Thank You - City of Spartanburg
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November – December 2022 Thank You!!! As the end of the year approaches, I’d like to take a moment from the usual daily rush to thank you for the support & encouragement you have provided. Many have commented on the newsletter, some giving I appreciate –that. constructive criticism andNovember Your helping December 2022with the delivery of the newsletters, participation at council meetings, walking with the mayor and your involvement in the community is greatly appreciated. Your single efforts to keep our communities clean is outstanding! As neighbors, let’s always look for ways to bring about peace and help the community we live in, to be the best it can be. Wishing you a blessed, healthy and prosperous New Year!!!! Four-Way Stop sign at Marion and South Converse APRIL NEWSLETTER Please Note: A 4 way stop sign is now at the intersection of South Converse Street and Marion Avenue effective December 8. Efforts have been made for quite some time to get a traffic light or some type of traffic control at this location, due to speeding and the number of accidents. A Full Service Grocery Store For the first time since 2018, Spartanburg’s Southside neighborhoods have a nearby full service grocery store during the holidays. Among this year’s successes, no accomplishment has had a more meaningful impact on the day-to-day lives of our neighbors than bringing the Piggly Wiggly grocery store to South Church Street. While the store provides a convenient option for fresh food items for all Southside residents, it is much more than that for our neighbors with transportation needs, particularly our seniors. As we gather together to celebrate with family and friends during the holidays this year, I hope that we all remember those whose lives have been improved and who now have easier access to the necessities of everyday life as well as the essentials for special occasions. Southside’s Retail Pharmacy ReGenesis Health Care (RHC) is bringing a new retail pharmacy to the Southside. They are renovating the current pharmacy at 750 South Church Street. They will have a drive-through to make it more convenient for the public. New prescriptions are welcome and you do not have to be a RHC patient to get your prescriptions from any doctor’s filled at this location. The new pharmacy will be completed in the Spring of 2023. See you at the new retail pharmacy. Thank You!!! As we venture into a New Year, I want to thank those who have helped with the delivery of the Newsletters: Evelyn Blakley, Carolyn Brewer, Sheila Dawkins, Bernice Lewis, Tommy & Frances Richardson, Linda Sanders & Robay Stroble. I am truly grateful to you for your help in getting the news to residents (especially the seniors, without emails) who look forward to receiving the letters. Thanks to Joan Drummond, who assisted faithfully until her health would not allow. A special thank you is extended to my husband Horace Littlejohn, who strongly supports me in all my efforts! ******* “Common sense is a flower that does not grow in everyone’s garden”
The 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. New Pastor Welcomed Unity Week Celebration Mt. Moriah Baptist Church held a Meet and Greet on October 29, 2022 for the new Pastor, Rev. Dr. Larry T. Crudup. Rev. Monday, January 9 Saturday, January 14 Crudup will officially relocate to Spartanburg at the end of 2022. Press Conference : 5pm Walk AS One : 9am Dr. Crudup comes to us from Emmanuel Baptist Church of Front steps of City Hall Spartanburg County Oklahoma City, OK 145 W. Broad Street Administration Building and he is married to 366 N. Church Street Jacinta Crudup, his Thursday, January 13 Family Swim-in: 1pm-5pm high school sweet- Art Reception: 6 PM Dr. TK Gregg Com. Ctr heart, and together Mayfair Art Studios 650 Howard Street they have two beau- 1885 Hayne Street tiful daughters named Monday, January 16 Zoe Alana Crudup All participants & their parents United Way Day of Service and Zuri May are invited to attend. MLK Day of Service Crudup. Volunteer your time at: Friday, January 13 uwpiedmont.org/mlkday Dr. Crudup will Kindness Day: All Day follow Rev. Dr. On this day, make an extra Unity Celebration: 6:30 pm Benjamin Snoddy, effort to be kind to someone. Spartanburg