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.
We Still Need Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers!
We need your help! NMCA is looking for Moms and Dads (or anyone else!) who would be interested in sharing ideas and help in planning more events for North Main kids. We aren’t asking for a huge time commitment. Just one event at a time! The Halloween event was a big success…so next up…our First Annual NMCA Easter Egg Hunt this April in the North Main Rotary Park! Prizes awarded for the most eggs found….for whoever finds the “special” egg and more. Anyone have an Easter Bunny costume?? More details to follow, but for now….email pgilreath@aol.com if you are interested in helping out! This event won’t happen if we can’t get volunteers!
We’d also like to hear from anyone who has other ideas for local interest groups….book clubs, etc. What can we do to meet your interests? We are here to keep you informed…let us know what we can do!
Meet the Pets of North Main
This month we continue our new feature … “pet of the month”. Send a photo and some information about what makes your animal companion special to pgilreath@aol.com and we’ll include as many as we can over the next year so you can get to know your neighbors and their animal companions!
“My name is Ava ‘Brown’ and while I am a purebred English bulldog, I am a rescue. My 2 older siblings are rescues from the Humane Society, but my parents think others should be made aware that there are animal rescue groups specific to purebreds, as well. My favorite things are sleeping and antagonizing my 8 year old human companion. If I didn’t know better, I would swear he has 4 legs too!”
Ava’s ‘parents’ are right! There are lots of great dogs and cats available for adoption from many local organizations. We’ve mentioned the Humane Society, ACS, CCA, etc. But there are also groups that rescue and find forever homes for purebreds. Examples include Carolina Bulldog Rescue, Northshore Animal League www.animalleague.org and Carolina Basset Hound Rescue. When you’re looking for your next best friend, please consider adopting from rescue groups. In the long run, you’ll be the one rescued.
Side note: We’ve had several members ask if we can follow up on the lost and found pets we alert neighbors about. We will try to do that in the future so you will know the outcome. Thanks for caring!
World Spay Day
The Humane Society of the United States along with Humane Society International (HSI) is proud to join with the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), PetSmart Charities, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, and the House Rabbit Society to promote World Spay Day. This annual event, held this year on February 28th, marks an opportunity for organizations to team up and work towards reducing pet euthanasia by holding low-cost spay/neuter events; fundraisers to benefit spay/neuter programs; educational efforts to spread the message about the importance of spay/neuter; and numerous other creative events.
Each year, approximately 6-8 million homeless cats and dogs enter shelters, but only about half of them are adopted due to an overwhelming pet over-population problem. Rabbits, the third most popular pet, face the same issue. Unfortunately, companion animals across the globe are met with similar problems, and locals often rely on cruel, ineffective methods in an attempt to reduce populations. Thankfully, there are local groups and individuals working world-wide to address the struggle in a humane way. World Spay Day presents an opportunity for all of us to become part of the solution by supporting local efforts to reduce pet populations.
Events will be held across the state, nation, and world-wide. To learn more about it or to find an event near you, visit the Spay Day website!
Crime Alert Reminders
Here are a few of the crime alerts we’ve emailed to members recently: On Randall Street Monday (Jan 30) afternoon, a victim says someone pried open a front door to her home. Nothing is reported stolen at this time.
Tuesday, Jan 24, around 7 PM, a victim on E. Montclair Ave. was approached from behind by suspects while he was unloading groceries from his vehicle. They demanded that he empty his pockets and he gave them an unknown amount of cash and his driver’s license. They left without the victim being able to get an accurate description. (Greenville Crime Alert)
This could happen to any of us…it’s dark and you are busy unloading your car which is unlocked and also at risk. You are carrying things inside which means your house is also unlocked, providing an easy entry for thieves. Please be careful and keep this in mind whenever you are unloading things from your car at night, especially if you are alone. And again, please report these events even if nothing is taken.
North Main residents in the area of Randall Street report that 2 female “sales” people knocked on their door at 8PM Saturday night, Jan 21. They told the resident they were with a business and wanted to know if they were interested. The resident asked them to leave and they got in an SUV where 3 males were waiting and left. The resident felt they were ‘targeting’ homes that looked as if no one was there as they did not stop at a neighbor’s house with lights and a television on. They did call the non-emergency police number to report it and encourage any other residents who have experienced this to please do the same. This is the only way to increase the police presence in the neighborhood and deter this type of activity.
Again, the non-emergency number is 271-5333. Please DO NOT call 911 if it is not an emergency! Thank you and be safe!
