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For the week ending February 4, initial jobless claims fell 15,000 to 358,000. This is near the 4-year low of 355,000 set week ending January 14 2012. The 4-week average, considered a more accurate gauge of labor trends, also fell, dropping 11,000 to 366,250. This is the lowest 4-week average since April 2008.
Initial jobless claims measure the number of people (non industry-specific) filing first-time claims for state unemployment insurance and are a leading indicator on the health of the labor market. The declining number of new unemployment claims has steadily dropped over the past two years
Conde Nast had Charleston as the number 1 tourist destination in the country for 10 consecutive years. At that point Charleston asked to be withdrawn from the ‘competition’ but still ranks high on their list.
Now we find Fodor’s travel guide has placed Charleston in the top 21 places to go in the world in 2012. The only other US City included is Oahu. Charleston shares the honors with cities such as London, Paris and Budapest – pretty good going.
Fodor cites Charleston’s great restaurants, fine hotels, many festivals and, of course, the beauty of our God given scenery. McCrady’s on East Bay St and Husk on Queen St were noted as restaurants of particular interest. The chef at both these restaurants, Sean Brock has concentrated, over the last few years, on southern agriculture of the past. In so doing he has been able to find, and grow, heirloom tomatoes and other produce that have long been forgotten. The new restaurant, Grocery at 4 Cannon Street, was mentioned for its menu that changes according to the catches and harvests of local fishermen and farmers.
All of this means the food tastes much better. No preservatives and minimal, if any, chemicals involved in its growth. Fodor’s also commended, Hank Holliday’s properties, the Planters Inn for its 18th century charms and the award-winning Peninsula Grill.
All this and we have great weather all year round, many, many things to do at any given time of the year, and lovely people live here! Come see us!
March 9, 2012 at Memminger Auditorium
Metropolitan Opera star Denyce Graves in the title role
in collaboration with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra
This is the first performance of the newly formed “Opera Charleston”. Let’s all support this exciting new addition to the arts in Charleston. There is parking close by. Here is the schedule:
Performances 7.30 p.m. Friday, March 9th and 3:00 p.m. Sunday March, 11th downtown at Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St. Charleston, South Carolina. Tickets from
$30-$75 available at Gaillard Auditorium box office online www.charlestonsymphony.org and www.ticketmaster.com or call 800 982 2787 or any Ticketmaster outlet.
Theatre 2012
The Footlight Players
Continuing its 80th season, the Footlight Players remains among the most active community theatres in the Southeast, with its MainStage series held downtown at the Footlight Theatre, 20 Queen Street. Call 843 722 4487 or visit footlightplayers.net
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is always a crowd pleaser. Tennessee Williams had marvelous insight into the Southern psyche and manners. You have to see this one.
Friday, March 9th: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The Tennessee Williams’ classic directed by Greg Tavares. March 9-10, 15-17 and 22-24 at 8:00 p.m. March 18 and 25th at 3:00 p.m. $25 for adult, $22 for seniors and $15 for students.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will lift you up and leave you laughing. Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers and the young Michael Crawford starred in the original, all clad in togas and taking you through impossible feats.
Friday, May 4: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. A farce based on the book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. May 4-5, 10-12 and 17-19 at 8:00 p.m.; May 6, 13 and 20 at 3:00 p.m. $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for students. $15 for children.
The whole bible in 90 mins? They must talk awfully fast to accomplish this. I need to go and see this one.
Dates for LateNight productions are:
March 29th: “The Bible: The complete word of God (abridged)”. Comic romp taking us through the entire Word of God in about 90 minutes. Written by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor and directed by Erica Rowley. March 29-31 and April 5-7 at 9:00 p.m. $10 on Thursday nights. $15 Friday and Saturday nights.
Charleston Stage
Charleston Honored Again. Listed in the top 10 hotels in the United States. The Wentworth Mansion, Charleston is ranked the 3rd best hotel in the country, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina came in first place.
U.S. News also ranked hotels by state and by that measure, 8 of the top 10 hostelries were in the Charleston area.
The Wentworth Mansion was built in 1886 as a private residence, was home to a major insurance company for many years before it was converted to its current status of grand hotel. Architectural detail abounds, with Tiffany stained-glass windows and carved marble fireplaces. Wentworth Mansion is home to ‘Circa 1886’ it’s elegant restaurant that overlooks a wide swath of lawn to the back of the property. U.S. News praised both the restaurant and the spa that is available for guests. Call – 843 853 1886 to book your stay at this beautiful property.
