NMCA Newsletter (02/2018)

 

 Mark your calendars now for our March 8 Member Drop In to be held at the Hall of Fame Sports Grill. They will offer specials to NMCA members who attend and NMCA will provide some appetizers.  So stop by after work and enjoy a drink and some down-time with your friends and neighbors! 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

 

              Meet our Newest Business Members

ATH Interiors, LLC  specializes in residential interior design. They can assist with all interior design needs including furniture purchasing, placement, lighting, paint selections, for new build or renovation projects. They are a small business and they live in the North Main area.  Located at 7 West Stone Avenue, they can be reached at (864) 520-1600.  You can also follow them on Facebook and on Instagram @athinteriorsgreenville

 

 

 

Cuddly Critters Pet Sitting of Greenville is a specialty service for those discriminating pet owners who want only the best for their pet! “We take pride in maintaining an excellent reputation in the pet sitting industry.  Our service provides the ultimate care for your pet. We specialize in individual attention for your pet. In addition, we go the extra mile to insure your pet is as comfortable and content as possible during your absence.  Hiring a pet sitter can be very convenient. There is no need to transport your pet and he will be at home waiting for you when you return!

We require an initial visit to your home prior to your departure to get to know your pet and all necessary information about your pet’s routine and preferences. This enables your pet to be happy and stress free while you’re away”.  Cuddly Critters Pet Sitting is a member of Pet Sitters International and the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.  They gladly provide references upon request.  Visit their website or Facebook page or call (864) 901-3189.

 

 

St. Andrews Episcopal Church is located at 1002 South Main Street in Greenville across from Flour Field. “Situated in the vibrant West End district of downtown Greenville, we are a small but growing parish — and much or our recent growth has come from families in the North Main neighborhood, where our rector, the Reverend Gary Eichelberger, lives with his wife and three children.  Through our common worship, which includes Sunday worship at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM (with 9:30 AM Sunday School in between) and 6:30 PM Wednesday night services, we are inspired to seek and serve God in all persons.  One way this is embodied is the Feed Thy Neighbor ministry, which is a cooperative effort of the Episcopal community in Greenville run out of the Saint Andrew’s Parish House, where, every Saturday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 AM, anyone in need of a hot breakfast can find a place at the table.” For more information about Saint Andrew’s or to reach Father Gary, please call the church office at (864) 235-5884 or visit our website or Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

Don’t Forget to Renew Your NMCA Membership

To remind everyone…membership is based on a calendar year; thus, no matter when you joined or renewed in 2017, renewals are due in January.  We will be sending out invoices soon to those who have not already renewed.  We are attempting to ease the administrative burden on our new Membership Secretary.

Dues are $20 per calendar year for residents and $30 per calendar year for businesses.  Just go to our membership page (http://www.northmaincommunity.org/membership/) and choose Paypal, or print and mail the membership form with a check.   If you use Paypal to pay your dues, please click on “return to North Main Community Association” and fill in the boxes so we can insure we have your correct information, especially your email.

We do have some members that have previously paid for multiple years.  If you think you are one of them, please email Cheyenne Kozaily 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 about 10 that bounce each time we email.  We thank you for your continued membership and support!

NOTE:  If you have renewed by mail in the last week or so, it may have been returned as undeliverable.  The post office had a slight problem.  We sent in our PO Box renewal fee in plenty of time.  The post office received it, post marked it, and put it back in our box!!??  So, since they think we are late renewing, they are treating all incoming mail as undeliverable…hence you may get it back. We are trying to get this sorted out, but iin the meantime we apologize for any inconvenience and the waste of a stamp.  Thank you!

 

Go Tigers!!

