NMCA Newsletter (09/2017)

Phyllis Gilreath Local Business, Social Events

 

*The Board of Directors now meets the first Tuesdays of most months at 6:00 PM at the Bobby Pearse Community Center.  Members are welcome to attend. Please email northmaincomm@gmail.com in case there is a location change and to insure we are meeting that month.

 

Call for Nominations – 2018 NMCA Board of Directors

All officers must be 18 years or older and must reside within the geographical boundaries of the NMCA for the period they hold office, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2018.  President and Vice President may serve 2 consecutive terms and may then run for any office other than the one currently held.  The Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Membership Secretary can succeed her or himself as elected by the members.   Any member may nominate someone for office no later than November 1.  You may email the nomination to northmaincomm@gmail.com or mail to PO Box 571, Greenville, SC  29602.  The person nominated must agree to serve and a brief statement of their qualifications and past contributions would be helpful for those who may not know them.  Election ballots will be sent to all members in late November.   The current board members are listed below:

 

President:  John DeWorken

Vice President:  Phyllis Gilreath

Recording Secretary: Taylor Cox

Membership Secretary:  Dave Modeen

Treasurer:  Jim Gilreath

Social Committee Chair:  Sunnie Harmon

Beautification Committee Chair: Hunter Cutchin

This year’s Fall Social will be held at Main and Stone in late October or early November. More info TBA.

 

Welcome to NMCA’s Newest Business Member

Glow, LLC is an airbrush spray tanning salon located at 217 E. Stone Avenue, Suite 9.  “Airbrush tanning eliminates all of the mess and problems associated with tanning creams and spray tanning booths. There is no streaky mess, orange palms, or dirty looking knees and elbows. This is a personal treatment tailored to your individual needs. No two people are alike and your spray tan should suit you and your skin type – GLOW LLC will custom blend the perfect color for your skin type/tone.” “Norvell® Certified Spray Technicians pride themselves on giving you a flawless tan… that creates an incredibly beautiful sun-kissed GLOW without the harmful effects of UV rays. GLOW LLC is organic and 100% safe.”  Mobile appointments are also available.  Call Cretia Mowery at 864.908.9210 or email glowandgosc@gmail.com  Also check out their FB page.

Development and Other City News

  • Expanded Trolley Service: The new trolley route has been in place for about a month now. We hope folks are using it so we can justify the expanded route. While having only one stop is not ideal, we hope that when the NorthPointe detours, etc. end, more will be added.  If you have used the service and have comments, concerns, suggestions, please email NMCA at northmaincomm@gmail.com and we’ll summarize them and get them to the city.  Thank you!
  • In case you missed it, McPherson Park is getting about a half-million dollars in improvements as part of the city’s push to improve neighborhood parks. Improvements include replacement and rehab of the park’s 5 bridges., removal of invasive plants, trees and debris from Richland Creek, repaving the parking lot with a pervious surface and replacing the miniature golf course with a new one. In District 1, which encompasses the North Main and E. North St. areas, 67% of residents are within ½ mile of a park.  Have not heard what, if any, improvements are slated for the North Main Rotary Park.
  • Apply Now for Citizens Fire Academy:  The Greenville City Fire Department (GCFD) is now accepting applications for its annual Citizens Fire Academy. This will be the fifth year of GCFD’s free seven-week program, which is open to anyone age 18 and older. The Citizens Fire Academy offers a unique opportunity for citizens who live and work in Greenville to learn first-hand what it’s like to be a firefighter. In addition to touring the City’s fire stations and dispatch center, and meeting firefighters and 911 personnel, participants will also have a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including wearing personal protective equipment, experiencing a fire simulation, extinguishing a fire and learning CPR and basic first aid.  The program runs from Oct 3 – Nov 14. Apply for the 2017 Citizens Fire Academy
  • The Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) shared the results of the recent Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) study of the Greenlink transit system at an open house on August 24, and while a number of recommendations from the study were discussed at the open house, implementation of any changes will require further public meetings. As a result, Greenlink will host a series of 16 drop-in style meetings during the months of October and November to give Greenville County residents ample opportunity to learn about the proposed changes and provide input. For more information and a list of meetings, check out the NMCA website.

