Jul 30, 2021 | Community Vibrancy, Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Over a year in waiting, the Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival – “Reinventing America” starring Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Hedy Lamarr and Rosa Parks, has been finally scheduled for September 3 – 12, 2021. Reinventing America – what topic would be more appropriate after a deadly disease has turned our entire world upside-down? After all, after the Plague came the Renaissance.
This ten-day, two-weekend festival offers non-stop live history and fun for the whole family. Get ready to laugh, cry and flat out have a great time. Daily live shows are performed in costume by nationally acclaimed historical interpreters. There will be great story-telling, lots to laugh about, and deep secrets revealed. You’ll laugh – you’ll cry – you’ll have lots of questions. And they’ll be answered. Bring your stories. Share your experiences. Get inspired. Because you’re a part of the show. It’s not just history – it’s personal.
Step back in time and meet these brilliant American game changers – hear their stories – ask them how their world changed. Create a new nation with BEN FRANKLIN. Turn darkness into light with Thomas Edison. Spark the Electrical Revolution with NIKOLA TESLA. Set the stage for WiFi and cell phones with Hollywood’s HEDY LAMARR. And like ROSA PARKS demand your Civil Rights.
To provide a safe environment for our audience all main shows will be held outdoors – daytime and evening. If inclement weather prevents an outdoor event, the performance will be aired virtually at HistoryComesAlive.org.
America has always been – and remains – a work in progress. Each generation has reinvented itself, often in the face of extreme challenges. What happens next? Find out this September at the Chautauqua History Comes Alive Festival – Reinventing America! There’s nothing like experiencing history outdoors in a beautiful setting. There will be great story-telling, lots to laugh about, and deep secrets revealed. You’ll laugh – you’ll cry – you’ll have lots of questions. And they’ll be answered. Bring your stories. Share your experiences. Get inspired. Because it’s not just history – it’s personal.
What can you expect at Chautauqua? Historical interpreters dressed in costume will bring each character to life and to speak in the character’s own words. But then the audience becomes a part of the show with their questions. The replies will be historically authentic, based on research using letters, diaries, journals, and published writings. Finally, the performer will step out of character and answer the audience questions the character either couldn’t or wouldn’t answer.
Who are the performers? A cast of nationally acclaimed historical interpreters. There are simply no better interpreters of these powerful and fascinating historic figures. Ben Franklin (Larry Bounds, Greer, SC) – Thomas Edison (Hank Fincken, Indianapolis IN) – Nikola Tesla (Ian Ruskin, Los Angeles, CA) – Hedy Lamarr (Judith Kalaora, Boston MA) – Rosa Parks (Becky Stone, Fairview NC.)
Where can I see the shows? Outdoor live shows are (September 3 – 12) – Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater, 101 City Center Dr, Mauldin, SC 29662. Bring lawn seating. No reservations needed. Discussion series to be held indoors at the Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe St, Greenville, SC 29601 (Registration required for Discussion Series – HistoryComesAlive.org)
When can I see the shows? Evening outdoor shows at 7pm Friday Sept 3 – Sunday Sept 12. Daytime outdoor shows at 10am Saturday Sept 4 and Monday Sept 6 through Sunday Sept 12.
ASL Interpreted Shows at Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Auditorium (bring lawn seating) – Free.
Wednesday September 8 at 7pm – Thomas Edison
Thursday September 9 at 7pm – Nikola Tesla
Friday September 10 at 7pm – Rosa Parks
Saturday September 11 at 7pm – Ben Franklin
Sunday September 12 at 7pm – Hedy Lamarr
School Outreach programs
As a part of the 2021 History Comes Alive Festival, Chautauqua will also perform the Reinventing America shows at seven Greenville County Schools.
Greenville Chautauqua
More than history. More than a performance. More than a story. We are Chautauqua, a nonprofit, experiential oral tradition that brings history to life through interactive theater and compelling discussion that stimulates critical thinking. We believe stories should be told and histories deserve to be heard. We’re committed to bringing great communities together to celebrate culture, conversation, and critical thought. We celebrate the diversity of our culture through a variety of voices from the past because history belongs to all of us. As a non-profit dedicated to bringing history to life, our events are and always will be free, fun, and family-friendly.
