Welcome to NMCA’s newest Business Member
The Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery located at 205 Cedar Lane Road is a community cafe and grocery store specializing in local food. They try to source at least half their inventory from sources within 150 miles. Why? “By buying local, we know exactly where our food comes from and how it was grown, we can be certain that our produce is fresh and harvested at its peak, and we keep our dollars within our local economy. Our grocery store sells products from over 150 different vendors- including: produce, raw milk and Happy Cow milk, meat, and more! The cafe has scratch made scones, bread, sandwiches, organic coffee and espresso. Plus we are located on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, less than 2 miles from downtown and less than 1.5 miles from the North Main neighborhood!” Call 864-255-3385 or check out their website or facebook page for more info!
Stone Ave/North Main Development Update
For those not able to attend last Thursday night’s meeting on the new development on the corner of N. Main and Stone (the Collins Property), here is a brief summary: Dan Doyle spoke for the developer, The Beach Co. Local architectural firm Macmillan, Pazdan, Smith also presented details of the plan. It was a standing-room only crowd.
This 4.5 acre parcel is seen as an anchor point for Stone Avenue and in keeping with the Stone Ave. Master Plan, they followed the 3 major concerns: neighborhoods, streets and the scale of the development. There will be more retail space facing Main and Stone and more residential toward Rowley St. The retail will be targeting upscale retailers but not ‘big-box’ stores. There will be a total of 225 units (45 efficiencies, 116 – 1BR, 44- 2BR and 21 – 3BR). They will be for rent only (no sales) and the 3BR will be approximately 1200 ft2. The price will be consistent with rental prices in downtown Greenville. There will be a parking garage in the center with a ground + 3 floors to meet parking requirements, so that no street parking will be needed. On the Rowley side, there will be open space and a pool for residents. There will be four stories on Main Street with residential above. A network of cross streets will help minimize extra traffic on Rowley.
Citizen comments were many with examples below:
- They assured residents that the historic building on Stone would stay. This is a historic district.
- There was a suggestion to drop the height of the last couple of apartment buildings on Rowley from 3 to 2 to better transition into the scale of houses in the existing neighborhood.
- They will use different materials, colors, etc. on the structures on Rowley to avoid the cookie cutter look.
- There was concern that ‘efficiencies’ would attract residents different from our current neighborhood residents. Their response was that smaller units are the trend, regardless of the age of residents. Smaller units sell first in their experience, reflecting a changing life style. The issue of pets will be up to management, but there likely will be restrictions. (Rowley residents feared an onslaught of dog walkers.)
- Many would like to see more ‘green’ inputs, such as green space on top of the parking garage, dark sky lighting and use of more pervious materials for hardscape areas (which would also help with storm-water runoff which also was a concern, partly due to the current sloping alley which extends into the property and will be abandoned).
- It was asked if power lines would be buried. The answer was not clear…will likely depend on cost and Duke Power. (Ed. If they have to dig up the street for sewer for this development and the one across the street on Rowley, seems a good time to put lines underground)
- Tree canopy came up as usual. One citizen commented that “crepe myrtles are not trees”. We want to see large shade trees in this and all developments in keeping with the neighborhood. The response was: We’re looking at an urban space and streetscaping. We will be following the city’s Tree Ordinance. (Ed. As we have seen in the past with other developments, the city’s tree ordinance leaves a lot to be desired).
- In responding to concerns about the impact on traffic flow on Main and Stone and the street diet and round-about that was discussed in the Stone Ave. Plan, Amy responded that they need additional traffic studies. Nothing has happened with this, yet.
- Timeframe? They expect to start in 8-12 months and hope to complete the project 18 months after that.
To check on future agendas go to https://www.greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/default.aspx
To voice your opinions, pro or con, on zoning, developments, etc., or to offer suggestions, write the Planning Commissioners and/or your City Council Representatives.
Are You Smarter than a Third Grader?
Each year, third graders in South Carolina study our state’s history. This year, a Richland County student named Katie developed this fun and informative quiz as her special year-end project – which she has graciously granted SCIWAY permission to share! Katie’s quiz covers South Carolina’s history over the past 500 years. Since it’s too long to print here, we’re providing you with the link so you can take it online. You will only need a few minutes to tackle its 20 questions, and the questions are worth five points each. So take a break and test your knowledge to find out if you are indeed “smarter than a third grader.” It just may be harder than you think!
Also, be sure to check out this adorable video of Katie singing the “South Carolina County Song” – a delightful little ditty taught in most third-grade history classes around the state.
