ECA 4-12 by Elizabeth Community

Beth Haenni President 704 562 5152 Greenway Avenue beth.haenni@gmail.com Eric Davis Vice President 704 776 3013 Greenway Avenue ericadavis0123@yahoo.com Diana Watson Secretary 704 996 9776 Kenmore Avenue dianawatson3@gmail.com Paul Shipley Treasurer 704 651 5897 Kenmore Avenue shipley_paul@msn.com

Kristan Magas Park & Recreation Liaison 704 488 0051 E. 5th Street kdm2201@gmail.com

Robert Zabel Elizabeth 8K Road Race Chair 917 873 8028 Pecan Avenue nycrcz@yahoo.com

Stephanie McKee Social Co-Chair Kenmore Avenue 704 907 2872 smckee@theconecompany.com

Victoria Zabel ECA Business Liaison 704 441 2274 Pecan Avenue victoria.zabel@me.com

Kathy Kennedy-Miller Zoning & Real Estate Clement Avenue kkm@jmainteriors.com Monte Ritchey Past President 980 722 0922 Clement Avenue monteritchey@gmail.com

ECA Board Members

Melanie Sizemore Zoning & Real Estate Committee 704 375 3244 Vail Avenue msizemore@realindex.com

Nancy O. Albert Editor/Newsletter Chair 704 779 0932 Hawthorne Lane noalbert@carolina.rr.com

Tom Smith ECA Business Liaison 630 886 2039 Kenmore Avenue tom.smith@fedex.com

Sarah Bradley Communications/Social Media 704 491 3760 Laurel Avenue sarah@bluefeathermedia.com

Ric Solow Beautification & Trees 704 334 2986 E. 5th Street ric@solowdesigngroup.com

Ken Magas Website 704 877 7151 E. 5th Street ken@kenmagas.com

Andrew Woodruff Zoning & Real Estate Committee 704 953 5994 Greenway Avenue rawoodruff@carolina.rr.com

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HO HO HO

J O I N THE E C A I dislike my fellow mortals. Justice compels me to add that they appear for the most part to dislike me. – Arthur Conan Doyle, “The Man from Archangel”

✤ I’m tired of this back-slappin’ “isn’t humanity neat” bullshit. We’re a virus with shoes. – Bill Hicks

cover photos and phot this page by Nancy O. Albert

ECA Officers

Notes from the Prez by Beth Haenni Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Your ECA Board takes this to heart. We’re here to serve you, the community of Elizabeth. What exactly do we do? The ECA continues its original mission since its founding in the 1970’s: • Advocate for suitable urban planning and development • Serve as liaison with city officials/planners

• Improve public works, specifically pedestrianfocused • Work with CMPD to increase public safety • Promote quality housing and encourage rehabilitiation/ conservation

deadline spring 2013:

February 15th

• Sponsor events that improve residents’ quality of life

editorial content:

• Promote stability of the business district

advertising: victoria.zabel@

We can’t do all this without you! We need you to do two things:

full page ad

noalbert@carolina.rr.com me.com or tom.smith@fedex.com -------------------------------------

size: 6.53” x 7.53” (1306 x 1506 pixels) half page ad

size: 6.53” x 3.715” (1306 x 743 pixels) quarter page ad

size: 3.205” x 3.715” (641 x 743 pixels) biz card ad

size: 3.205” x 1.8065” (641 x 361 pixels) classified ad

1 column wide, 4 lines deep with 1 line bold, 3 regular specs: full size b&w jpeg or pdf, 200 dpi, NO WORD DOCS! to shivita@mac.com Ad placement is at the designer’s discretion.

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of the members; this year it was at 537 Lamar Ave. A tradition of political commentary, especially during presidential years has grown up; the views reflect Civility those of the organizers. I was by Nancy Albert shocked by what I saw when I walked by that Sunday • Join the ECA! Put On October 28, the Pumpkin morning; vandals broke several down this newsletter Wall, which has evolved into of the blue letters that had momentarily, log onto www. a neighborhood tradition spelled out OBAMA, tore others elizabethcommunity.com, and over the years, was vandalized send us your $20, or complete shortly after the annual lighting down and cut the light strips, rendering them unusable. the form in this newsletter. took place. The display, which is not affiliated with or funded Whatever your political views, Our ECA meetings are always by the ECA, is organized by a this type of behavior is way open to neighbors. We’ll see group of neighbors known as beyond the pale. As elections you there at Studio K on 7th The Woodpeckers. It is always near, rhetoric turns negative Street at 6:30 pm on the first erected on the property of one and emotions run high. This Thursday of each month. Warmly, Beth Haenni, President Elizabeth Community Association

photo by Byron Baldwin

• Volunteer! Pay the rent on your room here in Elizabeth. We need you alongside us, especially for social events, quarterly Park Parties, the Elizabeth 8k, and the Home Tour.

