November 2022 City of Newberry update

It was a happy scene Friday night downtown.  Thousands enthusiastically counted down “10, 9, 8…” to light the community Christmas Tree, which then generated many “oohs” and cheers from children and adults.  A train gave rides up and down Main Street, bell clanging, delighting many.  Choirs sang, a jazz band played, “snow” fell, and children laughed.

The Christmas season is a great time to support small businesses, and local small businesses have many creative ideas and new items.  Downtown, The Gallery has 7,000 sq. feet of Christmas with everything from ornaments and home décor to lighted water lanterns.  New ideas include custom gift baskets at Genesis Hub, candle-making nights at Lotus + Birch, new fashion at stores like Out on A Whim, Berry Patch, Making it Personal, Lucy’s and Gentleman’s Corner and great home décor items at stores like Pieces of Time and Michelle’s.  An out-of-town salesman stopped by to see me last week, but I’m pretty sure he was using that as an excuse to see antiques at his favorite store, As Time Goes By.

We’re glad to welcome Tiny Paris Carolina, an elegant, Bohemian gift shop at 1109 Caldwell Street owned by Adam and Alex Adler. A visitor raved to me Thursday about Tiny Paris, including their candles and scents.  We also thank Adam and Alex for their new mural “Remembrance” on their outside wall, which features beautiful poppies and forget-me-nots as a tribute to all who have sacrificed when called to serve others.

Hillside Sausage’s new, larger location at 3102 College Street has a steady stream of customers. With Hillside, Figaro Market and The Palms Meat and Seafood Market, Newberry has an excellent collection of specialty grocers.

The Zesto, a 70-year tradition in Newberry, has re-opened.  “When Linda and I were given the opportunity to re-open the Zesto, we felt it was an honor,” said Kevin Looney. “We’re excited to bring the Zesto back and its tradition of offering simple, basic, good quality food.”

Kevin says they are “selling a ton” of their burgers, which are all-Angus certified.  He’s excited about their recipe for fried chicken, and, of course, the Zesto is offering their popular ice cream and shake favorites. It’s open Tuesday—Saturday 11 am—8 pm.

Whether you’re shopping or dining and are downtown or in the Wilson Road/Main Street area, thank you for supporting Newberry businesses.

The city dedicated US Marshal Israel Brooks, Jr. Park on October 28 in honor of Mr. Brooks, the first African-American member of the SC Highway Patrol and a native of Newberry.  In addition to being a trailblazer and a leader in law enforcement in the state, Mr. Brooks also hired the first women members of the Highway Patrol.  The dedication of the park on Wise Street was a beautiful ceremony with the Brooks family and with 10 members of the Highway Patrol in attendance, including Commander Colonel Chris Williamson.  Israel Brooks Jr. Park is newly renovated and looks great.

The city will officially reopen Wells Japanese Garden at a ribbon-cutting on December 2 at 3 pm. City PRT staff have done beautiful work there, and I see many people enjoying it.  

We congratulate the Newberry College football team on winning the South Atlantic Conference Championship. The first-ever SAC football championship game was a thrilling contest in front of a loud, full house at Setzler Field. After the game, the sound of the victory bell could be heard through Newberry.  Coach Todd Knight was named conference coach of the year and Mario Anderson conference player of the year.

Upcoming events in Newberry include the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Jaycees, on December 3 at 1 pm and the Chamber Tour of Homes on Dec. 10.  Plus, we’re predicting “snow” downtown every Friday night in December.  

Finally, in thinking about Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving in 1621 to thank God for their harvest, and they were thankful to have survived.  President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official holiday to give thanks in 1863, a most difficult period in American history.  We have much to be thankful for in 2022.  I hope you have a very nice Thanksgiving.

Best regards,

Foster Senn

Mayor

August 2022 City of Newberry update

I enjoy hearing positive, upbeat news and often say in conversation, “tell me something good.”  I’ve decided today to turn the tables on myself and “tell you something good.”  So here we go.

