Apr 8, 2020 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
by Jeff Brown, VP of Marketing and Sponsorships, Greenville Drive
Jeff Brown
2005 looked like it was going to be a complete strike out for baseball fans in Greenville. The Greenville Braves, our Atlanta Braves affiliate, had just packed up and moved to Pearl, Mississippi. The Braves stadium on Mauldin Road was less than stellar, hardly the type of facility to attract a new team, and so it appeared professional baseball in Greenville was doomed.
And then something happened.
A group of businessmen from outside our community met with Greenville city officials and, after detailed and amicable discussions, agreed to privately build a stadium in downtown Greenville for a Boston Red Sox affiliate. It was to be a perfect example of a private/public partnership working towards a goal that was positive for the entire community. And ownership promised that the stadium would be ready for play in April 2006.
A piece of land was identified downtown in an area that seemed both amenable to and in need of something special. Construction began, and we were off to the races. The private/public partnership was proving cooperative and efficient. Baseball was back in Greenville and it was here to stay!
Well, fast forward to 2020, and the Greenville Drive is set to kick off its 15th anniversary season (sometime this year). Nearly five million fans have come through Fluor Field’s gates since that April day in 2006. The Drive has sent dozens of players to the major leagues, some of whom are now wearing World Series rings. We’re credited with helping anchor the revival of the West End of Greenville, our stadium has won prestigious awards, and most of all, we have become Greenville’s front porch, a gathering place for everyone in the community to come and enjoy a comfortable family atmosphere with good, affordable food and drinks, fresh air, a baseball game, and the wonderful company of thousands of other members of the Upstate family.
Beyond that, the Drive has become an integral part of the community, through our philanthropy and our many game nights dedicated to regional, economic, and educational initiatives, as well as the business community, local heroes, and our students. The Drive has taken its responsibility as a neighbor seriously, and we always will.
Fifteen years! It has flown by like a 400-foot Big Papi home run. And though this year is… how shall I put this…a little different than years in the past, we know it’s just a matter of time before we can all gather again at Fluor Field and enjoy a beautiful evening of baseball, beer, hot dogs, ice cream, kids’ laughter, and that warm breeze that reminds us all of how lucky we are to live where we live.
Our fans, and indeed the entire Upstate community has been enormously loyal to the Greenville Drive and for that, we are very grateful. We hope that as America and the world vanquishes this virus, our fans will return in droves, proving once again that ours is a community of resolve, unity and goodwill.
Make sure to check out our special 15th Anniversary Season mini-series on YouTube to relive some of the back-story & our favorite memories since the Drive first came to Greenville.
We began saying it last year, and it’s never been more true now:
Together we win.
Apr 2, 2020 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
by Amy Wood, Evening Anchor, WSPA TV
Three decades into my local news career, the coronavirus likely will be the biggest story of my lifetime. 
And it’s one that I am fully committed to delivering on all platforms.
I Anchor for 7 News on TV weeknights at 4, 6 and 7 PM on WSPA TV channel 7.
But, 24/7 I am turning out new webcam interviews… coordinating segments featuring viewer questions with our 7 News medical expert, running the #7Help Facebook group I started and staying in touch with community members… some of them sick with Covid… some of them sick with something else… some of them losing parents… some of them caring for a sick husband.
It’s all consuming because it’s so important.
From the start we have made sure to communicate how to protect yourself. How to see doctors without leaving your home. Because we want to walk you through these difficult times and see you on the other side of this. We want to do whatever we can to arm you with the info you need to stay safe and healthy.
But I’ve also been equally determined to get you info that helps you cope and get through this. Thus my interviews on mental health, domestic violence, ways to entertain children, home schooling experts and more.
I also spend time nightly on Instagram and Facebook live, just checking in. And that matters. Some of my viewers have told me I am their company…. their only visitor.
We all have a chance right now to make a difference. To pick up the phone. To see if we can drop off something for an elderly neighbor. That call makes someone feel a little less alone. Doing something to help will give you back a small piece of control over this unwieldy time in our lives. Together we will get through this. Be good to each other.
Follow Amy on Facebook, and check out WSPA’s Livin’ Upstate site!
Apr 1, 2020 | Uncategorized, UpstateVibe365
We’re into our third week of what’s become our new reality: work in the time of coronavirus. Those of you with school-age children are figuring out how to 
navigate having their school and your work taking place in the same space. My husband is on a rotating schedule of working from home, so he and I have worked together here at home a few days. My cat has decided she’s my officemate.
