|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
Full Size
Full Resolution
|
|
FPNA FOUNDER dies ary Lee Wood Copeland, one of the founders and dedicated friends of our Fisher Park Neighborhood Association and our Historic District, died in August. Mary Lee was an FPNA Board member for many years and was unofficially regarded as our neighborhood historian, often assisting the Board’s understanding of how past events shape current situations. M Mary Lee’s community service was renowned. She was a founding officer of the Greensboro Preservation Society established to save Blandwood Mansion, and she served on our city Zoning Commission through the 1980s, as well as on multiple committees for Holy Trinity Church, where our neighborhood Board meets monthly. Neighbors recall her effective persuasion in the 1970s to halt rezoning of a proposed 13-story office building at the corner of North Park Drive and Elm Street, negotiating instead to retain residential zoning for what became Williamsburg on the Park condominiums and stemming the tide of big-box office development in the very heart of our neighborhood. Her contributions were always presented with strong conviction laced with a gracious nature. We share with the Copeland family our appreciation for all the experiences and wisdom Mary Lee imparted to our neighborhood. We hope to initiate a Fisher Park fund-raiser to honor our many memories of Mary Lee Copeland. FOUNDER’S HOMES f you live at any of the following Fisher Park neighborhood addresses, you’ll be pleased to know that your home’s predecessors were signers of the original FPNA Incorporation and Bylaws. Our neighborhood’s founders included: John Kernodle, Jr. of 912 Magnolia St., Mary Lee Copeland of 913 Magnolia St., Calvert Hall of 307 Victoria St., Charles Hahn of 705 Simpson St., Michael Bohen of 717 N. Church St., Walter Rand of 202 Fisher Park Circle, Mrs. Hall Partrick of 216 South Park Dr., Joseph Sergeant of 706 Simpson St., Mrs. J.D. Bates of 402-F Fisher Park Circle, and George Hamer of 219 North Park Dr. I Interested in researching your Fisher Park home’s history? We created and posted a self-help guide for Fisher Park homeowner’s research at http://www.fisherparknc.org/HowtoCreateAHomeHistoryBook.pdf. If you create your home’s history book, we’d be pleased to store a copy with Fisher Park archival information. Contact Ann Stringfield at 370-0457. isherarker the serving residents of the Fisher Park Neighborhood Autumn 2006 CALENDAR PARK WORK DAY Saturday, October 7 9 a.m.–Noon East & West Fisher Park 272-0999 DOG SHOW-OFF Saturday, October 21 10–11 a.m. East Fisher Park 272-3498 Rain Date Saturday, October 28 HALLOWEEN PARADE Saturday, October 28, 4–6 p.m. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, November 19 4 –5:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Church Haywood Duke Room LUMINARIA DISPLAY Sunday, December 10, dusk (Rain Date Sunday, December 17) 333-2299 2007 FPNA BOARD MONTHLY MEETINGS Listed on the back page. Note new meeting time is 6:30 p.m. GREENSBORO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS MONTHLY MEETINGS See www.gnc-nc.org Neighborhood events are always listed at www.fisherparknc.org/news.htmlNATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME lease share thanks with Sonya Lowe of Magnolia Street (volunteer Neighborhood Watch Coordinator) and Linda Schoenbrodt and Raechel Biggs of the Greenwood B&B on North Park Drive (volunteer Social Committee members) for their preparations toward another successful National Night Out Against Crime Ice Cream Social on August 1. We enjoyed a great turnout of neighbors, plenty of Neapolitan ice cream to beat the summer heat, and police and fire personnel to engage with folks of all ages. To help organize additional Neighborhood Watch or Social events for our neighborhood, please contact Sonya, Linda, or Raechel. (Please see back page for contact information.) P AUTUMN SOCIAL EVENTS Saturday, October 21, 10 –11 a.m. East Fisher Park – Second Annual Dog Show-Off This is a non-competitive opportunity to showcase friendly neighborhood dogs of every make and model. Every dog wins a prize, whether for waggliest tail, prodigious spots, or whatever comes naturally to each dog. To enter, dogs must be current on their vaccines, well socialized, and on a leash accompanied by their owner. Often, pets are a conduit through which we meet neighbors. So, whether you bring your dogs or just observe, we hope you’ll attend our Dog Show-Off. Treats for all good canines! Rain date is the following Saturday, October 28, 10–11 a.m. For details, contact Jamie Mollett, 272-3498, jamiemollet@msn.com Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 2 Saturday, October 28, 4–6 p.m. Halloween Parade and Party at Temple Emanuel Social Hall Neighborhood children and playful adults are invited to parade in costume, while those more introverted can enjoy the sights. The short parade route is a good length for children, beginning at the intersection of Fisher Park Circle and Hendrix Street, continuing around the circle, and ending at the Temple Emanuel Social Hall with autumn treats for everyone. Last year’s inaugural Halloween Parade was definitely a “treat,” from an infant swaddled in a pea-pod costume, to hobos and frogs and goblins of all ages. (See photos of last year’s events at http://www.fisherparknc.org/HalloweenParty.html.) In case of bad weather, the entire event will begin at 4 p.m. in the Temple Social Hall, with a brief children’s parade inside so they may at least show off their costumes. To assist with this event, or to suggest future activities, please contact our volunteer Social Committee, Linda or Raechel of the Greenwood Bed & Breakfast, 274-6350, greenwoodbb@triad.rr.com. NEIGHBORHOOD ANNUAL MEETING oin our neighborhood-wide annual meeting Sunday, November 19, 4–5:30 p.m. in the Haywood Duke Room of Holy Trinity Church on North Greene Street. We’ll review annual accomplishments, solicit suggestions from neighbors, and feast on refreshments provided by your neighborhood Board members. To participate in cooperative projects and meet extraordinary neighbors, please contact anyone listed on the back page, then volunteer your talents. Neighborhood participation brings rewards directly to your doorstep. J LUMINARIA DISPLAY — Sunday, December 10 n November, you’ll again have the chance to order Luminaria kits for our annual Luminaria display fundraiser. It’s scheduled for dusk Sunday, December 10, with a rain date of Sunday, December 17. Funds raised support neighborhood communications, social events, and projects. Todd McCain, 333-2299, organizes this year’s Luminaria Display. Call Todd to assist! Our Aycock neighbors “light up” that Isame evening, so stroll across the Hendrix Street footbridge to see even more Luminarias. This year, the Greenwood Bed & Breakfast on North Park Drive welcomes neighbors to a Luminaria neighborhood open house with cookies and cocoa. We encourage you to plan now to host block parties or organize carolers in your area, making the most of a delightful evening. PARK COMMITTEE UPDATE he Park Committee invites your participation on Park Work Day on Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. to noon. Bring gardening gloves, tools, and earthy enthusiasm to facilitate gradual, consistent improvements in Fisher Park. Work groups will form in both sides of Fisher Park to receive instructions. For details, contact Carl Myatt, 272-0999. T Have you seen our handsome new park bench near the intersection of Fisher Park Circle, Hendrix, and Carolina streets? Replacing a damaged bench, the new one suitably honors the memory of Dr. Dick Spencer, an anesthesiologist and Bessemer Avenue neighbor who donated many days to