2021 Holiday Newsletter

NMCA Announcements, Newsletters, Social Events

 

NMCA President’s Year End Note to Members

 

Everyone in the North Main Community, end this year, as they did in 2020 – continuing to recalibrate their lives in a COVID-19 impacted environment. But many positive things happened in 2021.

For NMCA, one highlight was the reopening of the Bobby Pearse Center in June and its associated summer camp and after-school care programs.  Another was the Fall Social at Larkins Sawmill in late September – leveraging Eventbrite technology to aid in advance registration and NMCA membership and with excellent sponsor support.

In the background, the Board focused their efforts on the NMCA’s core mission: to be an effective communicator between the City of Greenville and the North Main Community regarding issues of importance. That said, we depend on your experiences, suggestions, and participation in our attempts to shape direction and decisions. In 2022, we encourage more members engage as volunteers. Let us know how you would like to be involved.

In my view, the North Main Community continues to benefit from a strong relationship with the City Council, City Manager and Deputy Managers, specifically – John DeWorken, Dorothy Dowe and Russell Stall. And the following city departments – Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, Police, Fire, and Engineering.

Many of you paid your membership dues in 2021. Recall that dues paid in 2021 cover membership through 2022.  For those who did not pay membership dues in this year, please submit your payment early in 2022. Pay your membership dues via PayPal on our website at https://northmaincommunity.org/nmca-membership/.

SAVE THE DATE! Returning to tradition – the NMCA Spring Social will be held on Sunday, May 1st at Larkins Sawmill. Look for details early in the New Year.

Finally, we close out this year taking exception again to the By-Laws.  Rhett Brown will remain in her current position as Vice President.  Phyllis, Kevin and Julie also agreed to continue in their roles as Secretary, Treasurer and Membership.  And it gives me great pleasure to welcome Steve Mills, a past NMCA President and frequent volunteer, to serve again as NMCA President beginning the first of January.  I intend to continue to participate in NMCA activities, as appropriate.

Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season and safe 2022!

Dave

Thank You, Dave!

 

We would like to say thank you to Dave Modeen for serving as president these past 3 years.  In spite of the COVID pandemic, Dave has been a great leader for the board and an excellent representative for our community to city leaders.  He developed a good relationship with city staff and leaders and was able to keep us aware of issues that needed our attention.  We appreciate his true desire to improve our community and engage more volunteers and members.  Thanks, Dave.  We look forward to working with you in the coming years as you continue in a support role, lending us your insight and expertise.

 

 Save The Date!

 

Yes, it’s very early but we want to get the date on everyone’s calendar.  We are trying to get back to an Annual Spring Social Event and Membership Drive.  So put May 1, 2022, on your calendar now!  We are planning a spring social at Larkin’s Sawmill.  Those who attended this fall remember what a great venue it is…spacious with great food and drink.  More details to follow.

 

 

Christmas in Downtown Greenville

 

Downtown Greenville is transforming into a magical city for the holidays   They have a full lineup of activities and events throughout the winter season!

 UNITED COMMUNITY BANK ICE ON MAIN

November 12 – January 17

Glide your way into the holiday season at United Community Bank Ice on Main!

 

 NIGHT OF LIGHTS

December 3, – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

*Official tree Lighting Ceremony to begin at 6:00 pm

Rock around our 30-foot Christmas Tree adorned with 25,550 LED lights. Located at the intersection of Court Street + Main Street (in front of M. Judson Booksellers)

 

 POINSETTIA CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 4, at 6:00 PM

The parade traditionally features over 75 musical marching units, elaborately decorated floats and Santa Claus.

 

 TD SATURDAY MARKET HOLIDAY EDITION

December 4 & 11 / 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Shop for unique artisan gifts, seasonal locally-grown fresh produce, gourmet foods and fresh-cut flowers for your loved ones every holiday season at the TD Saturday Market – Holiday Edition.

 

 WINDOW WONDERLAND

December

Window shopping has never been so fun! Downtown merchants transform Main Street into a holiday wonderland for residents and visitors to enjoy. Visitors can stroll the streets and vote for their favorite merchant display every December.

 

 POINSETTIA POSTCARDS

December

Local nonprofits and school groups construct and decorate grand holiday postcards displayed throughout Greenville’s Main Street plazas.

 

 

Holiday Shopping

 

If you’re like me, there’s always that one person on your list who has everything.  Charitable donations make great gifts and with the cost of mailing packages these days, it’s a no-brainer.  While we always encourage you to shop local when you can, we know that online shopping is more popular than ever. If you do shop on Amazon, at least make sure you are using AmazonSmile.  It’s just like regular Amazon, but a small part of the proceeds goes to a charity you choose…and there are over a million organizations to choose from.  It can be a national charity or a local one, like an animal welfare group.  You may think it’s such a small amount that it doesn’t matter, but it adds up.  As of August 2021, all US charities have received $285,795,312.80 and all worldwide charities have received $321,230,298.08.

