ECA 3-09 by Elizabeth Community

Terry Lett block captain/advertising 704 377 0052 terryp.lett@gmail.com

Todd Rubenson secretary 704 386 4401 todd.rubenson@bankofamerica.com

Freda Zeh membership 704 333 3127 fzeh@gmail.com

Amanda Loftus race 704 608 9089 aemloftus@yahoo.com

Melanie Sizemore zoning 704 335 0909 msizemore@realindex.com

Kara Gooding cankerworm/trees 704 604 5660 Kara_gooding@hotmail.com

Matt Nurkin ECA president 704 617 8610 mnurkin@cogdellspencer.com

Peter Tart zoning 704 372 4147 petart@carolina.rr.com

Beth Haenni social 704 332 7992 beth.haenni@gmail.com

Maya Packard

Roxie Towns zoning/beautification 704 342 1000

Dana Inge crime 704 968 3234 kayak1010@hotmail.com

Ruffin Pearce

Deborah Johnson membership 704 353 1179 djohnson147@carolina.rr.com

Susan Plott treasurer 704 575 2259 splott@carolina.rr.com

social 704 334 2196 mpackard@carolina.rr.com vice president 704 331 4989 rpearce@wcsr.com

Amy Williams social 704 491 8240 awill@catocorp.com

ECA annual meeting

Please join us for the ECA annual dinner on November 16 at 6:30 pm at Broach Hall, St. John’s Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane. Race T shirts

Elizabeth 8K Race t shirts in adult sizes S, M, L, and XL are available for $5 each. Want one? E-mail Linda Nash at nashfamily1@bellsouth.net. 2

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J O I N THE E C A Judge a man not by the words of his mother, but from the comments of his neighbors.– Hebrew Proverb

tree engraving (left) from a design by Eric Gill – all photos in this issue by Nancy Albert unless otherwise noted

Nancy Albert newsletter 704 719 1255 noalbert@carolina.rr.com

Elizabeth Avenue grand opening by Devon O’Shaughnessy It’s finally here and needless to say, we’re ready! Without a doubt, 2009 has been a rough year for everyone; we’ve seen the market collapse, the housing bubble burst and job losses swell to record highs. On top of that, pile on over a year’s worth of road construction and you can imagine what Elizabeth Avenue restaurants and businesses have endured. However, looking at the (almost) completed road makes it all worthwhile. With the streetcar tracks in place and the power lines buried, the scene is set for the revival of a once bustling, lively area. Some development plans have been delayed due to the economic woes of the past year, but the future of the Elizabeth Avenue area is still very bright. Plans are still in place to develop the area with retail, office and residential space, simply later than expected.

deadline for winter 09:

Nov. 15th

editorial content:

noalbert@carolina.rr.com Elizabeth Avenue restaurant crawl

Thursday, Sept. 24 Taste test featured specials at each of your favorite Elizabeth Avenue restaurants. Tickets will be available through each restaurant.

advertising:

terryp.lett@gmail.com ------------------------------------full page ad

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

Elizabeth Avenue block party

size: 3.205” x 3.715” (641 x 743 pixels)

Date TBD

biz card ad

Celebrate the opening of Elizabeth Avenue! We thank you again for your support, and we couldn’t do it without you.

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

– Grubb Properties and Elizabeth Avenue tenants

It’s been a tough road this past *Event details are subject to change, year, and we thank you for your so please stay tuned for more info. support of us and the Elizabeth Avenue tenants. It’s made all Meeting announcement the difference. by Alan Goodman In honor of your support and The Charlotte-Mecklenburg of the street being completed, Planning Department, in Grubb Properties and our collaboration with other City wonderful Elizabeth Avenue and County departments, has tenants would like to celebrate begun preliminary work on a with you.* new Elizabeth Area Plan.

