Welcome to our Newest Business Member
Walt Schnabel, CIE with Environmental Solutions Group lives in the North Main Community. Walt is a Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE). He provides residential and commercial clients comprehensive Indoor Environmental Quality assessment and testing services for building related moisture and indoor air/environmental quality issues. He can be reached at 336-541-5073, email EmailWalt864@gmail.com or his website, www.Go-ESG.com
Correction to September Newsletter Trivia
Thanks to the sharp eyes and knowledgeable sports experts who caught my mistake. Question No. 7 was “The SEC expanded to 12 teams in 1992 with the addition of which two schools?” The correct answer is no. 2, Arkansas and S. Carolina, not Miami and Clemson as stated. I should have caught that one, too. Apologies for the confusion and insult to all you ACC fans!
Duke Power Meeting Update
NMCA hosted a meeting on October 7 with Duke Power representatives regarding recent concerns about tree trimming in the area. Duke was represented by Terry Smith, communications specialist for the Carolina Blue Ridge District, 2 engineers, a Forester, and 2 others. The City of Greenville was represented by Brittany Keller who works with the Weather the Storm Residential Underground Power Line Burial Program.
Bob Bainbridge, NMCA President, opened with two statements: 1. Trees are a fundamental asset to our neighborhood. Trimming is ugly so it’s a hot button issue. 2. He reminded us of the Dec. 2005 ice storm when Duke took a lot of flak from both the media and residents about not being prepared.
Several residents had comments and questions which centered around 7 major issues (The following are the editor’s notes from the meeting which I hope are accurate):
- Notification of owners. If your trees are targeted for trimming you will get an information hanger on your door with contact information. If you have questions or concerns about how it will be done, call them. They will meet with you personally to assess the situation. With rental property, if the renter does not tell the owner, Duke will prune following their guidelines. (Owners of vacant lots may be harder to notify). There has apparently been confusion about the green tape. If there is green tape, this indicates this is a tree they would like to remove. Technically, they can’t take any tree greater than 6” DBH (diameter at breast height) without the homeowner’s permission in writing.
- Liability for vertically trimmed trees falling on homes. This is the homeowner’s responsibility. Duke’s response was “we did not plant the tree”. Hopefully one day, the ‘Right Tree Right Place’ program will greatly lessen the need for pruning. See photo. This is being done in new developments. In older ones, the one thing we can do is when we lose a tree (be it to pruning, lightning,
storms, etc.) plant another one of appropriate size in an appropriate location. They also indicated they do not see instances where vertically pruned trees fall on houses. Their reasoning was the root system is still the same size and that’s primarily what holds the tree; plus, there is less wind resistance in that tree. Some asked if they couldn’t also prune some on the other side to make them at least not look so ‘one-sided’. Also, could they leave the limbs that are under the power lines (they have in some cases at the homeowner’s request…they are still not aesthetically pleasing. - How often is trimming done? They are currently on a 7-9 year cycle. The last time they pruned was in 2006. Areas with more outages receive higher priority within the circuit. Over the last 12 month period there have been 15 outages in this area. Of these 12 were tree related.
- Underground power line burial received a lot of attention. One quote given for cost was $6 million per mile to put primary lines underground. In addition to cost, it’s very invasive. It would mean destruction of sidewalks, damage or removal of trees and other vegetation, etc. When you look up at the lines there are usually 3 lines a set distance apart. Whether in the air or underground, they would still be required to be that same distance apart, meaning either a much wider trench or a much deeper one. When asked why the lines were buried along Haywood Road instead of in a neighborhood with old growth oaks, Amy Doyle explained that the businesses along Haywood are one of the biggest tax generators for the city. In exchange for upgrades to the Mall and to encourage new business, the city agreed to bury the lines.
- What is the easement where they are allowed to cut? They have a 30 foot right-of-way, 15 feet on each side of the power line. They said that in most cases they cut closer to 10 feet, but in some cases have to go further in order to not ‘stub’ the tree. Hardwood species will sprout back if pruned properly. When cutting is during planned maintenance, they dispose of small limbs and brush. Larger pieces of wood are cut into usable lengths for the property owner’s use. In non-landscaped sites, everything is left in place to biodegrade.
- Are power lines designed to withstand certain conditions? This was asked because in some cases, even without trees present, with enough ice load, they still fall. They responded that the country has zones and requirements are different for each. Here they must withstand ¼” of ice and winds to a certain level. Other areas (i.e. Ohio), they must withstand ½” of ice. This is based on the National Electric Safety Guide specs.
