NMCA Newsletter (Holiday 2015)

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Welcome to Our Newest Business Members

Corley.jpgCorley Plumbing  helps you solve your problems today by providing friendly, knowledgeable technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and old-fashioned, honest service.  “Started in 1986 by Chris Corley, our plumbing, air & electric company focuses on service and repair for both residential and commercial clients in Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley and surrounding counties. We focus on skills and training for our technicians to give them all the “tools” that they need to be successful. Corley provides quality, state of the art equipment, such as electronic leak detection, video pipeline inspection systems, and “Rolling Warehouses” – vehicles stocked with most parts needed for the plumbing and electrical service and repair business.  Our training, equipment, and 24/7 Emergency Service translates to a job that is done Better, Cleaner, and Faster! Contact them via their website or call (864) 517-1251.

WilsonWilson Associates Real Estate is an agency of select real estate professionals intent on serving Greenville and Upstate South Carolina with excellence. Founded by Sharon Wilson and Nick Carlson with the aim to offer a new synergy to the Greenville SC Real Estate market. Sharon has enjoyed over 28 years of stellar real estate service in the area, ranking top in the city, state and internationally. Together with Nick Carlson, another top selling agent in Greenville, Wilson Associates was formed to serve the Neighborhoods of Greenville and surrounding areas. “We know Greenville’s neighborhoods and we know real estate. Just very good real estate.”  Check out their website or call 864-640-8700.

ubi-logo-300The UBuildIt System has empowered thousands of people, just like you, to build their own custom home. Your UBuildIt Construction Consultant will advise you through the process, giving you the control and confidence to make smart decisions that will allow you to avoid costly mistakes and build more home for your money.  Acting as your own building consultant on a do it yourself home building project means more of your construction budget goes directly to labor and materials instead of project management fees and overhead. How much more? Most of our clients build up to 25 percent more home for their money, getting a nicer and/or bigger home AND instant equity.  You have control over what subcontractors you use, what materials you prefer, and control over the location and time schedule. Payments go out only when work is completed to your satisfaction with no surprise charges.  The home transforms from a place to live to a place that lives and breathes with your family—after all, it is YOUR creation. You dreamed it up. You designed it. You planned it. You chose the materials and contractors. Who knows, maybe you even picked up a hammer or paint brush or rolled in some carpet—although you certainly don’t have to provide the manual labor if you don’t want to!  To learn more, contact Robert Raditz at 864.676.1113.

megan diezMegan Diez Salon is an elegant salon at 410 River Street in Downtown Greenville.  In addition to personalized cuts for men (including a scalp massage) and women and Up-Do and event styling, they also do various coloring processes, Keratin Smoothing and Extension installations. Owner/stylist Megan Diez and her team will insure a relaxing and professional experience.  For more information, go to their website or call 864-271-4503 or email info@megandiez.com .

ssbSouth State Bank was founded in 1934 on the values of relationship banking and commitment to our customers.  They’re proud to have grown from servicing the needs of one community to helping businesses and individuals throughout the South. Thanks to their dedicated team of bankers, they have faithfully executed their mission to build a high-performance bank based on a balance of soundness, profitability and growth.  They’re proud to call the Foothills home and pledge their continuing commitment to providing the best of service to residents and businesses in this community.  For more information, please visit their website or call 1-800-277-2175.

That Realty GroupThat Realty Group is Greenville’s newest choice for residential real estate. Our commitment to maintaining the highest level of knowledge about real estate opportunities in The Upstate is supported by our combined history of over 20 years to the Greater Greenville metropolitan area. Offering unmatched support and attention to you, the client, we hope you will give us an opportunity to sit with you in a no-obligation environment while we explain how we are distinctive and different from the rest! We represent a city that has become one of the South’s most beloved places to live, work, and play; we love it here and know you will as well! We trust you will make That Realty Group your partner in finding that home for you to enjoy for years to come.  Find out more at their website or visit them on Facebook

Star Auto CareStar Auto Care  is your Mercedes-Benz specialist located near Downtown Greenville. We offer a complete line of auto repair and maintenance services, including electrical & mechanical, air conditioning, upholstery, window and tint, dent removal and tire installation.  Our skilled mechanics take the time to educate you about your car’s problem and what type of maintenance it needs.  We never try to sell you something you don’t want or need, and we guarantee all of our work.  Looking for a previously-owned car, truck or SUV? Looking for something that fits your budget? Check out our website or call 864-242-9400.

