* The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of most months at 6:30 PM at the Northgate Soda Shop or other local venues …check the website for the date of the next meeting or email pgilreath@aol.com for the location and if we are meeting that month.
NMCA Spring Happy Hour and Membership Drive
Thanks to all who joined us for the 2012 membership drive on April 26. We gained 35 memberships that evening…and the best part is that the majority were NEW members! WELCOME!! Thanks especially to the Iris and Ren with the Northgate Soda Shop for hosting the event and to Marie Dunn-Blough and her staff at Redhype once again for design of the postcards that all North Main residents received. We look forward to seeing even more folks next year
Free Bike Safety Clinic
Mark your calendars now for NMCA’s free bike safety clinic to be held Saturday, June 9, at McPherson Park on North Main and E. Park, from 9-11am. NMCA is partnering with Safe Kids Upstate, a non-profit coalition affiliated with the Greenville Hospital System, and the Greenville Spinners. We’ll have folks on hand to do mechanical checks on bikes, helmet adjustments, provide safety instruction and more. Participants can purchase a new helmet for only $8.00 and make sure their child gets the proper fit. Kids can test their skills on the obstacle course and learn about the rules of the road to insure a safe ride this summer! To register for the clinic, please email pgilreath@aol.com and we’ll email you the helmet voucher to complete and return so we’ll know how many/what sizes to bring. You can bring a check the day of the clinic. Please help us spread the word by telling your friends and neighbors who may not receive this newsletter! For more information, please contact us at pgilreath@aol.com or send us a comment on our website.
Another North Main Beautification Project
NMCA would like to recognize and thank some of our members who took the initiative and made some needed improvements to the triangle planting at the intersection of W. Hillcrest Drive and Townes St. They spent time and money to prune, weed, mulch and replace much of the liriope that was there with ornamental grass, ferns, roses and perennials. Kudos to Hunter Cutchin and Hop and Mary Webster!! (Thanks to the city for providing the mulch!)
Unwelcome Spring Visitors?
One of our members informs us that according to news reports, snakes are going to be more of a problem due to the mild winter and early warmth – more of the fall babies survived the winter. They encountered 2 copperheads in their yard recently and wanted to warn others to take care when working in the yard, especially in thick ivy patches and around rock beds.
There are 42 species of snakes in South Carolina and Georgia and only 6 of them are venomous. The venomous species that we do have tend to be quite secretive and are some of the least frequently encountered species. The most frequently observed of our resident snakes are black racers, rat snakes, and nonvenomous water snakes, common and important predators in our ecosystems. Snakes use debris for remaining cool during hot months, or to find prey. Watch your step next to wood piles and around the crevices between the wood. These spots can be moist hiding grounds for several species.
WATCH YOUR STEP AND YOUR REACH
Never place your hands, arms, feet or legs where you can’t see them when outdoors.
Always wear closed shoes and long pants when walking through woods or places where you won’t have clear views of where you step.
Walk around logs instead of blindly stepping over them. Some snakes are rodent specialists and feed along logs.
Use a flashlight so you can see the ground at night in areas where venomous snakes might be present. http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/snake-safety.htm
Need help identifying a snake? DNR has an email address where you can send photos. Check it out at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/snakes/index.html
New Residents at North Main Park?
Next time you’re at the park, take a look in the big tulip poplar tree on the hillside. We have a pair of resident hawks who call our neighborhood their territory and they have a huge nest in the top of the tree. They were both seen on the nest a couple of weeks ago, so maybe we’ll have some young hawks in the area soon!
Focus on Felines in May
In an effort to be pro-active to reduce the numbers of unwanted cats/kittens that come through the doors at Animal Care Services (ACS) this summer, they are offering cat/kitten spays/neuters for just $25.00 during the month of May! Also, beautiful adult cats are available for adoption for just $25.00 during May. One unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce thousands of kittens. Last summer, over 250 unwanted kittens/cats came through the doors every week at Animal Care. The good news is that spaying and neutering will reduce these numbers. And with beautiful felines at affordable adoption fees, we hope more folks will step up to add some feline fun to their lives.
