July/August 2021 Newsletter

School Year begins on Tuesday, August 17. Click HERE to see a copy of the school calendar. For information about COVID and schools, click HERE

Mark Your Calendars for Two Important Events Coming Up

Thursday, August 26 – NMCA Neighborhood Meeting. 7 – 8 pm at the Bobby Pearse Community Center. If you haven’t seen the Center, this will be a good chance to see the remodeling improvements.

We’ll hear updates from City Council Member John DeWorken and other city leaders regarding what’s been happening in the last year. We’ll hear from engineering staff about a project to take place approximately 100 feet south of Gallivan to E Mountainview. As part of the project, the City will install a new crosswalk at Gallivan, Kenwood and E Mountainview, as well as restripe the bike lanes and install vertical delineators between the bike lane and travel lane.

Come learn about the scheduled usage for the BP center and have input into other possible opportunities.

Additional topics include the upcoming September NMCA Social Event at Larkins Sawmill, Community Center Survey results, Park Cleanup, NMCA Board Membership and Greenlink Maintenance & Operations Center Development.

This will be a hybrid meeting…you can come in person or attend via Zoom. Zoom details will be sent out later. Bring your questions for the “open mike” portion. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sunday, September 26 – NMCA Fall Member Social from 12 – 3pm at Larkins Sawmill on Graves Drive (between Michael McDunn’s Gallery and the Fire Station). We’ve missed seeing everyone and hope that you will come and enjoy the delicious food and drink provided by Larkins.

**First 2 drinks are courtesy of NMCA **

We ask that you please register on Eventbrite at https://nmca-2021-social.eventbrite.com so we can get an accurate head count for food. If you paid your membership dues in 2021 then you are good through 2022 so just register for the Social. For those who have not paid for 2021 (and no, we have not sent out invoices since COVID started) your registration covers your dues which will be good through 2022. See you there!!

NMCA Board of Directors

In accordance with the by-laws, this is the first call for nominations for the 2022 NMCA Board of Directors. All officers must reside within the geographical boundaries of the NMCA for the entire period they hold office, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022. All officers must be 18 years or older. The President may serve 2 consecutive terms and may then run for any office other than the one currently held. The Vice-President, 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 northmaincomm@gmail.com 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 for those who may not know them. Election ballots will be emailed to all members in late November, early December.

Please consider getting involved in the association or talk to someone you know who would be willing to serve. It is not that time consuming and we would love to get some new folks involved. Thank you!

Development Update and Other City News

There is a lot happening in the City of Greenville, and the Video Week-in-Review recapping it all earned the City and its Communications & Neighborhood Relations Department a Municipal Achievement Award.

Mayor Knox White accepted the award at the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s annual meeting on Hilton Head Island. The association’s executive director called the video series “a great example to other cities on how consistent communication with residents helps create positive relationships.”

Department director Beth Brotherton called the videos a key part of the overall communications strategy to provide citizens the information they need in an easy-to-understand way. “Video Week-in-Review is part of a larger mission to make city news accessible, easier to understand and equitable for everyone,” Brotherton said. “The videos show members of our community what their government is doing for them on a weekly basis.” NMCA tries to post the Week in Review on our FB page each week. You can also find the Week in Review at this link https://www.greenvillesc.gov/1652/Week-in-Review

Many folks are overlooking a great source of help and information that Greenville offers for free. It’s like one-stop shopping when it comes to finding answers to questions or reporting a problem. Nothing is really off-limits. Leaking water main, neighbor’s grass is waist-high, there’s a huge pot-hole in the road, a street light or stop light is out, etc. Who you gonna call? Greenville Cares is a one-stop customer service center where citizens can get information about City programs, services and events; report an issue or submit a City service request. Live telephone assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 864-232-CARE (864-232-2273). You can also report a problem or ask a question on their website by clicking on the photo.
The City of Greenville recently earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal, as a city surviving COVID-19 with fewer job losses and a faster recovery. View Wall Street Journal Article
South Main Street Bridge Work In Progress. The South Main Street Bridge, located between Broad Street and Falls Park Drive, will be completely refurbished this summer. Work began July 6 and will take approximately five months to complete. The project includes minor repairs to the concrete surface below the bridge, removing existing coatings and paint and applying a fresh concrete-compatible coating that allows water vapor to pass through to limit future corrosion, improving the drainage system to prevent water from seeping through the arches of the bridge, and relocating the lighting from underneath the bridge to pole-mounted fixtures on the ground for easier access and maintenance.
The bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic throughout the course of the project and access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Japanese Dogwood Lane will be maintained; however, intermittent sidewalk closures will be required along South Main Street. In those instances, parking spaces will be used to maintain pedestrian access. Wayfinding signs will be posted.
REMINDER… The playground at North Main Rotary Park will be replaced this year, so the city developed a survey to find out how the existing playground is being used and see what’s on the community’s wish list for the new design. It’s important that North Main residents make their wishes heard. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Participate before September 15! Take the Survey
Is your mailbox constantly filling up with nothing but junk mail? According to the City’s recycling site, you can STOP JUNK MAIL Visit DMA Choice to stop unwanted mail. The cost to register is $2.00 for ten years.
The City typically hosts twice-yearly Electronic Waste Recycling and Shredding events, typically in April and September, at the Public Works facility, 475 Fairforest Way. We’ll keep you posted when a fall date is announced.

