Wishing everyone a very peaceful and happy holiday season, shared with family and friends.
(Editor’s note: This year due to travel plans and the busy season, we are combining the November and December newsletters into one Holiday Edition. We will recognize our business members in the January issue and you should be receiving renewal notices in early 2014. Thank you for your support this year!)
NMCA Elections
You should have received your 2014 ballot via email. Please respond by December 10. Our thanks to all those willing to serve our community by giving of their time to the board and committees. We will announce the new board in the January newsletter.
NMCA Business Member Expanding
Mike Okupinski, Co-Owner of The Community Tap at Stone’s Point Shopping Center on Wade Hampton Blvd. is happy to announce their store’s expansion because they’ve received such great support from the North Main Community! They are planning on taking over the end unit of the existing building, so moving from #205 to #217. This space is 50% bigger than the existing space and will allow them to add more retail, a charcuterie and cheese counter, indoor and outdoor seating and a separate private event space. The outdoor seating will come from a deck that will be built on the side of the building, which they are very excited about. Their customer base is largely comprised of North Main Residents who have been asking about outdoor seating since they opened in July 2010, and the new space will allow this to happen. They would love to get any feedback from you and the community concerning their future plans. Send your feedback to mike@thecommunitytap.com
Update on Infill Ordinance Revisions and ‘East Park at Stone’
Many of you were not able to attend the City Council Work Session on the Infill Ordinance on November 11. We requested that the city make the presentation available but since it is so large, they have posted it on their website. Even without the narrative, it will give you some idea of what they are thinking and a general idea of what was discussed. Several NMCA board members and other NMCA members were present and the city will be putting together a task force that will include residents. We will be requesting that North Main have ample representation on this task force and we will keep you updated on progress. Here’s the link http://www.greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/forms/Infill_Council_Workshop_Nov2013.pdf
Also, City Council gave final approval to the planned development at the corner of E. Stone and Rowley St. The vote was unanimous for the mixed-use development named ‘East Park at Stone’. The development will have 1900 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial space, 51 apts.(studio and one bedroom) and 52 spaces for on-site parking. To accommodate the retail component and guests of residents, the city will assign 6 on-street parking spaces on the east side of Rowley St. and 10 on-street spaces along the west side of Rowley for two-hour parking, Mon through Fri, 8am-5pm. Evening parking at these spaces will be unrestricted.
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.
Crime Update
We’ve had a number of crime issues reported in the last week or so. There have been at least 3 reported cases of leaf blowers and/or weed eaters stolen from sheds or yards, including instances on Garraux and Summit. In another case, a member noticed a young woman with a backpack walking up the alley by her house. She seemed slightly aimless – not like a regular walker. A few minutes later the member went outside and happened to see her trying the side porch door of a neighbor’s home. She said she was looking for a person whose name the member didn’t recognize. While the member answered a phone call, the girl made a call. She then told her she needed to be on E. Avondale instead of W. Avondale. The member gave her directions and also called the police and made a report. She did the right thing. The police said she was likely a transient. Also, the member checked the Greenville County “Real Property Search” website and saw no one on that street by the name she was asking about.
This is the time of year when we are all so busy and many will be out of town. It’s a good idea to let friends and neighbors know so they can keep an eye on your house. If you have security systems or security cameras, be sure to arm them. Keep valuable items out of site. Set timers for lights to make it look like someone is home. Either stop your mail and paper or have a neighbor pick them up each day. For more tips, go to the Greenville Police flyer for Holiday Home Security and Safety.
And don’t forget about Greenville’s new RAIDS program. Citizens or neighborhood watch groups can search for crimes within a particular radius of a certain location. Data is updated every 72 hours. Just go to the website and enter your address for the latest crime data.
Small Hands Big Hearts
Most of you received an email regarding a holiday program being conducted by students at the Bobby Pearse Center. In conjunction with “Bobby Bucks”, Small Hands Big Hearts will highlight and simulate real-world decision making when it comes to earning and saving money. The students earn “Bobby Bucks” through hard work, positive decision-making good behavior/attitude, and setting positive examples for other students. Over the past month, students have earned an average of 10 “Bobby Bucks”. They will now have the opportunity to donate some, all, or none of their earnings to a children’s charitable organization. From now till December 15th they can move ‘money’ from their ‘Bobby Bucks’ jar to the ‘donation jar’. On Dec 15th, the “Bobby Bucks” will be totaled and that amount will be personally matched with an actual monetary value and donated to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville or the Greenville Children’s Hospital on behalf of the students at the Bobby Pearse Community Center. Each student will also make a card for another child to go along with the donation.