It’s 20% Cuter to Neuter! The Greenville Humane Society also has a 20% discount on spaying/neutering in the month of May. Check out their prices at http://www.greenvillehumane.com/spay-neuter-clinic If you surrender your puppies or kittens to the GHS, they will spay the mother for free! Help get the word out to stop overpopulation!! You may not realize that many of the animals surrendered to GHS are pure breds. While mixed breeds make great pets, if you are looking for a particular breed or mix, check out their Best Friend Finder Program at http://www.greenvillehumane.com/adopt/best-friend-finder
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in May is 79.2°F, the average low is 56.5°F and the average precipitation (rainfall) is 4.15”. The record maximum temperature for the period 1962-2006 was 97°F on May 28, 1967. The record minimum was 31°F on May 8, 1989. Record high rainfall was in 1972 with 8.89”. My garden might wish we would see a repeat of May 7, 1910 when Greenville received 8.2” in 24 hours!
The climatologists tell us that La Niña is over but will El Niño follow? It’s too hard to predict at present. The end of La Nina does spell relief for areas like Texas which have suffered from record setting droughts. Seems like our weather these days is setting records right and left…let’s hope that we don’t set any of those records this spring or summer. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php
The Quest for Efficiency
Ever wonder which products are the most efficient, but when it comes down to researching them all…refrigerators, cars, TVs, dishwashers, computers. etc…who has the time? AT TopTenUSA.org you’ll find unbiased rankings of the 10 most energy-saving products in a wide range of categories, along with pricing, specifications, and local and online retail options. The quest for efficiency just got more efficient! (Onearth Magazine, Spring, 2012)
Flash From the Past
Last Month: Tuten’s Market was Greenville’s first shopping mall and was opened on Jones Ave. in 1946, across from Sirrine Stadium. A Piggly Wiggly was on the left with a drug store and luncheonette in the middle and a beauty salon on the right.
How many of you remember where the photo at the left was taken? Watch next month’s newsletter for the answer.
Calendar
City Council Formal Meeting and Work Session schedules can be found at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/city_government/meet.asp
May 12 – NMCA Great American Clean Up. 9-11am. Meet at North Main Rotary Park.
May 13 – Mother’s Day.
May 15 – SC Native Plant Society Upstate Chapter Meeting. 7pm. Gentians of the Mountains and Piedmont. Founders Hall Dining Commons. Central.
May 17 – Slow Food Earth Market 2012 opens for the season. 3pm-7pm. Third THURSDAYS monthly May through September 2012, on the front lawn of the Michael McDunn Furniture Studio, at the intersection of North Main Street and 741 Rutherford Road, Greenville SC.
Moonlight Movies. TD Amphitheater in Falls Park. Free outdoor public entertainment with each movie starting at dusk and each week a new movie will be viewed from the 1950’s to mid 80’s. Coolers, food, beverages, blankets, chairs are permitted.
May 16 – Angels in the Outfield (original). Paul Douglas, Janet Leigh, Keenan Wynn / 99 minutes; 1951
May 23 – The Magnificent Seven. Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, Eli Wallach, Robert Vaughn / 127 minutes; 1960.
May 30 – TBA
May 19 – 5th Annual “Back to the Cat Dive” Hot Dog Lunch. 11am – 2pm. Second Baptist Church located at 304 East Camperdown Way. Eat in or take out. Being served will be those wonderful hot dogs once found at The Fall Street Café, known to everyone around as The Cat Dive. Rick Lowe, retired owner of The Fall Street Café, will personally be preparing the hot dogs using the same chili pot he used for so many years behind the counter at The Cat Dive. Donations will be accepted. The Camperdown Mills Historical Society Museum will be open during this event. The Museum, permanently housed at Second Baptist, contains an extensive collection of photos, artifacts and remembrances of the Camperdown Mill and the Camperdown Community. For additional information, please contact Beth Gates at 242-4598.
