ECA 1-12

2 the people pages the people pages

Nancy o. albertEditor/Newsletter Chair704 779 0932 [email protected]

Russell CrandallTraffic Czar & Tree Committee Chair704 894 2283 [email protected]

eric DavisZoning Committee704 776 3013 [email protected]

Beth haenniVice President704 332 7992 [email protected]

suzanne henrySocial Committee614 746 9506 [email protected]

Jenny holmanSecretary & Membership Chair704 906 3334 [email protected]

Dana IngeCrime [email protected]

Chip JettonSocial Co-Chair704 608 1661 [email protected]

Janet [email protected]

amanda loftusElizabeth 8k Chair704 608 9089 [email protected]

Ken MagasWebsite704 877 7151 [email protected]

Kristan MagasPark & Recreation Liaison704 488 0051 [email protected]

Ruffin PearceLegal Chair & Zoning Committee704 905 0505 [email protected]

Julian t. petersonBusiness Liaison704 340 2529 [email protected]

Monte RitcheyPresident980 722 0922 [email protected]

paul shipleyTreasurer704 651 5897 [email protected]

Melanie sizemoreZoning & Real Estate Committee704 375 3244 [email protected]

Kris solowBeautification704 806 4456 [email protected]

Ric solowBeautification704 334 2986 [email protected]

Diana WatsonSocial Co-Chair704 996 9776 [email protected]

andrew WoodruffZoning & Real Estate Committee704 953 5994 [email protected]

- - - vacant - - - Home Tour Chair

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I alternate between feeling sympathetic toward humanity

and being a misanthrope. When I’m sympathetic, it

usually means I haven’t been around people in awhile.

– John R. Lindensmith

✤

You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think

of you if you realized how seldom they do.

– Eleanor Roosevelt

J o I N t h e e C a

the people pages the people pages 3

333 hawthorne lane by the ECA Board

150 Elizabeth residents and stakeholders met in January to hear about a proposed permanent supportive housing project for the homeless to be located at the former Peak nursing home property. The building abuts Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School, Independence Park and Caldwell Memorial Church.

The Affordable Housing Group and Supportive Housing Communities (formerly St. Peters Homes, Inc.) are proposing an approximately 100-unit residence to house the chronically homeless and/or disabled composed of 75% single men and single women and 25% families.

Rezoning does not appear to be required for this project. The developer is presently pursuing funding for the project from a wide range of sources: city,

county, state, federal housing monies, and private donations. The first residents are slated to move in late 2012/early 2013.

The ECA heard from a passionate yet civil group of neighbors at the January community meeting. Supporters view Elizabeth as having a moral imperative to help solve the problem of chronic homelessness in Charlotte and welcome diversity in the neighborhood. The opposition questions the location next to an elementary school and the park, as well as the homeless population density already there (alongside Caldwell Memorial’s and St. John’s Baptist’s two existing homeless shelters). Residents want clear answers to their questions, as they do with any development proposed for Elizabeth.

deadline summer 2012:

May 15theditorial content: [email protected]

advertising: Julian@advancedhomescapes.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 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 [email protected]

Ad placement is at the designer’s discretion.


At time of publication, the Elizabeth Community Association is compiling relevant questions for the developer. Once the developer’s responses are in hand, the written Q&A will be posted on the ECA website, www.elizabethcommunity.com.

Do you have comments, questions or concerns? E-mail the ECA at [email protected].

Urban little sugar Creek greenway by Nancy O. Albert

Work on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway between the Metropolitan complex and 7th Street is heading toward completion.

An event opening celebrating the completion and grand opening of the Urban Little Sugar Creek Greenway is planned for Friday, April 20. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. with a ceremony at 10. This will take place on the corner of South Kings Drive and 4th Street. After the ceremony, refreshments will be served. Plan to stop by to try the swinging benches or spray ground. A jazz band will play and there will be large poster boards that display pictures of the progression of the greenway from start to finish. This event is free and open to the public.

spring events: calling all volunteers! by Diana Watson

The early daffodils are already blossoming and the trees are starting to bud; spring is just around the corner and two of Elizabeth’s Annual Events are in the ‘budding’ stages as well! Volunteers are needed for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Independence Park and the progressive dinner on May 5th.

