Duke Energy Planned Power Outage

DUKE ENERGY PLANNED POWER OUTAGE


Duke Energy has announced residents of portions of the City will experience a scheduled temporary power outage beginning at midnight on Saturday, July 10. The outage is necessary in order to repair the substation located off of Fairview Avenue.

Areas affected by this outage include Converse Heights, Beaumont and Fairview Avenue. Residents will be notified individually by either mail or via phone message from Duke Energy. Traffic signals located at intersections on Pine Street will also be affected by this outage.
The repair is expected to take approximately three hours at which time power will be restored.

For additional information, please contact Thomas Burgess, Duke Energy at 864-706-2062.

Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport Groundbreaking Takes Place Today

A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate improvements to the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5 at the airport located at 500 Ammons Road.

Improvements include renovation and expansion of the terminal building, parking and landscape improvements, and the construction of two T hangars.

The City is very appreciative of the support of its partners that include Spartanburg County, the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and Carolina First Community Development Corporation.

Community leaders making remarks at the groundbreaking include Mayor Junie White; Honorable Michael Brown, District 1 County Councilmember; Honorable Joe Spigner, District 1 City Councilmember; City Manager Ed Memmott, and Airport Director Darwin Simpson.

For additional information please contact Darwin Simpson, Airport Director at 864-595-2700 or dsimpson@cityofspartanburg.org.

iRecycle and Win! Contest Winners Announced this Friday.

iRECYCLE AND WIN! CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The City of Spartanburg, Coca-Cola of Spartanburg and BI-LO would like to invite the press to join us as we present gift cards to winners of the iRecycle and Win! Contest.

Speakers include Bill Thompson, Manager, Solid Waste Division for the City of Spartanburg; Tony Price, Sales Center Manager, Coca-Cola of Spartanburg; and John Crocker, Store Director, BI-LO.

Press Conference
Friday, April 30, 2010
11:00 a.m.

BI-LO
140 Fernwood Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29307

For more information contact Sonya Culbreth, City of Spartanburg, at 864-596-2020 or sculbreth@cityofspartanburg.org.

The Public is invited to vote for their favorite ArtCycle Artist

Public is invited to vote for their favorite ArtCycle Artist

The City of Spartanburg will kick-off the “People’s Choice Award” contest for the public as they view the five ArtCycle sculptures beginning Thursday, April 15th, during ArtWalk in downtown Spartanburg. A unique aspect to ArtCycle is the guide by cell program, a free audio tour that participants can call in and learn more about each sculpture at their own pace. This program will also launch on April 15, 2010. The contest will end at the close of the September ArtWalk on September 16, 2010.

As part of the Spartanburg Creative Energy campaign, Artcycle is a new initiative that promotes regional artists, each of whom has been commissioned to build an outdoor sculpture from recycled bicycle parts. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle.

The sculptures will be on display in Spartanburg’s downtown area from April to September of this year. The project is the result of a collaboration between Spartanburg Creative Energy, HUB-BUB and Partners for Active Living. Artcycle celebrates the City's national designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, which made it the first in South Carolina to receive that honor in 2007.

2010 ArtCycle Artist
Adam Campbell - Spartanburg, SC
Sterling Kenny and Carré Razzano – Woodruff, SC
Lauren Ponder -Spartanburg, SC
Cody Roberts – Spartanburg, SC
Daniel and Mikki Tripp- Campobello, SC

For more information, please visit: http://www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com or contact Amanda Mathis, Economic Development Coordinator at 864-596-3068 or amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.

City of Spartanburg partners with CollegeTown Service Initiative

THE CITY OF SPARTANBURG PARTNERS WITH COLLEGE TOWN
SERVICE INITIATIVE


College Town Service Initiative (CSI) provides opportunities for college students all over Spartanburg County to become involved and connected with the community around them through volunteer projects.

In partnership with the City of Spartanburg, and coinciding with Christmas in Action on April 10th, CSI will begin with a breakfast at The Hangar at First Baptist, following with a short program educating the students on the projects for the day. They will be installing Born Learning trails in three neighborhood parks, which will encourage parent-child interaction with signs that encourage singing, playing, and learning.

In partnership with the City of Spartanburg, CSI will also work on various neighborhood clean ups and graffiti painting removal, as well as other landscaping and maintenance projects throughout the City.

College Town Coordinator, Rogers Brandt states, “It is our hope that this day of service will help students feel more invested in their college community, which is their home for their college education and beyond.”

