Amanda Loftus Elizabeth 8k race 704 608 9089 aemloftus@yahoo.com
Peter Tart zoning/real estate 704 372 4147 petart@carolina.rr.com
Russell Crandall traffic, trees 704 344 0897 rucrandall@davidson.edu
Kristan Magas Parks & Rec liaison 704 347 4763 kdm2201@gmail.com
Amy Williams social 704 491 8240 awill@catocorp.com
Beth Haenni vice president, social 704 332 7992 beth.haenni@gmail.com
Ruffin Pearce zoning/real estate/legal 704 331 4989 rpearce@wcsr.com
Jenny Holman secretary 704 313 8079 jennyholman@mac.com
Susan Plott treasurer 704 575 2259 splott@carolina.rr.com
Dana Inge crime dudette 704 968 3234 kayak1010@hotmail.com
Monte Ritchey president 704 334 6964 mritchey@conformitycorp.com
Terry Lett business liaison/block captain 704 377 0052 terryp.lett@gmail.com
Melanie Sizemore zoning/real estate 704 335 0909 msizemore@realindex.com
SAVE THE DATE
Elizabeth potluck dinner and annual meeting Monday, September 19, 6:30-8 pm at St. John’s Baptist (corner of Hawthorne & 5th), Broach Hall – enter from rear of church. The Elizabeth Community Association will provide pasta and drinks, but please bring a covered dish, appetizer or dessert, as well as $20 to renew your annual membership.
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J O I N THE E C A For when two beings who are not friends are near each other there is no meeting, and when friends are far apart there is no separation. – Simone Weil
✤ Artists to my mind are the real architects of change, and not the political legislators who implement change after the fact. –William S. Burroughs
front cover: Liam Robinson plays at the opening of the farmers’ market – photo by Nancy O. Albert / back cover: photo by Ken Magas
Nancy Albert newsletter 704 779 0932 noalbert@carolina.rr.com
Elizabeth Home Tour 2011 by Diana Watson This year’s Elizabeth Home Tour on October 1st and 2nd will showcase seven extraordinary homes and three unique gardens. Check out one of the oldest homes in Elizabeth, a grand 1913 neoclassical home with an expansive front porch and chicken coop in the backyard! There are two colonial revival homes on tour this year. The 1934 home is bursting with vibrant colors for a young family with three sons. The 1935 home was remodeled this past year keeping in mind historical preservation and green technology. A 1921 bungalow has had a second story added but still retains the original character: notice the bead board ceiling in the kitchen and the transoms in the
hallways. A 1929 vintage home boasts the original footprint and houses an interesting collection of horses. The newest home in our community built just this past year has a traditional exterior and modern open floorplan. The third time on tour for a 1932 bungalow graced by palm trees, exotic black bamboo and whimsical lollipop trees. Two of the homes are opening up their gardens, plus a breathtaking “Southern” garden beckons with a creative use of ironwork and statues. CMC-Mercy Hospital has just finished their renovation and is opening up their lobby to all. There will be a pianist, tours of the art collection, refreshments and information tables. The Master Gardeners have just completed a demonstration garden at 1418 Armory Drive; they will be available for tours and gardening questions.
