In This Issue…
👋 Welcome
🌤️ Weather
📆 Upcoming Local Events
⚠️ Measles Outbreak Update: 933 Cases Reported in South Carolina
🌾 From Farm to Cafeteria: Greenville County Schools Serving More Local Produce
❤️ 4 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Around Simpsonville
😁 Just for Fun
Good morning, Simpsonville neighbors!
Here’s your fresh daily dose of local news, events, and community happenings across Simpsonville, Five Forks, and the surrounding areas.
Let’s see what’s going on around town today.



📅 Feb 11-15 - 🍷10th Annual Valentine's Wine & Chocolate Tasting
Creative evening for all ages.
🕝 Times vary by date
📍 City Scape Winery
🔗 More Info
📅 Feb 11 & Feb 16 - 🎶 Musical Jamboree (ages 18mo–4yrs)
Music, movement, and stories for preschoolers.
🕝 10 AM-10:30 AM
📍 Five Forks Library
🔗 More Info
📅 Feb 13 - 👨👩👧 Parents’ Night Out (Valentine’s weekend)
Drop the kids off for a fun evening while parents enjoy a night out.
🕝 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Five Forks Methodist Church
🔗 More Info
📅 Feb 14 - 💘 Valentine’s Cake Decorating for 2 Date Night
Cake decorating for two
🕝 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Social Latitude, Woodruff Road
🔗 More Info
📅 Feb 19 - 🎨 Family Craft Night
Creative evening for all ages.
🕝 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Five Forks Library
🔗 More Info
📅 Feb 24 - 🏃♀️➡️ Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting with ATI Physical Therapy
This is the new date after being postponed from 1/26/26 & 2/3/26 due to weather.
🕝 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
📍 32 Magnolia Cove Drive, STE A, B & C,Simpsonville, SC 29680
🔗 More Info


⚠️Measles Outbreak Update: 933 Cases Reported in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting 13 new measles cases since Friday, bringing the total number of cases connected to the Upstate outbreak to 933 statewide.
As of Feb. 10:
859 individuals are unvaccinated
20 are partially vaccinated
25 are fully vaccinated
29 have unknown vaccination status
235 people are currently in quarantine
6 individuals are in isolation
The latest quarantine end date is March 5
📍 Where Cases Are Concentrated
Spartanburg County has the highest number of cases, with 890 reported infections.
DPH has also confirmed a case involving a resident of Lancaster County. Officials are still investigating the source of exposure, and no public exposure sites have been identified in South Carolina related to that case.
A measles case has also been confirmed at Furman University.
🏫 School-Related Exposures
Based on newly identified cases, DPH reports public exposures at:
Libertas Academy (9 individuals in quarantine)
Inman Intermediate School (fewer than 5 individuals in quarantine)
Additionally, 23 individuals remain in quarantine from Lyman Elementary School.
💉 Free Vaccination Opportunities
Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and slow the outbreak.
📍 Where to Get an MMR Vaccine in Simpsonville
For residents of Simpsonville, measles (MMR) vaccines are available at several convenient local locations:
🏥 CVS MinuteClinic
2580 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681
698 Fairview Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680
Services: MMR vaccines available, often with walk-in availability or scheduled appointments.
Note: CVS is offering no-cost MMR vaccines in some instances.
💊 Walgreens Pharmacy
618 Fairview Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29680
Services: On-site MMR vaccinations; appointments can be scheduled online.
🚑 AFC Urgent Care (Simpsonville)
Walk-in urgent care offering vaccinations, including MMR.
🏪 Charlie’s Hometown Pharmacy
Local pharmacy offering immunizations.
Important: It is strongly recommended to call ahead or check online to confirm vaccine availability before visiting.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health also continues to offer immunizations throughout the Greenville and Upstate region.
We’ll continue to monitor this developing situation and share updates as they become available.

