May/June 2019 Newsletter

Phyllis Gilreath Announcements, Community Development Committee, Local Business

 

School is out for the summer on June 4 with the last 3 days being half-days.

Please be careful driving , watch out for kids, and have a great summer!

 

 

 

*The Board of Directors typically meets the first Tuesday of most months at the Sears Shelter at McPherson Park.    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.

 

NMCA Spring Member Social

 

Thanks to all those who weathered the heat to attend this year’s spring (maybe we should call it summer?) social at Dodson Dig Co.  Thanks to Cathy and Nathan for hosting.  Great venue!  A special thanks to Presenting Sponsor: Jason Elliott Law Firm;  Gold Sponsors: Sunnie & DeWorken, Wilson Associates Real Estate, Greenco, and Dodson Dig Co.  We enjoyed great food from Henry’s Smokehouse and Kelly Jo kept the place rockin’ with her amazing music!

Also, thanks to the Prisma F.E.T.C.H. (Friends Encouraging Therapeutic Coping and Healing) program for bringing two of their dogs for us to meet.  You can find out more about this great program at their website. NMCA is helping to fund a portion of the annual care for one of their ‘facility dogs’.

For a look at all the photos, check out our FB page.

 

 

 

Development Update and Other City News

  • New Apartment Building at Baby BI-LO? Neighbors have heard a proposal floating around to develop an 8-story, 250-unit apartment complex on the old Baby BiLo site.  While plans seemed to be headed toward a grocery store back in 2015, those plans crumbled.  Many would still like to see a grocery store on that site.  It seems likely that something commercial will be developed on that site, but neighbors voiced their concerns at a recent meeting at the Sears Shelter that 8 stories and 250 units on the corner of North Main and West Park seem excessive. There was also concern about the increase in traffic such a development might cause.  No application has been submitted to the City at the time of the release of this newsletter.
  • Many of you have asked about what is going on with the Rite Aid store on the corner of Stone Avenue and N. Main. The flyer on the right can be seen on the front door.  According to City Planning and Zoning, they are not aware of anything happening regarding closure, etc. According to a Walgreen’s website, over the next few months, many Rite Aid locations — especially in the Northeast and Southern parts of the U.S. will be joining the Walgreens family. As a first step, select Rite Aid locations will transfer to Walgreens ownership over the next few months. When this happens, the pharmacies in these stores will be managed by Walgreens. (According to the sign, those with prescriptions at this Rite Aid will be now be transferred to Walgreens on E. North St.)   Over the next approximately 18 months, the majority of these locations will convert to full Walgreens locations.  According to Forbes, the remaining Rite Aids will be sold to grocery store giant Albertson’s. Most Albertsons will be rebranded as Rite Aid and the company will continue to operate Rite Aid stand-alone pharmacies.
  • For those who have been wondering what’s going on with the cleared property on Mohawk, the subdivision was approved over a year ago. It is for 7-10 single family homes.  The Developer has requested a change in sewer and road configuration.  The project is moving forward but City Engineering is reviewing the changes prior to permitting.  We’ll try and keep you updated. (Thanks to Amy Doyle.)
  • Greenville Downtown Master Plan: If you missed the presentation of the Downtown Master Plan to the Chamber of Commerce last week, GVL Today has provided some takeaway points.  You can also view the presentation at this link.
    • The implementation of the master plan initiatives will occur over the next 5-10 years, as the city grows.
    • Attracting new office users. Less office space was occupied in 2018 than in 2015. To combat this continuing decline, an intentional, well-planned, well-marketed, and well-supported office-occupier strategy will be implemented to bring in a diversity of tenants to downtown. I.e. not simply residential, retail and hotel – we need anchor institutions to thrive. (See slide 24.)
    • Creating pedestrian mobility by connecting our corridors. By activating and enhancing our green spaces, residents will be able to experience an expanded downtown that is more than linear. E.g. making Heritage Green a City Park + increasing the green space under the Church Street bridge. (See slide 40.)
    • Providing a diversity of entertainment. Working to increase the variety, options and energy downtown (specifically in regard to live music). A unique conference venue has been recommended to anchor the downtown hospitality sector.
    • Making downtown more affordable. From the project team: “[There is] Not one growing city in the country that is not struggling with tackling this.” They believe there is a major opportunity to get affordability right with Unity Park – emphasizing that it needs to be integrated in as true mixed income neighborhood.
    • Focusing on form + function. 68% of the world will live in urban areas by 2050 – thus visibility + mobility is key.

As far as next steps, the final plan will circulate through the City Council, Planning Commission, and the Design Review Board this summer.

