The venue will offer Michelin-branded merchandise, such as watches, maps and guides, as well as interactive displays of Michelin's heritage.  There will also be events held and advise on tires will be offered.

"Our primary goal with Michelin on Main is to help us connect even more closely with the community, Michelin families and our consumers," said Jim Micali, chairman and president of Michelin North America.  He also stated, that "with this public space in the exceptionally vital and growing downtown, we now will be able to interact with our community and with visitors to Greenville in a direct, meaningful way."

Michelin North America employs more than 8,000 South Carolina workers .  It has had a presence in the Upstate since 1975.

Greenville Mayor Knox White stated that, "It's another great addition for retail.  That's a priority."  "But's it's more, educational as well as retail.  It will be another must-see destination."

Just 30 miles north of Greenville is another reason to celebrate classical music in the Upstate of South Carolina. Maestro Sarah Ioannides is in her second year as the music director of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Most of us can not imagine a woman conducting an orchestra. Maestro Ioannides is the first female conductor many of us have ever seen. The Web site www.kapralova.org, is a project dedicated to women in music. It spotlights 362 women conductors. We can give celebration, that one of the women featrued on that Web site is the conductor of the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra!

The simple fact that because of talent, preparation and a changing culture, women conductors are beginning to flourish into the world of classical music. The conventional notions that many of us have about an orchestra conductor, is totally eliminated. Maestro Ioannides looks more like a rock star than a classical music conductor. She is young, very approachable and full of positive energy. Her style is unique and all her own! If you would like to learn more about this classical music rarity (there are only a few female conductors in the entire world) and her remarkable background, visit her fascinating Web site, www.sarahioannides.net Š

Music is in all of us. It touches everybody, whether, they are children, teenagers, young adults, adults or senior citizens. Maestro Edvard Tchivzhel and Maetro Sarah Ioannides want to reach everyone with classical music. We can now give celebration and world renowned acclaim to these extraordinary conductors and their powerful effects on the classical music experience, here in the Upstate of South Carolina!

City Manager Jim Bourey said, that Mrs. Wilfong "met every criteria we've put out." The qualifications that placed her at the top of the candidates list, according to Mr. Bourey were: Experience in a city with a diverse population and an active downtown with lots of event. A background with a wide range in many aspects of police work. Good communication skills, plus, she's a "cop's cop," as Mr. Bourey called her, she likes to be out on the street.

All of these traits should work well in this diverse community that has a dynamic downtown, many traditional neighborhoods and busy commericial areas, along with all of the challenges associated with area growth and change.

The previous process of selecting a police chief was eliminated by Greenville's City Council. The selection process by which a civil service commission made the choice from inside of the police department. If the citizen's panel reported that it could not find a qualified candidate from within the department, other options would be discussed. Greenville is the last city in the state to select its police chief in this manner. In such a rapidly changing world there should never be a restriction to hire from within an organization.

Mrs. Wilfong is a third-generation cop. She is, also, a wife and mother of police officers. She said that her top priorities included: talking to police officers and getting out into the community to speak with residents to find out exactly what they want from their police department. Mrs. Wilfong has a fresh perspective and wants the support of the community and the entire police department.

 I. GREEK TAVERNA - Lunch & Dinner

Featuring Mediterranean Favorites

II.  MOROCCAN CASBAH - 5 COURSE FEAST

Served in an Authentic Moroccan Atmosphere

III.  BELLY DANCING NIGHTLY - Great Family Entertainment

IV.  HOOKAH LOUNGE - Outdoor smoking dec - Serving Food & Drink

 They offer a complete wine list, with over 50 labels & 25 wines by the glass.  Private rooms are available for 'Special Occasions.'

They are located at:  610 Congaree Road, Greenville

Call: 864-297-1999 for further information

www.jerseymikes.com

At an age, when most children of today (the age of 6) would be starting elementary school, young Joe began working in the Brandon Mill sweeping cotton lint off the wooden floors. The scorching hot southern sun baked the high brick walls of the mill, which made the inside of the building feel just like a boiler room. The air inside of mill was saturated with cotton dust and the deafening noise of the looms droned on and on for endless hours. The work in textile mills was tedious, unhealthy and extremely dangerous.