planting and maintaining plants within Fisher Park. Our neighborhood Board has been approached about gradually replacing many of our park benches with these stately benches. Neighbors interested in additional benches in honor or memory of those who treasure Fisher Park, contact Carl Myatt, 272-0999. NEIGHBORHOOD SCOUTS VOLUNTEER rantley Craft, age 12, of 605 North Church Street recently initiated a service project for his Boy Scout Citizenship in the Community merit badge. Assisted by another neighborhood Scout, Alex Clegg of 706 Magnolia Street, together they improved drainage and cleared brush in a marshy area of east Fisher Park, just below the County Center monument. A significant improvement is already evident in this area, even after heavy rainfall. Attend our Sunday, November 19, neighborhood-wide annual meeting to thank Brantley and Alex for their youthful volunteerism! B While working in east Fisher Park, Brantley learned of a bench dedicated to Burke Davis, Jr., writer and historian, who coincidentally passed away in August at the age of 93. Davis’s family moved to Fisher Park’s Isabel Street around 1919, where Davis lived for many years. Davis wrote 47 books, chiefly military history, biography, and natural history stories for young readers. He is best known for his books on the Civil War, including “To Appomattox: Six April Days,” which won the Mayflower Cup in 1959 for the best non-fiction work by a North Carolinian. Davis enjoyed a 27-year career as a news writer in Charlotte, Baltimore, and Greensboro. Keen interests in horticulture and ornamental gardens are evidenced in his co-founding the Duke University Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Board membership with the North Carolina Botanical Garden. What a coincidence that young neighborhood Scouts were improving our park, discovering Burke Davis’s bench of honor, so near the final days of his honored life. TO MARKET TO MARKET Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 3 n our May 2006 Fisher Parker, we interviewed a grocery Market Research Consultant and learned why it’s currently almost impossible to lure even a specialty grocer, much less a large grocery store, to downtown Greensboro. Yet our neighborhood is most fortunate to be an easy 15-minute walk to the classic Greensboro City Farmers Market! Any Saturday morning, stroll across the Hendrix Street footbridge, over the railroad tracks, and along Aycock Neighborhood streets to the Farmer’s Market on Yanceyville Street, the oldest established fresh market in NC. There’s vibrancy in the air as you choose your week’s fresh fruits and veggies, hearty breads, tasty sweets, milk, and just-picked flowers. You’re guaranteed greetings from Fisher Park neighbors strolling the isles! Walking home, you can stop by Coffee at the Summit, a7 new coffee shop in the Aycock neighborhood. http://www.coffeeatthesummit.com/index.htm I Rather than yearning for a local fresh grocery, liven-up you Saturday morning with a walk to the Farmer’s Market with family and neighbors. LANDMARK PROPERTIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD t least eight Fisher Park homes are featured in a new book Landmark Properties of Guilford County North Carolina. This attractive paperback showcases 80 buildings in Guilford County designated as Landmarks by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, creating a pictorial celebration of 25 years of the Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission. Property owners acquiring Landmark status enjoy a generous 50% local property tax deferral as long as changes on the exterior of their buildings meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Any "contributing" buildings within the Fisher Park Historic District are eligible to apply for both state and federal tax credits. Visit http://www.hpo.dcr.state.nc.us/ for information or call our city Historic District staff at 336-373-2349. Envisioning gifts for friends and neighbors? This attractive book sells for $20 at the Guilford County Planning office and the Blandwood Museum Shop, supporting preservation efforts. A Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 4 ARBOR AUCTION RAISES $450 he silent auction of a handsome garden arbor, donated by Michael Byrd of 805 Simpson Street, raised $450 for our neighborhood association! Michael is renowned for his generosity and fund-raising skills, for which we thank him. Thanks also to David Broissoit and George Weldon of 201 West Bessemer Avenue for purchasing the arbor. Recently, David and George successfully moved a house from 620 N. Elm Street to a vacant lot at 204 West Bessemer Avenue, and they are now renovating the home for future sale. As autumn planting weather returns, six mature magnolia trees will be planted and maintained to replenish the tree canopy along W. Bessemer Avenue, to meet conditions required by the Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) for this house move. T First Presbyterian Church is also required to obtain a CoA to create and landscape a parking lot they want where the Elm Street house once stood. Neighbors should be aware that First Presbyterian Church and Holy Trinity Church continue to air parking concerns and have in the past replaced neighborhood residences with parking lots. Properties in the Historic District receive only 365 days’ protection in these cases – only a year in which the neighborhood can negotiate options to demolition. (Neighborhood properties outside our Historic District have no such protection.) Neighbors interested in constructive dialog about this on-going loss of residential housing stock should contact neighborhood Board members now to help develop and facilitate alternative plans. CLOSE KNIT NEIGHBORS eighbors on North Eugene Street, and probably on your street too, are mighty “close knit.” Recently, when a neighborhood couple sadly announced their job relocation to Montana, neighbors assembled a group “farewell” photo (dogs and all) as a treasured memento in front of the granite Fisher Park sign. The sign itself is a symbol of friendships, constructed with funds raised in memory of Alice Middleton Carroll, neighborhood President 1991–92. Look behind the sign to see a brass plaque honoring Mrs. Carroll’s contributions to Fisher Park. No doubt she’d be pleased with its on-going significance to contemporary neighbors. N WEBSITE UPDATED ur Fisher Park Web site has been updated to ensure that Board meeting minutes and Fisher Parker newsletters are easier to find. Ours is the most comprehensive neighborhood Web site around, with information about the neighborhood, the smaller Historic District within, guidelines, maps, contact information, newsletters, photos, activities … Whew! Yet there’s plenty of room for improvement. If you have the skills and time to manage our neighborhood Web site or newsletter, please contact Ann Stringfield, 370-0457, who’d appreciate a break after 10 years of writing! O ENERGY EFFICIENCY ert and Debbie Fields of 902 Carolina Street are active neighborhood Block Captains and persuasive environmentalists, and are both physicians concerned about our neighborhood environment. They recently implemented simple energy-saving improvements within their home and share their enthusiasm from immediate energy savings. B Debbie reports … “We added insulation, caulked leaks, switched out most of our incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents of lower wattage, made minimal use of air conditioning, and used solar energy for drying the laundry – yes, our clothesline!” Their message continues: “Energy conservation saves money while retaining healthier air, reducing CO2, mercury, particulates and other pollutants from the source of our electricity – North Carolina’s coal burning power plants. North Carolina has some of the worst air quality in the country. Guilford County is one of three N.C .counties out of compliance with National Air Quality standards and has statewide fish consumption advisories for high levels of mercury. Before pitching for new coal burning power plants, we should insist power companies make their plants more energy efficient, and the rest of us can do the same in our homes and workplaces.” Debbie and Bert offer to arrange viewing of the one-hour documentary “Kilowatt Ours” at their house if enough neighbors are interested. 