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in September is 81.2°F, the average low is 61.2°F and the average precipitation is 4.0”. The record maximum temperature for the period 1962-2006 was 96°F on Sept 4, 1975. The record minimum was 36°F on Sept 30, 1967. Record high rainfall was in 1755 with 11.65” with minimum precipitation of 0.16” in 2005. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html
According to the Farmers Almanac (which is supposedly 80% accurate…better than most weathermen ☺), winter in the southeast will be colder and drier than normal, but with above-normal snowfall in much of the region. The coldest periods will be in early and late December, early to mid-January, and early February. The snowiest periods will be in early to mid-February and in late February. http://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange/SC/Greenville
For a little history, it was Sept 6-7, 2004, when Hurricane Francis triggered 47 tornadoes as it tracked up the Appalachian Ridge…a one day record. And many remember Hurricane Hugo which hammered the Isle of Palms with gusts of over 160 mph on Sept 22, 1989.
Temperature and Precipitation November 2013 to October 2014
Kudos to our North Main Neighbors!
We want to let you know about Morgan McClain’s record success with this year’s “Alex’s Lemonade Stand”. Thanks to our very generous community, the total so far is $710.00 and donations continue to come in online. So, if you still want to donate, just go to her webpage. All proceeds go to childhood cancer research. Thank you for being such a great community!
Also, don’t forget the Stone Hair Cutting Event for Cancer coming November 2, in case anyone with 8″ of hair is considering cutting and would be willing to wait to participate in the event where the student body of Stone Academy watches the donors’ generous contributions to help others dealing with cancer. Watch for more info later, but in the meantime, keep that hair growing…don’t cut it yet!!
Trash Collection
Driving through the neighborhood during the Labor Day holiday made it obvious that folks aren’t quite up to speed on when garbage collection is done during holidays. You can typically assume that after a holiday, everything runs a day late that next week. If you want to be sure, and for newcomers who may have additional questions, check the city’s Trash and Recycling website for information.
Greenville County Fall Migration Bird Count Day
The 2013 Greenville County Fall Migration Count Day, coordinated by the Greenville Bird Club, is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 21. The count area includes all of Greenville County, so choose a favorite birding area (includes yard counts), go out and count birds that day and send your data to J.B. Hines at jbhines3@chesnet.net 864-706-8421. The regular bird walk at Lake Conestee Nature Park (LCNP) will be included as part of the county. Let them know where you are planning to count in Greenville County (unless you are going to LCNP) so that they can avoid overlapping areas and assign participants to areas not being covered. Thanks and good birding!
Please record and send this information (any that apply):
1. species seen and total number of each species seen
2. miles driven and hours driven
3. miles walked and hours walked(includes time standing outside car)
4. miles & hours by boat/bicycle
5. miles & hours nocturnal
Native Plant Sale
The South Carolina Native Plant Society will hold its fall plant sale on September 21 from 9am – 1pm at University Center (old McAllister Square) on the corner of South Pleasantburg Blvd. and Antrim Drive in Greenville. A huge selection of native trees, shrubs and perennials will be available in addition to experts in native landscaping and native ecosystems. The SCNPS plant sales are a great opportunity to find plants that attract beneficial insects, provide habitat for wildlife and serve as dependable, drought tolerant landscape plants. The proceeds from the fall plant sale go to support native plant projects such as plant rescues and ecosystem conservation.
September Yard and Garden Update
Here are a few reminders of yard chores this month:
- Vegetable garden clean-up and start thinking about cool-season veggies.
- Time to divide spring and summer flowering perennials.
- Time for a second application of fertilizer to cool season grasses like fescue. Don’t fertilizer warm season grasses in late fall. If you haven’t had your soil tested, now is a good time.
- Fall is a great time to aerate cool season lawns. Mid-September is also a good time to overseed. This next month is also the best time to plant a cool season lawn.
- Take a look at your irrigation system. You may need to apply less as the weather begins to cool and plants lose their leaves.
- Think about composting all those leaves that will be falling instead of just raking them up and piling them on the street. They also make good mulch.
- Start looking for plants and trees you want to plant this winter.
For more information, check out Clemson Extension’s September Gardening Guide.
Tree Care by Dr. Bob Polomski
At a recent meeting of the Upstate Native Plant Society, Bob Polomski, professor of Horticulture and Urban Forestry at Clemson, and author of ‘Month by Month Gardening in the Carolinas’ gave an interesting presentation on trees in the urban environment. A self-proclaimed “hortiholic”, he pointed out the many virtues of trees from environmental, aesthetic, social, economic, and cultural values. We’ll summarize some of his thoughts here and in the next issue.
