ECA 4-11 by Elizabeth Community

Chip Jetton Social Co-Chair 704 608 1661 cjetton@cchrealtors.com

Paul Shipley Treasurer 704 651 5897 shipley_paul@msn.com

Russell Crandall Traffic Czar & Tree Committee Chair 704 894 2283 russellcrandall@yahoo.com

Janet Karner Membership janetk@caro.net

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

Eric Davis Zoning Committee 704 776 3013 ericadavis0123@yahoo.com Beth Haenni Vice President 704 332 7992 beth.haenni@gmail.com Suzanne Henry Social Committee 614 746 9506 foleysuzanne@hotmail.com Jenny Holman Secretary & Membership Chair 704 906 3334 jennyholman@mac.com Dana Inge Crime Czarina kayak1010@hotmail.com

Amanda Loftus Elizabeth 8k Chair 704 608 9089 aemloftus@yahoo.com Ken Magas Website 704 877 7151 ken@kenmagas.com Kristan Magas Park & Recreation Liaison 704 488 0051 kdm2201@gmail.com Ruffin Pearce Legal Chair & Zoning Committee 704 905 0505 wrpearcejr@gmail.com Monte Ritchey President 980 722 0922 monteritchey@gmail.com

Ric Solow Beautification 704 334 2986 ric@solowdesigngroup.com Diana Watson Social Co-Chair 704 996 9776 dianawatson3@gmail.com Andrew Woodruff Zoning & Real Estate Committee 704 953 5994 rawoodruff@carolina.rr.com - - - vacant - - ECA Business Liaison Home Tour Chair

THE E C A B OA R D N EE D S Y O U

J O I N THE E C A

Will you be our new ECA Business Liaison?

If I seem to give a damn, please tell me. I would hate to be giving the wrong impression.

Join our newsletter team, help manage advertising, and get to know local business owners. Interested? E-mail Nancy Albert, Editor: noalbert@carolina.rr.com

Kris Solow Beautification 704 806 4456 ksolow@carolina.rr.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anonymous

cover: 1980 East Fifth Street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; photo: DBise // photo this page: Nancy O. Albert

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

Great news for Elizabeth from the ECA Board On Nov. 14 the City Council unanimously voted to approve the Elizabeth Area Plan, the culmination of more than 4 years of vision, hard work, brain power and long meetings! The Elizabeth Community Association (ECA) and the Historic Elizabeth Neighborhood Foundation (HENF) have led the development of the new Elizabeth Area Plan. Board members, neighborhood leaders, and residents have worked tirelessly alongside Charlotte city planners and have given countless hours of their service to bring this visionary plan to fruition. The Elizabeth Area Plan is of the utmost importance, as it will serve as the framework for the future of our neighborhood. It establishes guidelines for future zoning, development, mass transit, parks and recreation, and traffic issues. Specifically, the Elizabeth Area Plan will accomplish the following: Preserves residential areas

of the neighborhood close to busy streets Protects and

enhances Independence Park

Promotes the continued development of Elizabeth Avenue

Demands pedestrian improvements along 7th Street Creates long-term transit options (e.g., trolley)

We thank the leaders and neighbors of Elizabeth and the City of Charlotte for their support. Congratulations on this endeavor! For more details, follow this link: http://charmeck.org/ city/charlotte/planning/ AreaPlanning/Plans/Pages/ ElizabethAreaPlan.aspx

deadline spring 2012:

February 15th editorial content:

noalbert@carolina.rr.com advertising:

noalbert@carolina.rr.com ------------------------------------full page ad

size: 6.53” x 7.53” (1306 x 1506 pixels) Little Sugar Creek Greenway update by Nancy Albert Because I work in CPCC”s Overcash building and like to eat my lunch outside, I have been watching the Greenway project through the summer and fall. There are finally real signs of progress. The slow and precise work of building stone walls is complete and lighting has been installed; in fact it is even possible to walk on a portion of the snaking sidewalks. According to the CharMeck website, Storm Water Services is wrapping up six years of work to restore 5,940 linear feet of Little Sugar Creek near uptown. In November, the final section from Elizabeth to Charlottetowne Avenue was completed. Alongside the

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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restored stream, construction of the Greenway trail by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will continue through the winter. An opening celebration will be scheduled for next spring. Funding for the Elizabeth section of Little Sugar Creek came from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund and CharlotteMecklenburg Storm Water Services fees.

