May 2018 Newsletter

Phyllis Gilreath Beautification Committee, Local Business, Social Events

 

 

 

 

NMCA Spring Member Social

It’s just around the corner!  Saturday, May 19, at the Community Tap, from 3-6 pm.  Family friendly event with face painting for the kids, live music, free beverages, door prizes and more.  We’re looking for local businesses to donate door prizes…gift cards for meals, merchandise, home and garden items, free massages or haircuts, free lessons, etc.  Donors will get recognition at the event and in our newsletter and FB site.  If interested, email Sunnie Harmon at sunnieharmon@gmail.com   Feel free to bring your own stadium chairs.

We’d like to recognize and thank this year’s sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Jason Elliott Law Firm
Platinum Sponsors: Sunnie & Deworken, Wilson Associates Real Estate
Gold Sponsors: Community Tap, Redhype

If you haven’t renewed, please do so before the social to save time.  $20 per household or $30 per business.

Go to www.northmaincommunity.org/membership or you can mail a check to PO Box 571, Greenville, 29602.  We look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

 

Development Update and Other City News

  • NorthPointe Update for May 3. The things we have been working on lately have been in the “many weeks” duration, rather than the “few days” duration as was the roadwork. The plumbing, electrical, and concrete crews have been following each other as they crawl across the ground floor of the Apartment Building on Church Street.

The construction crane will be built next week with the Parking Deck going up starting the following week. You will be able to notice the progress. This will launch the vertical construction of the Apartment/Retail Building on the corner of Stone Avenue and Wade Hampton Boulevard.

The Harris Teeter Pad is close to completion and currently being used as a storage area for the fill dirt that will be used elsewhere on the site.  (Tori Wallace-Badcock, Development Coordinator & Project Manager)

  • Following the Stone Lake neighborhood meeting last Tuesday evening, the city engineering team is going to prioritize the next construction of the new sidewalkon Chick Springs Road from Lakecrest Drive to Lotus Court.   The sidewalk portion connection starting at Mohawk ranked higher on the NStep program, but it would benefit more streets and neighborhoods by continuing the 2014 NStep Chick Springs Road construction (which connected Rutherford to Lakecrest).
  • The Wade Hampton Boulevard strategic plan will have a public charette May 29-June 1.  (Location TBD.)  They are seeking neighborhood input on the plan for the redevelopment of the road (WHB from N. Pleasantburg to NorthPointe).   There will be plenty of opportunities during the day and evening to come and give feedback.  Please plan to attend.
  • ICYMI, the REWA Richland Creek sewer project is expected to be complete July 18. Mohawk Drive and Spartanburg Street will re-open at that time.  (Amy Doyle)
  • See this sign at the right? It means you stop your car when someone is trying to cross or walk a bike across North Main Street at the crosswalk by the Soda Shop. One member recently posted that FIFTEEN CARS PASSED, speeding down Main Street, way over the speed limit, before there was a break for her son to RUN his bike across the street. Not one car stopped at the pedestrian crosswalk. NOT ONE. Please…let’s keep our walkers (& bikers) safe. Obey the signs… keep your eye on the road and not on your phone. And remember that cyclists must obey the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles.
  • As many saw in the Greenville News, City Manager John Castile is retiring. He has been a great asset to the city and we wish him well. Also retiring is someone many of us have worked closely with over the years… Dale Westermeier, a horticulturalist who is the city of Greenville’s director of Parks and Grounds.  Many of us have worked with Dale on the North Main Rotary Park which NMCA helps as part of its beautification program. We have partnered with Dale and the city on maintaining the dogwoods on North Main and securing a number of grants for the park. In his 33 years of service with the City, Dale said he has felt fortunate to work for a Mayor and Council that understand the value of landscaping and trees.  When he came on board, the landscaping movement was gaining momentum.  Beautification efforts have increased tremendously during his tenure with new streetscape, traffic calming landscape islands, and tree planting on corridors and in neighborhoods being a big part of the City’s effort, some by design, some with the help of the community.  He notes the help of his employees who have a passion for what they do.  In his words, “I appreciate everything the NMCA has done to help me and our department. From new landscaping, trees, and volunteer efforts… your group has always set a high standard. Thanks to all that have made improving the park / greenspace a high priority and I appreciate the relationships we have developed during the process.”  Dale…we appreciate your passion and your cooperation.  We will miss you and wish you all the best in the future!
  • If you saw NMCA President John DeWorken’s letter to the editor in last week’s newspaper about folks cutting through local neighborhoods to avoid major traffic areas, you recognize this as something local residents have been concerned about for some time. John points out the city needs to work “to move traffic around and through Greenville more efficiently”.  We hope the city recognizes this need and will do more to truly protect our neighborhoods by slowing and calming traffic on small city streets