Elizabeth hosts the city’s BEST Easter Egg Hunt, just ask our neighbors in Midwood, Dilworth, Chantilly and Eastover. The Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th at Independence Park and welcomes toddlers through elementary ages to help gather up the hidden eggs. Volunteers are needed to help with stuffing the eggs, setting up the park, helping secure the petting zoo and face painting. Jessica Valentine will be organizing the event and would love to hear from you. Her email is [email protected].

The Progressive Dinner is my favorite Elizabeth activity: it’s the best way to get to know your neighbors and feast on great food and conversations. The dinner is scheduled for May 5th this year and will have a Mexican theme in honor of Cinco de Mayo. The evening begins over drinks/appetizers while socializing in a neighbor’s yard, then dinner at a hosts home with each of the guests

bringing a course of the meal, then off to a dessert house for more socializing, sweets and drinks. The committee could use some volunteers to help with the planning, recipes, and securing dinner hosts. Chip Jetton at [email protected] and Diana Watson at [email protected] would love to hear from anyone who would like to help plan this fun event.

home tour 2012 We need you! The committees are just starting to form for the 2012 Elizabeth Home Tour in the fall. The Home Tour is our neighborhood’s biggest fundraiser and most attended event. The tour is held in October and highlights homes, gardens and businesses. The 2012 Tour is in the planning stages and volunteers spots are available for Chair, Sponsorships, Volunteer organization, Graphics/communications – something for all talents. Don’t miss out on the fun! Contact Diana Watson at [email protected].


Countdown to the 2012 elizabeth 8K by Amanda Loftus

The 2012 Elizabeth 8K Presented by Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital and Hawthorne’s Pizza will hit the streets on Saturday, April 21. We are very proud to host Charlotte’s oldest 8K road race, and this year marks its 26th edition. Runners and walkers are delighted year after year with the scenic course through the Elizabeth neighborhood as well as the hospitality of our community. Proceeds from the race benefit the beautification of our common areas and the

replenishment of trees, and this is one of our neighborhood’s largest annual fundraisers.

We’re counting on strong participation from our Elizabeth neighbors to make this year a success. The event has something for everyone: an 8K timed race for the competitive sorts, a 1.5 mile untimed run/walk for the casual participants, and the Liz Kids’ Fun Run for little ones who don’t want to miss out on the action.

The fun begins at 8 a.m. at the Hawthorne Recreation Center at 345 Hawthorne Lane. Post-race refreshments, awards, and Elizabeth’s own Elvis will all

lend to the festive atmosphere of the morning. In addition, this year’s post-race activities will include live music, massage by John Matthews Massage Therapy and beer (for the adults, of course!)

To register for the race, please visit elizabeth8k.com. In-person registration is available on Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20 from noon to 6:30 p.m. at Charlotte Running Company on East Boulevard and on race day from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. (cash or check only, please.)

If running or walking isn’t your thing, please come out and stand along the course route

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to cheer on your neighbors and show the participants Elizabeth’s true community spirit. The course map can be found on the event website. We also need many volunteers on race day. Please e-mail Cheryl Brown at [email protected] or use the volunteer sign-up form link found on the Volunteer page of elizabeth8k.com if you can assist.

The race is grateful to presenting sponsor Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital and Hawthorne’s Pizza and core sponsors Kickstand and Loco Lime.

Mark your calendars for April 21, and come be a part of our 26th anniversary race!

thompson park by Nancy O. Albert

Thompson Park, located just on the edge of our neighborhood, is a small urban oasis. Nestled under its trees are gardens, a gazebo, Mecklenburg County’s Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and St. Mary’s Chapel. The nearly complete Little Sugar Creek Greenway lies at one edge of the park.

