Summertime 2021 by The Sumter Item

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 | Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

Summertime 2021 Inside ... Sumter Aquatics Center and splash pads B2

Sumter Opera House movies B2

Sumter County Gallery of Art classes B3

Sumter County Library summer reading program B3

Harvin Clarendon County Library events B4

Sumter County Museum classes B4

SUMMERTIME THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Movie series returns to Sumter Opera House FROM STAFF REPORTS

Aquatics Center to open June 5, splash parks in full swing May 28 BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com The City of Sumter’s Aquatics Center’s typical Memorial Day weekend opening will be delayed to June 5 following a labor shortage. “Due to labor shortage and delayed ability to bring in certified lifeguards, we now have the lifeguards being processed and will be able to open with a delayed opening,” said Susan Wild, recreation programs and facilities director for the City of Sumter. “We will be opening our main pool area, and we will still have somewhat limited capacity.” The Aquatics Center, 1115 S. Lafayette Drive, will still be serving the public on a limited capacity with health and safety guidelines in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Wild said the Aquatics Center will not be providing all its services and programs either. The swim team program will commence this year at a limited capacity, as well as the junior lifeguard program, Wild said. The recreational

pool will also be open at its regular hours on Monday-Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2-6 p.m. It will cost $3 for adults and children, and children under the age of 5 are free. Wild said the Aquatics Center’s lazy river will open this year shortly after the beginning of the season. “I’m hoping soon after our opening we will be able to announce a time frame of when the lazy river will also be open,” Wild said. “I do see that it will be open this season.”

SPLASH PARKS According to Shelley Kile, communications and tourism director for the City of Sumter, the splash parks will be running in full swing this summer starting May 28. There are five splash parks, which all have playgrounds and green spaces for picnics: • Crosswell Park at the corner of Lafayette Drive and Yeadon Street; • North HOPE Park, 904 N. Main St.; • South Sumter Park at the corner of South Sumter and Atlantic streets; • Birnie HOPE Park, 210 S. Purdy St.; and • Palmetto Park, off Theatre Drive, between the tennis center and ball fields.

The family friendly Summer Movie Series is returning to the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Although there will be capacity restrictions and masks will be required for entry at the beginning of the summer, changes implemented by the state or city will be monitored, and guidelines will be adjusted accordingly during the summer schedule. Because of limited seating, there will be the option to purchase or reserve general admission seats in advance through the Sumter Opera House Box Office at (803) 436-2616 or online at https://www.sumteroperahouse.com/movies. The following movies will be shown: • June 15 — Toy Story 4 • June 22 — Aladdin (2019) • June 29 — Onward • July 6 — Sonic the Hedgehog • July 13 — The Lion King (2019) • July 20 — Wonder Park • July 27 — Adventures of Rufus • Aug. 3 — The War With Grandpa • Aug. 10 — Cats and Dogs 3 Showings will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Concessions will be available. No outside food or drink are allowed.

COME JOIN THE FUN! The Sumter County Gallery of Art offers a variety of camps ranging from exploratory creative expression to advanced investigation of artistic design principles and techniques. Our instructors are professional artists and art educators excelling in the media of drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery, fiber art, sculpture, mixed media and more. We are committed to nurturing children’s love for creating art, no matter their age, interest, or skill level. To learn more about our summer camp classes and sign up, please visit us at:

http://sumtergallery.com/education/ summer-art-camp-2021/ Or contact us at:

SUMMER ART CAMP 2021

Phone: 803-775-0543 Email: education@sumtergallery.com FB & Instagram: @sumtergallery The Sumter County Gallery of Art is located at 200 Hasel Street, Sumter SC, 29150. Masks and social-distancing are REQUIRED.

What are you doing this summer? Why not join us at Miss Libby’s to BURN SOME ENERGY and have some fun?

