A Chance to Make a Difference

Written by: Jerry Smith, SCORE Mentor

Who doesn’t remember the person who was a major influence on their career – a teacher, a first boss, a wise colleague? They are never forgotten, and that person also gets to feel the gratification that comes with knowing they had a meaningful, long-term impact on another human being.

What if you could be the one who has the opportunity to have a significant impact on a person who is starting out in a new business career? You can, by becoming a part-time volunteer in Piedmont SCORE!

What is SCORE? It was founded almost 60 years ago by the US Small Business Administration (SBA), with the goal of providing free mentoring support to small business startups and existing small businesses via a highly experienced volunteer organization.

There are SBA supported SCORE chapters all over the United States, with more than 10,000 volunteers. In 2020 alone, SCORE mentors helped start 45,027 new businesses and create 119,562 new jobs. In the same year, 60% of SCORE’s clients were women, 46% were minorities, and 9% were veterans.

SCORE contains a wide variety of volunteers, from their 20s to 80s, including retired corporate executives, and small business owners, as well as volunteers who are actively working regular jobs in large and small businesses.

There are four ways you can volunteer. The majority of volunteers are Mentors, who help small business startups and existing small businesses with every aspect of starting and running a small business. Additionally, there are Subject Matter Experts in a wide variety of subject areas including critical specialties like information technology, finance, sales and marketing, and manufacturing, just to mention a few.

Mentors bring expertise in many specific business areas like office management, banking, healthcare, transportation, restaurant management, and numerous others. In addition, there are volunteer Presenters who provide a myriad of educational programs, as well as Administrators for every aspect of each chapter’s program.

The Piedmont SCORE chapter, located in Greenville, started 50 years ago, includes 11 upstate counties from Union in the east, to Oconee in the West, Greenville and Spartanburg counties in the north, to McCormick in the South. With close to 50 members, ranging in age from 23 to 82, most of them mentors, literally hundreds of small business clients are served each year. New clients arrive almost every day, and the chapter is always seeking qualified mentor and other volunteer candidates.

VITA The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to those who meet the income criteria. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. We are looking for volunteers and interns. Check out our blogfor more information about the internship opportunities. Email Jennifer for more information about the program and volunteering.

Mill Village Farms’ FoodShare Greenville is a fresh food box program in partnership with FoodShareSC that is working to make it easier for families in our community to enjoy fresh fruits & vegetables. Volunteers are needed to welcome FoodShare participants, distribute boxes, complete order forms, etc.

The annual new member show at the Artists Collective | Spartanburg will run from 4 Jan – 29 Jan. The artwork can be viewed in Galleries II and III from 10am -4pm Tuesday – Saturday. Each year at this time Artists Collective | Spartanburg features its new members. It is one of the ways the Collective introduces the new artists to the community. This years new members are Hannah Henderson, Jessica Massey, Pat Edwards, Ari Carver, Robyn Crawford, Thomas Zumbach, Mary Verrandeaux, Karen Patrick, and Abe Duenas.

Rockwell’s hopeful and admiring attitude toward humanity was the hallmark of his work. He loved to paint pictures that conveyed stories about people, their attitude toward each other, and his feelings about them.

During his forty-seven year affiliation with The Saturday Evening Post, Norman Rockwell was celebrated for his special holiday cover illustrations, which were commissioned to mark a full spectrum of annual events for an enthusiastic public, from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and The New Year to Valentine’s Day and April Fools’ Day.  Whether it was the presentation of mouth-watering turkey at the Thanksgiving table or a rosy-cheeked Santa checking his list to see who’s naughty or nice, the illustrations simply conveyed Americana. In a rapidly changing world, Norman Rockwell’s art has been a reassuring guide for over six decades, and it continues to resonate today.

The Upcountry History Museum – Furman University in partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts will host the traveling exhibition Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays.  This beloved exhibition, featuring over 40 of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable and enduring holiday images, will make its South Carolina debut at the Upcountry History Museum.