St. Mary’s Chapel was part of the campus of Thompson

Orphanage and dates from 1892. Originally known as the Memorial Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin, it stands between 3rd and 4th Street near Kings Drive. The small brick church, which is surrounded by large water oaks, is the oldest remaining building of Thompson Orphanage and Training Institution. The orphanage was founded in 1887and is the third oldest orphanage in North Carolina.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, the Chapel was built in 1892 and ph

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consecrated the following year. A large congregation witnessed the ceremonies of consecration and the confirmation of six girls and five boys, “inmates of the Institution.” The structure is in excellent condition both internally and externally. There is evidence that the bricks for the chapel were made from clay at the site and fired there. Black marks visible on the bricks are due to the drying process used at that time. A large number of bricks were used in the building; the foundations are very thick and the bricks are somewhat oversized. The chapel seats approximately 125 people and

may be rented for weddings and other special events. St. Mary’s Chapel is open to the public to visit each Friday afternoon from noon to 4. For more information and rental prices, go to www.stmaryschapel.com.

Also within the park is the Mecklenburg County Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. This location was chosen to provide a beautiful setting and adequate parking near major streets. Architects Little and Associates designed a memorial that starts at ground level and gently rises to a height of seven feet following the slope of the land. The 270-foot granite arc is placed among huge oak trees, landscaping and benches. The memorial panels include a timeline from 1959 to 1975 with an historical narrative of the war, designation of the US president serving at the time and a map of Southeast Asia. The names of the 107 Mecklenburg County servicemen who died in Vietnam are listed on panels in order of date of death. No government funds were used to build the memorial. Ground was broken on Memorial Day 1989 and it was dedicated on Veterans Day that year. General William C. Westmoreland, commander of American forces in Vietnam from 1964 to 1968 attended the dedication. The memorial has been the site of numerous public observances and ceremonies. Today it offers a place of quiet reflection,

honor and education in the heart of the city. When the greenway is complete the memorial will be accessible via a sweeping set of stairs. Special educational information is planned for visitors. More information can be found at www.charlottevietnammemorial.org.

Creating space by Kay Minor

After decades of dusting my accumulated “stuff,” the time has come to give some of it away. In Feng Shui, an attic represents your highest aspirations. Clutter up there is a no-no. So bit by bit, report cards from the fifth grade, ill fitted clothing, and useless knick knacks go bye-bye. The process is surprisingly easy, so I decide to tackle what I call the bowels of my garden as well.

In the attic of my garden kingdom, hidden from view, clutter reigns. Long and narrow, like a galley kitchen, both sides are filled with “stuff.” Carefully maneuvering around tools, buckets, and bags of fertilizer, I head for a leaning tower of recycled wooden shelves. Resting shoulder height sit three cast iron oriental lanterns. A wren has abandoned her nest in one – I hesitate for a moment, then reach upward. Being über-protective of my rotator cuff (I swim for the muscle between my ears), I decide it’s too heavy, at my age now, to move. Fetching a ladder, I go for the lightweight,


rusty Hav-a-Hart traps on a top shelf.

In the late 1990’s, I sold dozens of these animal-friendly traps while working at Myers Park Hardware. My personal testimonial of catching a dozen critters in one week was enough to convince even the most skeptical buyer. What’s to be done with a captive squirrel? A quick ride to the creek-lined park at the Mint Museum and release. Assuming entire families of squirrels were being captured, I liked to use the same release spot.

Around the time of my own bumper crop of furry friends, I encountered a customer at work whom I did not recognize. Silver-haired and sensibly shoed, she finds me in the garden center weighing individual brown bags of grass seed. The special shade blend formulated just for the locals who shared the hardware’s zip code. Closing a hinged Plexiglas cover on the plywood seed bin, I smile and say hello. Her face has “pinched” look. “Would you please tell me where all the

BLEEPING squirrels are coming from? Why there’s a hundred in the front yard alone!” A few more rips and bleeps later, we slowly make our way through a maze of narrow, cluttered isles to the front register. Retail transaction completed, pleasantries exchanged, we continue to commiserate over the squirrel dilemma while loading her two Hav-a-hart traps in the car. “By the way,” I casually asked, “where do you live?” “On Museum Drive,” she said.

