*The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of most months at 6:30 PM at the Bobby Pearse Community Center …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. Members are welcome to attend board meetings.
Welcome to our Newest Business Members
Puerto Vallarta is a family owned Mexican restaurant in Cherrydale. Look for them on the back side of the AT&T store. The Guitierrez family started the business several years ago. The atmosphere is good, the food is excellent (I know from experience) and reasonably priced, the service is great and the staff are all very friendly. Check out their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Puerto-Vallarta-Greenville/217883511618735
or their website at http://www.puertovallartasc.com/2011/12/home.html
Better yet, stop by and enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine.
GreatUpstate.com is “a Christian-based site for Upstate families and secret digital marketing weapons for local small business owners that allow them to have the big digital marketing tools America’s big corporations have and boost new customer acquisition while we make it easy and affordable with our small subscription. We don’t sell ads. We offer a 12 month program with tools and touches local businesses can track (so they know it works). Every business can now afford these tools and we will come to you (since we are local).” For more information, check out their website.
In Need of a Nanny?
Kerry McLees is an NMCA member and Greenville County teacher who would like to babysit and/or nanny during the summer. Her resume and references are available upon request. She is open to travel but would like to stay in the North Main/Greenville area. Please email kerryamclees@gmail.com if you need additional information.
Multi-Family Yard Sale Looking for Participants
One our members, Rita Arndt, is trying to organize a huge multi-family neighborhood yard sale for Saturday, June 28 from 8:30am – 1pm. They are asking all of their neighbors along Buist and W Mountainview to participate – so far they have about 10 families committed – but would love to see it become a community-wide event. To contact Rita call 614.429.8477.
Planning Commission Meeting Reminder
Don’t forget, this Thursday, 3pm, City Hall, 10th floor City Council Chambers, the Planning Commission will be discussing several items of interest. One of particular interest to our members concerns the new Infill Ordinance. (Note the early start time of 3PM due to the lengthy agenda)
D. Z 09-2014. Application of the City of Greenville for a Text amendment to Article 19-6.9 of the Greenville City Code (Land Management Ordinance) to incorporate single-family residential infill standards; the current Article 19-6.9, Building Numbering, will be renumbered to 19-6.11.
To view a copy of the planning staff report to the Commission and City Council, click here.
Last week, Planning and Development Manager Michael Kerski, met with North Main residents at the Bobby Pearse Center to allow ask questions and clarify some of the issues of concern in the document. We appreciate his willingness to take the time to hear our concerns. We also appreciate the presence of the Chair of the Planning Commission to hear firsthand our comments. Mr. Kerski went over the basics of the ordinance and answered questions from attendees. Comments from the audience indicated that they felt he was open to their concerns and suggestions and they appreciated the professional demeanor and willingness to listen.
There were still concerns and questions about tree canopy and protection, especially large and heritage trees, the definition of impervious surfaces (and the concern that they would actually be enforced), house size, lot coverage and setbacks. One detail I was not aware of was the 60% impervious surface that is allowed includes 40% for the house and 20% for other impervious structures, which are supposed to include driveways, patios, walkways, pools, etc. There was also emphasis on the fact that the Planning Commission and other administrative bodies should see the ‘final’ plans which are detailed and all inclusive…nothing left to future interpretation and which would have to be followed to the letter. This has been a huge problem in the past, to the frustration of both residents and the Planning Commission. Another fact that came out is the width of driveways is limited to 10 feet. And this doesn’t just affect new construction. If you currently have a driveway that is wider than 10 ft., my understanding is that if you want to ‘redo’ it, you cannot ‘redo’ or replace it 
with that same width (i.e. wider than 10ft.) unless you use pervious materials. It was also brought up that discussion by staff has been addressing the possibility of looking at R-4 zoning in a couple of neighborhoods as ‘models’. (R-4 zoning simply means 4000 sq. ft. lots versus R-6 which is 6000 sq. ft. lots)
The idea of ‘cottage developments’ has been discussed in the infill task force meetings. These would be higher density groups of smaller cottage style homes in order to maximize green space. Another goal of the new ordinance is to limit the use of detention ponds such as the unsightly one at the Mountain View development. The Ordinance will likely go before Council in July or August. We’ll keep you posted.
