TALK People

20 questions with Cathy Jones

 JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Cathy Jones is a native Greenvillian who has returned home after living away for almost 30 years. She graduated from J.L. Mann High School and went to college at the University of South Carolina where she majored in journalism. She lived in Charlotte, N.C., for over 20 years and moved back to...

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Lewis Black’s back in Greenville

 Traci Gilland/ICONYC

It’s hard to place labels on comedian Lewis Black. It’s not that he’s grumpy, bitter or a cranky curmudgeon. But the edgy performer is as far from a cuddly teddy bear as you can get. Imagine Andy Rooney if he’d grown up rocking with the Beatles and Stones, rather than Lawrence Welk. Perhaps that’s...

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SCCT’s Night in the Islands

Kristen and Hector McLean LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The South Carolina Children’s Theatre held its third annual Caribbean Crush. The evening, themed “Night in the Islands,” was a huge success in every way. It was a beautiful night for the event, held at Venture Aviation at the Greenville Downtown Airport. It was a night of great food, margaritas and...

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Cancer Society gives Hope

Marie and Spence Taylor LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Cancer Society of Greenville County held its bi-annual Hope Ball at the Poinsett Club in downtown Greenville. It was a spectacular evening. The ballroom was just magnificent and the bar area was transformed into a tropical lounge.

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Dancing with the Stars, CBT style

Virginia and Chris Hayes LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Carolina Ballet Theatre added a new twist to its annual “Emerald Evening” this year. They hosted their own version of “Dancing with the Stars,” pairing local celebrities and business leaders with dancers from the Carolina Ballet Theatre. The result was a fantastic evening of music, dance and...

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C’etait un bon fete!

Susan Collins, Louise Quinn, Mareon Stall LISA CLAYTON/Staff

C’etait un bon fete!

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Greenville Women Giving: Philanthropy with a feminine touch

Frances Ellison, Sue Priester and Harriet Goldsmith are ready to achieve new milestones with Greenville Women Giving. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

As Greenville Women Giving celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s a good time to look at the ingredients of the organization’s success.

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Interview tips you can use right now

Debbie Varner, president, Recruiting Solutions/RS Healthcare JOSH NORRIS/Staff

It’s a challenging environment right now for job seekers, but there are still promising opportunities out there. Start right here, with these tips from human resources professionals, recruiters and interview trainers. Ready, set, get that job!

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Is it really a bargain? When to save and when to splurge

“Know your style,” said Sharon Kay Glickman, of Sharon Kay Glickman Associates. “There’s no need to jump on every trend that comes along.” JOSH NORRIS/Staff

When is the last time you felt the pinch ? Anyone who owns a purse, a wallet or a pants pocket knows about the pinch . It's that little vibe that's been keeping your spending in check and your budget very close to your fingertips.

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The Lee Brothers' recipe for success

Whipping up another meal with Southern soul in the kitchen.

Take a pound of fresh food, add a cup of Southern charm and a dash of sibling rivalry. It's a recipe for perfection producing the Lee Brothers! Matt and Ted Lee have filled their menu full of award-winning cookbooks, television appearances and articles in high-end “foodie” magazines. We're talking...

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20 Questions with Nancy Whitworth

Nancy Whitworth JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Nancy Whitworth is the director of economic development for the city of Greenville and is responsible for commercial and neighborhood revitalization, downtown development, business recruitment and retention, planning and zoning and building codes. A native South Carolinian, she has been in...

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Chocolate Soiree, Ten years and counting

Michael and Delia Allen LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Chocolate Soiree turned 10. And this event, benefiting the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, had 10 times the fun, and, it seemed, 10 times the chocolate. There were so many fabulous chocolate selections from participating Upstate restaurants, they hardly all fit into the ballroom of the Hyatt...

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Hats off to Hearts

Karis Sharpe, Renee Croteau LISA CLAYTON/Staff

Guests donned their most fabulous hats (or at least their more fun hats) to get into the spirit at this year’s Heart Ball. The 10th Annual Upstate South Carolina Heart Ball was held at the Poinsett Club in downtown Greenville. It was just beautiful, with white flowers and glass beads shimmering on...

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Governor’s School for the Arts Foundation honors leaders

Rick and Mary Jane Jacques LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts Foundation honored four supporters at its fourth annual Leadership Tribute. The Leadership Tribute was established to recognize individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the arts in South Carolina through their longstanding...