The top 10 hotels in South Carolina, as ranked by U.S.News and World Report are:
- The Inn at Palmetto Bluff
- The Wentworth Mansion, downtown Charleston
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island – in Charleston County
- Planters Inn, downtown Charleston
- The Inn at Harbor Town, Hilton Head
- French Quarter Inn, downtown Charleston
- Charleston Place Hotel, downtown Charleston
- Market Pavilion Hotel, downtown Charleston
- Harbour View Inn, downtown Charleston
- The Woodlands Inn, Summerville – 23 miles north of Charleston
February 1,2012
Spoleto Festival: A Springtime Highlight in Charleston
With the New Year under way, an eye can look forward to some of the great events and festivals that will be taking place in Charleston in 2012. One of the major festivals to grace the Charleston area this spring will be the Spoleto Festival, a multi arts celebration of mammoth proportions. The festival represents one of the great opportunities for residents to get out of their homes, enjoying a one of a kind display of the arts. Within the 17 day long festival, the city’s theaters, outdoor spaces and churches will be occupied in what is commonly recognized as one of the premier performing arts gatherings in the entire country.
The festival itself was created as a source of providing multiple platforms of the arts to the local community and young artists. This includes theater, opera, and dance, as well as music styles such as symphonic, jazz and choral. Within the 17 day festival, there’s a dedication to explore new art styles, as well as contemporary fields. The mixture of performances and showcases from both established artists and young up and comers has continued to bring the festival attention annually.
Back in 1977, the Spoleto Festival was created by composer Gian Carlo Menotti (Pulitzer Prize winning) and Christopher Keene when they were planning for a replica United States festival matching the Two Worlds of Spoleto Festival in Italy. Charleston was selected primarily because of its historical setting and size as it provides a great mix between a small and large scale location. Since the inception of the event 35 years ago, the festival has been a highlight for Charleston residents, as well as out of town visitors.
Charleston’s role in the Spoleto Festival is a major factor in the long term success of the gathering. The area is consistently identified as one of the top vacation destinations in the country by numerous publications, as well as the top spot for 2011 from Traveler Magazine. A setting with a rich history such as Charleston offers unique venues that match the rich culture of the festival itself. The mix of rich culture in the venues for artists, as well as a top tier travel destination for festival visitors makes Charleston the perfect location match for the Spoleto Festival.
Over the years, the festival has provided breaks and exposure for a number of artists that have gone on to great long term success. There have been hundreds of premieres during the 35 years of the festival, including a number of plays and art releases. Some of the great artists who have performed at the festival over the years include Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Flemming and the Emerson String Quartet, among others.
In 2012, the 35th anniversary of the festival will surely be one area event to remember. The Opera portion of the festival will be highlighted by Philip Glass’ newest work with Kepler. Music performances will be headlined by the Bank of America chamber Orchestra and KD Lang. Some of the major theater performances will be Hay Fever and a Steve Jobs tribute entitled “The agony and ecstasy.” Of course this handful represents just a small portion of what will be on display during the 17 day long Spoleto Festival this spring.
Considering the situations that most of the country has had to deal with in recent years, the Charleston real estate market had an okay year during 2011. This was proven none more than with its prevalence in the month of November, during a season that’s usually slow for every real estate market, no matter the location, weather or economy.
Charleston saw an increase in sales volume by nearly 10 percent in November, as well as a median price increase to boot. For most of the year, activity was pretty stable in the Charleston area. Right now, instead of booming or thriving markets, steady activity is a more likely short term success. Even so, the statistics from November in the area were quite impressive.
For buyer’s sake, even with the small increase in November, home prices continue to drop throughout the year and even though sellers aren’t as happy on this front, it could signal even more upswing in sales volume in the very near future. Aside from the dropping prices and increased sales volume, the declining mortgage rates are another factor playing very heavily for prospective home buyers.
Mortgage rates have been dropping steadily in Charleston, as well as throughout the nation. Some areas have even seen sub four levels in the 30 year fixed rate category during the second half of 2011. In Charleston, current 30 years, fixed rate mortgages are 4.008 APR, which is still quite low and attractive for buyers who may be on the fence.
The fence of buying could also receive a boost from the rising rental rates throughout the year as well. In the area, Charleston rentals are currently at an average rate of $890 per month for a two bedroom. These two bedroom averages are up nearly $80 from the same time in 2010, with an eight percent increase in total. This figure could be relatively important, especially for families and individuals who could be exploring home buying for the first time in their lives.
While many of the common real estate trends tend to point towards the market of the sellers, what’s important is to remember the importance of individual buying situations and the factors that each family or individual will make important. Characteristics such as schooling, taxes and cost of living will continue to be touchstone figures along with things like inventory and sales volume. Despite a year where the overall Charleston market couldn’t be viewed as thriving, there were still many small wins for the area, including important areas such as sales volume and median price.