With 98,521 pounds of waste recycled, composted or donated, Clemson University was named national champion in total recycling as part of the 2017 GameDay Recycling Challenge (GDRC).  It marked the second time in the last four seasons Clemson won the total recycling category with the win in 2014 and second-place finishes in 2015 and 2016. The GDRC is produced through a partnership of the College and University Recycling Coalition, Keep America Beautiful, RecycleMania Inc. and the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

The challenge pitted 70 colleges and universities in a fun and friendly competition to engage college football fans in an initiative to see who could recycle or reduce the most waste. Participating schools recycled or composted nearly two million pounds of waste during the 2017 season. University of Arkansas, University of Virginia, Louisiana State University and University of Texas rounded out the top five for 2017.

 

Development Update

  • NorthPointe Update: The last update on Feb 1 indicated the first foundation was poured. The buildings were officially underway!! I’m sure the rains the last couple of weeks are not helping them stay on schedule.  We will continue to post updates as we receive them on our FB page and Website.
  • Improvements Planned for North Main Rotary Park –  NMCA President John DeWorken and Beautification Chairman Hunter Cutchin are participating in meetings with the North Main Rotary Club and the City Parks and Recreation Department to determine how to improve the Park in terms of plantings as well as making it more ‘user friendly’.  This is part of a larger effort for parks city wide.  The hope is that the North Main Park can serve as a model for other smaller parks around the city.  In fact, last week, DeWorken sat in on City Council Neighborhood and Planning Committee meeting to learn about the City’s investments in the North Main Rotary Park.  The City has a new initiative to focus on neighborhood parks, including McPherson and North Main Rotary Park.  The NMCA board recently toured the park to determine problem areas  and needs, and prioritize them for future meetings.

We will be looking for member volunteers to help with some of the smaller projects as the efforts get further along. In the meantime    we welcome input from the community

just email your comments or suggestions to    northmaincomm@gmail.com  Stay tuned!

  • There has been a lot of concern lately about the loud “booms” heard around 3pm everyday. This is the crew that is installing the new sewer main on Chick Springs.  Why 3pm?   According to the fire department, typically, the contractor selects the time they want to blast, and as long as the fire department can have someone there, they approve it. They said that most select a time in the afternoon so they can monitor the weather as the day goes on and make changes if needed.

 

Crime Awareness

Most of you are now aware of the shooting that took place on Feb 7 at the intersection of North Main and Rutherford.  This is unusual activity for our neighborhood and it appears that no North Main residents were involved.  We appreciate the timely show of force from Chief Miller and his officers to get the situation under control and help keep our neighborhood safe.

Within the last week or so, at least 3 car break-ins were reported on E.Hillcrest, Wilton and Woodbine.  In 2 cases, the cars were accidentally left unlocked.  PLEASE lock your cars and hide valuables.  Thieves don’t need additional temptation.  According to Greenville’s Community Crime Map since Jan 30 there has been one atttempted burglary on Townes St. and 4 cases of petit larceny or attempted petit larceny on Thornton Ave., Earle St. and Summit (2).

Just a reminder… A Crime Prevention Specialist will come to your business, home or apartment to conduct a security survey at no cost. Areas covered include lighting, landscaping, locks, alarms, and much more. The Crime Prevention Specialist can then offer valuable suggestions on how to decrease your chances of becoming a victim of burglary or robbery. Schedule your survey today by calling 864-467-5147.

 

For our Four-Legged Friends

 At Animal Care Services  all dogs over 40 pounds, and puppies that will become dogs over 40 pounds are spayed or neutered for FREE.   And, as always, adoptions are free for vets with proof of service.  Not able to adopt?  Check into fostering or volunteering by visiting them or going to their website.

You can also email fosterapet@greenvillecounty.org . Animal Care 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. Check out their Facebook page for more information on activities.

Great progress is being made in their efforts to help Greenville County become a No-Kill County.  In 2017, they spayed and neutered 1,278 Community Cats through the Community Cat Diversion Program (TNR), preventing thousands of homeless kittens from being born.  Over 1000 cats and dogs were fostered.  Over 850 lost pets were returned to their owners. 8,400 cats and dogs were neutered, reducing the future homeless pet population.