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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A public kickoff meeting for the plan will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 6 to 7pm in the Fellowship Hall of St. John’s Baptist Church, 1300 Hawthorne Lane. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the plan and process, solicit Citizen Advisory Group members, and hear stakeholders’ opinions, concerns, and ideas about the study area and plan scope. The Elizabeth Area Plan (EAP) will be a policy document that provides the framework for future growth and development and serves as guidance for elected officials when making land use and zoning decisions. It will provide a vision for what the community wants to be in the future and will identify what public and private investments and strategies should be pursued in order to realize the plan vision. The Elizabeth Area Plan will update the broader adopted land use plan now in place, the Central District Plan (adopted in 1993). It will also build upon some of the concepts presented in the Seventh Street Developer Response (May 2008). Anyone who wishes can participate in the process, including business and property owners, area residents, and others with an interest in the future of Elizabeth. Participation can be in the form of attendance at public meetings, volunteering for 4

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the Citizens Advisory Group, responding to a survey, or simply following the plan process on the City’s web site.

The families showcasing their homes and gardens this year are:

• Robb and Tammie Beatty For more information regarding at 2106 E. 5th St. the Elizabeth Area Plan contact • Tanja Bechtler and Bob Alan Goodwin, 704-432-3418. Teixeira at 527 Lamar Ave. Eight neighbors open • Eleanor Hatcher and Mark their homes and gardens Staub at 2116 E. 8th St. by Megan Roberts • Kathy Kennedy-Miller This year’s Elizabeth Home and Brent Miller Tour on October 3 and 4 will at 419 Clement Ave. feature six outstanding homes • Kay and Peter Minor at from our community, each 1929 E. 8th St. (garden only) with its own style, history and character. In addition, two of • Linda and Jim Nash our neighbors will showcase at 1921 E. 9th St. their gardens. • Hillary and Pat Rondero Come see two of Elizabeth’s at 344 N. Caswell St. oldest homes, built in 1912 • Adrienne Thompson at and 1915, lovingly restored 1933 E. 8th St. (garden only) throughout the years. Several In addition to these homes of the homes on this year’s and the Garden Council House tour may be appreciated as at 1820 E. 7th Street, St. much for their architectural design as the artwork displayed. John’s Baptist Church at 300 Hawthorne Lane will welcome Pieces include childhood tour participants. The church dresses, family keepsakes, sanctuary was refurbished last commissioned work by local year, including the installation artists, and paintings done by of a new Letourneau organ. family members. Enjoy and be They will be holding miniinspired by the professional concerts during the tour. interior design experience of two homeowners. Tickets are available for $12 per person in advance at Wander through the gardens Cooking Uptown and Royal on 8th Street and share the Gardens starting in late whimsy and vision of their creators. The Charlotte Council September. The cost is $15 per person the days of the tour. of Garden Clubs also has a renovated garden that now See ElizabethCommunity.com features herbs as well as its for more details to be posted existing flower beds. prior to the event.

CPCC’s new culinary building by Nancy Albert

home tour poster design by Ken Magas

You may have noticed a new building on the corner of 7th Street and Kings Drive. Built of red brick in a classical revival style, like so many of the other new buildings on the CPCC campus, it somewhat oddly faces away from the street. Instead its entrance is oriented toward a terraced area that will connect with the John Belk Plaza portion of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which is also in the process of being completed. CPCC’s culinary program is scheduled to relocate here at the start of the fall semester. This 36,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art culinary facility will feature five main kitchens, four classrooms, an auditorium and dining/conference area. Although construction on other CPCC projects has been delayed by state budget constraints, this facility was funded by 2005 bonds.

are needed to help recruit Volunteers serve as hosts for and schedule volunteer staff. two hour shifts. Free tickets are Contact Dawn Ballenger at available for those interested ddballenger@carolina.rr.com in volunteering for two or more or 704-343-2880. tour shifts. House Captains Volunteers Needed!