378-1352. The Fields experience shows simple energy saving techniques can yield a comfortable home, save money immediately, and generate energy tax credits in our old Fisher Park homes. For more tips on saving energy, see “10 Energy Saving Tips” in the box on page 7. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 5 RADIATOR PAINT any Fisher Park homeowners still enjoy radiator heat and may appreciate tips from the November 1996 issue of Old House Journal. Did you know that any paint with pigment that contains aluminum or bronze flakes reduces a radiator’s ability to radiate by as much as 20%? Yet it’s only the final coat that counts. Removing layers of paint from your radiators may be aesthetically pleasing to you, but won’t add a single BTU to your radiator’s heating efficiency. Multiple layers of paint on old radiators have no measurable effect. In fact, you could put 10 coats of aluminum paint on a radiator, but if your eleventh coat is, for example, white paint (paint without aluminum or bronze flakes) then your radiator will radiate to its fullest capacity. M And speaking of energy efficiency, studies show that most of the heat lost through windows doesn’t escape through the glass. Most heat escapes through gaps and cracks around the window sash and frame. So as you consider home energy conservation, repairing sturdy old window frames may be your least expensive and most effective task, as effective and much less expensive than window replacement. Like any significant exterior modification, window replacement on structures within our neighborhood’s Historic District requires approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. See http://www.fisherparknc.org/HistoricDistrict.html. OFFICE DEPOT APPROVED onstruction begins soon on an 18,280-square-foot Office Depot facility, with 62 parking spaces, on the narrow strip of land at Church St. and Wendover Ave., adjacent to the railroad tracks. The entrance will be on Church Street, directly across from Zev Place. This property meets Greensboro’s zoning requirements, and is outside the Fisher Park Historic District, so neighborhood notification was not required. C The property is owned by Kotis Properties (336-574-2000), leased for development by Office Depot (800-937-3600), and Evans Engineering drew the local lot plans. Office Depot Corporate Communications staff have not replied to your editor’s requests for building design information. In the Historic Dilworth neighborhood in Charlotte, residents requested Office Depot adopt a neighborhood-sensitive architecture to engage customers and neighbors alike, but we have no indication that sort of accommodation is being considered here. Should a typical Office Depot design be constructed, can we anticipate additional neighborhood-insensitive retail development at neighborhood boundaries along Wendover Ave., Church Street, Smith Street, and Wharton Street? At what point does typical commercial encroachment affect your family or neighbors? Construction of this Office Depot encourages timely discussion within Aycock and Fisher Park neighborhoods. Those concerned about further loss of residential housing stock in our neighborhood are encouraged to share your thoughts with neighborhood Board members. (See contact information on the back page.) PREPARere’s a reminder for all who live within the Fisher Park Historic District that autumn and winter are prime times to plan springtime 2007 exterior renovations. Property owners within the Historic District need to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) from the City Historic District office prior to modifications to the exterior of our properties. About two thirds of our neighborhood properties are within the smaller Fisher Park Historic District. E NOW FOR 2007 RENOVATIONS H To learn more about Greensboro’s Historic Districts and receive a copy of Greensboro’s Historic District Guidelines Manual and instructions to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA), contact Greensboro’s Historic District staff at 336-373-2349 or visit http://www.fisherparknc.org/HistoricDistrict.html. Local Historic District Guidelines were rewritten in 2003 to maintain the historic integrity of the original architecture of buildings while allowing greater flexibility to accommodate the growing needs of families, tenants, and businesses. The new Guidelines, the Historic Preservation Commission volunteers, and City Historic District staff all recognize the practical issues involved in adapting historic buildings to modern lifestyles, and strive to achieve a balance between function and preservation. Planning your exterior renovations well ahead of time facilitates a smooth CoA process. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 6 FREE DESIGN REVIEW FOR EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS ike Cowhig of the City Historic District Staff reminds neighbors that a Design Review Committee (volunteers expert in landscaping, architecture, and historic home exteriors) meets monthly to help historic neighborhood property owners plan changes to the exterior of homes or business. The Committee even takes field trips to homes to help you envision plans for your additions and exterior renovations. Their free expert recommendations help you meet Historic District Guidelines, smooth the Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) process, and often provide you with unique, less expensive, more attractive design ideas … and yes it’s all free! Hard to believe? Call Mike Cowhig at 373-2755 to learn about this valuable service for our neighborhood property owners. M LONG-TIME NEIGHBOR ecently we chatted with neighbor Mrs. Margaret Harris after her 90th birthday, to ask about her 60 years residing at 305 Victoria Street. Her story is one of rich relationships with family and neighbors, the sort of story we’d all be pleased to tell. Here’s her story: R Ken and Margaret Harris met and graduated from Duke Law School together in the 1930’s, where Margaret was one of only two women in their law school class, a considerable accomplishment for women at that time. The couple then married and lived in the North while Mr. Harris worked for the FBI during WWII. After the war, they heard that Greensboro might be a good location for attorneys because it was a county seat with both District and Federal courts in town. During World War II, a major Army training camp – often referred to as the Overseas Replacement Depot (ORD) – was located on a large tract of land in northeast Greensboro near English Street. More than 300,000 men and women were processed through this army facility between 1943 and 1946. At the end of the war, ORD was still functioning, and many local residences were rented to servicemen, putting a strain on available housing. As the Harrises considered relocating to Greensboro, a Mr. Clendenin was engaged as their real estate broker. He indicated there were only two homes near downtown for sale at that time, one on Church Street and one on Victoria Street! Young Mrs. Harris agreed the home on Victoria Street – sight unseen – would be satisfactory, and settled in for what has been a 60-year