 

 

City News

  • This year, Greenville County saw 120 rezoning requests — the most in at least 20 years — to rezone land from one zoning classification to another. Nearly all of the requests sought higher density, the majority for new housing. The arguments residents make against rezoning properties in their communities frequently follow the same refrain — traffic, road conditions, stormwater runoff, loss of green space and wildlife habitats.  Marathon meetings in which the public packs the house have become the norm rather than the exception in 2021 as the pace of development has increased.  (Nathaniel Cary, The Post and Courier Greenville)
  • As we mentioned last month, the city plans to replace the dogwoods that were removed from the North Main median. They are just waiting till the appropriate time to plant.
  • Thanks to the volunteers who worked with Rotary members and city staff to clean up North Main Rotary Park in October. They tackled some of the bamboo patches that continually encroach on the park.
  • Reminder about Christmas tree and lights disposal:
    • For the convenience of city residents, trees can be placed at the curb for collection on regularly scheduled pick-up days or taken to one of four convenient locations. All trees must be free of debris such as ornaments, tinsel, ribbons and lights.
    • Drop-off locations include:
    • Holmes Park (Twin Lake Road & Holmes Drive)
    • Timmons Park (Oxford Street & Blackburn Street)
    • Gower Park (Laurel Creek Lane & Laurens Road)
    • West Greenville Community Center (8 Rochester Street)
    • The locations listed are open until late January. Curbside pick-up within the city limits will continue for as long as needed.
    •  All holiday boxes, tissue paper and wrapping paper (except foil-lined) can be recycled at the curb and at the following locations:
    • Stone Avenue Recycling Center (800 East Stone Avenue)
    • North Greenville Recycling Center (514 Rutherford Road)
  • Paddle up and get ready to play one of the most popular sports in America, pickleball, indoors! The City of Greenville Parks, Recreation and Tourism department is proud to offer indoor pickleball at the Greenville Convention Center beginning in November 2021.

For updates throughout the season, including weekly schedule updates, text ‘Pickleball’ to 866-874-2232.

Staff will be on-site to answer any questions and assist with membership registration.

To Register: Rec.Greenvillesc.Gov

Season: 

    • November 8, 2021 – March 10, 2022
    • Mondays – Thursdays
    • Morning Session: 9 AM – 12 PM
    • Evening Session 5 PM – 8 PM

Location: Indoor pickleball will take place at the Greenville Convention Center, 1 Exposition Drive. Courts will be located in the Conference Hall or Hall 2 and will vary from week to week. See below for the schedule breakdown.

Employment Opportunities: We’re also hiring Recreation Programs Leaders to assist with our indoor pickleball program. If you’re interested, read more and apply here: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/1900/Hiring-Recreation-Programs-Leaders

 

 

Crime Awareness

This is the time of year when we are all busy and many will be out of town.  It’s a good idea to let friends and neighbors know so they can keep an eye on your house.  If you have security systems or security cameras, be sure to arm them.  Keep valuable items out of site.  Set timers for lights to make it look like someone is home.  Either stop your mail and paper or have a neighbor pick them up each day.  And remember that at night, even though you cannot see out, if your blinds or curtains are open, those outside, including potential thieves, can see very clearly into your house.

And with Christmas not far away, remember NOT to put those big screen TV or other boxes out on the street after you open them…that’s just advertising to criminals.  Tear them up and place them face down on the curb or take them to the closest recycling site.

If you see something or someone suspicious, please don’t hesitate to call the GPD Non-emergency number:  864.271.5333.

 

Getting Your Yard Ready for Winter

It’s time to plant those spring-flowering bulbs you purchased in September, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and crocus.  The winter months when trees and other woody plants are dormant are excellent times to plant. Be careful that you do not plant them too deep or with too much soil amendment. See Planting Trees Correctly for information on the proper way to plant a tree. By planting now, the soil is still warm enough for roots to begin growth before freezing temperatures move in. This will allow the tree to overwinter better. Think about adding mulch to moderate soil temperature around plants. Remove unsightly dead annuals. Consider planting perennials in the spring so you don’t have to replace them every year.  Start planning now for that pollinator garden you’ve been meaning to plant.  Here’s a site to give you some good examples of what to plant.  And the SC native plant society has information on native plants that do well in this area.