According to CPCC officials the college’s Culinary Technology, Hotel, Restaurant Management, Baking and Pastry Arts Programs have been preparing students for culinary careers for more than 30 years. CPCC is a leader in the region for culinary education and graduates culinary and hospitality students to some of the best restaurants, hotels, and entertainment companies the people pages

in the world. CPCC students have more kitchen and lab experience than many of their competitors from around the country, and they’ve been taught by an outstanding faculty who know the business. In 2007, CPCC’s culinary program was accredited by the American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission. The American Culinary Federation Foundation, Inc. ACF is the premier professional chefs’

organization in North America. CPCC’s program is the only one in this area to achieve this accreditation. The Hospitality Industry represents 8.1 percent of the global economy and is projected to increase to 18 percent by 2012, adding more than 1.6 million new jobs. Tourism has grown into one of the state’s largest industries. Annually, more than 60 million people visit North Carolina and leave behind more than 14 billion

dollars. Established full service restaurants, hotels, resorts, clubs, catering operations and health care facilities are all looking for educated, qualified chefs. Central Piedmont Community College’s culinary technology program is designed to be an affordable way to prepare students to fill these jobs. Looked at in this light, the new Culinary facility is a welcome addition to Elizabeth, a neighborhood that prides itself on its number and variety of restaurants. Thanks to Melissa Warlick and Lorraine Blahnik for their assistance.

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Hit the Brixx for Kids Path by Nancy Cole

• Walk or ride as a team, for fun, and to remember the memory of your loved ones.

we will also offer willow oaks this year. These maples and elms are great fast growers and ideal for narrow planting entry fees 5k 10k 5&10k Kid’s Fun Run strips in front of homes. The thru Sept. 11 $17 $22 $27 $5 w/shirt or FREE w/o shirt willow oak is the majestic tree Sept. 12-25 $20 $25 $30 $5 w/shirt or FREE w/o shirt that is so prevalent in our race day $30 $35 $40 $5 w/shirt or FREE w/o shirt neighborhood, but at 60, 70 or even 80 years old, many of Together, let’s hit the bricks • Volunteer! We have openings these trees are reaching the and participate in the 13th for check-in, chip pick-up, end of their lifespan. Residents annual Hit the Brixx 10K/5K course monitors, finish line are encouraged to choose the Run-Walk scheduled for friends, or water stop stations. tree they think will work best Saturday, September 26, 2009. with their yard. Contact Nancy Cole, 704 335 This event is a benefit for 4312 or colen@hpccr.org. The program is simple and easy: Kids Path pediatric hospice care of Hospice & Palliative • Step 1– Choose your tree: Planting new trees Care Charlotte Region. You, sugar maple, bosque elm, by Kara Gooding your family and friends may Aeryn trident maple or ECA program offers residents participate in a 5K memorial willow oak. unbeatable value: mature trees, walk to honor the memory • Step 2 – Return the order professionally sited and planted in of a loved one. The 10K run form (next page) to the your yard for 30% - 40% off! starts at 7:45am, followed by Gooding-Allen residence the 5K run at 9am and the 5K Project Elizabeth is a at 2217 E. 5th Street. memorial walk at 9:05am at the neighborhood tree-planting Make check payable to The Uptown Charlotte Brixx Wood initiative aimed at restoring the Maplewood Company. 50% Fired Pizza at 225 East Sixth glorious tree canopy that much is due now, the other 50% is Street. For more info and to of Elizabeth has lost in recent due when the tree is planted register, visit www.hpccr.org. years. For the second year in a in late November/early row, the Elizabeth Community Additional ways you can help December. Association has agreed to make Hit the Brixx events a • Step 3 – Professionals from subsidize tree planting for success: Solow Design Group will help neighborhood residents. • Spread the word to all your you stake an ideal spot for In partnership with The friends and neighbors. your trees. They will contact Maplewood Company (www. you by phone or email to • Register to ride, run, walk, themaplewoodcompany. arrange a site visit. or participate as a phantom com) the ECA will provide a runner or phantom rider. • Step 4 – Rest easy. The $100 contribution towards Phantom participants provide Maplewood Company will the purchase and planting all of the love and none of deliver and plant the trees. of a tree for your front yard. the labor! Simply check the They will also build a collar/ In addition to the three tree Phantom box on the entry water ring around it, top it species offered last year: the forms and receive a T-shirt with pine straw, and leave a sugar maple, the bosque elm and race number. detailed care sheet. All you and the Aeryn trident maple, have to do is water and enjoy. the people pages