Zumba Fitness tonight at the new C.C. Woodson Community Center

ZUMBA® Fitness @ C.C. Woodson Community Center
210 Bomar Avenue
Spartanburg, SC 29301
(864)596-3710

Mondays & Thursdays 6 - 7pm

Spartanburg City Council to participate in Citizen Spartanburg forum tonight.

Spartanburg City Council 2010

Spartanburg City Council will be participating tonight in an informal forum sponsored by the Citizen Spartanburg group at 6:00 p.m. at The Showroom at Hub-Bub located at 149 South Daniel Morgan Avenue. Each City Council member will speak briefly about, “why citizen participation is important to them, what inspires them to serve our community, and how we, as citizens, can help them make Spartanburg the best it can be.”

Please address any questions you have to Tammy Stokes

[tdreamweaver@hotmail.com] or 582-1817.

City of Spartanburg partners with Christmas In Action

CITY OF SPARTANBURG PARTNERS WITH CHRISTMAS IN ACTION

Christmas In Action Spartanburg is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that, in partnership with the community, repairs homes of low-income elderly, and/or disabled homeowners. Approximately 525 homes throughout Spartanburg City and County have benefited from this semi-annual “Rebuilding Day” over the last 13 years.

On Saturday, April 10, from early morning until the work is finished, over 600 volunteers will gather to rehabilitate 24 homes located throughout the City in areas such as Hampton Heights, Beaumont Mills and in the Southside. Most work teams are formed by local businesses, churches and the City of Spartanburg. Chores vary from home to home depending upon the need, and can range from exterior painting to complete roof repair.

Wes Corrothers, the City’s Neighborhood Services Director states, “The City of Spartanburg is proud to be able to partially fund the administrative expenses and materials through funding from our Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This worthwhile investment to the silent part of our community helps to improve the quality of life in their older years.”

Volunteers will meet at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast at First Baptist Spartanburg. They will then move on to their assigned job sites to begin repairs by 8:00 a.m. Volunteers will prepare lunch at First Baptist Spartanburg which will be delivered to the individual job sites.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with Christmas in Action, please contact Andrew Hoyer-Booth at 576-7101.

Jazz on the Square starts tonight!

OUTDOOR EVENTS SEASON IS BACK!
JAZZ ON THE SQUARE SET TO BEGIN IN APRIL

The City of Spartanburg and presenting sponsor QS/1 will once again be bringing live Jazz music to downtown Spartanburg when the 2010 season of Jazz on the Square begins in April. The series is returning to Morgan Square for its fifth season and will be held every Friday in April and May and then again in September and October. Concerts are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“Fans can bring a blanket or chair and listen to some fantastic jazz music,” said Coordinator Jane Warner. “Several brand new jazz groups will be performing this year – including Capital Jazz, who will be kicking off our season on April 2.” Other groups scheduled to perform include Blue Chip Jazz, Dirty Martini, Calvin Edwards Trio, and the Firecracker Jazz Band.

The open venue and free admission provides the entire community an opportunity to enjoy Spartanburg’s beautiful surroundings while listening to great musicians. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase at the event.

Jazz on the Square is produced and coordinated by the City of Spartanburg’s Special Events Office. Event goers can check the Special Events Hotline number at 864-596-3613 for updated information and any cancellations because of inclement weather.

The City is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to minors or intoxicated persons. Anyone wishing to consume an alcoholic beverage must show a valid ID and wear a wristband. Guests of Jazz on the Square are asked to leave pets and coolers at home.

Music On Main set to begin in April

OUTDOOR EVENTS SEASON IS BACK!
MUSIC ON MAIN SET TO BEGIN IN APRIL

Beginning April 1, Music on Main will be held every Thursday in April through August from 6 to 9 pm on Main Street and Denny’s Plaza. This popular after-work social gathering is celebrating its 17th year. A wide variety of bands perform each week at Music on Main, ranging from blues to rock and roll. A different beach music band will take the stage on the first Thursday of each month. “Spartanburg has tons of shaggers and they can’t wait to get outside and shuffle their feet!” said Special Events Manager Mandy Merck. Several band favorites will be performing again this year like Grand Strand, Coconut Groove, The Enforcers, Blind Vision, The Consumers, and Rock and Roll Reunion. Some brand new bands will be testing the waters at MOM this year, including Calm and Collective (reggae), Outshyne (country), and King Bees (Blues & Swing).