District 7 who served Mt. ********* Fine Arts Center Moriah Baptist Church for more than 46 years. Teen Night & Swim-in: 5:30 2250 E. Main Street Dr. TK Gregg Comm. Center Featuring Speaker: Gone, but Never Forgotten 650 Howard Street Dr. Rosalyn Clark Artis Pres. & CEO of Benedict College My beloved Mother-in-law, ************************************************ Ethel Lee Gaither Littlejohn New Tiger Park!!! departed this earth on October 28, 2022, just short of On November 19th at 11:00 am, the Northside’s Dr. TK Gregg reaching the age of 97. Mrs. Center revealed their newly installed Tiger Park. There was a Littlejohn was a strong &very big crowd to witness the unveiling. wise woman, who served as A short program was led by Mayor Jerome Rice, Kim Moultrie both parents to her six (City of Spartanburg Parks & Recreation Director), Wanda children, after the death of her Cheeks-Holmes (Community Engagement Coordinator), City husband Horace (Bo) Councilmember Erica Brown, Marquice Clark (Principal of Littlejohn, Sr. in 1981. Mrs. Cleveland Elementary) and Arianna Chappell (Cleveland Littlejohn was born and raised student). City Councilmembers Megan Smith and J. Ruth in Roanoke, Va. She was the Littlejohn and School Board member Sharon Porter were only girl among her five present for the event as well as Shay Rice, former Mayor Bill & siblings. She graduated from Valerie Barnet, former Rep. Brenda Lee Pryce and several City Lucy Addison High School in representatives. 1945. As a child, she visited South Carolina often because her mother’s family were natives of the historic Little Africa community in Spartanburg County. After graduating from high school and visiting her family in Spartanburg, she met and later married Horace (Bo) Littlejohn; together they raised six children who attended schools in Spartanburg. She loved caring for birds, cats and most of all people. This caring spirit was evident in the sacrifices she made for her family and selfless service in the church. Mrs. Littlejohn valued higher learning and personal development, which she instilled in her family and friends. She loved family and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time nurturing and encouraging her children, grandchildren and great We joined the students for the unveiling of Tiger Park, on November19. grandchildren. She leaves six children to cherish her memory: ******* Ethel G. Bonds (Frank);Horace C. Littlejohn, Jr., Retired Lt. Col USAF (Ruth); William H. Littlejohn, Sr., retired SMSGT USAF (Sara); Congratulations!!! Jacquelyn D. Davis; Wallace O. Littlejohn, retired SMSGT USAF (DeBorah) and Dr. Valerie L. Giddings (Ronald). There are nine To my grandson Zachury & Hannah Littlejohn on their grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great-great marriage on October 16, 2022! grandchild. & To my nephew Charles & Ashley Davis on their marriage I am blessed to have had Mrs. Littlejohn as my mother-in-law! on October 16, 2022. With love! Page 2
Congratulations!! Women’s Leadership Luncheon Congratulations to Katherine O’Neil (OneSpartanburg The Mary L. Thomas Leadership Luncheon was held on Chief Economic Development Officer) and Tracey December 3, 2022, at the Piedmont Club. This year’s Jackson (Executive Director at Piedmont Care, Inc.), on honorees were Merita “Rita” Ann Allison (former State being recognized by Girl Scouts of South Carolina- Representative & Community Activist), Anne Flynn Mountains to Midlands as 2022 Women of Distinction. (Community Activist), Cierra Fowler Kelly (Executive This award recognizes outstanding women for professional Project Director, ReGenesis Health Care), Cindy Jackson accomplishments, service to others, and impact on the Kelly (Market President Spartanburg TNB Financial), community. Latron McDaniel (Hair Stylist, Leader-Live, Laugh Love!) and Sundra Proctor (Educator, Spartanburg District One). Katherine O’Neil with former Mayor William & Valerie Barnet L-R: Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Cindy Kelly, Cierra Kelly, Latron The event was held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at McDaniel, Mary L. Thomas, Sundra Proctor, Anne Flynn & Rep. Rita Drayton Mills to celebrate two wonderful Women of Allison. Distinction at the annual Boots & Pearls Award in This year’s keynote speaker