Your 2010 Board of Directors:
President: Jim Gilreath
Vice-President: Mike Cubelo
Treasurer: Lois Graves
Recording Secretary: Phyllis Gilreath
Membership: Joyce Murphy
Webmasters: Michael Huskey
Chad Chandler
* The Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30 PM at the Bobby Pearse Community Center or other local venues.
Important! Save the Date! Stone Avenue Plan
The Stone Avenue Master Planning Process will kick off Thursday, March 18th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at the Earle Street Baptist Church. Nationally known urban architectural firm Dover, Kohl & Partners has been selected by the steering committee to lead the planning for Stone Avenue. See the calendar at the end of the newsletter for additional dates. We encourage all residents and business owners in the North end to join in this design process and participate in one or more of the open house meetings. Visit the project website. It’s important that everyone get involved in order to have some input into the future of this area!!
If you are short on time and can only attend one meeting, PLEASE come to the Saturday, March 20, design session from 8:30am – 1:00pm at Earle Street Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall. We need a good turnout for this meeting if we are going to have any voice in the future use and appearance of Stone Avenue!! Remember, if you don’t take part in the process, you can’t complain about the results. For additional information about the process, the charette schedule and maps and history go to the project site.
Renew Today
Don’t forget to renew your NMCA membership. You should have received a membership form in the mail. You can also renew easily via PayPal at our website. Please consider serving on one of our committees. We can use your help. Thank you.
Attention North Main Business Owners
Membership for businesses is only $10, same as for residents. For that you can get your business name/link listed on our local business page. For an additional $25 annual fee per business, get your logo in a rotation on every page of our website except the first page. Show your support for your community…check the website for more details.
History of Stone Avenue
As we are getting involved in the Stone Avenue planning process, take a look at a very interesting history of Stone Avenue compiled by NMCA Community Development Committee member Bob Bainbridge. It may give you a little different perspective on things. Thanks to Bob for all the hard work, research and time that went into this document. He also has some historic information on the Stone Avenue project website.
Waffle House – The Saga Continues
Construction has begun on the Waffle House on Stone Avenue and our fears about the type of neighbor we will have may be taking shape. A nearby neighbor called the police non-emergency number at 11:16 pm Friday night because construction was taking place and was very noisy. The construction crew told the responding officers they had to finish up that night because they had to be in Alabama the next morning (Saturday, March 6). The officers waited outside of the home until approximately 11:46pm when the construction site was quiet.
On Sunday morning, March 7, the resident heard heavy equipment operating at 9am and again called the police non-emergency number and filed a complaint. They again responded promptly and provided the resident with a copy of the Division 3 Noise ordinance which states that construction can take place between 7am and 10pm, 7 days a week, regardless of noise level. This means that the noise on Sunday was permitted. While they were in violation on Friday night, the officer stated that everyone is entitled to a ‘warning’ and that they had now had their warning.
We need to be vigilant and report anything outside the scope of the ordinance. The non-emergency police number is 271-5333. The officers on both calls responded quickly and were extremely nice and very helpful. Please don’t hesitate to call this number if you see or hear violations and make sure a police report is filed.
According to Council Member Amy Ryberg Doyle, “As far as the suit against the City, the Waffle House recently filed a motion for partial summary judgment. The motion wants a declaration that the State’s Vested Rights Act precluded the City from passing its ordinance of hours of operation in C-2 districts. A hearing is set for April 15.” NMCA will provide additional details as we learn them.