What residents have said about their trees:

“The purchase of our ECA tree was instant gratification; the tree has enhanced our house and yard and will continue to do so, as it gets bigger every year. It was so easy!” “Trees are what make our neighborhood so special, I was happy to do it.” Project Elizabeth order form

Deadline for ordering is November 7. name: address: e-mail: phone: ___(#) legacy sugar maples x $275 = subtotal $ ___(#) Aeryn trident maples x $265 = subtotal $ ___(#) bosque elms x $265 = subtotal $ ___(#) willow oaks x $235 = subtotal $ Subsidy from ECA -$100 = Subtract $100 for each tree

TOTAL: $

Check No. ______ enclosed for $_______. The balance will be due upon planting.

“A great service the neighborhood offers. Where else but Elizabeth!” The deadline for this offer is November 7. Also, if your lawn is already full, you can opt to donate trees to the rest of the neighborhood – an option a couple residents have already chosen. Don’t miss this great opportunity. And don’t forget: if you planted a tree last year, trees will perform better if grass is kept from growing up to the trunk and a mulch ring is maintained around the tree. For any other questions, please contact: Trees4Elizabeth@gmail.com The subsidy will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Quantities limited. We may have to limit purchases to one tree per yard, depending on demand. Make sure your trees are protected

Cankerworm supplies will again be sold to Elizabeth residents this year. Even though the city spraying of 2008 has helped dramatically reduce 8

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the cankerworm population in Charlotte, there is still a small cankerworm population that will slowly come back to infestation levels in the coming years. Protect your trees with tree banding supplies, supplied by the ECA. For a dollar a foot, the ECA supplies the following tools: • gloves • putty knife • Tanglefoot • tar paper • batting • staple guns/plastic wrap Check the website for more information: www. elizabethcommunity.com. For any other questions, contact:Trees4Elizabeth@ gmail.com Hospice & Palliative Care upcoming events by Tiffany Petti Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR) welcomes you to join us at any of the following events taking place between now and the end of the year. Funds raised from these events allow us to provide many of our programs free, or at little cost, to the public. For more details about any of these fundraisers, visit our website, www.hpccr.org, and click on the calendar of events. Or call Nancy Cole, Manager of Special Events, at 704.335.4312.

Pedal the Park

Light Up A Life

The 2nd Annual Pedal the Park cycling event is scheduled for Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Come ride with us! Pedal the Park, a benefit for Levine & Dickson Hospice House, offers a 30 and 60-mile ride through scenic Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Rowan counties. If you are a more casual rider, you and your family may enjoy a 3-mile fun ride through The Park Huntersville. Visit the HPCCR website or www.pedalthepark. org for more event details.

With special remembrance services throughout December, Light Up A Life offers meaningful ways to recognize the season. Attend one of our five memorial services throughout the area or purchase Remembrance Tree Lights and Commemorative Bells in honor or in memory of your loved ones. Bells can be hand-inscribed making them wonderful gifts and memorable keepsakes. For remembrance service times and locations, please visit the calendar of events on our website.

Earth Fare “Burger for a Buck” charity grill-out

On Saturday, September 19th from 11am-2pm, stop by Earth Fare—the Healthy Supermarket in Torringdon Market near Ballantyne, and the new SouthPark location (one block from SouthPark Mall in Morrison) for a tasty grilled burger! Earth Fare’s all-natural, gourmet specialty burgers will be grilled to order… all for the low price of $1. The Plaza-MidwoodChantilly Chili Cookoff

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 12-6pm as we taste some of the best chili in Charlotte! Judges will be present to hand out the blue ribbon, but you can pick your own favorite from among the unique recipes. The location is 1318-D Central Ave. (between Family Dollar and CVS). If chili isn’t your thing, come for the ride-in bike show, bake sale, raffle and fellowship!

