NMCA Newsletter (04/2016)

Phyllis Gilreath Local Business, Social Committee, Social Events

EarthDay11

Please Welcome Our New Business Members

real estate shopThe REAL ESTATE SHOPPE is “a full-service real estate company offering the most comprehensive real estate services in the market. Whether you are looking for personal real estate needs or just the right investment, our team will make the entire process simple. We work timelessly on your behalf while maintaining the highest possible standards to make your complete real estate experience a pleasant and successful one.”  Located at 612 S. Main Street, Greenville, you can contact them via their website or by calling (864) 884-6901 (Office) or (864) 884-6901 (Property Management).  “From Corporations to Families, across town or across the continent – whatever your reason to move – you can count on The Real Estate Shoppe for unparalleled service and a seamless transition!”

ameriprideAmeriPride Realty Group   Johnny Lee opened Ameripride Realty Group in 2012 as a locally owned and operated company “to offer personal and the most professional assistance available in the industry. With over 25 years in the Real Estate industry we have established a select team of Real Estate Professionals to serve Greenville and surrounding areas in the Upstate. My personal experience includes new home construction, subdivision development, management of rental properties, buy-rehabbing-selling of personal investments, purchasing of foreclosed properties and assisting buyers and sellers to achieve their desired Real Estate goals.” Check out their website or call them at 864.312.6838.

 

curry ad

NMCA May Membership Drive and Member Social

Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for the May 21 NMCA Member Social and Membership Drive. If you have not renewed, please do so now to avoid the lines. Go to www.northmaincomm.org/membership or mail a check to PO Box 571, Greenville, 29602.  It will once again be held at the home of Maria and Roland Gomes (corner of N. Main and W. Earle).  Thanks, Maria!  More details to come.

 

Development Update and Other City News

NorthPointe: As you have probably noticed, the signs are back up for Northpointe which means they will be on the agenda for the April 21 Planning Commission Meeting.  The meeting is at 4PM 10th Floor Council Chambers at City Hall

no glassRecycling: Remember…. effective April 1, the city is no longer accepting 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 to residents who recycle.

Summit Place Apartments: From City Council member Amy Doyle: “You may have seen some changes off Chick Springs Road recently.  The Summit Place Apartments sale has closed and the new owners have begun demolition.  They are intending to gut each building, replace all rooftops, kitchens and redevelop each building. Their goal is to lease apartments in the first buildings in 6 months.  I will send any plans, leasing $$ and other info as soon as I have it.” Hopefully it will be done tastefully.  We also understand from another source that only the right-hand side looking from Chick Springs is involved at this time, although they have been pressuring the other side to sell, too.

‘State of the District’ Meeting

The following is a summary of the information presented by Council member Amy Doyle, State Rep. Wendy Nanney and State Senator Mike Fair at the NMCA ‘State of the District’ Meeting.

Councilwoman Doyle: During the new police chief’s first 1.5 years, there has been a 13% decrease in violent crimes and a 3% decrease in property crimes.  There has been an increase in car break-ins (we had one reported this last week) and most cars were unlocked!  The Main & Stone project is in full swing with three patrons announced:  Two Chefs Restaurant, a Greek restaurant and a hair salon.  Most of you have seen the articles and controversy over the relocation of Public Works and the addition of a park on a portion of the old site.   There is still matching dollars for façade improvement (up to $10K) for businesses on  Stone, Wade Hampton and Augusta Rds.  Town Homes are still planned for the old Colonial Inn site. One audience question addressed the increase in traffic with new developments.  Amy said they expect a 10% increase in traffic on Stone.  Over time, truckers may begin using Pleasantburg as an alternate route. An audience member also indicated that the city needs to do something about ‘distracted driving’.  The “Baby BiLo” property, as we all know it, is still for sale.  The city has been proactive in trying to get a buyer to no avail.

