Around Town: Nov. 30, 2024

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This year's Wreaths Across America Ceremony is Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Sumter Cemetery, 700 W. Oakland Ave. All military and civilian families are invited to join the hosts, Civil Air Patrol Sumter Composite Squadron, as they remember the fallen, honor those who serve and have served, and teach future generations about the sacrifices of freedom, as wreaths are placed on Veterans' gravestones and along the fence line of the cemetery. Text questions to (912) 656-3966.

The Gift Place Inc. in Manning will host a community event on Saturday, Dec. 14, for youth ages 13 to 16 to express their creativity in the arts. There will also be a skit in support of families who have lost a child because of street violence. Children can participate in a fashion show, poetry talk, artwork display, comedy, making music, a video game challenge and more. Contact Rene Musick Harris at (803) 410-1425 or harrismusipittyz2@gmail.com for more information.

Sumter Newcomers Club is a social group open to ALL Sumter residents including men and women of all ages, retired or still working. We offer card and other games, book club and social events. There is something to do almost every day. Come check us out at our monthly coffee social with a guest speaker the second Friday of each month from September to May at 10 a.m. at the South Hope Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Refreshments will be provided. Call Shelly at (803) 968-0024 for more information.

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospice is always seeking volunteers to serve during end-of-life care in patients' homes. Volunteers serve as companions for patients and respite for caregivers. No medical care is provided by volunteers. Contact Lorianna Steele for more information, (803) 904-6315 or lorianna.steele@prismahealth.org.

The South Carolina Education Association Retired is seeking new members. The group meets at 11 a.m. at the North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St., every fourth Wednesday of the month unless otherwise specified. Dates for the 2024-25 year are: In 2024, Dec. 18; and in 2025, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 26 and May 28. Contact Ernestine Mickens at (803) 840-2156 for further information.

If you have any used bicycles you no longer want, donate them to be fixed up and given to children at Christmas by dropping them off at any Sumter fire station in the city and county all year 'round. Palmetto Optimist Club is accepting the bicycles, in partnership with the Sumter Evening Optimist Club.

Moms of Sumter Addicts (MOSA) Prayer Group meets the second Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Birnie Hope Center, 210 S. Purdy St., Sumter. This is not a step program or a self-help group but is a group of mothers of addicts spending time in prayer and working to understand and encourage the building of a personal support network. MOSA does not judge, criticize, give advice or discuss other members' situations. For information on the group, contact MOSA.prayer@gmail.com.