 

 

Crime Notes

  • As always, be alert for suspicious activity and let a neighbor or two know when you will be out of town. Stop your mail or have someone pick it up, along with your paper.
  • Recently, there were attempted burglaries at homes on Bennett St. and E. Earle St.
  • A resident on Garraux Street caught a man on his security cameras checking car doors and stealing a life jacket from his truck at 5:45 Monday morning. He did file a police report.
  • Also on Garraux St., while not a crime, there was a coyote walking down the road at 4:09 am. Those in that area need to keep their pets in.
  • A local North Main business on Rutherford had some items stolen from a loading dock. Watching out for crime is an ongoing task if we want to keep our neighborhood safe.  If you are a victim or know of some crime in our area, please let us know.  Either post on our FB page or email northmaincomm@gmail.com

 

City Boards and Commissions Vacancies

Routinely, there are vacancies on various city boards and commissions.  Currently there are 4 committees with a total of 9 seats which are either vacant or will be on September 30.  They include:

  • Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee: 2 seats – Term expires 9/30/2017
  • Design Review Board – Neighborhood: 2 seats – Term expired 7/31/2017
  • Green Ribbon Advisory Committee: 3 seats – Term expires 9/30/2017
  • Greenville Housing Authority: 2 seats – Term expires 9/30/2017

Sometimes a current board member is eligible for another term or can be re-appointed by the city council.  If you have an interest, we encourage you to 1) apply at  http://www.greenvillesc.gov/478/Boards-Commissions  and 2) contact the City Clerk’s office with questions about a specific board or commission at 467-4431.

 

Meet Your Legislators

Thanks to those who turned out to meet our newest legislators, Rep. Jason Elliott and Senator William Timmons.  They spoke briefly about their priority issues and proposed legislation they are involved in and they listened to our concerns and answered our questions.  It was a great opportunity to meet with them one-on-one and we thank them for taking time from their busy schedules to meet with us.

 

 

 

 

 

Nextdoor North Main

We’re finding that some folks still do not know about Nextdoor North Main.  Just a reminder to those who may not be aware of this useful website.  If you haven’t signed up already, go to Next Door North Main and join.  It’s just one more site for information for the North Main Community and it’s free.  Nextdoor is a national private social network. Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home. You can post on Next Door North Main and it will go to other members in this and surrounding neighborhoods.

People are using Nextdoor to:

 

  • Find a reliable handyman or someone to mow your lawn
  • Track down a trustworthy babysitter
  • Find out who does the best paint job in town
  • Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog or cat
  • Find a new home for an outgrown bike
  • Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name

And while you’re at it, if you do Facebook, go to our FB page and like and follow us.  We post a lot of information there that is not sent out in emails.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in September is 82°F, and the average low is 62°F.  The average rainfall for the month is 3.43”. The maximum high was 101 on Sept 6th (1954) and 9th (1939). The maximum low temperature was 78 on Sept 5th (1925) and 15th (1927).  The minimum high temperature was 52 on Sept 28th, 1957.  The minimum low was 32 on Sept 30, 1888.  Maximum precipitation () in a 24-hour period was 6.52” on Sept 30, 1936.  http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .  The devastation caused by both Hurricane Harvey and Irma is tremendous and caught a lot of folks off-guard…a good example of how unpredictable a hurricane can be.  The current list of hurricane names recycles every six years, unless a hurricane gets its name retired. Any nation impacted by a severe hurricane can lobby the World Meterological Organization (WMO) to have the hurricane’s name retired. From 1950 – 2011, 76 hurricanes had their names retired. The list includes one tropical storm, Allison of 2001, that caused billions in damage from its heavy rains. It seems likely that Harvey and Irma may be added to that list due

to the record setting rainfall, size and damage. To see a list of retired hurricane names and dates go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtmlWe are lucky to have escaped here with mostly minor weather and power outages.  I know many of us have friends and relatives in Florida and other SE states and we hope all escaped serious personal and property damage.  It could have been much worse.An old Florida cracker once compared hurricanes to a squirrel crossing the road. He said that you might think you know which way he’s gonna run, but that means little when he doesn’t know himself. The projected path for Irma danced all over the state, from coast to coast. Hurricanes are capricious and as crazy as a sprayed roach … or a squirrel crossing the road.

