NMCA Newsletter (03/2016)

Phyllis Gilreath Beautification Committee, Local Business, Meetings, Social Events

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*The Board of Directors now meets the first Tuesdays of most months at 6:30 PM at the Bobby Pearse Community Center.  Members are welcome to attend board meetings.  Please email northmaincomm@gmail.com  in case there is a location change and to insure we are meeting that month.

 

NMCA Happy Hour at the Bohemian Café

Thanks to all those who came out and joined us at the Bohemian Café last week. We had a good turnout and enjoyed some delicious appetizers prepared by Chef Zach Grant and sponsored by Wayne Gathings of GreenvilleBuilding.com. Also, thanks to new owners Kevin and Jennifer Lucas for hosting the event. NMCA recognized Marti Gathings, a Greenville High School student, for winning a national award for developing an app to anonymously connect people suffering from domestic abuse with survivors for guidance and support.  Thanks to all those who came out in the rain to join us.

 

Please Welcome Our New Business Members

we took to the woodsWe Took to the Woods is a retail shop that celebrates the changing of seasons, most often apparent in the woods.  “Our shop is meant to involve all the senses that each season awakens, while at the same time embracing the change that comes with the turning of time.  

We celebrate an idea: The balance of old and new, things for us to enjoy in the moment or to keep and pass on to future generations”.  Located at 106 E. Stone Avenue, they can be reached at 864-451-7155.  Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm.

 

bohemianThe Bohemian Café  Now under new management, owners Kevin and Jennifer Lucas graciously hosted the NMCA Happy Hour Event on March 3.  If America is the great melting pot, then The Bohemian has the ultimate American menu!  “At dinner, the chef draws upon his 20+ years of restaurant experience and recipes collected in his international travels to bring you authentic dishes from around the world and the best in steaks, seafood and vegetarian items, all hand-prepared with the highest quality ingredients. The lunch menu features both signature items and classic favorite sandwiches and salads, with daily soup and seafood specials.”  Check out their website for hours and menu selections.  You can also like them on Facebook.

 

Development Update and Other City News

Property at Corner of Townes and Croft:  We received a question from a member regarding the fate of the property at the corner of Townes and Croft.  According to Council’s Amy Doyle, the school district purchased the property.  They are still determining the needs with their long term plans.  Her guess is it could be a building, green space or parking lot.  Time will tell.

NorthPointe: According to the city, CRH is redesigning and trying to work through issues with their anchor tenant, Harris Teeter. They are not on the agenda for future PC meetings as of yet.  When they are, you will see the signs go back up.

no glassRecycling: The City of Greenville announced effective April 1, it will no longer accept glass for recycling at the curb or at its Stone Avenue and Rutherford Road recycling centers. Like Greenville County and other municipalities, the City also uses Pratt Industries, the only remaining Material Recovery Facility in the Upstate, which has already stopped accepting glass from its other customers.

The City is still scheduled to transition to an automated recycling collection system this summer, distributing the new 96-gallon recycle roll carts in May. in addition to increasing the volume of materials that residents will be able to recycle curbside, the City also plans to increase the types of plastic materials that it collects this summer. They hope this will increase the number of residents who recycle.

“Historically, glass has accounted for between 12 and 20 percent of the materials collected through our recycling program,” said Mike Murphy, the City’s Public Works Department director. South Carolina hopes to meet or exceed a recycling goal of 40% set for 2020.

Going forward, the City will continue to accept mixed paper, cardboard, paperboard, aluminum, steel and plastic for recycling at the curb. Residents can also recycle scrap metal, appliances and tires at the curb by placing them outside their recycling container. Additionally, since state law prohibits recycling electronics at the curb, the City also holds two “e-waste” recycling events every year to provide citizens with an opportunity to recycle unwanted TVs, computers and computer components.