This is where you can help. Make a donation, any amount would be helpful, to help match the ‘Bobby Bucks’ total. The staff at the Bobby Pearse Center had planned to match it themselves, but this would be a great community effort. The NMCA has made a donation on behalf of our membership but several are also making personal donations. If you would like to help, call Jonathan Jones at 467-4331, or email jjones@greenvillesc.gov or stop by the Center.
General Community Concerns
We all take pride in our community, but there’s always something we can do to make it better. Here are some areas of concern that we should all keep in mind.
Litter. We all get stuff thrown in our yards, sometimes things we don’t want…like store ads, those little plastic bags with a rock and an ad in it, the Greenville Journal (which I usually find interesting but sure see a lot left lying
around), etc. One of our members recently picked up 13 Shop Local Newspapers in plastic bags along a 2 block area on her street. Even if you don’t care to read it, please pick it up and toss it in your recycle can or garbage. It’s called litter! Don’t just assume someone else will pick it up for you.
Yard debris in the median on North Main. This seems to be a recurring problem. The median is not a place to dump your yard debris. It makes it hard when the city comes to mow the medians. Please keep it in the edge of your yard as close to the curb as possible and it will get picked up. Remember, the City will collect: grass clippings, leaves, and limbs (no longer than 6 feet long or 6 inches in diameter). Please keep leaves separate from branches and limbs.
Dog poop. The ball field at the North Main Rotary Park is NOT a dog park. There are signs at both ends of the park as well as poop bag stations in case you forgot your own. Dogs should be on leash in the park and PLEASE be considerate of others and pick up after your pooch. This not only applies to the park, but to residential streets as well. Remember, anything on the street eventually washes into the storm drains which in turn drain to the Reedy River.
Christmas Bird Count
Yes, it’s early, but mark your calendars now so you will be ready next month for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. From December 14 through January 5, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission – often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season. Check out the Audubon website for more information.
Recycle Your Holiday Cards to Help St. Jude’s
As we reported last year, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children recycles used greeting cards and creates new holiday and greeting cards for any occasion. Recycled cards are sold in packs of 10 for $10 to support our programs and services. The program is beneficial to everyone – customers receive fun, “green” holiday cards they can feel good sending to their friends and loved ones, and the children at St. Jude’s Ranch receive payment for their work and learn about basic job skills and the importance of recycling. To learn more about how to submit used cards or purchase recycled ones, go to their website at http://www.stjudesranch.org/shop/recycled-card-program/
Weather Tidbits
The average maximum temperature for Greenville in Nov/Dec is 62/4/53.3°F respectively, the average low is 40.5/33.5°F and the average precipitation is 3.65/3.88”. The record maximum temperature for the period 1962-2006 was 85°F on Nov 2, 1974 and 76°F on Dec 18, 1984. The record minimum was 12°F on Nov 25, 1970 and 5°F on Dec 26, 1985. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html During December 1989 Charleston experienced its first white Christmas on record, and other coastal locations had more than six inches of snow on the ground for several days following. Measurable snowfall may occur from one to three times in a winter in all areas except the Lowcountry, where snowfall occurs on average once every three years. Accumulations seldom remain long except in the mountains.
I Found a Wild Animal…What Should I Do?
I recently had a new experience…a bat fell out of a large oak tree where my sister-in-law was planting pansies. She, in turn, called me. Luckily, I had gloves and was able to pick it up and I put it in a shoebox with a soft cloth until I could google what to do next. Luckily, I stumbled upon a website for Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. To make a long story short, I drove the little guy to Laurens where I met a bat ‘expert’ who identified it as a juvenile hoary bat. These bats are common but do not colonize like many bats, and are often found in crevices in trees or under large leaves on trees. It just so happened she had an adult hoary bat and knew another bat expert in Columbia…so I left knowing he would be well taken care of. Check out their website or their Facebook page. There are many local organizations that can assist with wildlife rescue and most of them exist only through donations. Here are some tips I got from their website:
There are a couple of important things to know…call these ‘first response’ guidelines.
- Not all animals need help right away! If the animal is NOT in immediate danger from wounds or predators, monitor it from a distance and, before touching it, consult these guidelines and species-specific resources (see link below).
- Wild animals can react strongly when experiencing fear or pain. Smaller animals also have delicate limbs and joints that can be damaged by improper or rough handling. Before touching the animal, protect yourself with equipment such as gloves, and protect the animal by capturing gently with towels, soft netting, or a padded box.
- Captured wild animals must be kept in a quiet, dark place far away from children, people, and other animals such as pets. Wild animals can transmit parasites and illnesses to humans and other pets, and high contact with humans and animals can stress already traumatized wildlings. As much as possible, avoid handling wild animals, and take care to wash your hands.
- If you already have the animal contained, DO NOT FEED IT. Animals experiencing injury, extreme stress, or shock need medical treatment first, and snacks later. (If your child broke an arm, would you rush her or him to a restaurant, or to a hospital?) Furthermore, many wild animals have very specific dietary requirements and limitations, and feeding them the wrong food can do more harm than good.