Trivia – Astronomical versus Meteorological Seasons

Our Gregorian calendar is based on lunar movements and doesn’t account for the Earth’s rotational axis in relation to its orbit around the sun. This means we need both a meteorological autumn based on the calendar months and an astronomical autumn based on the Earth’s orbit and proximity to the Sun.Meteorological autumn helps us compare seasonal and monthly statistics as well as forecasting while astronomical autumn is perfect for determining when temperatures are going to start getting colder. The meteorological calendar splits the seasons into four equal periods, with spring, summer, autumn and winter all lasting exactly three months of the Gregorian calendar.  This means autumn on the meteorological calendar falls on the same date every year – September 1 – lasting through October and November and ending on November 30.Astronomical seasons meanwhile start on a different date each year and totally vary in length, depending on the Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt on its rotational axis as well as its orbit around the Sun.  Spring and autumn equinoxes (equal day and night) and the summer (longest day) and winter (longest night) solstices mark the start of the astronomical seasons each year. The word ‘equinox’ itself means ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox). The dates of these change each year as they are dependent on the Earth’s position. The Earth is closest to the Sun, known as perihelion, in early January and furthest away, aphelion, in early July.In 2017 the astronomical autumn will start on September 22 and end on December 21 with the winter solstice.  The meteorological autumn started on September 1 and will end on November 30.  http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/08/when-does-autumn-start-in-2017-autumn-equinox-will-hail-the-end-of-summer-6835885/

September Gardening

Don’t let this recent cool spell fool you.  Summer is not officially over until September 22 when autumn begins. And daylight savings time doesn’t end this year until Nov 5.  In addition to cleaning up the debris and downed limbs from Irma, there are other things to think about in the fall.

Purchase spring bulbs while supplies are good during September or October, but wait to plant until cooler weather. Choose firm bulbs without mold or bruising. Store bulbs in a cool area below 60 °F until planting. Plant daffodils in October or November, but wait to plant other spring-flowering bulbs until the soil temperature at planting depth stays below 60 °F. Many bulbs normally send up leaves during late fall and winter. No special protection is necessary.

Applying iron to St. Augustine this month will provide dark green color without stimulating excessive growth.  If you plan to plant a cool-season (fescue) lawn, the best time to plant is between September 15 and October 15.  It’s also a good time to aerate cool season lawns.  Just remember it will need about a month of good growing weather to recover after aerating.  Cool-season turf grasses are best renovated (seeded, plugged, etc.) during the early fall (September to October) at the beginning of their growing season.  DON’T fertilize warm-season grass lawns late in the fall!

 It’s time to divide spring and summer blooming perennials.  See Dividing Perennials for more information. In general, it is best to divide spring and summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall bloomers in spring. By dividing the plant when it is not flowering, all the plant’s energy can go to root and leaf growth.  Fall division should take place in early September here in the Piedmont. Allow at least four to six weeks before the ground freezes for the plants to become established.  Some perennials should not be divided.  Check this website for a list of those and for how and when to divide some common perennials.

Late fall and winter are the best times to plant trees and shrubs.  If you found you put a shrub in the wrong spot, fall and winter are the best times to move it.

Just because fall and winter are approaching…it does not mean you can’t have a vegetable garden.  Check out this website for what and when to plant in our area.

And don’t forget to adjust your irrigation system as the weather cools and plants are transpiring less and require less water.

