Fisher Parker [July 2007]

              NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AUGUST 7
On Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 7 p.m., Fisher Park neighbors will celebrate National Night Out Against Crime, along with more than 100 other Greensboro neighborhoods. An annual event, held the first Tuesday of each August, National Night Out is designed to:
Increase awareness of crime and drug prevention.
Generate participation in anti-crime programs such as Community Watch.
Strengthen partnerships between the police community and ours,
Let criminals know our neighborhood is organized and fighting crime.
You’re invited to meet at the east Fisher Park playground. This year we’ll enjoy Hawaiian Ice, which is shaved ice, served in nine different flavors.
Our Neighborhood Watch volunteer coordinator, Sonya Lowe, invites everyone to participate and wear Hawaiian print shirts, dresses, skirts, flip-flops (yes, we expect to see some grass skirts)! This night, and always, remember to turn your porch lights on to promote nighttime safety. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Temple Emanuel social hall on North Greene Street. To help with preparations, contact Sonja Lowe at 336-389-9686 or srlowe@triad.rr.com
SEEKING SOCIALITES
Many thanks to our former Social Committee Chairperson, Michael Byrd. Michael was an active Board member, who initiated many neighborhood social events, provided refreshments for monthly Board meetings, donated decorations and treats for our neighborhood children’s Halloween party, and steadfastly refused to be reimbursed. Michael has moved to a condo beyond Fisher Park, so we seek a new Social Committee chairperson. Interested in the most entertaining job in the neighborhood? Contact neighborhood President David Shub (273-0363) to volunteer as our next Social Committee chairperson.
GRAHAM JOINS BOARD
Lutie Graham of Leftwich Street recently filled a vacant neighborhood Board position and will represent neighbors in the southeastern quadrant of our neighborhood. Graham said, “I was born in this neighborhood, left for college and work, then eventually returned to 204 Leftwich Street in 1999. My family has lived in this house since 1937, and we strive to maintain the historical integrity of the house and neighborhood. This is why I accepted the call to be a Fisher Park Board member.” july2007
CALENDAR
National Night Out Against Crime Social
Tuesday, August 7
7 p.m.
389-9686
DOG SHOW-OFF
Saturday, October 20 10-11 a.m.
(Rain date October 27)
272-3498
HALLOWEEN PARADE & PARTY
Saturday, October 27, 4-6 p.m.
Temple Social Hall
273-0363
PARK WORK DAY
Saturday, November 10, 9-11 a.m.
274-3420
FPNA ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, November 18, 4-6 p.m.
Holy Trinity
274-0363
LUMINARIA DISPLAY
Sunday, December 9, at dusk. Rain date is December 16.
333-2299
ALL 2007 FPNA BOARD
MEETINGS
are listed on the back page and at www.fisherparknc.org/news.html
GREENSBORO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS
See www.gnc-nc.orgcan relay your concerns and considerations. Grahaml123@gmail.com 378-6928. Every year, our neighborhood Board transitions 5 of 15 members. If you can commit to active Board participationsubmit your name for Board nomination to our Board President David Shub.
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The neighborhood Board recently revised our
activities. The new mission statement is: To preserve the historic and residential character of the Fisher Park neighborhood, and to work with the City of Greensboro to maintain the scenic park for the benefit of the general public.
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Cast eyes upward as you drive by 112 West Bessemer Ave
Architectural Salvage of Greensboro (ASG). This handsome early-1920s Georgian Revival hilltop home had severely water-damaged woodwork above and below the front portico and both side porches. Columns, balustrades, cornices, and decorative trim evidenced significant deterioration. Homeowner Lynne Gladstone prepared a compregrant application, confirming this to be an excellent candidate for repair of unique yet vulnerable architectural features. Lynne was awarded a grant of $6,000 from ASG. (ASG preservation grants typically cover aportion of the work, yet the homeowner has a substantial financial commitment, too. Projects must meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation and obtain local HDistrict approval.) ighbor shared an old black & white photo of the home. Peering through
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a magnifying glass, Craig Long of New Age Builders was able to distinguish shapes of the original balustrades. Matching redwood replacements were crafted, returning the decorative balustrades to their original appearanceBalustrades are key elements of Georgian Revival architecture and their replacement demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship which ASG grants support. In addition, copper-lined gutters embedded in the originaroof were repairable. Original screen doors were found in the eaves of the garage, and their brass grillwork wareapplied. Substantial original materials, paired with clever original design, ensure that the home’s overall structure is extraordinarily sound. Craftsman’s repair of original features where possible – and replacement onwhen necessary – followed by substantial painting, will help to stabilize this home’s façade for a new century. he house was built by Jacob and Goldie Goldstein in the early 1920s. Mr. Goldstein was a prominent
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furniture company executive and was in real estate with Schiffman, Issacson, et al. Goldstein’s granddauRita Goldstein Guyes of Prago-Guyes clothing store, grew up in the house and recalled one of the first glass-enclosed telephone rooms. The house features beautiful oak floors with a walnut border as well as peerless pine floors.