Beautification Committee gets an Early Start on Spring
Several members of the Beautification Committee worked at the Rite Aid garden on N. Main on Saturday, March 5. In addition to general trimming and cleanup, the group moved many of the fairyland roses that were beginning to encroach on the view of our welcome sign. While working, the group discussed other projects we would like to take on including the Welcome to North Main plantings at the intersection of Rutherford Road and North Main, and the cleaning up of the historic springs at 312 W. Stone Avenue. That would be a large project needing many volunteers. Anyone interested in helping on that project, please email Jo Anne Conner at joanneconner@charter.net
Old Spring Beautification Efforts
The NMCA Beautification Committee is investigating cleaning up and possibly maintaining the old spring located at 312 West Stone Avenue. The owners have given us preliminary permission to investigate the site. Several members of the Beautification Committee plus Mike Mecklenburg and John Tynan, met in February at the site. It has great possibilities but the history/provenance of the site tweaked everyone’s curiosity. We are seeking photographs, recollections and/or specific information on the site as we try to make plans. Please email Jo Anne Conner at joanneconner@charter.net with any information you might have. We are contacting some of the Stone family who hopefully will have some information.
Focus on Birds – Kudos to one of our own – In case you missed it, on Wednesday, March 3, Audubon, SC applauded the conservation efforts of Lake Conestee Nature Park and designated the 400-acre natural habitat as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Not only will this help establish the park as an important bird monitoring and research area, but it will also protect it from encroaching development. As Executive Director of the Conestee Foundation, North Main resident Jeff Beacham noted this is why it’s so important to “preserve these kinds of places and turn them into a public asset”. For complete story, go to this website.
Did you know that over 100 North American bird species supplement their natural diets with birdseed, suet, fruit and nectar from feeders? Bird feeding can benefit birds and also provide a great bird watching opportunity. While birds obviously need food in winter when natural food is scarce, additional species visit during spring and fall migrations. It’s important to provide a variety of quality seed and plenty of fresh water for drinking and bathing. Also, cover is important and can be provided by native plants and you get a bonus…a natural food source. Keep in mind bird feeders also present potential risks, such as window collisions, predation, and exposure to disease so location is important.
As the days get longer, not only does it feel like spring, it sounds like it. What’s happening in your backyard in March? Hummingbirds have been reported in the Greenville area as early as April 1, depending on weather conditions, etc., so start getting your feeders ready as there is not a lot blooming here at that time of year. The common hummingbird east of the Rockies is the ruby throated hummingbird. Think about adding some of their favorite plants to your garden.
Birds are preparing for nesting season now, as are squirrels and other backyard critters. When you start your spring gardening and clean-up, keep in mind the needs of wildlife, whether planting or pruning. There is a wealth of information out there to help. The SCWF has a list of native plants valuable to wildlife. Clemson University also has online publications or you can check with the local extension office.
Results of the February Great American Backyard Bird Count for Greenville are in. A total of 63 species were reported this year….2 more than last year. Click here for the complete list.
Calling All Birders
The Greenville County Bird Club was founded in February, 2000 by a group of people from varied walks of life with one thing in common: a love of birds and a desire to know more about these fascinating and beautiful creatures. They work to provide opportunities for learning about and protecting wild birds and their habitats for future generations. Whether you are a seasoned expert or have just discovered the joys of backyard birding, they welcome you to join them in this enjoyable and worthwhile pursuit!
The Greenville Tree Foundation was established in 1980 to enhance funding for tree planting. Thanks to your contributions, over 300 trees have been planted annually for a total of more than 8000 trees. Trees play a major role in our city environ¬ment. They clean the air we breathe, provide shade, act as wind buffers and soften noise associated with busy urban areas. In addition to these functional values, trees increase the value of real estate. Most of all, trees enhance the aesthetic atmosphere of our urban environment, helping create an attractive, pleasant place to work and live. Planting a tree is an excellent way to honor a loved one or observe important family events such as births, deaths, anniversaries, weddings and birthdays.
If you wish to make a donation to the Tree Foundation, the City will plant and care for the tree(s) throughout their lifetime. Care includes spraying, watering, fertilizing and pruning – everything required to promote a long and healthy life. All donations are tax deductible. If space allows, you may have your donated tree planted at your curbside.
2010 Census – Take Ten!
You should be receiving your 2010 census if it’s not already in your mailbox. Remember that the Greenville Urban Area receives approximately $12.3 Million each year based on the census. These funds support transportation projects such as Greenlink, the Bike Master Plan and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. In addition, the City receives $1.5M for housing block grants and $1.5M for city services such as fire and police and road maintenance. Ten questions …Ten minutes …that’s all it takes …
Turn Your Gadgets into Cash for a Cause !