 

Caesar’s Head Hawk Watch

From early September until late November each year, members of the Greenville County Bird Club participate in a count of migrating hawks at Caesar’s Head State Park. The Hawk Watch is normally manned by volunteers who call themselves “Wing Nuts”, but other birders are welcome too.  The birds are attracted by the thermals and updrafts generated by wind currents on the south facing escarpment. On a good day in September, hundreds, even thousands of raptors (mostly Broadwinged hawks as pictured at left) might be seen passing through.  It’s not unusual to see 200 to 300 hawks at one time soaring or circling in a thermal overhead. This phenomenon is referred to as “kettling” or a “kettle” of hawks. To date, the highest single day count was over 5,200 birds. For information about the number of hawks seen at various locations along the migration route, including Caesar’s Head, visit the HawkCount Website.  While it’s a little early here and count data is low, you can see counts at more northerly locations to get an idea of when they may start showing up here.  The peak numbers here seem to come near the end of September…usually from the 18th to the 24th.  In 2016, the highest daily number was 1072 on Sept 23.  In 2015, it was 261 on Sept 24.

When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage?

We’re still about 3-4 weeks away from seeing any significant color. According to the Blue Ridge Mountain Foliage Guide for 2017, this means “Oct 1 – 10: Peak time for areas above 5,000 feet.  This would include: Clingmans Dome, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell and Graveyard fields (the first location on the Parkway to turn) and higher elevations of The Blue Ridge Parkway.  Oct 10-20: Peak time for areas above 4,000 – 5,000 feet.  This would include: Devil’s Courthouse, Waterrock Knob.  This is peak time for the majority of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Colors as well. This is a great time to visit places like:  Porters Creek Trail, Alum Cave Trail, Deepcreek, Big Creek, Cataloochee Valley, Hen Wallow Falls and Flat Creek Trail.  Many of our Top 10 Family Friendly hiking trails are included in this elevation as well, along with our favorite trails in the Smokies.   Included in this elevation are the Boone and Blowing Rock areas.”  Oct 18-26:  3,000-4,000 ft.  Remember: these are just estimates based on current conditions.  Check out their website for more information and good locations for later in the season.

Monarch Butterfly Migration and Educational Program

We are also lucky to be in an area near the fall migration path of the monarch butterfly as they journey from the fields and forests of the northern North American Continent to the southern reaches of Central Mexico. They are the ONLY butterfly known to migrate like birds!   The 2,000 to 2,500-mile journey to the Sierra Mountains of Mexico is to fulfill their personal destiny… guaranteeing a fertile coming year.  Two popular sites for viewing are on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Cherry Cove Overlook just south of Mount Pisgah at milepost 415.7 and Doughton Park at Buff Mountain between mileposts 238.5 & 244.7 in late September and early October.  But Monarchs are in trouble!  Find out why at the September meeting of the Upstate SC Native Plant Society about recent discoveries, life cycle and future survival by Dr. Sarah Ross, president of The Wormsloe Foundation and Director of the Wormsloe Institute for Environmental History in addition to her faculty appointment at the University of Georgia where she holds the position of Executive Director of the UGA Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe.

For Our Furry Friends

We keep hearing of far too many reports of missing cats and dogs.  If you are a dog owner or your cat goes outdoors, please get them microchipped.  It will insure a much faster reunion. At the very least, make sure the collar has contact information.  If an animal ends up at Animal Care Services, don’t assume it’s an automatic death sentence. They have to keep them for a minimum of 5 days before they can be adopted by a new family.  If you haven’t visited there lately, do so. There have been a lot of changes in recent years.  They have gotten a bad rap in the past but their goal is no-kill, just like the Humane Society.  No-kill status is achieved with a 90% adoption rate.  Because ACS has to take all animals brought in, it’s much harder for them to do that, but they are very close!! Because of the room needed to house all these animals, adopt from ACS when you can.