was Ms. Charlie Blackwell- Spartanburg. Thompson, NASA’s first female launch director. She was named to this position in 2016 after serving as Test Management Branch Chief. She is based at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. She recently oversaw the successful launch of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, called Artemis I. Ms. Blackwell-Thompson is a native of Gaffney, SC where she graduated from Gaffney High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Clemson University. I had the honor of presenting Ms. Blackwell- Thompson the Key to the City of Spartanburg on behalf of our Mayor Jerome Tracey Jackson with Attorney Cathy McCabe Rice. Past Honorees to receive the Girl Scout’s Women of Distinction are: I missed the Dr. Amy Baruch & Laura Ringo (2021), J. Ruth Littlejohn & Stacy opportunity of McBride (2020), Hope Blackley-Logan & Elaine Smith (2019), sharing with Ms. Valerie Manatis Barnet, Mary Ann Deku & Marsha H. Gibbs (2018), Blackwell- Rep. Rita Ann Allison & Robyn Hussa Farrell (2017), Dr. Gloria Webb Close, Kathy Dunlevy & Dr. Kay E. Woodward (2016), Joy Ayers Thompson, that I Couch & Dr. Fern Powell (2015), Ruth L. Cate & Renee Buyck lived in Melbourne, Romberger (2014) and Randi Berry and Susu Johnson (2013). Florida for 15 years and sold real estate in Merritt Island, where she currently lives with her husband and three ****** children. Thank you Mary Thomas for a wonderful event “Majority opinion is not an accurate measurement of celebrating women and congratulations to the 2022 right or wrong.” Honorees! City Councilwoman J. Ruth Littlejohn is pictured with Ms. Blackwell-Thompson. Continued on page 4 Page 3
Women Leadership Luncheon, Continued from page 3 Worthy of an Honor A Community Celebration for Attorney James A. Cheek was held on November 25, 2022 at the Piedmont Club. The event was an effort to honor a man whose generosity is like that of an energized bunny…he just keeps on giving! His works include the Piedmont Assembly, the Abbie D. McWhirter Society of Women’s History Restoration (which I am honored to be one of the recipients), his private law practice and work as a public defender. Attorney Cheek’s accolades and contributions are too numerous to list, however we are grateful to Hope Blackley Logan and her committee for this sold out and standing room overflow event! Jaukeem Forstonwith pictured here with his mother Song “Rise Up” at the Women’s Leadership Luncheon and it was very uplifting. Grassroots Leadership On Thursday, October 27, 2022, twenty-eight new community leaders graduated from the Grassroots Leadership Development Institute (GLDI). The ceremony was held at the Piedmont Club, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Graduates, family members and community leaders were in attendance for the celebration. These graduates reside and work across Spartanburg county, applying their leadership L-R: Hope Blackley Logan, Attorney James Cheeks, Katrina Johnson, skills in healthcare, nonprofit, education and corporate Stephen Mills and Tammy Spann sectors. Members of the GLDI Class of 2022 include: Dr. Mekeshia D. Bates, Rev.. Milferd Brock Sr., JeMar Brown, Shawna N. Bynum, Laurie A Campbell, Robert J. Cheeks, Tanisha Carson Cook, Ja'Kari Clayton, Pastor Allen Dawkins, Sheila H. Eison, Carol Michelle Ferguson, Reggie Geter, Tashma G. Glymph, Alysa María Handelsman, Ph.D, Kat Hanold, Angelique Jarvis- Simmons, Justin Kelly, Tevin Deion Logan, Hunter McLeod, Titus A. Miller, Sr., Elizabeth Morales, Katherine Adelle Parris, Toni Tequila Sutton, Angela Pickenpack Tarpley, R. Bernard Wheeler II, Tamidra Shicarol Wilkins, Ashley Wilburn & Simone Williams. Center photo shows Atty Cheek with his family, L- R: Sean Cheek, James Cheek, Mrs. Myrtle Cheek, Margaree Fant, Phillip Fant and Phylicia Fant. Mayor Jerome Rice presents Attorney James Cheek with the Patriot Award. The Patriot Award is given to individuals from across the country who have shown steadfast dedication to their country & support they Graduate, Pastor Allen Dawkins of Believer’s Fellowship have provided. Continued on page 5. (Center) pictured with Jeff Tillerson (City of Spartanburg Code ***** Enforcement Officer) and former Rep. Brenda Lee Pryce. “Your highest loyalty belongs to principles, not Page 4 people.”