Avon Breast cancer walk by Vanessa Gorr Charlotte’s 2009 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer needs YOU! Your participation in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event – as a volunteer – will allow medically underserved women and men to be treated giving them access to the care they require. The 2009 Charlotte Walk needs volunteers to help on Friday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 25. For more information, please e-mail volunteer.charlotte@ avonwalk.org, call 704 377 3144 x 14, or visit us at www. avonwalk.org VOLUNTEER TODAY!

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The Elizabeth neighborhood exists today due to a son-inlaw naming a college after his mother-in-law all the way back in1897. In the same way Elizabeth neighborhood is rooted to its history, Central Coffee Co. is undeniably tied to owner Jimmy Kleto’s Greek family heritage. All of you coffee and espresso connoisseurs have probably stopped by the new addition in the neighborhood, located where Louise and Central Avenue meet. Behind the corner rustic building lies a rich history in itself. Built in the mid 30’s, the shop once stood as a grocery store, a leather store and most recently, a convenience store. Kleto’s grandfather, originally from Central Greece, purchased the entire unit in the mid 60’s. Forty-plus years later, the building is staying in the family with Central Coffee Co. Kleto’s distant relatives have unknowingly passed down this vocation of being local storeowners from generation to generation. From the early 70’s to the mid 80’s, the DNP coffee shop was a popular spot in Charlotte located on South Tryon owned by Kleto’s grandfather. The Rex Pool Room was another familyowned business located in Charlotte from the 1920’s to 1973. Continuing the 10

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Central Coffee photos courtesy Krystle Hart, creepy hand from www.freedomhygiene.com

A coffee heritage by Krystle Hart

legacy, Kleto designed the shop in keeping with its original historical attributes by leaving the original ceiling and unique brick wall while adding a modern industrial touch. Starting as a distant dream in the heart of local owner Jimmy Kleto, the coffee shop fantasy transformed into more than what he originally envisioned. “I was just an avid coffee drinker who always wanted to work in a coffee shop,” shared Kleto. “After years in the industry I painted a vivid picture in my head of what the perfect shop would be… and that’s what I’ve created.” Taken in 1920, Jimmy’s great Grandfather Nick Kleto (bottom left) and Grandfather Gus Kleto (bottom right) are pictured in their familyowned restaurant located in Henderson, Kentucky. Recapturing the same image, storeowner Jimmy Kleto (top right) strikes the same pose alongside his father, Nick Kleto (top left) in the finished Central Coffee Company coffee shop nearly 90 years later. Showmars by John Frangoulis We at Showmars on 7th St. are happy to announce Neighborhood Appreciation Night every Tuesday. To celebrate we are giving Free Drinks & Desert to all dine-in customers who purchase a meal from 4pm ‘til closing.

You’re invited to join us!

When we established this program my thoughts were with the local customers in mind. I envisioned people walking over to our restaurant and meeting and dining with their neighbors. On Monday we started Kids Night for the families were the children under 12 eat free with every adult meal purchased. On Monday night we also provide entertainment by the the balloon artist Jason Frame. It has been very successful and we all have fun. Staying healthy by Kris Solow

Since most infections are spread by touch, washing your hands before touching another person is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of infections. However, it is important to wash your hands even when you’re not feeling sick because most germs are actually transmitted a few days before you start feeling sick, according to netwellness.org The tips below may seem over the edge for some readers, but with flu season creeping in, and a nasty strain of flu at that, the more precautions you take, the healthier you’ll stay.

