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"Big doings" has been the theme in Orangeburg in November and December ... in the newspapers, in your mail, on the streets, in fact, all over town you saw it. But not all about Christmas. At the same time somebody, in fact a lot of somebodies, had to mind the store. While dozens of the regular city workers trucked out and hung lights (7,000 new bulbs), and others stayed on the phones staging events, a bunch of new projects remained on schedule.

The additions at the Municipal Airport for instance: Ron Kohler, manager, says that the big 240-foot by 60-foot hangar "C" is being moved 250 yards to the right of the terminal building, and a new 260-foot hangar "K" will go up next to it. "C" when completed, will continue to accommodate 10 four- to 10-passenger planes owned by local businesses.

The big space in the coming "K" will house six similar sized planes, and in two larger spaces at the back, bigger craft such as small jets and twin turbine machines.

With the four-inch concrete floors now being poured, Ron says the girders and siding for the all-steel "K" hangar should begin arriving soon after Jan. 1.

"About a million federal, state and city dollars will pay for the project," he said. "We've been getting inquiries about hangar space from businesses whose planes we can't accommodate. No airport can grow unless you bring in additional planes, and that's what we're trying to do. We depend on these hangar rentals and gas sales to finance our operation."

As in the past, several of the biggest holiday events welcomed the season. Nov. 18, local music artists gave a concert at Stevenson Auditorium, and immediately after the square and Russell Street lighting excited many of the same crowd and more. The next night, adults and lots of tots came down to watch Edisto Gardens change colors from rose pastels to vivid primaries. Since then, the evening traffic has never ceased.

Buster Smith, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, says: "I think we may be the best 'FREE for everybody' Christmas show in South Carolina. We're working to get more statewide publicity."

The last blocks of Russell between Windsor and Elmwood are being bea.jpgied as they join the city's streetscape renovation. Handsome new sidewalks trimmed in red brick, elegant lampposts and underground wiring are replacing the old ones.

Durwood Bowden of the Department of Public Works said that in the spring, the city will begin the next phase to modernize and beautify Middleton Street from the square to Amelia Street.

"We're now into the second decade of this project," he said.

To see another big change, drive by the front of the Arts Center and look over the destruction of the old Riverside Apartments left by heavy bulldozers. Until Dec. 7, many visitors parked at the center to go in and enjoy the annual Orangeburg County Mayor's Festival of Trees and Wreaths. Truly gorgeous examples were donated by Bowman, Branchville, Cordova, Elloree, Eutawville, Livingston, Neeses, North, Santee, Springfield and Orangeburg. These feasts for the eyes were auctioned then picked up by the high bidders. Don't miss it next year.

If you've noticed many handsome new facades on stores downtown, you'll be interested to learn that this is a city-coordinated project too. Called the Facade and Exterior Walls project, it's sponsored by the state Commerce Department. After application and review, $20,000 was awarded to stores in many towns across South Carolina. Here, Palmetto Office Supply, Gordon's Shoe Store, Army and Navy Surplus, Ferse's 5 & 10 and Ferse's Furniture and Gifts, Rachelle's Island, and Orange Cut Rate are among those already remodeled.

As popular as ever, the Children's Christmas Walk is ready for action every night with its trip up the foot trail bordered by special displays the kids can activate with switches. Adults can come too. Local civic club members often host the walk.

Meanwhile, back in center city, the historic Middleton Street Fire Station next to City Hall has lost its "haul out" doors, replaced by big windows as it becomes the new City Council Chambers. The historic, 70-year-old edifice's remodeling also includes a lobby, offices and sizeable council meeting room for small crowds. First meeting there may be early in 2008. A ground floor location will give improved access to everybody.

Commenting on these holiday and non-holiday activities, City Administrator John Yow says, "Our regular staffs manage to handle these extra demands and give aid and protection to the contractors involved in the city improvements. We don't hire special projects people often. The Department of Public Utilities under Fred Boatwright, and the Services Department managed by Roger Brant have given much time to these activities.

"We do change schedules when necessary. The first days after Christmas brings huge increases in trash collection. Employees who work on other jobs pitch in to haul off thousands of boxes and wrappings. Our airport and other offices stay accessible at all times for emergencies. People from Parks and Recreation even made and served hot chocolate to the crowd at the uptown lighting. And, of course, employees from Public Utilities stood by just in case anything went out or went wrong. Thank goodness, nothing did."

Retired editor and public relations executive Thomas Langford's column is titled "Some Edisto stories." Let him know if you have stories to share: 803-534-2097.

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