deadline winter 2011:
Nov. 15th
editorial content:
noalbert@carolina.rr.com advertising:
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The families who are graciously Elizabeth welcomes a Charlotte landmark sharing their homes and by Beth Haenni gardens this fall: Jeremy Carter and Jason McLawhorn
2220 Vail Ave Beth Harden and Geoff McLaughlin
2416 Kenmore Ave
Paula Lechner
2120 Kenmore Ave
Michel and Ladd VanDevender 2421 E 5th Kim and Harris Lineberger
2125 Greenway
Mary Hahn and Chris Fetter
house gives the shop more room to offer story times, author visits, game days, craft days, and camps. “We look Do you know you can now forward to expanding our walk to Charlotte’s oldest (and community involvement to the best!) children’s book & toy Elizabeth neighborhood,” says store? The big purple house on “Toy Whiz” June Hargrove. 7th Street (the former La Tea Da’s) is the new home of Black Black Forest is open now. Forest Books & Toys. As you’re out walking the Elizabeth Home Tour on Saturday, October 1, stop by the store for their grand opening celebration. Elizabeth Farmers’ Market by Diana Watson
My husband Reid and I just want to give a big hug and Kirsti Nelson thanks to Chef Trey Wilson Black Forest was Charlotte’s 616 Pecan Ave of Custom House for making first children’s bookstore, John Denti founded 33 years ago, and was a dream come true for many Elizabeth residents. The first 651 Louise Ave one of the first five children’s Saturday the Elizabeth Farmers bookstores in the U.S. The Tickets for the tour will be Market opened, we took our shop boasts an extensive available mid-September at usual Saturday morning walk collection of children’s books, Royal Gardens on 7th and with our dog Sister and headed classics, and specialty toys. Red Sky Gallery on Elizabeth to Elizabeth Avenue. What Avenue. Royal Gardens, Red Sky Anyone who attends a local a treat to find fresh Atlantic and Mercy will all have ticket birthday party can spot Black Flounder, pasta from Custom sales during the event. Forest’s signature green Shop, blueberries, potatoes, wrapping paper with white breads and pastries all provided Volunteers are still welcome! polka dots on many of the by North Carolina vendors Contact Stephanie McKee gifts. One of my favorite things and just a short walk from the (smckee@theconegroup. about Black Forest is the house. Stone Seafood iced com) or Tammy Herrmann knowledgeable staff, comprised down our fish and kept it (tammyh@carolina.rr.com) to of former librarians and cool while we wandered over volunteer to greet visitors to a educators. They love to help to 1900 for a cold beer and home. shoppers pick out the perfect, enchiladas. On the walk home age-appropriate book or toy. Check out the new Elizabeth we reminisced about our tour website to see pictures of the Our friends at Black Forest of Puerto Rico and how we were homes and for more details: are really excited to meet spoiled by never having to shop www.elizabethcommunity.com the children and families in in a grocery store; we found all Elizabeth. The big purple our foods from the fishermen See you on tour!
1928 E. 9th St
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that fished on our beach, the egg lady across the street and even the farmer who would stop his truck at our home and honk to see if I wanted vegetables. We felt we had arrived againfresh food all within walking distance of our kitchen! The following Saturday we were on the bikes to the market and ran into a neighbor walking who could not find the market, she was on her way home empty handed. The market is located in the parking lot next door to 1900 the Mexican Food restaurant, there are white tents set up for the vendors and plenty of parking. I hope all of you take a Saturday morning stroll and try out the farm fresh vegetables, local honey, fresh Carolina shrimp and bakery breads. On your way home count your blessings for living in such a vibrant, minutesfrom-everything, tree-lined, great neighborhood.
photos by Nancy O. Albert
Independence park adoption update by Kristan Magas Thank you to all who have braved the heat to help us with our park clean-up efforts this summer. I know that it has been rewarding for me and my family to spend the time playing in and exploring the park while helping to keep it beautiful. As you may know, we have teamed up with the Hawthorne’s Pizza folks in this effort and it has been wonderful working side by side with them in the park. the people pages
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The feedback that I have gotten from neighbors has also been a great help to alert the staff about any issues in the park that need attention. Please visit the link www. elizabethcommunity.com/ volunteer/park-clean-upprogram to volunteer. We especially need help with the monthly projects, which fall on the second Saturday of each month. It is a great way to work with fellow neighbors, and friends of our park, as well as to show how much we care for this historically important and beautiful park Elizabeth to turn seven nails into a home by Yolanda Garcia
The park has silently shared memorable moments with its visitors. Memories include families walking and couples sitting on benches sipping morning coffee. Homeless people who sleep on those same benches arrive at night to keep the park company, often departing at first light. Meditating at the park, we wonder what our purpose is and we decide to make history. After all, there’s no need to be a famous person to add our name 6
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photo by Nancy O. Albert
In 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt shook over eight thousand hands in one day, James E. Casey founded the US Postal Service, and Independence Park opened in Charlotte.
The Elizabeth neighborhood is known for coming together and building strong community ties. Please help us find a In 2010 The Consumerist deserving family who will one reported that one in fifty homes day occupy their dream home were foreclosed on Charlotte. by submitting your story. It was statistics like this that With your help, we can make a inspired CPCC students to difference. With your trades, we create the volunteer project, can make history. Also, consider Swap to the Rooftop. trading that golf cart or boat The goal of Swap to the Rooftop or appliance that has been is to turn seven nails into a collecting dust. Help us barter home for a family or person our way up to the house this in need. To accomplish this, lucky family will occupy. community trades will make the dream come true. So far, the Visit www.swaptotherooftop.org to find out how you can help seven nails have been traded today. Thanks for being a great for running strollers, and the community that continues to running strollers have been make a difference. traded for a Natuzzi leather sofa and coffee table.
photo by Yolanda Garcia
to the history books: all we need is the desire to make a change.