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Augusta Road Community Leaders gather for a great cause

Suzy Withington, Kit Bright LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Augusta Road Community Club held its annual fashion show and bridge tournament at the historic Kilgore-Lewis House. This wonderful event was in full swing when we arrived. There were tables and tables of participants playing bridge. Four hearts, three no trump, two spades could be heard...

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Music Club Gala hits a high note

Libby Borders, Dianne Mitchell LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Music Club of Greenville held its elegant black-tie gala at the Poinsett Club in downtown Greenville. It was a delightful evening of dinner and song and featured Karen Parks, soprano. The gala began with a beautiful cocktail reception. Guests were then invited into the ballroom for a delicious...

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Hoops, hopes & parenting with the nation's first brother-in-law

Candid shot of Craig, Michelle and mom Marian.

Game on! It doesn't matter that it's 6 a.m. at his home on the West Coast, or that his newborn son tends to wake up the house in the wee hours of the morning. “Hi, this is Craig Robinson” comes booming across the phone in a sure and strong voice. The big brother of Michelle Obama is energetic,...

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20 Questions for Rick Erwin

 JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Rick Erwin was born in Greenville and lived in Fountain Inn and Liberty before moving to Greenville at age 10. Except for short periods of time while opening new restaurants, he has lived in Greenville ever since. He worked for Ryan's Family Steak Houses for 23 years. In 2004, he had the...

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Bridesmaid Ball: Where the worst dressed makes the best impression

Kate Belas LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Upstate Homeless Coalition held its annual Bridesmaids Ball at the Marriott Hotel. The invitation clearly states that this is “the only event at which the worst dressed makes the best impression.” Most guests took this to heart. They donned their worst bridesmaid dresses and past proms finest.

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Artisphere 2010

Amanda Bennett, Pierce Becker LISA CLAYTON/Staff

Artisphere 2010 ignited the night with a glamorous opening night gala held in downtown Greenville. The opening night gala was sponsored by Carolina First, The Greenville News , My 102.5, Jackson Marketing and the city of Greenville. It was held at the new Courtyard by Marriott and Nantucket...

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Juvenile Diabetes runs for the roses

Pat Smith, Alice Cantey, Betty Waters LISA CLAYTON/Staff

Every year, when I receive my invitation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s annual gala, I can’t wait to see what they have chosen as that year’s theme. It’s always fun and imaginative. This year was no exception. The “Churchill Downs” theme was one of the best yet, in my opinion.

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Greenville Hospital System honors community leaders

Bill, Bond and Mac DeLoache LISA CLAYTON/Staff

The Greenville Hospital System held a beautiful dinner honoring two community leaders, Bond and Bill DeLoache. The evening, held at the Poinsett Club, began with a cocktail reception giving guests a chance to visit with Mrs. DeLoache and her family and offer their congratulations. A beautiful...

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Southern artists with heart: Studio South

From left, Marilyn Murrell, Patti Rivers, Randolph New Armstrong and Pat Kilburg take a moment to visit. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Picture this: You are one of an illuminating company of artists, sharing your ideas, discussing new artistic methods and exciting new trends. Does it evoke images of the writer Gertrude Stein and her famous literary salons? Or maybe something like an informal gathering of Impressionist artists like...

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Catherine Bell is right at home in Charleston

Catherine Bell is a regular at BMW Charity Pro-Am events, including the Drive & Ride, as well as on the course.

There are those who can brag of a Carolina birth. And then there are those who move here and proudly call it home, boasting like a native. Actress Catherine Bell falls into the latter category, after sinking her soul into the heart of the Lowcountry and claiming it as her own. The 41-year-old’s...

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20 questions with Nigel Robertson

Nigel Robertson

Nigel Robertson's journalism career began in the town of Champion, Ohio. He and his parents would sit down to watch the news together every day. As a result of that ritual, he developed a desire to know about the stories developing around him, both around the world and around the...

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Meetine the love of your life: The new rules of dating

Nothing compares to finding true love — and having a personal resource can make the search easier. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

The search for true love can be a daunting proposition, a bit like searching for Cupid’s arrow in a haystack. The loud, raucous party scene may literally drown out one’s prospects, and traditional venues such as the grocery store or a place of worship may not yield many opportunities for today’s...

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The ultimate survivor: Jeff Probst

Jeff Probst Photos courtesy CBS Broadcasting Inc.

