School Starts Soon!
August 21 is the first day of school here in Greenville. For a copy of the calendar of important dates, holidays, etc. for the 2013-14 school year just click here. And watch out for walkers on your morning and afternoon commutes. Be safe!
Welcome to NMCA’s newest Business Member
Feldenkrais® Greenville. Reduce harmful stress and improve mobility, balance, and coordination by increasing your self-awareness. Try a feldenkrais session! The Feldenkrais Method is for anyone who wants to reconnect with their natural abilities to move, think, and feel. Special offer for new clients: If you buy one session, you get a second one free (a $75 value)! Never heard of the Feldenkrais Method? Check out the website, http://www.feldenkraisgreenville.com . Call for more information. 409 Wilton Street. (Across from Stone Academy). Private parking. Jane Ella Matthews, M.Ed. GCFP, LMBT Lic#1587 (864)918-9281 jemtt@att.net
Planning Commission Meeting Update
For those who could not make the PC Meeting last Thursday, here is a brief update on what happened:
The Earle St/Elrod development had requested that their application be withdrawn from the agenda. The developer did not give a reason in his request letter but the PC approved the withdrawal. We can expect to see the application on the agenda at a later date.
The Montclair ‘subdivision’ project was approved unanimously with 3 stipulations (as outlined in the application):
- A Minor Stormwater Permit will be required if the total site has more than 60% cover. If the overall impervious area is <60% (which will be verified with each single family residence permit submittal), then a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Permit will be required.
- Each residence will require a new service fee through ReWa and a separate and direct connection without crossing a property line to the City’s sanitary sewer main.
- Landscape compliance plans must be prepared which meet the requirements of Section 19-6-2 of the City’s landscaping, buffering and screening ordinance.
There was opposition from residents based on the safety issue with more houses, more cars and more kids. Several children play in the street and their safety is a concern with more cars. It was mentioned that it would help to see the divided lot with 3 houses on a larger map to show how it fits in with the existing houses rather than a picture of just the 3 lots on a page by themselves. There was also the ongoing concern shared by many that infill based on current zoning requirements is not in fitting with the historic North Main neighborhood of diverse homes and residents. The owner/developer is not locked into anything as long as he meets code. He is now talking about detached garages in the back to give more yard space. He reiterated his desire to save the large trees on the lots and incorporate diversity into his designs to avoid the ‘cookie cutter’ look that other new developments have.
The Stone Ave/Rowley St rezoning request passed but with questions about the large number of apartments and the resulting parking issues and increased traffic on Rowley. There was also concern about the height (4 stories) of one section of the development. Most people were in favor of this project as it does fit within the scope of what was established for the Stone Avenue revitalization.
To check on future agendas go to https://www.greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/default.aspx
To voice your opinions, pro or con, to these recent ‘big box’ infill developments, or to offer suggestions, write the Planning Commissioners and your City Council Representatives.
Did You Know?
Greenville Animal Care Services has a facebook page called Greenville County Pet Rescue that alerts residents of urgent rescue and adoption needs as well as a place to list your lost or found pets along with pictures. Please visit their page and ‘like’ it and share it with others. They also have a list of lost or found pets that should be one of the first places you check when you have lost or found a pet. If the pet is not on the list, then they can check for a microchip that may help find their owner. And if you have a dog or cat that gets outside, PLEASE have them microchipped so that they have a better chance of finding their way home!
In my part of the neighborhood, we’ve seen small kittens roaming the streets. We know they have an owner, but don’t understand why they don’t keep them inside. Apparently they don’t realize that they are likely targets for coyotes, raccoons and stray dogs or cars. Please urge your friends and neighbors to keep their pets indoors if at all possible!
Property Crime Data Available Online
Citizens now have access to RAIDS Online, a free public crime map developed by BAIR Analytics. The data is supplied by the Greenville Police Department. Using a web site, citizens can easily search for information on auto breakings, auto thefts and burglaries and view the home locations of registered sex offenders. Citizens or neighborhood watch groups can search for crimes within a particular radius of a certain location. Data is updated every 72 hours. Just click on the link above and enter your address and city. You can select which data you want and a range of dates. Zoom in and you can see which type crime it is based on the icon (i.e. house, car, etc.) Click on the icon and you’ll see the street name, the date and time and what type of crime has been committed near you.
Volunteer Opportunities in Greenville
Got extra time and a desire to help others? According to one website we found, there are 107 volunteer opportunities near Greenville, SC…everything from hosting an exchange student, to office work, to delivering meals-on-wheels. And this is not an all-inclusive list. Or, check Volunteer Ops for even more ideas. Ask friends and neighbors for ideas or organizations they volunteer for. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and help you feel better about yourself. The volunteer spirit is alive and well in Greenville!!