An opportunity to put more trees in lower Independence Park by Russell Crandall

The ongoing cankerworm infestation and hot summers, not to mention mortality simply from old age, have placed our cherished neighborhood trees under tremendous stress. And Independence Park has certainly not been immune More information can be found from these factors negatively affecting our trees. at: stormwater.charmeck.org. Look for “Storm Water Projects, The Tree Committee is then “Little Sugar Creek.” delighted to announce a new

photo by Nancy O. Albert

With the completion of stream work in the Elizabeth area,

Storm Water Services will have restored the path and banks of nine segments of Little Sugar Creek from Hidden Valley to the Park Road Shopping Center. Although stream restoration will not prevent the creek from flooding (as we found out this August) it will improve water quality and provide a better habitat for aquatic and wildlife.

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tree planting initiative that is intended to replace the significant numbers of trees lost. The Tree Committee is calling on neighborhood volunteers to help plant 13 new trees in lower Independence Park on Saturday, December 3 from 9-noon. Mecklenburg County Parks/Rec officials and the ECA Tree Committee will be on hand to assist in the plantings and provide all necessary tools and water (for both you and the tree!) Given Parks/Rec’s current dire budget situation, the ECA is covering all of the $2,000 associated with this important tree planting. We will be planting five shade trees around the jungle gym, replacing an epic Shumard oak lost recently, and planting Chinese Pistache trees along the paved “promenade” from the picnic structure towards the rock garden. If Parks/Rec concludes from the December planting effort that the ECA/volunteers are serious and that additional funds will be available, we will likely be able to plant significantly more trees in the Park next year. The funds for this effort are made available by the cankerworm banding material, so thanks to all of you who dutifully purchased your materials from Russell and Britta Crandall’s front porch on Greenway Ave. on that chilly morning in November. If you are interested in volunteering

on December 3, please send an e-mail to Russell Crandall at russellcrandall@yahoo. com. But even if you don’t email ahead of time and see this announcement, please try to make it to the Park on December 3, rain or shine, for this exciting moment.

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:

26th annual Elizabeth 8K online registration now open by Amanda Loftus The 2012 Elizabeth 8K will hit the streets on Saturday, April 21. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the event. Registration is now open for the race, and you can sign up at elizabeth8k.com. Choose from online or mail-in registration methods. Proceeds from the event benefit the Elizabeth Community Association and the replenishment of trees in the neighborhood.

We want to see as many people as possible at the starting line on April 21! 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. Please contact Amanda Loftus at 704 608 9089 or aemloftus@yahoo.com with questions or to get involved. Mark your calendars for April 21, and come be a part of our annual tradition!

There’s still plenty to do to prepare for 2012, and listed next are some of the ways you can make an impact. the people pages

Elizabeth welcomes another new gallery by Nancy Albert

Gallery owner and operator Dan Butner previously lived in the foothills of North Wilkesboro, where he had a gallery for two years. He moved to Charlotte to be part of a larger, more active, local arts community. He and his partner,

Brian Horton, live in the nearby Plaza-Midwood neighborhood. Butner feels that “art should be fun, hands-on, and accessible to everyone.” Describing his gallery, Butner aims to “present contemporary and traditional art and craft, offer both affordable and fine art, and provide a meeting place for artists to exchange ideas, teach classes, and give lectures.” Plaza Muse regularly hosts a variety of classes for varied skilled levels and media. Small classes are often taught by

photo by Nancy O. Albert

The Elizabeth neighborhood is starting to look more and more like an arts district. In September, a new gallery and local art gift shop called Plaza Muse opened on the corner of Central Avenue and Hawthorne Lane, in the former Nichols office building. The refurbished two-story house is now full of unique rooms of various media and styles. Some feature changing monthly exhibits,

while others serve as working artist studios. The main entry from the covered porch leads into a retail shop with jewelry, textiles, and pottery, including many affordable, handmade gifts. Custom framing is also done on-site by the owner.