Outwit. Outlast. Outplay. When it comes to his career, Jeff Probst has perfected all three. After growing up in Wichita, Kan., and dabbling in the broadcast field, he’s captured a job on one of the most popular television shows that sends him to the most exotic corners of the world. “Survivor”...

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20 Questions with Larry Puls

Larry Puls JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Dr. Larry Puls was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. After matriculating from the University of Texas as an undergraduate and Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, he completed his training in both obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology. Presently he is a partner with the Cancer Center...

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2010 Greenville Scottish Games: A Highland time with a touch of royalty

With the lovely Highland dancers, the Main Street parade, traditional pipers and the always-popular auto show, the Greenville Scottish Games is a treat for all ages.

My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart’s in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.
— Robert Burns, “My Heart’s in the Highlands”

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Andie MacDowell: Coming Into Her Own

 Photo by Mark Doolittle

She may feature the face that’s launched billions of dollars in cosmetics, but Andie MacDowell prefers turning her attention to what’s happening on the inside. Look beyond the perfect porcelain complexion, high-carved cheekbones and that Southern megawatt smile, and you’ll find an evolving...

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20 Questions with Phinnize Fisher

Phinneze Fisher JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher's lifelong work in education began in 1969, when she graduated St. Paul's College in Virginia and accepted a teaching position in a New Jersey public school. Instead of signaling the end of her formal education, the completion of her bachelor’s degree and subsequent work in...

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Spend an Emerald Evening with the Stars

Left to right, from top: Sam Chester, Amy Ryberg Doyle, Lara Koffskey, Rick Erwin, Matt Harvey, Myra Ruiz, Jacob Mann, Erica Wesselman, Bob Howard, Josha Spigner, Francesca Genovese, Anina Harris, Kimberly Kelly and Peter Base. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Sometimes stars are asked to take a step beyond their normal activities, all in the interest of the greater good. So perhaps the news that organizers of Carolina Ballet Theatre's annual fundraising event, Emerald Evening, have somehow coerced eight of our own brightest local stars to take to the...

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Ladies who lunch offer women opportunity to share, solve problems

Members of the Ace Kickers from the Greenville Country Club: Sitting, left to right, Rebecca Skoloff, Barbara Robertson, Alex Ryan, Loyre Boukedes and Lisa Ashmore. Standing, left to right, Ina Cuttingham, Renaie Farish, Martha Quinn, Jennifer Sterling and Joan Herlong. Not pictured: Beth Nichols, Kathryn St. John Norwood and Lindsay Lucas. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Let me share with you a simple statement that productive women live by: Every second counts. From sunup until sundown, go-getters are on the move, and this type of work ethic leaves no room for leisure lunches with small talk and bonbons. Lunch is instead an opportunity to share, solve problems and...

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March is for mysteries with Linda Fairstein and James Rollins

“Altar of Eden” is the latest James Rollins thriller to hit the shelves. Courtesy of Harper Collins

Lock the door, grab a blanket and unplug your phone. March is bringing not one, but two mysteries by powerhouse New York Times bestselling authors. James Rollins and Linda Fairstein built successful careers as a veterinarian and lawyer, respectively. Now each brings the knowledge and...

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20 questions with Karen Parks

Karen Parks

Karen Parks, a native of Greenville, S.C., received a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from Furman University and a master of music degree in vocal performance (with a minor emphasis in vocal pedagogy) from the University of Texas at Austin. While pursuing a doctorate of musical arts...

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Precious pooches and the people who love them

Melodie White shares a moment with her five pets — from left, Bob, Kenzie, Chloe, Maggie and Abbie — who jump at the opportunity to cuddle. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Cupid is flying high in the skies this month. Though he sometimes makes mistakes when he aims his arrow, one thing he always gets right is puppy love. Our precious dogs love us unconditionally. They feel our pain, know just when we need a big, sloppy kiss, and all they ask in return is a quick walk...

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Romance blossoms at any age

Kim and Joe Wehunt manage to strike a balance while dancing through married life. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

“Love doesn’t make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” — Franklin P. Jones

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A milestone year for a few of Greenville’s signature businesses

“It’s hard to take Greenville by storm, but if you plug away, it is a fruitful market,” sad Richard deBondt of Northampton Wines. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Believe it or not, TALK Greenville is celebrating its fifth anniversary! Time flies, as they say, when you’re having fun, and it has been an enormous pleasure to celebrate all the wonderful people, places and events unique to the city of Greenville and to the Upstate.