Trees are a long term investment in terms of climate control…with deciduous trees giving two seasons of benefits. Plants work for us, playing an important role in phytoremediation. Rain gardens help with runoff and prevent erosion. Cattails have been used to process runoff from parking lots. As we see the “Green Street” movement taking on steam in the form of streetscaping, it’s important that planners and developers understand the factors which determine how long a tree can live in an urban environment. Which species live to be 100+ years? Trees Greenville has a list of legacy trees.
Unfortunately, trees on streets are too often placed in “4 sq. feet of urban garbage” where they soon mine every nutrient available and are subject to excess moisture in a poorly drained site. Roots are restricted and they are subject to heat, pedestrian and vehicular abuse, improper planting, improper fertilization and pruning, and construction or mechanical issues. This is not only true for street plantings, but can also be applied to residential settings where we are trying to cram large trees into very small spaces, often with inadequate space and too close to structures. When tree roots have inadequate space, they are shallow and topple more easily in storms. Only in undisturbed forest environments will trees have the best opportunity to reach their potential.
An estimated 80% of all landscape tree problems originating below ground relate to quality and placement. Containerized plants are sometimes root bound and the roots may even girdle the tree itself. Bare root trees give you a better idea of the health of the root system. “Too deep is dead”. Top of the root ball should be 10% above the soil.
Next time we’ll get into more about maintenance and mulching, including “Mulch Madness”.
Hawk Watch and Monarch Migration
From now until late November, members of the Greenville County Bird Club participate in a count of migrating hawks at Caesar’s Head State Park. The Hawk Watch is normally manned by volunteers who call themselves “Wing Nuts”. The birds are attracted by the thermals and updrafts generated by wind currents on the south facing escarpment. On a good day in September, hundreds even thousands of raptors might be seen passing through. It’s not unusual to see 200 to 300 hawks at one time soaring or circling in a thermal overhead. This phenomenon is referred to as “kettling” or a “kettle” of hawks. To date, the highest single day count was over 5,200 birds.
Monarch butterflies are not able to survive the cold winters of most of the United States so they migrate south and west each autumn to escape the cold weather. The migration usually starts in about October of each year, but can start earlier if the weather turns cold sooner than that. From the eastern states, the Monarch migrates to Mexico and hibernates in oyamel fir trees. They use the very same trees each year when they migrate, which seems odd because they aren’t the same butterflies that were there last year. These are the new fourth generation of monarch butterflies, so how do they know which trees are the right ones to hibernate in? Monarch butterflies are the only insect that migrates to a warmer climate that is 2,500 miles away each year.
The Monarch butterfly migrates for 2 reasons. They cannot withstand freezing weather in the northern and central continental climates in the winter. Also, the larval food plants do not grow in their winter overwintering sites, so the spring generation must fly back north to places where the plants are plentiful. Would you like to help track monarch butterfly migrations? Visit Monarchwatch for lots of information on tracking migrations with a color map. Check out upstate viewing areas here.
Pushy Door-to-Door Sales People
We recently had a complaint from a member about a couple of sales people in a white van selling gutter guards door-to-door. If you are like me, you really don’t like solicitations of that type. Permits are required for this. Crime specialist Courtney Palmer suggests to residents that they can ask the salesperson for the permit and if they cannot provide one then they are not legitimate. Feel free to call the police if they are too aggressive and they can respond to talk to them (271-5333). Also, send emails to Greenville Cares or call them at 864-232-2273 to complain on the company and ask that it be forwarded on to the division handing out the permits…maybe with enough complaints they will not renew theirs. Again, be careful when you open doors to strangers. These salesmen may be legitimate and have a good product, but this is not the way to sell it.
This Month’s Trivia
How many of you recognize this South Carolina Native? He was born John Birks Gillespie on October 21, 1917 in Cheraw, SC, and died January 6, 1993.
You may know him better as “The bebop trumpeter with the upturned horn” or Dizzie Gillespie. Easily recognized by his puffed-out cheeks and unusual angular trumpet, he was one of the key figures in the birth of “bebop” jazz. Nicknamed “Dizzy” because of his comical antics, Gillespie played trumpet in the 1930s in bands led by Teddy Hill and Lionel Hampton. Throughout the ’40s and ’50s Gillespie led his own bands, both big and small, and toured the world playing his complex and upbeat music. With Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis, Gillespie ushered in the era of brash, speedy, lopsided jazz known as bebop. In the 1950s he began using a trumpet with the bell angled upward at 45 degrees, a quirk which became his signature. He toured and performed right up to his death in 1993. Among his most popular tunes were “A Night in Tunisia” and “Salt Peanuts.”
