Several years ago, Harry met Abbeville Opera House Executive Director Michael Genevie at a convention for magicians. The two hit it off, and Genevie invited Anderson to Abbeville to see their mutual friend, Michael Ammar, perform during the Opera House summer theatre season.  “Harry had heard about the Opera House and once he came to Abbeville, he fell in love
with our theatre.  We began making plans to get Wise Guy on our
turn-of-the-century stage,” says Genevie, and we are honored to finally have him appear on our stage.” 

Anderson said his last real effort to have a regular job on TV was hosting a revised version of What’s My Line in 1999 for CBS.  But he said the network preferred to put money into a show called Survivor instead, signaling the beginning of a very different world of television.  Instead, he now lives quietly in a converted bed and breakfast near downtown Asheville, which he calls a “little progressive enclave not far from Billy Graham Parkway.”

Before Asheville, the 57 year old Anderson lived for a few years in New Orleans, where `Wise Guy’ first came to life, and where he owned a magic shop and a comedy club called Oswalds in the French Quarter.  But Hurricane Katrina killed his tourism-driven business and he left the French Quarter in 2006 for North Carolina. 
Night Court, Dave’s World, Saturday Night Live

Abbeville Opera House  September 24 and 25 – 2010

The South Carolina Historical Society is housed in the historic Robert Mills Fireproof Building located at 100 Meeting Street.  Robert Mills was a Native of South Carolina and the first professionally trained architect born in the US.  The holdings located here are vasted and grow frequently. South Carolina Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization depending entirely on the generosity of its members to preserve and extend awareness of South Carolina history. 

Upcoming events include the 150th anniversary of secession with a gala event at Society Hall in Charleston on Sept 18th and the 2nd anunual Museum Mile Weekend on Sept 25-26.

More information can be found online at www.southcarolinahistoricalsociety.org

One of the most popular reason people move to Charleston is because they want to live near the beach. If you want to live on the beach, Charleston features a wide variety of beaches depending on what you’re looking for. Folly Beach has a more laid back feel and is very popular with those who like to surf. There’s also Kiawah, Seabrook and Wild Dunes if you would prefer a private beach. Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island provide a convenient location, closer to the downtown scene, and with plenty of public access. Sullivan’s is one of the more historical beaches in Charleston and is a quaint place to live featuring mostly houses and only two or three condos.

Besides the great selection of beaches, many people choose to relocate to Charleston for a variety of other reasons. Charleston is a cosmopolitan city whose residents enjoy the rich history of the city. Today, historic downtown Charleston is a reflection of what life was like in the past, with 18th century storefronts and other well-preserved buildings.

People also choose to relocate to Charleston because it is a great place to raise a family. Those who are looking to buy a home can find a great selection of homes and neighborhoods to meet their families’ needs. Charleston features some of the best public school districts and private schools in the state. In addition to the great schools, Charleston has a lot of other kid-oriented places too, such as the SC Aquarium, beaches, and county park.

But Charleston isn’t just a place for growing families. The AARP named Charleston as one of the top five dream towns in the U.S. for retirees. If you look at Charleston’s demographics, you’ll find that there are a lot of retirees. But, most don’t choose to live in a neighborhood solely geared towards retirement. Since Charleston has such a mix of people anyway, they base their decision on which community they like the most. Or, they decide based on location. The neighborhood that best suits their lifestyle may have other retirees as well as younger and older families.

Article by: Barbara Blue

     An ambitious project even by today’s standards, Brookgreen Gardens, built in 1931, by Archer and Anna Huntington, showcases American sculpture in an exquisite low country setting. Created on the grounds of four former rice plantations, Brookgreen incorporates many original plantation buildings. Anna Hyatt Huntington’s butterfly shaped garden features her notable work along with pieces covering the entire period of American sculpture, from the 1800’s to the present, currently numbering 900 plus. It’s one visual “wow” after another. You stroll entranced through “Live Oak Alleé,” a cathedral-like canopy of Spanish moss draped giants, a glint of gold glancing off McCartans’s gilded bronze “Dionysus,” just beyond. Breathtaking monumental sculptures rise larger than life from tranquil reflecting pools and spirited fountains.

     And there’s more. The Huntington’s winter home, Atalaya, is worth the $5.00 admission fee to Huntington Beach State Park, just across Highway 17. Being a state park and all, activities options abound. Tour Atalaya, then explore boardwalk nature trails, spend a day on the beach, picnic, fish, check out alligators, even camp if you like.

     With its unassuming stance, built from verbal instructions only, Atalaya, the Watchtower, is Archer Huntington’s Moorish fortress. Narrow hallways with long shuttered windows and intricate hand wrought iron bars, open on a courtyard of arching walkways and palmettos. Thirty rooms face the courtyard, whose forty ft water tower provided running water for the castle. Anna’s studio, impressive with its twenty-five foot skylight, opens onto a courtyard with a horse stable, dog kennel and bear pen built into the original construction for Anna’s animal models. 

Article by: Linda Catoe

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

A native German, Conrad Ehrhardt, traveled to America and laid his roots by starting operation of a saw mill, planning mill, and a grist and flour mill. Eventually, more and more people came to the town for work, and thus, became Ehrhardt, South Carolina.

There is abundant farmland and lodges for avid hunters. For over-night guests, the Ehrhardt Hall Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located right in town, and there is, also, the Broxton Bridge Plantation, which hosts Civil War reenactments annually.

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site is still intact for visitors to witness where one of the Confederacy’s last stands took place against General Sherman’s rampage on the south. Tours can be taken showing the battleground and Memorial Grounds. Admission is free,

At the end of August every year, Ehrhardt hosts a festival called Schützenfest, meaning “hunter’s festival” in German. Complete with a parade and evening street dances, this festival is excellent for the entire family to enjoy.

Smiling faces, handshakes, charm, and history is what you will find in Ehrhardt, South Carolina. Make sure to stop in and give them a visit!

Article by Paige Johnson

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

Hunting Island is home to abundant wildlife including loggerhead turtles, herons, egrets, deer, sea horses, and barracuda. The park also hosts the only lighthouse in South Carolina that visitors are able to climb. The view from the top is amazing; a beautiful sight of the ocean and acres of marshland can be seen. Numerous spots are superb for fishing, including the pier, located at the south end of the island.

The park has many facilities for anyone to enjoy. Camping grounds are available for RVs, tents, or group campers and the beach is easily accessible from these areas. The Hunting Island’s Visitor Center is located in the central portion of the park and offers information on the vicinity and is also connected with the trails. Hikers or bikers can travel one of the many trails and take pleasure in the views of the large, sand-dredged lagoon or the stunning maritime forest.

Lucky sightseers can witness the loggerhead turtle hatchlings scampering to the ocean during late summer or early fall. The turtles are rigorously protected, so touching or disturbing them, or their eggs, are prohibited. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, especially children, wanting to experience a very infrequent occurrence.

Hunting Island State Park is the perfect, family-friendly place to enjoy true beauty and a natural coastal setting.

Article by Paige Johnson

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

It’s that time of year again that everyone, especially parents, look forward to; the back-to-school tax free weekend. The weekend of August 6–8, 2010, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and ending at midnight the following Sunday, customers will be able to purchase certain items exempt from sales tax. This is a blessing for parents needing to buy back-to-school items and clothing for children. The following are general examples of eligible items for purchase.

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Computer and computer equipment
• Footwear
• School supplies

For a complete list of eligible items visit: www.sctax.org