Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Blog

  • Civil War Reenactment Set for September 5-6 at Point Mallard Park


    CONTACT: Melinda Dunn
    President & CEO
    Decatur-Morgan County CVB
    PHONE: 256.350.2028, 800.524.6181
    EMAIL: mdunn@decaturcvb.org
    F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
    Civil War Reenactment Set for September 5-6 at Point Mallard Park

    Decatur, Alabama (August 20, 2015) – Labor Day is quickly approaching and the North Alabama region boasts plenty of things to see and do over the long holiday weekend. On top of the list is a compelling Civil War reenactment set to take place September 5-6, 2015, at Point Mallard Park in Decatur Ala. Hosted by the 1st Alabama Cavalry Company G “Wheelers Escort”, the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment commemorates the four-day battle which took place in October 1864, telling the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States.

    More than 200 Civil War reenactors are expected to take part in the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment. The weekend event includes mock battles, Civil War relic displays and a Civil War camp with displays of authentic equipment, dress, and drills. Camps open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. with maneuvers and battles taking place at 2 p.m. The Confederate forces will repeatedly attack the Union troops in the Union fort to mimic the event that occurred at and near the Old State Bank.

    The public is also invited to a Ladies’ Tea at 10 a.m. and the Military Ball at 7 p.m. on Saturday and a Church Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. These three events are held at The Chapel located near the entrance of Point Mallard Park.

    Other activities include drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols, cannon and a living history of daily camp life where spectators can purchase Civil War related items and visit with soldiers.

    The historical reenactment represents the historic battle event that took place 151 years ago on the east side of Decatur near the Old State Bank. The City of Decatur was an important transportation site for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War due to the Memphis and Charleston’s railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River. During the 1864 battle at Decatur, Confederate General Hood attempted to break Union supply lines at the crucial railroad crossing at Decatur. He was not successful and had to cross the river at Florence. Decatur’s involvement in this campaign and the fierce four-day battle led to the city to be known as “a hard nut to crack.”

    Sponsored by the City of Decatur, Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Morgan County Commission and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division, the two-day event is held at Point Mallard Park, a 750-acre municipal park providing year round recreation facilities in Decatur, Ala. Admission is free. For more information on the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment, call Larry Thomson, SCV Camp 580 Adjutant, at 256.520.2906.

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    About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
    The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at http://www.decaturcvb.org and click on the “Things to Do” link.

  • Labor Day Celebration to be Held at Coon Dog Cemetery


    F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E

    CONTACT: Janice M. Williams, President
    Friends of the Coon Dog Cemetery, Inc.
    PHONE: 256.412.5970
    EMAIL: coondogcemetery@comcast.net

    Labor Day Celebration to be Held at Coon Dog Cemetery

    Tuscumbia, Ala. (August 18, 2015) – On a ridge in the Freedom Hills of Northwest Alabama, in a clearing among century-old oaks and “piney” woods, one may visit the graves of more than 300 coon hounds, all tried and true. For most of the year one hears only the peaceful sounds of nature. On Labor Day, however, the quiet is broken when folks gather for the annual Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration. They come to have a good time and to pay tribute to the dogs and to those who loved them, especially the cemetery’s founder, Mr. Key Underwood, and the first dog buried here.

    It was Labor Day, 1937, when Underwood lost his beloved canine hunting companion, Troop. Remembering the special times and the special place where Underwood had gathered with friends and other dogs to enjoy the night-time sport and its accompanying camaraderie, he decided that it was the perfect place to lay Troop to rest. The grave was dug by Key, Raymond Wheeler and Wilburn Prater. The dog, wrapped in an old cotton pick sack, was buried. Underwood chiseled his name and the date on a sandstone chimney rock. Today, this grave and its marker remain as a tribute to one man’s love of his dog. Surrounded now by others (many with colorful epitaphs) and with not one, but two, memorial monuments depicting treeing coonhounds, the site rivals human cemeteries in history and in love. The Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery is the only one of its kind in the world.

    The 2015 Labor Day Celebration, set for Monday, September 7, 2015, will begin at 10 a.m. and will close at 4 p.m. No admission is charged.