HAPPENHappen Associates is a global innovation design firm helping companies generate and implement ideas for business growth and market impact. In 2007 Happen vowed to create an innovation agency that would transform success rates – striving for 100%. So far they’ve delivered innovation that has generated over $2 billion in incremental revenue for many of the world’s leading brands.  Two of the things they attribute to their success… “Our people – serving up a heady cocktail of commercial sense and dogged determination mixed with leading edge insight and creativity.  Our clients – smart decision-makers who trust us to help make their innovations happen. Our delivery has won us preferred supplier status with global clients including Reckitt Benckiser and Arla – companies with enviable records of in-market success.”  Visit their website to learn more or call 718-541-4375.

Development Update

While NorthPointe is definitely progressing, there is still no announcement of the new grocery.  The rainy weather has likely caused delays and problems for all developers.  According to the Development Manager with the Beach Company, the Main and Stone Project still expect to have the first units ready in December.

The City of Greenville Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on Nov 19 to discuss the application by Clay Jones for a SUBDIVISION of 1.185 acres located at 1724 N MAIN, from 2 lots into 3 lots in the R-6, Single-family Residential District (TM# 018000-01-00900, 018000-01-00901)

Bob Bainbridge, past NMCA president, who is very knowledgeable about development issues, was able to attend and provided the following summary:   The people who are buying the existing house have created a lot on one side and proposed to create a lot on the other side. They are planning to improve and live in the existing house and will use money from selling the lots to pay for rehabilitation. The neighbors made good statements in opposition citing lack of time to respond to the proposal, arguing that the lots were too narrow, and citing concerns about loss of trees and potential run-off problems. The Planning Commission and staff basically countered all three arguments and approved the project by a 5 to 2 vote.  (Ed. Note. It is very unusual for a member to vote against a project.) Commissioner Tankersley said he voted no because he thought it would not look right to have two smaller new houses on both sides of the big old house.

Another item was a 26 lot subdivision on Woodland Way and Southland Avenue in Alta Vista. This item was also opposed by neighbors but ultimately was approved by a unanimous vote.

NMCA November Tailgate Social

For those who missed it, about 140 folks enjoyed an afternoon of football, friends and great food!  IPA outdid themselves with the smorgasbord of delicious food.  Our next social event is planned for Dec 29 as a “White Elephant GiftWE Exchange”.  Location and details TBA.  You know that hideous tie or the umpteenth whatever you got for Christmas?  This is a great way to get rid of …..um, recycle them.

Again, we want to say a special thanks to all our event sponsors!  Gold sponsors: Central Realty Holdings and Wilson Associates Real Estate.  Silver sponsors: Curry, PA; Jason Elliot Law Firm; and IPA.  And to our sponsors who provided gift certificates:  Urban Digs, Universal Joint and the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery. And thanks to Greenco for providing the beverages!   We appreciate you all!!  Please thank them next time you see them or visit their  place of business!

 

Recycle Your Holiday Cards to Help St. Jude’s

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children recycles used greeting cards and creates new holiday and greeting cards for any occasion. 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 go to http://www.stjudesranch.org/shop/recycled-card-program/   And if you’re considering donating to charity in someone’s name, check out Charity Navigator to see just where your money will go.

And after Christmas, don’t forget about the City’s “Grinding of the Greens” tree recycling program. Trees can be placed at the curb for collection on regularly scheduled pick-up days or taken to 1 of 4 convenient locations (see website) for recycling. All trees must be free of debris such as ornaments, tinsel, ribbons and lights to be recycled. All holiday boxes, tissue paper and wrapping paper (except foil-lined) can be recycled at the curb.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in Nov and Dec is 64°F and 54°F, respectively, and the average low is 41 and 34.  The average rainfall for the month is 3.7” and 4.11”.  The record monthly high was 86 on Nov 1, 1961, and 79 on Dec 10 & 11, 2007.  The maximum low temperature was 69 on Nov 5, 1977 and 67 on Dec 2, 1991.  The minimum high temperature was 25 on Nov 25, 1950, and 18 on Dec 31, 1917.  The minimum low was 11 on Nov 25 & 26, 1950 and 3 on Dec 30,1917.  Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 3.61” on Nov 2, 1948, and 3.83 on Dec 29,1901.  Record daily snowfall was 4.0” on Nov 15, 1906, and 14.4” on Dec 17, 1930.  The last time we had a white Christmas was 2010.  (Records are from 1884 to present.  Normals are from 1981 to 2010.   http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

