In Our Community...

**Block Party Concert Series Returns To Downtown Hartsville**

Main Street Hartsville will host their first Block Party since 2019 this Friday, May 21st, under the lights on College Avenue in Downtown Hartsville from 6-9 p.m. This annual event series is a favorite for both Hartsville residents and visitors as they have the opportunity to shop and dine while attending the Friday night concert. The first concert will have an island theme, so everyone is encouraged to channel your inner tropical vibes before you head out. There will even be a tacky tourist costume contest and the winner will receive a Neptune Island Waterpark prize package.

The Downtown Block Party series will be held on the third Friday of the month in May, June, August, and September from 6 -9 p.m. on the 100 block of East College Avenue. It is sponsored by area businesses and draws in crowds of all ages to enjoy the music from bands and artists bringing their talents to Downtown Hartsville. This year, Main Street Hartsville has a great lineup of four bands that are ready to bring tons of energy under the lights of College Avenue.

The Queen’s Court sponsored by Neptune Island Waterpark and Visit Hartsville, SC

Terence Lonon and the Untouchables sponsored by Howle Law Firm and Mutual Savings Bank

Wet Nose Dogs sponsored by Palmetto Mortgage Gro

Main Street Hartsville Director, Lauren Baker, says, “Downtown Hartsville has truly missed the energy that Downtown Block Parties bring to the streets. Our merchants are geared up and excited to welcome this event back and we know that event attendees are going to enjoy themselves as live music fills the air in Downtown Hartsville.”

**Columbia International Festival Returns, At The S.C State Fairgrounds, June 5th and 6th**
The whole world is starting to come out from under the shadow of pandemic, and soon you'll see that happen right here in Columbia.

After a year off, members of our state's multicultural communities will gather for the 2021 Columbia International Festival, at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6.

**Johnson Named Alternative School And Office Of Exceptional Children Administrator**

Florence School District 3 has named Deitra Johnson Alternative School and OEC Administrator working with both the district alternative education program and Office of Exceptional Children.

Under the direction of OEC Director Cheryl Hubbard-George, Johnson will assist special education teachers with the development of Individual Education Plans, compliance monitoring and scheduling as well as developing and supporting the implementation of positive behavioral plans with the consultation of school psychologist, guidance department and outside consultants. Additionally, she will work with school administrators, community organizations and state agencies to facilitate Special Education Programming.

In the alternative education program, under the direction of Director of Secondary Education Ned Blake, Johnson will coordinate, develop and implement quality-driven, innovative learning opportunities in collaboration with the district and school-level curriculum and instruction staff. She also will assist teachers and grade-level teams with the implementation of the South Carolina Standards and work with teachers to improve classroom management and climate through the implementation of effective instructional methods. In addition, she will analyze student and teacher test data to determine teaching and learning effectiveness for each concept taught.

Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from South Carolina State University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical counseling from Webster University and a Master of Education degree in educational leadership from The Citadel.

She most recently served as a special education administrator in FSD3’s Office of Exceptional Children. She also has served as an assistant principal as well as a school, principal in both FSD3 and Lee County School District.

**Congratulations To Marion High School Junior Marshals**

Congratulations to Marion High School Junior Marshals for 2021. Na’Kia Simone Hannah-Head Marshal, Jessie Ellen Campbell, Michael Alexander Henry, Lacey Edwards Johnson, Hannah Leann Lawson, Tyneek Ailayjah Lesane, Stormie Jade Maynard, Makaella Ivana Moody, Gabriel Allen Mullins, Ja’Niya Louise Sheppard, Lanaih Jordan Thomas, Hanna Kristen Wheeler, and Kadie Danielle White.