Get Out the Vote

The SC primary is June 12.  We urge our residents to take advantage of their constitutional right to have a voice in government by casting a vote.  This year’s ballot will have more candidates than usual as many seats are highly contested.  The 4th Congressional district (which includes portions of Greenville (northern) and Spartanburg Counties) candidates can be found here.  For the SC House there are 124 districts, so our area is covered by several. For the SC House of Representatives, click here for information about candidates, etc.  Ballotpedia has a sample ballot look up tool where you can enter your name and email address and get a list of those candidates who will be on your ballot. This includes all seats up for re-election.  Take a look at this or other sample ballots and get to know the candidates prior to the election to save time.

Where do you vote?  In past years, there has been confusion regarding polling locations.  For now, plan to vote at your normal polling location.  According to the local election commission, if polling locations change, they will send out notices closer to the election.

South Carolina utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party’s primary. So, everyone can vote in the June 12 primary.

We also had a member point out that it is NOT legal to post political signs on public property or property that you DO NOT OWN unless you have the property owners’ permission.  That goes for any signs.

Whoever you choose to vote for, PLEASE VOTE!

Glass Recycling

A recent article in the Greenville Journal prompted numerous questions from city residents who were hoping that glass recycling would be reinstated. According to the City’s Recycling Coordinator, while the City did meet with representatives from a company that has expressed an interest in providing glass recycling services in Greenville, no decision has been made and there are no specific plans at this time.  For those of you who want to make the effort, Anderson County does still recycle glass.  Perhaps several neighbors could join forces and take turns going.  They do accept recycled glass from Greenville residents according to one member who goes there.

Also, in answer to questions regarding recycling opportunities for large Styrofoam and similar items, here is some information from Greenville’s Recycling Coordinator.

  • Packing peanuts are reusable at your local UPS Store. They may also take large foam blocks and bubble wrap, however please check with your local UPS store. Be sure your packing peanuts aren’t the biodegradable type which you can put in flower beds and vegetable gardens or in your compost pile as they are cornstarch-based.
  • Publix supermarkets accepts clean foam meat trays and egg cartons for recycling. Look for the green bins outside the stores. Please consider buying eggs in fiber-based containers as they are much easier to recycle.
  • Post-industrial expanded polystyrene isn’t economically or environmentally feasible to recycle due to the cost and storage time to gather a truckload quantity in addition to driving the load across the country to a market.
  • For a nominal fee, you can ship your expanded polystyrene to the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers.

 

Crime Corner

Please be aware that all door-to-door salespeople within the City limits must have a business license issued by the City of Greenville for the current calendar year. They must be selling a legitimate product or service and are not allowed to solicit money for their own personal use.  We receive numerous complaints each year when the weather warms up about rude, pushy, and aggressive salespeople. If you encounter a door-to-door salesperson who is pushy, overly aggressive, or seems suspicious, please call the police at 271-5333.  (Officer Michelle Lentz, Greenville Police Department).

Artisphere 2017

Artisphere presented by TD Bank is an annual signature event free and open to the public. Come enjoy the sounds, tastes, and culture of Greenville in this nationally ranked festival.  Culinary, performing and visual artists participate based on a selection process of the 1,136 applications submitted.  You can meet all the artists online and you’ll recognize some from the North Main Community.  Click here for more information about various festival attractions. There’s something for everyone

Friday, May 12: 12PM-8PM*
Saturday, May 13: 10AM-8PM*
Sunday, May 14: 11AM-6PM

ARTISPHERE AFTER HOURS CONCERTS
*When the sun goes down, join us at the WYFF-4 Main Stage for musical performances from 8PM-9:45PM

The Worst Allergy Season Ever?