“We’re very excited to bring Cravin’ Melon back to Music on Main this year as well,” said Merck. “We expect three generations of melonheads to show up for this huge show on June 17.” There should be music to suit everyone’s taste.

Not only does Music on Main provide entertainment for the local community, it also serves as an excellent fund-raising opportunity for Spartanburg’s civic organizations. Club members serve as volunteers at Music on Main concerts and then receive a percentage of the sales to support their charities. Since the inception of Music on Main, over $200,000 has been contributed to local civic organizations in the Spartanburg community.

Music on Main is a free event. Food, shaved ice, soft drinks, bottled water, and beer are available for purchase.

Music on Main is presented by AT&T and is also sponsored by the Herald Journal, Denny’s, Budweiser, Coca Cola of Spartanburg, and WROQ - Rock 101. City events are produced and coordinated by the City of Spartanburg’s Special Events Office. Event goers can check the Special Events Hotline number at 864-596-3613 for updated information and any cancellations due to inclement weather.

The City is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to minors or intoxicated persons. Anyone wishing to consume an alcoholic beverage must show a valid ID and wear a wristband. All guests of Music on Main and Jazz on the Square are asked to leave pets and coolers at home.

City of Spartanburg Partners With Upstate Parent Magazine to host Camp and Education Fair

City of Spartanburg Partners With Upstate Parent Magazine to host Camp and Education Fair

The City of Spartanburg, in partnership with Upstate Parent Magazine will host a camp and education fair on Sunday, March 21st from 1:00-4:30 p.m. at the new C.C. Woodson Community Center located at 210 Bomar Avenue.

Parents will have an opportunity to meet camp councilors, talk to the camp directors, and familiarize themselves with the various camps Spartanburg County has to offer. If parents are looking for a new preschool for their toddler or a new school for their school aged kids, come see what educational opportunities are available in our area. This event is free and open to the public.

For additional information, please contact Joleen Whelchel at 864-346-4873 or if would like information regarding C.C. Woodson, contact Brian Wofford, City of Spartanburg’s Parks & Recreation Superintendant at 864-562-4059.

City of Spartanburg Announces C.C. Woodson Community Center Grand Opening

City of Spartanburg Announces C.C. Woodson Community Center Grand Opening


The grand opening celebration for the new C.C. Woodson Community Center located at 210 Bomar Avenue will take place on Saturday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m.

The new 27,000 sq. ft. building will offer a variety of services and activities for people of all ages and interests. Features will include a Community Room for group meetings, Learning Center, Senior Lounge, Teen Center, Health & Wellness Room and a 14,000 square foot gymnasium. A new pool and regulation-size football field is currently under construction.

The City is very appreciative of the generous support of its partners that include the Mary Black Foundation, City of Spartanburg Development Corporation, Department of Housing and Urban Development, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Spartanburg Housing Authority and SunTrust Bank.

Community leaders making remarks at the grand opening include Mayor Junie White, Councilmember Robert Reeder, State Representative Harold Mitchell, Phillip Belcher with the Mary Black Foundation and Harry Byrd with Spartanburg Housing Authority. The public is invited to attend the program and reception immediately following.

For additional information please contact Brian Wofford, Parks & Recreation Superintendant @ 864-562-4059.

Downtown Pep Rally Scheduled for March 15

Celebrate the Wofford Terrier basketball team’s Southern Conference championship and NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 15 from 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. with a free event in the heart of downtown Spartanburg! The public is invited to send the Terriers off to March Madness in style.

“We are proud of these young men. As they go off to battle the Goliaths of college sports, we want the world to know that Spartanburg is behind them 100 percent,” said Mayor Junie White.

“Meet the Terriers” is a two-hour family event that will feature an autograph session with the entire Wofford team, brief comments from Coach Young and City of Spartanburg leaders. Music will be provided by the Wofford Thundering Terriers Pep Band/Jazz Ensemble and fans will have the chance to watch highlights from the championship on a big screen!

Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy interactives such as the Terrier Tumbler moonbounce and shoot hoops on goals set up adjacent to Morgan Square. Ben Wofford Books will also have a display selling Wofford merchandise. (SoCon pending)

“The success of our basketball team not only brings great recognition to Wofford College, but certainly the City of Spartanburg and our entire community. We look forward to giving our fans this opportunity to meet the team and celebrate this historic event,” said assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions Lenny Mathis. “We are grateful to the City for making this type of event possible for the community.”