- Do not EVER feed cow’s milk or human baby formula to young wild animals! These fluids cause health issues that often kill animals! It is preferable not to feed at all while transferring the animal to a wildlife rehabilitator.
- For animals that are young or in shock, a heat source must be provided. Put a heating pad (set on “low”) under only half of the carrier or box used to contain them, or fill a water bottle with hot/warm (NOT boiling) water and secure it near the animal, where it won’t roll onto small critters. Most importantly, the animal MUST be able to get away from the heat source if it gets too warm for them.
- For more details, there are species-specific guidelines at the Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary Website.
Also, DNR has a Wildlife Rehabilitators Registry which lists other groups and covers other counties as well.
Speaking of Wildlife – Winter Hummingbirds?
Generally our common ruby-throated hummers migrate south during the winter and most of us take our feeders down and store them till spring. Whether due to climate change attributable to global warming or some other factor, more and more hummingbirds are being reported overwintering in the Southeast. While our common ruby-throat usually migrates, the one we are seeing her is the copper colored rufous hummingbird (see photo at right). While most 
head to Mexico, a few stray east of the Rockies and end up in the S.E. In the past they might not have survived, but with the increase in gardening and native plants, plant lovers have unwittingly changed the landscape to help support winter hummingbirds with nectar sources. BUT, be aware that if you plan to keep your hummingbird feeder up, it requires some extra responsibility in order to do more good than harm. You MUST keep the syrup from freezing which generally requires something like a heat lamp to keep feeders thawed in sub-freezing temps. You can also keep extra feeders inside and swap out as needed. If a hummingbird becomes dependent on the food you provide and you fail to keep that food there, it could starve. So…please be aware of the commitment before you start. http://www.birdsandblooms.com/Birds/Hummingbirds/Hummingbird-Facts/Hummingbirds-in-Winter
And don’t forget your regular birds…if you have feeders, they rely on you for at least part of their diet. Keep them filled in winter, and most important…keep a clean, thawed source of water available!
This Month’s Trivia
This will test your SC history knowledge. In what year did SC secede from the Union? The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was the final straw for many southerners when he declared “Government cannot endure permanently half slave half free…” In all, 11 states seceded from the Union. South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860. Four states (Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee) did not secede until after the Battle of Fort Sumter that occurred on April 12, 1861. Four additional states were Border Slave States that did not secede from the Union: Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware. In addition, the area that would become West Virginia was formed on October 24, 1861 when the western portion of Virginia chose to break away from the rest of the state instead of seceding. For a look at the timeline of South Carolina’s role in the War Between the States go to this website: http://sciway3.net/proctor/wbts/sc_wbts_timeline.html
Fall is for Planting
Although it may have felt like winter recently, it’s not. Fall planting follows extreme heat of the summer and precedes a cooler winter season. During the winter months, the root systems of the fall-planted specimens thrive and become well established. When Spring arrives, this well-developed root system makes it possible for the plant to take advantage of the full surge of spring growth. Much of the possible “transplant shock” associated with spring-planted shrubs and trees can be also minimized by fall planting. So, if you’ve been considering adding a new tree, or a grouping of shrubs to the landscape, or if there is an area of your landscape that needs “restoration” from the drought, the fall months are not only an excellent time, but the best time to do so. Also, please note: Watering is very critical in the winter time especially in temperatures that drop below 30 F. Even though it may seem like it’s cooler and the plants don’t need as much water due to fewer leaves and less transpiration, the roots are still growing and need water. It’s also a good idea to water in your recent fall planting thoroughly the day before freezing temperatures set in. The water is warmer than the air and moist soil holds heat better than dry soil. Then when temperatures drop, heat is re-radiated from the moist soil, warming the plant micro-climate.
Swamp Rabbit Trail Interactive Map
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a nearly 14 mile multi-use (walking & bicycling) greenway that traverses along the Reedy River, an old railroad corridor and City parks to connect Travelers Rest with the City of Greenville, South Carolina. The map is especially content-rich inside the City of Greenville — featuring trail amenities and points of interest, as well as special considerations for a safe experience. Photos, IPIX 360 degree images, and audio are available at select locations. This web map is accessible from all types of devices and operating systems.
Flash From the Past
Can you provide any information about these two photos? One will be easy for those who have lived here awhile…but you newbies may have to ask around.
From last month:
Mills Mill (Mills and Guess Sts.) was one of the major mill complexes located within the city of Greenville in the nineteenth century. It was built by Captain Otis P. Mills after the formation of the Mills Manufacturing Company in 1894. The mill opened with a capacity of 5,000 spindles but was expanded to include 27,000 spindles and 740 looms by 1903. Products of the mill were fine cotton sheeting, twills and satins. The Mills company also built an adjacent mill village which included 120 houses, a YMCA, two churches and a public library. By 1903, over 500 people were employed by the Mills Manufacturing Company. In 1918 the mill was purchased by Reeves Brothers, Inc., and they operated the mill until 1979. Listed in the National Register July 1, 1982.
