Events Calendar
Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Since the American Revolutionary War, military working dogs have served with all branches of the United States Armed Forces. First used as pack animals, working dogs have expanded their military roles to include scouting, policing, detection, and combat.
U.S. military dogs officially began serving in WWII, following the formation of the Dogs for Defense, Inc. coalition. Today, hundreds of dogs serve with U.S. military forces around the globe assisting with dangerous missions on today’s modern battlefields.
The exhibition combines life-size sculptures designed by Ohio master craftsman James Mellick with combat art and objects on loan from the collections of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Navy.
The project features eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures, bringing attention to the history, service and heroism of military working dogs. The collection represents Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois who served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.
One of James Mellick’s sculptures represents Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog. She conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. One of those missions cost Lucca her leg and severe burns but there were no human casualties under her watch. When she retired, her handler was able to adopt her.
Twenty pieces of art paint a more complete picture of dogs at work, detailing the most menacing war dogs to goggled high-flying dogs to sleeping warriors and keen detectives. Artifacts include items used by war dogs and their handlers. Dog uniforms, medical kits and Purple Hearts share poignant stories of perseverance and bravery.
Military working dogs have served and protected countless lives in war, this inspiring exhibition tells their amazing story.
Put on your winter jackets, gloves, hats and join us for Chimney Rock’s Winter Homeschool Day. Nature is pure magic in the winter and it’s a time when we generally don’t explore the world around us. Come observe the quiet and stillness of the Park during this slower season. We are not going to let a little cold weather slow us down!
Registration closes February 11, 2022.

Option 1: Classic Rock for acoustic guitar
Join beloved Polk County musician Woody Cowan and learn YOUR favorite tunes. In this setting, the students pick the songs, and Woody leads the teaching. This friendly class is full of peer-to-peer encouragement and collaboration. Artists covered included Janis Joplin, Neil Young, Old Crow Medicine Show, & Grateful Dead. Whether you know a lot of chords or just a couple, this class will move you forward musically while taking you back through the best era of radio-played folk music.
Option 2: Beginner/Intermediate Folk Jam
World-class musician Gaye Johnson leads this class, gently raising your comfort level to play freely in a group setting. Rooted in traditional folk music, aspiring mandolin, and guitar students will join together to gain more comfort and self-assurance in a group setting, while also diving into rhythm techniques and ornamentations.
Option 3: Intermediate/ advanced band
Bob and Amy Buckingham guide adults on all instruments (guitar, clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, & bass). Several songs are picked by the group at the start of the semester, and over the 10 week semester, the musicality and “setlist” grow exponentially. Adults love this format for
guided jamming.
Great preparation for literacy and problem solving, this class allows the students to explore themes, characters and settings of a different children’s book each week. Students act-out and perform creatively through the world of the book, but the focus is more on understanding the parts of the book and overcoming obstacles creatively within a group rather than in simple individual performance. Fantastic for group interaction and socialization while keeping students engaged at solving the conflict presented in the literature. Great fun and a great foundation for reading.

Wednesday
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
All beginning students receive 45 minutes of group instruction and 45 minutes of singing/storytelling.
Group song & story: Gaye Johnson (known for having the sweetest voice in the region) gives students the strong foundation they need for learning an instrument. To learn music most effectively, students must know the songs before they play them on an instrument – then the learning becomes intuitive. This fun class equips students with the classic songs and stories of the region and helps launch their musical abilities.
Instrument options:
Age ranges are suggestions. Please email Julie if your child is outside the age range for the class they wish to take.
Option 1: Beginning ukulele, ages 6-8
Option 2: Instrument Survey, ages 8-14
Continuing from last semester, this instrument survey class will focus on clawhammer banjo, plus one additional instrument to be chosen by the students.
Option 3: Beginning guitar, ages 8-14
Option 4: Beginner mandolin ages 8-14
Option 5: Beginner fiddle ages 8-14
*Please be sure to select the student’s 1st and 2nc\d instrument choices when registering.