Hub City Hopper!!! Continued from page 4…Worthy of an Honor: On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, PAL and Spartanburg city leaders unveiled a new section of the Daniel Morgan Trail the “Hub City Hopper.” Mayor Jerome Rice, greeted everyone and gave a few remarks. John Montgomery, chair of the Daniel Morgan Committee, said it has taken a lot of time and effort to get to this point. “This has been a big and very complicated project, but it’s very important.” Laura Ringo, PAL’s Executive Director, said downtown Spartanburg is the hub with many branching spokes. “This hub will allow you to “hop on” and connect to almost every area of our community.” This is the first of its kind in the state of South Carolina. This is what they call a cycle L-R:Rev. Lewis & Magdalene Mills and Jennel & Winston track, and it has a raised concrete barrier to protect the users Paulk, celebrated Attorney Cheek’s special occasion. from traffic. The trail starts at the end of the Mary Black Horace & J. Ruth Littlejohn with Attorney James Cheeks & Foundation Rail Trail, taking people along Union, Kennedy, guest with Krishna Alexander, celebrating the occasion. and South Converse Streets toward Barnet Park. Mayor Jerome Rice and Councilmembers Jamie Fulmer & J. Ruth Littlejohn, join students from Meeting Street School for a short walk, following the Hub City Hopper Dedication. Council member Janie Sallie was also present for the event. Everyone rejoices as Mayor Rice cuts the ribbon at the Hub City Hopper Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Morgan Square Update On Tuesday, December 13, 2022 there was a public kickoff event for the Morgan Square process, held at the Chapman Cultural Center. The event was organized by the Morgan square Enhancement Committee. The public learned about the history of the heart of our City. Mitchell Silver, a national leader in the field, challenged everyone to reflect on the impact of great public spaces. “It should be a people-centered space.” “Parks serve L-R: Jennifer Candler (Spartanburg Water Communication many goals”, said Mr. Silver. “They are not just green spaces that Manager, Guy Boyle (CEO Commission of Public Works & sit in isolation…these are outdoor living rooms + social gathering Spartanburg Sewer District) and Jay Squires (Public Works places. In the 21st century, they’re not just an amenity, it’s a vital Director) part of the city’s infrastructure.” Mr. Silver said we are a very ***** diverse community. Generations are also important. It’s “Life is an obstacle course with trouble lurking important that we make this a place for all ages, families, singles around every corner. It’s not a matter of whether and households. Mayor Jerome Rice added “this is a decision storms and trials will come, but when” that all of us will make. Everyone won’t be pleased, but it will be the best decision that we can offer to you.” Page 5
A Day of Service Annual Celebration November 19, 2022 was a very busy day in Spartanburg OneSpartanburg held its Annual Celebration on October 13, for most of us: 2022, from 5:30-8:30 pm at Indigo Hall & Events Center. Allen Smith, President & CEO of OneSpartanburg, said “the Annual Celebration allows us to step back and showcase the tremendous success Spartanburg is experiencing.” “Spartanburg County will break $2 billion in new economic investment in 2022, surpassing the 2021 total of $1.9 billion.” Phil Feisal, president of Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and chair of the OneSpartanburg, Inc. Executive Board said, we’re fortunate, but not lucky, to have a lot to celebrate, due to the dedication of many From 9:00-10:30 a.m., the Greater Spartanburg Divine 9, community leaders and businesses. along with the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen came together to pack approximately 250 bags of toiletries and other essentials for the homeless community. We served meals from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 pm. Those who were not able to participate, were asked to consider donating socks and gloves for men, women and children or fleece blankets, items that are of greatest need . At 12:00 noon, volunteers joined Molina Health- care of South Carolina and ReGenesis Health Care, at Carver Middle School, for a Drive-Thru Former SC Representative Rita Allison, received the Neville