Lots of Fun Things to Do! Dance • Gym & Ninja Classes Dance Intensives Dance & Gym Camps Open Gym & Open Ninja Rig

Annex: 56 Market Street 803.469.9946

Studio: 155 W. Wesmark Blvd. 803.469.TAPS

Visit Our Website Daily for Events, Dates & Times

www.misslibbys.com

SUMMERTIME

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Sumter library’s summer reading program is back BY IVY MOORE Arts and culture contributor After last year’s pandemic canceled its summer reading program, the Sumter County Library is bringing it back with a full schedule of activities for June and July. Some new activities have also been added to the schedule. Head children’s librarian Julie Hynes said a virtual format was chosen for the program because of the ongoing dangers from the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in crowds. Readers can remain safe while enjoying the activities on streaming devices and on the telephone, she said. In addition, there will be a “Story Stroll” at the Wesmark Library. The stroll will comprise pages from a picture book placed along a path so participants “stroll” through the library to enjoy the entire story — a different one each month. The state library will sponsor Telephone Tales; young readers can call (803) 734-1119 at any time to listen to a different audio story each week. Other programs include Gardening with local Master Gardener Mr. Phil (Landfried), art classes with Michael Hodge of Sip and Gogh, crafts, Science Saturdays and Storytime on First Chapter Fridays with local librarians reading some special books. The theme of the summer reading program is “Tails and Tales,” because

of the emphasis on animals and stories. Trivia based on the theme can be found online and on display on Tuesdays at the main library on Harvin Street. See the library’s Facebook page at https://facebook.com/ sumtercountylibrary for other fun activities. Sign up for Tails and Tales at any Sumter County Library branch or online at sumterlibsc.readsquared. com. The program is aimed at young people ages 0 to 18. Those who can’t yet read will get credit for being read to. A reading packet will be provided for each person registering, and prizes will be provided to those who meet designated milestones in their reading. Registration begins Wednesday, June 1, Hynes said, and the program starts June 7 and runs through July 31. Readers set their own goals and must turn in their completed reading logs to a library branch by July 30. A drawing will be held online July 31 for more than a dozen prizes for participants. There is no charge for participation in the program. Hynes also encourages young people to sign up for a library card for access to thousands of books at no charge. For more information about the summer reading program, email sumchild1@gmail or call the library at (803) 773-7273. The reading and activities packet available at each branch also contains more information.

Sumter Gallery of Art offers exciting classes to choose from The Sumter Gallery of Art, 200 Hasel St., has numerous classes to help keep your kids busy this summer. Check out what it has to offer. Camps are $105 for members and $115 for non-members. A non-refundable $25 processing fee for each camp is due at the time of registration. This will be applied to the camp’s tuition. Tuition balance is due on the Monday prior to each camp. If a camp is canceled by the gallery, a full refund including the processing fee will be issued. Parents needing to cancel student participation in a camp should give notice no later than the Wednesday preceding their registered camp in order to receive a full refund (minus the $25 processing fee.) For additional information, call the Sumter Gallery of Art at (803) 775-0543 or email education@sumtergallery. com.

FUN IN THE MUD, an introductory pottery class for the very young, lets students explore various kinds of clay, the pottery wheel and hand-building techniques. Students will make many pottery forms which will be finished with colorful glazes. YOUTH POTTERY teaches the fundamentals of functional ceramics using the pottery wheel and hand-building techniques to create decorative pieces and whimsical animals. MASKED CELEBRATIONS camp explores the masquerade cultures of events such as Mardi Gras, Day of the Dead and the abstract faces of Picasso. Working with a variety of media, students will make a claybased mask embellished with wire, beads, ribbons and feathers. CREATIVE PAINTING teaches standard painting techniques along with a variety of other techniques that can be used to apply paint to canvas. Creating textures, using

SUMMER SCHEDULE WEEK 1, JUNE 14-18 Morning classes — Fun in the Mud (ages 4-7), Creative Painting (ages 8 plus) and Masked Celebrations (ages 4-7); afternoon classes — Youth Pottery (ages 8 plus), Creative Painting (ages 8 plus) and Masked Celebrations (ages 8 plus)

