January/February 2019 Newsletter

Please Welcome Your 2019 Board of Directors:

President: Dave Modeen

Vice-President: Rhett Brown

Treasurer: Jim Gilreath

Recording Secretary: Amanda Stevenson-Cali

Membership Secretary: Vacant

Social Com. Sec: Sunnie Harmon
Beautification Com. Sec: Hunter Cutchin

*Normally the Board of Directors meets the first Tuesday of most months. Members are welcome to attend board meetings. Please email northmaincomm@gmail.com for the location and to find out if we are meeting that month.

As you can see above, the membership secretary position is currently vacant. We are looking for someone to fill that seat. If you are interested or want more information about what the position requires, please email northmaincomm@gmail.com and someone from the board will get in touch. Thank you!

It’s That Time…Time to Renew your Membership

Many of you who have tried to renew your dues have run into problems on our website. The website is being updated. You can still pay via Paypal or credit card online, but you will not be able to enter other information. That’s ok as long as we have your information and nothing has changed. You can also send a check made out to NMCA to PO Box 571, Greenville, 29602. PLEASE let us know if any of your information has changed. Dues are still $20 per calendar year for residents and $30 per calendar year for businesses. We would like to get as many renewals as possible before the February 17 Social.

We do have some members that have previously paid for multiple years. If you think you are one of them, please email northmaincomm@gmail.com to confirm. Also, if you know someone who is a member and is not receiving emails, please tell them to email northmaincomm@gmail.com . We have a few that bounce each time we email. We thank you for your membership and support!

NMCA Winter Social

Only one week away!! Mark your calendars for next Sunday, February 17th, from 3 – 5 pm, for the NMCA Member Winter Social at the Bohemian Café. Cash bar, we will provide food. For those who were at the last social at the Bohemian, you remember the delicious food! This year will be no different! Come and join friends and neighbors, meet our new board members and enjoy the afternoon. We look forward to seeing you!

Development Update

We received comments from residents regarding the new subdivision (condos) at N. Main. They were in reference to: parking, whether units would be rented or owned, demand for this size dwelling (with Main & Stone just down the street), appearance and architectural style, and patio lighting and resulting light pollution. We sent these concerns to the engineering firm and their response was as follows:

“These condos will be purchased. There is a chance that someone could buy one of these units and rent it out. However, there will be provisions that will not allow any type of short term leasing that would potentially be unwanted. It is definitely not the goal of the developer for any of these units to be rented… they are meant to be purchased. In terms of parking, each unit will have 2 garage spaces that residents could use. Although some units will not have driveway spaces available, most will be able to park an extra car or 2 in the driveway. With 25 units we are in accordance with the city ordinance and are not maximizing what we are allowed. We feel at this time that we are proposing a reasonable amount of units on site. In reference to the Stone and Main units, I am not aware of their sales but I can speak for our development by saying that people have already shown interest in buying a unit on this site. The developer feels strongly that they will be able to sell units very quickly. Greenville is growing at a very fast rate. I am sure there is concern about what the units will look like. They have not been designed yet, the developer wanted to get through planning commission before we started worrying about the architecture. I can assure you that these units will be visually pleasing. Keep in mind I am not under the same roof as the architect but from my understanding they will be mostly brick. The developer is shooting for a price point in these units that will simply not allow an unattractive unit. I can personally guarantee these will not look like Stone and Main. teI am working with the architect on another project currently in Clemson and they do produce a quality project. Also, the developer has agreed to sending out elevations of the units when they are available. And finally to answer your patio lighting question, it is to my understanding that there will be no patio space with these units. If there are patio spaces provided, the architect will not add any lights to these areas that would pollute into neighboring properties.”

NMCA will keep you updated with any architectural renderings as they become available.

NorthPointe: Northpointe construction has been delayed because of rainy weather but we understand that the apartments should be completed in late August. The Harris Teeter store is expected to begin construction early this summer and should open in early 2020.

The photo at the right is a visual of their progress! The rendering of the Wade Hampton Boulevard & Stone Corner verses the Current Condition. To help visualize: the canopies on this face will be approximately the same height as the platform currently being built.

City Recycling Notes: Keep Plastic Bags Out of Recycling Carts. The city is asking residents to not place plastic bags into recycling bins, as bags get caught in recycling conveyor systems. Please empty recyclables into the bins and then recycle the bags properly. Check out the citys Guide to Recyclables for more information.

