Robert E. Lee Academy's Cavalier Pride Auction to be held Saturday

Sumter AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will offer free tax preparation services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays (walk-in services) through April 15 at South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave., and by appointment on the following Saturdays: March 16 and April 13. No age requirement and you do not have to be an AARP member. Services will also be available by appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays (walk-ins allowed based on counselor availability) at Spectrum Senior Citizens Center, 1989 Durant Lane. Applicants are advised to bring ID, Social Security cards, last year's tax return (if available) and all other pertinent tax documents needed for filing return. Call (803) 316-0772 or (803) 983-2514.

Free income tax filing services and FAFSA application assistance will be provided from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays through April 18 at 640 Broad St. (the Anything Paper building). Services include e-file and direct deposit 2018 tax year and processing taxes from three years back (2017, 2016 and 2015). Call (803) 883-5483.

Summerton Strikes Back from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, when Clarendon County "Star Wars" fans of all ages will welcome the 501st Legion. Since 1997, this fan-based costuming organization has spread the magic of the "Star Wars" genre worldwide through its authentic-looking costumes and has become a leading force in fan-based charity events. In partnership with Harvin Clarendon County Library, this free event will include "Star Wars" conceptual art work, Funtastic MeeMee face painting, giveaways, Roper Mountain Astronomers telescope viewing, refreshments and more. Visitors can also take selfies with a Stormtrooper. Costumes are optional but greatly encouraged. Call (803) 485-2525 or email courtclerk@townofsummerton.com. Visit www.501st.com for more details about the organization.

Reading in the Park, presented by Palmetto Optimist Club of Sumter, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at Memorial Park, 417 W. Hampton Ave. Bring a book to swap or read. Take a book home with you. Read aloud or read silently. Listen to a book being read. Free and open to the public.

The 19th Annual Cavalier Pride Auction "Sparkles & Boots" will be held on Saturday, March 2, at Robert E. Lee Academy in Bishopville. Food will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. Bidding will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the first table closing at 7 p.m. There will be a silent and live auction. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Call (803) 484-5532.

The Lincoln High School Class of 1964 will meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4, at the Historical Lincoln Center, 22 Council St. Your attendance is needed for future planning. Call (803) 773-3804 or (803) 775-9088.

The One Sumter Community Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St. Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis and Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark III will deliver their annual reports from the county and city. The public is invited. Call the Rev. Joshua Dupree at (803) 795-3600.

A Friends of the NRA Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at the American Legion, 31 Artillery Drive. Event will feature a meal by Don Odom, games, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds will fund and support youth shooting sports and gun safety programs. Tickets are advance purchase only and are $45 per single or $80 per couple. Call Jim Strong at (843) 319-4438, Debbie Brown at (803) 340-0025 or Susan Scouten at (803) 406-2084. Tickets can also be purchased at Strong Arms, 5641 Broad St.

The Sumter County Museum will present "When the Rainbow Breaks," a Holocaust lecture with Dr. Henry Knight, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. For more information, contact Annie Rivers at (803) 775-0908 or email information@sumtercountymuseum.org.

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 15, at the headquarters building, 529 N. Wise Drive. All area veterans are invited.

The YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc. will honor former TWIN (Tribute to Women in Business and Industry) honorees from 1981 through 2009 at a "High Heels in High Places" afternoon tea from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at UBI Training Center (formerly the Imperial Restaurant), 451 Broad St. If you were a TWIN honoree or know a former honoree, contact Debra Wilson at (803) 840-3973 or email at ydwilson@ywcasumter.org with a contact number and/or email or mailing address.

National Single Parent Day Celebration will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at Angel's Mexican Restaurant, 246 S. Pike West. First recognized in 1984, National Single Parent Day honors the sacrifices and hard work of single parents. Register by calling (803) 250-6713.

The AARP Smart Driver Course will be offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, and Wednesday, May 15, at the Shepherd's Center, 155 Haynsworth St. Cost: $15/AARP members; $20/non-members. Call (803) 773-1944 to make a reservation.