May 26 – National Time Trial Championships. The Hand Cycling event starts at 8:30am, the Amatuer Stars and Stripes Challenge will start at 9:30am and the Pro Time Trial will start at 11:00am.
May 28 – Palmetto Pelaton Stars & Stripes Challenge. 7:30-10am. Main St. at McBee start. This charity ride is held immediately before the USA Cycling Professional Championships Road Race. Cycling ride from downtown up Paris Mtn. to raise money for cancer.
May 28 – USA Cycling PRO Championships Road Race. 12pm – 5pm. Downtown, Cleveland Park and Surrounding Area. Race starts at the intersection of S. Main St. and McBee Ave. Be aware of road closures that day.
June and July – The Greenville Track Club will have track meets at Furman University Track every Tuesday evening starting at 6:00 PM in June and July except July 3. Meets are for all ages broken down into age groups for children and include running events from 50m to 2 miles. Free to all children under 17 and all GTC member adults; $3 to others.
June 2 – Greenville’s NAMI Walk. Registration at 8am and the Walk will begin at 9am. There will be many fun activities for young and old! Face painting, visits to a fire engine and Safety House, craft kits from Home Depot, a Bounce House, use of the Greenville Drive playground, and visits with Reedy, the Greenville Drive mascot! The adults will enjoy music, free massage, comedy, booths pertaining to general good health and mental health, mental health facilities, service dogs and more! There will be breakfast and lunch items available for purchase from Chick-fil-A, with a percentage of the profits going to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health).
June 6, 13, 20 & 27 – CreditSmart. YWCA of Greenville. 700 Augusta Street. 12:00pm – 1:30pm. Free to the public. All materials provided. Learn how to understand, build and maintain better credit and take control of your money. Info: Sydney Hammond at 864-373-6314 or shammond@ywcagreenville.org
June 8 – Kilgore Lewis House Tea for Potential New Members – Contact Carolyn Moseley, 275 5435, GCGC 1st Vice President and President of Hillcrest Garden Club.
June 9 – Greenville Council of Garden Clubs Beach Music Party. 7:00 – 11:00pm. A night of dancing and listening to “The Fantastic Shakers”, a barbecue dinner, drinks, and chances to bid on wonderful silent auction and raffle prizes. Greenville Downtown Jet Center. Proceeds will benefit the “Polishing the Jewel” fund for painting the exterior of the Kilgore-Lewis House, which has been one of their major goals of the year. Tickets are only $50 a couple, $30 a person, or $35 a person at the door. For additional ticket and party information, please contact Myra Eskew at 864-297-3225 or myrasq@bellsouth.net , Mitzi McCall at 864-787-8869 or mitziheltonmccall@gmail.com , or Marcia Barron at 864-297-8943.
June 16 – Caine Halter Family YMCA Triathlon Start Time: 7:00 – 10:30am. Caine Halter Family YMCA. 721 Cleveland St. Triathlon to raise money for the Caine Halter YMCA. The event will be a 300 meter swim, with a 9 mile bike and 5k run.
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Summer Programs at the Bobby Pearse Community Center & Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Program Instructors Needed
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking instructors to offer fun and exciting recreational and educational classes to our community. Our department offers a wide variety of recreational programs to citizens of all ages. These programs take place in city parks, community centers and other locations. Apply Online
Super Summer Day Camp 2012
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department will offer its Super Summer Day Camp program starting June 11 until August 17, for boys and girls ages 5 to 12. The program will last from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at each of the City’s Community Centers. The campers will enjoy arts and crafts, fitness programs, sports, music, field trips and much, much more.
The cost is only $225 for the ten weeks of camp and city of Greenville residents will get a 20 percent discount. There is also a multi-family member discount for each sibling that signs up for camp. Families are required to pay in full at the point of registration. Lunch is provided for each camper. Registration for Super Summer begins the morning of Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Register Online
Sing-Along Camp
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is offering Sing-Along Camp at the Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park! Each week is jam-packed with unique music and movement activities, games, crafts, and snacks sure to inspire your little diva or rock star! The instructor, Elizabeth Boone, has a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, is a fully trained and registered Music Together teacher, and was previously a camp director in Charlotte, NC.