We still get questions about glass recycling. According to the City’s recycling coordinator: “We are cautiously optimistic that we can eventually offer glass recycling at our 2 city drop off centers. The goal is to ensure our residents have a viable long term solution for glass recycling. Rest assured, our team continues to stay involved with the constantly changing recycling markets, various options and newest technologies. We will keep you posted as we progress and get new information. At this time, the closet glass recycling manufacturer is Strategic Materials, https://www.strategicmaterials.com/locations/ “ For a list of recycling locations near Greenville and what items they accept, click here. (I have heard others talk of taking their glass to nearby locations. If you know of somewhere, please let us know and we’ll pass it along.)

Bobby Pearse Community Center: The city, after months of inspection and public input, has decided to demolish the Bobby Pearse Center with no certain plans of what to do with the soon-to-be-vacant land on the Townes Street side of North Main Rotary Park. This, in spite of overwhelming support by residents in two public meetings to either restore or rebuild. An option to preserve the center and rebuild was on the table, but an inspection that revealed asbestos and other damage throughout the structure made that nearly impossible, said Brad Cuttino, who oversees community centers for the city’s parks and recreation department. The city is considering building a new center, which could cost close to $1 million depending on the size, or leaving the land empty for expanded green space in North Main Rotary Park or building restrooms that the community has said are sorely needed especially with school children playing and kickball leagues. A new center would cost between $600,000 to $900,000, and restrooms would cost between $300,000 to $400,000, Cuttino said. It will likely take public donations to get a chance of getting it rebuilt. (Greenville Online)

City staff held a meeting on January 7 during which the future of the Bobby Pearse Center was discussed. This was apparently not a public meeting, as no one received notice of it. The presentation can be found on the NMCA website for those interested. We hope to be able to provide you with dates when the Center will be discussed at future city meetings.

In the meantime, there is additional work being undertaken to further assess the damage and review the cost estimates for repair versus rebuilding. We will update you in the coming days.

Greenville City Boards and Commissions

The city offers many opportunities for citizens and business owners to participate in municipal government through its Boards and Commissions. City Council fills appointments on 13 various boards and commissions. In addition, the Mayor and City Council also appoint a limited number of members to six boards, which do not directly advise City Council, but act as policy-making boards and oversee the operations of their respective independent agencies.

There are several vacancies coming up this year.

Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee: 1 seat, Term Expiring 09/30/2019

Arts in Public Places: 2 seats, Terms expiring 04/30/2019

Greenville Airport Commission: 1 seat, Term expiring 03/31/2019

Planning Commission: 3 seats, Terms expiring 03/31/2019

Volunteering to serve on a board or commission is a good way to get involved and learn more about your local government. You can apply online.

Crime Awareness

We are losing a valuable resource to our community. Officer Michele Lentz, Greenville’s Crime Prevention Specialist. As of December 22^nd, she began transitioning to the position of recruitment officer for the Greenville Police Department. We will miss her and the valuable service she provided. The city is in the process of filling that position. For now, just continue to be a good neighbor and watch out for suspicious activity and report it to the non-emergency number, 864-271-5333, unless it’s an ongoing crime or emergency, in which case you should call 911.

From Nextdoor: Beware of phone scammers telling you that you’ve missed jury duty and requesting money to take care of a warrant out for your arrest. A resident’s parents received these calls and were so confused and frightened. When you call the number the voicemail says “Greenville County Police”. After not being able to reach someone at the number given they called the number for Greenville PD and they let them know this was a scam and that these scammers had collected thousands of dollars from unsuspecting people in the area. Beware and warn your elderly neighbors, friends and parents. This information has been reported to the police.

You may recall from a couple of years ago that the Greenville Police Dept. was initiating a crime reduction and safety program using electric motorcycles to quietly patrol the Swamp Rabbit Trail and parks. They’ve apparently expanded their use to neighborhoods as I’ve recently seen at least one in the North Main area. They are extremely quiet as you can imagine, thus their ability to sneak up on possible crimes. At night, all you see is a headlight coming your way.

For our Four-Legged Friends

Animal Care Services is always in need of foster care for those animals with minor health issues or those that are too young to be neutered or adopted or need socialization. Stop by the shelter today to take a look. They especially need big dogs fostered. Stop by the adoptions center to find a canine companion for the week or visit the foster lobby for more information. You can also email fosterapet@greenvillecounty.org . Animal Care also tries to exhaust all possible options to keep pets in their homes through their Get Pet Help: A one-stop web page with advice on pet issues from behavior problems to life changes.