Send in your old, outdated, no longer in use electronics (calculators, cell phones, MP3 players, computers, camera lenses, video games, etc.) to Gazelle and the Greenville Humane Society earns money! It’s a win, win situation for everyone. Your used gadgets can help save lives and stay out of landfills. Just go to the website below, find the gadget you’re donating and notify them. Then print a PRE-PAID shipping label, pack the gadget well, and drop it in the mail for free!
Calendar
March 11 – Greenville Humane Society Fundraiser “Sips for Snips” 6pm – 9pm. Visit the Humane Society Website for more information and other opportunities.
March 14 – 2 a.m. Daylight Saving Time begins
The following six dates relate to the Stone Avenue Master Plan
March 18 – Kick off for Stone Avenue Master Planning Process. 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Earle Street Baptist Church, Sanctuary.
March 19 – Walkability Audit. 12:00-1:00pm. Meet at 225 East Stone Ave. Calculate the walkability of Stone Avenue during a walking tour with the design group.
March 20 – Hands-on Design Session. 8:30am – 1:00pm. Earle Street Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall. (This is a VERY IMPORTANT meeting – PLEASE make time to attend!)
March 22 – 24 – Open Design Studio. 9:00am – 7:00pm. 225 East Stone Ave. Stop by the studio to talk with the design team and provide input.
March 23 – Open House. 5:30pm – 7:00pm. 225 East Stone Ave. View the design team’s work-to-date and provide feedback on design.
March 25 – Work-in-Progress Presentation. 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Earle Street Baptist Church, Sanctuary. See work completed during the week.
April 9 – Greenville Council of Garden Clubs (GCGC) Garden Tour Patron’s Party. Kilgore-Lewis House. 7:00 PM. Cost: $25 per person. Please call 232-3020 for reservations.
April 10 – Native Plant Society Spring Native Plant Sale. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Greenville Tech McAlister Square Campus parking lot at the Antrim Drive entrance. Rain or shine. FREE Admission to the sale. Checks and cash accepted. Create a healthy habitat in your own backyard with plants native to the Carolina Piedmont. Native plants are well adapted to our climate often thriving with less maintenance, including water, than many non-native species. Native Plant Society members will be on hand to help with selection and answer gardening questions. Unique garden accessories will also be for sale.
April 16 and April 17 – GCGC’S Garden Tour: Downtown Greenville’s “Historical Garden Traditions” Belmont and Crescent Avenue area, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This is the primary fundraiser for the year. Garden Club members will receive 4 advance tickets, at $12 each, in the mail. Please plan to purchase them. A garden tour ticket will be the perfect gift to introduce others to GCGC’s purpose and activities.
April 22 – Arbor Day Celebration. Kilgore-Lewis House, 4:00 PM-6:00PM. GCGC partners with the Greenville County School District. Bring your children, grandchildren, and neighbors to promote Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Want to honor a Garden Club member? Donate $1 or more to our local “Golden Days” of South Carolina DAFFODIL Project. Honorees will be recognized during our Arbor Day program. Please call 864-232-3020 for information or email judy@kilgore-lewis.org
April 24 – Greater Greenville Master Gardeners Plant Sale. 8:00 am – 11:00 am. McAlister Square, 225 S. Pleasantburg Rd.
City Council Formal Meeting and Work Session schedules can be found at the city website.
The following classes will be held at the Bobby Pearse Community Center on the dates indicated. Check the NMCA website for additional information or call Pam Davis at 864-467-4331.
What Creatures are in the Creek? – Saturday, March 20; 10am – Noon. Instructor: Joni Jordan, Science teacher at SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Fee: $10. Ages: 6-12. Registration Deadline: March 16
Fly Fishing for Beginners – Thursday, March 25; 6-9pm and Saturday, March 27; 9am – Noon. Instructor: Mike Hamrick. Fee: $30. Ages:16+ Registration Deadline: March 22