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past election may have set new records for nastiness at all levels. Here in Elizabeth there were reports of yard signs being stolen, but wanton destruction of property is something else entirely. We all need to step back and reflect on the idea of listening to all points of view. We do not necessarily agree with everyone, nor should we, but we should be able to express our ideas and listen to those of others. Civility is attending a community forum where a variety of views are presented. Civility is not distributing anonymous inflammatory notices. Respect involves talking to people, which can lead to pitching in on community projects, working together for the common good. As ECA President Beth Haenni said to me “Can’t we sit down and talk anymore? Elizabeth has been and should strive to continue to be a place of tolerance, openmindedness, a place where neighbors of differing opinions can break bread together, engage in a healthy debate.” I would like to think that Elizabeth is a welcoming neighborhood, with respect for different opinions and that the vandals were not residents of Elizabeth. I would like to believe we’re better than that.

27th Annual Elizabeth 8K Road Race April 20, 2013 by Rob Zabel It’s not too early to start training for the 27th annual Elizabeth 8K Road Race and registration is now open at elizabeth8k.com. This is one of Elizabeth’s largest annual events, attracting 700-900 runners each year, with proceeds from the race going towards replenishing Elizabeth’s tree canopy. An 8k run equals five miles and requires runners to develop endurance, strength and stamina so whether you’re a low or high mileage runner, recreational or competitive runner, or someone just getting started, this race provides a unique opportunity to test your fitness with friends and family on the streets of your own neighborhood. To make this one of our most successful events, we need your help.

Sponsors and Donations:

Is your company (or a company you know) interested in becoming a sponsor or donating products and services? Paid sponsors are a vital part of our success, but in-kind donations and services

such as race refreshments, participant t-shirts, and marketing and printing services also help us to maximize our revenue. Participant Recruitment:

We want to see as many people as possible at the starting line on April 20! Help us spread the word to your running/ walking group, co-workers, neighbors, and friends, and get a crew together for race day. The course is stroller and dogfriendly! Volunteer: More than 60

people are needed on race day to ensure a well-executed and successful race. Come out and join your neighbors for a fun morning of giving back to your community. And to make this a successful even for you, I’ve included a 5 step guide on how to train for an 8K run (from LiveSTRONG. com).

Step 1. Build a strong mileage base by running three to four times a week. Start slowly and increase mileage or intensity by no more than 10% each week. You should be running between 15 and 25 miles each week to be able to complete an 8k. Step 2. Include one speed run each week or every other week to train muscles to move faster for longer distances. Dedicate one run doing mile repeats, running each mile between 80 to 85 percent of maximum heart rate. Before you start any the people pages

speed run, warm up at an easy jog for one mile. Rest at least three minutes between each mile. Run between two and four miles. End each speed session with a mile cool down.

Home Tour update by Ashley Nurkin The ECA’s 2012 Home Tour took place on October 13-14 and it was a rousing success!

and many others) helped make this successful event possible.