Renew Your NMCA Membership Today!
There are several residences and businesses that still have not renewed for the 2014 calendar year. If you’ve already renewed, thank you! If not, please renew now via PayPal at our website or mail your $10 annual membership dues to PO Box 571, Greenville, SC 29602. Thank you! Note: If you choose to donate via Paypal, once you’ve donated, click the button to “Return to North Main Community Association”. This will direct you to choose Individual or business and prompt you to fill in your name and address and select any issues or areas you are interested in. Please note that we are almost halfway through the year now and this will be the last newsletter you will receive unless you renew. If you are not sure of your membership status, please email the membership chairperson, Joyce Murphy, at jpm1272@charter.net We have a new Social Chairperson and have several events in the planning stages for this summer and fall, so we encourage you to renew so you can participate in these activities. We appreciate your support!
‘Update’ on the Park
A big thank you to Kathy and Dave Modeen and Carol Henson for volunteering at our gardens last weekend. Kathy & Dave weeded the rain garden in the Rotary Park and Carol weeded the flower bed across from the Drop In on N.Main….did you know NMCA wrote grants that funded moving the fence, purchasing and installing the “Welcome to North Main” sign as well as buying many of the plants for that little site? And the City helps at both spots by providing mulch and additional plant material. If you’re interested in volunteering for an area to help maintain, contact Jo Anne Conner at 414.0595.
Downtown Parking Promotion
In case you missed it, the City of Greenville will offer a special parking promotion on Fridays and Saturdays at the Spring Street Garage, located at 316 South Spring Street. The promotion will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and end at midnight on Saturdays. Anyone who enters and exits the Spring Street Garage during those hours will only be required to pay a flat fee of $2.00. The Spring Street Garage is located just a block away from the heart of the TD Saturday Market, and to encourage its use on Saturdays, the City has designed the promotion to coincide with the market season, which runs through October 25.
Reminder – ACS Free Cat Neuter/Spay for 29609 Zipcode
NO STRINGS ATTACHED! FREE means FREE for residents in the 29609 zip code who need to have their pet cats and kittens spayed or neutered. Thanks to a targeted grant from PetSmart Charities, Greenville County Animal Care on Furman Hall Road in Cherrydale is offering FREE spays and neuters for pet cats and kittens for residents in the 29609 zip code through 2015. This was done because of the staggering number of cats surrendered to the shelter or found stray there. Residents of the 29609 zip code should contact (864) 467-SPAY to make appointments to have their cats or kittens spayed or neutered at no charge. You will need to bring in proof that you reside in the 29609 zip code.
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in June is 85.6°F, the average low is 64.6°F. The record maximum for the period 1962-2006 was 100°F June 5, 1925. The record minimum was 40°F on June 1, 1972. Average rainfall is 4.49 inches. Record high rainfall was in 1994 with 10.12” http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html
The Palmetto state has a seismic past and will, no doubt, tremble again as quakes shake the ground beneath our feet. Earthquakes are not an uncommon occurrence in South Carolina. (See the Report on the most recent 3.6 Magnitude Earthquake in the Lowcountry…Dorchester County, 2008). The South Carolina Geological Survey (SCGS) is interested in making South Carolinians aware of our seismic past, what causes our earthquakes, what is being done to reduce the losses that will result from future quakes, and what you should do before, during, and after an earthquake.
The worst occurred on August 31, 1886, when a massive quake, estimated magnitude of 7.6 caused many of Charleston’s brick and masonry buildings to crumble to the ground. Those structures that remained standing bore great cracks and other scars. Sadly, about 60 people did not survive the quake. It was reported that ground shaking damaged structures as far away as 200 miles from Charleston. This quake was the strongest earthquake known to hit the Eastern Seaboard, and it shook with such force that it was felt over 2 1/2 million square miles (from Cuba to New York, and Bermuda to the Mississippi River). http://www.dnr.sc.gov/geology/earthquake.htm
Words of Wisdom
“There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before.” – Robert Lynd
Clemson’s Vanishing Firefly Project
Have you noticed how few fireflies (lightning bugs we call them) are around compared to when you were a kid? To me that is sad. From now until August 31, The Clemson Vanishing Firefly Project will be counting on volunteers to count fireflies anywhere they are. The project offers a mobile app that everyone – from elementary students to seniors – can use to measure firefly populations in their communities, from neighborhoods, to parks and anywhere in the world they may go!