1 - Wash your hands frequently. Hands are everywhere, but not Any chance you get, wash for all hands are clean. “Viruses, 20 seconds, about the time it bacteria, fungi, or parasites can takes to sing “Happy be spread when a sick person Birthday”. coughs into the air or by touching that You can person’s secretions prevent (urine, runny flu, nose, cough, food and diarrhea). Drinking or eating after an ill person or handling poisoning, items diarrhea, norovirus, MRSA, etc. they’ve touched are ways of coming into contact with these secretions. When the germ particles enter your body, they can cause you to have an infection.

2 - Use your shirt tail, or any piece of clothing, to open doors, use shopping carts, pull in chairs at restaurants, the people pages

press elevator buttons, fasten your seatbelt, etc. 3 - Don’t shake people’s hands, and don’t kiss everyone you greet. Give hugs instead and then step back, or bow. 4 - Keep your hands away from your face. Don’t pick your nose, pick your teeth, lick your fingers (even to turn a page), chew your fingernails, or clean your eyes out. 5 - At parties, use a napkin to handle the serving spoons to scoop food. Do NOT put your hands in a bowl of nuts, candy, or potato chips! Everyone else’s hands have been there, and you don’t know where their hands have been. Avoid these foods altogether. 6 - Avoid crowded places, or wear a surgical mask. 7 - Cover your mouth when you sneeze with a piece of clothing, or in extreme cases, sneeze inside the shirt you are wearing. It’s going to be washed anyway! Never sneeze into your hand. 8 - Carry a handkerchief or bandana with you at all times. They have a multitude of uses. 9 - Keep antibacterial wipes in your car, office, and purse. 10 - Eat a healthy well balanced diet, get adequate amounts of sleep, exercise, and drink plenty of fluids. Did I mention to wash your hands frequently? 12

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An apple a day by Nikki Sawyer Moore

When purchasing apples, select fruit that is bruise-free and firm to the touch. Kept in a plastic Last fall my parents escaped bag, apples will last up to two the lingering summer heat weeks in a refrigerator and can of Florida and headed to the be stored in a cool, dark place North Carolina mountains. The for even longer. changing foliage and mountain lifestyle must have gotten to As autumn kicks off with them as they bought about 50 football and changing pounds of apples during their leaves, add some apples to trip. A quick stop in Charlotte your shopping basket. With on their way home and I found hundreds of varieties to choose myself with 15 pounds of them. from and even more ways to incorporate them into your Having a surplus means menu, including the easy you have to get creative. dessert recipe below, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be Fortunately with apples itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not craving more than the requisite too hard. Delicious chopped in apple a day. salads, sliced on sandwiches, Weeknight apple crostata stuffed in pork, baked for A crostata is a roughly formed dessert, and of course, as the perfect snack, apples donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get Italian dessert tart. While you can always make your own pie pigeon-holed. The fact that dough for this dessert, the use apples are a great source of of store-bought dough makes dietary fiber and the vitamins A and C makes them that much this the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight. harder to resist. A little research on North Carolina apples led me to discover that Western Carolina is the 7th largest apple growing region in the country with Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, and Galas being the most commonly grown apples in our state. This versatile fruit is at its peak in North Carolina from midAugust to October. Apples should be chosen based on how you plan to use them. For example, Red Delicious apples are perfect for snacking, but not for baking, while Galas can be used for both purposes.

Serves 4 1 store-bought pie dough

Roll out pie dough and place on baking sheet. Meanwhile, combine apple slices, two tablespoons butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl and toss to combine. Brush pie dough with remaining butter, saving a little butter for the crust, and sprinkle with apples, leaving about 1 1/2 to 2 inches around the edge of the dough. Fold the edge up and over the apples, until apples are contained and slightly covered by the pie dough. You will need to pleat the edge to make it all the way around. Brush crust with butter. Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve with vanilla ice cream. Want to know more about North Carolina apples? Check out www.allaboutapples.com/ orchard/nc.htm .

1 large apple (Golden Delicious, Gala or other all-purpose or baking apple, thinly sliced) 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. the people pages

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