  • The Greenville County School district is requesting a zoning variance for the expansion of Summit Drive elementary.  Per city code, schools are allowed in single family zoning but must seek a variance.  As you may recall the school district purchased the land on Chick Springs several years ago. (5 Solomon Circle is the exact address.) The goal was to expand the school and parking opportunities.  You can read the initial plan here:

https://www.greenvillesc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6407?fileID=27013  The Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for June 13 at 4pm at city hall, 10th floor. (Amy Doyle)

  • City Council voted to appropriate $425,021 in the General Fund for Greenlink, bringing the City’s total funding for transit to $4,187,904 (including contributed services) this year. Part of the funding will go toward the local match for Greenlink’s application to the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emissions (Low-No) grant program for four additional Proterra electric buses and charging infrastructure. The remaining funds will be used to improve bus stops serving Prisma Health facilities in the city, which could include installing covered stops, improving ADA accessibility and adding additional sidewalk/crosswalk infrastructure. With $606,000 in local match commitments and 63 letters of support from the community, Greenlink is requesting $3.468 million from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase four 35-foot buses and their charging equipment. In 2017, Greenville Transit Authority received a $1.45 million Low-No grant, which was used to purchase two of Greenlink’s four new 40-foot Proterra Catalyst E2 electric buses. Greenlink expects to deploy the new 40-foot buses next month.
  • In case you haven’t noticed, the new and improved mini-golf course is now open at McPherson Park. The Park has undergone several improvements in the last year, but time to get those putters out and enjoy the park and its many offerings.
  • The NMCA board plans to meet with Parks & Rec. staff to discuss the survey that we conducted on the future of the Bobby Pearse Center. As you know, it’s been about a year now that the damage was done.  Thanks to all those who took time to complete the survey…approximately 40% of our members.  Of the survey responses received, 86% wanted to keep the center, 3% were against and 11% were unsure.  About 64% have attended meetings/events there.  To see all the comments submitted, just go to this link on our website.

 

Get Out the Vote

The SC primary is June 11.  For the City Council At-large seat, two Democrats — Dorothy Dowe and Lindsey Jacobs — will face off in the primary for the right to go up against incumbent Republican George Fletcher in the general election.

For City Council District 1, two candidates filed to replace incumbent Amy Ryberg Doyle as representative of the district that covers the North Main area as well as the area near Bob Jones University. Doyle did not file for re-election.  Greenville businessman John DeWorken filed as a Republican.  Attorney Matt Johnson is running as a Democrat. This contest will be decided in the general election in November.

We urge residents to take advantage of their constitutional right to have a voice in government by casting a vote.

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 11 primary.

Whoever you choose to vote for, PLEASE VOTE!

           April Showers Bring May Heat Wave?

While May started out so pleasant, it sure changed in a hurry!  But…summer does officially begin on June 21. Where did all that nice rain go?  Your yard and plants are probably showing the stress. If you are interested in irrigation, see

Clemson’s Home and Garden Center’s irrigation publications for more information, especially the publication on Irrigation Time of Day.   See How Much Water to determine how much water you are actually applying.  And make sure that you adjust your water applications with plant growth stage and time of year – one size definitely does not fit all for the entire year.  Also see Determining When to Irrigate to help determine when your plants need water.  Do not irrigate every day!  There are a few exceptions to this rule (such as potted plants), but only a few.

Can you prune plants in this hot weather?  It depends on the plant, 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!  As a general rule, plants that flower before June 1 should be pruned after they bloom while those that flower after June 1 are considered summer-flowering and can be pruned just prior to spring growth. One exception to this rule is the oakleaf hydrangea, a summer-flowering shrub that forms flower buds the previous season. Late-flowering azalea cultivars that bloom during June or even July are another exception. Prune both the oakleaf hydrangea and the azalea cultivars after they bloom.  For further information on suggested pruning times for selected flowering trees and shrubs, refer to the fact sheet, HGIC 1053, Pruning Shrubs.

If your lawn is showing weak areas even with irrigation, it may be brown patch, as May and June are when it frequently appears.  It’s a fungal disease but it’s hard to control with fungicides.  There are some non-chemical practices you can follow to help reduce the spread. Avoid high rates of nitrogen.  This disease loves lush grass.  Irrigate only when needed and early in the day.  Keep lawns mowed to the proper height.  For fescue this is 2 ½ – 3 ½ inches.  For centipede, 1 ½ inches.  Although I am a proponent of leaving the clippings on my lawn with a mulching type mower, removing clippings is one way to help prevent spread.  Also, get your soil pH tested. Brown patch prefers an acid soil, less than 6.0 pH.