Wednesdays
4:30 pm-6:00pm
All students with some experience under their belt will take an intermediate or advanced group instrument class, and a band class.
- 4:30-5:15
Jam Band: Phil Jenkins & Carson Moore help young musicians find their voice in a band environment.
- 5:15 – 6:00
Option 1: Intermediate Guitar
Option 2: Intermediate Fiddle
Option 3: Intermediate Mandolin
Option 4: Three-finger banjo- all levels
Clover Pickers: 4:00- 6:00
PacJAM’s house band gets rigorous coaching this semester from Emily Wait and special guest coaches. Clover Pickers will spend 5 weeks of the semester practicing their teaching skills from 4-4:45 weekly, and 5 weeks working on choosing and arranging songs for Clover Picker performance. Band rehearsal and coaching last from 4:45-6 for all 10 weeks. Clover Pickers band is by invitation and the commitment requires extra rehearsals as determined by the group.
Is your child always singing and dancing around your home? Let’s give that creative energy a special place to shine with SING! We will learn the music and fun choreography to some of our favorites. No reading required, but a love of performing is a must! The class will focus on ensemble songs from favorite movies.
Next program starts in March 2022
Please email a 250-300 word essay written by your child as to why they want to participate in the program. This should be student written. Email form below and essay to [email protected].
The Spartanburg Science Center has partnered with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport to expose our community to the value and appreciation of aviation. It is one of the first partnerships known that matches a community science center with the study and hands-on experience of many aspects of aviation. Hang on for the ride!

January through April
Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”
NPS Photo
Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”
Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!
Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.
Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.
2022 Contest Rules
Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.
Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.
Submission Rules
- Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
- Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
- No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
- Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
- Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
- Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
- Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
- Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
- Paperclipped to poem, no staples
- Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
- Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.
Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).
Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.
Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.
Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]

Adult Education is a self-paced GED preparation program. Interested students, who are at least 17 years old, can enroll by taking the placement test anytime during our program hours. No appointment is needed and there is no cost to enroll. For additional questions, please call 864-335-2604.
Participants can then study on their own schedule, as their work and family responsibilities allow. United Ministries provides one-on-one tutoring and study materials for use on-site, and pays all but $20 of each participant’s $150 testing fees.
Puckett Center for Economic Mobility Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8:30am – 4:00pm; Wednesday: 8:30am – Noon