Whether you love or loathe community cats, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is the most effective, humane way to control feral cat populations.  Cats are trapped, neutered, ear-tipped (the universal symbol of a sterilized cat), and returned to their outdoor home.  Animal Care Services does this for free as part of their Community Cat Diversion Program.  Please help get the word out!  To find out more, call their info line at 864-467-3981 or get the specifics on their website.

Greenville Humane Society also supports TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) efforts in Greenville by offering discounted surgery, vaccine, flea/tick treatment, and ear-tipping prices for the feral cats in our community.  Check out their website for details.

They are hoping to open their new medical center on September 18, providing more rooms for vaccination, a larger waiting area, as well as room for even more animals needing forever homes.  Check this site for a wish list of items for the new facility.

While everyone knows how to help humans who have been in the storm path, animals are sometimes forgotten. The local ACS has been taking in animal evacuees since last Friday.  Many organizations are working tirelessly right now to save as many animals as possible in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Here are just a few:     Houston SPCA,   Austin Pets Alive      The Humane Society Disaster Relief Fund        Best Friends Animal Society

Senior Cats – Often Overlooked:   A special group of cats that deserves particular attention is older cats in shelters. While young cats and kittens are attractive to most potential adopters due to their cuteness and playfulness, senior cats are often overlooked by people considering adopting a cat. If people keep their minds open, they will find that there are countless older cats that would make excellent pets and would brighten up any home. Older cats in shelters are often more calm, are more likely to be litter trained, and can provide wonderful companionship to anyone kind enough to take them into their home. The next time you are at the shelter, take some time to check out these mature felines. Taking them home can make both of your lives richer, happier, and more satisfying.

                             

 

Buy Local

Keep your dollars in your community. The following companies are committed to preserving the beauty and economic well-being of the North Main Community and the greater Greenville area.  Please thank them and give them your business when you can. Hover your mouse over each company name to read a brief description or click to go to their website:


Gardening and Plants

 

Law Firms/CPAs/Financial

Insurance

Retail/Home Décor

 

Realtors

Food/Drink/Catering

Personal Health/Well Being

 

Home Improvement/Builders/Architects

Miscellaneous Professional Services

 

If you would like to see your company listed here, please join the NMCA today!  Businesses do not have to be located in the North Main Neighborhood to be members.  They only need to provide services to North Main residents.

 

    Calendar

 

City Council Formal Meeting and Work Session schedules can be found at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/city_government/meet.asp

  • The Hughes Main Library has numerous programs for adults and children. Check out their September calendar.
  • The Children’s Museum has great programs for kids. Check them out on their website.
  • Check out the current exhibits and other programs at the Upstate History Museum.
  • Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
  • And check out Kidding around Greenville, a great site for fun things to do in Greenville.

Every Tuesday – Line Dancing at the Sears Shelter at McPhearson Park from 6 – 8pm.  Swing Dance – McPherson Log Cabin each Tuesday evening. Lessons begin at 7pm. $4 for City residents! No partner or dance knowledge required. Two left feet are fine. Bring your friends and have some fun.

September– There’s always lots going on at the Community Tap.  Check out their calendar.

September– Check out the classes and events at the Swamp Rabbit Café

Sept 15 – Southern Home & Garden Show 10:00 AM - Sept 17, 5:00 PM @ TD Convention Center.  From landscaping to lawn and garden equipment, interior design, windows and window treatments, flooring, decks, home entertainment and automation and outdoor living, this is the state’s largest home show.

Sept 15 – Fall for Stone.  7 – 10pm.  The Hangar. 1 Aviation Drive. Annual adults only social and fundraiser.

Sept 15 & 16 – The Enchanted Chalice Renaissance Faire.  Greenville, South Carolina’s major event for music, whimsy, mythology, and magical fun! Returning September 15 and 16, 2017, the Greenville Renaissance Faire, now in its seventh year, draws over 2,000 people in its two-day celebration with music, comedy, dance and feats of daring and drama.  Our theme this year is the “Age of Vikings”.  We will host the Austlend Vikings, an Early Medieval Living History group based in NC, SC and East Tennessee. Come see the their Viking Encampment and learn more about this time and people.  Friday night we highlight our music and fire Performers!