Remember… grass clippings and leaves should NOT be in the same pile as shrub and tree prunings.  They are picked up separately and may get left if they are in one pile.  The city does not have a list of lawn maintenance companies, so it’s up to those who hire companies to insure they know the rules.  Also, I still see poop bags being dropped onto leaf piles.  Please place them in trash receptacles.

“From a wild animal’s point of view, our annual autumn rituals of raking leaves and cleaning up yards and gardens are a major blow: Just when the going gets tough, we’re removing prime sources of food and shelter.   So, do the animals (and yourself) a favor and skip the raking, bagging, trimming, and other yard chores this fall—it might just help your neighborhood wildlife survive the coming cold weather. Want an easy (and cheap) way to clear your yard of stray branches and twigs?

Build a wildlife brush pile to provide a safe spot for ground-nesting birds, chipmunks, rabbits, and hibernating reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Put it in an out-of-the-way corner of your property, preferably close to food sources and away from buildings. Start with a layer of larger limbs and stack branches loosely, adding grasses and leaves to create nooks and crannies.

Start a compost pile.  Most plant material can be used for compost. Organic trimmings in your landscape, such as fallen leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, flowers and the remains of garden plants make excellent compost. Compost made from grass clippings treated with herbicides and pesticides is not recommended for use in vegetable gardens. Kitchen scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels and trimmings, crushed eggshells, tea bags, and coffee grounds and filters can also be composted.  Organic materials that should not be added to your compost pile include meat, bones and fatty foods (such as cheese, salad dressing and leftover cooking oil).

Don’t forget about feeding birds in winter.  Water is often more critical than food…especially during dry weather. Keep bird baths filled with clean water, and most important…keep a clean, thawed source of water available!  Though they can extract some moisture from their food, most birds drink water every day. Birds also use water for bathing, to clean their feathers and remove parasites. After splashing around in a bath for a few minutes, a bird usually perches in a sunny spot and fluffs its feathers out to dry. Then it carefully preens each feather, adding a protective coating of oil secreted by a gland at the base of its tail.

 

 

For Our 4-Legged (and sometimes 3-Legged) Friends

 

During the holiday season, eating will probably be a common component of celebrating.  Don’t forget your pets and the dangers of some foods.  We all know about chocolate being a no-no, especially dark chocolate.  The Humane Society of the United States has a comprehensive list of foods that may be dangerous.

With so many pets being reported lost or found, please try and keep your pets either inside or in a fenced yard.  Have them microchipped and make sure they have a collar with ID tags and contact info. And remember, when we are celebrating the New Year with fireworks, this can be a terrifying time for animals, so be mindful of our furry friends.  There are tips on keeping animals calm during these times. Check out tips from PETA.

If you’re thinking that a cute puppy or kitten might be a great gift for the little ones in the house (or the adults, too), please keep in mind that owning a pet is a responsibility and commitment not to be taken lightly.  Hopefully, he/she will become a family member. There are lots of animals that need homes, but they need good, forever homes.  First time pet?  Please considering fostering.  Just a little love and time is all it takes.  No cost at all!  Lots of animals only have the equivalent of a cold, and they get better faster in a home than in a cage.  And if you fall in love, you can always adopt but there are no obligations.

Did you know that all pet adoptions for veterans are FREE at Greenville County Animal Care? This is part of their “Pets for Vets” program! As a service to our veterans, all adoptions are FREE with proof of service every day (not just in honor of Veterans Day!). All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, testing, vaccinations, and microchipping!

Both Greenville County Animal Care and Greenville Humane Society have wish lists of items they need.  And if you have stray cats in your neighborhood, try and provide some type of shelter, preferably in a dry, protected area not too close to the house.  Even a cardboard box on its’ side with a wool blanket in it can work. And if you have outdoor pets, please provide them with a warm place or bring them inside.

Greenville County Animal Care will be doing another Free Drive-By Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, December 2, from 12-4 PM. ⁠Receive FREE dog vaccines (DAPPv), cat vaccines (HCP), and 1 year rabies vaccines (dogs/cats).

Remember….in cold weather, cats will often hide underneath parked cars to stay dry from rain and snow. They have also been known to crawl into the engine compartment to seek the warmth of a recently shut off motor. Before you drive off, always check under your car for animals. Kick your foot under the car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine if you know there could be a cat sheltering under your car.

 

And remember how terrifying fireworks can be for our furry friends. Check Best Friend’s Survival Guide for Animals and New Year’s Fireworks for tips on how to keep your pets safe and calm.  Local animal shelters often see an influx of lost pets after a night of fireworks. Keep your pets inside if possible to reduce the chance that they run away out of fear.