Groundwork for COVID-19 Vaccine

Editor’s disclaimer: While NMCA does not take a position on such issues, it was felt by the editor that the following article might clear up some misinformation. In a nutshell, the COVID vaccine, which is said by some to have been developed too quickly without enough testing, has actually been in development for over a decade as this article from the CDC indicates:

“In December 2020, less than a year after the SARS-CoV-2 virus was identified, two COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were approved for use in the United States under an Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Never has a U.S. vaccine been developed so quickly, and genome technology made it possible.

While traditional vaccines effectively provoke an immune response and confer protection, developing and manufacturing them is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. Traditional vaccines often take years to develop and produce, which is not practical in emergency situations like the current COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, mRNA vaccines can be more quickly generated in the laboratory using the genetic sequences for selected pathogen proteins. The mRNA vaccine manufacturing process is more easily scaled up to produce large volumes of vaccine. And mRNA technology is more quickly adaptable should there ever be a need to reformulate a vaccine against virus variants that could develop.

First proposed in 1989, mRNA vaccines have been studied for years, with several ongoing clinical trials using mRNA vaccines for cancer and viral diseases, including rabies, influenza, and Zika. They are also being studied for use as possible treatments for chronic diseases, heart failure, and cystic fibrosis.”

Click on this link for the entire article https://blogs.cdc.gov/genomics/2021/03/05/mrna-covid-19-vaccines/

“What are the things that you can’t see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. You can’t see any of those, but they’re the guiding lights of a life.” -President Jimmy Carter

By The Numbers

We live here in Greenville and we all love it, but what do you really know about it? Here are some statistics for you to ponder (most are from the 2019 census)

City of Greenville population: 74,207 (almost 20% growth since 2010 and about 1.7% annual growth)

Greenville County population: 541,384

Median Age in the City: 35.9 years

Median Age in the County: 37 years

Average Earnings: $39,488

Overall Poverty Rate: 11.46%

Greenville County Natives: 52.15%

Elevation: 1,080 ft

The city of Greenville is situated on land that was once Cherokee hunting ground, closed to colonists’ settlement. About 1770, Richard Pearis, an Indian trader from Virginia who was living with a chief’s daughter, received about 100,000 acres of hunting lands from the Cherokees. Pearis set up a plantation on the banks of the Reedy River in what is now downtown Greenville. His Great Plains Plantation included a saw mill, grist mill, and stables together with a trading post. When the Revolutionary War came, the struggle in the South Carolina back country between Tories and Patriots was fierce. Pearis threw his support to the Tories and their Cherokee allies, and together they terrorized upstate Patriots. In retaliation, a Patriot troop raided his plantation, burned his mill and home, and briefly jailed him in Charleston. He never returned to the upstate, but he left his name on Paris Mountain.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in August is 87°F, and the average low is 67°F. The maximum high was 105 on Aug 10, 2007. The maximum low temperature was 78 on the 10^th in 1991 and the 11^th in 2007. The minimum high temperature was 61 on both Aug 21^st, 1949 and Aug 27^th, 1944. The minimum low was 50 on Aug 29 & 30, 1905. Average rainfall is 4.48”. Maximum precipitation (rain) was 9.32” on Aug 26, 1995 which is still an all-time record. The wettest August on record was 1908 with 19.52”. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php

With a total of 73.70” of rain, 2020 was the wettest year on record based on data from the Greenville/Spartanburg Airport.