For additional information please contact Mandy Merck, City of Spartanburg, Special Events Manager, 864.562.4195, mmerck@cityofspartanburg.org.

Thanks for a great 2 years!

Our Creative Energy campaign celebrates its’ second birthday tomorrow, March 13th and here is a video of our launch back in 2008. We look forward to celebrating more creative events, places and people over the next year and thank you – the community –for your continuous support of our program.

West Main Artists Cooperative awakening creativity in downtown Spartanburg

West Main Artists Cooperative awakening creativity in downtown Spartanburg





The local non-profit art collective known as the West Main Artists Cooperative announces to the community their grand opening. The first day of spring, this years renewing vernal equinox, yields the groups largest show to date. The function takes place on March 20, 5pm to 9pm and will sure to be one of the biggest highlights of the new year in downtown Spartanburg. The co-op is located at 578 West Main Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301. The affair will definitely add to the revitalization of the local social scene and help pull the community together by working with other art factions for future events. The idea is to make every sector of the community realize the importance of fine art and the educational potential behind it. A new momentum for art is being created in Spartanburg and that environment needs to rival that of Asheville, Greenville, Charlotte, and Columbia. Live music, food, and refreshments will be available.

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The co-op has come a long way from its conception. Formally the West Main Baptist Church, renovations and artist sweat equity transformed the empty and nearly forgotten landmark into a showcase of artists for the state to see. Howard Solomon purchased the church last year with the great notion of providing affordable workspaces for local artists; this is not the only attribute found at the WMAC by any means. Many artists are realizing that with such a diverse group around all of the time, the progression of the individual’s work never stops. This is constantly forming a catalyst that drives each person to question his or her art and where it is going. The WMAC is the only art co-op in Spartanburg County and art is everywhere in this 20,000 square foot building. The exhibition, workshops, performance and educational spaces, along with artist’s studios subsist in the creation of something that Spartanburg has never seen, a one of a kind facility that houses like-minded individuals that share a common consciousness.



Future community projects are endless, not just to make the public aware of the co-op, but to strengthen the city by participation. This organization echoes the art endeavors of the Spartanburg Art Museum, the Spartanburg Artists Guild, Hub Bub and all other downtown art galleries. As more people get involved with downtown and the renewing of the surroundings, the sense of pride increases, and that is positive growth. The West Main Artists Cooperative is linked with the University of South Carolina Upstate, Converse, and Wofford. A student from each college occupies a studio and places work in the shows. Each school reserves and funds a spot for one term per scholar who excels in the arts. They create art in a professional atmosphere and experience new techniques, ideas, and vital work ethics to succeed in the world around them. This is part of the co-op’s Education Outreach Program, which is overseen by Teresa Prater and other professors from the universities.


The new season brings fine art on all levels to the West Main Artists Cooperative and the city of Spartanburg. Over thirty artists of all disciplines such as painting, writing, printmaking, ceramics, music, future theatre and performance art, photography, graphic arts and jewelry will be present for the grand opening. The WMAC invites the public to join the celebration of Spartanburg’s largest art show. The studios will be open for a meet and greet so visitors can learn more about the people that produced the art in the four galleries and surrounding areas. Live music will fill the east and west wings, as well as the galleries and printmaking and ceramic departments. Catering will be provided to accompany the classical sounds of spring. Not to be missed is Al Hofmann, a glass artist, as he lights up the night sky on the patio. Be a part of the crowd as he demonstrates this craft and explains his methods of firing glass. This art exhibition has everything for everyone. Mark your calendars now and participate in an event that Spartanburg will be raving over for the rest of the year.



This event is funded in part by The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg, its donors, the County and the City of Spartanburg and the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment of the Arts and the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC.

City Moving Forward With Airport Improvements

City Moving Forward With Airport Improvements

After considering various redevelopment and funding options over the past several years, the City of Spartanburg has entered into a $3.8 million financing agreement with Carolina First Community Development Corporation for improvements at the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport.

Improvements will include renovation and expansion of the terminal building, parking and landscape improvements, and the construction of two T hangars.

The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission is providing $500,000 to complete project funding.

Airport Director Darwin Simpson said groundbreaking should begin in May. “The Airport is a critical part of this community’s economic engine. These improvements will position the Airport for continued future growth and continue to serve the general and corporate aviation needs in Spartanburg".