Ages: 3-10 years old
Location: Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park
Dates: Choose one or more from the following weeks:
June 4-7 (Summertime Fun)
June 11-14 (Water Mania)
July 9-12 (Fun in the Sun)
July 23-26 (Beach Party)
Days: Monday-Thursday
Times: 9:00-12:00
Cost: Weekly tuition is $99/1st child, $79/2nd Child, $59/3rd Child
There is a $10 registration fee for all new families. This fee is non-refundable.
This registration fee will be waived for City of Greenville residents. City residents enter the coupon code “GREENCITY” at checkout to waive the registration fee.
Contact: Elizabeth Boone, 864-630-0144 or Jan Cox, 864-4326
Registration: Contact www.Sing-AlongKids.com or call 864-630-0144
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is offering Music Together at the Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park! The instructor, Elizabeth Boone, who is a fully trained and registered Music Together teacher, works with 6-12 children and their caregiver to offer forty-five minutes of music and movement experiences. Each weekly class offers a dozen songs and rhythmic rhymes. Children and their adults have opportunities to create and improvise – making up new words to songs, offering movement ideas, making silly sounds, and sharing musical ideas from the family’s play at home. These classes are for babies through kindergarteners and their caregivers.
Summer Session: Music Together
Location: Sears Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park
Dates: June 4 – July 28 (6 weeks) *No classes weeks of 6/18 and 7/2
Times: Participants may choose one of the following 45-minute classes to attend each week:
Tuesdays, 5:15pm – 6:00pm
Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:15am
Cost: Tuition for this 6 week session is $125/1st child and $75/sibling
*Option to attend for 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks of the full 6 week session (Prorating available)
Infants 8 months of younger who attend with paying sibling – FREE
There is a $15 registration fee for all new families. This fee is non-refundable.
This registration fee will be waived for City of Greenville residents. City residents enter the coupon code “GREENCITY” at checkout to waive the registration fee.
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326 or Elizabeth Boone, 864-630-0144
Registration: Contact www.MusicTogetherOfGreenville.com or call 864-630-0144
Craft-E-Teens
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Date: Fridays, June 8 – August 17, 2012
Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: Residents – $10 per class; Non-Residents – $12 per class
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Ages: 11 – 17
Registration: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/Programs/Default.aspx
Craft-E-Teens is an art program for teens and pre-teens ages 11 – 17. This program allows participants to discover various types of art, be creative, have fun and make new friends! It also offers teens something new and fun to do on Friday evenings during the summer while having hands-on opportunities to create art! Instructor, Kathy Albertelli, is not only an artist but has taught middle school for 12 years.
Writing Workshops
In partnership with the Emrys Foundation, the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is offering writing workshops this fall at the Bobby Pearse Community Center!
2nd Sunday Writing Workshops
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
When: Sundays; June 10, July 8 & August 12, 2012
Time: 2-4 pm
Cost: $5 per class
Targeted Age: 17 & older
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: Register at www.emrys.org or the fee may be paid upon arrival to the class.
The 2nd Sunday writing workshops are led by various members of the Writing Room faculty. They are designed to stimulate creativity and generate ideas for fiction and nonfiction. We’ll use a series of short in-class writing exercises to inspire new work and deepen your writing. Come prepared to write in class, to share your exercises without fear or self-judgment, and above all, have some fun. All levels are welcome!
Inner Strength
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center & Sears Shelter
When: April 25 – June 21, 2012 (8 weeks)
No class on Wednesday, May 30 or Thursday, May 31
Times: Wednesdays, 10am – 10:45am at the Sears Shelter; Thursdays, 6:30pm – 7:15pm at the Bobby Pearse Community Center
Cost: $8 per class for City Residents; $10 per class for Non-Residents
Register on-line to purchase punch card: 8 classes -$56 for City Residents/ $70 for Non-Residents;
12 classes – $88 for City Residents/ $110 for Non-Residents.