The new Elizabeth community website: be here, live here, share here by Ken Magas We all know The Elizabeth Community is the best place to live in the Queen City. Our network of sidewalks, friendly neighbors, wonderful homes, pets, food and entertainment, all makes for blissful living. Nothing beats walking through our neighborhood and experiencing its conversations, sights, sounds and destinations. The new Elizabeth Community website strives to capture this essence. Scout the latest news, stroll through neighborhood forum topics, comment on the latest blogs, view neighborhood photos and submit your own. www. ElizabethCommunity.com. It’s all there for neighbors to be... well, neighborly. Help us paint the Elizabeth canvas by participating in our new website. Submit information, volunteer for a neighborhood event, become a neighborhood member, submit your “hood” photos. Contribute and enjoy other’s contributions. It’s all part of the neighborhood now! website features:
- latest neighborhood news - online ECA memberships - community events calendar the people pages
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- c ontact Board & committee members - neighborhood newsletters - neighborhood email groups - volunteer sign-ups - neighborhood event details - live forum discussions -n eighborhood blog (in development) -n eighborhood business section (in development)
Join us on facebook. Tell Elizabeth about your business opening, your yard sale, the iPhone you want to sell, or whatever’s on your mind. Discover people, things and events in our neighborhood you may never have known. It’s a wonderful way to connect on a large scale. Sometimes neighborhood businesses will post sales, food specials and events to the page. Stay in the loop! New features and surprises will be
added frequently, so join and log in soon and often. Our Elizabeth twitter page is alive and kicking. Updates and live happenings are what Twitter is all about. Connect with us and stay abreast of current information and curiosities. The Elizabeth Neighborhood has been around since 1907, but our online community is new. Areas are still in development. Articles are still being forged. Forums are still being created. The site is
photo by Nancy O. Albert
- facebook connect - like us!
- twitter connect - join us!
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dynamic and evolving. Help us make it as vibrant as the neighborhood itself.
will involve the cleaning and lining of the water main along E. Seventh Street between the Central Piedmont Community Be neighborly, see what College maintenance facility on www.ElizabethCommunity. the west side of Charlottetowne com is all about. It’s our Avenue eastward to Ranier neighborhood, online. Avenue (one block east of Laurel Avenue). This has Almost done! involved obtaining an NCDOT by Nancy Albert encroachment, coordination It’s a bit of an eyesore, makes with CDOT for the operation both walking and driving of the overhead lane markers, difficult and seems to have and the development of a gone on forever. The water traffic control plan which project began in our part of will allow continuous access the city during late winter in for emergency vehicles to the Sunnyside area and then Presbyterian Hospital and spread into the streets around CMC. Some night work will be East 8th, Pecan and Hawthorne required to excavate the bore Lane. It has given Elizabeth a pits. We are presently working spring and summer of orange to develop a schedule, which we cones, sidewalks lined with will present to the community long lengths of pipe, hydrants residents and businesses to dripping water, holes in the minimize disruptions.” road and wooden ramps. But the end may be in sight. Yard Yak by Kay Minor I couldn’t find anything about the project on the city’s website Three ways to chill out in a hot so I asked Councilwoman summer: Patsy Kinsey if she knew more about the duration of the water 1. Buy a kiddie pool. project and she forwarded this Mine came from Walmart. information. Purchase price was thirty dollars for a six feet wide by According to project manager sixteen inch deep, blue plastic Fred Hunter, “The only work that remains to be done on this fish motif. You’ll need a five project in the neighborhood is gallon bucket to hold up the the actual lining portion of the molded pool sliding area, existing water main in the 500, and with water pressure like mine, about thirty minutes of 600, and 700 block of Pecan. This should take about another h2o. For cooling, I walk to the Friendly Mart with a hand truck two weeks. Once that work is complete, we will move into the and haul 2 or 3 bags of ice. final phase of the project, which When the pool party is over,
empty all water via buckets to the nearest plants. Flip the vessel on its side and roll to its next destination. (I share mine with neighbors.) 2. Hook up misters to your garden hose.
Shopping in Lowe’s one day, I noticed the cashier enveloped in a fine cloud of cooling water. It being 100 degrees that day, I quickly joined her. Reasonably priced, these misters come in 20ft lengths-10 feet of misting. Supposedly, this lowers the temperature by 20 degrees, but all the effort is worth it for bird watching. 3. Install an outdoor shower.
