The third annual Pumpkin Painting Party was held this past beautiful Sunday afternoon. All 150 pumpkins were quickly claimed. A large “thank you” goes to Walmart for the pumpkins, to Senn Trucking and the City of Newberry for transporting them to the site, and to Whitaker Floor Coverings for the paint. Beautiful messes were made, and everyone had a fun time.

The second day of the fall Grow Newberry Farmers Market has come and gone. You have four more Saturdays to access fresh, local produce and locally made items, all found in one convenient location. Drop by each Saturday from 9 until 11 a.m. through Nov. 18 in Memorial Park in downtown Newberry.

From now until Nov. 17, the Newberry County Young Professionals have partnered with the Rotary Club of Newberry, the Muller Center at Newberry College and Newberry County Literacy Council for a Coat Drive. They are accepting new and gently used coats and other outerwear for high school students in Newberry County. Drop off points include the Chamber, Prosperity Drug, Newberry College Keller Hall and Sissy’s Boutique. Many thanks to those who have already contributed and to WLTX for the coverage, which has helped spread awareness for the cause.

The Newberry County Career Center hosted an Open House on Oct. 26. The students and instructors showcased their programs, and the students sold items created/grown at the Career Center. If you missed this occasion and are interested in learning more about the wealth of training that occurs at their Main Street, Newberry facility, please contact them to arrange a visit.

Newberry County Memorial Hospital has renovated and expanded their cafeteria. We were honored to help them with their Ribbon Cutting on Oct. 26. We look forward to the additional offerings in their new space.

November’s Chamber Business After Hours will be held on Nov. 2 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at The Farm, located at 7556 SC 219 in Newberry. This will be an outdoor event for the whole family, so bring your partner, spouse and/or child(ren). ServiceMaster Restoration by GB Johnson is sponsoring this event at the Johnson family farm. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled, so watch the forecast and call us if you have questions about plans.

We are sponsoring a Newberry County Job Fair on Nov. 9 at Piedmont Technical College from 1 until 4 p.m. If you are a business looking to hire, contact us and we will send you a link to register. If you are seeking a job or just interested in what types of jobs are available, be sure to mark your calendar to drop in.

Go ahead and save the date for the Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. It will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4 until 8:00 p.m. It will feature three homes, a church and a wine and cheese social. Tickets are $30 and can soon be purchased at both the Chamber and the Newberry Opera House.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Feel free to contact us at 803-276-4274, chamber@newberrycounty.org, or 1209 Caldwell Street on the first floor of Community Hall in downtown Newberry.

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Michelle Long

Contributing Columnist

Michelle Long is executive director of the Newberry Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at michelle@newberrycounty.org.