CHAUTAUQUA HISTORY ALIVE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE September 3 – 12, 2021
GREATER GREENVILLE (Free)
Friday 9/3
7:00p Ben Franklin, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Saturday 9/4
10:00a Rosa Parks, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
7:00p Thomas Edison, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Sunday 9/5
7:00p Nikola Tesla, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Monday 9/6
10:00a Thomas Edison, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
7:00p Rosa Parks, Mauldin Amphitheater
Tuesday 9/7
10:00a Nikola Tesla, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
2:00p Rosa Parks Discussion (reservations required,) Upcountry History Museum
7:00p Hedy Lamarr, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Wednesday 9/8
10:00a Ben Franklin, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
2:00p Nikola Tesla Discussion (reservations required,) Upcountry History Museum
7:00p Thomas Edison, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Thursday 9/9
10:00a Hedy Lamarr, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
2:00p Ben Franklin Discussion (reservations required,) Upcountry History Museum
7:00p Nikola Tesla, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Friday 9/10
10:00a Thomas Edison, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
2:00p Hedy Lamarr Discussion (reservations required,) Upcountry History Museum
7:00p Rosa Parks, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Saturday 9/11
10:00a Nikola Tesla, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
2:00p Thomas Edison Discussion (reservations required,) Upcountry History Museum
7:00p Ben Franklin, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Sunday 9/12
7:00p Hedy Lamarr, Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater
For more Information: HistoryComesAlive.org or phone 864-244-1499.
Jul 27, 2021 | Community Vibrancy, Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
About LEAD
The goal of LEAD Upstate is to bridge the local community and law enforcement together in the name of appreciation and gratitude. LEAD Upstate provides an opportunity for residents to say thank you to all law enforcement personnel in Greenville County, including Greenville, Greer, Traveler’s Rest, Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn. Our sponsors are honored to host this event and participate by serving breakfast and handing out prizes. It truly means so much to the men and women who courageously dedicate their lives each day to serve and protect the citizens of their communities every day.
LEAD Upstate History
Seabrook Marchant, the founder of LEAD Upstate, has always held a special appreciation for law enforcement officers. As a previous member of the Civil Service Commission for Greenville, Seabrook was responsible for helping to hire police and firefighters for the city of Greenville. Through his service, Seabrook became well-acquainted with the needs, concerns, and triumphs of those within the law enforcement profession.
It was Seabrook’s numerous encounters with officers at Tommy’s Ham House that conceived the LEAD Upstate event. After witnessing an inordinate amount of police personnel at Tommy’s Ham House waiting for breakfast, Seabrook and a friend decided to buy their meals as a token of their appreciation. This was the small catalyst for the event, growing larger every year as Seabrook found appreciative sponsors to continue this tradition. There came a need for a bigger venue as “the law enforcement breakfast at Tommy’s Ham House” amassed more popularity amongst different municipal offices. After arranging accommodations at Westin Poinsett, officers were invited to come between shifts to enjoy breakfast and fellowship with one another. In addition to meal accommodations, each officer received “valor bags” filled with gifts from local businesses, organizations and sponsors, a tradition that is still kept today.
The LEAD Upstate Event
In its early years, LEAD Upstate was hosted as a sit down breakfast at The Westin Poinsett in Downtown Greenville. However, due to COVID-19, LEAD was transformed into a drive-through event in 2020, organized at the Greenville Convention Center and was the most successful function to date! The drive-through format allowed officers to stop by in between their shifts, allowing more officers to be served. Due to the overwhelming positive feedback received from last year’s event, the 2021 LEAD event will be hosted again at the Greenville Convention Center!
Upon arriving, officers will receive a complimentary breakfast box, coffee, a LEAD t-shirt, and valor bag filled with giveaway items. The reusable tote bags are graciously donated by an event sponsor, as are the contents inside. Items often include gift certificates to local restaurants, coupons, and various promotional items from local businesses. Another fan-favorite of the LEAD Upstate event is the various prize drawings. A large portion of the funds raised are used to buy big-ticket items to give away to officers registered for the event. In past years, items such as flat screen televisions, iPads, Apple Watches, Amazon Alexas, free rounds of golf, and much more have been gifted.