    According to Janice Williams, president of the Friends of the Coon Dog Cemetery, Inc., “This year’s celebration should prove to be bigger and better than ever. We welcome back the Southern Strangers to play their old-time Bluegrass music and as an added attraction this year, we will have Muscle Shoals Music Legend, Travis Wammack, and the Snake Man Band.”

    L.O. Bishop will be on hand to dish up his famous barbeque. Newly designed Coon Dog Cemetery caps, tee shirts, coffee mugs and cap/lapel pins will be for sale and selected arts and crafts vendors have been invited to this year’s celebration.

    “Attendance is free, but sales that day will benefit the Friends of the Coon Dog Cemetery’s fund for the preservation of the site, which is part of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management area, protected by the State of Alabama,” stated David Isom, treasurer of Friends of the Coon Dog Cemetery, Inc. FCDC Board Member Mitchell Marks stated that the group hosts the annual Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration and serves as caretaker of the cemetery, providing grounds keeping and decorating it once a year for the celebration and burials, which require meeting certain guidelines.

    The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery is located at 4945 Coon Dog Cemetery Road in Cherokee, Ala. Driving Directions from Muscle Shoals / Tuscumbia follow Hwy. 72 West and turn left (south) onto AL Hwy. 247. Drive 12.8 miles and turn right (west) on Coon Dog Cemetery Road. Drive another 5 miles and the cemetery will be on the left. Parking areas will be marked and shuttle service by golf carts will be available for those needing assistance.

    For additional information, call256-412-5970, email coondogcemetery@comcast.net or visit http://www.coondogcemetery.com or http://www.facebook.com/friendsofthecoondogcemetery.

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    Photos available upon request by sending an email to janicem.williams@comcast.net.

  • Thinking Of Stones…


    As a child, did you ever pick up a stone just to see how they felt within your hand? Have you ever walked along the shore of a river bed looking for rocks? I found many. Sometimes the pocket of my raggedy, tattered jeans would overflow with the weight of stones. On vacations with my parents, I collected rocks, or ‘stones’ — as I prefer to call them. Rocks seem to be such a common word for them. I like to imagine how the rock formed. How many years did it take to reach the size and smoothness of this precious gem of a stone? My mother would get furious with me when she found the rocks. Many times she threw them away, just like she threw me away so many years later.

    My grandfather and I would look for stones along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. When we fished along the back waters, I found stones. Some were multi-colored. Others were hardened stones formed from the Georgia red clay of the Chattahoochee River. I remember throwing stones into the water, and on one occasion, I told Papa I wanted to keep a stone. He shrugged his shoulders, refusing to understand why I felt a connection with a stone.

    “It’s just a rock, you Foolish child,” he would say.

    Still, I collect stones and my husband will always help me look for stones wherever we go. On my desk is a large river rock I found along the banks of Gatlinburg, TN. I suppose with a busy life I’d forgotten the significance of stones. I use this stone as a paper weight. Anything I want to protect, I place under that stone. I must remember from this day forward. Stones resemble strength…faith…and so much more. Today, I will spend a bit of time rubbing the stone I am looking at while writing this. I will thank this beautiful smooth stone for its significance and strength. On days when I am melancholic, I rub that brownish stone, just to feel its strength. The next time I visit my mother’s grave and my father’s grave I will find stones, placing one on each grave site so my parents will know I visited.

    I display stones around my house. One stone reminds me of my dad and his battle to survive esophageal cancer. After his death, I placed that stone in my curio cabinet. Sometimes I reach inside, rub it and remember the strength my dad shared during his illness. Touching it takes me back to the happy times I built with my father. I remember his pride in me. His love. His faith. His courage.

    How about you? Do you look for stones whenever you visit a new place? I do and will continue to do just that. Stones provide calmness, faith and strength during days when I feel DSC_0011weak and lost. Stones are a solid foundation guiding me through the appreciative, faithful life I strive to live each day of my life. Here’s a toast to life, and to Stones!

  • Greenville, SC “A Footprint within a Little Slice of Heaven”

    Greenville, SC “A Footprint within a Little Slice of Heaven”


    Greenville, SC “A Footprint within a Little Slice of Heaven.”

    by

    Barbie Perkins-Cooper

    Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a jeweled ‘footprint within a little slice of heaven.’ Greenville, South Carolina is a grand city where music, wine, food, and entertainment create a tantalizing atmosphere where meeting planners and travelers may enjoy a destination that has something for everyone.