Child Watch is available for all classes: $1 per child
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: Register Online
Inner Strength is an effective group fitness class in which functional moves and flexibility is in focus. The different moves are built up in levels to give the participant strength, stability, balance and cardiovascular training. In this class, we use our body’s weight and a bar as the only equipment. This class can easily be adjusted to the participant’s level and the range can be from new beginners to advanced. Effective exercises and great music gives participants a great experience. The instructor, Jodie Popik, is certified in Les Mills Body Pump, Les Mills RPM and Inner Strength by Motivation and Move.
For convenience, these classes are offered at the Sears Shelter on Wednesdays from 10:00am – 10:45am and at the Bobby Pearse Community Center on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm – 7:15pm. We provide a “child watch” at all classes for only $1 per child. Participants have the option of paying per class or registering on-line and purchasing either an 8-class punch card or 12-class punch card. Participants do need to bring their own yoga mat.
ZumbAtomics
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
When: Saturdays, April 28 – June 16, 2012 (8 weeks), 10–11 am
Cost:
1 child: For 8-week session, $32 for City Residents; $40 for Non-Residents OR
$5 per class for City Residents; $6 per class for Non-Residents
2 children: For 8 week session, $60 for City Residents; $75 for Non-Residents OR
$8 per class for City Residents; $10 per class for Non-Residents
3 children: For 8 week session, $80 for City Residents; $100 for Non-Residents OR
$12 per class for City Residents; $15 per class for Non-Residents
Participants: Ages 5-12
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Registration: Register Online
This 8 week ZumbAtomics program is taught by Quisha Owens, who is a licensed Zumba and ZumbAtomics instructor with a Zumba Toning certificate. ZumbAtomics is designed for kids to participate in a rockin’, high energy fitness class with specially choreographed kid-friendly routines. This program is for children 5-12 years old.
International Folk Dancing
Location: Sears Shelter
Dates: Mondays, April 23 – June 4, 2012 (Balkan Dancing)
Times: 7 pm–9 pm
Cost: Residents/College Students – $3 per class or $16 for 6 week session;
Non-Residents – $4 per class or $20 for 6 week session
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Registration: Register Online
In partnership with the Greenville International Folk Dancers, the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation is offering International Folk Dancing. Immerse yourself in the stirring melodies and subtle rhythms of the Balkans. Think beauty, not war!
Yoga
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
When: 6:30-7:45 pm, Mondays; June 4 – July 30 (8 weeks) *No class on June 18
Cost: Resident Fee – $32 for entire 8-week session or $5 per class; Non-Resident Fee – $40 for entire 8-week session or $6 per class
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/Programs/Default.aspx
We invite you to join us at the Bobby Pearse Community Center for this 8 week yoga program, which is taught by Brooke Kleinfelter, who is a certified yoga instructor. This 75 minute class is taught once a week, and all levels are welcome; however, you do not need previous yoga experience to enjoy this class. Participants can pay $5 per class for city residents and $6 for non-city residents upon arrival. Participants are encouraged to register on-line for the entire 8 weeks for $32 for City residents and $40 for non-city residents. Participants do need their own yoga mat.
For a full listing of City of Greenville Parks and Recreation summer programs, go to http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/CommunityCenter/ and for Adult and Youth Athletics, go to http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/AdultPrograms.aspx and http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/Youth/YouthSports.aspx.
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
NMCA membership is only $10 per calendar year (per residence or business). Do you know where your dues go?
• We represent your community when dealing with city agencies and officials.
• We keep you updated on regulations and events that affect your community.
• We send a monthly newsletter and special announcements right to your inbox.
• We alert you to suspicious activity so you can protect your family and property.
• We help to maintain green spaces that everyone in the community can enjoy.
• We sponsor social events and activities for youth in the North Main area.
• We help reunite lost and found pets with their owners.
Changing your community starts with knowing your community. Become a NMCA member and connect with us.