Morgan’s Hope for a Cure
Weren’t able to make it to Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Saturday? You can still donate, by credit card or Paypal at her webpage. To date, her total this year is far below the last 2 years. Come on neighbors, we can do better than this! Most of us know of a child afflicted with cancer and the battle they face. Let’s help Morgan out and encourage her to continue this annual event to raise funds for childhood cancer.
Health and Wellness Study Feedback
A number of you were involved last year in the informal group discussions held by Dr. Kerstin Blomquist re: the health and well-being of our community from a resident’s perspective. We have received a letter from Dr. Blomquist thanking all those who participated in the study. She reports that “From your discussions, we learned about how wonderful you think your community is. Overall, you believe that the North Main community is well aware of health and nutrition guidelines. When asked what it means to be healthy, you highlighted the importance of exercise and physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, and being surrounded by a healthy and safe community. We learned that you use different strategies to pursue a healthy lifestyle, such as eating organically, running, yoga, gardening and volunteering for your community. We learned that you utilize resources in or near your community such as the Swamp Rabbit trail, Bobby Pearse Community Center, and Furman’s Olli program to keep your bodies and minds active. As a community, you frequently use the streets and sidewalks throughout North Main to stay physically active.”
“We also learned what makes it difficult for you to pursue a healthy lifestyle in North Main. Specifically, the heavy traffic that runs through your neighborhood and the lack of speed bumps and enforced speed limits, which make you feel unsafe. We also heard you say that some changes you would like to see in North Main include increased safety measures regarding homeless people in the area, more community events (e.g. holiday parties), the addition of a community pool, more organic or healthy restaurants or an organic grocery store, finished sidewalks throughout the community, and more accessible public transportation.” (Letter dated July 1, 2013)
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in August is 87°F, the average low is 67.7°F and the average precipitation is 4.21”. The record maximum temperature for the period 1962-2006 was 103°F on August 22, 1983. The record minimum was 52°F on August 29, 1968. Record high rainfall was in 1995 with 17.37” with minimum precipitation of 0.79” in 1999. The highest daily rainfall for this area was a reported 11.50 inches on July 12, 1949 at Caesars Head. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html For the last 30 days (July 10 to Aug 8) GSP recorded 8.85”.
Consider this: If June 21 is the day when we receive the most sunshine, why is it regarded as the beginning of summer and not its peak? And similarly, why is December 21, the day of least sunshine, the beginning of winter and not mid-winter day? Blame the oceans, which heat up and cool down only slowly. By June 21 they are still cool from the winter time, and that delays the peak heat by about a month and a half. Similarly, in December the water still holds warmth from the summer, and the coldest days are still (on the average–not always!) a month and a half ahead. Wonder what long term effect global warming will have? No wonder our plants and wildlife are confused. http://www-spof.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sseason.htm
August Yard and Garden Update
Have you noticed that ever so slight feel of fall in the air? Plants starting losing that bright green hue and start looking a little duller in color. Your fescue lawn probably looks a little thin. Annuals starting to fade. (This last month’s rain hasn’t helped mine any… tho’ the trees love it!) So what should you be paying attention to now?
If you have a vegetable garden, all this rain has probably led to blossom end rot on your tomatoes and maybe your peppers. This is a calcium deficiency that has nothing to do with the amount of calcium in the soil. Calcium is transported from the roots to the fruit in the transpiration stream and anything that disrupts this (like too much or too little water) will cause this problem. And don’t waste your time spraying calcium on the foliage…leaves are too inefficient at uptake and the problem was actually set in motion when that fruit was marble size. Remove affected fruit to encourage more, hopefully healthier, fruit to set.
This is a good month to apply a complete fertilizer to warm season lawns (centipede, zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine). It’s also a great time to aerate cool season lawns such as fescue. If you’re like me, you saved a bundle on irrigation this summer, thanks to Mother Nature.
Summer perennials and annuals are starting to fade, but don’t be too quick to remove those seed heads. I’ve had goldfinches on my Echinacea, eating the seed from fading blooms and seed heads. (See photo) I’ve also heard of goldfinches dining on the seed of spent flowers on native salvia. This is an important source of food for birds in the winter.
If you plan to plant trees or shrubs, start planning now. Late fall and winter are the best times to plant. If you found you put a shrub in the wrong spot, early is the best time to move it. For large shrubs, consider slowly root pruning starting in October to reduce transplant shock when it’s moved.
You’re also probably seeing more butterflies in your garden lately. Of the three butterfly periods each year, late summer to fall is the most active. That’s why it’s important to plan and have some late blooming butterfly attracting plants in your garden. Remember they don’t just feed on nectar…some even like soft fruit like banana or watermelon.