According to climate prediction models, above normal precipitation is likely in August/Sept/Oct (ASO) for the central and eastern Gulf Coast region and from the Apppalachians to the Atlantic Coast, excluding the Florida Peninsula. The (ASO) 2021 temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures for the western half of the US, the Midwest, and the eastern quarter of the US.

After a record start, followed by a near-silent July, the Atlantic hurricane season looks like it may be busier than meteorologists predicted a few months ago. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently updated its outlook for the 2021 Atlantic season, slightly increasing the number of named storms and hurricanes expected in what is predicted to be a busy — but not record-breaking — year. The agency is now forecasting 15 to 21 named storms instead of the 13 to 20 it predicted in May. Meteorologists also said the number of expected hurricanes is seven to 10, instead of six to 10. The chance for an above average hurricane season increased from 60% to 65%, with a 15% chance that forecasters will run past the list of 21 storm names. Last year saw a record 30 named storms, and forecasters had to use Greek letters by the end of the season.

Keeping Your Insects Happy

I know that may sound funny, but insects are a necessity to life, especially pollinating insects. We all love the beautiful butterflies and birds when enjoying our yards, but no one enjoys those pesky mosquitoes! But believe it or not, mosquitoes themselves play an ecological role, serving as pollinators and as a food source for other wildlife. You may have a commercial outfit that sprays your yard regularly for mosquitoes. Most companies use a broad-spectrum insecticide. But keep in mind that the spray can drift onto adjacent properties and kill beneficial insects like bees, lady bugs and caterpillars. The smaller the droplet size, the more “chemical trespass” you get. Worse yet, bees may not be killed immediately but will carry the toxin back to the hive where it does even more damage.

Recently, thousands of monarch butterflies were found dead in the Fargo-Moorhead area of North Dakota and Minnesota after aerial spraying of a 100-square mile area with permethrin to control mosquitoes. Luckily, most counties no longer conduct aerial spraying.

No one is saying you should stop spraying if mosquitoes are a big issue for you. But why not ask the company you use if there are alternatives to broad-spectrum insecticides. And use your own initiative…remove sources of standing water in your yard, use fans when on decks or patios, wear long sleeves when practical and use repellent. We have got to start learning to co-exit with all of nature, and we can start in our own back yards. Click here to learn more about alternatives.

Late Summer in Your Yard and Garden

Hard to believe it’s already August. Your fescue lawn may be a little thin (after all, it’s a cool season grass). Some tips to keep your lawn looking it’s best. Don’t mow it too short. Roots are fed by photosynthesis done in the leaves, so it helps keep roots healthy and adds a little shade. (3” is good for fescue). Keep your mower blade sharp. A dull blade tears grass, and a ragged edge loses moisture more readily than a clean cut. Don’t bag. Mulching type mowers are great. They chop up the material which then adds nutrients to the soil.

If you plan to plant trees or shrubs, start planning now, but late fall and winter are the best times to plant. And this is a great time to start thinking about what bulbs you want to plant this fall.

Hot, dry summer months are some of the most stressful times for plants in the landscape. One of the most common problems seen is improper watering. Without adequate moisture, plants cannot function normally and can become predisposed to other stresses in the environment, such as winter injury or diseases. Particularly susceptible to drought damage are plants that have developed shallow root systems due to improper watering practices. Make sure you are following proper irrigation practices.

Apply about an inch of water per week. Usually this can be done by watering twice and applying at least 0.5 inches each time. This amount should moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Early morning is the best time to water when there is less evaporation. (And check your system often as power ‘blips’ in the summer can wreak havoc on timers.) There is a popular misconception that landscapes should be watered daily – after all, plants use water every day. This idea completely ignores the fact that soils hold water. Stretch the interval between each watering to encourage development of deep, extensive roots. If we need one inch of water per week and we irrigate daily, we will in effect be applying 1/7 inch (0.14 inches) of water each day, wetting the soil to a depth of less than one inch. While this promotes growth of weeds, it encourages shallow rooting and water will never reach the roots of shrubs or trees unless their roots are very close to the surface, in which case you may see the grass suffer. That is why a good rain always seems to help everything look better.