“The Capital Report”

capitalNMCA will be holding a “State of the District” public meeting to hear from Senator Mike Fair about issues addressed at the State House that impact North Main.  The date is Thursday evening, April 7, at the Sears Recreation Shelter at McPhearson Park.  We will hold a reception at 5:30 pm. The program will begin at 6pm and we will adjourn at 7pm.  Come join neighbors to hear what is happening in Columbia and ask questions or express concerns about issues important to you.  RSVP and Questions to John DeWorken at Jdeworken@gmail.com

Crime Update

As we sent out in a recent email, the thefts at construction and remodeling sites continues…stealing appliances and other valuables to pawn or sell.  According to Police Officer John Dempsey, the most recent being about 2-3 weeks ago.  He said they will likely continue.  He believes this must involve at least 2 people, possibly driving a box truck or pickup with trailer.  The appliances will probably not be in a box.   He asks that any suspicious activity be reported to the non-emergency number (864.271.533) but if you see a robbery in progress, please call 911 for immediate action.  Please let your neighbors know, especially those doing renovations, etc.  Doors often get left unlocked by subcontractors, etc., which just invites these thieves.  Keep your eyes open.  That’s what ‘neighborhood watch’ means.

Garden-ToolsAs we approach spring and start gardening, etc., please remember not to leave mowers, tools, etc. out in your yard in plain sight.  It’s just too tempting for thieves.  If you hear of crimes or are a victim, please notify the police and let us know by emailing northmaincomm@gmail.com  or post on our Facebook page so we can warn other residents.

Summit Drive Earns State Recognition!

The Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards program recognizes and rewards schools for attaining high levels of academic performance, for attaining high rates of growth, and for making substantial progress in closing the achievement gap between groups of students. Summit earned Palmetto Gold for excellent academic performance. The criteria and procedures for selecting schools that receive the Gold and Silver Awards were developed by the Education Oversight Committee (EOC).

Mark Your Calendar Now for Stone Academy’s Arts Alive

Stone Academy’s largest fundraiser of the school year is scheduled this year for Friday, April 29th, 3:30 – 7pm.  You won’t want to miss it!  Live music, food trucks, Kona Ice, Art Auction, Class Treasures Auction and a Photo Booth. smile_031 NMCA is proud to be co-sponsoring the Photo Booth, so come on out and say “CHEESE”.  One of the feature events that day is the annual Pantene® Beautiful Lengths hair-cuts...the largest national movement and first campaign to create free, real-hair wigs for women with cancer. You only need to donate 8 inches, so if you’re planning on cutting those locks for summer…why not wait and do it then and support their efforts!

Did You Know?

ag dayNational Agriculture Day is March 15 and recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture, stewards of a healthy planet.  One of the major messages this year is to educate our next generation!  The same generation of young adults who are our educators are also our leaders. The further removed from the farm, the more difficult it will be for them to understand the importance of agriculture. Agriculture is what feeds us, what clothes us and what keeps America, America. What happens when the farms of today no longer exist? Are we ready to pay the higher cost of imported foods which we will have no idea of how they were planted, grown or harvested? If you can, buy local!

According to GSA Business, Downtown Greenville ranks third in the 2016 top 10 best downtowns list by Livability.com . The online community research firm said “It’s downtown Greenville’s unique appeal and projected growth that put it once again on our list of the top 10 downtowns.”  They cite the focus of city leaders on “not just renewing Greenville’s downtown, but making it a destination that appeals to the best and brightest.”

CPR  Class?

We have had a request for a CPA (human) class similar to what we did a couple of years ago.  There is a minimum number for a class.  If interested, email northmaincomm@gmail.com or call 235-2373.  

March Gardening

Hard to believe the first day of spring is right around the corner…March 20. Daffodils and crocus are starting to bloom and my tulips are emerging.  Trusting that the groundhog is right, I’ve started pruning old plants back, especially my perennials.  Buds on many shrubs and trees are starting to swell with color.

It’s not too late to plant woodies.  But don’t wait much longer…it’s getting warm fast and the warmer it gets, the more the leaves that emerge demand of the root system.  The idea of planting in the winter and early spring is to give the roots a chance to begin growing before they have to help sustain the top.  Phosphorus fertilizer can help boost root growth.  Find a variety of plants at the April 16 Upstate Native Plant Sale at Conestee Park from  9am – 1pm.