WEEK 2, JUNE 21-25

Morning classes — Painting Paradise (ages 4-7), Embroidery (ages 8-12) and Cosmic Creations (ages 4-7); afternoon classes — Youth Pottery (ages 8 plus), Dramatic Expressions (ages 8 plus) and Cosmic Creations (ages 8 plus)

WEEK 3, JUNE 28-JULY 2

Morning classes — Fun in the Mud (ages 4-7), FX Makeup (ages 8-12) and Fantasy Creatures (ages 4-7); afternoon classes — Youth Pottery (ages 8 plus), Claymation 101 (ages 8 plus) and Fantasy Creatures (ages 8 plus)

WEEK 4, JULY 12-16

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Mitch Levi shows off a sword and armor he made in Fantastic Beasts and Superheroes art camp at the Sumter County Gallery of Art in July 2019. stencils and experimenting with color combinations will be explored. PAINTING PARADISE is the perfect class for budding painters. Students will be introduced to various painting styles and techniques in a fun and engaging way. EMBROIDERY, a fiber art form with a long history, will be taught through basic embroidery stitches, color and texture. Students will complete their own needle-painted illustration. COSMIC CREATIONS students will use drawing, painting and a variety of other mixed media to create works of art while tapping into their creativity and learning about space. FX MAKEUP explores special effects makeup using the student as the model. Students will learn prosthetic sculpting as well as molding and casting techniques to create advanced cosmetic effects. FANTASY CREATURES explores fantasy creatures from literature,

popular culture and imagination. Using paint and other materials, students will create projects based on dragons, unicorns, fairies and more. UPCYCLED FASHION will teach students to turn secondhand clothes into something new and exciting as well as explore costuming using unorthodox materials. MAKE YOUR OWN TOY is a multimedia camp exploring techniques from clay sculpting to simple fabric sewing. Students will create creatures and character dolls. CLAYMATION 101 students will explore the process of stop-motion animation to make their own short films. UNDER THE SEA explores the magic of the ocean through drawing, watercolor painting and mixed media. RECYCLED MOSAICS is inspired by the work of local artist Carolita Cantrell. Students will use recycled material and paint to create

beautiful mosaics. MINIMALIST PORTRAITS students will learn to capture the likeness of a person without even painting their face. This pop art-like style is about using colors and shapes to capture the essence of a person. FANTASTIC BEASTS AND SUPERHEROES dives into the works of Harry Potter, the Avengers and many more. Students will complete a variety of projects based on these sources using numerous techniques, media and composition. DRAMATIC EXPRESSIONS gives students a chance to create a portrait of themselves or a loved one making a dramatic expression using oil pastels and bold color. COMICS! teaches students to create and illustrate a story in comic book form. They will learn about different forms of comics and how they came to be, how to put ideas into panels and speech bubbles and what makes a good story.

Morning classes — Fun in the Mud (ages 4-7), Comics! (ages 8 plus) and Upcycled Fashion (ages 4-7); afternoon classes — Embroidery (ages 10 plus), FX Makeup (ages 9 plus) and Upcycled Fashion (ages 8 plus)

WEEK 5, JULY 19-23

Morning classes — Make Your Own Toy (ages 4-7), Recycled Mosaics (ages 8-12) and Fun in the Mud (ages 4-7); afternoon classes — Claymation 101 (ages 8 plus), Recycled Mosaics (ages 9 plus) and Youth Pottery (ages 8 plus)

WEEK 6, JULY 26-30

Morning classes — Under the Sea (ages 4-7), Minimalist Portraits (ages 8-12) and Fantastic Beasts and Superheroes (ages 4-7); afternoon classes — Youth Pottery (ages 8 plus), Minimalist Portraits (ages 8 plus) and Fantastic Beasts and Superheroes (ages 8 plus).