Fall is the perfect time to purchase an outdoor shower, because it’s usually on sale. Restoration Hardware use to have a fabulous one, user friendly and weather resistant. Mine hooks directly to a y connector on the garden hose: flip the switch and you’re ready. Modest persons may require some type of screening. Two posts and a few feet of clothesline with a couple of beach towels will do the trick. Alternatively, hang a good sized bell nearby to warn the timid. the people pages
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Good news, bad news by Frances D’Amato Do you remember the old Chinese fable “good news, bad news”? It goes something like this: a son came home and the father said “good news!” The son fell and broke his leg, father said “bad news.” Army came to conscript soldiers, son couldn’t be taken. Good news. Well, I have a modern-day version: I was dog sitting my neighbor’s dog and he ran away: bad news. A young couple found him: good news. Same couple stole my gold jewelry and sterling silver flatware. Bad news. Couple confessed to police: good news. Couple said they sold all to scrap metal dealer: bad news.
I was so happy that my neighbor’s dog was safe, I attributed good intentions to the young couple. They told me a sad story about their present circumstances: he was on workman’s comp after falling on his job, she had a long hours job as a waitress at a golf club. It never put my danger sign up when they both asked to use my bathroom. Little did I know Jeremy was in my bedroom 10
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photo by Nancy O. Albert
Some of my jewelry was hidden, so they didn’t take it. Good news.
looking in my dresser drawer. I had just taken my leather jewelry case out of my safe deposit box so it was in the top drawer along with other jewelry in boxes. He called me into the bedroom to show me that the hot water faucet wasn’t working properly, giving Christine time to clean out the silver box that was prominently displayed in the dining room. He said he was a plumber and could fix the faucet. He came back with a bag that contained a few tools. and set to work in my bedroom. When he called me to see the repaired faucet I was overjoyed and asked how much did he want for the task? He told me $45. I thought that was a bit high, but felt so grateful to him for finding the dog I paid it and even gave him garden tomatoes and cucumbers. I forgot Jeremy and Christine were strangers and allowed them access to my home. I won’t make that mistake again. I’ve moved my silver chest to a place where it’s not as obvious. I photographed all my remaining jewelry, had it appraised and had the list notarized. I returned my Tiffany diamond and three other rings to the safe deposit box and put together sets of earrings, necklace and bracelets and put them in small plastic bags before stashing them in my new hiding places. I kept a list of each item and
where the hiding place would be located, and I’m keeping that list in a safe place.
Now to help you prevent theft in your own house, here are a few tips from Crime Stoppers.
I have used things like vitamin bottles for small earrings and then put the vitamin capsules on top before putting the bottle in with the others. For larger silver necklaces, I used a Trader Joe’s coffee can, an oatmeal tin and tea boxes. I put the pieces I wear often in my purse’s zippered pockets. The purses are hanging in my office closet. So now a thief would need to go in all my rooms and closets before gathering jewelry.
– Be sure all doors are locked, even when you’re home. – Always have your alarm system engaged. – Get all jewelry appraised and have a notarized dated copy. – Take photos of all significant jewelry. – Give copies of above to your insurance agent.
I just hope I will stay vigilant. The age of innocence is long gone and even this senior is realizing that the world of trust and good neighbors has passed. The good outcome of all this is that I have decided to give away more before it can be taken from me. Tomorrow a friend and I will be going through my closets to gather clothes for Goodwill. I have sent pictures of my jewelry to my nieces and nephews and asked them if they would like any of it. I’ve also gone through what remains and will take it to Perry’s of South Park to turn gold and silver into cash. I’ve wanted to redo my garden and have engaged a master gardener to help. A neighbor’s son will supply the muscle to reshape the walkways. In this way, good news will triumph.
