Ty Pennington and his crew have been all across the map and now they want to drive that famous bus to South Carolina.

“We are looking for the deserving people and inspiring families that America can really root for,” says Supervising Casting Director Adam Drucker.

What does it take to be picked for an Extreme Makeover?

“We’re looking for those special people who have amazing strength of character and never give up. Whether it’s keeping their chin up in really tough circumstances or going out of their way to help others. We want to help people whose stories have really affected their community or made a big difference in other people’s lives.” Drucker added: “There are a lot of people who are heroes to those around them because of the way they inspire others and quietly serve their communities on a daily basis.”

The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition producers are looking for families whose homes desperately need to be rebuilt. “We really want to help families whose homes present major problems for the family, those big issues that affect the family’s quality of life on a daily basis. We want to find deserving people who just don’t have the resources, ability, or time to fix those serious issues without our help.”

This season Extreme Makeover is also looking for families, who do not own their own homes, so long as land is available through other sources, a nonprofit, city or county.

Nominations may be submitted by the family or by a member of their community. Each nomination must include the names and ages of every member of the household along with a description of the major challenges within the home, and a short description of the family story. Anyone submitting a nomination should be sure to explain why the nominated family is deserving, heroic, and/or a great role model for their community. If possible, include recent photos of the family and home. All nominations must include a contact phone number.

Please send nominations to castingsouthcarolina@gmail.com

Lake Jocassee unlike so many others in the area is virtually home free with less than 30 homes on the 7,500 acre mountain lake paradise. Here the natural beauty has been untouched by man and is nature at its best. Beautiful lagoon green water is surrounded by mountains and lush green foliage.

Lake Jocassee is a man made 300-400 feet deep lake that was created by the state in partnership with Duke Power in 1973. The lake is accessible only from Devils Fork State Park. Most all of the old man made structures where demolished prior to the creation of the lake. However divers have discovered the remains of a lodge which was left intact as the lake rose and is now under 300 feet of water. There is also a hilltop graveyard with headstones which is about 130 feet below the surface. The cemetary was one of the scenes used in the 1972 movie “Deliverance” starring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight.

The lake is fed from four Appalachian mountain rivers. Toxaway River, Whitewater River, Horsepasture River and Thompson River all supply Lake Jocassee’s water. Natural rock formations and natural sandy beaches abound here. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets are just one of the many natural pleasures. Dozens of waterfalls that are accessible by boat only are waiting to be explored.

Marine life and wildlife abound in this beautiful lake. Lake Jocassee holds 5 state records for 5 species of fish. On any day the fish are so plentiful that they can be seen swimming alongside your boat or felt nibbling at your toes while you swim. The lake park is also home to nesting Peregrine Hawks. The true treat is the sight of the bald eagles old and young alike soaring overhead. Their calls can be heard as they fly overheard calling their young and their mates.

The Jocassee Gorges area was home to part of the Cherokee Nation. It now lies 300 feet beneath the surface near Lake Toxaway.

Lake Jaocassee also has its share of history and legend. Legend has it that the Oconee tribe the “Brown Vipers” led by Chief Attakulla inhabited the west side of the Whitewater River which flows into Jocassee and a rival tribe the “Green Birds” lived on the east side.

Legend says that a young Green Bird warrior Nagoochee was not afraid to enter the Brown Viper hunting grounds. On one occasion he fell and broke his leg and was convinced he was going to die. Then he heard Jocassee, who was Chief Attakulla’s daughter. She took him back to her father’s lodge and nursed him back to health. Jocassee eventually fell in love with him. In a later battle, Cheochee, Jocassee’s brother killed him and returned with Nagoochees head on his belt. Legend has it that Jocassee went into the water and did not sink but instead walked across the water to meet the ghost of Nagoochee.

Article by Monica Campbell

The famous Avenue of Oaks; massive oak trees lining both sides of the road that were originally planted in 1743, stretches three quarters of a mile down the entrance to the plantation and to the left you will see nine original slave cabins. On the inside of the cabins, you will see depictions of how they would have looked and how the slaves lived many years ago.

Boone Hall is a present-day working plantation and has grown crops for over 300 years. The movies North and South, along with The Notebook were filmed here, although everyday visitors are prohibited from filming.

Tours are available for visitors and also free roam of the grounds. All throughout the year, Boone Hall Plantation hosts several events to include Summer Concert Series, Piggly Wiggly BBQ Bluegrass Festival, The Scottish Games and Highland Gathering, Boone Hall Fright Nights, Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, Taste of Charleston, Living History Field Trip Day, Battle of Secessionville, Wine Under the Oaks, Lowcountry Strawberry Festival, World’s Largest Oyster Roast, Christmas at Boone Hall and Starlight Pops Concert. Please visit them online at Boone Hall Plantation

Article by Paige Johnson

“To collect, care for, exhibit, interpret and demonstrate items that will serve to illustrate the history of Anderson County and will preserve its heritage. To provide passive and formal educational opportunities to teach the history of Anderson County to its citizens and especially to its children.” This is the mission statement of the Anderson County Museum. Located at 202 E. Greenville Street, the museum offers visitors a wealth of historical information about Anderson County along with many fun filled and educational programs.

This 26,000 square foot building has approximately 12,000 square feet of exhibits. Permanent displays on textiles, Hall of Fame, and electricity can be found year round. Tours are available with knowledgeable guides and you can even do some genealogical research while you are there. There are multiple educational programs offered for all age groups and schools are also welcome to attend scheduled activities. The museum additionally has a gift shop containing local food and crafts.

Beyond doubt, the Anderson County Museum is rich with historical artifacts and enlightening information about the city and state. The people of Anderson have protected and cherished their past and it is on display for everyone to see. Admission is free for all to enjoy, but they do accept donations. www.andersoncountymuseum.org
Article by: Paige Johnson

Tangible History: South Carolina Stoneware from the Holcombe Family Collection