SUMMERTIME THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Sewing, camping skills, etiquette and more: Sumter County Museum has it covered SUBMITTED BY THE SUMTER COUNTY MUSEUM Want to learn to read a compass, basic sewing, candlemaking or proper etiquette? The Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St., is offering classes in these and more. • Bushcraft Camp, for ages 8-17, will be held June 15-17 from 9 a.m.

to noon daily. Cost is $65 for members, $75 for non-members. All supplies are included. Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 10. Dress to get messy. Everyone benefits from being in the outdoors, and Bushcraft helps us understand nature and connect to it in unique

ways. Bushcraft teaches children what nature can provide and how to use that knowledge to thrive in the outdoors. Campers learn life skills through Bushcraft and have a lot of fun in the process. In Bushcraft Camp in the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, campers will learn to: Read a map and compass; learn how to tie knots; build primitive shelters; start and manage a fire; cook over a campfire; learn trail signs; make smoke signals and more. • Afternoon Tea and Etiquette, for ages 7-11, will be held 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 26. Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. All supplies are included. Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 12 students. Fancy dress is requested. Our nerdy side delights in learning about afternoon tea history and customs. We like knowing what the proper terms and practices are, but at the same time, the only rule that truly matters is that everyone has a wonderful time. You never want to make etiquette rules so important that people feel corrected or scolded. The heart of the afternoon tea ritual is about coming together to share in something special. And yes, why not also take advantage of this opportunity to practice our social graces and educate ourselves about this fabulous tradition? Tea and additions, finger sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, petit fours and more will be included in this delicious and fun afternoon. • Potter, Painter, Candlestick Maker, for ages 8-12, will be held 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday-Thursday, July 20-22. Cost is $70 for members, $75 for non-members. All supplies are included. Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 10 students. Dress to get messy. Pottery and candles were used together in the backcountry of South Carolina more than 200 years ago to provide

settlers with light. In this class, we take these two skills of pottery and candle making and add a twist by making creative shapes for the candlestick holder and painting unique designs on it. Dipped candles were once made using tallow, or animal fat. As you might imagine, these did not smell very good. Luckily we now have soy, paraffin, beeswax and more to choose from. We will use traditional tools from circa 1800 to make hand-dipped taper candles. The fired pottery will be ready for pickup at the Williams-Brice House on Thursday, Aug. 12, or after during our regular hours of operation. • Home Economics: Basic Hand Stitching, all ages but must be at least 8 years of age, will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. All supplies are included. Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 12 students. Learning how to sew is a valuable skill. While we don't see many home economics classes in schools anymore, the sewing arts are making a comeback. Many young adults are enrolling in classes that teach skills like sewing and cooking. But what about our children and youth? There are plenty of reasons why everyone should learn how to sew: develop handeye coordination; learn mathematical skills; mend clothes; plan and prepare for a project; explore creativity and achieve a sense of accomplishment. In Basic Hand Stitching, Deborah Watts, the museum's Backcountry manager and seamstress who

makes all of the period clothing for the museum, will teach stu-

dents: • Basic hand stitching — straight stitch, back stitch, whip stitch and blanket stitch; • How to repair a hem, close a ripped seam as well as how to add a patch to clothing; and • How to sew on a button the right way. Payment and registration for any of the classes can be made over the phone by calling (803) 775-0908; stopping by the Williams-Brice House between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; or visiting the website, www.sumtercountymuseum.org, and scrolling down to the register button for the class.