The Old Greenville City Hall is a former building in Greenville, South Carolina. It was originally built as the U.S. Courthouse and Post Office in 1889 on the corner of Main and Broad Streets on the site of the former home of Colonel David Hoke. After 1938, it was transferred to the City of Greenville and used as its city hall. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places on August 19, 1971. After its demolition in 1972 or 1973,it was removed from the National Register in 1973.
Free Parking on Thanksgiving and Black Friday
As a way to express the City’s appreciation for parkers’ patronage and to kick off the holiday shopping season, the City of Greenville will again offer free parking at all of its parking facilities on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. Parking will be free beginning at 6:00 a.m. on November 28 and ending at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30. Parking Garage Information
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in” (Greek Proverb)
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 calendar.
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.
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.
Nov 23 and Dec 14 – Slow Food Upstate Holiday Markets. 10am – 1pm. 220 North Main St. @the Hyatt Hotel and Roost Restaurant in NoMa Square.
Nov 28 – Trees Greenville Turkey Day 8K…Trot, Run Walk. 8-9am. 301 E McBee Ave. See website for more information.
Nov 28 – Dec 30 – Roper Mountain Christmas Lights. 6pm – 9pm nightly. Profits from the event are evenly divided between the Rotary Club, which designates local charities to receive contributions, and Roper Mountain Science Center Association, which uses to make improvements to the Science Center.
Nov 29 – Ice on Main. Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, United Community Bank Ice on Main is an open-air ice skating rink – the only one of its kind in Upstate South Carolina. November 29, 2013 through January 20, 2014 we celebrate the holiday season with one of America’s favorite winter traditions – ice skating! Skating is ongoing during normal business hours, provided weather conditions allow it. You can monitor up-to-the-minute information about weather and rink hours on their Facebook page.
Nov 29 – Miniature World of Trains. 2013 Christmas Model Train Display. The Largest Christmas Model Train Display in the SE. Admission only $5. 7 West Camperdown Way.
Dec 4 – 18 – Kilgore Lewis House is decorated for Christmas and open to the public weekdays from 10 am until 2 pm from December 4 through December 18. On the 4th, the Greenville Fire Dept. brings their ladder truck to hang the large wreath….always an exciting and fun start to the Christmas season… especially for little kids…and big ones, too.
Dec 6-8 and 12-15 – “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Greenville Little Theatre. All performances at 8pm except Sunday shows at 3pm. Call 233-6238 or check out their website for more information.
Dec 6-8 – The Nutcracker. Peace Center. Featuring the debut of enhanced scenery, The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time in Greenville infuses endearing hometown elements into this beloved Christmas classic. With a cast complete with more than 200 professional and student dancers, the magic and majesty of Drosselmeyer’s dream for Clara come alive with a spirit that will capture your heart.
Dec 7 – “Dinner and a Movie”. Silver Screen Café. A Christmas Feast!! 6:30pm. Tickets on sale NOW!!
Seating is limited!! See menu and details at their website.
Dec 7 – 2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk – Upstate, SC. CU-ICAR Millennium Campus, 5 Research Drive
Greenville. Be part of the largest holiday 5K race series aimed to fight arthritis! Chosen as one of the Most Incredible Themed Races, Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving.
Dec 7 – Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade. The parade begins promptly at 6 pm and continues to about 7:30 pm. on Main St from Augusta to North St.
Dec 8 – Kilgore Lewis Holiday Open House. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Kilgore Lewis House will be open to the public, free. It will be decorated in rich Christmas colors and finely-crafted ornaments.
Dec 10 – North Main Blood Drive. Northgate Soda Shop. 4-7pm.
Dec 14 – Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery Holiday Flea. 11am-3pm. (Rain date: Dec 21). Food Artisans, Local Art, Local Crafts, Vintage Sales, Music, Bicycle Fun.
Dec 21 – Greenville Santa Run. Run starts at 5:30 pm. From Greenville County Square to Falls Park. The Santa Run is presented by the Greenville Track Club. It’s their last run of the year, so they like to make it FUN. Wear your favorite holiday costume and don’t forget to bring your jingle bells and LED lights along.
Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Champagne Run. 9pm. ICAR Campus. 5 Research Drive. Greenville. Race Start: 8:58 for Centipedes and 9:00 for everyone else.
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
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/Winter 2013 Program Schedule
- To view the fall/winter calendar for the Bobby Pearse Center, go to the Parks and Rec website
- To view the fall/winter 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 use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