It feels like things are changing daily but also like time has slowed down so much that last week seems like it was a year ago. Phrases like “flatten the curve” and “social distancing” didn’t mean much to us a month or two ago, but they’ve slipped into our vocabulary almost unnoticed.
My husband and I walked around the disc golf course on the now-empty USC-Upstate campus yesterday evening, and when we got there, we were greeted by a sobering sight: Spartanburg Regional’s drive-through COVID-19 testing set-up, which made everything feel very real and close to home. We had just learned before we left the house of Governor McMaster’s order closing all non-essential businesses.
I try to imagine how we would have managed all of this in the days before the internet, when colleges and libraries and museums couldn’t pivot to offering services online, when social media didn’t allow us to stay connected to each other and quickly share information, when large numbers of workers shifting to working at home simply would not have been an option.
My book club still met last week, but instead of eating out together while we discuss our book, we used Zoom. Churches are streaming sermons. Children’s book authors are reading books aloud online for kids who are now home all day.
One of the best uses of the internet, and social media in particular, is when people use it to mobilize helpers in times of crisis. Facebook groups have sprung up, like #7Help, created by WSPA’s Amy Wood, for people to get and share information, and the COVID-19 Upstate SC Help Group. People share stories of neighbors, or even complete strangers, helping each other.
People are converting little free libraries into little free food pantries. They are pulling out their sewing machines and making masks for beleaguered hospitals that are running short on protective gear for medical workers.
In Greenwood, sales of t-shirts emblazoned with “Team Greenwood” are supporting laid-off service workers, and a screen printer in Anderson has started a similar effort. Laurens County has a Think Local Facebook page to promote their local businesses. Fountain Inn has created a page for people to find and give help.
On our COVID-19 resource page, you’ll see three links at the top of the page: one for the latest updates on the crisis, one with links for how you can help or get help, and one with good news stories. We want you to stay informed and get the help you need—but there IS good news out there! I’ll be adding to those pages all the time, so email me if you run across a good news story or a link about getting or giving help.
by Sharon Purvis, Director of Outreach and Special Projects, Ten at the Top
Apr 1, 2020 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
By Dr. D. Galen DeHay, President, Tri-County Technical College
Dr. Galen DeHay
Tri-County Technical College, along with colleges and universities nationwide, is responding to an unprecedented situation as COVID-19 spreads across the U.S.
The threat of this disease is not only requiring us to shift our classroom-based spring course offerings to an online format in rapid-fire fashion, it is also requiring us to completely rethink how we provide support to the most vulnerable students in our population, particularly first-generation college students and those from economically disadvantaged situations.
Tri-County students, like others across the nation, were halfway through the semester when this national health crisis hit. While disruptive and inconvenient to all college students, for many of our students the impact is far more serious. Students who did not choose online learning are working to adapt to this format. Some don’t have the equipment and WiFi access that many of us take for granted. Worse, many are facing loss of wages, food insecurity, isolation, and fear during this difficult time.
We can’t allow this crisis to derail their efforts; too much is at stake for too many students and we are determined not to let them down.
The dedication of our entire team in response to this extraordinary circumstance is nothing short of remarkable. Faculty have been working long hours to convert their courses to an online format and to help us make the best decisions for the well-being of our students. Staff have designed new ways to connect and continue relationships with students remotely during this uncertain time, providing much-needed support. Our administration, while managing the immediate crisis, remains focused on the future to ensure stability and continuity in the face of the unknown.
In every decision we have made during these hectic weeks, we have remained committed to those most vulnerable while at the same time maintaining our academic integrity and providing a high-quality learning experience online. We also are dedicated to maintaining the important sense of community we have always shared among faculty, staff, and students even as we are physically separated.
Students in the mechatronics program at Tri-County Tech
There are many questions we are currently working to answer, such as how our students will be able to complete clinicals and technical lab requirements for the semester. We face future enrollment uncertainties, potential budgetary impacts, and other things yet unknown. This remains a time of uncertainty due to the swiftly changing nature of this situation, and our only choice is to continually work through each issue and anticipate potential scenarios yet unknown.
Doubtless changes to our world will linger after this virus subsides, and things will never return to past ways of being. We will learn from our mistakes and from what we have done right. I am confident we will be stronger and better on the other side.
Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and support as we continue to fulfill our educational and workforce development mission.
Mar 30, 2020 | Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
Greer-based Century 3 donated 500 face masks Monday to police, fire and EMS workers in Greer to help protect them from the COVID-19 coronavirus. “It’s a very kind and generous donation,” said Greer Police Lt. Patrick Fortenberry. “We like to say policing is a partnership. We’ve been partners with Century 3 for years. This donation will protect our officers for some time.” Read more.