In closing, Duke representatives asked for the opportunity to talk to concerned homeowners before they trim. There is a name and contact number on the door hanger cards. Please call them and they will come to you and discuss your concerns. Todd Medlin @ 234-4261 or Terry Smith @ 234-4061. For more information, you can visit the Utility Arborist Association Website. For a copy of the handout that was given out, you can find a link on our website.
Development Update
- Main @ Stone development is moving forward. This multi-use development is fulfilling the Stone Avenue Master Plan need for more retail, residential and office in the North End. The retail partners have not been announced. Charleston Developer The Beach Company will announce the ground breaking ceremony within the next month. (Amy Doyle, email)
- Noticed the flags and markings on some area sidewalks, such as W. Hillcrest? The city is only making repairs to broken sections, not replacing the entire sidewalk.
- No news on the proposed development for the landlocked property between W. Hillcrest and W. Mountainview. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we hear anything. At last word, the developer was making changes to the proposed plan at the request of the city staff.
- In a recent email from Amy Doyle, she reported that a penny sales tax increase will be on next month’s ballot. This money will be used strictly for a pre-approved list of roads, bridges and repaving over the next 7-8 years. To see the Greenville County Sales Tax Fact Sheet click here.
To check on future agendas go to https://www.greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/default.aspx
To voice your opinions, pro or con, on zoning, developments, etc., or to offer suggestions, write the Planning Commissioners and/or your City Council Representatives.
NMCA 2014 Board of Director Nominations
We are still taking nominations for the 2014 NMCA Board of Directors. Current board members are listed at the top of the newsletter. All officers must reside within the geographical boundaries of the NMCA for the entire period they hold office, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2014. All officers must have been a member in good standing for a minimum of 12 months prior to the election and must be 18 years or older. The 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 will be able to succeed her or himself as elected by the members. Any member may nominate someone for office. The nomination must be submitted no later than November 1. You may email the nomination to jpm1272@charter.net or mail to PO Box 571, Greenville, SC 29602. The person nominated must agree to serve if elected and a brief statement of their qualifications and past contributions would be helpful. Election ballots will be emailed or mailed to all members in late November.
Thank you, Michael Huskey, for Years of Service to NMCA
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Michael Huskey who has served NMCA, in a volunteer capacity…as we all do…for the last 10+ years. Michael started the first NMCA website many years ago. When you got an email about a lost pet, a crime alert, the monthly newsletter, etc., it was Michael that actually maintained the email list and sent it out. While someone else may have written it, if it weren’t for him, it would not have ended up in your ‘in box’. Michael is retiring from his real job the end of the year, and also from his ‘volunteer’ job in order to pursue travel and other interests. We hope he will still attend some of our functions so we won’t lose track of him. We wish him all the best for the future!
Pet Info and News
Many times we list pets that are either missing or found. We love to hear the results so we can pass the info along to interested members. You can post on our FB page whether the dog or cat was reunited with its owners. Thanks! Magic and Rusty, two dogs recently posted, were both returned home safe and sound. As of this writing, we have one cat that has not been reported on but the little gray and white kitten has been found and is being returned to her owner safe and sound.
Animal Care Services is continuing its free spay and neuter for cats and kittens in the 29609 zip code. This will continue through 2015. Please take advantage of this opportunity and help reduce the number of unwanted cats and kittens roaming our neighborhoods. Meet your perfect pet match at the biggest adoption event of the year…Mega-Matc-a-Thon, October 18th at Animal Care. More than 300 pets will be ready and waiting to go to their forever homes! Take the comPETability survey and find out which pet you should get based on your personality and lifestyle. We’ll have dog trainers, behaviorists, and professional match-makers on hand to guide you through the adoption process. Find your perfect match by taking their ComPETability survey. Bring your completed survey with you on the 18th to be a step ahead of the crowd.ALL pets will be $25 for one day only! This event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.greenvillepets.org.
The Greenville Humane Society is celebrating the season with a Fall in Love Adoption Special. Adult dogs (5 months and older) and specially marked kittens are only $25. Come fall in love and give a loving pet a forever home. They are also in need of cat and dog toys. Please drop them off at their facility on Old Airport Road.
If you follow the emails and NMCA Facebook page, you’ll notice that so many of our posts are regarding lost or found cats and dogs. It’s always good when they are reunited with their owners so we like to know so we can let our members know. We’d also like to make a pitch for getting your pets micro-chipped, especially if they are outdoor pets. It’s not expensive and it’s the first thing most folks do when one is found. It’s best if you can keep cats indoors (we do have coyotes, raccoons, dogs and other predators roaming) but we know that’s not always possible. And dogs should have a fenced yard to keep them safe. An electric fence is great to keep your dog in, but does nothing to keep other dogs out! Please be a responsible pet owner. That includes picking up after your pet on walks around the neighborhood.