    On a recent site visit to Greenville during Euphoria, I was mesmerized by the atmosphere and charm of this unique city. Some of the most incredible discoveries were the revitalization of beautiful Downtown Greenville and the beauty of Falls Park located on the Reedy River Basin. Falls Park landscapes the beautiful Liberty Bridge, a 355-foot suspension bridge overlooking the waterfalls of Downtown Greenville, SC. An easy walk-to-destination, Falls Park is located in the Historic West End, a picturesque setting for family gatherings and a delightful atmosphere to unwind while enjoying the rushing waters and bridge.

    Downtown Greenville has been described as “a footprint with a little slice of heaven,” said Todd Bertka, Vice President of Sales, Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Greenville has a cornucopia of amazing things to do, many within the pedestrian-friendly sidewalks of historical downtown.

    Euphoria is a unique music, food, and entertainment festival held every year in September since 2006. Euphoria was founded by singer-songwriter Edwin McCain, and restaurateur Carl Sobocinski, promoting cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, live musical performances and a tantalizing selection of food tastings. Euphoria “educates, entices, enlightens, and entertains.” As a travel writer targeting hospitality, Euphoria was truly everything and more for me. I was impressed by the city, people, atmosphere and the mystical ambiance of Euphoria. The music, food, cooking demonstrations, people, celebrity chefs and so much more complimented every event at Euphoria.

    Another amazing discovery in Greenville is the BMW Performance Center Ultimate Driving Machine experience. Feel the need for speed? Plan a visit to get a thrill of the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience. Looking for a place to host an unusual, thrilling meeting? The BMW Zentrum Museum has meeting and events facilities to delight and thrill your meeting audience.

    A major $26-million renovation is lmost completed at the Hyatt Regency Greenville. Located on North Main Street, “Hyatt Regency Greenville has a vibrant history as a community hotel,” said Heather Meadors, Director of Community Relations, JHM Hotels. “From its inception in 1981 with the leadership of Greenville’s Mayor, Max Heller the downtown community embraced it. The public park space in the lobby was innovative and drew the community in. Today, Studio 220 does the same thing by donating the space to charities to let Greenville know that we are grateful to be a part of the community.” Studio 220 @ NOMA has 6,000-square-feet of new meeting space with beautiful hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, dropped ceilings, gallery lighting, all in an inviting setting on the corner of Beattie and Main.

    I met with Todd Bertka, providing me a bird’s eye view of beautiful Downtown Greenville. We stopped at Stellar Restaurant and Wine Bar while I discovered that Greenville, SC is truly a meeting planner’s paradise. “Downtown Greenville has over 100 local restaurants, and plenty of local boutiques, galleries and everything imaginable for destination getaways and meeting planners,” said Bertka. The more I learned about Greenville, the more I wanted to extend my trip.

    “Downtown Greenville offers all of the amenities of a larger city without all of the hassles,” added Meadors. “Downtown Greenville and Hyatt Regency Greenville are excellent locations for planners looking for activities for their attendees, with dine-arounds in the evening, music and shopping for all. Hyatt Regency Greenville stands out amongst the competition because of the people. Our employees are dedicated to the success of each meeting and group. Each of our employees is empowered to make guests stay an exceptional experience. We generate authentic hospitality in everything we do. Our culinary team is extremely talented, and they are constantly creating fine dining experiences in our meeting space. Our Convention Service Managers are committed to our planners, making sure they have a successful meeting.”

    Among the new enhancements at Hyatt Regency are an additional 13,500-square-feet of meeting space, ROOST Restaurant with a casual, inviting atmosphere, an office space, exterior curb appeal, and a beautifully refurbished hotel lobby complete with comfortable seating, improved lighting and a water feature compliment this amazing hotel. The plaza will be renamed NOMA Square and it will be more open with a built-in permanent stage and water features with a disappearing water edge. The round bar in the lobby will be ORB™ Lounge, offering coffee drinks daily and cocktails for nightlife.