stay. Like many couples after WWII, Ken and Margaret Harris had no car and enjoyed a 10-minute walk each day to their fledgling law firm of Harris & Harris in the Southeast building in the center of Greensboro. Their neighbor across Victoria Street was Julian Price, of local prominence developing the Jefferson Pilot Life Insurance Company. Sometimes they accepted a ride offered by Julian Price, or his chauffer, since Price’s offices were in the Jefferson Pilot Building (now renamed Lincoln Financial). Margaret chuckles that their law office had one desk, which she and Ken shared while carrying out their growing legal business that included title work, civil matters, estates, and guardianships. The couple often enjoyed lunch together at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. By mid-afternoon, Margaret walked home to Victoria Street to meet their three children, returning from Spring Street Elementary School (later Aycock and Page schools). As our neighborhood becomes increasingly popular for downtown businesspeople, we hope to see more neighbors following the Harrises’ example, walking to and from work and schools. Margaret recalls shopping at “a very nice grocery” across Elm Street from First Presbyterian Church, and she carted groceries home in a wagon with her three children in tow. She still walks most days, modeling that same healthy life-long behavior. What are now the Fisher Park Townhomes were wooded slopes, and what are now Parkway Condominiums was Julian Price’s apple orchard. Both areas were handy playgrounds for neighborhood children, whose parents were comfortable with them playing together nearby. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 7 When asked about her 90 successful years as progressive woman law student, loving wife and mother, practicing attorney, and friend to so many neighbors in 60 years living on Victoria Street, Mrs. Harris humbly observes that she’s “always had nice neighbors” and recommends that we all remember to “simply enjoy what you have.” She still chuckles, recalling that she and husband Ken bought their Victoria Street home sight-unseen. Yet in the years that followed, when Ken repeatedly asked if she’d like them to build a new house at the new Starmount Country Club, Margaret always insisted she’s happy on Victoria Street. “It’s always been so convenient!” 10 Energy Saving Tips 1. Caulk air leaks, add insulation, repair windows, add storm windows and update HVAC systems to recover up to $500/year of the costs in energy tax credits in 2006 and 2007. Link: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits&layout=print 2. Wrap hot water heaters in an insulating blanket; set thermostat to 120 degrees; and insulate hot water pipes. 3. Wash clothes in cold water and use a clothesline or drying rack. 4. Set dishwashers on lower temperatures, and air-dry rather than heat-dry. 5. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents of lower wattage. 6. Cut fuel consumption by walking, riding a bicycle, and driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Receive up to a $3,150 energy tax credit if you buy a hybrid vehicle. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid_new.shtml 7. Replace old appliances with energy star models. Start with the refrigerator since it runs constantly, followed by the washing machine. www.energystar.gov 8. Buy locally produced food, available weekly at your local farmer’s market. 9. Investigate NC Green Power: www.ncgreenpower.org 10. Install a solar hot water system for up to $2,000 in energy tax credits. Link: We’re happy to know our neighbor, Mrs. Margaret Harris, and thought you’d enjoy her story, too. We encourage all neighbors to gather stories from long-time neighbors on your own block, to document and share with current and future generations of Fisher Parkers. Thank you to Neighborhood Greeter Rachel Percival for recommending we interview Mrs. Harris at her 90th birthday. And many congratulations to you, Mrs. Harris, for always “enjoying what you have!” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax _credits&layout=print#4 And remember to turn off unused lights and adjust thermostats up three degrees in the summer and down in the winter!Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 8 Fisher Park Neighborhood Association P. O. Box 2043, Greensboro, NC 27401-1612 CONTACTS – 2006 Board of Directors Position Name Phone E-mail President (2006) David Shub 274-0363 shub99@yahoo.com President-Elect (2007) Vacant Secretary (2006) Roger Seel 275-3470 rseel@triad.rr.com Treasurer (2006) Blair Barton-Percival 273-3365 bfb4@cornell.edu Past President ExOfficio Allison Manning 275-8833 abdmanning@yahoo.com Board (2007) Erick Adamson 272-9515 eadamson.mail@earthlink.net Board (2008) Scott Cooper 373-0375 scooper10@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Jim Jeffries 691-8981 jimjeffries@mvalaw.com Board (2006) Todd McCain 333-2299 stmccain@aol.com Board (2008) Wanda Myatt 272-0999 cmyatt@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Cheryl Poole 275-0333 cherylpoole@triad.rr.com Board (2008) Dick Rhyne 230-1887 R2002r@aol.com Board (2008) Steve Rubin 271-8086 srubin@earthlink.net Board (2008) Chris Stanley 389-9752 cstanley33@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Ann Stringfield 370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Vacant Other Contacts Ann Stringfield 370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com Newsletter Liz Urquhart 373-1250 liz.urquhart@ugcorp.com Webmaster Ann Stringfield 370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com Park Committee Carl Myatt 272-0999 cmyatt3363@aol.com Northeast Side Greeter Cara Medina 275-9268 Carat78@hotmail.com Southeast Side Greeter Janet and David Craft 274-3420 chsyhkr@bellsouth.net Southwest Side Greeter Open Northwest Side Greeter Rachel Cannon-Percival 273-3365 purplepercival@yahoo.com Neighborhood Watch Sonya Lowe 389-9686 srlowe@triad.rr.com Young Fisher Park Playgroup Allison Manning 275-8833 abdmanning@yahoo.com Social Committee Linda Schoenbrodt 274-6350 lindaschoen@triad.rr.com Traffic Committee Wanda Myatt 272-0999 cmyatt@triad.rr.com Block Captain Coordinators Southern Coordinator Cheryl Poole 274-0333 cherylpoole@triad.rr.com Northern Coordinator Jim Willis 275-5092 willis7468@bellsouth.net City Council Representative Goldie Wells 375-4123 wdistmissy@aol.com County Commissioner Rep. Kay Cashion 274-6272 kcashion@co.guilford.nc.us Board Meeting Schedule Monthly neighborhood association Board meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the Monday before the final Wednesday of each month. Remaining 2006 meetings are: September 25, October 23, November 19. The December meeting is usually cancelled due to holidays. See www.fisherparknc.org/ news.html, or call for updates. City of Greensboro and Other Contacts Department/Company Purpose Phone City Customer Contact Center Directs citizen calls to appropriate City departments. 373-2723 City Historic District Staff Historic district guidelines, application for certificate of appropriateness, free advice. 373-2349 Zoning Enforcement Parking in front yards, historic district guidelines enforcement. 373-2630 Ordinance Enforcement Housing inspections, abandoned vehicles, lot cleanup. 373-2111 Duke Power Streetlight outage. 378-9451 Police Central Division Help for emergencies and non-emergencies/ enforcement. Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 373-2222 Police Central Deivison–Community Resource Officer Corporal Greg Gardner 373-2486 mailto:greg.gardner@ greensboro-nc.gov Fisher Park ListServ Subscribe: mailto:fisherpark-subscribe@yahoo.com Submit e-mail: fisherpark@ yahoogroups.com
Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.