One of the few escapes, that children living this unimaginable tough life, was the game of baseball, the game of America. Joe enjoyed playing baseball and at an early age displayed signs of greatness at bat and in the field. He was playing with the Brandon Mill men's team, by the age of 13. Greenville's Textile League was the starting point, for one of basball's top natural hitters.

The turn of the century had now arrived. In 1908, while playing semi-pro baseball with the Greenville Spinners, Joe earned his nickname, "Shoeless Joe" at early stage of his career. The first game of a doubleheader with the Spinners, was a very physically painful game for Joe.
The new spikes that he wore caused painful blisters on his feet. During the second game, with the Spinners at bat in the seventh inning, he took of his spikes and walked to the batter's box. The fact that Joe was 'shoeless' went undetected until he cracked a hit and began running the bases in stocking feet. A fan of the opposing team noticed that Joe was 'shoeless' and began to shout, "You shoeless son-of-a-gun!" The remark caught the attention of a local sportswriter, who from that day on, tagged Joe with the nickname "Shoeless Joe."

"Shoeless Joe" Jackson's quick instincts and precise skill on the basball field, gained the attention of professional baseball. In 1908, Connie Mack signed him to play with the Philadelphia Athletics. In 1910, Joe was traded to the Cleveland Naps and in 1915, he was sold to Charles Comiskey's Chicago White Sox. At the height of his professional baseball career, scandal tarnished Joe's solid reputation. He and seven of his Chicago Whit Sox teammates were indicted for allegedly conspiring to accept bribes and were accused of "throwing" the 1919 World Series against Cincinnati. During the 1919 World Series, Joe had 12 hits, the highest batting average(.375), no errors and hit the ONLY home run in the series! Although a jury found Joe and the seven other players innocent of the charges, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, baseball's first commissioner, banned all of them from professional baseball.

For the remainder of Jackson's life, he vehemently, maintained his innocence. A national effort to persuade the Baseball Commissioner to reinstate Joe to Major League Baseball has been ignored. A Joint Resolution by the United States Congress and over 100,000 petition signatures, has also been ignored. Jackson can not be eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, until, he is reinstated to Major League Baseball. The spikes that he wore and other items from his major league career are on display in Cooperstown,NY, without his good name.

Jackson died on December 5, 1951. He continues to be the of the most beloved and publicized baseball players in the history of the game.

You can visit: the Shoeless Joe Jackson Plaza Statue and Fountain, The Jackson Grave and the Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park.

PLACES TO VISIT:

SHOELESS JOE JACKSON PLAZA STATUE AND FOUNTAIN

On July13,2002, a life-size bronze statue of Joe Jackson was unveiled and dedicated at the SHOELESS JOE JACKSON PLAZA. The plaza is located in Greenville's historic West End of the City of Greenville. The bricks that were used to construct the base of the statue, were bricks removed from the old Comiskey Ball Park where Joe played for the Chicago White Sox. Original "flecks" of paint can still be seen clinging to the historic brick.
Jackson's statue was sculpted by Greenville artist, Douglas R. Young. Young created the clay model in the lobby of Greenville City Hall in 2001. People visiting the lobby of City Hall were allowed to participate in the sculpting process by keading pieces of clay, which Young then incorprated in the design of the statue. A native of Connersville, Indiana, Young attended Bob Jones University where he studied under well-known local artists Emory Bopp, Darrell Koons and Carl Blair. Young also studied sculpting under Adrianus Vanderstock, an internationally-known sculptor and restoration artist, while teaching at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC. The sculpture of Shoeless Joe Jackson is viewed by Young as the fulfillment of a lifetime dream.
DIRECTIONS: From Downtown Greenville, take North Main Street south to the intersection of South Main St.,Pendleton and Augusta streets in Greenville's historic West End.

JACKSON GRAVE

The grave of Joe jackson and his wife, Kate Wynn Jackson, are located at the Woodlawn Memorial Park. Countless visitors have been the grave site and many have left momentos. One example of this is, a worn baseball that was inscribed : " Mr. Jackson, please watch over me as I play your game to the best of my ability. I'm going to play for all the years you couldn't. I know you were innocent. Somehow I know you are the greatest ever. (signed) matt McRee #9."