State Rep. Wendy Nanney:  There is a $1.2 billion surplus in the state budget which she wants to focus on roads. There was an audit of DOT which found problems with priority of work projects.  The governor would like to restructure DOT this year and re-do the DOT budget next year.  She emphasized that completely rebuilding roads is prohibitively expensive at this time.  For example, to repave 4 lanes of Wade Hampton would cost $1 million per mile.  The state owns about 1/8 of the miles of road in the state. The state discussed giving roads to counties and cities, but they did not want the responsibility.  She also would like to see more attention to ethics reform, with independent reviews instead of house members policing themselves.  Three issues that she listed as important to her are 2nd amendment rights, education and family focus.

Senator Mike Fair: He also mentioned the importance of roads and the need for improvement. Seeking $400 million in recurring dollars for roads.  He voted against medical marijuana.  In terms of ethics, he also felt that elected officials should be held to a higher standard.  In a similar vein, he discussed the exemption of lawyers and doctors from ethics review of income due to client/patient privilege.  He feels reform measures are needed to remove legislators from SIB (State Infrastructure Bank).  The purpose of this 5-member board is to select and assist in financing major qualified projects (exceeding $100 M) by providing loans and other financial assistance … for constructing and improving highway and transportation facilities necessary for public purposes including economic development.  Any bills can be vetoed by the governor so they need her support for passage.

             April in Your Yard

This is the time of year when there’s a lot to be done in your yard…

  • Time to prune back perennials and other shrubs, depending on the bloom time. Remember:  Summer- Flowering Plants:  Prune before spring growth begins (produce flowers on current season’s growth) Spring-Flowering Plants:  Prune after flowering (produce flowers on previous season’s growth).  And try to resist the urge to commit ‘Crepe-murder’.  Topping is not the correct way to prune crepe myrtles!
  • Fertilizer your lawn, shrubs and trees.  When fertilizing shrubs and trees, be sure to scatter the fertilizer out around the drip line and not up close to the trunk to prevent burning roots.  If using liquid foliar fertilizer, be sure to wait until leaves are fully expanded so they will be able to take up the fertilizer.
  • Typically, mid-April is the date of the last killing frost for this area, so for those who want to get an early start on their vegetable garden, there are several common vegetables you can plant, including tomatoes, cantaloupe, cucumbers, melons, squash, beans and sweet corn. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/laurens/yard_garden/04_april.html
  • 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.  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.  I’ve already got chickadees and wrens checking out my boxes, deciding the best location…sometimes they actually build more than one and then choose.  Check out this website for tips on when and how to clean nest boxes.  I already have baby birds, so maybe they are confused by the weather, too.

barred_owl_glamor_ed_schneiderWe hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of the beautiful sights and sounds of spring in North Main.  One of the more interesting sounds has been the call of the barred owl.  I have one who is hanging around my yard and this year he seems to be calling more during the day than at night.  The distinctive “Who cooks for you” sound is hard to miss. In case you aren’t sure if that’s what you’re hearing, check out this website to hear the various songs and calls. Barred Owls usually nest in a natural cavity, 20–40 feet high in a large tree. Nesting usually occurs from March through July. Interested in building a nest box to attract them?  Check out this website.

And remember, Earth Day 2016 falls on Sunday, April 22.  Earth Day is all about appreciating the uniqueness of our planet Earth with its incredible biodiversity. On this day various national and international activities are conducted to understand the biodiversity and how we should protect our nature – plants, animals and environment.  Theodore Roosevelt probably said it best: “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

 We’ve noticed that as gardening and lawn mowing have picked up there seems to be some confusion in terms of what is picked up by the city.  Especially for you newcomers, we have listed below the city guidelines:

The City will collect: grass clippings, leaves and limbs (no longer than 6 feet long or 6 inches in diameter).

yard waste◦Consider Composting. Call 864-467-8300 for more information.

◦Do not bag yard debris. Leaf it at the curb.