On behalf of the Home Tour committee, I would like to thank our homeowners, volunteers, sponsors, and This annual event is Step 3. Dedicate two exercise attendees for making the 2012 traditionally one of Elizabeth’s sessions each week to strength Elizabeth Home Tour a success! largest fundraisers and this year training. Focus on exercises We look forward to seeing you was no exception – through that target multiple muscle again in 2013! ticket sales and the support groups and perform between of our community sponsors, Storm Damage caused eight and 10 repetitions and the 2012 Home Tour raised or avoided by trees? two to three sets. more than $9,000.00 that by Tom Low Step 4. Cross-train and rest will support the community Apparently one of the people are necessary each week. Cross- association’s efforts in the being interviewed on a recent training means performing years ahead. In addition, nightly news broadcast activities other than running both Hospice and our CMPD suggested that the best and can include yoga, cycling, Providence division were precaution against downed swimming, strength training or given a portion of this year’s power lines was to start cutting walking. Cross-training days proceeds. down all street trees in advance should be low intensity and This event would not have of future storms, which they do allow your muscles to recover been possible without the see as coming more often and from running. Rest one day a generosity of our neighbors and more violently. week to recover and to prepare community members. A special for future runs. thanks goes out to our gracious Let’s suggest another strategy: do the exact opposite and Step 5. Stretch after each run. neighbors and businesses who create more continuous tree Runners with limited flexibility opened their beautiful homes, increase their risk for injury gardens and workplaces so the canopies. A continuous tree canopy buffers the wind acting and decrease their ability to greater Charlotte community like a helmet protecting the perform. Muscles that are tight could tour our neighborhood are not able to go through their and learn what makes Elizabeth neighborhood below. This was demonstrated with John full range of motion, limiting so special. Nolen’s design for Myers your ability to run. Stretch all More than one hundred Park during Hurricane Hugo. major muscle groups for 20 to hardworking members of our Where the street tree plantings 30 seconds and never stretch community also volunteered extend through the private lots, to the point of pain. their time during the weekend less damage occurred compared Please contact Robert Zabel to assist with tickets, home to other vintage neighborhoods at 917.873.8028 or nycrcz@ tours, advertising and event where trees were planted only yahoo.com with questions or to organization. along streets allowing wind to get involved. Finally, the generous support of dip down into open pockets Mark your calendars for April our community sponsors (CMC- inside the block and topple 20, and come be a part of our Mercy Hospital, Leroy Fox, them and inflict more structural annual tradition! Banister Homes, Royal Gardens damage to homes. 6

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Planting/preserving trees is also beneficial for many, many other reasons (and of course we should put the power lines underground where economically feasible.) Free trees! Happy Holidays from the ECA, no strings attached by Beth Haenni Can you say “free tree” five times fast? It’s a tongue twister, but it’s true. Elizabeth is serious about restoring its tree canopy. Like many older, historic neighborhoods, we’ve suffered storms, power line atrocities, new construction clearing, general aging of the canopy, and tree disease. For December 2012, the ECA has a special fund set aside to provide neighbors with free trees (each worth about $275 installed). The rules are easy:

photos from Hurricane Hugo by Chris and Bill Jones

• First come, first served. HURRY! • One tree per lot.

Sign-ups are by email only. To request one free tree, email: trees4elizabeth@gmail.com Only complete requests will be honored. Include your name, address, phone number and which type of tree you’d like: October Glory Red Maple Sugar Maple Bosque Elm Aeryn Trident Maple Willow Oak These trees will go quickly. If the program is well received, the Board will consider making it an annual event. For now, we will take requests until the special fund runs dry. The tree subsidy program is still available as well (in which ECA pays $100 towards your choice of tree), a good back-up option for those who want more than the one free tree or those who weren’t quick enough! Happy Holidays from the ECA!

• Front yard or side yard if corner. • Residential only. • Property owner approval required. • Solow Design Group approves and stakes the location. • Maplewood Company installs the tree with 2-year guarantee. • You promise to water the tree. the people pages

Park adoption changes by Kristan Magas

first was that the church itself had experienced flooding after heavy rains. The building sits The ECA has renegotiated on the edge of Independence the adoption agreement for Park, which was once a city Independence Park. We will reservoir (this explains a drastic now be having quarterly elevation decline in the upper “park beautification days.” On part of the park.) There were these Saturdays, we will ask no drains off of 7th and water neighbors to help with projects would pour into the lower areas that will clean up and give of the church. The problem was some extra TLC to the park. compounded by the fact that Kids are welcome and food in the hard clay of the existing will be provided. Thank you courtyard, nothing would grow. to all that have helped with A further concern was the the monthly park projects in stand of oak trees, all planted the past. We got a lot done in between 1918 and 1920, the last 18 months and Parks commemorating WWI veterans and Recreation staff has been from the parish: several of very appreciative of our work. these trees have recently been As many of you already do, lost. As the church was also please continue to pick up looking for a legacy project to trash in the park when you celebrate its 125th anniversary can and keep your eyes open a reconstruction and replanting for any problems that arise. of the garden, which would Look for an email about the serve as a community gathering first quarterly event sometime place as well as solve the in March. Let’s turn out big drainage problems, seems like a to show our appreciation and good solution. affection for our special park! St. Martin’s selected Laurel St. Martin’s Holzapple from Groundworks Fellowship Courtyard Studio in Asheville to design by Nancy O. Albert the garden. A rain garden with Rev. L. Murdock Smith was constructed along 7th to capture rainwater before it A courtyard garden is being drains into the church. New created alongside the 125 trees are being planted which year old St. Martin’s Episcopal will gradually replace the Church on 7th Street. ageing oaks. In the rest of the I recently met with Father garden native plants, better L. Murdock Smith who was suited for the soil and moisture pleased to talk about the conditions are being planted. history of the project and Still to come: 12 art glass panels. walked with me through the garden. The idea for the garden The garden is divided into grew out of twin needs. The several sections. In The Water 8