Probably.  And next year may be even worse.  Warmer average temperatures and increased precipitation makes for a longer season with more potential for pollen production.  Increased carbon dioxide from pollution, leads to more pollen production, which means more seeds, which means more pollen in the next season.  And people in places even farther north, like Alaska, where the climate is changing faster than other regions, are now becoming increasingly vulnerable to allergies.  Seasonal allergies present one of the most robust examples of how global warming is increasing risks to health.  “It’s very strong. In fact, I think there’s irrefutable data,” said Jeffrey Demain, director of the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Center of Alaska. “It’s become the model of health impacts of climate change.”

Interestingly, ragweed is handy for studying the impacts of climate on pollen and allergies because it’s an annual plant, unlike trees or perennials. This allows scientists to separate out how variables like winter temperatures and rainfall in the preceding season influence ragweed pollen.  The graph at the right shows how pollen production per plant follows closely the increase in global atmospheric CO2 production.

April Showers Bring May Showers??

It sure seems like that lately.  Our average rainfall for May is 3.76”.  We’ve probably had half that amount already. Time to get back out in the garden before the real heat hits!

  • Time to prune back perennials and other shrubs, depending on the bloom time. Remember: Summer- flowering plants produce flowers on current season’s growth so don’t prune now…you’re too late for most.  And severely heading back large shrubs to rejuvenate should be done before the sap is rising…so you’re late for that, too, and should wait until late winter or early spring.  Spring-Flowering Plants:  Prune after flowering (produce flowers on previous season’s growth).
  • Fertilizer your lawn, shrubs and trees.
  • Typically, mid-April is the date of the last killing frost for this area, so you probably should have started your spring/summer vegetable garden. There are several common vegetables you can plant, including tomatoes, cantaloupe, cucumbers, melons, squash, beans, sweet corn, and more. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/laurens/yard_garden/04_april.html
  • Snakes are a big concern for many as we are seeing more right now as the weather warms.  Remember, most snakes are good to have around for rodent control, especially black snakes.  There are only 6 species of venomous snakes in SC.  The cottonmouth and copperhead are the only common ones.  In the upstate, the most common is the copperhead.  The others are rare but can occasionally be found.  This website gives pictures and good descriptions of those.  Click here to find out how to tell a copperhead from look-alikes.  Please don’t just kill every snake you see.  Try to find out what kind it is. And you can usually find a neighbor who does not mind snakes and can help relocate it.

For Our Four-Legged Friends

Kitten Season is upon us.  We will be seeing more kittens available for foster and/or adoption at local animal shelters.  The Greenville Humane Society and Animal Care Services almost always needs foster homes for young or sick animals. Plus, the more they can place in homes, the more room they have to take in others.  Sometimes it’s only for a week or two, until they are old enough to be fixed and adopted out.

Kitten season usually runs from May into September.  Last year ACS took in 8,000 cats.  Of these, 4,000 were kittens and 3,000 were under 2 lbs., the “Itty Bitty Kitties”, some just a few days old…the hardest to save.  That’s why they need the community’s help!  The Community Cat program spayed and neutered 1,278 cats last year, and that means fewer kittens needing homes, but we need to do better in order to build a no-kill community.   Compared to 2016, they saw a 9% increase in lives saved. A total of 8,400 cats and dogs were spayed and neutered. The number saved and the number fixed is increasing every year.

One misconception is that they keep lactating mothers.  They do NOT.  If orphaned kittens are brought in, they need a foster parent immediately.  You can foster even if you have cats of your own. The foster manager will give you all the information and supplies you will need.  They also have Foster to Wellness and Adoption Ambassador programs for all animals.  Check out their website for more information on fostering opportunities…truly a “life-saving” experience.

