* The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of most months at 6:30 PM at the Northgate Soda Shop or other local venues …check the website for the date of the next meeting or email pgilreath@aol.com for the location and if we are meeting that month.
Welcome to NMCA’s Newest Business Member 
Welcome to Dr. Jennie Gettys and Main Street Chiropractic Wellness Center, Inc…our newest business member. To quote her website… ‘Chiropractic care is more than just making the pain disappear. It is about learning, understanding and taking care of your body to improve your quality of life.’ Located at 714 North Main (on the corner of N. Main and Earle Street), Dr. Gettys has also been kind enough to let the NMCA beautification committee use her water to keep the flowers on the corners blooming!
Also, our continued thanks to NMCA business member Holmes Law Firm for letting us use their water to keep the plantings at our sign behind the Rite Aid alive through the heat and drought! Thank you! We truly appreciate it!
Lost Pets
According to ASPCA, more pets are lost on the Fourth of July than any other time of year. It’s a heartbreaking scenario for pet parents, but swift action and major networking can increase the odds that you will be reunited with your cat or dog. They recently surveyed more than 1,000 households with pets across the country to find out if they had lost a dog or cat in the past five years—and if they did, did they find that pet and where did they look? Of those pet guardians surveyed, 15 percent had lost a dog or a cat in the past five years, and 85 percent of those lost dogs and cats were recovered.
The study’s findings suggest the following are key when recovering a lost pet:
- Searching immediately when one knows the pet is lost;
- Searching within the neighborhood first through visual searches as well as posters and online; and
- Checking local shelters from the first day your pet is lost.
If your pet is lost, it’s important not to panic. Enlist the help of all of your friends and neighbors and hit the streets! Read ASPCA’s extended article on Finding a Lost Pet for more information and helpful hints.
If you find a lost pet, one option is always to take him/her to your vet to see if they have a micro-chip. Another tip, for dogs at least, is to take them for a walk. One member found a dog this week and when she took her for a walk, she found the owner. My dog is terrified of fireworks and this may be one reason pets get lost around the 4th. And remember…let NMCA know and we can send an email out to our members to keep an eye out for your lost pet! Also, post to our Facebook page when you’ve lost or found a pet…and include a photo!
Check out the July “PETriotic” specials at Animal Care Services (ACS) From now until the end of July, cat/kitten adoption and spay/neuter fees are only $19.00.
The ‘Load Less Traveled’
No, that’s not a typo…we’re talking about “jet-lagged fruits and veggies”. Some interesting studies have been done to determine the distance vegetables travel from the production field to the consumer’s plate. Studies performed by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Iowa compared locally grown produce to fruit and vegetables shipped from different places to the same location. An Iowa-grown apple only traveled about 61 miles from orchard to store, while other apples traveled on average 1,726 miles. Local spinach went about 36 miles while out-of-town spinach tacked on 1,800 miles before landing in the produce case. Yes, that’s in Iowa, but no matter where you are, locally produced produce obviously travels far shorter distances and will thus be fresher when you buy it! There are so many reasons to ‘buy local’.