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 Greenville Animal Care Services (ACS) 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 well or old enough to be fixed and adopted out.  And if you find newborn kittens under a bush or somewhere in your neighborhood, please wait to see if mom is around. She may just be out looking for food. Their best place is with mom, so make sure they are truly abandoned before you intervene.

Kitten season usually runs from May into September.  Last year ACS spayed or neutered over 2,700 community cats…that’s over double the number in 2017! They also performed almost 6,000 affordable spay/neuters. The number saved and the number fixed is increasing every year.

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.  In 2018, their ‘save rate’ was 88%.  That’s soooo close to the 90% that is considered no-kill. Remember, they HAVE to take in all animals.  They are the largest open-admissions shelter in the state.  They are doing a great job, but they need our help!!

 

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

This year Partners has a new initiative called CHIPPIN’TAILS, free vouchers to have your dog or cat micro-chipped. Come learn more about it while having fun.

What is Partners in Animal Care?  Partners in Animal Care is a 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 now offering the H3N8/H3N2 Doggy Flu Vaccine at their Walk-in Vaccine Clinic for only $15! For a full list of hours and services, please visit www.greenvillehumane.com/vaccine-clinic!

There is one more upcoming Spring Yappy Hour right around the corner! Pay $10 at the door and you will get you 2 Quest beers, pizza and live music. All proceeds will go towards the Greenville Humane Society.
Your fur-baby will enjoy our new Yappy Hour fenced-in area at the Greenville Humane Society. Dogs are allowed off-leash to play while their hoomans enjoy the happiest hour of the day! Cheers to all the doggies out there – we can’t wait to see you on June 20th!

Summer can be hard on our pets.  Remember that if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it’s probably not too comfy for your dog!  Walk them on grass if possible, or in early morning or evenings when it’s not so hot.  When it’s humid, remember that dogs pant to evaporate moisture and cool the body. This is hard to do when it’s humid.  For more life-saving tips, check out this website.  Click on the picture at the right for more information.

Weather Tidbits

  According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in June is 88°F, and the average low is 66°F. The maximum high was 105 on June 20, 1887, and June 29, 2012. The maximum low temperature was 80 on June 29, 1931 (an all-time record).  The minimum high temperature was 58 on June 10, 1913, and the minimum low was 40 on June 1, 1972.  Average rainfall is 3.8”. Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 4.21” on June 1, 1964, and June 16, 1969. No snow has ever been reported for Greenville, but wouldn’t that feel good right about now?   http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php

It’s now official. South Carolina’s record for most rainfall in a year has been broken. The State Climate Extremes Committee voted that the 123.45 inches of rain recorded at the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in far northern Oconee County (near Lake Jocassee) in 2018 broke the previous record of 119.16 inches of rain at Hogback Mountain near Landrum back in 1979.  The mountains are usually the rainiest part of South Carolina, with an average of about 75 inches per year.

Hands-only CPR Class

 Those of you who missed the free CPR class on May 20 missed a very good training session with the first responders from the Fire Station on Stone Avenue.  Their biggest volume of calls right now are medical issues.  They discussed the procedures and the reasoning behind the hands-only CPR before letting us try it on the mannequins.  The #1 lifesaver is good quality chest compressions.  When you are doing the compressions, it’s important how hard you press (yes, you are going to break ribs and the sound or feel may be disconcerting at first, but that’s common and the important thing is DON’T STOP…compressions actually get easier after this).  You are almost creating a slight depression in the lungs which helps oxygenate the blood, buying a little more time.

So…what if someone you know stops breathing for whatever reason?  The ideal situation is when the victim is on a hard surface. The very first thing is to call 911 (they should be there in about 3 minutes), put the phone on speaker and then put it down where you can hear it and immediately begin compressions.  Your hands will be interlaced together and placed over the chest, the heel of your hand in the chest center.  Compressions need to be fast and hard, making sure the chest comes back up each time.  The good thing about practicing on a mannequin is that you hear a click when you are doing it correctly and have a green light to reassure you.  As for the speed, just keep singing the song “Staying Alive”.  This actually does get you at the right speed.  For infants and children, it’s often a blockage, so start CPR and then call 911.  But you need to attend a class for more information on small kids.

If you are in a group, you can shake the person and ask if ok, rub sternum with fist which will stimulate and might wake them.  Check for breathing and check carotid pulse. But do this within 5 – 10 seconds!  It’s more important to start CPR quickly. Point to someone and tell them to call 911.