DIRECTIONS: the Woodlawn Memorial Park main entrance is located on Wade Hampton Blvd.(Hwy 29, across from Red Lobster Resaurant). After entering the cemetery, take the first right, then, go to the left when the road divides. Drive past stone wall on the right. On the left, count 8 graves back from the next corner, then, walk 6 rows in from the road. You can usually see baseballs, bats, photos and white sox left at the Jackson grave marker.

SHOELESS JOE JACKSON MEMORIAL PARK

Opened on March 30, 1996, this historic ballpark, owned and operated by the Greenville County Recreation District, pays homage to baseball legend "Shoeless: Joe Jackson who grew up and played baseball in the Brandon Mill Community, during the early 1900's. The ball field is adjacent to the old Brandon Mill where Jackson began working when he was just 6 years old.

DIRECTIONS:

Take I-385 North into Greenville. Turn right onto Hwy. 123(Academy Street) and continue approximately 4 miles to Pendleton Street. Go across Pendleton street onto "Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Parkway." Continue one mile and turn right onto West Street across from Judson Baptist Church. The ballpark is located at the end of West Street on the right.

Quote:

"The thing I remember most about Joe was not just his great ability as a ball player, but his tremendous generosity. He was the kindest, most generous person you'd ever want to me."
-Joe Anders
Longtime Friend

  The Greenville News run downtown is a 5k run/walk which takes place annually on the last Saturday in January.  The race, known for its fast course, is a Palmetto Grand Prix Event as well as a 5k State Championship Event.  for more information, call the City of Greenville Special Events at (864) 467-4485 or visit www.greenvilletrackclub.com

Carolina First Reedy River Run

  The Carolina First Reedy River Run attracts over 1,000 competitors.  This event features a 5k run/walk, children's fun run, and a RRCA Championship 10k race.  New this year is a youth mile run for runners age 7 to 14.  Call Greenville Events at (864) 467-5780 for more information or visit www.greenvilletrackclub.com

ARTISPHERE (presented by Carolina First)

  Artisphere, the International Arts Festival of Greenville, presents a diverse menu of experiences that center around the arts, both visual and performing, at both indoor and outdoor venues.  The public can purchase the art work of high-quality artists from around the country.  Artisphere includes children's educational activities and an International Kitchen with cuisine served by local restaurant vendors.  For more information call (864) 271-9398 or visit www.artisphere.us

BELLSOUTH RED WHITE & BLUE

  Bellsouth Red, White & Blue is a true 4th of July celebration of our nation's birthday.  The festival includes children's activities, games, rides, two stages featuring regional and national musicians, a variety of American cuisine and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display..

 ART in the PARK

   The centerpiece of this visual arts event is a gallery-styled exhibition of original works by local and regional artists.  Art enthusiasts can also browse through the rows of artists' booths offering a variety of work for sale.  Seminars of interest to artist and art lovers are scheduled throughout the two-day festival.  Call Upstate Visual Arts at (864)232-4433

FALL for GREENVILLE

  As one of the region's largest and most successful events, this award winning festival attracts guests from the Upstate of South Carolina and far beyond.  The event features 42 of Greenville's finest restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine.  Highlights include a chili cook-off, ice carving competition, waiters' race, cooking demonstrations, live music and much more.  Call Greenville Events for more details at (864) 467-5780 or visit online at: www.greenvilleevents.com

GREENVILLE POINSETTIA CHRISTMAS PARADE

  The season of Christmas shines bright on downtown Greenville when adults and children line the strrets to watch the Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade, an annual holiday event.  This spectacular event presents more than 80 entries featuring floats, marching bands, dancers and, of course, Santa Clause himself. The entire event is festively illuminated by holiday lights.  Call the City of Greenville Special Events at: (864) 467-4484.

Be sure to visit their website at:
www.internationalupstate.org

The finest collection of religious art in the western hemisphere, including works by Dolci, Rubens and Van Dyck.

Greenville County Museum of Art

Andrew Wyeth, Jasper Johns and American art from the colonial period through the modern art of today.

The 16th South Carolina Volunteers Museum and Library of Confederate History

Located in downtown Greenville's Pettigru Historic District, the museum houses a unique collection of Confederate relics and artifacts, both military and personal. It also, has a research library.

War Museum-American Legion Post 3

This museum has exhibits that date back to the Revolutionary War and up to Desert Storm artifacts.