Obviously, to get the freshest produce, grow your own, either on your own or with neighbors. Maybe some of you want to get together and start a community garden. Can’t grow your own?… you can visit the TD Saturday market, the Farmer’s Market on Rutherford, The Tomato Vine, North Main’s own Slow Food Upstate Market (3rd Thursday of each month). I’m sure there are others…please let us know and we’ll share with our members! For a list of certified SC producers, lists of what’s in season in SC at various times, and other useful information visit http://agriculture.sc.gov/
Another great resource is a locally produced publication ‘edible UPCOUNTRY’ … a quarterly publication that promotes, explores and celebrates the local seasonal food culture of Upstate South Carolina. This is 100% local…all the content and work is from/by local residents. “We aim to put a “face on our food” by telling the stories of the farmers, ranchers, artisans, chefs, and business owners who grow, harvest and create the local flavors that define the Upstate community. We want to be an indispensable and practical reference about what’s in season, local food and garden events, and those organizations and businesses who support local and sustainable food. With beautiful photography, creative writing and sumptuous recipes, edible UPCOUNTRY will delight your eyes, mind and palette. Celebrating the abundance, season by season, quarter by quarter, we are honored to tell the local food stories of the Upstate. You’ll find edible UPCOUNTRY at many advertiser locations and farmers’ markets.” WHERE TO FIND US
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in July is 88.6°F (watch for more records to fall this year!), the average low is 68.7°F and the average precipitation is 4.74”. July is typically the hottest and wettest month. The record maximum for the period 1962-2006 was 103°F on June 5, 1985. We’ve already broken that one this year with a record 107 °F recorded July 1 at GSP. The record minimum was 40°F on June 1, 1972. Record high rainfall was in 1984 with 13.57”. Record minimum precipitation was 0.75” back in 1993. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php
What a crazy spring and summer it’s been so far, in terms of weather…the hottest 12 months on record! Is this really the ‘new normal’? According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, the outlook for July/Aug/Sept 2012 temperature indicates enhanced odds for above normal temperatures for much of the continental U.S., except for parts of the northeast, the northern great plains, and along much of the west coast. The precipitation outlook for the same period shows an enhanced likelihood for below-median total seasonal precipitation for parts of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies. Above median precipitation amounts are favored for Florida and parts of adjacent states. http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/fxus05.html
Where Have All the Blue Jays Gone?
Birds are important indicators of the overall health of our environment. Like the proverbial canaries in the coal mine, they send an urgent warning about threats to our water, air, natural resources, climate and more. Audubon’s science team uses data from their own Christmas Bird Count along with information from other sources, including the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey, to identify bird population trends – and to highlight species and habitats at risk.
In 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and North American Bird Conservation Initiative, of which Audubon is a member, began issuing annual State of the Birds report. Audubon is a key contributor to this important effort. They have provided some interesting results that you can read about by going to this link: http://birds.audubon.org/state-birds
One bird that I often hear asked about is one of the more colorful birds in backyards, the blue jay. Considered a bully by some, they often get a bad rap. When I see a blue jay in my yard now, I almost get excited as I seldom see them. Breeding Bird Survey contributors provided data used by scientists to determine the impact of West Nile virus back in 1999 on 20 species across the continent. Seven species from four families (American Crow, Blue Jay, American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and House Wren) declined significantly—American Crows by as much as 45 percent in some areas. Only two of the seven species (jays and wrens) had recovered their numbers by 2005. But jays are obviously still trying to recover, at least in this area. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/Birdscope/Autumn2008/changes_documented.html
North Main Crime Update
We’ve sent out email alerts lately about crime in the area, everything from stolen bicycles to laptops to appliances sitting outside. On July 1, several residents on W. Hillcrest were awakened around 4:30 am to someone ringing doorbells…while this may have just been a prank by kids, you can’t be too careful. If something similar should happen to you or you notice suspicious activity, call the police non-emergency number at 271-5333. Since whoever was ringing doorbells was apparently on foot (several of us got up and looked outside) a timely dispatched patrol car may have been able to find them.
Remember…you can request a free “security survey” of your property. Just contact Courtney Palmer, Greenville Police Dept. Crime Prevention Specialist, at cpalmer@greenvillesc.gov or call her at 864-467-4372. Also, if you are away on vacation, you can call the non-emergency police number (271-5333) and request extra patrols by your home. If you have had suspicious activity at your home and you are coming home late at night, you can even request someone to escort you to your house.
Kilgore-Lewis Grounds Now a Designated Arboretum
Greenville can now claim a newly designated arboretum, the Kilgore-Lewis Grounds, located at 560 N. Academy Street. Thanks to the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, with help from the Greater Greenville Master Gardeners, Trees Greenville, The Greenville County Extension Service, The Greenville Tree Foundation and the Greenville City Parks and Grounds Department, residents and tourists will have access to a downtown botanical retreat. This is only the second garden in the city to receive this designation.
Native species of plants and trees throughout the five acres of grounds, which include a Wildflower Garden, a Carolina Fence Garden, a Butterfly Garden, and a Sensory Garden, have been tagged with botanical names for the enjoyment and education of all visitors.