Title | Fisher Parker [September 2006] |
Date | 2006-09 |
Creator (group/organization) | Fisher Park Neighborhood Association |
Subject headings | Greensboro (N.C.) -- History |
Topics | Neighborhoods;Historic Districts;Fisher Park |
Place | Greensboro (N.C.) |
Description | Newsletter of the Fisher Park Neighborhood Association. |
Type | Text |
Original format | newsletters |
Original publisher | Greensboro, N.C. : Fisher Park Neighborhood Association |
Language | en |
Contributing institution | Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries |
Source collection | MSS215 Fisher Park Neighborhood Association Records, 1973-2014 |
Series/grouping | 3 Newsletters |
Box | 5 |
Folder | 8: Newsletters 2006-2009 |
Finding aid link | http://libapps.uncg.edu/archon/?p=collections/controlcard&id=633 |
Rights statement | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
Additional rights information | IN COPYRIGHT. This item is subject to copyright. Contact the contributing institution for permission to reuse. |
Object ID | MSS215.005.008_2006-09 |
Date digitized | 2014 |
Digital access format | Image/jpeg |
Digital publisher | The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University Libraries, PO Box 26170, Greensboro NC 27402-6170, 336.334.5304 |
Sponsor | Building Stronger Neighborhoods Grant - Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro |
Full text | FPNA FOUNDER dies ary Lee Wood Copeland, one of the founders and dedicated friends of our Fisher Park Neighborhood Association and our Historic District, died in August. Mary Lee was an FPNA Board member for many years and was unofficially regarded as our neighborhood historian, often assisting the Board’s understanding of how past events shape current situations. M Mary Lee’s community service was renowned. She was a founding officer of the Greensboro Preservation Society established to save Blandwood Mansion, and she served on our city Zoning Commission through the 1980s, as well as on multiple committees for Holy Trinity Church, where our neighborhood Board meets monthly. Neighbors recall her effective persuasion in the 1970s to halt rezoning of a proposed 13-story office building at the corner of North Park Drive and Elm Street, negotiating instead to retain residential zoning for what became Williamsburg on the Park condominiums and stemming the tide of big-box office development in the very heart of our neighborhood. Her contributions were always presented with strong conviction laced with a gracious nature. We share with the Copeland family our appreciation for all the experiences and wisdom Mary Lee imparted to our neighborhood. We hope to initiate a Fisher Park fund-raiser to honor our many memories of Mary Lee Copeland. FOUNDER’S HOMES f you live at any of the following Fisher Park neighborhood addresses, you’ll be pleased to know that your home’s predecessors were signers of the original FPNA Incorporation and Bylaws. Our neighborhood’s founders included: John Kernodle, Jr. of 912 Magnolia St., Mary Lee Copeland of 913 Magnolia St., Calvert Hall of 307 Victoria St., Charles Hahn of 705 Simpson St., Michael Bohen of 717 N. Church St., Walter Rand of 202 Fisher Park Circle, Mrs. Hall Partrick of 216 South Park Dr., Joseph Sergeant of 706 Simpson St., Mrs. J.D. Bates of 402-F Fisher Park Circle, and George Hamer of 219 North Park Dr. I Interested in researching your Fisher Park home’s history? We created and posted a self-help guide for Fisher Park homeowner’s research at http://www.fisherparknc.org/HowtoCreateAHomeHistoryBook.pdf. If you create your home’s history book, we’d be pleased to store a copy with Fisher Park archival information. Contact Ann Stringfield at 370-0457. isherarker the serving residents of the Fisher Park Neighborhood Autumn 2006 CALENDAR PARK WORK DAY Saturday, October 7 9 a.m.–Noon East & West Fisher Park 272-0999 DOG SHOW-OFF Saturday, October 21 10–11 a.m. East Fisher Park 272-3498 Rain Date Saturday, October 28 HALLOWEEN PARADE Saturday, October 28, 4–6 p.m. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, November 19 4 –5:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Church Haywood Duke Room LUMINARIA DISPLAY Sunday, December 10, dusk (Rain Date Sunday, December 17) 333-2299 2007 FPNA BOARD MONTHLY MEETINGS Listed on the back page. Note new meeting time is 6:30 p.m. GREENSBORO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS MONTHLY MEETINGS See www.gnc-nc.org Neighborhood events are always listed at www.fisherparknc.org/news.htmlNATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME lease share thanks with Sonya Lowe of Magnolia Street (volunteer Neighborhood Watch Coordinator) and Linda Schoenbrodt and Raechel Biggs of the Greenwood B&B on North Park Drive (volunteer Social Committee members) for their preparations toward another successful National Night Out Against Crime Ice Cream Social on August 1. We enjoyed a great turnout of neighbors, plenty of Neapolitan ice cream to beat the summer heat, and police and fire personnel to engage with folks of all ages. To help organize additional Neighborhood Watch or Social events for our neighborhood, please contact Sonya, Linda, or Raechel. (Please see back page for contact information.) P AUTUMN SOCIAL EVENTS Saturday, October 21, 10 –11 a.m. East Fisher Park – Second Annual Dog Show-Off This is a non-competitive opportunity to showcase friendly neighborhood dogs of every make and model. Every dog wins a prize, whether for waggliest tail, prodigious spots, or whatever comes naturally to each dog. To enter, dogs must be current on their vaccines, well socialized, and on a leash accompanied by their owner. Often, pets are a conduit through which we meet neighbors. So, whether you bring your dogs or just observe, we hope you’ll attend our Dog Show-Off. Treats for all good canines! Rain date is the following Saturday, October 28, 10–11 a.m. For details, contact Jamie Mollett, 272-3498, jamiemollet@msn.com Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 2 Saturday, October 28, 4–6 p.m. Halloween Parade and Party at Temple Emanuel Social Hall Neighborhood children and playful adults are invited to parade in costume, while those more introverted can enjoy the sights. The short parade route is a good length for children, beginning at the intersection of Fisher Park Circle and Hendrix Street, continuing around the circle, and ending at the Temple Emanuel Social Hall with autumn treats for everyone. Last year’s inaugural Halloween Parade was definitely a “treat,” from an infant swaddled in a pea-pod costume, to hobos and frogs and goblins of all ages. (See photos of last year’s events at http://www.fisherparknc.org/HalloweenParty.html.) In case of bad weather, the entire event will begin at 4 p.m. in the Temple Social Hall, with a brief children’s parade inside so they may at least show off their costumes. To assist with this event, or to suggest future activities, please contact our volunteer Social Committee, Linda or Raechel of the Greenwood Bed & Breakfast, 274-6350, greenwoodbb@triad.rr.com. NEIGHBORHOOD ANNUAL MEETING oin our neighborhood-wide annual meeting Sunday, November 19, 4–5:30 p.m. in the Haywood Duke Room of Holy Trinity Church on North Greene Street. We’ll review annual accomplishments, solicit suggestions from neighbors, and feast on refreshments provided by your neighborhood Board members. To participate in cooperative projects and meet extraordinary neighbors, please contact anyone listed on the back page, then volunteer your talents. Neighborhood participation brings rewards directly to your doorstep. J LUMINARIA DISPLAY — Sunday, December 10 n November, you’ll again have the chance to order Luminaria kits for our annual Luminaria display fundraiser. It’s scheduled for dusk Sunday, December 10, with a rain date of Sunday, December 17. Funds raised support neighborhood communications, social events, and projects. Todd McCain, 333-2299, organizes this year’s Luminaria Display. Call Todd to assist! Our Aycock neighbors “light up” that Isame evening, so stroll across the Hendrix Street