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on-site studio artists, such as BlueSky Studios (photography) and Silver Pin (textiles). Other times, the gallery serves as a space for Greater Charlotte arts groups, such as Crown Town Homemade (textiles) and Wine & Design Charlotte (painting). Dan and Brian, in hope of connecting with the ECA and their Elizabeth neighbors, offered to host an ECA social in November. Event attendees got to enjoy this new local arts center in a relaxing atmosphere. If you missed this fun event, walk on over to Hawthorne and Central and say hello to Dan and Brian. Take a look at the latest exhibits or expand your creative side by talking a class. You might even find a locally made, unique gift to take home.

Yard yak by Kay Minor

Being mobile, what’s to prevent rolling your planted pod to a friendly neighbor for tending This is the story of “a new day whilst you’re on holiday? Filled garden pod” – my big idea to with color, pods could lend make a million dollars. During a needed bit of curb appeal one of many “salon talks” with if your abode was for sale. Adrienne, my favorite neighbor Extending our growing season who moved away last year, we is the main benefit of a new day challenged each other for ideas garden pod. to make one million dollars. All practical aspects of starting For the moment, it is just a concept. An idea. Who needs a a new business aside, my idea million dollars anyway? garnered a modest interest.

Imagine a large, round, Weber grill-shaped vessel on sturdy rubber wheels.Filled with rich, composted soil, with holes for drainage, and movable. Attached to the rim are curved oval wire petals that fold over the top (like a metal steamer basket.) Opened up, they provide a trellis for beans or nasturtiums. Closed, with a transparent “shower cap” Neighbors’ Night Out you’ve got the perfect cold by Suzanne Henry frame for winter greens or Neighbors’ Night Out, a casual herbs. Ergonomic handles social event hosted by the ECA on each side plus wheels and neighborhood businesses, permit following the sunshine. is open to all who live and work Tailored to individual tastes, in Elizabeth. Intended to bring the possibilities for variety in together neighbors and raise planting could be endless! awareness of local businesses, My pod would be turquoise the ECA hopes to hold more green in color, with hot pink frequent Neighbors’ Night wire petals to hold up purple Out events in 2012 and seeks sweet peas, fragrant English your input and suggestions. thyme cascading over the sides. Please e-mail any event ideas It’s landing pad would be the or location suggestions to long wooden “promenade deck” elizabethparty@gmail.com, on the back of our bungalow on and watch for your invitation 8th street. Four hours on either to the next Neighbors’ Night end equal eight hours of full Out, tentatively planned for February 2012. photosynthesizing solar power.

An invitation to help: Elizabeth’s Caldwell House by Rev. John Cleghorn Did you know that your neighborhood is home to a transitional shelter that is working to improve the lives of 50 homeless women? Would you like to help support these neighbors as they strive to move beyond homelessness? Elizabeth’s Caldwell House is a partnership of the Salvation Army and Caldwell Memorial Presbyterian Church. For more than a year, it has provided safe, secure housing for single women every night of the year. Now it is deepening its support for its guests to affirm and equip them in their journey to stable living. the people pages

Here’s how you can help: a network of churches, restaurants and other groups helps provide a hot lunch for the guests each Sunday, and more hosts are needed for the coming months. This involves a meal for 25 women – simple entrée, dessert soft drinks, utensils – served at Caldwell Church (next to Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School) on Sundays at 1:15 p.m. Why not organize your neighbors (or rally volunteers from another group you may be a part of) to provide nourishment, company and encouragement to these women as they seek to move forward in their lives? Other opportunities are being developed to teach classes such as basic computer skills, interviewing and financial literacy, so keep your ears open for those opportunities. To get involved, e-mail Rev. John Cleghorn at pastor@ caldellpresby.org (704 957 4511) or Jill Aleong at jill. aleong@carolinashealthcare. org.

