Spartanburg City News

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Skating on the Square, Dickens of a Christmas kick off holiday season in Downtown Spartanburg Nov 24, 2015

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Thanksgiving week is here and the holiday decorations are up in Downtown Spartanburg, and that means it's time for two local yuletide favorites to make their annual return. Skating on the Square returns to Morgan Square on Wednesday, November 25, with Dickens of a Christmas scheduled to take over downtown on Tuesday, December 1, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Today on the podcast, we're talking with City Special Events Manager, Mandy Merck about what visitors can expect this year.

Spartanburg named winner of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Oct 28, 2015

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The good news just keeps coming for Spartanburg. Yesterday, the the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation's largest philanthropy dedicated solely to health, named Spartanburg one of eight winners of its Culture of Health Prize for 2015. Spartanburg County is being recognized for leveraging its unique strengths and rallying community partners around a shared vision of health. Efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in teen pregnancy rates in the county, a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization that is increasing affordable housing, education opportunities, and access to wellness services and healthy foods, increased access to healthcare and social services for low-income, uninsured residents in the county, and creative strategies to integrate behavioral health services into the community. To become a RWJF Culture of Health Prize winner, Spartanburg County had to demonstrate how it excelled in the following six criteria: Defining health in the broadest possible terms. Committing to sustainable systems changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions. Cultivating a shared and deeply-held belief in the importance of equal opportunity for health. Harnessing the collective power of leaders, partners, and community members. Securing and making the most of available resources. Measuring and sharing progress and results. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Mary Black Foundation President and CEO Kathy Dunleavy about this new award, and what it means for the work currently being done to address health issues within our community.

Hub City Brew Fest coming to Downtown Spartanburg, Saturday Oct. 24 Oct 21, 2015

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A lot has changed since RJ Rockers moved their brewery to its then-new location inside the old Salvation Army building on the corner of W Main Street and Daniel Morgan Avenue in 2009. Not that long ago, watery macrobrews filled seemingly every tap in Downtown Spartanburg, but today the options for those thirsting for something a bit more flavorful have never been more abundant, and with our city's long-overdue second craft brewer, Hub City Tap House opening their doors last month, options for beer brewed right here in Downtown Spartanburg are growing too. Any way you choose to look at it, the local craft beer scene is definitely on the rise, and this Saturday, 1-5 p.m., another first will be added to the mix as Hub City Brew Fest brings 25 brewers from all over the Carolinas to Downtown Spartanburg's first craft beer festival. In addition to all those tasty beverage options, the festival features a great local live music lineup and food from great local restaurants like Willy Taco and Venus Pie. Today on the podcast, we're talking with festival organizers Wilton Jordan and Lamar Baehr, and RJ Rockers' Mark Johnsen. Listen below to learn more, and follow this link to purchase tickets.

Papi's Tacos opens location inside Growler Haus in Downtown Spartanburg Sep 24, 2015

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In a move nearly as brilliant as when that Reese guy decided to put chocolate and peanut butter together, Greenville restaurant group Table 301 has partnered with downtown craft beer hotspot Growler Haus to bring their Papi's Tacos concept to Spartanburg. Located upstairs at Growler Haus' location at 113 N Church Street, the new eatery features authentic tacos and nachos, as well as chips served with queso, guacamole, or a variety of delicious salsas. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Growler Haus owner Craig Kinley and Table 301 owner Carl Sobocinski about the new addtion.

Volunteers needed for Cleveland Park playground build Sep 23, 2015

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It is perhaps the most iconic park in Spartanburg, a once vibrant public space where generations of our community's parents have brought children to play and enjoy one of the city's most picturesque scenes. For many, Cleveland Park is a place awash in happy memories of sunshine-filled childhood days. Punctuated by the charming pond spilling itself gently into a stream that burbles through the large open space where the old playground once buzzed with youthful laughter, Cleveland Park long ago earned its place as a defining part of the Spartanburg community. Now, four years after a tragic miniature train accident cast a shadow over this once joyous space, the Spartanburg County Parks Department has plans to build a new 12,000 sq ft. playground for Cleveland Park, hoping to bring the community together, both to shape the park's future and to help heal the still-fresh wounds from its recent past. For six days, October 20-25, teams of volunteers (of every skill level) working four hour shifts will build the new playground. In all 2,650 volunteer shifts will be needed to complete the project which will feature nods to Spartanburg County's history and culture such as a peach shed and Revolutionary War mural. The playground will also feature a climbing wall, a water wheel, and a swinging platform. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Spartanburg County Parks Director of Development and Public Relations, Marcia Murff and Senior Project Manager Mike Nation about the playground build and the future of Cleveland Park.