footbridge to see even more Luminarias. This year, the Greenwood Bed & Breakfast on North Park Drive welcomes neighbors to a Luminaria neighborhood open house with cookies and cocoa. We encourage you to plan now to host block parties or organize carolers in your area, making the most of a delightful evening. PARK COMMITTEE UPDATE he Park Committee invites your participation on Park Work Day on Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. to noon. Bring gardening gloves, tools, and earthy enthusiasm to facilitate gradual, consistent improvements in Fisher Park. Work groups will form in both sides of Fisher Park to receive instructions. For details, contact Carl Myatt, 272-0999. T Have you seen our handsome new park bench near the intersection of Fisher Park Circle, Hendrix, and Carolina streets? Replacing a damaged bench, the new one suitably honors the memory of Dr. Dick Spencer, an anesthesiologist and Bessemer Avenue neighbor who donated many days to planting and maintaining plants within Fisher Park. Our neighborhood Board has been approached about gradually replacing many of our park benches with these stately benches. Neighbors interested in additional benches in honor or memory of those who treasure Fisher Park, contact Carl Myatt, 272-0999. NEIGHBORHOOD SCOUTS VOLUNTEER rantley Craft, age 12, of 605 North Church Street recently initiated a service project for his Boy Scout Citizenship in the Community merit badge. Assisted by another neighborhood Scout, Alex Clegg of 706 Magnolia Street, together they improved drainage and cleared brush in a marshy area of east Fisher Park, just below the County Center monument. A significant improvement is already evident in this area, even after heavy rainfall. Attend our Sunday, November 19, neighborhood-wide annual meeting to thank Brantley and Alex for their youthful volunteerism! B While working in east Fisher Park, Brantley learned of a bench dedicated to Burke Davis, Jr., writer and historian, who coincidentally passed away in August at the age of 93. Davis’s family moved to Fisher Park’s Isabel Street around 1919, where Davis lived for many years. Davis wrote 47 books, chiefly military history, biography, and natural history stories for young readers. He is best known for his books on the Civil War, including “To Appomattox: Six April Days,” which won the Mayflower Cup in 1959 for the best non-fiction work by a North Carolinian. Davis enjoyed a 27-year career as a news writer in Charlotte, Baltimore, and Greensboro. Keen interests in horticulture and ornamental gardens are evidenced in his co-founding the Duke University Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Board membership with the North Carolina Botanical Garden. What a coincidence that young neighborhood Scouts were improving our park, discovering Burke Davis’s bench of honor, so near the final days of his honored life. TO MARKET TO MARKET Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 3 n our May 2006 Fisher Parker, we interviewed a grocery Market Research Consultant and learned why it’s currently almost impossible to lure even a specialty grocer, much less a large grocery store, to downtown Greensboro. Yet our neighborhood is most fortunate to be an easy 15-minute walk to the classic Greensboro City Farmers Market! Any Saturday morning, stroll across the Hendrix Street footbridge, over the railroad tracks, and along Aycock Neighborhood streets to the Farmer’s Market on Yanceyville Street, the oldest established fresh market in NC. There’s vibrancy in the air as you choose your week’s fresh fruits and veggies, hearty breads, tasty sweets, milk, and just-picked flowers. You’re guaranteed greetings from Fisher Park neighbors strolling the isles! Walking home, you can stop by Coffee at the Summit, a7 new coffee shop in the Aycock neighborhood. http://www.coffeeatthesummit.com/index.htm I Rather than yearning for a local fresh grocery, liven-up you Saturday morning with a walk to the Farmer’s Market with family and neighbors. LANDMARK PROPERTIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD t least eight Fisher Park homes are featured in a new book Landmark Properties of Guilford County North Carolina. This attractive paperback showcases 80 buildings in Guilford County designated as Landmarks by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, creating a pictorial celebration of 25 years of the Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission. Property owners acquiring Landmark status enjoy a generous 50% local property tax deferral as long as changes on the exterior of their buildings meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Any "contributing" buildings within the Fisher Park Historic District are eligible to apply for both state and federal tax credits. Visit http://www.hpo.dcr.state.nc.us/ for information or call our city Historic District staff at 336-373-2349. Envisioning gifts for friends and neighbors? This attractive book sells for $20 at the Guilford County Planning office and the Blandwood Museum Shop, supporting preservation efforts. A Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 4 ARBOR AUCTION RAISES $450 he silent auction of a handsome garden arbor, donated by Michael Byrd of 805 Simpson Street, raised $450 for our neighborhood association! Michael is renowned for his generosity and fund-raising skills, for which we thank him. Thanks also to David Broissoit and George Weldon of 201 West Bessemer Avenue for purchasing the arbor. Recently, David and George successfully moved a house from 620 N. Elm Street to a vacant lot at 204 West Bessemer Avenue, and they are now renovating the home for future sale. As autumn planting weather returns, six mature magnolia trees will be planted and maintained to replenish the tree canopy along W. Bessemer Avenue, to meet conditions required by the Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) for this house move. T First Presbyterian Church is also required to obtain a CoA to create and landscape a parking lot they want where the Elm Street house once stood. Neighbors should be aware that First Presbyterian Church and Holy Trinity Church continue to air parking concerns and have in the past replaced neighborhood residences with parking lots. Properties in the Historic District receive only 365 days’ protection in these cases – only a year in which the neighborhood can negotiate options to demolition. (Neighborhood properties outside our Historic District have no such protection.) Neighbors interested in constructive dialog about this on-going loss of residential housing stock should contact neighborhood Board members now to help develop and facilitate alternative plans. CLOSE KNIT NEIGHBORS eighbors on North Eugene Street, and probably on your street too, are mighty “close knit.” Recently, when a neighborhood couple sadly announced their job relocation to Montana, neighbors assembled a group “farewell” photo (dogs and all) as a treasured memento in front of the granite Fisher Park sign. The sign itself is a symbol of friendships, constructed with funds raised in memory of Alice Middleton Carroll, neighborhood President 1991–92. Look behind the sign to see a brass plaque honoring Mrs. Carroll’s contributions to Fisher Park. No doubt she’d be pleased with its on-going significance to contemporary neighbors. N WEBSITE UPDATED ur Fisher Park Web site has been updated to ensure that Board meeting minutes and Fisher Parker newsletters are easier to find. Ours is the most comprehensive neighborhood Web site around, with information about the neighborhood, the smaller Historic District within, guidelines, maps, contact information, newsletters, photos, activities … Whew! Yet there’s plenty of room for improvement. If you have the skills and time to manage our neighborhood Web site or newsletter, please contact Ann Stringfield, 370-0457, who’d appreciate a break after 10 years of writing! O ENERGY EFFICIENCY ert and Debbie Fields of 902 Carolina Street are active neighborhood Block Captains and persuasive environmentalists, and are both physicians concerned about