Most models indicate that a strong El Niño will continue through winter 2015-16, with the expectation that this El Niño could rank among the top three strongest episodes going back to 1950.  El Niño has already produced significant global impacts.  Seasonal outlooks generally favor below-average temperatures and above-median precipitation across the southern tier, and above-average temperatures and below-median precipitation over the northern tier of the U.S.  http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/

Does the Farmer’s Almanac agree?   It says winter will be colder and rainier than normal, with below-normal snowfall. The coldest period will be in mid-January, with other cold spells in early to mid- and late December, most of January, and early February. The snowiest periods will be in mid- to late December and early February, with icy periods in early and late January.

This Month’s Trivia

 beesMost of you have read about the alarming loss of native, wild bees as well as commercial bee colonies.  Bees are responsible for pollinating 87 of the top 115 food crops and many wild bees are now endangered.  Norway has come up with an intriguing answer…a “bee highway”.  The “highway,” which is the first of its kind in the world, allows bees a safe passage through an otherwise heavily urbanized area. Office buildings have added flowering plants and bee hives to terraces while a city square once covered in grass was planted with sunflowers, marigolds, and other bee-friendly plants.  The Oslo Garden Society has also added flowerpots to roofs and balconies throughout the city.  The idea is to create a route with enough feeding stations to help them withstand man-made environmental stress better. In the US, many cities have established “bee gardens” to help attract and support wild bee species. Even airports, including the Indianapolis International Airport, Chicago O’Hare, and Lambert-St. Louis, have set up beehives on their unused land. If you’d like to make your backyard a pit-stop for area bees, it’s not hard.  Just go to this website to learn more.

 

It’s Germy Up There!

 It’s Holiday season and for many that means traveling…often by plane. A friend who is a ‘frequent flyer’ was sharing some interesting facts from some of his friends in the medical field, and I thought it was pertinent to look into it and pass along some tips since holiday travel coincides with cold and flu season.

  • GERMSAlthough full of germs, the lavatory may not be the dirtiest place on the plane because it gets the most attention and the most thorough cleaning. But…don’t wash your hands (airplane water has been under FDA scrutiny for years).  Use a bacterial hand sanitizer instead.  And use a paper towel to open the door as you leave.
  • Some airports still require you to remove your shoes. Wear socks!  The floor is dirty and people are walking all over it. Who knows what is on there?
  • Avoid grabbing onto seats when walking through the plane. If you must take hold to steady yourself, use hand sanitizer as soon as you return to your seat. A cold virus can live on an inanimate object for at least 48 hours.
  • If someone is coughing and sneezing within three seats in any direction, you may get infected. Unfortunately, most planes are full, so moving may not be an option.  Use saline nasal spray before and after the flight. Humidity on a plane is around 25% and that dries out your mucus membranes, which reduces your resistance to infection; but keeping these membranes moist with saline spray may help. Although you may feel awkward, you can always wear a paper mask over your nose and mouth.
  • Bring your own pillow and headphones. Think of all the drowsy, drooling passengers who may have used them before you.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. The benefits are exponential. For one thing, you’ll have to get up to visit the lavatory more and moving your legs can help prevent ‘economy class syndrome,’ also known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots in your legs that develop, especially after long flights. Even tapping your feet can help.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol as both are dehydrating. You’re better off with bottled water or juice.
  • Avoid touching the seat pocket…one of the dirtiest places on the plane. Toenail clippings and mushy old french-fries are just some of the nasty surprises that have been found in seat pockets.
  • Flight attendants have witnessed many repulsive misuses of the tray table, from parents changing dirty diapers to kids sticking their boogers underneath. Research confirms that the handy tray table is a petri dish for all kinds of health hazards, including MRSA. Bring disinfectant wipes to clean off your tray table before and after use, and never eat directly off the surface. CDC guidelines tell you what to look for in a disinfectant and recommend checking a product’s label to see if MRSA is on the list of bacteria it kills; Lysol disinfecting wipes is one reliable choice.
  • If you’re concerned about airplane food (and with good reason) eat beforehand and bring your own snacks onto the plane. http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/12/22/bt.germs.breed.on.plane/index.html

Greenville Fire Department’s Free Smoke Alarm Program

The Greenville City Fire Department began working with the United States Fire Administration a little over a year ago to promote the message “Fire is Everyone’s Fight”.  The Fire Department provides smoke alarms and installation, free of charge, to city residents. To request a smoke alarm please use the Smoke Alarm Request Form. If you feel your smoke alarm is not functioning properly, you cannot afford an alarm or do not have an alarm, call 864-232-2273 to request a smoke alarm appointment.  Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and the batteries changed annually.