It’s time for application of nitrogen for Bermuda grass and zoysiagrass lawns that have been overseeded for the winter.  DON’T fertilize centipede or St. Augustine yet, nor warm-season lawns that were not overseeded.  See Fertilizing Lawns for more information.

Now is a good time to inspect your irrigation system for repairs and upgrades.  You should also make sure the timer is set properly for early season irrigation.   If we don’t get some rain, that may happen soon. See the Home and Garden Center’s irrigation publications for more information.

Spring is also when we’ll be seeing baby birds and other baby wildlife, so it’s time to get those nest boxes cleaned out and repaired, or maybe some new ones built/bought and put up.  Check out this website for tips on when and how to clean.  For those who want to view baby birds now, the Eagle nestcam at Berry College in Georgia shows live streaming of baby bald eagles…today the eaglets were getting some sunshine while Mom (or Dad) watched over them.

daylilliesRemember that NMCA business member Daylily and Hosta Gardens at 2396 Roper Mountain Road will open for the season April 1. Hours will be Fridays 12-6, Saturdays 9-4 and Sundays 12-6. Closed Mon – Thurs. Over 900 varieties of daylilies and hostas!  Pet friendly garden – dogs welcome.  Each year they choose one weekend when they donate 10% of all sales to help homeless animals.  Over the last few years, they have donated over $4000. This year the date is June 10-12, during peak daylily bloom.  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.
brochureThe South Carolina Native Plant Society is excited to announce Wild Plants on the Rabbit, a new, pocket-sized brochure about the native and naturalized plants growing along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The brochure provides links to a more complete plant inventory.  If Trail users see a plant on the Trail that they cannot find in the brochure or in this list, the Society’s website offers a service where they can submit their own photos for identification. Wild Plants on the Rabbit brochures are free and available at Upstate Chapter events (including the April 16th Native Plant Sale at Conestee Park!) and at other outlets listed here.

It’s also time to start thinking about a vegetable garden.  If you don’t have a sunny spot in the yard for one, think containers.  You can buy containers that you can put on wheels to roll in and out and which have a watering system incorporated into the design to keep moisture levels optimal.  One example is the Earthbox but there are others very similar.

diaper iceYou can also plant flowers in containers and hanging baskets.  Anything in containers will dry out faster and need almost daily watering.  One good trick for maintaining more moisture and cutting down on watering times…diapers (clean ones, preferably).  You can line the pot with the absorbent side facing in or take the diaper apart and mix the material inside the diaper (sometimes called diaper ice) in the soil…it holds moisture and is much cheaper than the moisture crystal products they sell in gardening centers for that purpose.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in March is 65°F, and the average low is 41°F.  The maximum high was 91 on March 23, 1901.  The maximum low temperature was 65 on March 30, 1896.  The minimum high temperature was 27 on March 2, 1980 and the minimum low was 11 the next day.  Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 5.35” on March 26th, 1901.  Maximum snow was 9.4” on March 13, 1993. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

For you gardeners, historically there is only a 10% chance of frost on or after mid-April.  There is a 50% chance on or after April 3.  So, who wants to second guess Mother Nature this year?!

 

For Our Four-Legged Friends

Rtailsandtrailslogoace the trails (or go for a casual stroll) at Conestee Park side by side with your best running partner – your dog!  May 7, 8:30am.  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 our pet themed entertainment and vendor party.  Check out their website for registration info.

 

DerbyAnd mark your calendars for Thursday, April 21, from 6:30pm – 9:30pm, for the Greenville Humane Society’s 3rd annual Run for the Noses Palmetto Derby Party at The Old Cigar Warehouse in downtown Greenville.  Adoptable puppies go nose to nose during the derby dash!  Live Music, beer and wine, Derby-inspired Gourmet Food.  Want to give your favorite competitor a leg up? Click “Vote” or “Vote & Buy Tickets” for your pup of choice under the Contestants section to push them to the top of the leaderboard!  There you can see the contestants and their sponsors.