Many people are negative about GCAC because they are not a no-kill shelter. Remember, they are a county facility and they have to take all animals that are brought in. There is a surrender fee and sometimes a waiting list as they are so crowded. But the Community Cat Diversion Program along with other programs has helped them get so close to no-kill. In 2018, their save rate was 88%. 90% is considered no-kill. So please consider adopting your next pet there to help them reach no-kill status. See how you can help here.

Although we have mentioned this in the past, just wanted to remind you that you can help raise money for the Greenville Humane Society every time you walk your dog! Visit http://www.wooftrax.com/ to learn more. We have a lot of dog walkers in this neighborhood and every little bit counts.

Happy Neuter Year! Get your male dog or cat fixed for only $20 at the Humane Society in collaboration with PetSmart Charities. Limited availability. Call 864.263.5612 to book an appointment.

We still have so many cats and dogs that go missing. There was recently some good information and advice on Nextdoor on posting missing pets. If you choose to post, remember to post your approximate location [ie, the Sans Souci area of Greenville, near Cherrydale, around Old Buncombe and Poinsett — or wherever it is with cross-streets — that way, people share the post with the location already in it] and any identifying features [neutered, color of collar, microchip, etc.], and a photo or two. https://www.facebook.com/groups/LostFoundPetsUpstateSC https://www.facebook.com/groups/LostandfoundcatsSC/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/378102535985001 You can also submit a “Lost Pet” report at the GCAC website page that is very useful for those looking for their lost pet. https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/ACSLostAndFound/lostform.aspx [Make sure you search their Found Pets database on that site — people also post *found* animals!] You can post to the NMCA FB page and we’ll help share with others. Here is the CraigsList Lost and Found page to post a lost cat [and people also post found animals there too]: https://greenville.craigslist.org/search/laf You can also post a Lost Cat on Pawboost [use the free service they offer]: https://www.pawboost.com/ Check this site for other tips.

One bit of advice is to put something with your smell on it (shoes, shirt, etc. … the longer worn, the better) at the door your cat uses. They will be able to smell it. One tactic I have heard that is NOT a good idea is to put their litter box outside and they will smell that. The problem is…so can predators! Predators won’t be attracted by your dirty clothes. Usually cats do not go far from home and tend to hunker down under buildings, in garages, etc. If out calling, use a soft tone and if you think you see him/her, drop down to their level. The best time to look is at night.

February Gardening?

With the warmer weather we’ve been having lately, it’s so easy to catch the gardening bug. But winter’s not quite over yet. But don’t wait too much longer to plant those trees and shrubs. Now the temps are still cool and water needs are less than they will be in two months. 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.

An example of how roots will grow even in winter is in most of our yards. If you’re like me, you’ve got tons of little oak trees coming up. Even with only two or three leaves, those little plants have tremendous root systems for their size. Just try pulling one up! The same thing goes for planting trees and shrubs in winter. The roots will keep growing since soil is usually warmer than air…thus giving those plants a head start for spring.

Maybe consider adding a water feature to provide water for birds and other wildlife. And don’t forget about the Upstate Native Plant Sale on April 13. Pick up some great plants to make your yard wildlife friendly!

I have bulbs that are up and some are already blooming. Flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and crocus are some of the earliest flowers to appear in gardens each year, some starting to bloom as early as January.

Pruning – Winter is a good time to prune most trees and shrubs. However, do not prune azalea, dogwood, forsythia, redbud and rhododendron – they should be pruned after they bloom, since they set blooms in the fall on the previous season’s growth. If you prune now, you prune off the part that will bloom. Almost anything that blooms after June 1 (except oakleaf hydrangea and late-flowering azalea cultivars) can be pruned safely; however, make sure there is no green wood which could actually start sprouting new growth if we have a prolonged warm period. See Pruning Trees and Pruning Shrubs for more information.

Transplanting – This is also a good time to move plants that have overgrown a site or that don’t fit the microclimate of that site (sun, shade, etc.) Plants are dormant and will undergo less stress if transplanted now. Be sure to plant at a similar depth from where they came and get as much of the root ball as possible. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/laurens/yard_garden/01_january.html

Plant hardy vegetables and other cool-season crops, such as lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, spinach, peas, and cauliflower. Start seeds of warm-season vegetables indoors.