Citizens Fire Academy
The Greenville City Fire Department is now accepting applications for its Citizens Fire Academy. The free seven-week academy is open to anyone age 18 and older and is designed to
provide members of the community with a unique opportunity to tour the City’s fire stations and dispatch center, meet its firefighters and 911 personnel, and learn firsthand what it is like to be a firefighter. Participants will be exposed to both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities, including wearing personal protective equipment and extinguishing a fire, and learning CPR and basic first aid. Beginning on October 3, classes will be held every Thursday (except October 31) at 6:30 p.m. at the department’s training facility, located at 688 Mauldin Road. Due to Halloween, week five’s class will be held on Tuesday, October 29. The application and class schedule are available on the City’s web site at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/FireDept. Applications must be submitted by Monday, September 23.
Flash From the Past
From Last Month:
The Hugh Aiken House possesses architectural significance as one of William “Willie” Riddle Ward’s most distinctive single-family residential designs. The house is a one and one-half story frame residence constructed in 1952. It was designed in 1948 by Ward, a notable Greenville architect, for Hugh K. Aiken, president and treasurer of Piedmont Paint and Manufacturing Company. The house was constructed in the Colonial Revival style on an extensively landscaped lot adjacent to the North Main Street area of Greenville. Ward’s design approach emphasized compatibility with the configuration of the lot and its heavily wooded, natural setting and falling topography. The focal point of the lot is a small pond fed by natural springs. A large, tapered stone chimney dominates the front elevation of the house and a second tapered, stone chimney accents the south elevation of the house. Listed in the National Register April 11, 2003.
The Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville is significant as an intact example of a late nineteenth and early twentieth century agricultural complex in the upcountry region of South Carolina. The extant historic resources on the property are associated with the Hopkins Farm from circa 1840 to the time of nomination. The property’s history prior to the arrival of the Hopkins family, however, is also noteworthy. Physical evidence exists on the property of earlier Native American occupation. The property has also served as a backdrop for a Revolutionary War battle and a training ground for the state militia. The Hopkins Farm complex includes the Main House, the Cook’s House, eleven outbuildings, agricultural fields, a historic Pecan Grove, and a family cemetery. Six of these buildings and structures are noncontributing. The following buildings and structures contribute to the significance of the complex: the Main House (ca. 1840 and additions ca. 1890 and ca 1925), Smoke House (ca. 1850), Small Chicken House (ca. 1922), Cotton Warehouse (1924), Mechanical Shed (ca. 1946, altered 1998), Large Chicken House (ca. 1946), two Grain Silos (ca. 1950), Patriots’ Grove (ca.1875), and the Hopkins Family Cemetery. Listed in the National Register September 20, 2007.
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 September Calendar.
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.
September 12 – Hillcrest Garden Club Meeting. Roberta Casaceli will be speaking on “Orchids – the Perfect Setting. Greenville Woman’s Club, 8 Bennett St., Horticulture submissions at 9:45 a.m., refreshments at 10:00 a.m., devotions, club prayer and program. Visitors and those interested in joining are always invited. For additional information, please call Mary Roberts at 458-7735.
September 14 – Silver Screen Café. Dinner and a Movie. Screwball comedy at its best. “The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer” with Cary Grant, Myrna Loy and Shirley Temple. Doors open at 6:30. Advanced registrations only. Note their new winter hours…11am ~ 3pm or later Monday-Friday; 11am ~ 2:30pm Saturday.
September 14 – Bone-Nanza at Pelham Mill. 9am-12pm. (Rain date: September 21) An even to benefit the Greenville Humane Society. A doggie play day at Pelham Mill Dog Park, 2770 E. Phillips Rd., Greer. Lots of treats, toys and give-aways from local pet stores, groomers, vets and more.
September 16 – Fall Yoga Session starts at the Bobby Pearse Community Center. All levels. Check the city website for more info and additional fall programs.
September 18 – Earth Market Greenville…Slow Food Upstate. 3-7pm. 220 North Main St. in NoMa Square. For more interesting ‘foodie’ events, check out Slow Food’s September calendar.
September 20 – Trivia and Karaoke at the Northgate Soda Shop. Trivia at 7pm. Karaoke following until 1am. Food served till 9pm.
September 21 – SRS Championships. 8am – 4pm. Location: West End Greenville. Southeastern Race Series Championship Event, a downtown critierium bike race and road race. This event will be the 5th and last of the series. Telephone: 864-680-9464.