our neighborhood environment. They recently implemented simple energy-saving improvements within their home and share their enthusiasm from immediate energy savings. B Debbie reports … “We added insulation, caulked leaks, switched out most of our incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents of lower wattage, made minimal use of air conditioning, and used solar energy for drying the laundry – yes, our clothesline!” Their message continues: “Energy conservation saves money while retaining healthier air, reducing CO2, mercury, particulates and other pollutants from the source of our electricity – North Carolina’s coal burning power plants. North Carolina has some of the worst air quality in the country. Guilford County is one of three N.C .counties out of compliance with National Air Quality standards and has statewide fish consumption advisories for high levels of mercury. Before pitching for new coal burning power plants, we should insist power companies make their plants more energy efficient, and the rest of us can do the same in our homes and workplaces.” Debbie and Bert offer to arrange viewing of the one-hour documentary “Kilowatt Ours” at their house if enough neighbors are interested. 378-1352. The Fields experience shows simple energy saving techniques can yield a comfortable home, save money immediately, and generate energy tax credits in our old Fisher Park homes. For more tips on saving energy, see “10 Energy Saving Tips” in the box on page 7. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 5 RADIATOR PAINT any Fisher Park homeowners still enjoy radiator heat and may appreciate tips from the November 1996 issue of Old House Journal. Did you know that any paint with pigment that contains aluminum or bronze flakes reduces a radiator’s ability to radiate by as much as 20%? Yet it’s only the final coat that counts. Removing layers of paint from your radiators may be aesthetically pleasing to you, but won’t add a single BTU to your radiator’s heating efficiency. Multiple layers of paint on old radiators have no measurable effect. In fact, you could put 10 coats of aluminum paint on a radiator, but if your eleventh coat is, for example, white paint (paint without aluminum or bronze flakes) then your radiator will radiate to its fullest capacity. M And speaking of energy efficiency, studies show that most of the heat lost through windows doesn’t escape through the glass. Most heat escapes through gaps and cracks around the window sash and frame. So as you consider home energy conservation, repairing sturdy old window frames may be your least expensive and most effective task, as effective and much less expensive than window replacement. Like any significant exterior modification, window replacement on structures within our neighborhood’s Historic District requires approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. See http://www.fisherparknc.org/HistoricDistrict.html. OFFICE DEPOT APPROVED onstruction begins soon on an 18,280-square-foot Office Depot facility, with 62 parking spaces, on the narrow strip of land at Church St. and Wendover Ave., adjacent to the railroad tracks. The entrance will be on Church Street, directly across from Zev Place. This property meets Greensboro’s zoning requirements, and is outside the Fisher Park Historic District, so neighborhood notification was not required. C The property is owned by Kotis Properties (336-574-2000), leased for development by Office Depot (800-937-3600), and Evans Engineering drew the local lot plans. Office Depot Corporate Communications staff have not replied to your editor’s requests for building design information. In the Historic Dilworth neighborhood in Charlotte, residents requested Office Depot adopt a neighborhood-sensitive architecture to engage customers and neighbors alike, but we have no indication that sort of accommodation is being considered here. Should a typical Office Depot design be constructed, can we anticipate additional neighborhood-insensitive retail development at neighborhood boundaries along Wendover Ave., Church Street, Smith Street, and Wharton Street? At what point does typical commercial encroachment affect your family or neighbors? Construction of this Office Depot encourages timely discussion within Aycock and Fisher Park neighborhoods. Those concerned about further loss of residential housing stock in our neighborhood are encouraged to share your thoughts with neighborhood Board members. (See contact information on the back page.) PREPARere’s a reminder for all who live within the Fisher Park Historic District that autumn and winter are prime times to plan springtime 2007 exterior renovations. Property owners within the Historic District need to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) from the City Historic District office prior to modifications to the exterior of our properties. About two thirds of our neighborhood properties are within the smaller Fisher Park Historic District. E NOW FOR 2007 RENOVATIONS H To learn more about Greensboro’s Historic Districts and receive a copy of Greensboro’s Historic District Guidelines Manual and instructions to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA), contact Greensboro’s Historic District staff at 336-373-2349 or visit http://www.fisherparknc.org/HistoricDistrict.html. Local Historic District Guidelines were rewritten in 2003 to maintain the historic integrity of the original architecture of buildings while allowing greater flexibility to accommodate the growing needs of families, tenants, and businesses. The new Guidelines, the Historic Preservation Commission volunteers, and City Historic District staff all recognize the practical issues involved in adapting historic buildings to modern lifestyles, and strive to achieve a balance between function and preservation. Planning your exterior renovations well ahead of time facilitates a smooth CoA process. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 6 FREE DESIGN REVIEW FOR EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS ike Cowhig of the City Historic District Staff reminds neighbors that a Design Review Committee (volunteers expert in landscaping, architecture, and historic home exteriors) meets monthly to help historic neighborhood property owners plan changes to the exterior of homes or business. The Committee even takes field trips to homes to help you envision plans for your additions and exterior renovations. Their free expert recommendations help you meet Historic District Guidelines, smooth the Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) process, and often provide you with unique, less expensive, more attractive design ideas … and yes it’s all free! Hard to believe? Call Mike Cowhig at 373-2755 to learn about this valuable service for our neighborhood property owners. M LONG-TIME NEIGHBOR ecently we chatted with neighbor Mrs. Margaret Harris after her 90th birthday, to ask about her 60 years residing at 305 Victoria Street. Her story is one of rich relationships with family and neighbors, the sort of story we’d all be pleased to tell. Here’s her story: R Ken and Margaret Harris met and graduated from Duke Law School together in the 1930’s, where Margaret was one of only two women in their law school class, a considerable accomplishment for women at that time. The couple then married and lived in the North while Mr. Harris worked for the FBI during WWII. After the war, they heard that Greensboro might be a good location for attorneys because it was a county seat with both District and Federal courts in town. During World War II, a major Army training camp – often referred to as the Overseas Replacement Depot (ORD) – was located on a large tract of land in northeast Greensboro near English Street. More than 300,000 men and women were processed through this army facility between 1943 and 1946. At the end of the war, ORD was still functioning, and many local residences were rented to servicemen, putting a strain on available housing. As the Harrises considered relocating to Greensboro, a Mr. Clendenin was engaged