Hopefully the first responders will be there quickly.  Most places now have an AED or Automated External Defibrillator.  We were shown how to use one but there are very good, audio instructions that tell you exactly what to do.  Continue compressions while someone else is getting this set up.

There is a free app called Pulse Point.  Once installed on your mobile phone, it immediately alerts CPR-trained bystanders about a nearby SCA (Sudden Cardiac Attack) event and lets them know the location of the closest AED.  Fifty-seven percent of U.S. adults say they’ve had CPR training, and most would be willing to use CPR or an AED to help save a stranger’s life. Yet only 11% say they’ve used CPR in an actual emergency—that’s a number we can increase together by use of an app such as this.  That’s why it’s so important to get as many trained as possible.

Any group (churches, civic or community groups, etc.) can request free CPR training by completing the request form online.  NMCA plans to have this training available at future events.  I had CPR training previously, but never really felt that confident that I could do it until after this last training. I urge you to take advantage of any opportunity to get it, whether it’s your first time or as a refresher.

Additional information, including brochures and videos can be found at this AHA link.

 

North Main Tree Planting

 TreesUpstate is starting to schedule site visits and discuss planting dates for Fall 2019 – March 2020.  Last year, North Main participated, and it would be great to take advantage of this opportunity to get more trees in the neighborhood. We need to determine interest, and if there is widespread interest, we may be able to plan multiple tree planting events. For each event, they need at least 12 residents and at least 17 trees that are within walking distance of each other (maybe 5 minutes) — the closer the better, especially for the volunteers.

The information on this page is still correct: https://www.treesupstate.org/gottrees/  What’s included:

  • 15 gallon, 5′-10′ tall tree (height depends on species)
  • Species selection
  • Public utility marking (however, residents are responsible for marking any irrigation or private utility lines before the tree planting)
  • Professional site visit from our staff to give recommendations based on available space, utilities, etc
  • Installation

If you are interested, please let us know by emailing northmaincomm@gmail.com.  If you are interested in helping to  coordinate this with TreesUpstate, PLEASE let us know.  Your board can always use help with projects like this.

 

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.

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

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

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

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

June 11-July 12 – Butterfly Adventure at Roper Mountain Science Center.  9:00 AM - 3:00.  Returning for the fourth year is the ever-popular Butterfly Adventure, featuring a unique experience as hundreds of butterflies surround visitors within the natural rainforest habitat at Roper Mountain Science Center. Butterfly Adventure provides guests the opportunity to interact with hundreds of native butterflies as they flutter, dip and soar around the tropical foliage. “In addition to enjoying over a dozen different species of Southeastern butterflies, there will also be a multitude of interactive activities and displays for guests to explore while visiting us to ensure each person enjoys their butterfly experience to the fullest,” Roper Mountain Science Center Director Michael Weeks noted. Dozens of hands-on activities and adventure around the lower part of the mountain await.

June 13 – Summer Series 5K  Summer run series hosted by the Greenville Track Club

June 14 – Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays.  5:30 PM - 9:30 PM @ NOMA Square

June 14-16 – Daylily & Hosta Gardens will donate 10% of all sales to help homeless animals that weekend.  Over the last few years, they have donated over $5000.  This year they are supporting Greenville Animal Care to promote the adoption of shelter animals.  Garden visitors may bring donations of pet food, treats and supplies for the animals at Greenville County Animal Care.  To see many wonderful adoptable animals, visit http://www.GreenvillePets.org  Remember, they are a pet friendly garden.  Dogs on leashes welcome!

 

June 14-23 – Chautauqua History Alive.  7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Free. Get ready to laugh, cry and flat out have a great time at this ten-day – two-weekend festival of non-stop live history and fun for the whole family.
30 shows performed in costume by nationally acclaimed historical interpreters. Various venues including the Kroc Center, Falls Park, Greenville Tech. College and others.  Check website for times and locations.

June 22 – Upstate Pride SC Pride Rally.  11am – 6pm.  Falls Park on the Reedy River.

July 4 – Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue is Greenville’s premier 4th of July celebration, showcasing one of the state’s largest fireworks displays.  The free event, from 5-10 p.m. and features live music on two stages, fun-filled activities in the Kids Area and a variety of popular food and beverage vendors. The event takes place in downtown Greenville on Main Street from Broad Street to Augusta Street. Fireworks launch is at 9:45.

July 6 – Liberty Bridge Jump Off.  10am – 10pm.  Olympic athletes pole vault on Main Street for a free, family friendly event. Showcasing Greenville Native, World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Sandy Morris.

 

 

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

May/June 2019 Newsletter
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