◦Do not cause clogs by piling leaves near storm drains, inlets, culverts or ditches.

◦Do not pile leaves or yard debris on water meters, sewer clean-out pipes, or next to signs, fences or mailboxes.

◦In dry weather dampen your piles of leaves with water prior to collection.

◦Keep leaves separate from branches and limbs.  -this seems to be one of the most frequently observed mistakes.

For Our Four Legged Friends

We still see too many notices about lost and found pets.  Please keep your pets indoors or in a fenced in area. (Put a padlock on the gate if necessary to prevent it being inadvertently opened). NMCA is happy to send out emails and post information on our FB page about lost or found pets. We have helped many pets find their way home.  Just email northmaincomm@gmail.com and we’ll get the information out there. You can also post to North Main Next Door.  Also, check the ACS website page for lost and found pets.  You can also check and post on the Lost and Found Pets of the Upstate Page.  For other alternatives to help your pet find its way home, check out this website.

thKXH48H9JKitten Season is Almost Upon Us.  We will be seeing more and more kittens available for foster and/or adoption at local animal shelters starting in May, as stray and pet cats have kittens.  Look for specials on cats, dogs and kittens about both ACS and GHS.   The Greenville Humane Society almost always needs foster homes for young or sick animals …usually for only a couple of weeks. Plus, the more they can place in homes, the more room they have to take in others.  If you’re interested in fostering, please visit www.greenvillehumane.com/foster-program or stop by the facility on Airport Road to find out more about the Foster Program and fill out a Foster Application. It doesn’t cost a dime, just some love and your time…

Join the Greenville Humane Society for the 3rd annual Pawmetto Derby Party on Thursday, April 21st from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM at The Old Cigar Warehouse in downtown Greenville. Derby-goers can enjoy live music, derbmain-imagey-themed fare prepared by Karen Walker and beer and wine. It all leads up to the main event of the evening – the “Run for the Noses” race where adorable (and adoptable!) puppies compete to win the coveted “Run for the Noses” Champion trophy!

11081188_800504533363243_265386794312606700_nYappy Hour is back!  Join your friends (human and/or furry) at the Greenville Humane Society on Thursday, May 12, from 6-8pm.  (And every 2nd Thursday…see location change below).  $10 for Beer, Bark and Band!  Bring your friendly, spayed/neutered and vaccinated dogs to play off-leash in the fenced courtyard next to the Greenville Humane Society adoption center while you enjoy Brewery 85 beer, Papa John’s Pizza, and live music.  Check out their Facebook page for more information.  Come early…the courtyard is limited to 200 people at a time.  (Due to the new expansion construction, the June thru October Yappy Hours will be held at Brewery 85 at 6 Whitlee Ct. in Greenville.)

Animal Care Services is currently offering all adoptions for $35 …. Dogs, cats, kittens.

 

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in April is 73°F, and the average low is 48°F.  The maximum high was 94 on April 20, 1917. The maximum low temperature was 70 on April 29, 1894.  The minimum high temperature was 40 on April 8, 1907 and the minimum low was 22 on both the 14th and 15th that same year.  Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 3.34” on April 29th, 1963.  Maximum snow was 0.3” on April 3, 1987. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

After more than a year of El Niño conditions, what’s next? Almost all of the computer models used for predicting climate are anticipating a transition to La Niña during the second half of this year. La Niña can enhance the Atlantic hurricane season and often means warmer and drier conditions for the Southeast US.  But we’re talking long term and as we all know, Mother Nature is unpredictable.

 

Mosquitoes and the Zika Virus

th1F4UM5L8We sent an email out regarding this topic, but we are repeating the information for those who do not get the e-newsletter.  As of April 13, there are no confirmed cases of Zika virus in South Carolina.  To learn about Zika-affected areas, go to http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html. This does not, however, allay the concern of local residents, particularly those who are pregnant.  We contacted Greenville Mosquito Control and learned that the city does not spray for mosquitoes.  Most of what is done is by independent private companies hired by residents.