SAThe smoke alarms they install are battery powered, but the battery is a 10-year battery and is sealed in the device and cannot be removed.  Hardwired smoke alarms are required in new construction and we do see citizens install them in their existing homes from time to time.  According to the National Fire Prevention Association, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. For additional information about placement, check out the NFPA Website.

What about major renovations for those who are ‘flipping’ houses? Which type is required?  We asked and were informed that smoke alarms are required for residential alterations as prescribed in section R314.3.1 from the 2012 International Residential Code.  That wording is below:

R314.3.1 Alterations, repairs and additions.  When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings (i.e. hard-wired).

Exceptions:

  1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.
  2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

 

Soda Shop Food Drive for Food Bank

This year, instead of a specific family, the Northgate Soda Shop will be collecting food and other items for a food bank starting the first of December.  They can use any non-perishable items, paper products, etc.  Please drop items off after Dec. 1. amily but we have met them and love them as our family. There will be jars in the SS / OS for your donations. This family needs money more than material things. If you have any questions please talk to Judy or Iris at the SS / OS.” If you want to know more about the family, we have posted additional information on our website at http://northmaincommunity.org/soda-shop-adopting-a-family-for-christmas/If anyone knows of similar efforts elsewhere in the North Main Community, please let us know or post them on our Facebook page. Written comments must be received by the Monday before the Hearing in order to be given adequate time for consideration by the Commission before the hearing. Comments received after that Monday will be provided to the Commission at the Hearing. Please reference the application number and include your name and address on all correspondence. All comments will be made part of the public record. The developer may be required to have a public neighborhood meeting. A property owner that directly abuts the proposed project or owners of 20% of parcels within 500’ may also request a meeting. Contact the Planning and Development Office for further instructions. See attached photo from document.

 

For Our Four-Legged Friends

During the holiday season, eating seems to be a common component of celebrating.  Don’t forget your pets and the dangers of some foods.  We all know about chocolate being a no-no.  The Humane Society of the United States has a comprehensive list of foods that may be dangerous.  There are also many plants which have parts that are poisonous.  Some common houseplants include poinsettias (ALL parts are poisonous), caladiums, Easter lilies (all parts poisonous to cats), hyacinth, and philodendrons.  For a complete list, check out this website.  If you must have these plants, locate them where your pet cannot have access.

One of our residents also wrote us with a good tip that all good “pet parents” should keep in mind:  Check your pet’s collar for appropriate size. She had come across two loose pets last week…one cat, one dog…and the collars were so tight she had a hard time turning them to see the tags.  Make sure you can put one to three fingers between the collar and the throat (depends on breed). Breakaway collars are safest for cats.

With so many pets being reported lost or found, please try and keep your pets either inside or in a fenced yard.  Have them microchipped and make sure they have a collar with ID tags and contact info.

And remember, when we are celebrating the New Year with fireworks, this can be a terrifying time for animals, so be mindful of our furry friends.

 

For the Birds

We are seeing more hummingbirds overwintering here.  The most likely is the rufous.  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 importantkeep a clean, thawed source of water available!

Crime Awareness

This is the time of year when we are all 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. And remember that at night, even though you cannot see out, if your blinds or curtains are open, those outside, including potential thieves, can see very clearly into your house. And with Christmas not far away, remember NOT to put those big screen TV or other boxes out on the street…that’s just advertising to criminals. Tear them up and place them face down on the curb or take them to the closest recycling site.

If you have a theft at your home, when you file a police report, you can also ask for extra patrols in your area.

Also, since many have private events at their home during the holidays, the police dept. has a webpage that provides information on how to acquire cones, traffic barriers, etc. to ensure safety. The police dept. really appreciates knowing about these events so they can provide extra patrols where there will be more than normal cars and pedestrians. These are especially good on roads like North Main which is now two-lane.

 

Trivia

Here are the answers to last month’s college football trivia questions (if some disagree with the answers it may be because these questions may not be up to date as of 2015.)