Lillian Swift is a creative writer from Northern Arizona University. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel destinations and tourism.
Lorcan Lucey Homestyle Renovation Program. Click on the link to find out more highlights about the program or call Lorcan Lucey for more information.
James Island Festival of Lights James Island County Parks
Always an Exceptional Experience
Starts on Friday 11th of November and closes January 1st 2012
Hours are: Sun-Thurs 5.30 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 5.30 p.m – 11.00 p.m.
Pay at the Gate
A new Bill has recently been passed by the SC State House concerning tax exemptions, available on 2nd homes and other properties that are taxed at the 6% rate, vs the primary home rate of 4%.
Such properties purchased after December 31 2010 will benefit from a 25% reduction of the assessed tax value if the property owner so requests.
The new tax assessments are based upon property market values as of December 2008. These values are generally higher than current market values.
In order to get the 25% deduction the property owner simply has to contact the assessor’s office and request that he/she be given it. This request must be made by January 31, 2012. After this date no such reduction in real estate taxes will be honored.
The new ruling states in part …..”When a parcel of real property and any improvements thereon subject to the six percent assessment ratio……. and which is currently subject to property tax undergoes an assessable transfer of interest after 2010, there is allowed an exemption from the property tax of an amount of the ATI fair market value of the parcel…….”
For those owners of “6% property” who did not purchase their property/properties in 2011 the preceding paragraph can be used to your advantage.
If you were to sell a 1% interest in a given “6% property” to a son or daughter then this would trigger a recordable sale and the property would be eligible for the 25% reduction in real estate taxes. Sons and daughters must be at least 18 yrs old. Spouses are ineligible to participate in such a 1% purchase.
One last caveat – If a property, minus the 25% reduction in taxes, then shows an assessed value of less than today’s market value then the 25% reduction will be scaled back to match assessed value of the day. (This para needs to be checked out for 100% accuracy!)
For more information please contact
Leonard Krawcheck, Esq
9 State Street
Charleston SC 29401
843 577 2577
lk@krawdavlaw.com
Regards, Helene
October 1, 2011
Starts Thursday 29 September goes thru October 9th at various Low Country locations.
29th annual celebration of this exciting arts festival, featuring African culture and that of the Caribbean. On Friday night September 30th the Reggae Block Dance will be held at Brittlebank Park. Plenty of parking and beautiful river views, food, drink, African artifact vendors. A great event for the whole family.
“The Heritage of Home Cookin’”
MOJA Arts presents a barbecue and ‘sweets and sides’ competition under the trees in Hampton Park. Local celebrity judges will decide who has the tastiest dishes. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation. Saturday October 1st 11.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $10/plate. 30 Mary Murray Bldvd downtown. Call 745-7055 for more info.
Go to www.mojafestival.com for details of all happenings at the festival. Call 866 811 4111 for tickets.
Footnote: Moja is Swahili for ‘unity’.
Other happenings this weekend include:
“Slim Down the South” featuring Darius Rucker and Bill Murray who will lead Team Piggly Wiggly and Team Wells Fargo in an afternoon of softball to benefit Louie’s Kids and Run Buddies. 2-5 at Riley Park Saturday October 1st . Check out www.slimdownthesouth.com for ticket information and list of celebrities who will be there. Or call 843 724 9267 for the full scoop.
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India Fest
3rd Annual India Fest, organized by the India Association of Greater Charleston. Admission free event to be held on Sunday October 2nd noon to 5.00 p.m. downtown on Marion Square. There will be classical and contemporary Indian dance and music, yoga demonstrations. There will be henna artists on site, also food, ice cream, craft and cooking demonstrations.
Charleston Oktoberfest on Daniel Island
Blackbaud stadium will transform into a Bavarian Beer Hall for this annual event which will be held from noon-5:00 p.m. Sunday October 2nd. There will be an oompah band, German dancing, lots of German beers and selection of Oktoberfest foods. First 1000 attendees will receive a free commemorative beer stein. Oktoberfest will benefit local charities including Debi’s Kids and Meals on Wheels. Things for children to do include: mini soccer games, a Mountain Slide and jump castle. Tickets $5 in advance $7 at the door. Free parking and children 12 and under free.
Latin American Festival
20th Annual Latin American Festival at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston – 8888 University Blvd - Noon- 6 p.m. Sunday October 2nd. Live salsa and merengue music by bands West End Mambo and Bachaco. Dance demonstrations, salsa dance contest. Authentic food, craft items and activities for the whole family. $10 admission for adults. Children 12 and under free. Contact 795 4386 or www.ccprc.com for more information.
Have a great weekend. I wonder if there is a special prize for the people who attend each of these events?
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