 

 

 

Little Free Library

Most of you have heard about Little Free Libraries and probably have seen some around the community.  Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin.  Their mission is “to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.  Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.”

If you register with the organization, your library will go on the map which will show folks where little libraries are located in your neighborhood.  There are a handful in our area code, but there are several more which are not on the map.  Just watch for them as you drive around.  Having a source of books close to home especially encourages children to read.  These pictures are of two that are close to me.  One is on E. Hillcrest, and one is on Simmons Court.

 

 

Weather Tidbits

The average maximum temperature for Greenville in Dec is 54°F, and the average low is 34.  The average rainfall is 4.11”.  The record monthly high was 79 on Dec 10 & 11, 2007.  The maximum low temperature was 67 on Dec 2, 1991.  The minimum high temperature was 18 on Dec 31, 1917 (all-time record).  The minimum low was 3 on Dec 30,1917.  Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 3.83” on Dec 29,1901.  The wettest December was in 1931 with 12.56”.  Record daily snowfall was 14.4” on Dec 17, 1930.  The last time we had a white Christmas was 2010.  (Records are from 1884 to present.  Normals are from 1981 to 2010).   http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

Above-average temperatures are favored across the South and most of the eastern U.S. as La Nina climate conditions have emerged for the second winter in a row according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service. In NOAA’s 2021 Winter Outlook — which extends from December 2021 through February 2022 — wetter-than-average conditions are anticipated across portions of the Northern U.S., primarily in the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and western Alaska.

“Consistent with typical La Nina conditions during winter months, we anticipate below-normal temperatures along portions of the northern tier of the U.S. while much of the South experiences above-normal temperatures,” said Jon Gottschalck, chief, Operational Prediction Branch, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “The Southwest will certainly remain a region of concern as we anticipate below-normal precipitation where drought conditions continue in most areas.”  Drier-than-average conditions are favored in south-central Alaska, southern California, the Southwest, and the Southeast.

 

Shop 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:

Small businesses have been hurt by the COVID pandemic and are still struggling as customers are beginning to return but are still wary due to the Delta variant. Please continue to support our small and local businesses as much as possible.  Thank you!

 

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.  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  

Kidding Around Greenville has a list of fun things to do over the holidays.  They also put together a driving map of where to see the best lights.  Just check their website.

Dec 2 – 4:  Holiday Fair.  Greenville Convention Center.  Over 350 craft and commercial vendors.  Check website for admission price and more details.

December 11, 2021: The North Pole at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, For this special event, the museum will come alive with holiday fun, activities, photos with Santa and ‘SNOW’ much more! The North Pole will take place at both museum locations: TCMU-Greenville from 10 am-5 pm and TCMU-Spartanburg from 9 am-3 pm. Advance timed-entry tickets are required.

December 11th and 12th 2021: Kringle Holiday Village at Fluor Field Santa, holiday inflatables, live entertainment, artisans, fireworks, and foods from around the world. Advanced ticket prices are $10 per person or $30 for a family 4 pack. Starting December 1st, tickets are $15 per person. Purchase tickets for Kringle Holiday Village in advance.

December 12, 2021: Happy Hooves’ Christmas at the Barn See Santa and a lot more at this fundraiser benefitting Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center at Eden Farms in Marietta. $10 per person. The event includes “Reindeer” horse and pony rides, a visit with Santa, a nativity scene and Christmas music, arts and crafts, a “peeplechase” playground for kids, a candy cane garden, and much more. Lunch, baked goods, and gifts will also be for sale.
Buy tickets online or at the door (cash or credit cards accepted).

Now until January 30, 2022 – Uncovered: The Ken Burns Collection.  Upcountry History Museum. This exhibition features 26 historic quilts, research and quotes from Mr. Burns’ private collection.  Quilts are of course not the first thing that comes to mind when you are talking about Ken Burns. The quilts, dating from the 1850s to the 1940s, reflect Burns’ consummate taste, his thoughtfulness, and his palpable love and

Dance Ventures (NMCA Business Member) has a new schedule for Adult Tap, Jazz and Ballet classes beginning in January 2022. Don’t wait, come and dance with the Adults in 2022. This is for you, your health, your breathing, and balance. No live performances. There are different levels of classes from beginner to advanced.  First class in each discipline is free!  Don’t have shoes?  Not a problem.  Dance Ventures is not a Dance Company studio, but for adults wanting to learn the discipline of the art and how to do it.  Contact 864-271-7701 text preferred/voicemail.  All inquiries will be answered in December with a reminder that classes start the week of January 10, 2022.

 

 

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!

 

The North Main Community Association does not give, sell, or otherwise distribute your email or other information to third parties.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

2021 Holiday Newsletter
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