The Spartan Races at the Johnson Farm and Lynch’s Woods were a big hit with over 6,000 competitors coming to Newberry from across the country and overseas, and social media was full of comments praising the venue and Newberry.  “Beautiful course,” said Michael.  “Fantastic venue and great city,” said Ryan.  “The people in Newberry are just as nice as can be,” said Jay.  Terri said, “In six years we’ve never experienced a location as hospitable and genuinely happy to have us.”

The Spartan Race staff was most complimentary of their weekend in Newberry, including posting, “Thank you, South Carolina.  We had a blast.”  We hope they come back.

Newberry’s Donnie “Tankman” Bates opened Tankman’s Garage Tavern in the corner of the Newberry Plaza (behind Hardees).  Nicknamed Tankman by an aunt when he was toddler, Donnie served 21 years in the SC National Guard as a mechanic and was deployed to Afghanistan and Poland.  He also ran the NCO Club, hosting events and dinners for his fellow soldiers.  Upon retirement from the Guard, Donnie is using that experience at his new tavern, aiming to provide a new option in Newberry with good food, drinks and live entertainment Thursday—Saturday nights, such as a musician, karaoke, etc.  For a recent lunch, I had a Philly Steak sandwich that was delicious and look forward to going back to try his popular wings.  It opens daily at 11 am and is closed Wednesday’s.                

Main Street Connections is now open at 1204 Main Street, “offering a unique shopping experience for everyone in the family,” says Alice Romanstine-Hall, who is an owner along with her husband John Hall and Ernest Shealy.  In addition to items in the shop, they also offer history tours, children’s events and more.  “Newberry is a well-kept secret, and our desire is to share Newberry with everyone, locals and tourists,” Alice said.    

Sit down for this one.  Zesto closed recently as the previous operator stepped away--but fear not.  Long-time property owner Jack Brooks is talking to potential new restaurant owners and says the Zesto, a great Newberry tradition, will re-open later this month.

Huddle House held their ribbon-cutting on July 30, and I like its neighborhood-diner feel.  Their menu has much variety, including a tasty country-fried steak.   And Cookout continues to have its engineers develop plans to build in the front of the Tractor Supply parking lot with hopefully final commitment and then construction coming by late fall.

In city projects, Israel Brooks Park on Wise Street has new basketball courts and a new playground, and they look great.  Wells Japanese Garden renovations have received much praise, and the project will get its finishing touches soon.  The city also recently resurfaced the Oakland Tennis Center courts and the basketball courts at Dr. Julian Grant Park and Dr. Ulysses Gallman Park.  And the Gully Washer Splash Park is probably the most popular and happiest spot in Newberry County this summer.

Many good things are happening at Newberry College.  The first students of the semester are moving in this week in what the college expects will be a large enrollment.  Bulldozers are moving off Evans Street with construction underway for the new Nursing and Health Science Center.  And Newberry College and NCMH announced a new partnership to establish a new health clinic to adjoin the new nursing building, enabling health care students to gain hands-on experience and giving the college community and the public a new clinic.  It will be a significant addition to the Newberry community

Newberry is one of about a dozen South Carolina towns with businesses featured in a new documentary, “Vanishing Americana South Carolina” and debuting on ETV tonight at 9 pm.  Focusing on old-fashioned businesses and screened at the Newberry Opera House on July 28, the well-done documentary features the always interesting C.T.Summer Hardware store and the Newberry Opera House.

Coming up, the Opera House has an excellent fall line-up, a new brochure coming out this week and strong ticket sales already for the September shows.  The always bragworthy Newberry Art Center upcoming classes include watercolor, beginning drawing, sewing, and ceramic Christmas trees.  

The fair is coming back to Newberry with the Keep Newberry Beautiful Summer Fair August 25—28 at the Fairgrounds on Adelaide Street.  The fair will feature rides, games, food and fun.  Scott Lukoski is putting much effort into the fair and is looking for volunteers and sponsors.  Their website for more information is www.keepnewberrybeautiful.com

Finally, in four Saturday’s, football fans will wake up to one of their sweetest words in the English language:  Gameday.  The Wolves football team opens with Allen University on Sept. 3 at Setzler Field at 6 pm, the first of five home games.   The Newberry Bulldogs are celebrating their football centennial and will have special promotions throughout the season.

Thank you for all you do.