I also urge you to read their blog about building a no-kill community, as a partner in the Target Zero Organization.  It may surprise you to know that in late 2007, only 20% of incoming animals at ACS could be saved.  In 2017, they were consistently finding life-saving opportunities for 90% of homeless dogs and over 70% of homeless cats…and those percentages keep rising.  They are doing a great job, but they need our help!!

On Saturday, May 12, at 8:30am, race the trails (or go for a casual stroll) at Conestee Park side by side with your best running partner – your dog!  Greenville Animal Care Services Tails & Trails.  Whether you’re racing with or without your four-legged companion or just walking the trail to support a good cause, Tails & Trails is fun for everyone. Make a difference in the lives of homeless animals and help Animal Care reach the goal of making Greenville County a NO KILL community.  Post-race activities include the posting of results and award presentation, plus tail-waggin’ fun with a pet themed entertainment and vendor party.

Yappy Hour is back!  Greenville Animal Care Services along with Partners in Animal Care are hosting Yappy Hour every 4th Sunday at Brewery 85.  For $12, you and your friends can unwind with 2 cold brews and snacks.  Leashed, friendly dogs WELCOME!  Proceeds benefit Animal Care Services.

 What is Partners in Animal Care?  Partners in Animal Care is a newly organized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that supports Greenville County Animal Care, the state’s largest open-admission animal shelter. In its efforts to save more homeless animals and attain a “No-Kill” status, Partners in Animal Care aims to raise awareness of the shelter and its needs and by fund-raising assistance. The all-volunteer board members (no one receives a salary) are animal-loving Upstate residents, several of whom volunteer regularly at Animal Care on Furman Hall Road.

 

The Greenville Humane Society is holding their “Spay in May” event.  Get your female dog spayed for only $20.  Rescues not included.  Click here for more information.  Also, during the “Dog Days of Summer”, all dogs 40lbs and over are only $65.  They are also in need of newspapers.  Any donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at any time in the blue bins in front of our adoption center at 305 Airport Road! Thank you in advance for your support!  Note:  they cannot use the slick paper ads, so if you remove them, it will save staff and volunteers valuable time.

 

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in May is 80°F, and the average low is 57°F. The maximum high was 100 on May 28, 1916. The maximum low temperature was 73 on May24, 1953.  The minimum high temperature was 46 on May 7, 1992 and the minimum low was 27 on May 3, 1885.  Average rainfall is 3.76”. Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 8.2” on May 8, 1910. There was even a trace of snow on May 7, 1992. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

Did you ever wonder how different types of clouds got their names?  “Clouds are continually changing and appear in an infinite variety of forms. The classification of clouds is based on a book written by Luke Howard, a London pharmacist and amateur meteorologist, in 1803. His book, The Modifications of Clouds, named the various cloud structures he had studied. The terms he used were readily accepted by the meteorological community and are still used across the world today.” https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/clouds/cloud-names-classifications

To see illustrations of the various cloud forms and their shapes, click here for weather.gov’s Skywatchers Chart.

 

Thank You to our Business Members                                  

Keep your dollars in your community. We have numerous businesses that 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.

If you are a business and would like to see your company listed on our website, please join the NMCA today!  Businesses do not have to be located in the North Main Neighborhood to be members.  They only need to provide services to North Main residents.

 

Gardening and Plants

Law Firms/CPAs/Financial

Insurance

Retail/Home Décor

Realtors

Food/Drink/Catering

Personal Health/Well Being

Home Improvement/Builders/Architects

 Miscellaneous Professional Services

    

          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 May calendar.

The Children’s Museum has great programs for kids.   Check out 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.

 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.  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. The GCMA boasts a particularly strong collection of works by South Carolina artist Jasper Johns.

Ongoing – Dancing at the Sears Shelter (McPherson Park). Line Dancing each Tuesday from 6:15-8pm.  Greenville Lindy Hop, Thursdays, 7-11pm. $4 per class for city residents. Greenville Swing, Tuesdays, 7 – 10pm.  $2 per class.  Greenville International Folk Dance.  Mondays, 7-9pm.  6-week course:  $15.  Call 864-467-4326 for information or to register.