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.  For the month of February only, the Humane Society is featuring their Fur-Ever Love Adoption Special.  Adult Dogs:  $50 and Adult Cats $20.

Please consider becoming a foster parent.  All it takes is love and a little time. Foster care is temporary care and shelter for one of their animals that is either too small, sick, injured or needs socialization. Animals seem to recover faster in a home environment versus a cage; plus, it makes room for them to bring in other animals.

DON’T MISS the Fundraiser for Izzie’s Pond at Willy Tacos…Izzie’s Pond is where all the pumpkins and Christmas trees went, thanks to North Main resident, Michelle Brinn.  Great way to eat great Willy Taco food without the typical lines. At the same time, support Izzies Pond and meet some of the animals. Chipper, the escape artist prairie dog, will be there. So will baby goats, raccoon, chicken, rooster and others. Great excuse for a North Main get together. See you Monday, Feb 26. Cash at the door, or sign up on Eventbrite.

 

February Gardening?

Trees Greenville, in cooperation with Duke Energy, will give away 650 trees this spring to Greenville County residents. Each household may get up to two trees. Visit the web link to learn how to reserve your tree. There will be six pickup days this spring, with the first being Feb. 23-25, and the second on April 6-8. Go to their website to learn more.

Spring Cleaning:  Some gardeners are unsure whether to tidy up the garden now by removing dead plants. We’re all getting a little antsy whenever we have a taste of warm weather. The neat freaks insist that the landscape must be prim, so dead, unattractive stalks must be removed; however, others argue that seed heads add interest to the garden in winter. Sunflower stalks, grasses, and some perennials provide food and cover for wildlife. Birds can’t eat seeds that we cut down and relegate to the garbage or compost. Overwintering butterflies may also be removed with the debris. Also, remember that the dead foliage and stems provide a layer of insulation that will protect the crown and roots of plants during freezing weather. Read more at Dave’s Garden Website. And remember, our risk of frost continues till mid-April. And we did have a trace of snow on April 3, back in 1925.  (Obviously prior to global warming…but you never know!)

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.

Tree Planting – The winter months when trees are dormant are excellent times to plant.  Be careful that you do not plant them too deep, or with too much soil amendment. Mix a little phosphorus in the soil where you plant. This encourages root growth which will help the plant get established so it will be ready to put out top growth come spring See Planting Trees Correctly for information on the proper way to plant a tree.

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

As we mentioned last month,don’t forget the birds during these cold periods. They need food, especially high calorie food such as black oil sunflower seed, suet, etc.  But more importantly, keep a supply of water available.  One easy way to do this is to buy an electric bird bath heater. They can be purchased for about $30-$40 and all you need is an outlet and an extension cord.

The upcoming 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.

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.

Now is the time to start cleaing out old bird houses.  As early as the end of February and as late as June, the colorful male bluebird locates a nesting site, establishes territory around it of two to five acres, and sings to attract a female and warn other male bluebirds to stay away. Once a female accepts the site, she builds a neat cup shaped nest of dry grasses and pine needles. Nest building may take five days to three weeks.  After nesting season is over, bluebirds give up their territories and flock together. South Carolina bluebirds do not migrate. They are joined by migrant northern bluebirds and roam the area looking for berries. In winter, bluebirds will roost in pine tree stands and nest boxes to avoid cold weather.  To find out how you can help bluebirds, visit the South Carolina bluebird society site.

 

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in February is 57.0°F, the average low is 35°F and the average precipitation (rainfall) is 3.97”.  Looking at records from 1890 to the present, the maximum high was 81 on Feb 27th, 1996.  The max low temperature was 60 on Feb 2nd,1923.  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 15th back in 1902, making that Greenville’s snowiest February on record.  Greenville has had up to 9” of snow as late as March 24 (1983).  The snowiest winter was in 1935 when we had a total of 21.4” of snow.