Best regards,

Foster Senn

Mayor

April 2022 City of Newberry update

At a breakfast and fellowship Saturday morning at Glenn Street Baptist Church, a Newberry native told me enthusiastically of his hometown, “Newberry is on the rise.”

I agree.  One could see that later Saturday in the happy crowd gathered at Pork in the Park.  People were glad to be out, enjoying the food, the smells of slow-cooked barbecue, music and the company of others.   Pork in the Park drew excellent crowds Saturday and in its first, full Friday-evening version as well.

One can see increased activity with new businesses.  Popeyes opened last week—a lady told me “The chicken sandwich is excellent.”  Big Lots will open in May, and Huddle House is nearing completion.  Businesses downtown are seeing good business and much appreciate your support.

In residential activity, national builder DR Horton is building dozens of new homes at Newberry Landing on Smith Road.   And our numerous factories are busy, with the general manager of a large factory in town telling me their production is sold out for the rest of 2022.  

Newberry College is making good things happen.  The college recently held groundbreakings for an impressive new nursing and health science building and a new facility at the football stadium.   The college will hold a groundbreaking for a new residence hall Friday afternoon.  

The City of Newberry utility department will finish the Main Street water line project in May.  SCDOT will follow this summer with re-paving of Main from Wilson Road to Nance Street. On the other end of Main, DOT’s plan to add stoplights at the I-26 interstate ramps is delayed until late summer because stoplight system parts are on backorder.  

The city is renovating Wise Street Park with multiple exciting efforts that will be complete this summer.  With this remaking, City Council is renaming the park “Israel Brooks Park” in honor of Mr. Brooks, who was a trailblazer in South Carolina as the first African American to serve as a state trooper for the South Carolina Highway Patrolman and was later a US Marshal.  Mr. Brooks grew up on Eleanor Street, a few blocks from the park. We’ll have ribbon-cutting with the Brooks family later this year, and a historical marker about Mr. Brooks will be installed.

In West End at Willowbrook Park, local artists, volunteers and children held a very successful “Paint the Park” festival, adding fun, colorful paint to playground equipment, railings, a large rock and much more.  Thanks to all who made it a great event!  In the Mollohon neighborhood as part of our Tree City USA program, the city recently planted willow oak trees and new landscaping on Glenn and Milligan Streets.   At the Newberry Recreation Complex, hundreds of youth are playing in the Newberry County baseball and softball leagues, and the beloved Gully Washer Splash Park will open May 21.

The Newberry Opera House has had multiple successful shows in recent months. Serving as a greeter for two shows, I saw again the Opera House draws patrons locally and from around the region, including four people I met from Tennessee who came to Newberry for the weekend.  Also downtown the Newberry Art Center has a full offering of summer classes and camps, which are getting an excellent response.

The city has two events coming up.  The popular Taste of Newberry is back on May 6 from 5—9 pm and will be held at Memorial Park with vendors from around the county.  In addition to the delectable food and good music, I hope you come thirsty for at least one cup of lemonade as youth will be selling lemonade at their own stands. They’ll be learning basic business principles as part of the national Lemonade Day, a program brought to Newberry by local business people Charlie Banks, Alene Willingham and Venture Carolina.

Some Newberry history has been recently discovered, and we will honor that on May 9 at noon at Memorial Park.  John Favors of the Newberry Museum recently discovered Newberry police officer Henry Bluford was killed in the line of duty in 1874 when a riot broke out on Main Street.  Though widely covered at the time, Mr. Bluford’s history had slipped through the cracks and was not recorded in local history.  With Mr. Favor’s research, submitting the history to authorities in Washington, DC and their subsequent approval, Mr. Bluford’s name is being engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and his name will be read at the Candlelight Vigil in Washington on May 13.  Mr. Bluford’s name will also be added to the state officers' memorial in July.  At the Monday, May 9 ceremony downtown, we’ll remember Mr. Bluford and ring a bell for him and seven other law enforcement officers in Newberry County who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  The ceremony will include the playing of bagpipes.  The public is invited.

Thank you for all you do.  I hope you have a nice spring.

Best regards,

Foster Senn

Mayor