    Meadors adds, “Hyatt Regency Greenville has over 34,000-square-feet of flexible meeting space. Our largest ballroom is over 14,000-square-feet with several different supporting breakout rooms. With the additional space, we are able to attract larger conferences looking for great space, larger breakout rooms and a unique atmosphere. With our newly renovated meeting space, we will have a designated meeting planner office for planners to coordinate materials and have a better presence for attendees. The layout of our hotel meeting space also makes it conducive for attendees to get from their breakout space to their general session and meal function rooms in a matter of seconds. Hyatt is always coming out with new offers throughout the year, and we are happy to provide customized pricing for groups and the needs of meeting planners.” Hyatt Regency Greenville is a three-star, three-diamond property.

    Another unique setting for conventions with plenty of meeting space is the TD Convention Center, located within close proximity of Downtown Greenville. TD Convention Center is “One of the largest convention centers in the United States, featuring 60,000-square-feet of meeting space including a 30,000-square-foot ballroom, 18 meeting rooms, two outdoor venues, plus 20,000-square-feet of pre-function space, three exhibit halls with a total of 280,000-square-feet of space,” said Elizabeth Lyons, Director of Sales. A $22-million renovation was completed in 2008, which enlarged the Ballroom, and pre-function space throughout the building. “Recently upgraded in September 2012 the Center provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the building.”

    Debbie Motz, Executive Director of Eastern Outdoor Reps Association attests to the service received since 2001 at TD Convention Center. “Eastern Outdoor Reps Association is a not-for-profit association that services the independent and non-independent sales representatives of outdoor human powered gear.” Their meetings have been held at TD Convention Center since 2001 with three shows per year, and over 1,200 attendees. “We’re in a lot of facilities throughout the year and the TD Convention Center is by far our favorite. Everybody is so helpful it always makes us feel we are amongst friends.” TD Convention Center is involved in keeping the Green in Greenville, working to expand recycling, and using Green Seal approved environmentally safe products for cleaning. During my tour of the property, the restrooms and all meeting facilities were sparkling clean with wonderful aromas. No one would have known a large event had occurred only hours before the tour.

    Once considered the “Textile Center of the South,” Greenville, South Carolina is truly a city coming of age, making it a graceful state-of-the-art community filled with history, amazing culinary cuisine, music, festivals for all to enjoy, waterfalls, recreation, museums, galleries and so much more. Make time to visit the Upcountry History Museum to get a full perspective of the footprint of Greenville that provides a delightful slice of heaven. The people are so pleasant to meet. While walking along Downtown Greenville, people spoke, men nodded and children smiled. No one seemed to be in a hurry with cell phones attached to their ears. Greenville is lively with culture, with plenty of space for meetings, events and entertainment. Home to Edwin McCain, the Greenville County Art Museum, Shoeless Joe Jackson, the Children’s Museum, Fluor Field, beautiful Downtown Greenville, South Carolina could make an amazing impression to host meetings and destination events. Describing Greenville to my friends after my visit at Euphoria, I said, “Greenville is a spicy town with much to offer. In one word, Greenville is ‘Euphoric!’”

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
    Barbie Perkins-Cooper is a freelance writer who loves the journey and exploration of hospitality, travel, and health. She works full-time as an editorial photojournalist, publishing many articles and photographs for regional health and beauty and travel publications including Convention South Magazine. Barbie resides in Charleston, SC with her husband Phil and three precious schnauzers.

  • Ricky Skaggs at The Calvin Gilmore Theater August 16


    High Res Images available for download here:
    http://www.gilmoreentertainment.info/Other/Ricky-Skaggs-August-16

    Ricky Skaggs at The Calvin Gilmore Theater August 16

    This Sunday, August 16, Ricky Skaggs will appear with his band, Kentucky Thunder at The Calvin Gilmore Theater in An Evening of Bluegrass. The 14-time GRAMMY® Award-winner is known for putting his own stamp on the country format by fusing his bluegrass and traditional country roots with the contemporary Nashville sound. Skaggs’ amazing vocals and stunning instrumental talents made him the youngest member inducted into The Grand Ole Opry at that time. He has collected 8 CMA awards, twelve #1 hits on the country music charts, and his band Kentucky Thunder are 8-time winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) “Instrumental Group of the Year” award.

    Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will be in Myrtle Beach for one night only, Sunday, August 16 at 6pm at The Calvin Gilmore Theater. Tickets start at $40 and are on sale now. To buy tickets call 800-843-6779, visit TheCalvinGilmoreTheater.com or visit the box office.

    New Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series

    Ricky Skaggs is the third artist in the new Myrtle Beach Performing Arts series launched at The Calvin Gilmore Theater. The series was launched with Garrison Keillor’s performance this past January and continued with Jack Hanna in June. The Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis Grits and Glamour tour will be live at The Calvin Gilmore Theater on September 27. The Theater plans to bring you musical artists, but also to add in some high profile celebrity lecturers, authors, and political figures. Possible artists include Bill Bryson, Frank Abagnail, Pat Conroy, Michael Bolton, Kevin James, Rachel Ray and various musical groups.

    Gilmore says, “With its burgeoning local population, the area is ready for something new in entertainment—something that brings popular culture and an intellectual edge to the forefront.”

    More Information about Calvin Gilmore and Gilmore Entertainment

    Gilmore Entertainment has long been the leader of musical variety show entertainment in the Southeast, with the classic TCO show (The Carolina Opry) and their newest hits, Time Warp andThunder and Light. Gilmore and his shows have been featured by USA Today, ABC Nightly News, Southern Living Magazine, Variety and a host of other newspapers and television shows. TCO is the only Myrtle Beach show to receive the coveted South Carolina Governor’s Cup, as well as being voted South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Attraction. In recent years, Gilmore has performed regularly on The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and he is designated as South Carolina’s Official Country Music Ambassador.

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    For further information contact:
    Jordan Watkins • 843-913-1453
    jwatkins@GilmoreEntertainment.com • http://www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for August 2015


    OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for August 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – August 4, 2015 – The summer may be winding down, but you’d never guess it from this month’s workout playlist. While June and July featured an assortment of sunny pop songs, August’s top picks are more eclectic in two main ways: tempo and genre. With some faster songs and greater variety in your mix, you’ll be perfectly equipped to make the most of the diminishing daylight.
    If you’re browsing by tempo, you’ll find a warm-up track from EDM favorites Krewella and a perfectly-titled cool down track from Demi Lovato. In between, you’ll find plenty of music around 130 beats per minute (BPM) and a couple power tracks that’ll push you above 150 BPM. If you’re looking for highlights by genre, check out the dancefloor smash from Cash Cash, the remix from David Guetta, or comeback singles from one-time Disney star Hilary Duff and ’90s rockers Third Eye Blind.
    Between the pop, rock, and club stars—and the range of tempos—you should find the exact tracks you need to round out your existing mix. Alternatively, you can take this month’s picks and use them wholesale—relying on their diversity to keep you engaged and moving.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Krewella – Somewhere to Run – 112 BPM

    Hilary Duff – Sparks – 122 BPM

    Cash Cash – Surrender – 128 BPM

    Mako & Madison Beer – I Won’t Let You Walk Away – 128 BPM

    Third Eye Blind – Everything Is Easy – 128 BPM

    David Guetta, Nicki Minaj & Afrojack – Hey Mama (Modern Machines Remix) – 128 BPM

    We Are Twin – Come Alive – 159 BPM

    Jeremih & Flo Rida – Tonight Belongs to U! – 130 BPM

    The Mowgli’s – Bad Dream – 168 BPM

    Demi Lovato – Cool for the Summer – 114 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com

  • Freewriting With the Demands of Life, Interruptions and PTSD

    Freewriting With the Demands of Life, Interruptions and PTSD


    Dearest Readers:

    Freewriting today, so here goes. Freewriting has been described as a time for writers to sit and write about anything that comes to the mind. It is now 3:52. I am supposed to write for five to ten minutes. Just write. No editing.

    What is on my mind? It is Monday, my scheduled day to clean and catch up on things at the house. Moments ago, my husband walked in – asking me IF I read a card that was addressed to him. “No,” I reply. I do not read your mail.” He got just a bit touchy then. I suppose it is another PTSD day!