As you know, at 7:18 a.m. on Feb 2,  just after sunrise, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his lair to the cheers of thousands in the crowd. Those cheers turned to groans after the animal’s weather forecast, which comes amid a winter that has brought record-breaking freezing temperatures across the U.S. — not to mention a powerful winter storm known as a “bomb cyclone.”  But did you know that although Phil may hog the media spotlight each February 2, other rodent oracles issue Groundhog Day predictions at festivals from Nova Scotia to Dallas. Some of these pampered beasts live a lavish lifestyle with amenities ranging from sprawling plantations to Twitter accounts to traveling entourages. At least a dozen other furry hogs make their predictions on February 2 – and almost all of them don’t agree with Phil’s forecast.  Sorry, Phil.

 

 

        

                      

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

 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 to be members.  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

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.

You still have a short time to sign up to try something new (or old) at Dance Ventures in jazz, ballet and tap.  Classes are starting now but it’s not too late to sign up if you act quickly. The first class in any type dance is free. Check the website for dates and times.  Or call Sandra at 864-271-7701.  Classes range from beginner to intermediate and advanced.  She’ll help find the right class for you.

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

Feb – MarchCheck out the Community Tap calendar of events.

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.

The Next session of Fitness Boot Camp will begin on March 6. Get in shape “boot camp” style! In each class participants will perform exercises individually and as teams, focusing on muscular strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The emphasis is on both physical and mental improvement and each week builds upon the previous classes. The program is designed for all levels of fitness with workouts including body weight, cardiovascular endurance and core strength exercises. The classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30AM – 6:30AM. Meet at McPherson Park, 100 E. Park Avenue.  Register

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 GCMA also has an impressive collection of paintings and prints by contemporary artist Jasper Johns. Ranging from Federal portraits to contemporary abstractions, the GCMA’s acclaimed Southern Collection invites viewers to survey American art history through works with ties to the South. Visit their website to learn about current exhibitions.

Feb 15 – Greenville’s Conestee Park will become a cycling venue for the first time – but perhaps not the last – when it hosts more than 300 cyclists for the third race of the Hincapie Spring Training Series.  Spectators are welcome to attend the Hincapie Spring Training Series races, which will be conducted in 10 divisions beginning at 9 a.m. at Conestee Park. The park is located at 840 Mauldin Road in Greenville.

Feb 17American Heart Association Heart Ball.  6:00 PM - 11:30 PM @ TD Convention Center.  A premier society event in the Upstate, the Heart Ball is an elegant, black-tie celebration of the life-saving work of the American Heart Association. The event brings together more than 900 of the region’s most prominent medical, corporate, and community leaders. The evening includes heart and stroke survivor celebrations, dinner, dancing, live band and exceptional live and silent auctions.

Feb 18 Foothills Drifter 6K9am. Greenville Municipal Stadium.  840 Mauldin Road. Conestee Park. A festive atmosphere welcomes both the most advanced and novice runners.  7:45-8:45 a.m.- Packet pickup at Lake Conestee Nature Park.  9 a.m. — Race begins.  10:30 a.m. — Awards ceremony begins.

Feb 16-19Great 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. The 2017 count was the biggest in its 20-year history. Bird watchers set a new high bar for number of checklists submitted and total number of species reported.   Participants submitted 214,018 bird checklists reporting 5,940 species.  Click here to see the top ten list and additional information such as most active states and countries and some rare species spotted.

Feb 19The Dark Corner:  A Documentary.  Upcountry History Museum.  2 – 3:32 pm. This full-length documentary is a journey through the elusive history of the area known as the “Dark Corner.” An area once defined by murders, moonshining and mayhem, this film defines the boundaries, debunks myths, and tells the story of a people who are tied to the land. People have asked many times, “Where is the Dark Corner?,” and many times the reply was always “It’s a little further up the road.” Told through scholars and storytellers, this film reveals a history from ancient Indians to the modern development of Northern Greenville County.  Dark Corner Films became inspired not only by its namesake, but by the many residents who wanted the true history of the area to be told. See their website for ticket information.  Check out other events at their event page.