  1. What current FBS (Div. 1-A) school has the most all time losses? Northwestern (619)
  2. Name the 4 schools where Bear Bryant served as head coach. Maryland (1945), Kentucky (‘46-’53), Texas A&M (’54-’57), Alabama (’58-’82)
  3. There are 4 active coaches who have won two national titles. Name them.  Nick Sabin (‘Bama 2009; LSU, 2003), Urban Meyer (FL 2006, ‘08), Dennis Erickson (Miami, 1989, ’91), Joe Paterno (Penn State, ’82, ’86)
  4. How many SEC head coaches played college football at a current SEC school? 3 Steve Spurrier (Florida), Joker Phillips (Kentucky), Houston Nutt (Arkansas)
  5. Who was the leading rusher in college football in the decade of the 2000’s? DeAngelo Williams (Memphis, 6,026 yards)
  6. Who was the last Heisman Trophy winner to play at a school not currently in a BCS conference? Ty Detmer, BYU (1990)
  7. Who was the starting quarterback for Notre Dame the last time they won a national championship? Tony Rice (1988)
  8. What is the oldest rivalry in college football? Wisconsin and Minnesota (120 meetings)
  9. Who holds the record for most consecutive bowl wins? Florida State (11, 1985-1995)
  10. What is the NCAA’s (FBS) longest winning streak? Oklahoma (47, 1953-57)

 

Flash from the Past

Below are the answers to last month’s questions about how well you know your state.

  1. How many SC counties border the Atlantic Ocean? 6 (Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston, Georgetown, and Horey).
  2. When did SC join the Union? May 23, 1788
  3. Which governor of SC was elected twice? Mark Sanford
  4. In what city would you find the landmark called “The Giant Peach”? Gaffney
  5. A portion of I-77 in Columbia is named for which space shuttle-era astronaut? Charles Boden
  6. What is the highest peak in SC? Sassafras Mountain
  7. What is the state stone? Blue Granite
  8. Another great “first” was the first planting of which crop in America? Rice
  9. How many State Parks does SC have? 47
  10. What is the state motto of SC? Dum Spiro Spero (means “While I Breathe, I Hope” in Latin. It is the motto of not only SC but some other places, too.)

Shop Local

Keep your dollars in your community. The following companies are committed to preserving the beauty and economic well-being of the North Main Community and the greater Greenville area.  They are listed here by the services provided.  Please thank them and remember them when you’re doing your holiday shopping! Hover your mouse over each company name to read a brief description, or hit Ctrl + click to take you to their website.  (And a note to our business members…if you have a special event planned, send us the info or post it on our FB page.)  Nov. 28 is Small Business Saturday…a day to shop at small, locally owned businesses. You’re more likely to be dealing directly with the owner who cares very much about making you happy for repeat business, rather than some temporary employee who doesn’t know the merchandise.

Gardening and Plants

 

Law Firms/CPAs/Financial

Insurance

Retail/Home Décor

Realtors

 

Food/Drink/Catering

Personal Health/Well Being

Home Improvement/Builders/Architects

Miscellaneous Professional Services

If you would like to see your company listed here, please join the NMCA today!  Businesses do not have to be located in the North Main Neighborhood to be members.  They only need to provide service to North Main residents.

 

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 programs for adults and children. Check out their November 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 a list of Nov and Dec events at the Upcountry History Museum, check out their website listing.
  • For other community events including info on Main Street Fridays, Shakespeare Festival, Downtown Alive, TD Saturday Market, Reedy River Concerts, and other special events, check out the City Calendar.

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. 

Dance Ventures is accepting Adult Students for the New Classes in Tap, Ballet and Jazz that will start in January, 2016. Address is 1156 N Rutherford Rd, Located at Stone Plaza. Email is shunnicutt@bellsouth.net, phone is 864-271-7701, and we are on Facebook too.

November, December – There’s always lots going on at the Community Tap.  Check out their calendar.

Ongoing – Dancing at the Sears Shelter (McPherson Park).  Mondays (7-9pm) International Folk: Tuesdays: Line Dance (6-8pm) Downtown Swing Dance (Log Cabin) 7-10pm: Thursdays (7-11pm) Lindy Hop Dance.  Other Programs:  Wed 7pm – Kali & Self Defense (no registrations yet).

Nov 20 to Jan 18Ice On Main. Village Green, adjacent to Greenville City Hall in front of the Courtyard Marriott. Hours vary depending on day.  Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under (tickets include skate rental).