This high quality Morning Out program includes sleigh rides, ice skating, snowman building, and many other exciting activities your child will love! Let your kid experience all the fun that comes with playing in the snow by making a reservation today.

Snow Carnival Details

Snow Carnivals are only available for groups with a minimum of ten children

Schedule: Available Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Cost: $9 per child

Snow Carnivals are held based on reservation. To make a reservation or learn more about the program, call 864.467.3483 or email Daniel Halliman.

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.

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

SKATE ON A PERFECT SHEET OF ICE

At the Pavilion, our state-of-the-art ice system creates a smooth, professional, and sustainable surface available for a variety of great ice activities. Take a lesson, bring a friend, or go on your own during our public skate times.

The Study Buddies Afterschool program is offered at four community centers throughout Greenville. The program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30-6 p.m. Participants will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily for each participant. This program is open to students in K through 8th grade.

Registration is currently open for city of Greenville residents. 

Participants in the Study Buddies Afterschool program  will receive homework assistance, life skills development, recreational activities, educational projects, and much more. A healthy meal is provided daily. This program is open to students in 5K through 8th grade.

We are committed to providing our students a safe, enriching, and healthy afterschool experience. View Afterschool Health and Wellness Policy (PDF)

Dates: August 17, 2021 – June 1, 2022                                                         *Program does not run when there is no school for holidays, half days, teacher work days, vacations, or snow days (following Greenville County School calendar).

Time: 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Fees:  $585 for City Residents

Discounts for families registering two or more children. Payment plan available in 9 installments with the first initial payment due upon registration.

Financial Assistance: City of Greenville residents with documented financial need will automatically qualify for a reduced fee after school program. Qualified participants must complete the application and submit all required documentation to be eligible for the reduced fee. Financial aid will automatically be added to the participants online account after their application and documentation has been approved. Applications are available online (see below under documents) or in person at David Hellams Community Center or Bobby Pearse Community Center.

Financial assistance rates are $270 for the year. Sibling discounts do not apply to financial assistance rates.

Locations:

• Bobby Pearse Community Center (FULL)
  • Elementary: Stone Academy
  • Middle: League Middle
• David Hellams Community Center
  • Elementary: East North Street
  • Middle: Greenville Middle
• Nicholtown Community Center
  • Elementary: Lake Forest
  • Middle: Northwood Middle
• West Greenville Community Center
  • Elementary: AJ Whittenberg (transportation will be provided)
  • Middle: League
  • Legacy Charter School also provides transportation to the Center

Bussing Directly From The School To The Community Center: The City of Greenville DOES NOT provide transportation from the school to the afterschool site. Parents are responsible for arranging school bus transportation and also letting the school know that their child will be attending this afterschool program.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Refunds are not available after the first week of the program.
• Prior to August 17, Parent/Guardian must submit all completed parent consent forms.

DOCUMENTS

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook Forms

Financial Assistance Application Form

Afterschool Flyer

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.

Our advanced teen studios for 10th-12th graders provide advanced theatre techniques and training for young actors interested in pursuing a professional theatre career. Classes will have a showcase at the end of the semester of skills learned during class, but students will not be performing a full production.

Instructor: Connor Vetter – MEET CONNOR!

​

It’s audition season! This audition intensive is designed for actors auditioning for Governor’s School or college programs. Actors will prepare audition monologues and work on an acting resume.

​

This class will meet weekly on Wednesdays for 5 weeks starting Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The final class will be on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Instructor: Mary Thalassinos – MEET MARY!

Dive down to the ocean blue and explore life under the sea with magical mermaids,

friendly sharks, and other sea creatures only you can imagine!

​

This class will meet weekly on Wednesdays for 5 weeks starting Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The final class will be on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

In this high-energy acting class, young artists will use their voices, bodies, and imaginations as tools to create new characters, atmospheres, and narratives inspired by books! With fun exercises, games, and activities rooted in creative play, students will learn the fundamentals of theatre while also gaining confidence, sensory awareness, focus, and the ability to collaborate within a group. This is a process-based class focused on skill and ensemble building.  