The historic (c1838) Kilgore-Lewis House is on the SC Register of Historic Places, the natural spring is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the grounds are nationally certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.
The house and grounds are open to the public, free of charge, from Mondays through Fridays, 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact 864-232-3020; gcgc@bellsouth.net , or www.kilgore-lewis.org
HABITUS Focus Group
We had a good turnout for the first focus group for the HABITUS project and I for one learned some things from my fellow residents! As a recap for those who didn’t receive the emails about this first meeting, Dr. Kerstin Blomquist, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at Furman University and head of the Healthy and Active Bodies in the UpState (HABITUS) lab, is seeking to partner with the North Main Community. She wants to hear residents’ thoughts and concerns about nutrition, eating behaviors and physical activity, in order to identify new opportunities for community-based initiatives. She will be organizing another small focus group of 6-8 residents later this fall after school starts. It only takes a couple of hours. If you are interested in participating in this second group, please contact Dr. Blomquist at habitus.lab@gmail.com or call 864-294-2811. We’ll be sending out reminders later, but once she has enough for a group, she can work with you to determine the best day/time to best suit your busy schedules. For more information on the program, go to the HABITUS website.
Flash From the Past
How many recognized James T. Williams’ hardware store at 124 South Main Street? You can look at the tools and equipment sitting out front to get an idea how old this photo is. Some of you may be more familiar now with a similarly named business, the Café at Williams Hardware in Travelers Rest, where riders on the Swamp Rabbit Trail often stop for lunch & shopping.
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 in the summer for children. Check out the July Calendar.
July 14 – North Main Fun-Fest. Dahlia a Florist (303 E. Stone Ave.) will be hosting a community event this Saturday from 11 am to 1pm. The ribbon cutting for their new sculpture will be at 11 am with local arts and crafts vendors and crafts for kids, too! Come on out and join other ‘North Mainers’ for the fun!
July 15 – Vacation Bible School at Northgate Baptist Church. 5:45pm to 8:30pm There will be a family-friendly kickoff party this Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Visit the Northgate website for more information.
July 17 – Native Plant Society Meeting. Southern Wesleyan University, Central. 7-9pm. “Plants and Adventures Along the Appalachian Trail”. Heyward Douglass, who is known in the upstate for his long-term involvement with the local Foothills Trail, recently became well acquainted with a very different trail – the Appalachian Trail. Heyward spent the spring and summer of 2011 – from March 12 through September 20 – hiking the length of the Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Maine’s Mount Katahdin, and he will describe his adventures at the July meeting.
July 19 – Earth Market Greenville. 3 – 8 PM. 741 Rutherford Rd. Greenville, SC 29609 (map) Besides all the wonderful fresh summer vegetables, delicious meats, and delectable honey, the Earth Market brings you a special opportunity! A felting workshop will be held from 4-6 pm at the Slow Food Upstate Earth Market, on July 19 with Cassie Larsen of Little Creek Plantation. Cassie works with the wool from her own sheep, the Navajo-Churro breed, a rare breed from the Navajo tribes in the southwestern USA.
July 19 – Itty Bitty Bites: Kids Eat Free night at Earth Fare. 4 – 8 PM. 3620 Pelham Road, Greenville, S.C. 29615 (map) Fighting to eliminate childhood obesity, Earth Fare Market has launched a program to educate children on the food they eat, and how to make healthy choices. The ” Itty Bitty Bites” are a family of heroes, led by Farmer Diggit, whose mission is to conquer Dr. Mono’s evil food villains and rid the world of trans fat, high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Available every night, the price of the kid’s meal is the same as a fast food kid’s meal, $3.99 and offers a comic book of the Itty Bitty Bites, trading cards, and other fun games. It is designed to teach children how to make choices and includes a healthy choice of a main dish, side dish, snack and drink. Every Thursday night the meal is free to children 12 and under with an adult meal purchase of $5.00. Phone: 864-527-4220 Email: Greenville240@earthfare.com
July 26 – A Collector’s View: An Evening with Scott Blackwell. 6:30-9PM. Upcountry History Museum. Tickets: UHM Supporting Members: Free. UHM Basic Members: $7.00. General Admission: $10.00. Scott Blackwell has avidly collected pieces of folk art from throughout the Southeast. His passion extends past the artwork and into the lives of the artists themselves. Get to know Scott and the artists behind his folk art collection with a screening of his documentary, All Rendered Truth, and a special collector’s tour of UHM’s current exhibit, Uniquely Southern Folk Art. A light reception will be available prior to the presentation.