A History of Some Greenville Landmarks

The Peace Center:  In 1985, Mayor Bill Workman appointed a citizens’ committee to research building a performing arts facility. A firm was hired to perform a feasibility study and a local attorney proposed a unique public-private partnership for fundraising to make such a facility become a reality. Located at the corner of South Main Street and Broad Street was a six-acre site near the Reedy River with three buildings – a wagon factory built before the Civil War, a textile plant constructed in the 1880s, and the old Sauer food plant (the makers of Duke’s Mayonnaise). Two of these buildings were saved and became a part of the complex, while one made way for a state of the art facility that is now home to the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Carolina Ballet Theatre, and International Ballet. The Peace Family donated $10 million to get the fundraising started and later donated $10 million more to the Peace Center Endowment Fund. Dorothy Hipp Gunter gave $3 million for the theatre that bears her name.

Stone Academy:  Dr. Charles Benjamin Stone and his wife, Eugenia Ann Earle, lived in Greenville from 1840 to 1886 on a large plantation covering much of the land from Main Street to and including part of East North Street, Rutherford Road, and Wade Hampton Blvd. Upon Dr. Stone’s death in 1886, his five children inherited his estate. One of those children was Eugene Earle Stone, a prominent Greenville resident who fought skirmishes in the Civil war, loved literature, often quoted poetry, and was an excellent farmer and a devoted family man. Stone School was eventually built on land that he had owned. He sold the parcel to the Greenville School District Trustees in March of 1923 for $2.000 (probably discounted), with the agreement that the school’s name would be “Stone.”

Stone Elementary School was the first Greenville elementary school to have a separate checkout library, and the first to use audio-visual aids extensively. In 1950 the library was built and classroom additions were constructed. In May of 1976 additional renovations were made. In 1995, under the leadership of principal, Ed Holliday, Stone became a magnet academy with the focus on the arts. Stone Academy of Communication Arts embarked on an exciting future. Drama and dance were added to the weekly related arts instruction, which already included visual arts, music, and physical education.

Shop Local

grow your communityKeep 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 res

 

 

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 March calendar.

The Children’s Museum has great programs for kids.   Check them out at their website calendar

Check out the current exhibits and other programs at the Upstate History Museum.

Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities.  Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.

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. 

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

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

Jan to March – Check out the 2016 schedule of classes at Dance Ventures at Stone Plaza.  Everything from tap to ballet to jazz.  Join a class today. 864-271-7701.

March 15 – Flora of the Green Swamp with Jim Fowler, Botanist and Orchid Specialist.  Upstate Native Plant Society Meeting.  Greenville Tech.  7-9pm.  Multipurpose Room 2.

March 17 – Leprechaun O’Gala. The Pavillion.  9am – noon.  Bring your little leprechauns (ages 2-6) to celebrate with snacks, games, prizes, face painting, bounce house and a Patty’s Day craft. Cost:  $8.

March 18 – Demolition Dance at the Swamp Rabbit Café.  Come kick up your heels to celebrate their expansion.  Dinner served from 5:30-7pm. A delicious springtime medley of food.  Veggie-head option.  Dinner sold separately.   Dancing from 7-10:30pm with DJ Dr. Um.  A sweet mix of the 70s and beyond.  Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Also check out their March Cooking classes and Easter Festivities at their website.

March 18– America’s Musical Heritage Concert by The Greenville Concert Band.  Greenville Technical College Auditorium. 7:30-8:30pm.  Free.  Musical selections by George Gershwin, Henry Fillmore, Alfred Reed and others.

March 19 – Bunny Brunch A unique event where children will have the opportunity to create spring-themed art projects, enjoy tasty treats, and participate in the museum’s egg hunt. Advanced registration is required, and tickets are $10 for museum members, $19 for non-member children, and $20 for non-member adults.

March 20 – Palm Sunday Celebration / Egg Hunt at Northside United Methodist Church. (435 Summit Dr.) 11:00 – worship service. 12:15 – lunch in fellowship hall (no charge).  1:00 – egg hunt, games and prizes.