🌾Greenville County Schools Now Serving More Local Produce
Fresh, locally grown food is making its way into school cafeterias across Greenville County thanks to a new statewide initiative designed to support both students and South Carolina farmers.
The new Certified SC Cafeteria program encourages schools to purchase vegetables, fruits, and grains grown right here in South Carolina. The goal? Serve fresher meals to students while strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.
The program is operated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, with support from the South Carolina Department of Education, and is backed by a $1 million annual investment from the South Carolina General Assembly.
🍚 Carolina Gold Rice Comes to Greenville Classrooms
As part of the program, Greenville County Schools was recently awarded $60,000 to purchase Carolina Gold Rice, a historic long-grain rice variety deeply tied to South Carolina’s agricultural heritage.
According to Ron Jones, Director of Food and Nutrition Services for the district, the rice will be phased into school meals across the county before the end of the year.
To make it happen, the district plans to purchase approximately 850 pounds of rice every three weeks from Marsh Hen Mill, a family-run farm and mill located on Edisto Island.
🎓 Students Get a Taste of History
The program officially kicked off locally on February 6 at J. L. Mann High School, where students enjoyed a special lunch menu featuring Carolina Gold Rice. Commissioner Weathers and Johnsman even helped serve meals and visited a U.S. history class to discuss the rice’s cultural and agricultural significance.
Currently, 67 school districts and individual schools across the state are participating in Certified SC Cafeteria.
It’s a win-win for the Upstate—supporting local farms while bringing fresh, homegrown flavor to school lunch trays. 🌾🍽️

❤️ 4 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Around Simpsonville
Love is in the air across Simpsonville, Mauldin, Five Forks, and Fountain Inn! Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a Galentine’s outing, or something low-key and sweet, here are a few local ideas to make the day special.
🍽️ 1. Cozy Date Night in Downtown Simpsonville
Stroll through downtown Simpsonville and enjoy dinner at one of the locally owned restaurants before grabbing dessert or coffee nearby. A simple evening walk through the charming downtown area—especially around sunset—can be just as romantic as a big night out.
💡 Pro tip: Make reservations early. Valentine’s weekend fills up fast!
🎶 2. Dinner & Entertainment Near Heritage Park
Plan an evening near the CCNB Amphitheatre area or explore restaurants around Heritage Park for a relaxed dinner date. Even if there’s no major concert scheduled, the area makes for a great backdrop for a pre-dinner stroll or post-dinner photo moment.
🍷 3. Explore BridgeWay Station
BridgeWay Station is perfect for couples or friends looking for options in one place. Grab dinner, enjoy drinks, browse local shops, and snap a few Instagram-worthy photos. It’s an easy way to turn Valentine’s Day into an experience instead of just a meal.
🌹 4. Small-Town Romance in Downtown Fountain Inn
There’s something extra charming about downtown Fountain Inn. Enjoy dinner at a local favorite, stop by a boutique for a thoughtful gift, or plan a sweet surprise for your Valentine with flowers from a local shop. The slower pace makes it ideal for meaningful time together.
💕 Bonus Idea: Keep It Simple
Not into crowds? Pick up takeout from your favorite local restaurant, support a neighborhood bakery for dessert, and enjoy a cozy night at home. Supporting local businesses while staying in? That’s a win-win.
However you choose to celebrate, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to show a little extra love—to your partner, your friends, or your community. ❤️
😄 Just for Fun
Joke of the Day:
Why don't scientists trust atoms? ⚛️
Because they make up everything! 😄
Today’s Trivia:
What nickname is commonly used to describe the growing area that includes Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Fountain Inn?
(Answer at bottom — no peeking!)
☀️ Thanks for starting your morning
with Hey Simpsonville.
Whether you’re heading to school drop‑off, work, or a coffee run, we hope you enjoy being part of this amazing community.
Have a wonderful day, and we’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates!
— Hey Simpsonville
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Golden Strip — the fast‑growing region that includes Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Fountain Inn.