Nov 21 – Jan 3. – Christmas Model Train Display.  Miniature World of Trains.  2801 Wade Hampton Blvd.  Time varies till 5:30. The largest O-scale Christmas model train display in the Southeast featuring Thomas the Tank and the Polar Express. This year there will also be 2 scavenger hunts.

Nov 29 thru Dec 30Roper Mountain Holiday Lights. 6- 10pm nightly.  Proceeds benefit Upstate Children’s educational programs. Check out their website for pricing.

Nov 29 & Dec 1Carolina Bronze Handbell Ensemble presents The Music of Christmas.  Greenville County Museum of Art (Nov 29 at 2pm) and Furman University, Daniel Chapel (Dec. 1 at 7pm) FREE.

Dec 1 – Holiday Open House at the Hughes Main Library. Meeting Room A.  10-11am.  Hear Christmas stories, sing carols, trim a tree and make ornaments.  Ages 1 month – 4 yrs with an adult caregiver.

Dec 1 – 28St. Francis Festival of Trees.  All proceeds from the 2015 Festival of Trees will benefit the Outpatient Cancer Center at millennium campus.

Dec 3, 4, & 545th Annual Holiday Fair.  TD Convention Center.  The region’s largest holiday arts, crafts and gift show.  Exhibitors include more than 300 crafters and commercial vendors from 15states.   Visit their Facebook page for the latest updates and a chance for free tickets.

Dec 5Poinsettia Christmas Parade.  6pm – 7:30pm. Parade route follows Main St. from August St. to North St.

Dec 5Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo.  9 – 10:30 am.  First Breakfast with Santa presented by Texas Roadhouse in our Annex building (2nd building on your right as you enter onto Cleveland Park Dr. towards the main entrance).  Price is $20 per person or 4 people for $60 which will include a delicious breakfast presented by Texas Roadhouse, up close and personal time with Santa, free guest pass to the zoo, (expires December 31st), and a chance to win some fun prizes. Children 2 and under are free.

Dec 5Come visit Santa at the Sears Recreation Center! Bring your camera and take a free photo with Santa! Yes, Santa will be checking his list by the chimney between Noon and 2 p.m., so kids will have their last chance to give him one more hint. There will also be cider, cookies, elves and crafts!

Dec 4Bob Jones University Annual Carol Sing and Lighting Ceremony. 6:30 p.m. followed by BJU Symphonic Wind Band’s Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium at the center of campus. No charge for program.

Dec 6 & 13Holiday Food FLEA at The Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery11am – 3pm. The Food FLEA will feature samples and creations from local farmers and food artisans, many who sell products in our store. The Holiday FLEA will also feature vendors selling local art, repurposed goods, handmade treats for people and pets, and other household items.

Dec 9Greenville Chambers Singers Annual Christmas Concert6:30pm in the sanctuary of John Knox Presbyterian Church, 35 Shannon Dr.

Dec 11 – 13The Nutcracker with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.  Peace Concert Hall.  Tickets start at $15.

Dec 11Christmas with the Chorale. 7:30 pm.  McAlister Auditorium, Furman University. 34th Annual family holiday concert, featuring works and accompaniment by award-winning local composer Dan Forrest and a special performance by the Blue Ridge High School Concert Choir (Laura Morris, Director).

Dec 13Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to help find a cure for arthritis.  For more help or information about the 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk of Upstate, SC, contact Erica O’Brien at eobrien@arthritis.org or call 910-620-9646.

Dec 19The Santa Run5K Sponsored by the Greenville Track Club.  9 – 10:30 am.  Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Dec 19 – 23Elf on the Shelf.  A new program at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate.  Join us for Elf on the Shelf story time and then go on a hunt to find the elf somewhere in the museum.  Special Story Times to teach about Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and other holidays around the world. All stories will take place at 2:30 p.m. in Holiday Traditions. Free with admission – all ages welcome. Check out their calendar for other events.

As many of you may know, this is the last newsletter for 2015, hence it’s a little longer than usual, plus we welcomed several new business members.  Your editor, like most everyone else, is a procrastinator, and now must begin shopping, baking, etc…making plans for the holidays.  We would like to remind you that we often post information on our Facebook page that we do not send out as emails…don’t want to clutter up your inboxes.  So visit us there and follow us to get even more information.  Thank you for your continued support of the association and your community!

 

The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.

 

 

 

 


 

NMCA Newsletter (Holiday 2015)