All you have to do is turn off all outside lights and wait a few minutes. Stand or sit in the dark and fix your vision in front of you and make a circle with your hand in front of your eye. Count the number of fireflies that pass through your field of vision (without turning your head) within 1 minute and note their flashing pattern. Do not simply count the number of flashes…a single firefly can make several flashes within a few seconds in your field of vision. For more information check out the Clemson website . This would be a great project for kids at summer camps. It only takes a minute! The problem is ‘Light Pollution’. If you are interested, there is an organization called “International Dark Sky Association” which is the only non-profit organization fighting to preserve the night. Night light from signs and street lights cause many problems from distracting drivers, to decreasing fireflies to confusing baby turtles on beaches. Luckily, Greenville and many cities now use the proper lighting for new street lamps.
Gardening in June
Your irrigation cycle should be in full swing by this time. See the Home and Garden Center’s irrigation publications for more information, especially the publication on Irrigation Time of Day. One inch per week is the appropriate amount for most lawns and vegetables (except sweet corn and yellow squash, which may require up to two inches depending on growth stage). Include rainfall in this amount, and see How Much Water to determine how much water you are actually applying. And make sure that you adjust your water applications 
with plant growth stage and time of year – one size definitely does not fit all for the entire year. Also see Determining When to Irrigate to help determine when your plants need water. Do not irrigate every day! There are a few exceptions to this rule (such as potted plants), but only a few.
Apply a second, light fertilizer application to trees in June if there is sufficient moisture and conditions promote good growth. Do not apply if growing conditions are poor or if there is a drought. See Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs for more information.
Pruning – now is another good time to prune most trees and shrubs. July and August are the months to prune azalea, dogwood, forsythia, redbud and rhododendron. They should be pruned after they bloom, but before bloom set in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangea and late-flowering azalea cultivars might also be considered now. Avoid any pruning in the spring and fall if at all possible. See Pruning Trees and Pruning Shrubs for more information. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/laurens/yard_garden/06_june.html
June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month
Many shelters are running adoption specials this month. Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means your local shelter has tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between.
The Greenville Humane Society is also running a special in June. Get your kitten or puppy fixed for only $20. Help reduce the number of unwanted and homeless animals roaming the streets, hungry and at the mercy of predators.
Wells Fargo/AT&T Red, White & Blue Celebration
This Fourth of July celebration will be held in downtown on Friday, July 4, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event takes place in downtown Greenville from Court to Camperdown Streets and will encompass Broad Street, from Laurens to Falls Streets, and Falls Park. It is to the public free of charge. Event tickets may be purchased for $1 per ticket to be used for food, beverages and children’s rides. If you are purchasing alcohol, you must have a valid picture ID to obtain a wristband that will allow you to purchase alcoholic beverages. Coolers, pets, bicycles and skateboards are not allowed within the event area. Parking is available in and around downtown at several parking garages and other parking facilities.
The event features live music on two stages, fun-filled activities in the Zaxby’s Kidz Zone and a variety of popular food and beverage vendors.
Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from downtown Greenville and the surrounding areas. This event is perfect for the entire family so bring everyone and celebrate Independence Day with food, fun & fireworks in Downtown Greenville.
This Month’s Trivia
Did you know that this past year the SC House of Representatives passed two very important pieces of legislation. One, H.4482, designated the Columbian Mammoth as the official state fossil. Another, S.2236, designated barbeque as the official state picnic food. Joking aside, the House does discuss and pass important legislation, but let’s hope they didn’t spend more than 5 hours or so debating these issues.
Flash from the Past
From last month:
The Falls Cottage that once served as the home of the George Dyer family and shoe business is located within Falls park. Falls Cottage was originally used as a home by the Camperdown Mills
Supervisor. W.E. Touchstone and his wife Matilda built this two-story brick residence for their family to occupy in 1893.Touchstone was the superintendent of Camperdown Mills and in 1894 resigned and left for Alabama. His family remained in Greenville and his wife was made owner of the home. In 1897 Matilda Touchstone sold her home and eventually it was turned into a filling station by K.S. Conrad who bought the property in 1920. In early 1990, the house underwent renovations and opened as a combination art gallery and restaurant. The home is now known as Falls Cottage and for years has operated as a successful and charming restaurant with perhaps the best view of Falls Park. The photo on the right shows the restored building and how it looks today. http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=29900
This Month’s Photos – This is a give-away as I could not remove names….