Green Ribbon Advisory Committee Public Workshop Follow-up
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, the City’s Green Ribbon Advisory Committee hosted their 2nd public workshop. At the workshop they shared the draft goals and strategies developed as the framework for Greener Greenville, a sustainability and climate action plan, and gathered additional public input. The document presented is the result of months of work done to integrate previous public input, recommendations from previously adopted City planning documents and the expertise of three ad-hoc committees (Mobility, Recycling & Waste Management, and Energy & Buildings). Those unable to attend the workshop are encouraged to download the draft document and provide comments and suggestions. Input will be gathered at least through February 20, 2012. Collected feedback from the public and City staff will be incorporated as appropriate before Greener Greenville is presented as a formal recommendation to the City Manager and City Council.
Download: Greener Greenville (full document)
Download: Greener Greenville (goals/strategies only)
Go to: Public Input Survey
Connections for Sustainability
In the spring of 2011, the City of Greenville began a three-year federally funded planning project entitled Connections for Sustainability: Linking Greenville’s Neighborhoods to Jobs and Open Space. The project combines $1.8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) with over $1 million of local and federal investments.
Connections for Sustainability will create ties between affordable housing, transportation options, economic development opportunities, and open space. The grant will achieve these connections by focusing on four areas: citywide planning, a west side comprehensive plan, education and outreach, and community involvement. The kick-off event is scheduled for March 1, 6 – 7:30 pm. Location TBA. Visit Connections for Sustainability Website for more info.
Great Backyard Bird Count 2012
The 2012 GBBC will take place Friday, February 17, through Monday, February 20. This is a great activity for doing in your back yard, on your daily walk, or with a school or youth group! You can count birds for as little as 15 minutes on one or more days of the count… or longer if you wish! Count birds in as many places and on as many days as you like – one day, two days, or all four days. Submit a separate checklist for each new day. You can also submit more than one checklist per day if you count in other locations on that day.
Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time. You may find it helpful to print out your regional bird checklist to get an idea of the kinds of birds you’re likely to see in your area in February. You could take note of the highest number of each species you see on this checklist. When you’re finished, enter your results through our web page. You’ll see a button marked “Enter Your Checklists!” on the website home page beginning on the first day of the count. It will remain active until the deadline for data submission. For more instructions, data forms and FAQs visit http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html
Also…another interesting site for birders to use to keep track of their observations as well as report them to help scientists keep track of bird movement is http://ebird.org/content/ebird Maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, it has great pictures and information. Check out the story on the remarkable occurrence of Snowy Owls this season in the US, well south of their normal range.
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in February is 54.7°F, the average low is 33.1°F and the average precipitation (rainfall) is 4.02”. The average snowfall is 1.62”. The record maximum temperature for the period 1962-2006 was 81°F on February 27, 1966. The record minimum was 8°F on February 25, 1967. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php . From February 15-17, 1968, Caesar’s Head recorded a total of 28.9” of snow. While it’s not looking like a winter for record snowfalls, don’t be fooled into thinking winter is over just yet. And even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and declared that winter is far from over, keep in mind that he’s only accurate about 39% of the time. http://www.stormfax.com/ghogday.htm
If you’re like me, some of the plants in your yard seem to think it’s spring, too. But don’t be too hasty to get the pruning shears out. Cutting back shrubs or perennials now will encourage new growth which would be more sensitive to cold weather later. Back in 2007, Greenville recorded 24°F on April 8, so winter temperatures may still be around the corner.
Recreational Facilities in Greenville
Looking for an easy, economical way to keep up those New Year resolutions to stay fit? Greenville City and Greenville County both offer a wealth of choices, whether you’re into swimming, skating, tennis, running, curling, etc. The County has the Pavillion, the new Westside Aquatic Center and other facilities…one close to you! The City offers year round athletic and other activities at all the community centers, including our own Bobby Pearse Center and the Sears Center at McPherson Park (See calendar at end of newsletter for some of the programs in February). Check out the new Kroc Center, the only facility of its kind in SC, offering state of the art indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, programs and services that encourage positive life-changing experiences for children and adults, strengthen families, and enrich the lives of seniors. And don’t forget about the local YMCAs.
Girl Scouts Celebrate 100 Years
When Savannah, GA native Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low gathered 18 girls in 1912 to provide them the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually, she never could have dreamed that 100 years later the Girl Scouts would have become the world’s most successful organization dedicated solely to creating girl leaders. Today there are 3.2 million members – 2.3 million girl members and 880,000 adult members. In addition, there are 50 million alumnae. In Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands there are more than 12,600 girl and 5,000 adult members.
