm. Meeting starts at 6:45 pm.

Farmers Market

Each Wednesday throughout growing season 3:00-7:00pm
Little Rucks, Sandy Run
Farm fresh locally grown food.

Bingo at the Library

1st Thursday of the Month 5:30-6:30pm

DUE TO LIBRARY CLOSURE, NOVEMBER BINGO RESCHEDULED FOR 11/9/23
Library

Come play Bingo and win books and other fun prizes.

Planning Commission Meeting (Regularly Scheduled)

3rd Thursday of the Month 5:30pm

Annex
Planning Commission Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Thurday of each month at 5:30 PM unless otherwise posted.

Yoga w/ Kathie

Every Monday 9:00-10:00am

Calhoun County Library
Basic yoga class for adults with Kathie Goodwin. Beginners welcome. 

Strong & Limber w/ Summer

Every Tuesday and Friday 11:30am-12:30pm

Calhoun County Library
Get flexible! Join Summer for gentle stretching on mats or in chairs that can help work out the creaks and kinks and improve balance and overall wellness.

Friends Book Sale

Every Tuesday 2:00-5:00pm
Calhoun County Library
FOCCL book sales are held in the Friends Room of the Library.

Mother Goose on the Loose

Every Wednesday 10:30-11:00am
Calhoun County Library
Join Miss Mary Jo for this fun, interactive 30-minute program for children ages 0-3 and their caregivers.

Adult Computer Class w/ Lauren

Every Wednesday 3:00-5:00pm

Calhoun County Library
Adults who want to learn new computer skills are encouraged to come to this weekly class.

Music & Movement

2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month 11:00-11:30am

Library

This 30-minute program is provided by Move with Celeste and is a favorite of parents and kids alike!

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE COMMUNITY

November Activities for Senior Citizens 

Please see monthly calendar for the Calhoun County Council on Aging at https://calhounconnects.com/announcements/. Activities are open to all Calhoun County Senior Citizens 60+. 

General Elections

Early Voting Now Open. Election Day: November 7, 2023. For more information, please call 803-874-2929.

Needle Craft Event at the Library - Registration Required   

Have you heard of needle art? We're doing one in January during Bee Creative! If you are interested, join us. This craft does require registration so we can make sure we have the correct number of kits. Give us a call at 803-874-3389 or visit us to register. It's completely FREE!

Raffle Tickets On Sale Now 

Win a Blackstone 17 Griddle! Raffle proceeds will help needy families at Christmas. Tickets on sale at St Matthews Town Hall, 606 F R Huff Drive, St Matthews, SC 29135.

Registration for Winter Basketball  

Boys ages 4-14 and Girls ages 4-12 --- Register online at calhouncounty.recdesk.com or stop by John Ford Community Center (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm). Interested in being a coach or sponsor? Call 803-655-7514 https://calhouncounty.recdesk.com/Community/Home

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

A fun and effective way to get kids motivated to read and ready to succeed when they start school. It's as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Sign Up. Register at https://calhouncountylibrary.beanstack.com/reader365 or visit the library.

2. Record your kids' efforts. Use the Beanstack app, the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Activity Journal, or your own log to track books you and your kids read.

3. Celebrate! Visit the Library and we'll make a big deal of their achievements!

PET OF THE MONTH

Each month, we will feature a dog that is currently available for adoption at the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. 

Squirrel

Squirrel is looking for an adopter, foster or rescue! He is playful and crate trained! He pays other animals no attention! He tends to sleep all day here in the office and he is the best boy ever! He does pretty well on a leash. He is not neutered, up to date on shots or HW tested at this time as we do not have access to a vet! If you are interested in this handsome boy please send us a message!

Take him home! For more info visit:
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/191725/available-pets/dogs