Sidewalk chalk, squirt guns and balloon tennis FROM STAFF REPORTS There are so many ideas for keeping children entertained during the summer months, and they don't require a computer. The following were compiled from various websites: • Find or purchase rocks (smooth are best) and paint with craft paint. Give kids a theme or let them use their imagination. • Make a bird feeder from an empty toilet paper roll, yarn or string (at least 2 feet), peanut butter or honey and bird seed. Have some wet wipes or a washcloth handy for those sticky little fingers. Pour the seed into a flat container. Place the roll on its side in the seed. Now spread honey or peanut

butter over the entire roll. Once the roll is completely covered, turn it over and over until the seeds cover the entire roll. Now set the roll on its end and allow it to dry. Once dry, run the string through the center of the roll and tie together at the ends, making a large loop to hang over a tree branch. Now hang your feeder and watch the birds. • Bird watch. Use a guidebook or an app on your phone to identify the birds in your yard with your kids. • Make a backyard obstacle course with pool noodles cut into pieces and taped together to form circles for kids to run through; sticks to jump over; jump ropes, etc. • Use painter's tape to mark

off different shapes on your sidewalk and have kids color in the forms with chalk. When all done, remove the tape and enjoy the "stained glass" they have created. Of course, chalk can be used for hopscotch, body outlines, etc. • Draw circles in various sizes in a row on the sidewalk. Mark each circle with the number of points you receive for tossing a damp sponge, bean bag or water balloon into the circle. Help kids keep score. • Draw different color circles on the sidewalk and have kids search the yard or toys for items of the same color. Each color circle will end up with a pile of matching color items. • Eat outside on a blanket and then lie back and look for

shapes in the clouds. • Paint a summer mural. Tape a long piece of craft paper across a wall in your garage and let the kids paint or color whatever they want. Have them tell a story with their art or draw their favorite animals or superheroes. • Play balloon tennis with paper plates. You will need paper plates (the stiffer plates work better), masking tape, bal-

loons, plastic spoons or wooden paint stirrers. Tape the spoon or stirrer to the back of the paper plate. Now use it as a tennis racket and the balloon as a ball. See how long the kids can keep the balloon ball in the air. • Put those squirt guns to use and not at each other. Stack a pyramid of disposable plastic cups on an outdoor table or chair, and let the kids see how many they can hit.

Summer is almost here! Are you ready?

Love Covenant Child Development Center kicks off

Tails and Tales will be held at Harvin Clarendon County Library FROM STAFF REPORTS Though the Harvin Clarendon County Library will not hold in-person activities this summer, there will be plenty of activities to keep everyone busy in Tails and Tales. Readers can join the Reader's Club, and prereaders can join the Early Literacy Club. Teens have their own club and program, and there is even something for adults. All reading clubs will run June 1-July 31. Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., virtual storytime will be held. Stories, songs, fingerplays and other activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers up to age 6 with a caregiver will be offered. Through June and July, craft pick-up activities will be offered for all-aged children. Stop by the library at 215 N. Brooks St., Manning, each week to pick up an animal-themed craft to take home and create. Each craft is limited to 30 children. Crafts are as follows: • June 1, 3-D Foam Safari Animal; • June 7, Farm Animal Fact Notebook; • June 14, Hedgehog Handprint; • June 21, Farm Animal Friend Puppet Craft Kit;

• June 28, Patriotic Butterfly Glitter Mosaic; • July 5, Safari Animal Cup; • July 12, Superhero Picture Magnet Frame; • July 19, Cool Safari Animal Magnet; and • July 26, Cardstock Puppy Craft. On June 7, the Porkchop Production of The Ugly Duckling will be on Facebook Live. Porkchop Productions' fractured take on Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale about an ugly duckling trying to find her place in the world is a fast-paced production that brings your favorite characters, plus a few new ones, to life in an updated style that is relatable to students of all grade levels. On July 12, Riverbanks on the Road will be presented via Zoom at 3 p.m. Riverbanks Zoo will deliver a virtual program with live animals to coincide with the summer reading theme “Tails and Tales.” There will be fascinating tales about animals’ habitats and lives at the zoo. Pick up a card with the zoom link at the library. For additional information, visit www.clarendoncountylibrary.com; call (803) 435-8633; or visit Harvin Clarendon County Library on Facebook.