Women leaders credit Girl Scouting as evidenced by their accomplishments. Former Girl Scouts are currently:
• 80% of women business owners
• 68% of women in the U.S. Congress
• Five of six Governors, including South Carolina’s Governor Nikki Haley
Flash From the Past
This photo was taken right here in our own North Main neighborhood. Recognize it? Watch for the answer in next month’s newsletter.
Calendar
City Council Formal Meeting and Work Session schedules can be found at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/city_government/meet.asp
Feb 9 – Hillcrest Garden Club. Greenville Women’s Club. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome. Refreshments are at 10:00 a.m. and the program begins at 10:45 a.m. Marian St. Clair, Greater Greenville Master Gardener, Master Naturalist Volunteer, Past President of Clarice Wilson Garden Club, 2002-2004 State President of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and presently Treasurer, will share her knowledge of English Gardens. For more information contact Mary Roberts, 458 -7735.
Feb 14 – North Main Blood Drive. 4-8 PM. Northgate Soda Shop. Come and donate blood on Valentine’s Day and help save a life. Choice of 2 free movie tickets or a t-shirt!
Feb 17-20 – Great Backyard Bird Count. The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that across the continent. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
Feb 18 – Cosmos for Critters. Back by Popular Demand! 7-11:00 pm. Upcountry History Museum. Masquerade! Popular since the 15th Century, the masquerade ball has been a staple of sophisticated society for six centuries. Dance the night away while enjoying the amazing creations from Chef 360 and plan your strategy for the incredible auction items. Proceeds benefit Carolina Basset Hound Rescue, Concerned Citizens for Animals, The Grey Muzzle Organization, and K9.5 Rescue. For further details, check out www.cosmosforcritters.com .
Feb 21 – Exploring Native Plant Communities. 7:00 pm. SC Native Plant Society Program. Multipurpose Room #2 in McAlister Square in Greenville. Speaker Tim Spira, Ph.D., is a plant ecologist, native plant gardener, hiker, and professor of botany at Clemson University where he teaches courses in field botany and plant ecology. He is also the author of a recently published book, Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia (University of North Carolina Press).
Feb 26 – Friends of Springwood Cemetery Annual Meeting. 3:00 PM. UpCountry History Museum. Contact: Camilla Pitman: 864-467-4431
March 2 – TD Reedy River Run: Kids Races. 5:45 – 7:30 PM. South Main @ Augusta St . The Children’s Fun Run is an untimed event for youngsters. It will start and finish on South Main Street. Contact: Joe Lanahan: 864-303-0744 http://www.reedyriverrun.com/
March 3 – TD Bank Reedy River Run. 8:30am. Registration fee before February 1: $25. Registration fee before March 2: $30. Runners must be at least 5 years old on race day to participate. http://www.reedyriverrun.com/run/10k
March 10 – GHS Centennial Half Marathon and 5K. 8 AM – 12 PM. Begins in Travelers Rest and Ends at 400 E. McBee Ave. Half Marathon and 5K road race held mostly on the SRT. Half Marathon starts at 8:00am in Travelers Rest. The 5k starts at 8:00am at 400 East McBee Ave. http://www.ononevents.com/swamp-rabbit-race/
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
or the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
February Programs at the Bobby Pearse Community Center and the Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Girls on the Run/ Girls on Track
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
Dates: February 16 – May 3, 2012
Times: Girls on the Run: Tuesdays & Thursdays; 5:15-6:30pm
Girls on Track: Mondays & Thursdays; 5:15-6:30pm
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: This program is offered in conjunction with Greenville Hospital System (GHS). Register with GHS at www.ghschildrens.org
Girls on the Run and Girls on Track are afterschool programs that use the power of running to help girls become strong, content, self-confident young women. The programs are life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls ages eight to fifteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Girls on the Run is for girls 8-11 yrs. old. Girls on Track is for girls ages 12-15 years old.
Let’s Move Kids Fitness
Location: Bobby Pearse
Date: Saturdays, January 21 – February 25, 2012 (6 weeks)
Times: 10-11 am
Cost: Free
Participants: Ages 5-12
Contact: 864-467-4355
Let’s get kids active! This FREE 6-week program focuses on kids’ fitness and nutrition. Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. This fitness program incorporates components of this campaign. The classes are taught by our recreation staff at 3 of our community centers. Each class will incorporate stretching, nutrition, skills related to a specific sport and active games. This program is for children ages 5-12 years old.