March 24 – Community Meeting to meet District 6 Senate Candidate Johnny Edwards.  Stone Lake Pool Clubhouse. 6:30pm.

March 25 – Easter Party at the Swamp Rabbit Café. 10am.  Cost: $6 per child.  Register your child for a morning that includes egg dying and cookie decorating. March 26 – Bunny Hop Trail 5K.  8:30am – 12noon.  Conestee Park.  5K Trail run at Conestee Park and Lake Conestee Natural Park.

March 27 – Easter Sunday.

March 28 – Spring Break starts for local schools.  Need some ideas for activities?  Check out KiddingAroundGreenville.com for some ideas.

March 28 – Spring Break Camp Begins 2016-03-28T07:30:00 Bobby Pearse Community Center. 904 Townes StSpring Break Camp (ages 5-12) is offered during Spring Break for Greenville County Schools each year. The program operates from 7:30am-6:00pm each day. Campers will participate in arts and crafts, games, field trips, sports, fitness, music, and much more. Dates: Monday, March 28 – April 1, 2016.

April 2 – Let Me Be Brave Race.  7am – 1pm.  Conestee Park.  10K, 5K, Kids Run to celebrate Special Olympics. Contact:864-303-0744.  Email:Joe Lanahan.

April 2 –  Zoom Through the Zoo.  8-10am. A 5K run/walk to benefit the Greenville Zoo and its program. Families have an opportunity to run through the Zoo and the surrounding neighborhoods and enjoy a family-friendly celebration.  Check out other zoo events in April at their website.

April 2 – Imagine Upstate. 11am – 5pm. Fluor Field.  iMagine Upstate is a combination of crowd-sourced and signature events showcasing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), innovation and entrepreneurial activity held throughout the Upstate during weeks surrounding the iMagine Upstate Festival.   , “Go Fly A Kite,” a free community day of kite flying that is part of the iMAGINE Upstate festival, will be held 2:30-4:30 p.m. March 29 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Soccer field (across from A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School) at 420 Westfield.  All you have to do is design, build and fly a kite to participate in the free event. Prizes will be given.

April 7 – “The State of the District” with Senator Mike Fair. Sears Shelter at McPhearson Park. 5:30 – 7pm.  See article in newsletter body.

April 9 – Upstate Heart Walk. 8am.  One City Plaza. The Upstate Heart Walk is a celebration of a year-long campaign to raise funds in support of the mission of the American Heart Association.

April 9 – Kids Fest at Heritage Green    Greenville Museum of Art.  10am – 1pm.  As part of the national Week of the Young Child, join the entities of Heritage Green as they provide free, fun activities for children up to 5 yrs.and their families. Artist Lee Dillingham will be drawing caricatures on the lawn, and the storytimes are inside the galleries at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

April 9 – Community Yard Sale at the Northgate Soda Shop.  Clean out the house and bring your ‘stuff’ to sell.  No charge for space but bring what you need…tables, chairs, change, etc.  More details to come.

April 11 – June 6 – Yoga at the Bobby Pearse Community Center.  6:30 – 7:45pm each Monday.  Start the week feeling great!  Cost is only $32 for the entire session or $5 per class for city residents ($40 or $6 for non-residents.)  You can pay at the door or register online for the entire session.

April 16 – Upstate Native Plant Sale.  Conestee Park.  9am – 1pm.  The proceeds from the spring plant sale help support upstate projects such as ecosystem conservation and community education.April 23 – Soda shop Charity Golf Tournament.  Paris Mountain Country Club. More information and sign-up sheets later at the Soda Shop.

May 21 – Save the date!!   NMCA Spring Social and Membership Drive. Those who were there last year remember what a great day it was… with over 350 people in attendance.  This is our biggest social event of the year.   Once again Maria and Roland Gomes (Many of you know Maria from the Drop-in-Store) have graciously offered their yard for the event. (Corner of N. Main and W. Earle St.)  Watch for more details!  

 

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

NMCA Newsletter (03/2016)
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