For anyone who is not a veteran parent of 3^rd Stage, please email [email protected]. You will be sent a link to an Informational Video that you need to watch BEFORE the audition to determine if 3^rd Stage is right for your child and to explain the commitment expectations and goals of the class. The instructor will also review what students can expect in the audition and how to fill out the audition form that you need to bring TO the audition on either Wednesday, January 5 or Thursday, January 6 from 5-6:30pm, as well as the tech week (May 22-26) and performance expectations (May 27 & 28).

MANDATORY Auditions EITHER Wednesday, January 5 or Thursday, January 6 from 5-6:30pm. Bring your completed paperwork to the audition. We are creating the online audition registration you will need in order to sign-up for an audition slot.  Please check back in early December.

The class will meet on either Wednesdays or Thursdays (pending casting) from 5-6:30pm each week, Jan 12^th or 13^th up to our tech week before performances the weekend of May 27^th & 28^th. (Performers will perform in mask and inside on our 2^nd Stage. Audience members will also be required to wear a mask and will be assigned seats for the performance.)

Audition Info The audition will consist of a short test drive type class in which students will be guided through introductory acting exercises that will include following directions, stage areas, vocal projection and characterization. No reading is involved for this audition.  All auditionees will need to bring a non-returnable photo, and fill out an audition form with schedule conflicts noted – just like a regular MainStage audition. You will indicate on the audition form your preference for class day of week (Wednesday or Thursday or Either).  This less stressful way of auditioning gives the director and crew a better understanding of how actors work together and take direction.  Actors who are ready will then be invited to take the class as a pre-cast participant.

Cast list will be announced by Sunday, January 9 and those students who are not cast can still enroll in a Winter class.

Class Info 3^rd Stage is an opportunity for experienced younger actors to realize the hard work that goes into being “up there.”  Stories are adapted for a fully produced weekend run.  The age range allows elementary aged students to tackle character roles while younger actors create an ensemble experience.  Tuition is $250– payable after casting is announced.  Students embark on the rehearsal process creating characters and making acting choices guided by the director, Traysie Amick and the assistant director, Lexie West. In addition, they will see young artists (3^rd Stage Mentors) take on backstage and production roles, discover techniques and activities that are useful during “down-time” at rehearsal, and build a group of kindred partners with one objective: tell a great story!

Parents also have the opportunity to see how a child handles a heavier schedule and workload.  They become familiar with new theatre jargon and get an inside look at the demands and expectations of “tech rehearsals.”  Everybody learns!

We ask that students have completed at least 3 classes of theatre instruction.  At least one of these needs to be Exploration or Process Acting from SCCT. Students who are cast will need to attend class consistently—absences and tardies are strongly discouraged as it impacts the whole class! We may even connect students who are absent virtually via Zoom if needed so they don’t miss rehearsal time.

WEDNESDAY ENSEMBLE – meets every Wednesday Jan 12-May 18 (skip days on March 2 and March 23)
THURSDAY ENSEMBLE– meets every Thursday Jan 13-May 19 (skip days on March 3 and March 24)
*THE FOLLOWING DATES/TIMES ARE MANDATORY FOR MEMBERS OF BOTH ENSEMBLES*
SATURDAY, May 21           2:30-5:30 PM                             TECH Mandatory Attendance
MONDAY,   May 23           4:45-6:45 PM                              TECH Mandatory Attendance
TUESDAY,   May 24           4:45-6:45 PM                             TECH Mandatory Attendance
WEDNESDAY, May 25       4:45-6:45 PM                            TECH Mandatory Attendance
THURSDAY, May 26          4:45-6:45 PM                             TECH Mandatory Attendance
FRIDAY, May 27                4:45PM & 5:30 PM SHOW
SATURDAY, May 28           10:15 AM- Late Afternoon         11 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM SHOWS