The Soldier Bishop: Ellison Capers, a special exhibit created by Faith Memorial Chapel, Cedar Mountain, NC, now on display at the Upcountry History Museum, presents the unshakable faith of Rt. Reverend Ellison Capers and how his fortitude created a lasting legacy.
Though he lost loved ones and survived many of his own near-death experiences in some of the most horrific engagements of the American Civil War (1861-1865), Capers’ trust in God and the path before him never faltered. In 1865, at the age of 28, he was promoted in the military to Brigadier General receiving recognition for his leadership and distinguished service. After the war Capers was elected Secretary of State for South Carolina. Even so, his calling to Christ was overpowering. The Governor told him, “You can be a Governor, Senator, or anything you like. You will be a fool to give all this to become a preacher.”
In 1866, Capers accepted a call to Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville, South Carolina, where he served for 20 years. He was consecrated as bishop of the State of South Carolina in 1893 and moved to Charleston. To escape the summer heat, he purchased a plot of land in Cedar Mountain, NC, and erected a cottage. This inspired in Mrs. Capers a dream to erect an Episcopal chapel for the local population. In 1894, this dream became a reality, and “Faith Chapel” was built.
“Faith Chapel” fell into disrepair following Capers death in 1908. In honor of his enduring influence and guidance, a disciple of Capers, the Reverend Dr. Alexander Mitchell from Greenville, began a movement to rebuild the chapel and dedicated the new church, “Faith Memorial Chapel,” in Capers’ memory in 1941.
The exhibit shares the story of Ellison Capers and the history of Faith Memorial Chapel. Historical artifacts, including Capers’ original military sword, the musket balls that nearly killed him, his war diaries and handwritten letters to his wife from the battlefield, and the preserved renderings for rebuilding the Chapel dedicated to his memory, highlight key moments of Capers life’s journey through war, faith, and salvation.
Since the American Revolutionary War, military working dogs have served with all branches of the United States Armed Forces. First used as pack animals, working dogs have expanded their military roles to include scouting, policing, detection, and combat.
U.S. military dogs officially began serving in WWII, following the formation of the Dogs for Defense, Inc. coalition. Today, hundreds of dogs serve with U.S. military forces around the globe assisting with dangerous missions on today’s modern battlefields.
The exhibition combines life-size sculptures designed by Ohio master craftsman James Mellick with combat art and objects on loan from the collections of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Navy.
The project features eight Wounded Warrior and two Canine War Dog sculptures, bringing attention to the history, service and heroism of military working dogs. The collection represents Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois who served in WWII, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.
One of James Mellick’s sculptures represents Lucca, a Marine Corps war dog. She conducted more than 400 missions during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. One of those missions cost Lucca her leg and severe burns but there were no human casualties under her watch. When she retired, her handler was able to adopt her.
Twenty pieces of art paint a more complete picture of dogs at work, detailing the most menacing war dogs to goggled high-flying dogs to sleeping warriors and keen detectives. Artifacts include items used by war dogs and their handlers. Dog uniforms, medical kits and Purple Hearts share poignant stories of perseverance and bravery.
Military working dogs have served and protected countless lives in war, this inspiring exhibition tells their amazing story.
Please join us for our regular monthly meetup.
Running Order (Subject to Change):
11:30 am: Arrive for networking and refreshments
11:45 am – Opening remarks
12 pm – Speaker
12:40 pm – Open Q&A Session
12:50 pm – Closing remarks & Social
1:00 pm – End
******Anyone that comes to the MeetUp gets 3 MONTH FREE HOSTING of the Swift Hosting plan from our sponsor A2HOSTING.COM (https://www.a2hosting.com/web-hosting)******
Come prepared to listen to a great talk!!!
Important to know:
We use the same Code of Conduct for our Meetup that we use for WordCamp Greenville, and it can be found here: https://2020.greenville.wordcamp.org/code-of-conduct/
Please be kind and courteous to all attendees and employees!
World-renown Celtic musical artist Jamie Laval presents a behind-the-scenes view of how he creates music. Months of research, creative inspiration, skilled application of technological tools and diligent practicing go into each new song before it is ready to be shared with the public. Learn about the process from inception to manifestation in this three-part lecture/performance series.
TFAC will follow CDC and Polk County COVID recommendations. Participants will have space to social distance and appropriate face masks are strongly recommended. The program will also be available via Zoom.
Description

Registrations are for ONE HOUSEHOLD.
All sessions will be held on Thursdays, from 4:30-5:30. For those desiring to participate by Zoom, a link will be sent out the morning of the call.
Schedule:
- February 10: Celtic Music: Cultural History and Performance Practice
- February 17: How I use Technology to Create Music
- February 24: Violins to Bagpipes and Beyond: All about Musical Instruments
Calling all teachers for a special night out! With a teacher ID you’ll get a free glass of our house bubbles and receive a 15% discount on any purchase!
Great preparation for literacy and problem solving, this class allows the students to explore themes, characters and settings of a different children’s book each week. Students act-out and perform creatively through the world of the book, but the focus is more on understanding the parts of the book and overcoming obstacles creatively within a group rather than in simple individual performance. Fantastic for group interaction and socialization while keeping students engaged at solving the conflict presented in the literature. Great fun and a great foundation for reading.

This month, learn about the history of African American Medal of Honor recipients and the details behind the medal’s creation.
Next program starts in March 2022
Please email a 250-300 word essay written by your child as to why they want to participate in the program. This should be student written. Email form below and essay to [email protected].
The Spartanburg Science Center has partnered with the Spartanburg Downtown Airport to expose our community to the value and appreciation of aviation. It is one of the first partnerships known that matches a community science center with the study and hands-on experience of many aspects of aviation. Hang on for the ride!