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of Life, a natural stone fountain has been installed. There is also Eden’s Garden and Pilgrim’s Way, edged with flagstones lettered with such words as PEACE and KINDNESS as well as Biblical quotations, connecting to the existing Memorial garden. The cutting back of vines and bushes has made the church’s stained glass windows more visible. Father Smith explained that they are in the long tradition of stained glass used in churches as teaching devices. He is proud that this church, which was founded as a working class parish, has continued to serve a very diverse community of worshipers. Father Smith envisions this as a welcoming space and hopes it will be used by all of the neighborhood. During construction he was asked if he’s concerned about the homeless using the new benches to sleep on and he replied that he welcomes them as well; he would rather have them sheltering there than in the more unprotected areas of the park. Happy birthday to our roots! by Rev. Dennis Foust One hundred years ago, in 1912, several key fixtures appeared in Elizabeth: Elizabeth Traditional School, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, and Caldwell Presbyterian Church. St. John’s was welcomed into

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photo of Pilgrimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way by Nancy O. Albert

Pedestrian deaths on 7th be pedestrian friendly. It should Street: why is nothing mimic the standard city block done about it? patterns of urban areas. by Melanie Sizemore During the development As the Elizabeth neighborhood of the Elizabeth Area Plan, bears witness to yet another Elizabeth residents asked for death by vehicle on 7th Street, many changes to 7th Street. the question cannot be avoided Recognizing that 7th Street any longer: “What will it take has become a dividing line to get NCDOT, CDOT and separating the neighborhood, the planning entities with we wanted to implement jurisdiction over this area to design changes so that 7th get real about the problems on Street would act more like 7th Street?” Larry Major was a “zipper” that connects the killed just 10 days shy of the neighborhood. As part of these one year mark of the death by discussions, the community St. John’s is “A Servant Church: vehicle of Autumn Soyka at the asked for road diets, pedestrian same location on 7th Street. Actively Faithful, Faithfully crossings, etc. Those requests Active.” Our members are active were rejected. After Autumn The stretch of 7th Street in 25 community ministries Soyka’s death, business owners between Hawthorne and Pecan and 12 global ministries. We in Elizabeth echoed the call is over 1,700 feet long, and host the offices of Charlotte for more traffic controls and yet there are no pedestrian Family Housing, Church World pedestrian friendly designs. crosswalks in that entire Services (CROP Walk), and Again, no changes. distance. For a stretch of road provide space for Bethlehem at the heart of Elizabeth and It appears that 7th Street Head Start. We also offer an the retail hub for the area, design is dictated by the excellent Weekday School it is astonishing (and at this commuter patterns and for preschoolers. During cold point, unforgiveable) that this preferences of people passing weather months, our members distance does not contain any through the neighborhood volunteer to provide shelter pedestrian crossings. during rush hours, not the for homeless men each Friday needs and requests of the No wonder people dash across evening. As a community of property owners and businesses the street at mid-block. The faith, we are Christ’s gathered in the area. length of the street between church to worship, fellowship, the two intersections is almost A recent response from a learn and encourage one twice the length of the standard city department was that the another so we can be Christ’s 900’ block in Manhattan and business owners on 7th Street scattered church in the life of could hire off-duty police the world. Learn more about us almost three times the length of the standard 660’ block officers as the solution to at www.stjohnsbaptistchurch. in Chicago. Elizabeth is not the death by motor vehicles org or call 704.333.5428; Gotham or The Windy City, on 7th Street. Think these Dr. Dennis W. Foust, Senior but this stretch of 7th Street sentiments are shared by the Minister; Sunday Worship is the major business area City’s Economic Development 10:30 a.m. St. John’s Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, where residents and businesses office? I sure hope not. Public interact and as such, it needs to safety is “front and center” as a Charlotte, NC 28204. the community in 1922. For several decades now, these three congregations and Hawthorne Lane Methodist have worked alongside the Elizabeth Community Association, founded in the 1970’s. A few years ago, these four congregations established Elizabeth Communities of Faith with Presbyterian and Mercy Hospitals. Today, the ECF, the ECA, and the Elizabeth business district are still working together to improve quality of life in our community.