However, residents can call the “Mosquito Hotline” at 467-5988. (please call that number as it will give you more details.)     They contract out with a vendor who does the spraying. The “hotline” allows residents in Greenville County, the City of Greenville, City of Simpsonville, and City of TR to sign up for mosquito spraying.  This is a free service that runs from June 1 to September 30. The hotline is automated, so when you call it, you have to leave your name, number, address and a brief description of the area to be sprayed.  They encourage residents to do all they can to prevent mosquito breeding. The hotline also provides good tips for prevention

Common mosquito breeding grounds include bird baths, old tires, anything that can hold as little as an ounce of water.  In fact, mosquitoes can breed in as little as a drop of water.  Even recycle bins may have some open containers that can collect water.  They also use hollow trees, water gardens and ponds without fish, wading pools, drainage ditches, etc. And keeping grass mowed is another thing you can do to reduce breeding grounds.

 

Proposed Trolley Route Change

Thanks to all those who responded to the proposed Trolley route change.  We are currently summarizing the many comments (the response was overwhelming) we received and will be sending that to the city.  We will also email the results to our members. The city also has to do a test run after comments are received to see if this is feasible.  Many of your comments and suggestions were very constructive and will be of great help as they discuss this issue.

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.

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

  • The Hughes Main Library has numerous programs for adults and children.  Check out their April 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

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

 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.

All Year – 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.

Now – 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.  The summer session will start in mid-June.  Watch for details.

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

April 23 – TreesGreenville Tree ID Walk.  Furman Univ. 9-11am. Always wondered the names and uses of the trees in your backyard or neighborhood park?  Local experts will share the history of our urban forest and ecosystem region, all while taking a beautiful stroll through the trees.  Limited spots are available.

April 23 – Greenville e-recycling and shredding event. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM @ TD Convention Center, Crosrol parking lot.  The City holds this event two times a year, in the spring and fall at that Convention Center, in the Crosrol parking lot. A local non-profit partner, Harvest Hope, will be on-site throughout the event. At this free event, citizens can dispose of unwanted electronics and have their sensitive documents destroyed and recycled in a secure manner. All paper to be shredded MUST be bagged or boxed, and each person is limited to three large trash bags or three small boxes of paper. Bags and boxes must be intact, with no rips or tears. Reusable bags, boxes or containers will be returned to you. City residents and businesses can drop off the following items for free during this special event: • Televisions • Computer monitors • Keyboards • Mice • Wires • Circuit boards • CPUs • Scanners • Printers

There is a limit of 10 electronic items per person. *The City no longer is accepting fluorescent bulbs for recycling

April 29 – Arts Alive.  3:30 – 7pm.  This is the PTA’s big fundraiser for the year.  Loads of fun for everyone!!  NMCA is co-sponsoring the photo booth, so stop by and say “Cheese”

April 30 – 7:30 AM @ Furman University Amphitheater.Wheels for Meals Charity Ride.  Join us for the 10th annual Wheels for Meals Charity Ride. This milestone year will include scenic and challenging routes, a post-ride celebration, premium Hincapie Sportswear fundraising incentive gear and more! All event proceeds further the Meals on Wheels of Greenville mission to fight hunger and isolation in our community by providing nutritious meals, personal contact and related services to the homebound of Greenville County)

May 1 –  3:00 PM - 5:00 PM @ Springwood Cemetary.   A memorial service honoring Confederate soldiers.

May 7 – Duck Derby.  10:00 AM - 4:30 PM @ Falls Park.  Post time:  2:30pm.  Reedy River Duck Derby.   Rubber duck race and children’s event.   Falls ParkSouth Main Street and Falls Park Dri

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 property for the event. (Corner of N. Main and W. Earle St.)  Watch for more details!

 

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

 

 

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NMCA Newsletter (04/2016)
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