Goats for Hire – “Green” Mowers
We ran a story some time back about how goats are one of the best ways to get rid of kudzu…they just love the stuff!! Kudzu is a vine that has literally eaten the Southern part of the U.S. It’s native to Asia, but was introduced into the U.S.A. in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition at the Japanese Pavillion. It was then considered an ornamental vine, and was planted in the South (can you imagine planting kudzu!!) Chastain Park is the largest of the Metro Atlanta parks with over 200 acres of green space. Kudzu control is a full time job here. You could say it really gets their goat, because the park just hired about 100 goats to take a chomp at it.
But North Main now has their very own ‘goat herder’ with 10 goats hired to rid her vacant property of that invasive plant which can grow over a foot per day! They’ll eat other weeds and plants as well. See photo on right of her goats in action. Wells Farm in Horseshoe, NC, contracts goats out to Municipalities, HOA, commercial projects, and private land owners. For information, call 828.877.5109 or visit their website. If you would like to talk to the local resident who is using goats, post a note on our website or FB page.
Stone Academy Annual Hair Cuts for Cancer Event
This year Stone’s Annual Hair Cuts will coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- When: Friday, October 31 (yes, Halloween) at Stone Academy (1:30pm)
- Who: Anyone who has 8 inches of hair
- Why: Because you care and want to help others.
This Month’s Trivia – The Origin of Halloween
Halloween or Hallowe’en a contraction of “All Hallows’ Evening”), also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It initiates the triduum of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers. Within Allhallowtide, the traditional focus of All Hallows’ Eve revolves around the theme of using “humor and ridicule to confront the power of death.”
According to many scholars, All Hallows’ Eve is a Christianized feast initially influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, with possible pagan roots, particularly the Gaelic Samhain. The Celts celebrated their New Year on November 1. Halloween day signified the advent of winter and human death. According to the ancient belief, the worlds of the living and dead merged on Halloween day. The spirits of dead ancestors were believed to return on the night of October 31. The priests claimed to communicate with the dead for prophesies. Prophesies helped the Celtic community to survive through the long, severe winter. Other scholars maintain that it originated independently of Samhain and has solely Christian roots.
The festival of Samhain was celebrated by lighting bonfires and sacrificing crops and animals to Celtic deities. Today typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related “guising”), attending costume parties, decorating, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted house attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data from 1884 to present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in October is 69.2°F, the average low is 55.2°F and the average precipitation is 3.81”. The record maximum temperature for the period was 97°F on Oct 6, 1954. The record minimum was 25°F on Oct 29, 1976. Record high rainfall was in 1932 with 12.68” with minimum precipitation of 0” in 2000. The coldest October was in 1917 and the warmest in 1941. The snowiest October was in 1926 when a ‘trace’ was recorded.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, the temperature outlook for October-December 2014 indicates elevated probabilities of above-normal mean temperatures west of the Rocky mountains, across the northern U.S. from the northern Rockies to the northeast, in most areas east of the Mississippi, and for all of Alaska… below-normal mean temperatures are more likely over areas of the southwest including eastern Arizona, new Mexico and western Texas. The 2014 precipitation outlook indicates enhanced probabilities of below-median precipitation over the Pacific Northwest including parts of northern California and Nevada and over the northern Rockies. Increased probabilities for above-median precipitation amounts are forecast from southern California eastward across the southern Rockies and the southern plains, and along the gulf and southern Atlantic coasts up to North Carolina. The probabilities for above-median precipitation are also enhanced over southern Alaska.
Fall Gardening for Wildlife
Fall is a great time for bird-watching. Many birds are looking for an inviting place to stop over during their winter migration or even stay for the season. Here are five tips sure to have all the birds “tweeting” about your yard:
- Provide running water. Birds require water year-round. The sound of running water in a birdbath or pond will be heard by birds from some distance, draw them in for a drink, and possibly a quick dip as well.
- Clean out birdhouses. Make necessary repairs to birdhouses in preparation for species that roost during fall and winter. In many areas, bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches and winter wrens may take up nightly residence in birdhouses to keep warm and safe.
- Create brush piles. Save your fall clippings of branches and twigs. Then, pile them in a corner of the yard to create cover for birds that prefer habitat on the ground — such as dark-eyed juncos,
tree sparrows and white-throated sparrows.