How to Get Involved
As the LEAD Upstate event continues to grow, any support is greatly appreciated and encouraged. To ensure this LEAD 2021 is a success, we are in need of volunteers to help facilitate this event. We are also
actively seeking donations, either in the form of monetary sponsorship or donations to the valor bags or giveaway prizes. Without your support, we would be unable to show our immense gratitude to the men and women who courageously dedicate their lives each day to serve the citizens of their communities.
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do, why we do it, and who we are serving. You can also find more sponsorship and contact information there as well.
www.leadupstate.com
Jul 14, 2021 | Community Vibrancy, Staying on Top, Uncategorized, UpstateVibe365
Written by: Brandon Worley, UCAG Founder/Executive Director
Brandon Worley signed up for the Army after graduating high school in 2010 from Clinton High. Brandon served active duty as an artillery mechanic from July 2010- July 2014. Worley founded Upstate-Carolina Adaptive Golf (UCAG) in October 2018 while working on his Master of Science in Positive Psychology at Life University. Worley was inspired after volunteering for a Georgia State Golf Association adaptive golf program for visually impaired children hosted by David Windsor and now operates UCAG as the Executive Director. Worley has attended 2 national adaptive golf coach workshops hosted by David Windsor and is dedicated to the mission of UCAG to serve individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities and provide opportunities for adaptive golf. UCAG serves veterans, individuals recovering from physical or mental trauma, adults and children with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Brandon hosted an adaptive golf coach training at Clemson University in April 2019 and UCAG been operating consistent adaptive golf clinics since July 2019. Brandon just recently graduated in Dec 2020 with his Masters in Positive Psychology with a concentration in coaching.
The mission of Upstate-Carolina Adaptive Golf (UCAG) is to serve individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities and provide opportunities for adaptive golf. UCAG serves veterans, individuals recovering from physical or mental trauma, adults and children with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities.
UCAG’s programming improves physical & mental health, overall wellness, and access to innovative therapy for adaptive athletes in our community. UCAG believes anyone can discover their abilities (not their disabilities) when given the opportunity, we exist to provide that opportunity for everyone.
UCAG’s therapeutic approach to adaptive golf coaching establishes a “no-fail” environment for those new to golf and utilizes adaptive equipment to maximize all levels of abilities. Our coaches implement mindfulness-based cognitive strategies to increase confidence, establish independence, and positively impact mental and physical health. The involvement in a community of people overcoming obstacles and pursuing common goals is therapeutic, and the opportunities to socialize and learn together that we provide are paramount. Our clinics provide benchmarks for improvements in physical health, psycho-social status, cognitive status, and recreation activity within the community to measure our impact on length and quality of life in the greater Greenville disabled Veteran and special needs communities. Galvanized by the ability to enhance lives, UCAG passionately pursues continued development and growth of our programming and capability to increase opportunities to make an impact on and provide a community for the participants we serve.
Website: www.ucagnow.org
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl7UDqsyaJqzYyNI8wissSA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upstatecarolinaadaptivegolf
Our monthly Veteran & Community Adaptive Golf Clinics:
Every 3rd Monday of the month at Topgolf 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Every 4th Monday of the month at Shanks driving range 4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Jun 24, 2021 | UpstateVibe365
The best way to beat this South Carolina heat is by finding a good lake or swimming hole to cool off in. Upstate South Carolina has a many outdoor options available for free or low cost and they are the perfect way to get outside this summer while getting a break from the heat. Check out the list below to find an attraction in your county.
Abbeville County: Calhoun Falls State Park
- 46 Maintenance Shop RD, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628
- 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Admission
- Adults – $3
- Seniors – $1.50
- Children age 6-15 – $1
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Nature walks, swimming, camping, and fishing
Anderson County: Lake Hartwell
- 19138-A HWY 11 S Fair Play, SC 29643
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission
- Adults – $3
- Seniors – $1.50
- Children age 6-15 – $1
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Swimming, fishing, kayaking and motor boating
Cherokee County: Lake Whelchel
- 198 Concord Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341
- Admission
- $25 for boating permit, fishing permit required to fish
- Activities
- Kayaking, hiking or mountain biking on the Lake Whelchel Trail, but no swimming allowed in the lake
Greenville County: Jones Gap State Park
- 303 Jones Gap RD, Marietta, SC 29661
- 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (hikers must be off trails by 7:30 p.m.)