From darkness to light by Frances D’Amato

to my condo pool for a morning swim.

Winter will be upon us soon. Advent waits when we realize we are in darkness ‘til the great light appears on Christmas Day. All over the world people celebrate festivals of light to brighten the winter darkness, and we in Charlotte will be doing the same as we decorate for the coming holidays.

Now that Advent is here and I light another candle each Sunday till all four are lit as I set my table for dinner each evening. I once again bring my table out of the darkness and into the glow of the candles. All these experiences help me realize that it is time to take life a little slower, to enjoy the cooler weather, the fireplace, a good book or good friends visiting.

Recently I visited the beach to mark the end of summer. Every morning before the sun rose I got up and took a walk on the beach. In quiet anticipation, I saw more and little rays of light. It was as if someone was turning the dimmer switch up just a notch. Then the grey and white turned to a faint shade of coral. Now the contrast of the deep blue, grey, white, and coral made a beautiful sight. Before long the red ball appeared as if it had been hiding in the water all night. With the sun’s appearance, came the brilliant colors of the sunrise. I stood watching the big red ball slowly rise. When it appeared to be half way up a long stream of coral light emanated from the sun over the waves to my toes. It was inspirational. I just stood there in awe and began to do Tai Chi. Each move seemed to be so relaxing and energizing at the same time. By the time the sun was once again high in the sky, I felt like I was a renewed person ready to return

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A few years ago, my family decided not to give each other Christmas presents. Our present to each other is our presence. What a relief not to feel obligated to rush out and shop for things I think every person would like. Often times, it did not exactly please each one. I used to save receipts and offer to take things back. Then I just enclosed the receipt so they could take things back without appearing to be ungrateful. Now I need not shop and they need not return and we all are a bit happier. So as you string lights on your home and your tree, light up the darkness. Take the time to enjoy what you have done and spend quality time with the ones you love. Let’s all bring a little light into our friends and family members eyes as they see us at their door. Yes, you are the in the light in the darkness! Enjoy the season.

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photo by Nancy O. Albert

Hawthorne Lane Methodist Church Advent schedule by Rev. Terri Vilagos December 4

Second Sunday of Advent 11 am Sunday morning worship 12:15 pm pot luck lunch followed by children’s musical “The Case of The Reluctant Innkeeper” December 11

Third Sunday of Advent 11 am Sunday morning worship 7 pm choir will present special Christmas music: “The Night of the Father’s Love”

We’ll miss you, Terry! by Little Shiva Terry Lett has been the ECA newsletter’s business liaison for three years now, and she’s made our business section (the ads) grow healthy and strong. Nancy and I are sad to see her go, because our team worked like a well-oiled machine. So on behalf of myself, Nancy and the Elizabeth community, I want to say “thanx for all your hard work, Terry! We love you, and we’ll miss you!”

Fourth Sunday of Advent 11 am Sunday morning worship 5:30-7:30 pm petting zoo 6, 6:30; 7pm live Nativity December 24

Christmas Eve 5:30 pm Christmas Eve candlelight service (family friendly) 11 pm Christmas Eve communion and candlelight service December 25

Christmas Day 11 am special Christmas Day worship

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Terry Lett, Little Shiva and Nancy Albert

newsletter team photo by John Albert, all other photos by Nancy O. Albert

December 18

People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world which cannot sustain people. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bryce Nelson

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the business section