July 27 – Yappy Hour. Greenville Humane Society. From 5:30 – 7:30 the last Friday of each month through October. A $5 cover charge includes beer, bark, band (DJ) and a tour. Your leashed, vaccinated and well-behaved canine is welcome to play in the canine courtyard.
August 4 – Run2Overcome. 6 -11am. Cleveland Park at Julie Valentine Memorial. Lakehurst Street/Cleveland Park Drive. Description: Certified 5k, 10k and kid’s fun run to benefit the Julie Valentine Center serving child and adult survivors of child abuse and assault. Telephone: 864-331-0560×24
August 7 – Curling at the Pavilion. The Piedmont Curling Club invites you for a free night of curling at the Pavilion on 7:30pm-10:00pm. Curling is a sport that is played on ice but does not require skating skills. They provide all the equipment and instructors. After a brief introduction, you will spend time on the ice learning how to deliver a stone, how to sweep and why you sweep, and the finer points of the game. You may also participate in a mini-game towards the end of the evening. Please bring a pair of clean soled sneakers, wear loose fitting clothes, and layering for cold. Note: jeans will restrict your movement, stretch sports pants are best. Pre-registration is required so they can plan. If you want more information about curling, start with this website: www.palmettocurling.com. Those under 18 require a consent form be signed by a parent or guardian. Ages 12 – 15 must be accompanied on ice by a responsible adult. Click here to download a printable flyer to share with friends, family and co-workers.
August 8 – The Story of a Town with Many Faces: Greenville’s History. Upcountry Museum. 12 Noon – 1:00 PM Greenville continues to shift and develop over the years, adapting to the world’s changing economy, technology, and environment. Join longtime resident Don Koonce as he explores the remarkable way this city has evolved into the economic and cultural hub it is today. Free to members – $5.00 for non-members
Chick-fil-a meals- $6.00. Please reserve your Chick-fil-a bag meals prior to the event.
For reservations call the museum at 864-467-3100 or info@upcountryhistory.org
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Summer Programs at the Bobby Pearse Community Center & Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Program Instructors Needed
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking instructors to offer fun and exciting recreational and educational classes to our community. Our department offers a wide variety of recreational programs to citizens of all ages. These programs take place in city parks, community centers and other locations. Apply Online
Sing-Along Camp
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is offering Sing-Along Camp at the Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park! Each week is jam-packed with unique music and movement activities, games, crafts, and snacks sure to inspire your little diva or rock star! The instructor, Elizabeth Boone, has a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, is a fully trained and registered Music Together teacher, and was previously a camp director in Charlotte, NC.
Ages: 3-10 years old
Location: Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park
Dates: July 23-26 (Beach Party)
Days: Monday-Thursday
Times: 9:00-12:00
Cost: Weekly tuition is $99/1st child, $79/2nd Child, $59/3rd Child
There is a $10 registration fee for all new families. This fee is non-refundable.
This registration fee will be waived for City of Greenville residents. City residents enter the coupon code “GREENCITY” at checkout to waive the registration fee.
Contact: Elizabeth Boone, 864-630-0144 or Jan Cox, 864-4326
Registration: Contact www.Sing-AlongKids.com or call 864-630-0144
Music Together: The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is offering Music Together at the Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park! The instructor, Elizabeth Boone, who is a fully trained and registered Music Together teacher, works with 6-12 children and their caregiver to offer forty-five minutes of music and movement experiences. Each weekly class offers a dozen songs and rhythmic rhymes. Children and their adults have opportunities to create and improvise – making up new words to songs, offering movement ideas, making silly sounds, and sharing musical ideas from the family’s play at home. These classes are for babies through kindergarteners and their caregivers.