- Admission
- Adults – $6
- SC seniors – $3.75
- Children ages 6-15 – $3.50
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Rainbow Falls, visit swimming holes as you go along the Middle Saluda River
- Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance of your visit. Go to the SC State Parks website to make your reservation.
Greenwood County: Lake Greenwood State Park
- 302 State Park Rd, Ninety Six, SC 29666
- 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Admission
- Adults – $3
- SC seniors – $1.50
- Children age 6-15 – $1
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Fishing, swimming in the lake, and kayaking.
Laurens County: Lake Rabon
- Lake Rabon Dr. Lauren, SC 29360
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission
- Free, but boat permits and fishing licenses must be purchased for those activities.
- Activities
Oconee County: Lower White Water Falls
- Foothills Trail Lower Falls, Salem, SC 29676
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission
- Vehicles with seven passengers or less – $3
- Vehicles with seven passengers or more – $1/person
- Activities
- Hiking, swimming (in river on hike to the falls, swimming is not allowed at the falls)
Falls Creek Falls
- Falls Creek Waterfall Trail, 1526 Fall Creek Rd, Marietta, SC 29661
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission
- Free, but parking is limited
- Activities
- Hiking, wading/swimming below waterfall
Blue Holes Falls
- Rich Mountain RD, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission
- Activities
Pickens County: Table Rock State Park – Carrick Creek Falls
- 158 Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671
- Sunday-Thursday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Extended to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
- Admission
- Adults – $6
- SC seniors – $3.75
- Children age 6-15 – $3.50
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Hiking, swimming around the falls area
Twin Falls
- Water Falls RD, Sunset, SC 29685
- Sunrise to sunset
- Admission
- Activities
- Hiking, swimming below falls
Spartanburg County: Croft State Park – Craig Lake
- 450 Croft State Park RD, Spartanburg, SC 29302
- 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Admission
- Adults – $3
- SC seniors – $1.50
- Children age 6-15 – $1
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Fishing, swimming, kayaking
Union County: Musgrove Mill Horseshoe Falls Trail
- 398 State Park RD, Clinton, SC 29325
- 9 a.m. – 6 a.m.
- Admission
- Adults – $3
- SC seniors – $1.50
- Children age 6-15 – $1
- Below 5 – free
- Activities
- Hiking, swimming near falls
Jun 24, 2021 | UpstateVibe365
As the summer heats up, all you want to do is cool off – but you still want to spend time outside so that you don’t feel guilty about wasting the summer away. Here are a few of the best water attractions the Upstate has to offer. This list is here to help you find a way to stay outside, but still stay cool. Check out one of these family-friendly options for you in our very own Upstate!
WATERPARKS
Otter Creek Waterpark
- 101 W. Darby Road, Greenville, SC 29609
- 10:30 am – 5:30 pm on Monday-Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm on Sunday
- Restrictions
- Children under 42” must wear a life jacket
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Costs
- 42” and taller – $11.50
- 41” and under (and Seniors) – $8.50
- 2 years old and younger – FREE
- Online Tickets – $11.50
Discovery Island Waterpark
- 417 Baldwin Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29680
- 10:30 am – 5:30 pm on Monday-Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm on Sunday
- Restrictions
- Children under 42” must wear a life jacket
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Costs
- 48” and taller – $12.50
- 47” and under (and Seniors) – $8.50
- 2 years old and younger – FREE
- Online Tickets – $12.50
7th Inning Splash Waterpark
- 1500 Piedmont Hwy, Piedmont, SC 29673
- 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Monday-Saturday, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sunday
- Restrictions
- Children under 42” must wear a life jacket
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
- Costs
- 48” and taller – $7.25
- 47” and under (and Seniors) – $6.25
- 2 years old and younger – FREE
- Online Tickets – $7.25
Shipwreck Cove Waterpark
- 119 South Spencer Street, Duncan, SC, 29334
- 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Monday-Saturday, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sunday
- Costs
- 42” and taller – $11.00
- 41” and under – $8.00
- 2 years old and younger – FREE
- Seniors/Handicap/Military – $6.00
- Deck Pass – $4.00
- Restrictions
- Children under 42” cannot use the slides
SPLASH PADS
- Stewart Park
- 453 Beacon Street, Spartanburg
- Barnet Park
- 248 East Saint John Street, Spartanburg
- Tyger River Park
- Airport Park
- 500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg
- McKinney Park
- 231 East Hayne Street, Woodruff
- Carolina Wren Park
- 111 East Whitner St, Anderson
- The Fountain Inn Splash Pad
- 104 North Main St, Fountain Inn
- Uptown Greenwood
- 220 Maxwell Ave, Greenwood
Although these parks may be smaller than your large-scale waterparks, these are all great and affordable options that provide convenient adventures and fun times right in your own backyard. If this past year has taught us anything it is that small doesn’t necessarily mean less fun! A day trip with family and friends to one of these waterparks or splash pads will provide everything your family needs for an exciting summer outing. Go enjoy, have fun, and cool off with these Upstate attractions!