While editing our stuff can be paralyzing or freeing, oftentimes both, memories remain. Helping to keep the fabric of life from unraveling, our stories propel us forward. A little lighter and hopefully, a little wiser.

pet palooza by Megan O’Hara

The Humane Society of Charlotte’s largest annual fundraiser, Pet Palooza, will take place rain or shine on Saturday, May 5th 2012 at Independence Park (E. 7th

Street & Hawthorne Lane) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event attracts over 2,000 participants who enjoy the Kennelly 5K run, a 1K dog walk, refreshments, entertainment, and a vendor fair. The annual fido fashion show is always a huge hit, with HSC “alumni” pets strutting their stuff on the runway.

Last year’s event helped us raise $110,000 to continue our mission, which is improving the lives of companion animals through adoption, spay/neuter and community education.

Help us make Pet Palooza a success by signing up as an individual, or forming a fundraising team for the Kennelly 5K Run or 1K Dog Walk – it’s easy and super-fun! Just $25 to run or $15 to walk. Raise at least $50 and you get a free Pet Palooza 2012 t-shirt! You can register to run/walk at http://humanecharlotte.donorpages.com/PetPalooza2012.

spring cleaning time is here! by Frances D’Amato

The groundhog saw his shadow on February 2, so we’re in for six more weeks of winter. If the weather keeps giving us warm days, few of us will be complaining.

For me, warm weather signals Spring cleaning. It’s amazing how much stuff we accumulate ph

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yet never use. I’ve been keeping a list of the things I do use so when Charlotte Rescue calls I can pack all the appliances, sweaters, towels, books etc. and put them at my door to be cleared away.

I usually begin my Spring cleaning in the kitchen. Recently, I’ve put a date label on each item I buy. So I now have a way of knowing which item is the oldest and thus gets used first. I also go to my pantry before I go to the market so I don’t buy duplicates. This makes clearing out the pantry much easier.

Dishes and glasses are harder to part with. However, I only have so much room so every new item replaces an old one that goes into the donation box. I time myself and work in one area for one hour. Then I reward myself with a cup of tea.

The next day I tackle my office. I’m learning to rely on the computer more and not to print anything I can read from the computer screen. That makes filing much easier as the computer keeps all the files in alphabetical order so they’re easier to find when I need them. Papers, mail and magazines still need to be sorted and given or thrown away. I’ve found that doctor’s offices are good places to give news magazines, and the pool is great for Southern Living and other home-focused magazines. So I prepare those bags for when I go out.

I go through the in-box and make sure all bills are put on automatic payment plans. In this way the paper bills are replaced with email notifications that the bill has been paid. I jot down the payment date and amount in my Quicken program so taxes become easier. Once more, I stop when the timer goes off telling me an hour has gone by.

Now I’m ready to tackle my bedroom. For some reason my nightstand keeps getting cluttered with flyers for future events, books half read, teacup, etc. I seem to like reading about 3 books at a time and all three end up on the night table. So I clear the deck, putting the books on the bookshelf, the teacup in the dishwasher, and the flyers, I arrange in date order and put them up on my magnetic bulletin board in the hallway. One surface neat, I go to my dressing table and take everything off before dusting and polishing all the surfaces. Then I carefully group my makeup in the drawer, where I find a kitchen organizer works very well for keeping things in view. I do leave perfume bottles, a flower vase and a light on top. I remind myself to put makeup back in the drawer. My bathroom is next. I straighten the towels in the cupboard, putting a few in the donation box. I replace toilet and face tissue on the shelf. Then clear off the vanity, wash down the granite, put the

electric toothbrush, water pick back and make sure all other items are stored in the drawers. I’ve left the closets for another session since my hour is up.

For the closets, I give myself 90 minutes. I move the heavier wool items to the storage closet, being careful to put those items I haven’t worn this season into the donation box. Then I switch the clothes from the storage closet and group them by color and type before I put them into the closet. So when I finish, my pants, skirts, blouses and dresses are easily accessible and color-coordinated.

I saved the living room for last because it’s the easiest. I water the plants and take off any dying leaves, change the water in the flower vases, all tabletops cleared and furniture polished. The Chinese rug goes to the cleaners and the floors are done. All is reassembled and I wish I could keep all the rooms this neat all the time.

My housekeeper washes all the windows, scrubs the tile floors, vacuums the rugs and the job is complete. The house smells fresh and clean and I know where everything is located. Now my task is to remember what I learned in Kindergarten: When you take something out put it back!

