Tomorrow marks Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary. 🌎 Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin in 1970 as a way to educate the public about the environment + the effects of pollution.Approximately 20 million Americans nationwide, about 10% of the U.S. population at the time, turned out to demonstrate their views on the human impact on the environment. In 1990, the holiday became the global movement we know today.
Apart But Connected | Image from Iliana Galvez
Normally, Earth Day is celebrated in many ways from school projects and plays to community clean ups to just being in nature. This year’s celebrations might look a little different, but hopefully you can enjoy some time outside in your own neighborhood or backyard.
We’re definitely missing our gorgeous parks this spring, especially tomorrow, but lucky for us, Lake Conestee Nature Preserve (LCNP) is hosting a four-day virtual event for the whole family in honor of Earth Day. We wanted to give y’all plenty of time to register + get your game faces on.
To play, just download the app + register your team(it’s suggested you play in teams of 2 or more). You’ll get an email with the passcode to unlock the game and the scavenger hunt will begin on Earth Day at 10 a.m. + go through midnight on April 26.LCNPwill load the app with trivia questions + exciting challenges, so your family can learn all about the environment around us. 🌸
These “missions” might require you to answer via text, snap a photo, or submit a video to receive points. Submit an answer that’s got some extra flare for bonus points + track your progress against competitors to see where you stand. Publix gift cards ranging from $25-$100 will be awarded to the top three teams.🏆
While this event is free, LNCP is accepting donations for their COVID-19 Relief Fund in any amount.
Happy Earth Day, GVL. 🌎
Coronavirus
○ In a press conference yesterday afternoon, Gov. Henry McMaster canceled his executive order that closed all beaches, effective today at noon. The decision to reopen the beaches will ultimately fall to local mayors + governments. He also re-opened retail stores that were closed pursuant to Executive Order 2020-18, effective at 5 p.m. yesterday. Occupancy will still be limited in these businesses to five customers per 1,000 sq. ft. of retail space or 20% occupancy, whichever is less. Law enforcement can dispel groups of three or more anywhere in the state, including on the beaches. (WYFF 4) ○ In the same news conference yesterday, Gov. McMaster also announced the creation of accelerateSC. This volunteer organization will work to “identify issues, solutions, and assets necessary for a phased revitalization path for South Carolina’s economy, guided by healthcare and medical data.” Greenville Mayor Knox White will serve as a member of accelerateSC. (WYFF 4)
○ S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman stated that an announcement will be made regarding S.C. K-12 school closures by the end of this week. As of now, schools are to remain closed through April 30. (The State)
○ Even the Mice on Main are bracing for the coronavirus. Someone made teeny-tiny masks for Greenville’s iconic bronze statues, and we can’t get over it. See pictures here. (Fox Carolina)
○Piedmont Scoreis hosting a virtual workshop this morning from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to help area businesses + nonprofits learn more about how to engage with customers online during this COVID-19 crisis. All registrants will receive up to $150 in Google Ad credit that they can use for their business. Click here to register for the event.
○ S.C. DHEC announced on Friday it has named Dr. Joan Duwve the new Director of Public Health for South Carolina. Dr. Duwve received a Medical Doctor degree (MD) from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan + has over 20 years of experience in the public health field. (S.C. DHEC)
○ Are you looking to help out local businesses in need? Check out Bridge GVL. Think of this new website as your COVID-19 Greenville Yellow pages. Project organizers created this interactive guide of Greenville businesses (mostly restaurants for now) to help y’all better understand who’s open right now + what services they’re offering.
○ The Foothills Philharmonic announced on Friday that the remainder of the 2019-2020 season will be cancelled. In the coming weeks, the philharmonic will publish more information about the upcoming 2020-2021 season. They are also exploring the possibility of holding a special concert this summer.
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Hey, there. Looking for today’s #MustDo events? In accordance with the
CDC’s recommendations regarding public gatherings, we have decided to postpone public event coverage for the time being. We look forward to bringing you Greenville’s #MustDo events soon (until then, feel free to submit your virtual events
here).
Upstate Forever is teaming up with S.C. State Parks+ Dapper Ink for a giveaway to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first #EarthDay. The prize pack includes an All Park Passport(free admission to all 47 SC State Parks) and two #BeTheUpstateNalgene water bottles + tees. TO ENTER: 1) Like the post above. 2) Follow @upstateforever and @scstateparks. 3) Comment + tag a friend. Each comment is an additional entry. The entry period ends tonight at midnight + the winner will be announced on April 22.
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #GVLtoday on social media.
News Notes
Weather ○ 76º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain
WaterCooler ○ Two Gamecock Women’s Basketball players were selected during the first round of the WNBA draft on Friday.Mikiah Herbert Harrigan was drafted sixth overall to the Minnesota Lynx + Tyasha Harris was drafted in the seventh position to the Dallas Wings. 🏀 (GoUpstate)
Cause ○BASF has pledged to donate $50,000 to the City of Seneca Relief Fund to help the area recover after last Monday’s devastating tornado + storms. BASF, “the second largest producer and marketer of chemicals and related products in North America,” has six sites in South Carolina. The company’s site in Seneca employs 400 people.
DYK ○ Goats 4 Goodness, the non-profit arm of Split Creek Farm, is offering virtual meet-and-greets with their goats + other animals on the farm. These 15-30 minute sessions are open to any school, university, or business and can be customized for the needs of the particular organization. Click here to learn more. 🐐
Civic ○ The S.C. Department of Natural Resources(SCDNR) has reported an uptick in vandalism + graffiti at the Bald Rock lookout since the preserve closed due to the coronavirus on March 28. The SCDNR says it will be forced to consider closing the lookout to the public permanently if the graffiti, which has been a problem for years, continues. SCDNR asks you to call 1-800-922-5431 or text 847411 to report any tips.(WYFF 4)
Development ○ Check out how the Falls Tower Camperdown development across from the Peace Center has been coming along. Click here to see a time-lapse video of the project. Watch the leaves on the trees to see how the building has evolved over the past several seasons.
Virtual ○ Join Project Host for their (virtual)11th annual BBQ cook-off. No tofu, chicken or butts about it, everyone’s invited to showcase their masterpieces (and we know y’all have had a lot of time to practice). Click here to visit the event page to see contest rules + learn more. 🥩
TryThis ○ The meteorologists at the National Weather Service Office at GSP are offering two online classestoday for weather enthusiasts of all ages. On the docket are a Basic Spotter Training course + a course all About the National Weather Service that are sure to be enlightening. ⚡
Shop ○ If you’re using Lowes Foods To-Go for curbside grocery pickup, try downloading the new FlyBuy app. FlyBuy lets you indicate when you’re on your way to the store, speeds up your pickup experience, and helps you avoid touching a callbox when you arrive at the store. Download in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Ⓟ
FeaturedEvent ○Want to learn more about how dental care affects the overall health of people over the age of 50? Head over to Facebook at 1 p.m. where Dr. Ron Wilson of Greenville Smiles will be hosting a Facebook Liveto give you all the details you should know. Ⓟ
The Wrap
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