- Increase the number of feeders. In the cooler days of fall, birds increase their food consumption and will continue to do so as the temperature drops and natural food sources, such as seed on perennials, etc. disappear.
- Plant evergreens. Planted near feeders and birdbaths, evergreens are perfect for providing cover for birds after deciduous trees lose their leaves. http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx
Don’t’ Forget to Vote!
You must have one of the following items to vote on Election Day, November 4:
- Voter Registration Card*
- Driver’s License
- DMV-issued ID Card
For a list of the November candidates, go to this website.
Voter FAQs http://elections.mytimetovote.com/south_carolina.html
Flash From the Past – Can you identify these landmarks?
From Last Month
This photo has a personal interest to me. This was the Pure Oil Station on the corner of Shaw St. where Rutherford and Poinsett Highway split, but the station and lot were called Gilreath Auto Company. It belong to my husband’s (Jim) father, Charlie Gilreath. He bought the service station with money he saved and sent home during WW II. He purchased the station from a friend but completely rebuilt it. He built a bay and the service station and serviced cars and washed and waxed them and sold tires. The station opened in 1946, just months after WW II ended. The station was open 6 days a week but he would open it on Sunday if someone needed him. He was the first person in Greenville to sell Christmas trees. Always the entrepreneur, he painted some of the trees pink and some silver. They sold like hotcakes. Obviously, he was ahead of his time. My husband, Jim, started his first business there when he was 14 years old. He sold fireworks. To get the attention of passing motorists, he would throw ‘cracker balls’ in the street which would “pop” loudly when tires ran over them. He did a booming business for 3 years until his Dad caught him selling cherry bombs on the side. And then there was the July 4th fireworks explosion in the back of his Dad’s pickup…but we won’t go there. The station was closed in 1964 after 18 years of successful business.
These are the remains of the old Pelham Mill. Pelham Mills operated from 1820 to 1935 along the Enoree River in Pelham, South Carolina. The mill was founded by Reverend Thomas Hutchings in 1820 in the town of Buena Vista, now Pelham. The mill burned sometime in the 1820s, but Hutchings rebuilt the mill on the same site. He sold the mill in 1827 to Philip C. Lester and Josiah Kilgore. In 1850, five men and twenty women were employed by the mill and produced $12, 000 worth of cotton yarn. It burned for a second time in 1853, and, unfortunately, the partners were uninsured. Lester bought out Kilgore for his half of the mill and hired on his sons, W.F., Archibald, and George. They rebuilt the mill, and it then housed 500 spindles and was powered by the Enoree River. The Civil War and its end brought an increased demand for cotton. The mill continued to be prosperous through the 1870s, but improvements in mill machinery changed the industry quickly between 1880 and 1885. In 1919, steam was added to the existing water power system to operate the machinery, as well as a dyeing operation. The mill operated 11,112 spindles in 1935, the year the mill was closed. A fire in 1940 destroyed the buildings, but the ruins of the mill complex can still be seen today. Pelham Mills was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 19, 1987. For additional history visit http://library.furman.edu/specialcollections/southcarolina/pelham_biography.htm
Words of Wisdom
“If you want to leave footprints in the sands of time, don’t drag your feet.” —Anon.
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito.” —Betty Reese
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” —Albert Einstein
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 October 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 of Art – 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.
Oct 16 – National Feral Cat Day. Sponsored by Alley Cat Allies to raise awareness about roaming cats and how best to care for them and to raise funds for feral cat programs.
Oct 15-19 and 24-26 – Boo in the Zoo. Greenville Zoo. 5:30 – 8:30 pm. A Non-Frightening Halloween Event. Telephone: 864-467-4515
Oct 18 – SC Upstate Native Plant Sale 9am – 1pm. University Center Parking Lot. Plants bought in the fall may have begun to lose their leaves, there are no flowers on most species, and they just look drab! But let’s remember the hard work we’re asking that plant to do, just to get established. The establishment work is easier for a fall-planted perennial plant. Then you get to enjoy next spring’s growing, flowering and fruiting season in its full glory. So go to http://scnps.org/event/upstate-fall-native-plant-sale-2 , get the info on the SCNPS Upstate Native Plant sale, and get a list of plant species that will be available. And happy fall planting!