International House by Rosalie Spaniel Interested in learning a foreign language? Think it would be fun to meet people from other countries? Willing to share your home with a foreign visitor? Nothing could be easier when you live in Elizabeth. Just walk over to International House at 322 Hawthorne Avenue and check out its programs and cultural activities. The nonprofit has been promoting international understanding the people pages
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1928 E. 9th St. – photo by Ken Magas
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CATS. It offers two circulating lines in Center City. Not actual trolleys, but small buses that resemble historic streetcars, they have run up and down International House offers free Tryon Street and west along Language Conversation Hours Trade Street through the in Spanish, German, French, historic Fourth Ward for a Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, number of years. Last spring, and Russian to give foreign CATS began running Gold Rush language students and area trolleys on an extended route, residents a chance to meet with stops at the Johnson C. native speakers. Check out the Smith University campus on schedule on the International the west and Central Piedmont House website and drop by Community College to the to brush up on your favorite east. Before the extension, language. Eight-week programs There are many volunteer the red line had stopped at to learn Spanish, French, or opportunities at International Gateway Village on West Trade Mandarin Chinese are also House, including working in and the Elizabeth Avenueoffered at International House the English tutoring program, McDowell Street junction. in cooperation with The greeting visitors, helping with Gold Rush trolleys now travel Language Academy. To find out office projects, and planning down Elizabeth Avenue and more about these reasonably and managing programs for turn around at Presbyterian priced sessions, contact The international visitors as part of Hospital. They stop at regular Language Academy, 704-548- the Citizen Diplomacy Program. bus stops every seven to fifteen 0048. minutes, depending on time To find out more about of day. These stops are scenes International House also hosts International House and its cultural awareness programs programs, go to www.ihclt.org. of high activity, with folks waiting, running to catch them to introduce area residents Riding the and hopping on and off. On to the cultures of the foreign Gold Rush trolley August 15, CATS extended the countries represented in Gold Rush Orange Line to the Charlotte’s population – about by Nancy Albert Charlotte School of Law. Two 19 percent of the county’s The students at CPCC love it. trips in the morning and four population. Many of them don’t have cars trips in the afternoon will serve and the free Gold Rush trolley “We work to introduce the school. Charlotte area residents to the takes them to various areas of The Gold Rush is a free service the center city and connects world and since 1986 we’ve and a great way to connect to them to CATS buses and the been introducing overseas uptown and the LYNX Blue light rail. My co-worker, who visitors to Charlotte,” says lives in Rock Hill, saves on gas Line. More information on the Executive Director Denise Gold Rush, including a route Long. Since 1986, International by riding the LYNX and then map, can be found at www. taking the red trolley to our House has been a member charmeck.org/city/charlotte/ office on Elizabeth Avenue. The of the National Council Gold Rush is a rubber-wheeled cats/Bus/ridingcats/Pages/ for International Visitors, GoldRush.aspx. trolley service operated by a network of more than 91 and serving Charlotte’s foreign community since 1981. They’ve been on Hawthorne Avenue since 1985.
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programming organizations across the country. The program brings business, governmental and academic leaders from around the world to meet with local professionals. “These leaders stay with host families, which gives the visitors not only an opportunity to meet their business and academic counterparts, but also a chance to see how American families live. It’s a great opportunity for them – and for the host families,” Long says.
Hawthorne Lane UMC Upcoming Events by Rev.Terri Vilagos Sunday, September 4th: preparation for remembrance – 11am
Special worship service focused on prayer and meditation in preparation for remembrance of the tenth anniversary of September 11th, 2001 Monday, September 5th: Labor Day neighborhood block party – 4-7 pm
The Elizabeth neighborhood is invited to celebrate the final weekend of summer with food, fun, and info for all ages! Featuring Charlotte area community services, area restaurants, and local church ministries Sunday, September 11th: promotion Sunday & backpack blessing – 11 am
photo by Nancy O. Albert
All are invited to bring their backpacks and briefcases to receive a blessing for a fresh start to the 2011-2012 school year. There will also be a children & youth kick-off for spiritual enrichment activities happening on Sundays at 4 pm. Wednesday, September 14th: backpack blessing – 6:30 pm
All are invited to bring their backpacks and briefcases to receive a blessing for a fresh start to the 2011-2012 school year. There will also be a the people pages
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children & youth kick-off for spiritual enrichment activities happening on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. Saturday, October 29th: Trunk or Treat fall festival – 6 pm
Wear your spookiest, silliest, or prettiest costume to play games and get loot from the seasonally inspired trunks. Saturday, November 5th: Elizabeth Communities of Faith food packaging event Friday & Saturday, November 4th & 5th: annual church BBQ
The best barbeque in town can be found at Hawthorne Lane Church. Three sandwiches a plate to go or all you can eat buffet for $8.50. Proceeds go to local and worldwide missions. For more information on these and other activities visit our website www.hlumc.org. Contact us at 704-332-8131 or info@hlumc.org. Find us on facebook and twitter.
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