The cops will be out and on top of the doughnut shops on Friday, June 13, 6am through Saturday, June 14th, 9pm at the following Krispy Kreme locations to support the South Carolina Special Olympics! 302 N. Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 215 B. Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC
Free doughnuts with your donation. Can’t make it that day…donating through the below website is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to Special Olympics South Carolina.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jointletr/fromtheupstatetothestatehouse?mid=uMItAA2
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 June Calendar.
Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
For other events in this area bookmark Go-greenevents for a listing of various events with registration, etc., handled online to save needless waste of paper.
Greenville County Museum ofArt – The Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm and on Sundays 1 – 5 pm. As always, admission is free. The Greenville Collection is now the largest and the most complete collection of Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors owned by any public museum in the world.
Interested in volunteering with the Puppies & Kittens or Adult Dogs at the Humane Society? Please visit their Volunteer page for details and requirements. ►Limited Number of Spots Available per Orientation ►Registration is Required ►To register for Puppy Patrol Orientation, please contact Tori Firth: puppypatrol@greenvillehumane.com
►To register for Dog Walking Orientation, please contact Alysha Harvey: dogwalking@greenvillehumane.com
June 18 and the third Thursdays each month – Earth Market Greenville. 11am-3pm @ 220 North Main St. Greenville SC in NoMa Square.
Rookie-oke on the 2nd and 4th Fridays, 7:30 to 10:30pm. Northgate Soda Shop. This is for people that have not and want to learn to sing Karaoke. We will have a coach available if someone wants help. Food will be available till 8. Come early and sign up to sing.
Summer Nights Concert Series. TD Stage at the Peace Center. 7:30 – 10pm. Summer concert series for individuals who enjoy a variety of music genres and live music performances.
June 13 – History Alive Festival – Rising to the Occasion. 7:30 – 9PM. Falls Park TD Amphitheater. A ten-day – two-weekend festival of 25 FREE shows and other events performed by nationally acclaimed historical interpreters. Debate the Constitution with PATRICK HENRY, escape from slavery with ROBERT SMALLS, join CLARA BARTON on the battlefield and then save the SC Sea Islands, experience the JOY OF MUSIC and challenge HARRY TRUMAN as he works to end World War II.
June 14 (10-11am), June 16 (5-6pm) and June 28 (10-11am). Greenville Humane Society Volunteer Orientation: Puppy Patrol & Adult Dog Walking. For more information on this or other programs, go to their website.
June 20 – Karaoke And Music With Bj The DJ. 8pm – 1am. Northgate Soda Shop. Food will be served until 9 pm. Happy hour every Thursday night from 5 – 10 pm.
June 21– Dinner and a Movie at the Silver Screen Café. This month enjoy “Music for Millions”, starring Margaret O’Brien, June Allyson, Jimmy Durante and the famous pianist / conductor Jose Iturbi. The setting is WWII in honor of the 70th anniversary of D-Day. 6:30pm. Check out their website for details on the cost and menu for the evening.
June 21 – Greenville Shriners Hospital Candlelight 5K Run/Walk. 9 p.m. ICAR. The certified 5K route will be lit by candlelight and have different music stations located throughout the route. There will also be a DJ playing at the finish line to spice up the run. Proceeds from this race go to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Greenville. Info: www.GreenvilleShrinersHospital.org
Check out other Go Green Events in the area at http://go-greenevents.com/
June 21, July 5, July 19 – The Very RAD, Very Free Movie Series at the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery. Movies are respectively (by dates), Jaws, Batman and Jurassic Park. The Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery will also be at the Greenville Saturday Market this season.
June 23 – Summer yoga session at the Bobby Pearse Center. Weekly 75 minute sessions, Mondays from 6:30 to 7:15. Classes are 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 may pay per class upon arrival or register for the entire 8-week session for less!