    What is PTSD? If you have to ask that question, you’ve never been around anyone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When my husband walked in, I could see that he has dealt with a bit of stress today, although he denies it. Silly guy. Doesn’t he know I can see those eyes and I know I must walk on eggshells once again?
    My husband is a Vietnam Veteran. How I wish I could pull those memories of war out of his head, but I cannot. Nor can I get him to calm down from his actions. Sometimes, I simply feel like running away – FOREVER! But, what good would that do? It would simply make him angrier. When he attacks me verbally with his PTSD, I walk away and give him space.

    In my next life, I want a happy life. A life filled with someone who appreciates me and treats me kind. Yes, there are days when my husband is kind – it seems the PTSD outweighs the good days. He is a generous man. But kindness – well on his good days!

    So be it. Enough about my husband’s attack when he walked in the door. He will not ruin my mood. Today has been a good day, and I am actually sitting here writing again – even IF it is freewriting.

    In case you, my readers are interested, I am writing again, but it is so difficult. Years ago, a professor of an English class I was enrolled in asked our class if anyone loves to write. Silly me! I raised my hand. The professor was tall and thin, he had a slight beard and his facial expressions reminded me of George Carlin. He moved quickly to be by my desk. Pointing his finger at me, he shouted – “Then YOU are not a writer! Writers HATE to write.”

    I’ve thought about that professor many times, and now I suppose I am a writer because there are times I actually detest writing. I don’t like to say the word ‘hate’ – especially since that dreadful word opens up a can of worms to many people. I try not to ‘hate’ anything.

    My computer is telling me it is now 4:07 pm. Time to go start dinner and feed the dogs. Will I cook tonight? Not if my husband’s demeanor doesn’t change! For now, I think I will glue myself to my chair and write. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll repeat this exercise of the brain – writing! Later, Readers! Enjoy your day!

  • Glamorous Gown of Centuries Past on Display at the Augusta Museum of History


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    For Immediate Release
    Stop: September 30, 2015

    Media Contact:
    NANCY J. GLASER
    Augusta Museum of History
    (706) 722-8454
    amh@augustamuseum.org

    Glamorous Gown of Centuries Past on Display at the
    Augusta Museum of History

    AUGUSTA, GEORGIA (7/21/15) – The Augusta Museum of History is pleased to present Glamorous Gown of Centuries Past. The current items on exhibit will be on display through December 2015 and in January new gowns will be displayed through June 2016. The exhibit is free with admission.
    Exhibit
    The exhibit is made possible with a generous grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

    About Augusta Museum of History and the 1797 Ezekiel Harris House

    Augusta Museum of History, the only Museum in the CSRA accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, was established in 1937 for the purpose of preserving and sharing the material history of Augusta and the region. From a 10,000-year-old projectile point to a 1914 locomotive, to James Brown memorabilia the collections chronicle a rich and fascinating past. The museum is located at 560 Reynolds Street in downtown Augusta. Please call (706) 722-8454 for more information or visit http://www.augustamuseum.org

    Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Closed Monday-Wednesday
    Admission: Adult: $4 * Senior: $3 * Child (6-18): $2 * Child (5 & under): Free

    The 1797 Ezekiel Harris House¸ said to be “the finest eighteenth-century house surviving in Georgia”, is located at 1822 Broad Street and is an excellent example of early Federal architecture. Fully restored in 1964 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Ezekiel Harris House is a reminder of the days when tobacco was the primary cash crop of Georgia. For more information, call (706) 722-8454 or visit http://www.augustamuseum.org.

    Hours: Guided tours by appointment Tuesday – Friday, with the last tour beginning at 4:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the last tour, beginning at 4:00 pm; Tours by appointment only Tuesday – Friday; Closed Sunday & Monday. To schedule tours call (706) 722-8454.
    Admission: Adult and Senior: $2 * Child: $1

    © Copyright 2015 Augusta Museum of History. All rights reserved.

  • Myrtle Beach to host Carolina Idol, American Idol “Front Line Pass” Audition at The Calvin Gilmore Theater


    THE CALVIN GILMORE THEATER
    MYRTLE BEACH, SC

    For Immediate Release
    July 7, 2015
    (843) 913-1453

    High Res Images available for download here:
    http://www.gilmoreentertainment.info/Other/AmericanIdol/
    Calvin Gilmore and cast are available for interviews.