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Let the games begin with Mary Carillo

Sportscaster Mary Carillo is all smiles as she prepares for her 10th Olympic Games. Courtesy of NBC Universal Photo

Every four years the world turns its eyes upon a gathering of athletes who often compete in the shadow of mainstream sports. During the Winter Olympics, we watch mesmerized as these fine-tuned, human machines glide, flip and fly across fields of ice and snow. All of a sudden, “triple axel,” “Super...

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20 questions with Chief Terri Wilfong

 JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Chief Wilfong was born in Louisville, Kentucky and has been a resident of Greenville, South Carolina for two and a half years. She graduated in 1980 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Justice Administration and in 2009 with a Masters of Science Degree in Justice Administration, both from...

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Charitable giving in trying times

As a member of Greenville Women of Giving, the president elect for the Junior League of Greenville, and a board memner for South Carolina First Steps, Judith Aughtry believes that nonprofit organizations need time, talents, energy and funds to continue to thrive during challenging economic times. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

When times are tough, most of us have no trouble focusing on ourselves. What have I lost? How long will it take me to catch up? The questions come easily and are understandably consuming. The more difficult challenge on the uncertain days is remembering to give to others.

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A family of sizzlin’ chefs

Like mother, like sons. The Deen family whip up great meals and memories in the kitchen.

When we interviewed Paula Deen a few years ago, she summed it up by saying with a chuckle, “Boys will be boys.” But when it comes to her boys, the apple doesn’t fall far from the Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin. Her sons, Jamie and Bobby, have not only followed her into the kitchen, but helped her...

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20 Questions with Harrison McLeod

Harrison McLeod JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Harrison McLeod graduated fromthe University of Alabama with a B.S. in psychology, received his M. Div. from Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest and is currently a doctoral candidate at Virginia Theological Seminary. In 1993, McLeod was called as curate at All Saints' Episcopal Church...

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A Rockette returns home for the holidays

Hometown girl Jessica Pack sits on Santa’s “nice” list. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

The holidays hold many different traditions for many different people, but one event that unites all is the appearance of The Rockettes, with their perfectly timed high-kicks and bright, engaging smiles. The public’s first peek comes during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. The girls hoof it down...

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20 Questions with Ken Johnson

 JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Ken Johnson is a native of Louisville, Ky. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor's. He began a career with IBM right out of college and held a number of human resources positions in IBM locations throughout the United States. In l982, he moved to Lexmark International, an IBM...

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Giving thanks for mentors

With help, Alysia Sherman is building a future for herself and her children. JOSH NORRIS/Staff

When it comes to a project, there are those who read the operating manual cover to cover first, and there are those who prefer to dive right in. Let’s call it book-learning versus hands-on experience. And doesn’t the latter always come more easily if a seasoned pro can show you how to do it? Thus...

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High I.Q. with John Tesh

 Photos provided by John Tesh

There was a time late-night comics could get an easy laugh by making fun of John Tesh. But you already know where this story ends. Doesn’t the butt of the joke always get the last laugh? Tesh certainly has. With his gung-ho attitude and life-affirming message, he’s slowly building a media empire,...

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20 Questions with Tammy Barber

Tammy Barber JOSH NORRIS/Staff

Tammy Barber was born in Anderson. She is co-owner and president of Moxie Equestrian Inc., and co-founder and officer of the Beach Ball Foundation. Barber is also a well-respected interior designer. She is on the board of directors of several community organizations including The Beach Ball...

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Lessons on life & love with Hill Harper

Hill Harper’s latest book “The Conversation” explores black men and women building loving and trusting relationships.

Hill Harper is living proof you can't judge a book by its cover. Yes, his smile lights up the room, and you can drown in the pool of his chocolate brown eyes. And did you notice the actor's camera-friendly jawline that's cut like the Grand Canyon? There's no mistake you're staring at one of People...

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20 Questions with Laura Hobbs

Laura Hobbs Josh Norris

Currently the Executive Director of Carolina Ballet Theatre, Laura Hobbs, grew up with a love for dance and the performing arts. Prior to joining CBT, she was the Membership Sales Executive for The Cliffs Communities. Laura graduated from Clemson University and was an active member of Kappa Alpha...

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