ECA 4-11

2 the people pages the people pages

Nancy 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]

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 - - -ECA Business LiaisonHome Tour Chair

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Will you be our new ECA Business Liaison?Join our newsletter team, help manage advertising, and get to know local business owners. Interested?

E-mail Nancy Albert, Editor: [email protected]

t h e e C a B oa R D N e e D s Yo U

the people pages the people pages 3

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

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

deadline spring 2012:

February 15theditorial content: [email protected]

advertising: noalbert@carolina.rr.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.


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 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services fees.

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.

More information can be found at: stormwater.charmeck.org. Look for “Storm Water Projects, then “Little Sugar Creek.”

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 from these factors negatively affecting our trees.

The Tree Committee is delighted to announce a new

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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 [email protected]. 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.

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.

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

sponsors and donations: Is your company (or a company you know) interested in becoming a sponsor or donating products and services? Paid sponsors are a vital part of our success, but in-kind donations and services such as race refreshments, participant t-shirts, and marketing and printing services also help us to maximize our revenue.

participant recruitment: We want to see as many people as possible at the starting line on April 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 dog-friendly!

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 [email protected] with questions or to get involved.

Mark your calendars for April 21, and come be a part of our annual tradition!


elizabeth welcomes another new gallery by Nancy 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.

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

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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.

Neighbors’ Night out by Suzanne Henry

Neighbors’ Night Out, a casual social event hosted by the ECA and neighborhood businesses, is open to all who live and work in Elizabeth. Intended to bring together neighbors and raise awareness of local businesses, the ECA hopes to hold more frequent Neighbors’ Night Out events in 2012 and seeks your input and suggestions. Please e-mail any event ideas or location suggestions to [email protected], and watch for your invitation to the next Neighbors’ Night Out, tentatively planned for February 2012.

Yard yak by Kay Minor

This is the story of “a new day garden pod” – my big idea to make a million dollars. During one of many “salon talks” with Adrienne, my favorite neighbor who moved away last year, we challenged each other for ideas to make one million dollars. All practical aspects of starting a new business aside, my idea 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” you’ve got the perfect cold frame for winter greens or herbs. Ergonomic handles on each side plus wheels permit following the sunshine.Tailored to individual tastes, the possibilities for variety in planting could be endless!

My pod would be turquoise green in color, with hot pink wire petals to hold up purple sweet peas, fragrant English thyme cascading over the sides. It’s landing pad would be the long wooden “promenade deck” on the back of our bungalow on 8th street. Four hours on either end equal eight hours of full photosynthesizing solar power.

Being mobile, what’s to prevent rolling your planted pod to a friendly neighbor for tending whilst you’re on holiday? Filled with color, pods could lend a needed bit of curb appeal if your abode was for sale. Extending our growing season is the main benefit of a new day garden pod.

For the moment, it is just a concept. An idea. Who needs a million dollars anyway?

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.


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 [email protected] (704 957 4511) or Jill Aleong at [email protected].

From darkness to light by Frances D’Amato

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.

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

to my condo pool for a morning swim.

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.

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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hawthorne lane Methodist Church advent schedule by Rev. Terri Vilagos

December 4Second Sunday of Advent11 amSunday morning worship12:15 pmpot luck lunch followed by children’s musical “The Case of The Reluctant Innkeeper”

December 11Third Sunday of Advent11 amSunday morning worship7 pmchoir will present special Christmas music: “The Night of the Father’s Love”

December 18Fourth Sunday of Advent11 amSunday morning worship5:30-7:30 pmpetting zoo6, 6:30; 7pmlive Nativity

December 24Christmas Eve5:30 pmChristmas Eve candlelightservice (family friendly)11 pmChristmas Eve communion andcandlelight service

December 25Christmas Day11 amspecial Christmas Day worship

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!”

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Terry Lett, Little Shiva and Nancy Albert


People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world which cannot sustain people. – Bryce Nelson

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ECA 4-11

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Transcript of ECA 4-11