The Duke Energy Foundation has announced a $150,000 donation to support low-income customers in the Palmetto State who are struggling to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 crisis.
This additional funding will significantly increase the assistance available through the Energy Neighbor Fund and Share the Warmth programs to provide help to about 550 households with their utility bills. Funds can assist with heating or cooling costs. Read more.
Parent Tashma Glymph says teachers are under-appreciated, especially those who go above and beyond the call of duty during a coronavirus pandemic. That’s why she organized a small parade Sunday to honor her daughter Kirsten’s fourth-grade teacher at Pine Street Elementary School, April Volk. Read more.
Dray Bar and Grill is partnering with Upstate Service Industry United over the next few weeks to provide free take-out meals for food and beverage service industry workers and their families. Read more.
Parents and students can express their appreciation for teachers by downloading the sign at right, snapping a photo of you and your children with the sign, and submitting it to thankateacher@greenville.k12.sc.us. We will post your photos on the GCS Facebook page throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. Read more.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is providing nearly $1.6 million to expand Senior Resources’ emergency senior citizen nutrition program. The contribution from the health insurer, combined with resources from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, will provide an anticipated 245,000 meals to eligible homebound elderly persons, according to a news release. Read more.
Michelin North America donated more than 25,000 surgical masks to AnMed Health Thursday, while Greenville Technical College held a critical supplies drive for the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. Read more.
Downtown Easley is festooned with green banners listing the names of Easley High seniors, and they’ll stay there until graduation day. A decision about graduation will be made by May 11th, but school officials want to make it special. Watch the clip.
The Anderson University COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to remove financial obstacles that may hinder students’ academic success, said Anderson University Senior Vice President for Development and Presidential Affairs Wayne Landrith. “During this unprecedented time of global crisis, many of our students and their families find themselves facing unexpected financial hardships and uncertainty about the future,” Landrith said. “Of course, that is true of our alumni and friends as well, but we have received so many calls and emails asking how they can help. It speaks volumes about the generosity of our people and their recognition that our community is stronger together.” Read more.
Wofford basketball players talk to Cowpens Elementary students on Zoom
The kids had important questions for the players. How are they staying safe? Why did they choose Wofford? Who is their favorite Avenger? What superpower would they like to have? Read more.
Read about it here.
See the post here.
Bi-Lo on Reidville Road paid for the groceries of all medical personnel and first responders Monday evening.
Bi-Lo Reidville Road manager Alex Clever with a very happy first responder customer.
“At BI-LO, we’re dedicated to giving back to our communities, especially during these uncertain times. To show our appreciation and gratitude for our community heroes, we rewarded thousands of customers with free groceries during Monday night’s shopping hour dedicated to health care professionals and first responders. As a community, we are #StrongerTogether and will keep #WinningTogether together with kindness.”
17-year-old Savannah Williams and 15-year-old Garrett Williams
While looking at the United Way’s website, the teens discovered a way they could assist the Spartanburg Opportunity Center. According to the website, the need was for laundry detergent to wash clothes for the homeless. Spartanburg Opportunity Center set a goal of raising enough detergent to do 2,020 loads of laundry, but the Williams siblings did more than that.
Greenville Health Authority, by way of the Healthy Greenville Grant initiative, pledged $150,000 to three organizations in Greenville County in order to make an immediate impact on organizations that are seeking to provide health assistance for the county’s most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis. The three organizations are Miracle Hill (for their COVID-19 shelters for the homeless), Meals on Wheels of Greenville, and FoodShare of Greenville. Read more.
Seniors Are Honored with Downtown Banners
Spring sports seasons have been cancelled and athletic banquets are not happening this year, so Pickens and Woodruff honored their senior athletes by hanging banners with their photos downtown. Click the links to see the photos!
A parade of honking cars drive by the home of Carson Griffin, on her 11th birthday in Anderson Friday. Classmates originally were going to have a party, but with the closure of Skateland and threat of the coronavirus, they decided to surprise her with the parade. See more here.
Jamarcus Gaston talks to two Upstate makers who are 3-D printing PPEs (personal protective equipment) to ship to hospitals that need them, in collaboration with the group 3DforCOVID.com. See the whole story here.
Meals on Wheels of Greenville is committed to supporting Greenville County seniors and homebound neighbors as social distancing and additional restrictions increase in efforts to suppress COVID-19. Despite the uncertain times, the Meals on Wheels priority remains to deliver a hot, nutritious meal and personal interaction to the homebound throughout Greenville County while also ensuring the health and safety of all parties involved. Read more.