    The final season of American Idol airs in January: Myrtle Beach to host Carolina Idol, American Idol “Front Line Pass” Audition at The Calvin Gilmore Theater, home of The Carolina Opry and Time Warp.
    On July 13, American Idol hopefuls will line up at The Calvin Gilmore Theater in Myrtle Beach to audition for a coveted “Front Line Pass” for a chance to be the next American Idol. The Carolina Idol auditions offer a rare opportunity for hundreds of aspiring artists to perform for influential entertainment industry leaders. From the auditions, three finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges including recording artist Calvin Gilmore, Star 92.1’s Korby Ray, and WFXB Fox43’s Abbi Neal. Those with tickets to TCO’s Tuesday, July 14 performance will watch a live pre-show performance of the three finalists and be the first to hear the winner announced live during the show. Tickets are expected to sell fast for this event, sponsored by WFXB Fox 43 and Star 92.1. To book your seats for the TCO finalist show, call 800-843-6779 or visit TheCarolinaOpry.com. For more audition info visit TheCalvinGilmoreTheater.com/Idol
    The three audition finalists will be posted to The Carolina Opry Facebook page by 9 pm on July 13, the evening of the auditions. The final winner of the Front Line Pass will also be announced on the Facebook page after the TCO performance on July 14. To be among the first to hear the winners, go to Facebook.com/TheCarolinaOpry and click “like” to receive news and updates.
    More about Auditions
    The winner of the Front Line Pass is guaranteed to skip the endless lines in Savannah, GA to perform before American Idol producers. There is no pre-registration for the event, registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. Those auditioning will be invited to wait in the air-conditioned theater lobby. For information on audition registration, rules, and FAQs visit TheCalvinGilmoreTheater.com/Idol.
    More About the TCO Show
    Gilmore Entertainment has long been the leader of musical variety show entertainment in the Southeast, with the classic TCO show (The Carolina Opry) and their newest hits, Time Warp and Thunder and Light. Gilmore and his shows have been featured by USA Today, ABC Nightly News, Southern Living Magazine, Variety and a host of other newspapers and television shows. TCO is the only Myrtle Beach show to receive the coveted South Carolina Governor’s Cup, as well as being voted South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Attraction. In recent years, Gilmore has performed regularly on The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and he is designated as South Carolina’s Official Country Music Ambassador.

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    For further information contact:
    Jordan Watkins
    843-913-1453
    jwatkins@GilmoreEntertainment.com
    http://www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

  • Reflections On July 6th of Every Year…

    Reflections On July 6th of Every Year…


    Dearest Readers:

    Today is a day of remembrance for me. On July 6, 1999, while walking into the nursing home to visit with my dad, he was slipping away. The story below is a remembrance written about him last year, on the anniversary of his homecoming. July 6, 2015, is the 16th anniversary of losing him.

    After losing my dad, what did I learn about the dying process, you might ask. Simple. I learned that when we lose a significant person in our lives, we must walk through the grief, embrace it, and move on with our lives. Believe me, it isn’t as easy as some people think. And so, today – I will share my thoughts and memories of someone who influenced my life, helping me to move on without him. Today is a day of much melancholy and gratitude to my dad. Words cannot express how much I miss him. Later, I will go outside and pray for God to give me guidance as I reminisce about my dad.

    Last night I sang “Dance With My Father Again,” at karaoke. in remembrance of him. After I sat down, two people came over to thank me. “That was so powerful,” both of them said, wiping tears from their eyes. I suppose I failed to recognize how powerful a performance can be to a singer, entertainer.

    On July 6 of each year, I remember:

    July 6 is always a day to remember for me. Why? Allow me to explain. During the stressful days of my dad’s terminal illness with esophageal cancer during December 1997 until his death on July 6, 1999, I have felt such a loss.

    I’ve had people tell me I need to move on. “Get over it. Life goes on…” Etc. ETC! It isn’t easy! Tomorrow is July 6, 2014 – exactly 15 years since the death of my dad. I remember the day as if it was yesterday. After a demanding day at work, I rushed to visit him like I did every day. I spoke to the nursing home earlier in the day. “Dad was doing fine,” they replied. “Fine!?!” If he’s in a nursing home he isn’t fine. Yes, he was as well as could be expected; nevertheless, over the last six months of his life, I watched his body slowly shutting down. First it was the weakness from esophageal cancer. His inability to retain his food. His legs grew weaker and he fell – LOTS. Each time the nursing home reported the falls to me like they are required. And each time, I prayed a sigh of relief. Just one more day. Please God, give us one more day.