Sept 19 – Upstate SCNPS Program. The Plight of the Monarch Butterfly.  7 – 9:30 pm.  J. Verne Smith Resource Center Auditorium, Greenville Tech College Main Campus.

Sept 22 & Oct 20 – Sidewalk CPR Event.  10 am – 2 pm.  Main Street Plaza.

Sept 21 (12 – 4pm) – Sept 24, 11am – 2pm. Euphoria on Markley.  Charitable food, wine and music festival. This highly anticipated four-day event includes exclusive tasting events, intimate musical experiences, food truck rodeos, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners and live music concerts. Dedicated to excellence, euphoria features domestic and international wines, award winning chefs, master sommeliers and renowned singer/songwriters. Check out events and tickets, but hurry…some events are already sold out!

Sept 30 – Community Yard Sale. Parking lot behind Soda Shop.  8am – 1pm.  PLEASE put your items around the perimeter of the back parking lot and move your vehicles to the street.  PLEASE bring your own tables, change and anything you need to display your items to be sold.  There is no charge for space.

Sept 30 – Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  8 – 11 am.  Fluor Field at the West End.  945 S Main St

Oct 4 – 6 – Home Run for Healthy Kids   9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  Fluor Field.  Event to improve the community by providing a free event to Greenville County students which focuses on children’s healthy lifestyles, safety, nutrition and physical activity.

Oct 5 – 8 – Oktoberfest. NOMA Square, beside Hyatt Regency will be transformed into a Bavarian Biergarten during a free 4 day community celebration! Don your lederhosen or dirndl and join us.  Four days of live music, German beer, brats, and contests to help celebrate the German influence in our community. Check their website for a schedule of events.

Oct 5 – 19 – Online fundraising auction held by the Greenville Woodworker’s Guild. Items for auction include: Any wood item made by members, either turned or flat stock, including pens and pencils, bowls, platters, lidded boxes, rolling pins, cutting boards, bandsawn boxes, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, furniture, etc. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Project Host.

Oct 7 – Project Dance – 8am – 5pm.  Outdoor Dance Event.  INTEGRITY TO INSPIRE. This year we welcome Natassia and Carl Harris to offer master workshops in hip hop during our Sunday dance classes. We’ll be back on the gorgeous stage at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Greenville. Our Sunday classes will take place at Dance Arts Greenville.

Oct 12-15 – BB&T Fall for Greenville.  Thursday Night Kick-Off Concert:  6-10pm.  3-day food festival.  Discover a world of tempting tastes, sights and sounds, as mouthwatering aromas carry you along Greenville’s Main Street. With over 40 restaurants featuring over 200 menu items and free entertainment on seven stages, we invite you to enjoy the Southeast’s most popular outdoor festival.

Oct 12  – Hillcrest Garden Club Meeting.  10:00 a.m., Kilgore Lewis House.  All are invited.  The program is “Winter Blooming, Night Blooming Plants and Planning for Spring Planting.”  Call Mary Roberts at 864.458.7735 for more details.

Oct 20 – Boo in the Zoo.  5:30 – 8PM.  Greenville Zoo’s annual family-friendly Halloween event for children ages 12 and under features trick-or-treating, fun-filled booths and an un-haunted house. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone is invited to come in costume.

Oct 21 – Kilgore Lewis House.  Plant Sale and Fall Festival.  9am – 2pm.  There will be lots of plants from our gardens AND vendors with great gifts to purchase!

Late Oct or Early Nov – NMCA Fall Social.  Main and Stone.  Mark your calendars now and don’t miss it.  Help us welcome in fall and visit with your friends and neighbors.  Watch for more information soon.

 

Hard to believe but Halloween is just around the corner.  Send us your events so we can let our members and readers know about them.  Just email northmaincomm@gmail.com

 

The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association


 

NMCA Newsletter (09/2017)
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