January through April
Actors portray characters from Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Story “Three Boys with Jugs of Molasses and Secret Ambitions.”
NPS Photo
Educators in grades 3-12 are invited to submit original poems written by their students in February. The poems will be judged and winners announced in April. Find the 2022 Poetry Contest Information and submission guidelines here. The theme “Ambition” is from one of Carl Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories, to celebrate it’s 100th year of being published. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.”
Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry, and is open to students nationwide!
Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be postmarked by March 1, 2022. See below for submission rules.
Winners will be notified by April 8, 2022, and will be invited to participate in a special virtual program on April 22.
2022 Contest Rules
Theme – “Ambition”
Carl Sandburg wrote millions of words reflecting on the American experience of the 20th century. Though his words often focused on war, labor, and social injustice, as a father of three, he also wrote imaginative, zany, and fantastical children’s stories, called “Rootabaga Stories.” Carl Sandburg’s “Rootabaga Stories” were first published in 1922 and celebrate 100 years of entertaining readers of all ages this year. The theme “Ambition” is from one of these stories. “An ambition…creeps in your heart night and day, singing a little song, ‘Come and find me, come and find me.” Read the story here.
Poems submitted for the 2022 contest should reflect the theme of “Ambition.” By definition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. Or setting goals to achieve success.
Submission Rules
- Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only. Poems will be grouped for judging by 3-5th, 6-8th, and 9-12th.
- Poems must be submitted by a teacher (traditional classroom or homeschool teacher).
- No more than three poems per class. Teachers with multiple classes, can submit up to three poems per class period.
- Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
- Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
- Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries, using standard computer fonts, like Times, Arial, etc…
- Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc…) on poem sheet, that will go on the accompanying submission form.
- Submission form must be complete to be accepted:
- Paperclipped to poem, no staples
- Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
- Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed to [email protected], by March 1, 2022. Emailed submissions must be docs, .pdfs or scans. Low resolution pictures of the submission will not be accepted.
Judging
Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th).
Poetry Partners
The 2022 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, and literary volunteers who serve as judges. Thank you.
Poetry Resources
You may also find curriculum resources to use in the classroom at the park’s website: www.nps.gov/carl/learn/education/index.htm.
Send Submissions to:
Carl Sandburg Home NHS
Attn: Poetry Contest
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731
Fax 828-693-4179
Email: [email protected]

The Soldier Bishop: Ellison Capers, a special exhibit created by Faith Memorial Chapel, Cedar Mountain, NC, now on display at the Upcountry History Museum, presents the unshakable faith of Rt. Reverend Ellison Capers and how his fortitude created a lasting legacy.
Though he lost loved ones and survived many of his own near-death experiences in some of the most horrific engagements of the American Civil War (1861-1865), Capers’ trust in God and the path before him never faltered. In 1865, at the age of 28, he was promoted in the military to Brigadier General receiving recognition for his leadership and distinguished service. After the war Capers was elected Secretary of State for South Carolina. Even so, his calling to Christ was overpowering. The Governor told him, “You can be a Governor, Senator, or anything you like. You will be a fool to give all this to become a preacher.”
In 1866, Capers accepted a call to Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville, South Carolina, where he served for 20 years. He was consecrated as bishop of the State of South Carolina in 1893 and moved to Charleston. To escape the summer heat, he purchased a plot of land in Cedar Mountain, NC, and erected a cottage. This inspired in Mrs. Capers a dream to erect an Episcopal chapel for the local population. In 1894, this dream became a reality, and “Faith Chapel” was built.
“Faith Chapel” fell into disrepair following Capers death in 1908. In honor of his enduring influence and guidance, a disciple of Capers, the Reverend Dr. Alexander Mitchell from Greenville, began a movement to rebuild the chapel and dedicated the new church, “Faith Memorial Chapel,” in Capers’ memory in 1941.
The exhibit shares the story of Ellison Capers and the history of Faith Memorial Chapel. Historical artifacts, including Capers’ original military sword, the musket balls that nearly killed him, his war diaries and handwritten letters to his wife from the battlefield, and the preserved renderings for rebuilding the Chapel dedicated to his memory, highlight key moments of Capers life’s journey through war, faith, and salvation.