Feb 20 – “Azaleas of the Southern Appalachians” Upstate Native Plant Society  Presented by Dr. Charles Horn.  7:00pm, in Founders Hall at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC.  The event is free and open to the public.  Come at 6:30 pm for refreshments and socializing.  The program will start a 7 pm.

Feb 21Monarch Butterflies: The Great Migration 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM @ Greenville UU Fellowship.  1135 State Park Rd. Guest speaker Stephen Schutt, the superintendent in the Oconee County Park System (High Falls, South Cove and Chau Ram County Parks) will focus on the South Cove Park not only for its incredible beauty but because several years ago it became a monarch way station and began tagging monarchs on their way to Mexico. Monarch butterflies are known for the incredible mass migration that brings millions of them from as far as Canada to California and Mexico each winter. North American monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a massive and epic journey – up to 3,000 miles, an awe-inspiring journey! In this talk Mr. Schutt will explain the health of the monarch population, the migration routes of the monarchs, how you can help scientists learn more about the monarchs through tagging, and how to create your own monarch way station. Come learn about Monarch Butterflies and their journey to Mexico through Oconee County. Event open to the public of all ages.

Feb 23Parents’ Night Out  7:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Bobby Pearse Community Center.  Enjoy an evening out together with your significant other. Grab some dinner downtown and take a walk along the river. Our Parents’ Night Out program will provide a high-energy, fun-filled evening for your kids. Space is limited so be sure to sign your child(ages 5-12) up today. $10 per child. Call  864-467-4331 or go to

March 2 – 4  – Spring Southern Home & Garden Show.  10:00 AM - 7:00 PM @ TD Convention Center.  The Southern Home & Garden Show, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and sponsored by Jeff Lynch, is back for its Spring show. The Spring Southern Home & Garden Show is the largest, most popular home and garden event in South Carolina with over 140 exhibitors.

March 3Reedy River Rivalry TailgateThe premier rivalry in college baseball returns to Fluor Field and Downtown Greenville on Saturday, March 3rd, as the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks square off in the Reedy River Rivalry presented by ScanSource at 3:00 PM. The Drive will host the Reedy River Rivalry Tailgate Party on Main Street all day long. Clemson and South Carolina will have tables and fun interactive displays on hand, and there will be food and drinks, live music, and fun for fans of all ages!  Tickets can only be purchased through the ticket offices of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

March 8 –  Hillcrest Garden Club Meeting  10:00 a.m. Kilgore Lewis House, “Wicked Plants.” Polly Powell will discuss plants that are harmful and she will be referring to the book, “Wicked Plants,” The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities.”

March 11Daylight Saving Time begins.  Remember to set your clocks one hour forward.  The usefulness of DST is widely debated, but it does provide more hours of daylight in the afternoon — hence the term daylight saving.

March 11St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival  Festival hours 1:30 – 6pm.  Parade:  2pm.  The parade marches up Main St. in downtown Greenville to NOMA Square at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, the site of the Irish festival, featuring Irish Music, dancing, children’s activities, and Irish foods with a WYFF TV personality as the MC.

March 17St. Paddy’s Day Dash and Bash  8 AM - 12 PM @ Fluor Field at the West End.  Join us for the 7th annual St. Paddy’s Day Dash & Bash on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Fluor Field at the West End powered by Palmetto Children’s Charity! This year’s beneficiaries are the Meyer Center, GHS Children’s Hospital, Camp Spearhead, and Let There Be Mom.

March 30 – Mark your calendars now. City Parks & Recreation will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt in McPherson Park. Ages 2 – 12 year olds. FREE. 6:00pm -7:30pm. Egg hunt starts at 6:30pm.

May 19NMCA Spring Member Social. Mark your calendars now!   This is our biggest social event of the year!  Look for some new fun features this year!   3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday, May 19, location TBD.  Watch for more details.

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

 

 

 

NMCA Newsletter (02/2018)
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