It’s also a good time to check the pH of your soil to see if amendments are needed for plants you want to add. Remember that azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies, hydrangeas, etc. prefer acidic soils (pH below 7). Check this site for others. Check with the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service for forms, costs, etc.

For the Birds

Don’t forget the birds during cold periods…yes, it is still winter. They need food, especially high calorie food such as black oil sunflower seed, suet, etc. But more importantly, keep a supply of water available.

Now is the time to see the winter residents of our area, such as the ruby crowned kinglet. We’re also seeing a lot of House Finches (which I’ve always called, perhaps incorrectly, strawberry finches). And all the birds are starting to get brighter colors, getting ready for mating season. The Great Backyard Bird Count provides thousands of data points that show how the winter ranges of some birds have changed significantly due to the warming climate. The bird at the left may fool you. Looks like a very large gold finch but it’s an Evening Grosbeak. “This year is a very exciting one for backyard birders in the East, headlined by the largest Evening Grosbeak movement in at least two decades,” says the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Another good program is Project FeederWatch …a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. FeederWatchers periodically count the birds they see at their feeders from November through early April and send their counts to Project FeederWatch. FeederWatch data help scientists track broadscale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in February is 57°F, the average low is 33.5°F and the average precipitation (rainfall) is 3.97”. Looking at records from 1890 to 2017 the maximum high was 81 on Feb 12 & 16^th in 2017 & 2018. The highest low temperature was 62 on Feb 21^st, 2018. The minimum high temperature was 20 on Feb 14th, 1899 and the minimum low was -5 that same day. Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 3.42” on Feb 28, 1987. Maximum snow was 15” on Feb 15, back in 1902. Our snowiest winter was back in 1935-36 with 21.4”. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php

According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the Jan-Feb-March 2019 temperature outlook favors near normal to slightly below normal temperatures and normal to slightly above normal precipitation across the Southeast.

And yes, Punxatawny Phil did not see his shadow this year, meaning an early spring. But don’t get too excited! He has been forecasting for over 120 years, predicting 103 longer winters and only 19 early springs (including this year). But…he’s only correct 39% of the time. Interestingly enough, he’s actually more accurate when he predicts an early spring! Still, I doubt the NWS will be hiring him since you have better odds with the flip of a coin!

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:

Gardening and Plants

Law Firms/CPAs/Financial

Insurance

State Farm – Michael Oliver (864.233.7779)
The Rushton Agency (864.859.9953)

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

The Hughes Main Library has numerous programs for adults and children. Check out their February Calendar.
There’s always something new and fun at the Greenville Zoo. Check their They are closed for maintenance but will reopen Feb 16.
The Children’s Museum has great programs for kids. Check them out at their website calendar
Check out the current exhibits and other programs at the Upstate History Museum.
Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
Another great online resource is ‘Kidding Around Greenville’.

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.

Feb – Check out the classes at the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery.

Feb – Check out the Community Tap calendar of events.

Ongoing – Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Line Dancing, Lindy Hop and International Folk Dance at the Sears Shelter at McPhearson Park. Dances are taught in a fun and easy way with a variety of music. No partner or dance knowledge required. Two left feet are fine. Bring your friends and have some fun. Check out the Parks and Rec website for times and registration for each.

Check out the events at the Carolina Music Museum at Heritage Green.

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. Considered the premier American art museum in the South, the GCMA is home to the world’s largest public collection of watercolors by iconic American artist Andrew Wyeth. Visit their website to learn about current exhibitions.

Feb 14 – Hillcrest Garden Club. Mike McGirr from “From Farm to Belly” Feed and Seed. He will tell us about increasing food security, access to healthy foods and building a more sustainable food system. All are invited to attend and may call Mary G. Roberts, 458 7735, for more information. They start at 10:00 a.m.at the Kilgore Lewis House, with a 30 minute social, the program and lastly, business.

On March 14, they will be conducting a tour of the Cancer Survivor Park.

Feb 15-18 – Great Backyard Bird Count. The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that occurs across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy – and it helps the birds. During the 2018 count, bird watchers from more than 100 countries submitted more than 180,000 bird checklists reporting a record 6,456 species–more than half the known bird species in the world.

Feb 16 – Cupids Undie Run. 12-4pm. Ink N Ivy – 21 E Coffee St. A “brief,” mile(ish) fun run that takes place in the middle of a BIG party – all to find a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic tumor disorder that affects 1 in every 3,000 births. So start a team of your friends, join a team, or run solo, just come out, have a blast, and raise some money for NF research (and earn some cool fundraising rewards too!).