Thanksgiving Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award (highest honor Turkey Giveaway. given by OneSpartanburg). She was recognized for her There were 600 dedication to public service in Spartanburg County, and the turkeys distri-buted lasting impacts her career will have on the county and its people. in Spartanburg, Pictured here with Todd Horne. Union and Gaffney. ReGenesis Health- care provided canned goods and fresh vegetables and Food Lion provided canned items for Spartanburg and $10 gift cards for Gaffney and Union. This was a first come, first served event. Pictured L-R: Curtis Tyrone Gilmore, J. Ruth Littlejohn & Marlon Hunter (President & CEO of ReGenesis Healthcare). Carver Middle School For the first time in Carver Middle School’s history, the school Inclusion Advocate of the Year: Spartanburg County Council has been recognized as a good school by the State Department of members Jessica Coker (L) and Monier Abusaft (R) were Education. Thanks to the teachers, principal Mr. Randy Edward recognized for their bipartisan support of the small-and minority- and Staff for their dedication to caring and educating the owned business community of Spartanburg County. children. A special thanks is also extended to the former Principal Mrs. Nicole Thompson for her dedication and vision for Carver Citizen Academy Graduates Middle School. In March 2016, Carver Middle School received notification that they were an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction and was named a National Demonstration Site for its AVID program. The AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction represents the highest level of AVID implementation, demonstrating excellence in instructional practice and the promotion of college readiness schoolwide. **** “What an absurd thing it is to pass over all the valuable parts of a man, and fix our attention on his Mayor Pro Tem Megan Smith (center), poses with City of infirmities” Joseph Addison Spartanburg 2022 Citizen Academy graduates during the Page 6 October 10, 2022 City Council Meeting.
Turkey Day Run City shows Appreciation PAL held its 18th Annual United Community Bank Turkey Day The City of Spartanburg held its holiday luncheon for all of 8K, a community run/walk on Thanksgiving morning in down- its employees on December 9, 2022. The event was held at town Spartanburg. Since 2005, this event the Downtown Airport and the City’s leadership team, led has become a tradition that encourages by City Manager Chris Story and Assistant City Manager residents and visitors to balance healthy Mitch Kennedy, greeted the employees and made brief lifestyles with holiday festivities! This recognitions. Fire Chief Marion Blackwell, Police Chief was a record breaking year w/participants. Alonzo Thompson, Deputy Chief Jennifer Kindall, Left: Christopher George Major Art Littlejohn, Captain Tim Suber, HR Director (Communications & Marketing Manager, Michelle Clyburn, MPO Doris Boozer and Donnita City of Spartanburg) & Tonda Barber Smith (Finance) served lunch. Ingrid Crawford (Human (Personal Trainer – T.R. B. Fitness). Resources Generalist), Aundi Hunter (Special Events Bottom: Far right, Laura Ringo Manager) and City Councilmembers Megan Smith and J. (Executive Director of Partners for Active Ruth Littlejohn distributed holiday gifts cards and door Living) & Major Art Littlejohn. prize tickets. Councilman Rob Rain also joined in the . festivities. This was a very joyous occasion, celebrating the season with teammates, and reflecting on accomplishments in 2022. First-Generation College Students Christie B. Lindsey (Paralegal) & Connie Kellner (City Clerk), enjoying the festivities. The City of Spartanburg recognized first-generation college students from local colleges during the First- Generation College Student Celebration Day. Mayor Jerome Rice presents Proclamation to first-generation college students during City Council meeting on Nov. 14, 2022. Kim Moultrie Aundi Hunter, J. Ruth Littlejohn, Ingrid Crawford & Megan Smith took a break for a quick photo. Garbage & Recycle Schedules If you have a recycle bin (blue bin), it is collected on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month, even on holidays (except for Christmas). Regardless to how many Mondays fall in the month, it is only collected twice. The recycle truck sometimes runs as early as 8:00 a.m., especially on holidays. The