Jun 16, 2021 | UpstateVibe365
Formerly known as Neighborhood Housing Corporation, Beyond Housing was created in 1989 and is one of the oldest affordable housing non-profit organizations in Greenville County. While we have been around for over 30 years and have created almost 200 homeownership opportunities, we felt we were missing something. We felt we needed to do more. COVID-19 made that even more clear. In the last year, we revamped our mission, vision, and strategic direction. After a lot of work behind the scenes, we are thrilled to reveal our new name as Beyond Housing and our added emphasis on community development.
Over the years, we have come to realize that building and renovating homes is simply not enough. Housing, while an important aspect of well-being, is just one aspect of a thriving community. Access to grocery stores, transportation, quality education, and recreational spaces are some of the many other components that are necessary for a high quality of life.
Here is our Strategic Plan and the objectives for each pillar:
Achieve Organizational Sustainability.
Define and achieve operational self-sufficiency.
Develop and implement a multi-faceted funding strategy.
Align staff positions with organizational needs.
Strengthen our governance structure.
Maximize Our Community Impact.
Adopt guidelines to ensure consistent decision-making for property acquisition and client selection.
Define our focus area(s).
Identify and align our programs with unmet community needs.
Develop program metrics and assess our impact.
Strengthen Brand and Increase Recognition.
Promote our brand in order to engage and inspire clients, staff, volunteers, funders, and the community.
Become a recognized agency within Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson Counties.
Cultivate Relationships with Stakeholders.
Collaborate with new and existing partners to improve outcomes for our clients and their families.
Establish relationships with our clients and the communities in which. Beyond Housing wants to create strong, diverse communities that can attract and keep talent, start and grow businesses, and overcome issues that arise. We believe the citizens will be happier, healthier, richer, and live longer lives. Businesses will have a larger base of customers who can purchase their products and services, and the city will earn tax income to continue to support important programs and reduce debt.
Going forward, we will continue to create affordable homeownership and rental opportunities, but we will not stop there. We are committed to going beyond; to working side-by-side with residents to set and achieve goals that they have for their communities. Successful community development takes collaboration among stakeholders who are dedicated to working together to define and solve problems within the community and pursuing opportunities.
Our vision is equitable and vibrant communities where all residents are equipped to prosper and achieve their full potential. Join us in this endeavor to create a better Greenville for all!
Our mission is to provide quality affordable homes that instill pride, promote health, and create economic stability. We serve residents below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and have a special emphasis on older adults (55+), veterans, and residents below 60% AMI for our rental properties. Currently, our service footprint includes Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Laurens, and Pickens Counties.
To get involved with Beyond Housing, keep an eye on newspaper and news announcements for information on special events such as an outdoor movie viewing. Volunteer your time on our board of directors or a committee that may interest you. And finally, donate resources to help us fund projects and future opportunities!
For more information, please contact Beyond Housing Executive Director, James Alston at 864.631.2041 or james@beyondhousingsc.org. To find out more about Beyond Housing and donate, visit beyondhousingsc.org.