    In March, his heart grew weaker, and I realized the end was near. I stopped praying for a miracle. In my nightly prayers, I prayed for God to find a special place for my dad, to use his talents, his voice, and yes – even his temper. Dad could be a tenacious man when he wanted to be!

    During my daily visits after March, I noticed Dad no longer walked me to the door, to kiss me goodbye. He simply waved his hand as he closed his Holy Bible. No longer were the visits welcoming or fun. He appeared to be angry at me, always waving me away after about 10 minutes of our time together. His roommate told me Dad was mean to me. “You deserve better,” Dudley said. “He is so mean. He should appreciate you.”

    I smiled at Dudley. “Don’t you understand,” I cried. “Dad is dying. He’s angry at life.”

    Dad and Dudley were the odd couple of Sandpiper Convalescent Center. They teased and complained, always trying to compete with each other. For a while, Dad had the upper hand since Dudley’s body no longer moved and he remained in the bed, or a special wheelchair. Dudley had difficulty with speech too, but after visiting Dad so often, Dudley and I were able to communicate without a problem. After March, Dudley had the upper hand as we watched Dad sit on his bed, or remain in his bed most of the time. Gone were his daily strolls with his walker.

    I suppose I was counting the days down, knowing my dad and I would not share another holiday together. No more birthday parties. No more Christmas trees, Thanksgiving and holiday dinners together. Tick. Tock…How I wish I could make this clock stop and save my dad.

    On the moment of his death, I was walking in the corridor of Sandpiper Convalescent Center. A nurse I recognized approached, pushing an oxygen tank. I remember speaking with her, saying Uh, oh. That isn’t a welcoming sign for someone. She nodded, never saying a word to me.

    I placed my hand on the door of Dudley and Dad’s room and so did the nurse. Quickly, she nodded, telling me not to come inside.

    I screamed.

    “Oh, Dear God, No. Please…please….Please God, NO!” I cried.

    Someone grabbed me, walking me to a chair and I sat down. I knew. The clock was stopping. My dad way dying.
    I heard a voice say, Barbie. We can bring him back.

    “No,” I cried. “He’s a DNR. I must honor his wishes.”

    Moments seemed like hours. At 6:15 a nurse approached me. “I’m so sorry. Do you want to say goodbye?”
    Yes, I nodded.

    I waited a few minutes for my husband to arrive and together, we walked into Dad’s room. Dudley was eating dinner. I could not speak to him. I touched my Dad – his body as cold as ice. His skin clammy. His eyes closed. I kissed him. Told him I loved him and I would never forget him. “You’re still here, inside my heart,” I cried.

    I have no idea what happened next. I was numb. Dumbfounded. How would I live without my Dad?

    After his funeral, I joined a grief therapy session and learned to move forward. Still, as the day of July 6 of each year approaches, I feel an incredible emptiness. Grief. Heartache. I ask myself, will this pain ever leave?

    I think not. July 6, 2015, is only hours away. I must keep myself busy, remembering my Dad, Walter W. Perkins, and the goodness inside of him. Yes, he had moments of temperamental ups and downs, but he was my dad. As a child, I always looked up to him. I held his hand. We sang. He taught me how to harmonize and he always reminded me to “Make this a good day.”

    I ask you how? How do I make each day a good day without my dad?

    When do we stop grieving over those we’ve loved and lost? When does the heartache end?

    After my dad died, I felt like an orphan. I have learned to move on and to recognize that each day is a gift. I plan to have a serious heart-to-heart discussion with my dad in the morning while drinking my morning coffee. I will lift my head high, looking into the Heavens and speak softly to my Dad. Yes, I will probably cry, but now, the tears are good, cleansing tears because I have learned to move forward. To make the most of every day. Today, July 6, 2015, is another day without my dad, but I am so thankful that I was there for him daily while he battled cancer. Yes, I miss you, Dad. I was blessed to share one more day. Thank you, God, for giving us one more day!