Oct 18 – Walk to End Alzheimer’s 9am – 10am. Start at Fluor Field. Nationwide awareness and fundraising event. Telephone: 864-915-2757
Oct. 18 – Upstate Pagan Pride Day 10am – 8pm. Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 1135 State Park Rd. A day of fun activities, classes, vendors and speakers where people can learn about paganism and enjoy each other’s company. Live performances by musicians and entertainers. Everyone welcome and encouraged to come out and have a great time! Telephone: 803-968-5176. Admission: 1 can pet food, 1 can people food
Oct 23 – Home Run For Healthy Kids. Greenville Drive Stadium. 9am – 7pm. The Junior League of Greenville’s Home Run for Healthy Kids® (HRHK) was created in 2008 and is a free two-day field trip open to Greenville County School’s 4th and 5th graders. Each year JLG partners with 15+ agencies to provide education to more than 2,300 local children on health, nutrition and safety. Every child who attends HRHK receives a backpack that he or she will fill with educational and fun giveaways from each station all promoting a healthy lifestyle. Telephone: 864-455-2608
Oct 23-24 – Enchanted Tracks at The Pavilion. Ages 10 and under. The event includes trick-or-treating in a magical forest filled with fairy tale creatures (non-scary), a ride on George the Train, a costume contest, bounce houses, and free carnival-style games. Note: There is typically face-painting and/or balloon art available for an additional small fee (cash only). October 23 and 24 from 6-9 p.m. October 25 from 4-8:30 p.m. Costume Contest is at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Admission: Tickets are available presale online or at Greenville County Rec’s administrative office for just $5/child, accompanying adults are free. On the day of the event, tickets will be sold for $7/child.
Oct 24 – Earle St. Baptist Church Fall Festival. 6-8pm.
Oct 25 – Boo on Buist. 2-5pm. Watch for more details.
Oct 25 – North Main Yard Sale. 8am – 1pm. Northgate Soda Shop. Please set up your area around the edge of the parking lot and park your vehicle on the street. Please leave the center of the parking lot clear. Bring your own tables, racks or anything you need to sell your items (including change). There is not a charge for your spot. You keep all of the money from your sales. Anything that you do not want to take back home, we will donate to charity.
Oct 25 – Kid’s Comic Con & Trick-or-Treat at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. Dress up as your favorite comic book character and trick-or-treat at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate! Meet local comic book illustrators and learn how to create your own animation. Multiple activities scheduled throughout the day. All food items offered for trick-or-treating will be located at the food court only, making this event a perfect option for families looking for a trick-or-treat option that makes it easy to avoid candy. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., trick-or-treating from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Event is free with admission to the museum (rates: $9/child, $10/adult, and under 2 and members are free)
Oct 24-26 – Friends of the Library Semi Annual Used Book Sale. Merovan Center, 1200 Woodruff Rd, Suite E-2. Friday: 3:00pm-8:00pm (Friends Only). Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday,1:00pm-5:00pm (Open to the Public Sat and Sun). 50% off on Sunday.
Oct 27 – Summit Elementary Boosterthon A school Fun Run/Fundraiser. The kids get pledges for each lap they run and then we have a Fun Run. It’s a HUGE fundraiser for the school. This year the money is going to technology and replacing 10 year old computers in the classrooms! Usually pledges are made to a specific runner but if anyone wanted to donate to all the runners they can contact Susan Sullivan atSSullivan@keenansuggs.com
Oct 28 – Halloween Boogaloo | South Carolina Children’s Theatre. Celebrate Halloween and get a trial run in your costume before the big night. Join Miss Traysie for a special Tell Me a Story event! Dress up in your Halloween costume and listen to an animated reading of two spooky tales “We’re Off to Find the Witch” by Mr. Krieb & “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson. Afterwards go trick or treating before you leave the building and collect a treat for Halloween.
Classes offered by NMCA business member ‘Elizabeth Chandler Designs’
- After-School Sewing & Craft Program For Children
- Adult Beginner Sewing 101, Mondays at 6:00 pm (10/21, 10/28 & 11/4)
- Sewing Children’s Clothing (Thursday, 10/24, 6:00–9:00 pm)
- Upstate Sewing & Craft Club Do you want some fellowship while you sew? Maybe you’re looking to show off a new creation or to learn some new tips and tricks to make your projects a little easier? You’re welcome to meet and mingle with like-minded sewing and craft enthusiasts by joining Greenville’s Sewing & Craft Club!
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendarFall 2014 Program Schedule at Greenville Community Centers
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Nov 3 – Fall Back: Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 3, as Daylight Savings Time Ends.
To view the fall calendar for the Bobby Pearse Center, go to the Parks and Rec website
To view the fall program calendar for the Sears Recreation Center, 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.
Community Center Rental
Both the Bobby Pearse Center and the Sears Shelter are available for rent. For information about renting the Bobby Pearse Center, email Jonathan Jones or call 467-4331.
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