Summer Extravaganza 2021 A summer to learn, grow and make new friends!

Hours of Operation: 5:30am - Midnight For more information call (803) 775-7602 245 Oswego Hwy. • Sumter, SC 29150

SUMMERTIME

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Oh-So-Berry Cobbler is so good CULINARY.NET This summer, get a little wild in the kitchen and make something different. It’s alright to mix up the seasonal menu now and again by creating dishes out of the ordinary as a change up from the usual warm-weather favorites. It’s true for many fruits that the summer months are their ideal season. However, eating fruit plain can be boring and bland on a hot day. This summer, when heading to a picnic or just a day at home, try making this Oh-SoBerry Cobbler. It’s served warm and is a perfect sweet treat when berries are at their freshest. Full of summer goodness, it’s a treat for everyone to enjoy with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and a splash of lemon juice served with ice cream. Find more summer recipes at Culinary.net. If you make this recipe at

home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

OH-SO-BERRY COBBLER Servings: 8 2 cups strawberries, sliced 2 cups blackberries 2 cups blueberries 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Nonstick cooking spray Ice cream Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, mix strawberries, blackberries and blueberries then add lemon juice and cornstarch; mix to combine. Refrigerate 20 minutes. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In bowl of stand mixer, beat but-

Kids can help make Strawberry Mousse CULINARY.NET Strawberry Mousse is a perfect recipe to make with your little ones. It’s sweet, fluffy and smooth all at the same time. Made to serve a handful of people, it only takes a few moments to complete. If you make this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

ter, brown sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until blended. Gradually add flour mixture until crumbles form. Spray 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour berries into bottom of dish. Top berries with crumbles. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve with ice cream.

Let’s

Dance! Register Now for

Summer & Fall Classes We will have 2 FUN FILLED SUMMER CAMPS

Princess Camp Ages 3-5

Junior Camp

Ages 6-11

June 21-25 & July 12-16 9:30 - 12:00

Students will learn Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Gymnastics. There will be a performance on the last day of camp. The students will choreograph their own dances for our show at the end of the week. Cost is $100 per class or camp or $175 for both classes or camps.

Summer Intensives

Wednesdays and Thursdays June 16- July 15 Pre School Combination, Tap/Ballet Combination, Jazz/Hip Hop Gymnastics, Classical Ballet

STRAWBERRY MOUSSE Servings: 6-8 1 cup strawberries, halved 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup powdered sugar 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened Assorted fruit, for serving In blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Set aside. In mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy. In separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add strawberry puree to cream cheese and mix until combined. Add whipped cream and stir until combined. Serve in bowl with fruit.

527 N. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC 803.773.2847 freedschool.com freedschool@hotmail.com

K-12 SPORTS AND CAMP PHYSICALS

. e m o c l e w s n i k l a w . s d n e k e e w d n a e t a l n e op Doctors Care Sumter

2475 Broad Street | (803) 778-6555 Check in online at DoctorsCare.com

*Cash-pay promotional rate, K-12 sports and camp physicals only. Promotional pricing effective 3/1/21–7/31/21. Sports physicals are covered by insurance for Healthy Blue and Molina members.

We’re taking extra measures to keep you safe. Physical distancing measures Precautionary face coverings

Online check-in to limit lobby time Increased cleaning & sanitization

SUMMERTIME

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

y a w h c Ar

THE SUMTER ITEM

Academy

of Camp BBC Register Today!

Camp BBC 2021 Welcome Thee to the Knights of Camp Castle

Camp Calendar June 7th-11th June 14th-25th June 28th-July 9th July 12th-23rd July 26th-Aug. 6th Two Locations in Sumter to serve you. Open 6:30am - 6:30pm

2049 McCrays Mill Rd. (803)773-6480

416 S. Wise Drive (803)773-4300

Archway Academy Building Better Children

formerly known as Bright Beginnings