as their real estate broker. He indicated there were only two homes near downtown for sale at that time, one on Church Street and one on Victoria Street! Young Mrs. Harris agreed the home on Victoria Street – sight unseen – would be satisfactory, and settled in for what has been a 60-year stay. Like many couples after WWII, Ken and Margaret Harris had no car and enjoyed a 10-minute walk each day to their fledgling law firm of Harris & Harris in the Southeast building in the center of Greensboro. Their neighbor across Victoria Street was Julian Price, of local prominence developing the Jefferson Pilot Life Insurance Company. Sometimes they accepted a ride offered by Julian Price, or his chauffer, since Price’s offices were in the Jefferson Pilot Building (now renamed Lincoln Financial). Margaret chuckles that their law office had one desk, which she and Ken shared while carrying out their growing legal business that included title work, civil matters, estates, and guardianships. The couple often enjoyed lunch together at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. By mid-afternoon, Margaret walked home to Victoria Street to meet their three children, returning from Spring Street Elementary School (later Aycock and Page schools). As our neighborhood becomes increasingly popular for downtown businesspeople, we hope to see more neighbors following the Harrises’ example, walking to and from work and schools. Margaret recalls shopping at “a very nice grocery” across Elm Street from First Presbyterian Church, and she carted groceries home in a wagon with her three children in tow. She still walks most days, modeling that same healthy life-long behavior. What are now the Fisher Park Townhomes were wooded slopes, and what are now Parkway Condominiums was Julian Price’s apple orchard. Both areas were handy playgrounds for neighborhood children, whose parents were comfortable with them playing together nearby. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 7 When asked about her 90 successful years as progressive woman law student, loving wife and mother, practicing attorney, and friend to so many neighbors in 60 years living on Victoria Street, Mrs. Harris humbly observes that she’s “always had nice neighbors” and recommends that we all remember to “simply enjoy what you have.” She still chuckles, recalling that she and husband Ken bought their Victoria Street home sight-unseen. Yet in the years that followed, when Ken repeatedly asked if she’d like them to build a new house at the new Starmount Country Club, Margaret always insisted she’s happy on Victoria Street. “It’s always been so convenient!” 10 Energy Saving Tips 1. Caulk air leaks, add insulation, repair windows, add storm windows and update HVAC systems to recover up to $500/year of the costs in energy tax credits in 2006 and 2007. Link: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits&layout=print 2. Wrap hot water heaters in an insulating blanket; set thermostat to 120 degrees; and insulate hot water pipes. 3. Wash clothes in cold water and use a clothesline or drying rack. 4. Set dishwashers on lower temperatures, and air-dry rather than heat-dry. 5. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents of lower wattage. 6. Cut fuel consumption by walking, riding a bicycle, and driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Receive up to a $3,150 energy tax credit if you buy a hybrid vehicle. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid_new.shtml 7. Replace old appliances with energy star models. Start with the refrigerator since it runs constantly, followed by the washing machine. www.energystar.gov 8. Buy locally produced food, available weekly at your local farmer’s market. 9. Investigate NC Green Power: www.ncgreenpower.org 10. Install a solar hot water system for up to $2,000 in energy tax credits. Link: We’re happy to know our neighbor, Mrs. Margaret Harris, and thought you’d enjoy her story, too. We encourage all neighbors to gather stories from long-time neighbors on your own block, to document and share with current and future generations of Fisher Parkers. Thank you to Neighborhood Greeter Rachel Percival for recommending we interview Mrs. Harris at her 90th birthday. And many congratulations to you, Mrs. Harris, for always “enjoying what you have!” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax _credits&layout=print#4 And remember to turn off unused lights and adjust thermostats up three degrees in the summer and down in the winter!Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org 8 Fisher Park Neighborhood Association P. O. Box 2043, Greensboro, NC 27401-1612 CONTACTS – 2006 Board of Directors Position Name Phone E-mail President (2006) David Shub 274-0363 shub99@yahoo.com President-Elect (2007) Vacant Secretary (2006) Roger Seel 275-3470 rseel@triad.rr.com Treasurer (2006) Blair Barton-Percival 273-3365 bfb4@cornell.edu Past President ExOfficio Allison Manning 275-8833 abdmanning@yahoo.com Board (2007) Erick Adamson 272-9515 eadamson.mail@earthlink.net Board (2008) Scott Cooper 373-0375 scooper10@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Jim Jeffries 691-8981 jimjeffries@mvalaw.com Board (2006) Todd McCain 333-2299 stmccain@aol.com Board (2008) Wanda Myatt 272-0999 cmyatt@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Cheryl Poole 275-0333 cherylpoole@triad.rr.com Board (2008) Dick Rhyne 230-1887 R2002r@aol.com Board (2008) Steve Rubin 271-8086 srubin@earthlink.net Board (2008) Chris Stanley 389-9752 cstanley33@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Ann Stringfield 370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com Board (2007) Vacant Other Contacts Ann Stringfield 370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com Newsletter Liz Urquhart 373-1250 liz.urquhart@ugcorp.com Webmaster Ann Stringfield 370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com Park Committee Carl Myatt 272-0999 cmyatt3363@aol.com Northeast Side Greeter Cara Medina 275-9268 Carat78@hotmail.com Southeast Side Greeter Janet and David Craft 274-3420 chsyhkr@bellsouth.net Southwest Side Greeter Open Northwest Side Greeter Rachel Cannon-Percival 273-3365 purplepercival@yahoo.com Neighborhood Watch Sonya Lowe 389-9686 srlowe@triad.rr.com Young Fisher Park Playgroup Allison Manning 275-8833 abdmanning@yahoo.com Social Committee Linda Schoenbrodt 274-6350 lindaschoen@triad.rr.com Traffic Committee Wanda Myatt 272-0999 cmyatt@triad.rr.com Block Captain Coordinators Southern Coordinator Cheryl Poole 274-0333 cherylpoole@triad.rr.com Northern Coordinator Jim Willis 275-5092 willis7468@bellsouth.net City Council Representative Goldie Wells 375-4123 wdistmissy@aol.com County Commissioner Rep. Kay Cashion 274-6272 kcashion@co.guilford.nc.us Board Meeting Schedule Monthly neighborhood association Board meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the Monday before the final Wednesday of each month. Remaining 2006 meetings are: September 25, October 23, November 19. The December meeting is usually cancelled due to holidays. See www.fisherparknc.org/ news.html, or call for updates. City of Greensboro and Other Contacts Department/Company Purpose Phone City Customer Contact Center Directs citizen calls to appropriate City departments. 373-2723 City Historic District Staff Historic district guidelines, application for certificate of appropriateness, free advice. 373-2349 Zoning Enforcement Parking in front yards, historic district guidelines enforcement. 373-2630 Ordinance Enforcement Housing inspections, abandoned vehicles, lot cleanup. 373-2111 Duke Power Streetlight outage. 378-9451 Police Central Division Help for emergencies and non-emergencies/ enforcement. Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 373-2222 Police Central Deivison–Community Resource Officer Corporal Greg Gardner 373-2486 mailto:greg.gardner@ greensboro-nc.gov Fisher Park ListServ Subscribe: mailto:fisherpark-subscribe@yahoo.com Submit e-mail: fisherpark@ yahoogroups.com |
OCLC number | 893990260 |
|
|
|
A |
|
C |
|
G |
|
H |
|
N |
|
P |
|
U |
|
W |
|
|
|