Presidents’ Day Camp
Location: Bobby Pearse
When: 7:30 am – 6 pm, Monday, February 20, 2012
Cost: $12 for City Residents; $15 for Non-Residents
Participants: Ages 5-13
Contact: 864-467-4355
Registration: www.greenvillesc.gov/parksrec/communitycenter
Schools are closed for Presidents’ Day, but you need to work? Well, we have the perfect recreation program for your children! We are offering Presidents’ Day Camps at our Community Centers from 7:30am – 6:00pm on Monday, February 20. Participants enjoy recreational games and activities, arts & crafts, and more! We do ask that parents pack a lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. These camps are for children ages 5-13 years old.
ZumbAtomics
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
When: Saturdays, January 7 – February 25, 2012 (8 weeks), 10–11am
Cost: 1 child: $5 per class for City Residents; $6 per class for Non-Residents
2 children: $8 per class for City Residents; $10 per class for Non-Residents
3 children: $12 per class for City Residents; $15 per class for Non-Residents
Participants: Ages 5-12
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
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.
AARP Tax Assistance
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Date: Tuesdays & Fridays; February 7 – April 13, 2012
Time: 9:00am – Noon
Cost: Free
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Need assistance with your taxes? We are offering a free service in conjunction with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, which is an AARP Foundation program that helps low- to moderate-income taxpayers have more discretionary income for everyday essentials, such as food and housing, by assisting with tax services and ensuring they receive applicable tax credits and deductions. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is available free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those 60 and older.
Baby & Me Yoga
Location: Sear Shelter Cabin at McPherson Park
Date: Wednesdays, January 11 – March 2, 2012 (8 weeks)
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: $5 per class for Residents; $6 per class for Non-Residents
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
This 8-week yoga class is taught by Katie Lee, who is a certified yoga instructor. The class is held at the Sears Shelter and geared to caregivers and their babies, ages 8 weeks to 18 months old. Yoga classes for parents and babies can help strengthen the parent/child bond and improve a baby’s overall well-being. The benefits of yoga for both parents and babies are numerous. Yoga can help babies sleep better, digest easier, learn to relax, and stay healthier. For parents, the benefits include increased flexibility and relaxation. Participants are welcome to pay per class or register on-line for the entire 8 weeks.
Lunchtime Yoga
Location: Sears Shelter at McPherson Park
Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays; January 10 – February 16, 2012 (6 weeks)
Times: Noon – 1pm
Cost: $5 per class for Residents; $6 per class for Non-Residents
Contact: Jan Cox, 864-467-4326
Take a break from your day and join us for Lunchtime Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon at the Sears Shelter! Katie Lee, a certified yoga instructor, is teaching these lunchtime classes and tailors the class to the participants’ level. Beginners and experienced levels are welcome! Participants may register on-line for the entire 6-week session or pay per class at the door.
Parents’ Night Out at Bobby Pearse
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
Dates: Friday, February 10, 2012
Times: 6-10 pm
Cost: $12 for City Residents; $15 for Non-Residents
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: www.greenvillesc.gov/parksrec/communitycenter
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we are offering parents an opportunity to have a night out! This program provides an opportunity for parents to have a Friday night out while we create a fun, recreational experience for your children! We provide participants with pizza, games, activities, arts & crafts, a movie and popcorn! This program is for children 5-13 years old.
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; February 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.
These 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!
Getting Unstuck: Practical Strategies for Better Writing
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
When: 2-4 pm, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012
Cost: $25; $20 for Emrys members
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
Registration: Register at www.emrys.org
Can’t move the plot forward? A critical scene doesn’t fit the very character who most needs to be there? Dialogue feels forced and unnatural? The goal of this class is to send writers home with some practical, easy-to-use ideas for staying unstuck.
After nearly six years of rejection slips, Ellyn Bache’s short stories began to be published in both commercial magazines like Good Housekeeping and Seventeen, and literary magazines ranging from Shenandoah to the Carolina Quarterly. A collection of sixteen of her stories, The Value of Kindness, won the Willa Cather Fiction Prize. Ellyn’s first novel, Safe Passage, about a family back home waiting to hear the fate of a son at the site of a terrorist bombing, was later made into a film starring Susan Sarandon and Sam Shepard. Since then, she has continued to write novels for both adults and young people.
Yoga
Location: Bobby Pearse Community Center
When: 6:30-7:45 pm, Mondays; January 9 – February 27, 2012 (8 weeks)
Cost: $5 per class for Residents; $6 per class for Non-Residents
Contact: Jonathan Jones, 864-467-4331
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.
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