Summer Session: Music Together
Location: Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park
Dates: June 4 – July 28 (6 weeks) *No classes weeks of 6/18 and 7/2
Times: Participants may choose one of the following 45-minute classes to attend each week:
Tuesdays, 5:15pm – 6:00pm
Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:15am
Cost: Tuition for this 6 week session is $125/1st child and $75/sibling
*Option to attend for 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks of the full 6 week session (Prorating available)
Infants 8 months of younger who attend with paying sibling – FREE
There is a $15 registration fee for all new families. This fee is non-refundable.
This registration fee will be waived for City of Greenville residents. City residents enter the coupon code “GREENCITY” at checkout to waive the registration fee.
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326 or Elizabeth Boone, 864-630-0144
Registration: Contact www.MusicTogetherOfGreenville.com or call 864-630-0144
Craft-E-Teens
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Date: Fridays, June 8 – August 17, 2012
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: Residents – $10 per class; Non-Residents – $12 per class
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Ages: 11 – 17
Registration: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/Programs/Default.aspx
Craft-E-Teens is an art program for teens and pre-teens ages 11 – 17. This program allows participants to discover various types of art, be creative, have fun and make new friends! It also offers teens something new and fun to do on Friday evenings during the summer while having hands-on opportunities to create art! Instructor, Kathy Albertelli, is not only an artist but has taught middle school for 12 years.
Writing Workshops
In partnership with the Emrys Foundation, the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is offering writing workshops this fall at the Bobby Pearse Community Center!
2nd Sunday Writing Workshops
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
When: Sunday, August 12, 2012
Time: 2-4 pm
Cost: $5 per class
Targeted Age: 17 & older
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: Register at www.emrys.org or the fee may be paid upon arrival to the class.
The 2nd Sunday writing workshops are led by various members of the Writing Room faculty. They are designed to stimulate creativity and generate ideas for fiction and nonfiction. We’ll use a series of short in-class writing exercises to inspire new work and deepen your writing. Come prepared to write in class, to share your exercises without fear or self-judgment, and above all, have some fun. All levels are welcome!
Lindy Hop
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Dates: Thursdays, Now – August 30, 2012 *No class on May 31 or June 21
Times: 7-11 pm
Cost: Residents/College Students/Lindy Hop Members – $4 per class or $40 for 12 week session; Non-Residents – $5 per class or $50 for 12 week session
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Registration: Register Online
In partnership with the Greenville Lindy Hoppers, the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation is offering Lindy Hop at the Sears Shelter! The Greenville Lindy Hoppers are an all-volunteer group dedicated to promoting and preserving historic swing era dancing in the Upstate of South Carolina, with an emphasis on Lindy hop and Lindy hop-related styles. This includes dances such as Lindy Charleston, ’20s Charleston, Balboa, East Coast swing, West Coast swing, and blues.
Yoga
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
When: 6:30-7:45 pm, Mondays; June 4 – July 30 (8 weeks) *No class on June 18
Cost: Resident Fee – $32 for entire 8-week session or $5 per class; Non-Resident Fee – $40 for entire 8-week session or $6 per class
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/Programs/Default.aspx
We invite you to join us at the Bobby Pearse Community Center for this 8 week yoga program, which is taught by Brooke Kleinfelter, who is a certified yoga instructor. This 75 minute class is taught once a week, and all levels are welcome; however, you do not need previous yoga experience to enjoy this class. Participants can pay $5 per class for city residents and $6 for non-city residents upon arrival. Participants are encouraged to register on-line for the entire 8 weeks for $32 for City residents and $40 for non-city residents. Participants do need their own yoga mat. Note: you don’t have to come to the first class or all the classes to enjoy the benefits…come and try a class!
For a full listing of City of Greenville Parks and Recreation summer programs, go to http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/CommunityCenter/ and for Adult and Youth Athletics, go to http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/AdultPrograms.aspx and http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/Youth/YouthSports.aspx.
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