This Month’s Trivia
Will we be around to celebrate Pluto’s orbital birthday? (Yes, yes. Our brains know that Pluto is no longer a planet, but in our hearts … Pluto!) Pluto was discovered on February 18, 1930. It takes the dwarf planet 248.09 Earth years to complete one orbit around the sun. Plug all that info into timeanddate.com‘s handy calculator, and we find that Pluto will complete its first full orbit since its discovery on Monday, March 23, 2178, just a few years after Neptune turns 2.
Little Free Libraries
Want a fun project for kids? A simple idea to house free books in quirky little buildings on posts is bringing neighborhoods together and enhancing literacy around the world. When Todd Bol placed a homemade wooden box on a pole in his front yard in Hudson, Wisconsin, in 2009, he had no idea it would launch a movement. Little 
Free Libraries are becoming popular all over the country. But wait…this doesn’t have to be just a project for kids. They can be great for adults and for groups like isolated seniors. You can get building diagrams online, or just use your own imagination. You’ve likely seen the one located on Summit Drive (see picture) that you can model yours after. If you follow the guidelines of the Little Free Library and register, you may be eligible for free books for your good stewardship. So what are you waiting for?
Flash From the Past
From Last Month:
This picture is from a 1901 postcard of Furman University. Furman was founded in 1826 at Edgefield, SC as a Men’s Academy and Theological Institute. It relocated to Greenville, South Carolina in 1850. It was named for Richard Furman of Charleston, SC, a prominent minister and president of the first Baptist convention in America, the Triennial Convention.[4] The original school building from that campus was transported to the Greenville campus, where it still stands. In 1933, students from the Greenville Women’s College began attending classes with Furman students. Shortly thereafter, the two schools merged to form the present institution. In 1956 Furman began construction on its new campus, just five miles (8 km) north of downtown Greenville. Classes on the new campus began in 1958. Now a private, secular university, Furman was founded by, and affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention until separating in the 1991 – 1992 school year.
The George Salmon House is associated with one of Greenville County’s earliest settlers, a surveyor instrumental in the division of Cherokee land for settlement and in the establishment of the South Carolina/North Carolina state boundary. Research suggests Salmon built the initial log part of the house as early as 1784. The house overlooks the wide bottomland fields located along a prominent bend in the North Saluda River. The two-story plantation plain style house (mid-nineteenth century), or I-House, integrates the log house and brace and tenon extension, and displays highly decorative interior detail which is significant for Greenville County. A kitchen wing was added to the rear in the late nineteenth century. In 1984 the house was moved approximately 100 feet and pivoted 90 degrees from an easterly direction to a northerly direction. At this time a substantial addition was added to the kitchen wing. Four contributing outbuildings share the 2.6-acre tract with the house: two multipurpose hay, grain, and equipment storage buildings, one small chicken coop (all early 20th century) and a smokehouse (mid-to-late 19th century). The smokehouse is the most significant, possessing gables, soffits, and returns similar to those of the house. Listed in the National Register January 21, 1988.
Do you recognize these photos….
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 August Calendar.
Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
The city also has a website listing Family Things to Do and See. According to this website, The Carillon, located at RiverPlace, has 25 bells floating within a simple structure of three painted steel columns, the tallest of which is 54 feet. At the foot of the tower is a continuously flowing water feature. The open structure of the bell tower preserves the direct view through the RiverPlace courtyard to the river and to the city beyond. The Carillon schedule is:
- Monday through Thursday:
- Chiming the hour from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM – Two songs played.
- All other hours between 12 PM and 6 PM will play one song.
- Friday and Saturday:
- Chiming the hour from 10 AM to 8 PM.
- 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM – Two songs played.
- All other hours between 12 PM and 8 PM will play one song.
- Sunday:
- Chiming the hour from 12 PM to 6 PM.
- 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM – Two songs played.
- All other hours between 12 PM and 6 PM will play one song
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. The Greenville Collection is now the largest and the most complete collection of Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors owned by any public museum in the world. Discover this magnificent collection of works by America’s iconic watercolor master. Highlights include Four Poster and Dusk.
Century BMW Reedy River Concerts. TD Stage at the Peace Center. Wednesdays, 7-9 PM, in June, July and August. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic supper and sit back and enjoy a variety of musical concerts featuring jazz, country, patriotic, rock & roll, blues and reggae. This free, outdoor family event provides the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. More info
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.
The Upstate Shakespeare Festival (USF) celebrates its eleventh summer of presenting free productions of Shakespeare’s classic plays in beautiful Falls Park. May through August at the TD Amphitheater. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7pm. These imaginative stagings exhibit the best of regional talent in productions that entertain the entire family. Bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy exciting theater under the stars. USF is presented by the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks and Recreation. More info
August 17 – Dinner and a Movie. Silver Screen Café. Movie: Some Like it Hot! Tickets can be purchased at 1540 Wade Hampton Blvd. (864) 283-0888. Limited seating. Check website for menu and price.