For additional information please contact Darwin Simpson, Airport Director at 574-8552.

2010 Spartanburg Visitors Guide Available Today!

2010 Spartanburg Visitors Guide Available
Highlights County Accommodations, Attractions and Restaurants


The newest edition of the highly-anticipated Spartanburg Visitors’ Guide is now available to travelers planning to visit the Upcountry region.

The 2010 edition features Spartanburg restaurants, accommodations, shopping, attractions, annual events, cultural venues, and includes a pull-out map with several points of interest in the county and city of Spartanburg. The Visitors’ Guide is the official tourism guide to Spartanburg County. This is now an annual publication with 50,000 copies printed, and is distributed to all nine official South Carolina Welcome Centers, at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and at AAA offices throughout North and South Carolina, and Georgia.

“The Visitors’ Guide received rave reviews from the traveling public and our industry,” said Chris Jennings, Executive Director of the CVB. “This is a real Spartanburg product,” he said. “It had a local designer; photography was selected through local contest, and it was printed in Spartanburg-- we’re proud of our local partnerships.”

Dan Freeland General Manager of the Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park, and chairman of the CVB Steering Committee also commended CVB staff members Amy Phillips and Lauren Ponder for their extraordinary work in producing the publication.

“On behalf of our Steering Committee,” he said, “I also want to thank the City Council of Spartanburg for helping to produce it with a grant from Accommodations Tax funds—it’s another great example of public-private partnerships.”

The Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is hosting an event for the tourism industry on February 18 at Brasserie Ecosse restaurant on Daniel Morgan Avenue, to showcase the 2010 edition. Bulk quantities will be available to hotels, attractions and other tourism venues in the county.

The guide will also be distributed at trade shows and conferences attended by the CVB, convention and meeting attendees, sporting events in Spartanburg, and all hotels in the region. Additionally, it is sent to all visitor requests received from phone, the tourism website (www.VisitSpartanburg.com), and walk-ins to the Visitor Center at the Chamber of Commerce.


Please be sure to pick up your copy at the CVB’s office, located at 105 North Pine Street and “Be A Tourist In Your Own Town” -- support Spartanburg County’s local restaurants, attractions, artists and musicians.



ABOUT SPARTANBURG CVB:

The Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the region is known for its beauty, quality of life and friendly people. Spartanburg is conveniently located at the junction of Interstates 26 and 85, making it easily accessible from Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, Asheville and Charlotte, NC.

For more information, call (800) 374-8326 or bookmark our website: www.VisitSpartanburg.com

Applications for Spring Fling 2010

APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING FLING 2010 BEING ACCEPTED

Plans are underway for the annual Spring Fling in downtown Spartanburg, scheduled for April 30 - May 2. This year’s festivities will include live music, an exciting Family Fun Zone with hands-on activities and stage performances, lots of taste-tempting foods, an arts and crafts marketplace, a professional bicycle race, and antique car show, and many other special events.

Organizers are currently accepting applications for arts and crafts exhibitors, community showcase (non-profits) booths, and commercial vendors. Please note that all food and beverage concessionaire spots are already filled. Those interested in participating in the festival can download an application from the Spring Fling website at www.spartanburgspringfling.com or by calling the City’s Parks, Recreation and Special Events Office at 864-596-3105. Applications will be accepted through March 12.

Spring Fling is a tremendous undertaking and can only happen by having tons of volunteers willing to help out. Over 300 volunteers are needed for the three-day event. If you are interested in volunteering with the festival, contact Darryl Goodwin at dgoodwin@cityofspartanburg.org.

2nd annual Artcycle event planned for downtown Spartanburg

The City of Spartanburg invites area artists to submit an application for Artcycle, an art project, scheduled for April 2010 in downtown Spartanburg. Regional artists will utilize recycled bicycle parts and the display is planned for April-September in Spartanburg’s downtown area. Artcycle is seeking artists to create outdoor sculptures that are made from a substantial amount of recycled bicycle parts. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle. Artcycle will feature ten artists and is part of the City of Spartanburg’s Creative Energy campaign with the partnership of HUB-BUB, the Spartanburg Art Museum and Partners for Active Living.

Applications can be found on the Spartanburg Creative Energy website at www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com and they are due to the City of Spartanburg by March 1, 2010. The winning artist will be revealed at the Spartanburg Artwalk event on April 15, 2010.
For additional information please contact Amanda Mathis, Economic Development, at 864-596-3068 or amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.