Can you prune plants in this hot weather? It depends on the plant and location, but generally you don’t want to do heavy pruning this time of year. The lower leaves that are exposed are not acclimated to that hot sun! For further information on suggested pruning times for selected flowering trees and shrubs, refer to the fact sheet, HGIC 1053, Pruning Shrubs.

Another little chore you can do that is not stressful is to mark where your perennials are so you’ll know where they are. Once plants go dormant, it can be hard to remember where they are when spring rolls around again. You can use brightly colored golf tees, painted rocks or other decorative items just as easily. Sketch a simple map on paper so you know which plants correspond to which markers.

And don’t forget the birds…especially the hummingbirds. Many nectar plant run low when it’s so hot and dry, so supplemental feeding helps, but you need to change the fluid at least once a week. It goes bad easily in this heat. And an ant guard will help keep those pesky ants from filling the feeder. Just use 4 parts water to 1 part plain sugar…no food coloring. And the regular birds will appreciate it if you leave those flowers that are starting to die. The seeds will help provide food and nutrition a little later as we approach fall.

For Our Four-Legged Friends

Kitten season is still here. All adoptions are Free at Greenville County Animal Care through August. You can see available dogs and cats/kittens on their website. If you can’t adopt, please consider fostering. And remember, there are dogs and cats available via the Home-to-Home Program. You adopt directly from the owner and the animal never has to go in the shelter. Check out adoptable animals in this program at this website. And did you know that all dogs living in Greenville County over 40 pounds, and puppies that will become dogs over 40 pounds are spayed or neutered for Free.

This year the Mutts are back! The Greenville Humane Society Mutt Strut is going virtual again this year! Registration is NOW OPEN for the Virtual Mutt Strut 2.0 presented by Papa John’s! All registrations include a free large one-topping pizza from Papa John’s, this year’s awesome t-shirt and more! Participants can complete their walk/run anywhere at any time between Saturday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 30th.

The last two years have brought so many unexpected challenges and the animals need our help now more than ever! We are hoping to raise $50,000 with this year’s only major fundraiser to help cover the cost of caring for thousands of homeless pets each year.

Don’t forget to dress up your pet for their strut and tag us in your photos on social media with #muttstrut for a chance to win a Yeti cooler! There are also tons of awesome prizes you can win for fundraising with a team or as an individual!

Shop Local

Keep your dollars in your community. The following companies are committed to preserving the beauty and economic well-being of the North Main Community and the greater Greenville area. Please thank them and give them your business when you can. Hover your mouse over each company name to read a brief description or click to go to their website:

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

Gardening and Plants

Law Firms/CPAs/Financial

Insurance

Retail/Home Décor

Realtors

Food/Drink/Catering

The Bohemian Cafe (864.233.0006)
Coffee Underground (864.298.0494)
Drop-in Store (864.242.0111)
Greenco Beverage (864.242.1464)
Hall of Fame Sports Grill (864.346.8378)
Henry’s Smokehouse (864.232.7774)
Ji-Roz Restaurant (864.373.9445)
Naked Pasta (864.283.5844)
Northgate Soda Shop (864.235.6770‎)
Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery (864.255.3385)
The Community Tap (864.631.2525)
The Universal Joint (864.252.4055)

Personal Health/Well Being

Home Improvement/Builders/Architects

3D Land Surveying, Inc. (864.272.0274)
CarolinaCrafted Construction, LLC (864.449.1779)
Corley Plumbing Air Electric (864.908-3377)
Darrohn Engineering, LLC (864.346.2170)
Greenville Remodeling and Restoration (864.484.3007)
Jordan Wholesale Lumber Co. (864.232.9686)
JWK Design, LLC (864.214.5323)
O’Leary Cole, Inc. (864.233.1606)
Preferred Choice Heating & Air (864.233.8001)
Priority One Security (864-346-5351)
Ryan Miller Builders (864.303.8103)
Royal Engineering, Inc. (864.235-4425)
UBuildIt (864.676.1113)

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

TD Saturday Market. On Saturday mornings until the end of October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street are transformed into the TD Saturday Market. The market features over 75 vendors selling the season’s freshest produce and the area’s most original and high-quality crafts.

August 26 – NMCA Community Meeting. 7-8pm. Bobby Pearse Community Center.

September 26 – NMCA Fall Member Social at Larkins Sawmill. 12 – 3 pm. See article at beginning of newsletter.

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

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