September 21 – Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. 8:30 am – 1pm. CU-ICAR, 701 Millennium Blvd., Greenville. Admission is the registration fee. 864-609-5054.
September 27 – Euphoria: Taste of the South. 6pm – 10:30pm. Peace Center Amphitheater and Wyche Pavilion. Charity Fundraiser with food presented by local restaurants, alcohol and entertainment. 864-233-5663. Admission: Ticket packages.
September 28 – Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. 8am – 10am. Fluor Field, West End, 945 S. Main St., Greenville. 5K and a 1 mile walk to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Upstate SC Affililate.Telephone: 864-234-5035, Admission: race registration.
October 4 – Summit Drive Elementary’s Annual Fall Festival. 4:30 – 8:00pm. Games, Inflatables, DJ, Food, M.A.S.H. tent, cake walk, Art and Crafts, Face Painting, Fire truck from the local station and much more!! Watch for more details later but mark your calendar and join the fun!
October 5 – Mystery of the Trees. Upcountry History Museum. 6pm. Have you ever hiked through the Carolina mountains and seen these unnaturally bent trees. these “trail marker trees,” believed to be used by the native Cherokee to mark trails or water holes. Come learn more from Dan Wells of Mountain Stewards at this Museum program.lk about these “trail marker trees,” believed to be used by the native Cherokee
to mark trails or water holes. No outdoor lover should miss it.
Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.: Mystery of the Trees
Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.: In the Presence of Elders (Native American culture)
Admission is $10, free for students.
Learn more at www.mountainstewards.org.
October 5 – ‘Get Out Greenville’. 6am – 10pm. Conestee Park, 840 Mauldin Rd. ‘Get Out! Greenville’ is a celebration of all that Greenville County and Upstate South Carolina have to offer to the outdoor enthusiasts. More Info: Telephone: 864-288-6470
October 5 – Woofstock. Watson Aviation Rd., 12 noon – 6PM. 1 day of Brews, Bands & Barks! A festival featuring live bands and UNLIMITED SAMPLING from dozens of regional craft breweries. Mellow dogs are welcome on leashes, and munchies are on sale to go with your brew. Please print and bring your bar-coded ticket and present it at the gate for entry. Once the barcode is scanned at entry, the ticket is non-transferable. You must provide a Photo I.D to receive a wristband to participate in any beer sampling. Gates open at 11:30am.
October 5 – Paws for a Cause. 8am-12pm. Starts at County Square on 301 University Ridge Drive, Greenville. A non-competitive dog walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Registration is at 8:00am and the walk begins at 9:15am. Phone: 864-627-1903. Admission: Registration fees
October 6 – In the Presence of Elders. (Native American Culture). Upcountry History Museum. 6pm.
October 10 – Hillcrest Garden Club Meeting. “Gardens of the Loire Valley and Northern France”. Guest Speaker – Marian St. Clair. Greenville Woman’s Club, 8 Bennett St., Horticulture submissions at 9:45 a.m., refreshments at 10:00 a.m., devotions, club prayer and program. Visitors and those interested in joining are always invited. For additional information, please call Mary Roberts at 458-7735.
October 11 – Fall for Greenville. 5pm – 11pm. Main St. from North St. to Augusta including all side streets. A food festival in downtown Greenville featuring several local restaurants, entertainment of live music and beer and wine. Telephone: 864-467-2776. Admission: Free
October 26 – North Main Yard Sale. Northgate Soda Shop back parking lot. More info to come.
Classes offered by NMCA business member ‘Elizabeth Chandler Designs’
This after-school program is dedicated to teaching children ages 9 and up to turn their curiosity and creativity into fun projects. Weekly, afternoon classes are offered to groups of 4 or fewer students each semester. Each one-hour lesson will teach your child the basics of sewing, from hand-stitching to constructing a simple garment with a sewing machine.
Kick off your sewing education with Adult Sewing 101, a three-part series that teaches you the basic techniques that everyone must master. Classes are project-based and usually last 2–3 hours each.
Do you want to learn how to sew children’s clothing, perhaps a simple sundress or a pair of jon jons? If so, then this class is for you! In this one-session class, you’ll learn how to sew either a sundress for a girl or a pair of jon jons for a boy.
Do you want some fellowship while you sew? Maybe you’re looking to show off a new creation or to learn some new tips and tricks to make your projects a little easier? You’re welcome to meet and mingle with like-minded sewing and craft enthusiasts by joining Greenville’s Sewing & Craft Club!
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fall 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). Contact Jan Cox or call 864-467-4326.
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.