'Underground Guide to Spartanburg' highlights local hidden gems Aug 20, 2015

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From craft beer to acupuncture and smoothie stores to Russian groceries, the newly released Volume 2 of “The Underground Guide to Spartanburg” has the lowdown on plenty of unexpected treasures and trips inside Spartanburg County. There are more than 60 new entries in this 112-page guidebook, published this week by Spartanburg’s Hub City Press. If you’re looking for late-night music, anti-gravity yoga, oddball yard art, LGBT-friendly clubs, bike trails or Patagonia gear, this guidebook is for you. Hub City Bookshop will host a book signing, Thursday, Aug. 20, from 6-8 pm during the 5th anniversary of the businesses in the Masonic Temple. Today on the podcast, we're talking with the Underground Guide's editor, Joe Mullinax about the book, and some of the surprises locals and visitors can find inside. Visit Hub City Bookshop (186 W Main St.) to get a copy or hubcity.org/underground to purchase online.

Habitat for Humanity building three homes in Northside Aug 13, 2015

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They've been building affordable homes for local families in need for decades, and now, Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg is building three new homes on the Northside. The homes, which will be completed in the fall, are an "early-in" project on the Northside, built near Harvest Park, home of Hub City Farmers' Market and the Butterfly Foundation's Monarch Cafe, the Cleveland Academy of Leadership, and the future site of the planned T.K. Gregg center. Wofford College and Spartanburg Medical Center are both within a mile as well. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg Executive Director Lee Close and Director of Development and Marketing Lynne Shackleford about the homes, and the work the organization is doing on the Northside and throughout our community.

Solarize Spartanburg aims to encourage local homeowners to go solar Aug 12, 2015

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Part of the Solarize South Carolina initiative, Solarize Spartanburg is a new initiative aimed at encouraging more local homeowners to install solar systems by taking advantage of recently approved statewide policy changes that will make the systems more affordable for some homeowners. Through a coordinated partnership with the City of Spartanburg and Upstate Forever, the city will earn a free solar system for one of its municipal buildings for every 60 households who go solar before December 15, 2015. The group has scheduled an information session on August 27 at 6 p.m. at Upstate Forever's downtown office, 100 E Main St. #R4. Follow this link for more information. Today on the pocast we're talking with Solarize South Carolina Community Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Edwards and Shelley Robbins, Sustainable Communities & Clear Air Associate with Upstate Forever to learn more about this exciting new initiative.

Hub City Tap House to open Downtown Spartanburg's second brewery Aug 04, 2015

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Downtown Spartanburg's second craft brewery is set to open later this month as renovation work nears completion on Hub City Tap House's space on St John Street. Most recently the home of Spartan Photo, the building beside Papa's Breakfast Nook has undergone a transformation to become what's sure to be one of the coolest places in town to grab a tasty brew. Hub City Tap House plans to feature 30 taps, with 15 of their own cider and beer sharing wall space with other craft beers from around the region. The brewing pair, Michael Willcox and Kolby Garrison plan to feature some craft beer classics as well as some one-of-a-kind creations like a Russian imperial stout cider when their brewery opens later this month. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Wilcox and Garrison to get the skinny on what you can expect when Hub City Tap House opens its doors.

Hub City Farmers' Market sees growth continue in first season at Harvest Park Jul 29, 2015

Show notes

It's been quite a season for Hub City Farmers' Market so far during their first full season at Harvest Park. With continued growth and innovative new programs such as a new permaculture teaching farm highlighting an already exciting year, what's next for one of Spartanburg's most dynamic local nonprofit organizations? How about debuting a new local food truck at the market on Saturday, August 8? Today on the podcast we're talking with HCFM Executive Director Brendan Buttimer about that, and much more, including co-sponsoring this year's "Feeding Innovation" program, an eight-session workshop entrepreneurs looking to increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas that caps off with participants pitching their ideas to judges for a chance to receive $6,000 in startup funding. Listen below to learn more!

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