A blessing box has been placed outside of Yousef’s Kitchen containing a variety of donated dry goods for those in need to take.
“Since she just started the shopping service last weekend, she’s only gotten a few families signed up. But she’s enlisted 10 of her fellow medical students to do the same in their neighborhoods as well.” Read more.
For many in the Upstate, life has changed as the coronavirus’ impact expands, and some residents have taken action to help. Read more.
Lions Club cancels tournament but raises money anyway
The Greer Centennial Lions Club found a way to raise money after canceling a fund-raising bass tournament planned for this weekend. The Lions asked sponsors to contribute and the club donated $3,000 each to three organizations, including Greer Relief (pictured), Greer Community Ministries and the Greer Soup Kitchen.
Over 40 teachers and staff at Boiling Springs Elementary School participated in a teacher’s caravan parade through four of the school’s neighborhoods in Boiling Springs, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. The teachers held signs and told their students they were thinking of them while the school is closed down. Katie Sanders, a third grader at BSES, holds a sign from her car as she waves to the passing caravan in her neighborhood. See photos here.
Mar 25, 2020 | Education, Staying on Top, UpstateVibe365
by Catherine Schumacher, President & CEO, Public Education Partners
I’m writing this blog post from my home office, where I am enjoying one of the two benefits of working from home (the other being the dress code): windows.
I never thought I would miss my windowless office at Public Education Partners so much. I took the quiet space, free of distractions, for granted. I took my brilliant and funny colleagues, the quick convenings in the hallway and the rather grim breakroom, for granted. Lots of things…taken for granted.
As our communities come together to respond to COVID-19 and its wide-ranging impact, all of us at Public Education Partners hope that there is one thing that no one will take for granted ever again: the essential role that public schools play in our society. Not just as places of learning, but as anchors of our communities.
Schools are, first and foremost, a safe space where our children learn to be educated, engaged, empathetic members of society. What we have seen in the last few weeks, however, is all of the OTHER things our schools do as well. Kids receive healthy meals that keep their bodies strong and minds sharp. They turn to school-based health centers to receive medical care and mental health supports. Families are connected to a broad network of social service providers that help with everything from homelessness to job training.
All from one, chronically underfunded system.
Our school districts–our teachers, counselors, principals, staff, administrators, and superintendents–are superheroes. As Greenville County Schools Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster observed in this op-ed published last week in the Greenville News, the efforts to transform learning and other support for our students on a very short timeframe are nothing short of “heroic.”
In Greenville County alone, we have 81 different locations where the district is providing not only two meals per day for students, but also free wi-fi access so that kids who don’t have it at home can download new content to their school-issued Chromebooks, submit assignments to teachers, and continue learning. Special education teachers, counselors, and school social workers are all keeping a close eye on their students, checking in just as they would if schools were in session as usual. These efforts are being replicated at districts across the Upstate, and they powerfully demonstrate the ways in which public education is about so much more than academics.
Public Education Partners of Greenville County is proud to serve as co-facilitator with Ten at the Top of the Upstate Education Spectrum, which convenes key stakeholders to discuss critical needs in education that impact our Upstate Counties. Over the last year, we have been focusing on the teacher shortage, working together to develop strategies for recruiting and retaining the best teachers for our Upstate classrooms—inviting them to #TeachattheTop.
The Teach at the Top brand was developed in partnership with our friends at Duke Brands and will be the heart of collaborative messaging about the benefits of teaching in the Upstate. Like PEP’s #Teach864 campaign, Teach at the Top will celebrate the terrific work of teachers and schools in our communities. Keep an eye out for news from #TeachattheTop on social media platforms in the weeks to come—now is the perfect time to shine a bright spotlight on these superheroes among us.
I also want to ask our Upstate community to keep a close eye on how we can support our public schools, teachers and administrators, and the students and families that they serve over the next several weeks. In particular, our Upstate United Ways are helping to coordinate strategic supports for children and families during this time. Public Education Partners will be doing everything that we can to be a good partner to Greenville County Schools, our colleagues at Ten at the Top, and others as we navigate this crisis. I invite you to follow us on our social media platforms (@PEPGreenville) and website for critical information relating to COVID-19, along with updates about our own programming.
Be well. Stay safe. Thank a teacher.
Public Education Partners (PEP), founded in 1985, leads our community in acting collectively to support, strengthen, and advance public education and student achievement in Greenville County Schools. To that end, its work focuses on Elevating Teachers, Empowering Advocates, and Engaging Communities.