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photo by Nancy O. Albert

city responsibility. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we all pay taxes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; residents and business owners alike. This is a service responsibility of a municipality and it needs to be addressed. Suggesting that it is only a local business problem is appalling. Elizabeth residents and businesses have requested solutions and we need the city to step up to the plate and responsibly address this need.

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Independence Park photo by Nancy O. Albert the people pages

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church advent calendar by Jerry Holshouser Adams

501 Hawthorne Lane www.hlumc.org 704 332 8131 info@hlumc.org

Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church invites you to our advent worship series, “By Prophets Seen of Old”

All are welcome…

December 2

First Sunday of Advent 11:00 am - Worship series “Good Times” 4:00 pm - Children’s Musical “O Christmas Tree” December 9

Second Sunday of Advent 11:00 am - Worship series “On Trial” 7:00 pm - Choir will present special Christmas music: “A Night for Rejoicing”

Elizabeth Goodwill drive: volunteers needed! by Beth Haenni Saturday, December 1 from 9 to 1 and Sunday, December 2 from 1 to 4 at the parking Lot on the corner of Ridgeway and 7th Street. Come lend a hand! www.elizabethcommunity.com

December 16

Third Sunday of Advent 11:00 am – Worship “Cheer Up!” 6:00 & 6:30 pm Live Nativity December 23

Fourth Sunday of Advent 11:00 am – Worship “Humble Beginnings” Christmas Eve 5:30 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (kid friendly) 11:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion December 30

11:00 am- “Service of Covenant Renewal” “Prayers for Healing and Wholeness” 14

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photo: Nancy O. Albert

December 24

ECA MEMBERSHIP FORM 2012 www.elizabethcommunity.com $20 per household or business

$10 seniors (65 and older)

Annual membership fees are based on the calendar year. name(s) of adult(s) in household street address

ZIP

How many years have you lived in / had a business in Elizabeth? primary telephone number e-mail address adult 1 please use my e-mail address for: m crime watch

m social events m LizBiz promos m do not e-mail

e-mail address adult 2 please use my e-mail address for: m crime watch

m social events m LizBiz promos m do not e-mail

first name(s) and age(s) of children at home YES! I want to become more involved in my community. Please sign me up for the following committee(s):

m beautification / trees m Big E road race m block captain m crime watch m homes tour m membership m traffic m website / newsletter m social (check all that apply): m easter egg hunt m holiday party m progressive dinner m I’m interested in discussing becoming a board member: please contact me. (The board is elected at the annual meeting in the fall. Interested persons are invited to attend the monthly board meetings.)

m I’m interested in special projects and my area(s) of expertise are: Mail completed form and check to:

Elizabeth Community Association, P.O. Box 33696, Charlotte, NC 28233-3696 Prefer to pay by credit card? You may do so at www.elizabethcommunity.com

✂

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Advent with St. John’s A Servant Church: Actively Faithful, Faithfully Active Ecumenical in Practice, Baptist in Principle Dr. Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister 300 Hawthorne Lane at Fifth Street www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org 704.333.5428 Sunday, December 2nd @ 10:30 a.m. Hanging of the Green Featuring Children’s Choirs, Youth Choir and Chancel Choir Following Worship: Alternative Gift Fair in Broach Hall Friday, December 7th @ 12 noon Charlotte Lessons and Carols Live performance broadcast presented by WDAV 89.9 and St. John’s Free and Open to the Public Sunday, December 9th @ 10:30 a.m. Focused Moment with Children Sermon: The Voice Sunday, December 16th @ 10:30 a.m. Gloria In Excelsis A choral festival of familiar and new carols and anthems presented by St. John’s Chancel Choir with Chamber Orchestra Homily: The Interruption Sunday, December 23rd @ 10:30 a.m. Dramatic Presentation Sermon: The Visit Monday, December 24th @ 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Candles, Carols & Communion Homily: The Appearing

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