By BRENDA HARRISON Editor of The News Journal Florence, S.C. LifeChangers celebrated its 15th year in Florence last week sharing their labor and faith. Around 85 participants, including adults and youth, conducted home improvement projects in the city.

IRBY STREET LOOKING NORTH – This 1918 picture postcard shows stately homes along Irby Street, block unknown.

Author Mary Alice Monroe will join the Friends of the Florence County Library System again on Thursday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. and present her new novel “Beach House for Rent.” The event is free and open to the public.

Florence One Students were named Outstanding Seniors by the Florence West Rotary Club and received recognition at a recent club meeting

Members of the Fellows in Education program are community members who received a unique, behind-the-scenes look into Florence School District One this year.

The Friends of South Carolina Libraries awarded Paula Childers, Children’s Coordinator for the Florence County Library System, the John Landrum Advocacy Award for 2017.

The Florence County Museum will host an exhibition of works by veteran South Carolina artist Terry Jarrard-Dimond as part of the South Carolina Arts Commission’s recently launched 50th Anniversary exhibition program.

Old Glory was the center of attention on Flag Day at Pee Dee Gardens, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Florence. President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916.

The American Legion Department of South Carolina held its 99th Annual Convention in Columbia on June 2-4. The department reports on accomplishments, awards members and holds election of officers.

Impact Christian Children’s Theatre offers The Actor’s Studio Summer Camp for students ages 10 through 18 from 10 a.m.. to 1 p.m. from July 10-14 . Students will be challenged to take their acting to the next level as they polish and refine performance

The Florence County Library System welcomes storyteller Donna Washington for Summer Reading 2017. Washington will appear at the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Library at 509 S. Dargan Street in Florence at 3 p.m. on June 28. Washington is a professional

Corporate representatives are invited to participate in the Business Empowerment & Career Fair to be held Saturday, Aug. 5, in the Florence Civic Center ballroom. The event is free to the public.

The Pee Dee REALTOR® Association, in partnership with the House of Hope, is organizing and sponsoring the first “RUN FOR HOPE” 5k Run/Walk to benefit the Courtney McGinnis Graham Community Shelter on June 24. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at 500 Second

South Carolina’s popular Sales Tax Holiday weekend will kick off Friday, Aug. 4 and run through Sunday, Aug. 6. During the annual Sales Tax Holiday, a variety of approved school supply items are exempt from the 6% state sales tax and any applicable local

DARLINGTON – Free station-to-station swim lessons for children 5-18 (children under 12 must be accompanied) are being offered a the BP Gandy Pool. Come any day Monday, June 26, through Thursday, June 29, from 10:30-11:20 a.m. Completion is based on your a