Cost for the entire session (8 weeks) is $32.00, Non-Resident: $40.00. You may also pay for each class upon arrival.
For a list of other recreational programs and Bobby Pearse and other community centers check out the City’s website at https://play.greenvillesc.gov/Public/AccountHome.aspx
July 4 –Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival. 5 – 10pm.206 S. Main Street. Free event for the community with food, alcohol, entertainment and fireworks. This year’s fireworks display at 9:45 pm will be synchronized to patriotic music and simulcast live from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on radio station 92.5 WESC.
July 4 – Earle St. July 4th Parade. 7-7:30 pm. 225 W. Earle St. Route is Earle St. from Robinson to North Main.
July 12 – Hot Dog Day. 9am – 4pm. Greenville Zoo visitors can enjoy hot dogs, Pepsi products, chips and ice cream for 50 cents each at the annual Hot Dog Day. Zoo admission for the event is $7.75 for adults. Children ages 3 to 15 will receive a special discounted admission for $2.25. Admission is free for Greenville Zoo members. The event is cash or checks only. There is a limit of four children per adult.
June 14 – Pollinators & Play. Roper Mountain Science Center. 9am – 1pm. Catch the buzz. Join us for Pollinators and Play Second Saturday where we’ll have some fun and games and learn about the pollinators that are so important to our environment. We’ll have hands-on activities and demonstrations that are fun for the whole family! Adults $6, Children $5, Members and Under 5 Free.
June 14 -The Great Outdoor Exhibit Grand Opening. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. 9am – 5pm. Pack your camping gear and head to The Great Outdoors. This exciting new exhibit provides an opportunity to explore all that makes the Upstate an ideal place for adventure. Visitors will set up Camp TCMU, count tree rings, learn survival skills and even track animals. The Great Outdoors exhibit has been designed and built by TCMU with some help from our new friends at Cabela’s, who provided some pretty awesome camping gear! Free with admission.
June 17 – Upstate Chapter, SC Native Plant Society. Protecting Native Plants by Protecting our Landscapes. 7-8:15 pm. Greenville Tec University Center, Multipurpose Room 2. Frank Holleman will share some inspiring stories that illustrate the good things that can happen when environmental organizations step in to acquire properties with populations of native species that otherwise would be wiped out by development. – See more at: http://scnps.org/event/upstate-protecting-native-plants-protecting-landscapes#sthash.gbbUgKRL.dpuf
June 23 – Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band. 7:30-10pm. Mellow Mushroom, 1 Augusta St. #101. The Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band comprises 17 of the best jazz musicians in the upstate in a large jazz ensemble. Performing works by band members as well as classic repertoire from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Maria Schneider, Buddy Rich, and Woody Herman, the band aspires to represent the full musical range of the modern big band. Three previous performances by the GJCBB have delighted standing-room only audiences, but this will be the band’s first concert at Mellow Mushroom. Free.
Greenville Humane Society 2014 Yappy Hour Series continues, presented by Camp Bow Wow. 6-8pm. Every 2nd Thursday of the month from April to October. For $8 you and your friends can unwind with cold brews and live music from local artists. Your dog can run off leash in our canine courtyard and take a dip in the “doggie” pools. Dogs must come on leash and be friendly, spayed/neutered, over 6 months of age, healthy & up to date on vaccinations. For more details or in case of inclement weather: Consult their Facebook page orwww.greenvillehumane.com.
Downtown Line Dance. 6:15 – 8pm. Offered every Tuesday from 6:15 to 8 pm. at Sears Rec Center in McPherson Park. Dances are taught in a fun and easy way with great music – Hip Hop, R&B, Rock & Roll, Latin, Country, Shag, Swing. Social dances include Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Bikers Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide, Good Time, God Blessed Texas, R&B Boogie and more. No partner or dance knowledge required. Two left feet are fine. Bring your friends and have some fun. Cost – $4 for Greenville city residents, $5 for others. Telephone: 864-467-4326.
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Summer Programs at Greenville Community Centers
To view the spring/summer calendar for the Bobby Pearse Center and/or the Sears Shelter, go to the Parks and Rec website You will be able to view program information and pay directly online.
….Or pick up a program brochure at your local community center.
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