They’ve also added a new dance class: The Simplicity of Dance:  These lesson/dances will focus on how to lead and follow in casual dancing. A fun class for those with little or no experience and who just wish to enjoy a simple dance. In addition, it will be a great intro class for those wanting to learn ballroom style dances. March 7, 14, April 4, 18, May 2, 16, 7:00 pm till 9:30 pm. $8.00 each or $14 for two.

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

May– There’s always something happening at the Community Tap.

 Listed below are some of the events coming up in late May and June…for more, check the city calendar.

Every Wednesday in May – Moviegoers can enjoy watching a variety of classic film favorites under the stars at the City of Greenville’s Fidelity Investments Moonlight Movies. The free series returns to Falls Park Wednesday evenings in May for a five-week run.  The films begin at sundown, but moviegoers are invited to come early for prime viewing spots and to participate in movie-themed trivia. Food vendor Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn will be on-site every Wednesday and food trucks will rotate throughout the season. Individuals consuming alcohol at the event must purchase a $1 wristband.  Free.  Food Trucks on site. Bring your chairs, a blanket, and a picnic, but leave your pets at home. If you bring alcohol to consume on site, a wristband must be purchased for $1. Movie begins at dusk.

May 6 to October 29, Saturdays –  TD Saturday Market, 8am – noon. Downtown Greenville.

May 12 – 14 – Artisphere. All Day @ Main Street.  Greenville’s annual top ranking arts festival. See 135 local, regional, and national visual artists and 48 performances from some of the country’s most promising performing artists as well as Greenville’s own non-profit arts groups. The weekend long signature event is free and open to the public and is filled with entertainment for all ages. Watch for more details.

 May 17 – 19 – Saint George Greek Festival  7:00 AM -  7:00 PM.  Elford Street from Academy Street to Richardson Street

May 19 – NMCA Member Spring Social – Those who were there last year remember what a great day it was.  This year our venue is again the Community Tap, with cold drinks, food trucks, live music and face painting for the kids.  All North Main residents should have received invitations in the mail.  Note: this is a member event.

May 19 – Mountains to Main Street Half Marathon, 5K, 1K.  8am – 12pm.  Peace Center Amphitheater. Transportation to and from the start and finish lines will be provided for half marathon runners.

May 20 – Escape Artist Greenville Open House. 12 – 3pm.  They’ll provide tours and answer any questions people have about escape rooms.  They’ll also have a 10-minute mini-escape room set up for neighbors that would like to try it out.  “The main goal is to educate people about who we are, what we offer, and what makes us different”.  NOTE:  Children under 16 need an adult present to participate.  It’s a great way to try it out.  If you’ve never tried to escape one of these rooms, it’s great fun…also not as easy as you might think!

May 25 – Parents Night Out.  Bobby Pearse Community Center. Townes St.  7-10pm.  $10 per child.  864-467-4331

May 25 – Brew in the Zoo.  6:30 – 9 pm. The fundraising event will provide attendees with the opportunity to sample an assortment of beer, lite fare and enjoy live music all while exploring the zoo after-hours.

May 25 – Great Scot! Parade  6pm.  Parade will march up Main Street from Broad Street to E. North! Pipe Bands, faeries, floats and the Royal Highland Fusiliers!

May 26– The Games at Furman University.  Gates open at 8:30am. Events are over by 4pm and the Awards Ceremony is at 5pm. Then, stick around for the greatest Scottish Happy Hour in the world at 5:30pm – Celtic music, pipe bands and beer in the Entertainment Tent!

May 28 – Memorial Day.  All city offices closed.  Greenville County and the Joint Veterans Council will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony that starts at 10 a.m. in front of the Greenville Veterans Memorial Monument at County Square. Veterans will speak and there will be performances by the Upstate Senior Concert Band and Clearview Singers. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will also serve hot dogs and refreshments.

Memorial Day Observance  Wreath Laying and Flag Retiring Ceremony put on by Vietnam Veterans of America. 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM @ Cleveland Park at the Vietnam Memorial

June 9 – The SS/OS Community Yard Sale.  More information to come.

 

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

May 2018 Newsletter
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