Feb 16 – Stop. Look. Listen (Free Training Class). Greenville County Animal Care. Furman Hall Road. This class is designed as a “how to” for dog training fundamentals and as a blueprint for problem solving & training success. Using positive reinforcement, reward based dog training techniques, and leadership skills, Dina will help you and your pup hone the skills to settle down and choose the appropriate behavior during excitement and with distractions. Polite dog behavior is the goal for this class. This event is for HUMANS ONLY! Please leave the dogs at home.

Feb 17 – NMCA Member Winter Social. Bohemian Café. 3 – 5pm. Cash bar, we will provide food. For those who were at the last social at the Bohemian, you remember the delicious food! This year will be no different! Come and join friends and neighbors, meet our new board members and enjoy the afternoon. We look forward to seeing you!

Feb 23 – Fly Fishing Skills. Parks and Rec. Dept., Legacy Park. 9:30 – 10:30 am. This parent/child fly fishing skills class is the perfect way to start your spring and spend some time with your family. Our instructor will teach basic casting techniques, essential knot tying, and fly selection. This program is free and children ages 4-17 are welcome to attend with their parents. *Note: There will be no hooks allowed in the park and all equipment will be provided, Casting will be done in the grassy area with yarn. Free. 864-467-4355

Feb 23 – Good News Spectacular. 10am – 3pm. Greenville Convention Center. A FREE one day community event filled with games, inflatables, popcorn, live interactive shows, crafts and more fun for the whole family. http://www.goodnewsspectacular.com/

Feb 23 – Prisma Health Half Marathon & 5K run. Half marathon & 5K runs along the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail

Feb 24 – Greenville Spring Series. Criterium race sponsored by Meals on Wheels and Hincapie Racing. Criterium race sponsored by Meals on Wheels and Hincapie Racing.

March 2 – Reedy River Rivalry. Main Street. 12pm. Tailgate block party before and after the Clemson and UofSC baseball game.

March 14 – Spa for Spays 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Zen Greenville. Enjoy an evening of pampering for people, while raising funds and awareness to help Upstate SC pets. Ticket includes: (1) 20 minute massage/relaxation service, 1 drink ticket, Delicious food by local chef David Alonso Live, music by Darby Wilcox Fun,and interactive group classes. Silent auction. Our very own Unique Boutique PLUS one-of-a-kind artwork and merchandise from local artists will be available for purchase – 100% of proceeds benefiting Speak for Animals!

March 16 – St. Paddy’s Day Dash & Bash. 8am – 12pm. 945 S. Main Street. 5K Walk/Run to benefit Camp Spearhead, Compass of Carolina, Harvest Hope Upstate and Pendleton Place

March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival. 11am – 6pm. 220 N.Main St. Parade and festival featuring Irish American Culture and heritage and spotlighting Greenville and Greater Upstate Community groups and charitable organizations

March 30 – Walk with the Docs. Fundraiser/volunteer recognition walk for the Greenville Free Clinic. 864-320-0620.

April 6 – iMAGINE Upstate Festival. 11am – 5pm. Downtown Greenville. iMAGINE Upstate is a combination of crowd-sourced and signature events showcasing science, echnology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). The goal of the festival is to create meaningful experiences.

April 7 – Taste of the Upstate. 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM @ Zen Greenville. Taste of the Upstate is a Sunday jazz and gospel brunch benefiting Loaves & Fishes. Tickets are $40 and include all-you-can-eat tastings from some of Greenville’s best restaurants like Husk, Smoke on the Water, Roost, Moe’s BBQ & more! NEW in 2019!! This year, we’re incorporating art from Greenville’s Open Arts Studio! Pieces from local artists will be up for auction as well as live entertainment as artists work on pieces live at Taste of the Upstate! Sip on mimosas and Bloody Mary’s while supporting your local foodrescue!

April 13 – Upstate Native Plant Sale. 9am – 1pm. Conestee Park, 840 Mauldin Road. A wide variety of native trees, shrubs, perennial wildflowers, vines, ferns, and some grasses will be available at the sale, and there will be plenty of plants for pollinators. So, plant something for the pollinators this year and make your landscape a welcoming and beautiful space. Cash, checks and credit will be taken. Closer to the sale date, a list of available plants will be available.

For more Community Events, click here.

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

January/February 2019 Newsletter

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