I hope you have fun clearing out your clutter too. Remember, if you throw it away now you won’t need to look at all that clutter next Spring!


First United Methodist Church events by Brooks Shelley

We’re in the process of confirming a Wednesday evening in March/April when First United Methodist Church is teaming with CMPD to host an information session on stranger and Not-so-stranger Danger for parents, teachers and care-givers on how to recognize danger signs from potential predators and be proactive in educating our kids and ourselves about this type of danger. Please visit our website for further information on this timely and informative session. fumccharlotte.org (704) 333-9081. We’re located at 501 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

ash Wednesdayservice at 7 p.m.

april 5, holy thursdayservice at 7 p.m.

easter sundayservice at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

hawthorne lane Methodist Church coming events by Brenda Soltys

All are welcome to all events! See church website for info: www.hlumc.org.

parent’s Night outSaturday, March 245-10 p.m.Youth, parents and a nurse or two care for your children

while you enjoy an evening out. Donations go to Youth Summer Mission. For more information, send e-mail to [email protected] to request a registration form. Registration deadline is March 19th.

holy WeekApril 1 – Palm Sunday Palm Sunday celebration and procession of palms at 11a.m. in Sanctuary

Easter egg hunt on the grounds at 4 p.m.

April 5 – Holy Thursday Holy Communion with special music at 7 p.m.

April 7– Blessing of the Animals in front yard of church at 11a.m.

April 8 – Easter Sunday

Easter Sunrise Service in the church Memorial Garden (on the 8th St. side of the church) at 7 a.m. followed by breakfast in the fellowship hall.

Easter Celebration Service in the church sanctuary at 11 a.m.

Youth plant saleSaturday, April 22 in the church gym and parking lot.

sensoria Returns to CpCC april 13-21, 2012 by Robin Reinbold

CPCC’s annual celebration of the arts returns to the college this April. Sensoria brings together art enthusiasts from across the region for a week of cultural engagement featuring speakers, exhibits,

performances and more. Open to the public with many free events, the event highlights the best in literature, music, visual arts, history culture and culinary arts.

The 2012 event calendar includes a series of lectures by Russell Goings, author of the “The Children of the Children Keep Coming.” A personal friend of Charlotte artist Romare Bearden, Sensoria will feature a special exhibition of Bearden works from Mr. Going’s private collection. Sensoria is also partnering with the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art for a unique concert that will pair music with art.

A companion exhibit of works from the Bechtler will be on display at CPCC’s R will incorporate Elizabeth’s three galleries; Studio K, Red Sky and MONA, and showcase the work of many local artists. “The New Southern-Latino Table” with Sandra Gutierrez promises a culinary experience for all who attend.

There will be film screenings, poetry readings, dance, music, theatre and much more. A full listing of each day’s events is available on the Sensoria webpage at sensoria.cpcc.edu. or by calling 704-330-6534. Don’t miss this opportunity to heighten your senses when Sensoria returns to CPCC.


Barber Shop on the corner of 7th and Pecan, 1935-2011. Photo by Byron Baldwin, taken on the day the shop closed.


More changes along elizabeth avenue by Nancy O. Albert

If you have walked or driven down Elizabeth Avenue lately you will have seen another area of construction on a street that seems to be constantly changing. CPCC’s Van Every building is being demolished to make room for a new four-story, 100,000 square foot classroom facility. The mid-century modern style that was used in many of the campus’ early buildings in being supplanted by a more traditional red brick design. The new structure will echo many of the college’s other buildings, such as the nearby Overcash and Sloan Morgan. Directly across from the street, the old Taylor Hall is also being renovated and will feature a brick façade. Although, sadly, some large trees were lost in the demolition project, the college’s plans call for new trees and landscaping as part of the final design. Interestingly, once the new building is complete, it will no longer be called the Van Every building, as that name will be retired with the demolished structure. Upon completion, it will simply be called a classroom building.

Artist’s rendering (lower left) and information for this article provided by CPCC’s Community Relations & Marketing Services. Demolition photos by Nancy O. Albert, montage by Little Shiva.

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ECA 1-12

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