regular garbage pick-up day (gray bin) for most of the Southside Communities is on Thursdays. If a holiday falls on this day, pickup will be the following day - a one day delay. Please do not place garbage bins on the curb prior to 4:00 p.m., the day before pickup. Once your garbage is collected, PLEASE Employees enjoying the festivities. *** BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR and help your community look its best by removing bins from the curb as soon as possible “I like friends who have independent minds because they after collection tend to make you see problems from all angles.” Nelson Mandela ****** Page 7 “Opportunity is often disguised as work”
Holiday Celebrations!!! Lead-Safe Health Homes The Neighborhood Services Department is offering a Lead- Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program in both owner- occupied and rental units within the City of Spartanburg for qualifying households. This program includes home Lead-Risk Assessment and Healthy Homes Assessment, Lead Hazard Removal Work, and Post-Clearance and Monitoring of units. J. C. Bull hosted its Holiday Party for the residents on December 19th from 2-4 pm. This was a festive and joyful occasion with lots of games, door prizes and delicious food! It was a pleasure to be included. The young ladies in blue (K’mya Beaty, K’meia Beaty, Nicke Haney, Sanai Shelton, Jerrika Foster and Skylar Means) are with the Brown Girls Read and they donated hats, scarfs, gloves, blankets and food to the seniors. Also pictured is Tamidra S. Wilkins (Multi-Family Coordinator), J. C. Bull Staff and former Rep. Brenda L. Pryce. **** The South Converse Neighborhood, Forest Park and Liberty Heights had a joint holiday celebration on December 16, 2022 at the C.C. Woodson Community Center. **** Black Girls Rock Qualifications: (1) Home must be located within City of Spartanburg limits (2) A Child under the age of 6 must reside or regularly spend time in the home (over 60 hours per year), or a pregnant woman must reside in the home (3) Household income must be less than 80% of Area Median Income (4) Home must be built prior to 1978 (5) All property tax payments and homeowner’s insurance must be current. Updates L-R: Mr. Nash, Mrs. Minnie Nash, Mrs. Latron McDaniel, former Next City Council meeting – January 9, 2022 @ 5:30pm – Mayor James Talley, Councilwoman J. Ruth Littlejohn & in City Council Chambers Commissioner Horace Littlejohn. On October 22, 2022, during the Women’s Conference at Macedonia Missionary Baptist, Mrs. Sympathy is extended to the following SCNA members: Latron McDaniel presented Councilwoman Littlejohn and Mrs. Bernice Lewis on the passing of her son Ricky Tolliver; Nash with the honor “Black Girls Rock.” Former Mayor Jane Spann on the passing of her sister; Ruth Davis on he James Talley introduced Councilwoman Littlejohn. passing of family members and to Horace Littlejohn on the Gallery Walk passing of his mother. We also extend sympathy to Wanda Cheeks-Holmes on Wofford College students hosted their Community Sustainability the passing of her mother and to the family of Robert Seminar + Neighborhood Mentors Drop-In on December 15, 2022 Boozer. from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at the C.C. Woodson Community Center and everyone was invited. Topics featured Community Preparations for the Southside Cultural Monument Wall is Based Programing on the Southside, Northside, Highland, Una, underway. Thanks to Rep. Henderson-Myers and the Heritage Saxton & Arcadia. Thanks to Dr. Alysa Handelsman and the Committee for making this possible. Wofford students for the work they do. The Community Garden, located where the horse shoe pit Cleanups was, is also being prepared. The South Converse Neighborhood’s cleanups are now every ***** other month, when the weather allows. However, let’s not let this Contact: jrlittlejohn1967@gmail.com stop us from cleaning up the trash that others discard as they 864-573-5066 (Hm) 864-909-7244 (Cell) travel thru our community. This is a reflection on us, not them. ©Copy Right 2021 Jessie Ruth Littlejohn. All Rights Many thanks to Rick Hahnenberg, RuthStanton, Jeanette Reserved Keepers, Nichelle Nichols, Pam & Fred Stoll for joining me for a cleanup on a frizzle Saturday morning in October .Page 8 Wishing You a Blessed New Year!!!
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