August 17– The Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale. Shoppers may pay $10 to enter at 7:30 am for the Early Bird Sale. The sale continues on Saturday, August 17 with free entry 8:30 am-4:00 pm. Re-stocking of the sales tables takes place hourly all day long.
August 18 – NEW THIS YEAR, Greenville Literacy will offer a clearance sale on Sunday, August 18. Come shop the Big Bag of Books Deal, 1:00-4:00 pm. With free entry shoppers may fill designated bags with all types of books. $10 per bag. Enjoy bargain prices on a quality and diverse selection of new and gently used books. With over 130 categories and 130,000 books, there will be something for everyone. All proceeds benefit Greenville Literacy programs.
August 20 – Proper Urban Tree Care. SC Native Plant Society Upstate Chapter. 7PM. University Center, Greenville Tec. 225 S. Pleasantburg. Dr., Bob Polomski with Clemson University will speak about arboriculture, the art and science of tree establishment and care, with an emphasis on care in the urban environment. He will address trouble shooting problems and address poor management techniques.
August 21 – Earth Market. 3pm – 7pm. Now at their new location. 220 North Main St. Greenville. @ the Hyatt Hotel and Roost Restaurant in NoMa Square. Other upcoming dates: Sept 18.
August 24 – Papa John’s presents the Second Annual 2013 Mutt Strut, benefiting the Greenville Humane Society! The Mutt Strut is a 5K Run/Walk. This event invites individuals, families, competitive athletes and leisurely strollers, and their dogs to participate in the fundraiser that will lead them along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and through Cleveland Park. The race will start at 8:30am (registration starts at 6:30am), with race parking at First Baptist Church Greenville, located at 847 Cleveland Street. The race will conclude in Cleveland Park, where participants are invited to stay and enjoy the “Mutt Strut Village,” featuring live music, local vendors, refreshments and treats for two and four-legged competitors. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Greenville Humane Society. Please join us, along with your family, friends and colleagues to raise funds for Greenville’s animals.
August 28 – Dog Days of Summer Beer Tasting!! 5:30 – 8:30pm at The Community Tap. In addition to the beer tasting being FREE, it’ll also be held to benefit and support the Greenville Humane Society & Greenville County Animal Care. Both organizations do a fantastic job of providing a safe and healthy environment for all animals and a positive experience for future pet owners. Although this tasting is FREE, we ask that you please take a look at the list below of items that are necessary for both the Greenville Humane Society and Greenville County Animal Care to continue to provide their great level of service to our community. Cheers!!
**Donations Welcome of the following items:
1.) Canned Dog/Cat Food (for animals of all ages – puppy/kitten to adult) **Requested Brands = Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams, Friskies & Fancy Feast
2.) Esbilac (replacement puppy milk)
3.) KMR (replacement kitten milk)
4.) Paper Towels
5.) Newspaper
6.) Hand Sanitizer/Refills
7.) Bleach
**Gift cards and cash are also accepted so items can be purchased on an individual’s behalf.
August 29 – Larkin’s Rhythm on the River. 6-10pm. TD Stage and Peace Center Amphitheater.
Great music at the concert series (beach music) for families and couples 24-65. Proceeds benefiting local charities. Admission $10.
September 7 – International Vulture Awareness Day, Greenville Zoo. 9am-2pm. Cost: Admission to the Zoo. Vultures are an ecologically vital group of birds that face a range of threats in many areas that they occur. Join us as we discuss the benefits of these peculiar birds.
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Summer Programs at Greenville Community Centers
Program Instructors Needed
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is 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. For a full listing of programs visit http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/RecPrograms.aspx
Fall 2013 Program Schedule
- To view the summer calendar for the Bobby Pearse Center, go to the Parks and Rec website
- To view the summer program calendar for the Sears Recreation Center, go to the Parks and Rec website You will be able to view program information and pay directly online.
….Or pick up a program brochure at your local community center.
Community Center Rental
Both the Bobby Pearse Center and the Sears Shelter are available for rent. For information about renting the Bobby Pearse Center, email Jonathan Jones or call 467-4331.
Planning a special event like a wedding reception, birthday, anniversary or family reunion? Why not have your events at the Sears Recreation Center? It is conveniently located in McPherson Park at the corner of North Main Street and E. Park Avenue (100 E. Park Avenue).
Some of the Community Center features are:
- Kitchen
- Restrooms
- Handicapped accessible
- Piano
- Banquet tables & chairs
- Plenty of parking
- Sound system
Contact Jan Cox at 864-467-4326 or jbcox@greenvillesc.gov for more information and availability.
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation is working with LiveWell Greenville to promote healthy eating among our athletes. Watch this short video to learn more about eating healthy snacks at youth sports!
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