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Neighbor Sophie Adamson of Is
“Fisher Park band.” Members (all about three years old) from left to righare: Cole Percival of Eugene Street, Remy Adamson of Isabel Street, MasonBouska of East Hendrix Street, and Laurel Holland of Isabel Street. We encourage parents to help your children form friendships within our neighborhood, within comfortable walking distances. Attending neighborhood events initiates friendships … and prospective neigguardians! Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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NORTHeast QUADRANT GREETER NEEDED
If you live in the northeast quadrant of our Fisher Park neighborhood and would enjoy welcoming new residents, please call our volunteer Greeter Coordinator Rachel Canon-Percival who’ll relay all you need to know to become our northeast Greeter. purplepercival@yahoo.com or 273-3365. And whenever you’re aware of new residents, please alert a neighborhood Greeter who’ll kindly deliver welcoming information. (See back page for greeters.)
GRANT FROM GREENSBORO BEAUTIFUL
This spring, our neighborhood was fortunate to receive a $1,000 Greensboro Beautiful Neighborhood Initiative grant, with which City staff planted seven pin oak trees near the Parkway/Bessemer streets intersection. The aim is to initiate a green tree canopy at this prominent neighborhood entrance. Trees that did not survive transplanting will be replanted this fall. Our thanks to neighbors Don Smith and Mary Lane-Smith for significant watering!
Greensboro Beautiful Neighborhood Initiative grants program assists neighborhoods in beautification and ecological projects to enhance and restore green space on public property such as neighborhood parks, street medians, stream banks, and nature trails. Grants are made possible by private contributions to Greensboro Beautiful, Inc., a volunteer organization partnering with the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department. We thank Greensboro Beautiful partners for this grant, which will provide cool shade upon entering our neighborhood in years to come.
As our older trees fall victim to storms, we are encouraged to plant large canopy trees in appropriate locations (not under power, phone, or cable lines.) If you have questions about the best tree for your yard or streetscape, the City of Greensboro Urban Forester, or Greensboro Beautiful, or the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Service Master Gardeners, can recommend appropriate trees. Studies show mature canopy trees can reduce temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit, produce as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year, cleanse the air by absorbing carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, and can increase property values 10 to 25% !
WATER THE ROOTS
Hot and thirsty? So are your garden plants. Most plants absorb water from their roots, not from their leaves or stems. So when watering your in-ground plants, lay your garden hose just above the roots. Infrequent but substantial watering at the roots is much more effective than spraying water or frequent shallow watering.
PROTECTING THE STREAM
A white substance has been collecting in the streambed that runs through Fisher Park on its way to Latham Park, predominantly where the stream resurfaces west of Elm Street. Several neighbors and our Park Committee contacted the City of Greensboro’s Water Resources staff member David Phlegar who believes he’s found the source of the problem – a broken pipe under Fisher and Magnolia intersection – and the City has repaired the pipe. Any time you notice a potential ecological problem in the park, your prompt inquiry may alleviate long-term damage.
GOLDFINGERS? If you have a steady hand for painting, please call Carl Myatt at 272-0999 and offer to repaint gold-colored lettering onto three old wooden hanging Fisher Park signs. A Park Committee member will bring the signs to you and will re-hang the freshly painted signs, returning a proud public face to our park.
Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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SPRINGTIME STORMS RAVAGE TREES Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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Winds of a June thunderstorm damaged several large old trees in Fisher Park. Many top-heavy limbs broke, causing additional damage to underlying trees. In the east park, one tree fell toward the Greenwood Bed & Breakfast, damaging a parked car. Our Park Committee reports that City clean-up crews were very responsive cleaning up the mess. Thanks to all neighbors who routinely pick up storm debris as you walk through Fisher Park.
WALKING OUR DOGS
Green Hill Cemetery staff recently received several complaints about neighbors walking dogs in nearby Green Hill Cemetery, and the dog waste that’s left there. Although it’s tempting to walk or run dogs in such a beautiful setting, it’s actually against the law. Many people consider it disrespectful for dogs to be in cemeteries. And stepping in dog waste when working in or contemplating lifetimes while visiting a cemetery is not high on anyone’s list. To help those working to keep Green Hill Cemetery a pleasant place to walk and reflect – and to obey this City ordinance – let’s keep our dogs out of the cemetery.
ARTISTRY IN STONE
Orren Falk, a relatively new Fisher Park neighbor at 104 Fisher Park Circle, received a Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) to construct an attractive new stone retaining wall along the frontage of her property. She shares praise for the craftsmanship of stonemason Lafayette Brown. (336-708-7878 and 919-421-0404.) A few years ago, under the leadership of a neighborhood Board Past President Angie Leath, Mr. Brown also crafted the handsome granite walls that straddle North Elm and Church streets. Mount Airy granite stonewalls, which are held together with grapevine-style mortar are features seen throughout our neighborhood. We appreciate these skilled craftspeople and homeowners who employ their skills to repair or reconstruct old features as we embrace a new century.
POTENTIAL CoA FEES IN 2008
City Council is looking high and low for new revenue through added fees. Be aware that in 2008 Historic District property owners may encounter small fees when applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA), perhaps around $25. “After the fact” CoA’s likely would bring large fees, perhaps $200–$500 depending on the offense. Neighbors are encouraged to share their impressions of potential 2008 fees with their neighborhood board and City Council representatives.
HISTORIC HOLLEMAN HOUSE THREATENED
Last fall First Presbyterian Church acquired the historic white house at the corner of West Fisher Avenue and North Greene Street. A Church committee studied potential uses of the property and the Session (governing body) of the church recently decided to offer the home for relocation. Without relocation, the church may demolish the historic structure and is considering another playground or parking lot on this prominent corner lot.
This property was part of the original subdivision of the land of Captain Basil John Fisher in 1905 and was owned by Silas A. Holleman when the corner house was built between 1905–1910. Mr. Holleman was an auditor with Southern Life and Trust Company, a respected insurance company. The house is a landmark in Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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the Fisher Park neighborhood and historic district and is a contributing structure in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Holleman house is an example of the transition between the Queen Anne Style of the Victorian era and the Colonial Revival Style of the early 20th century. Important features include a high pyramidal roof, cross gables, stepped-back façade, wraparound porch with short, paired columns on brick piers, and an unusual second story balcony. The unique corner porch entrance was designed to fit the prominent corner lot on which it rests. According to city Historic Preservation staff, this is one of the more architecturally significant houses in Greensboro set in a prominent location.
First Presbyterian Church also is a vital part of our neighborhood. Recently, the church administration made a significant effort to improve communications by sending a representative to our monthly Neighborhood Association Board meetings. We urge the church to save the Holleman house. We want to be a part of the solution. We believe that helping preserve the history of our neighborhood is consistent with the mission of the church.
Concerned neighbors have recommended valet parking to help the elderly or disabled park near their churches, encourage walking for those fortunate enough to be able to walk, and have documented well over a hundred empty parking spaces within two blocks of the church.
Our neighborhood Board offers to help generate ideas and facilitate action. Whether raising funds to assist with restoration expenses, garnering advice from local architects and contractors, helping to qualify for historic rehabilitation tax credits, or collaborating with other organizations (such as other churches, Habitat for Humanity, or Greensboro Housing Coalition) to generate volunteer labor for reconstructive work, we want to help facilitate a solution that retains the Holleman house on it’s corner lot. There are mutually satisfactory ways to retain the Holleman house if we work together toward a new solution rather than past patterns of move, demolish, and pave.
We urge neighbors to speak about the Holleman House with members and administrators of First Presbyterian Church, share ideas, and communicate with your neighborhood Board to facilitate a win-win solution. (Submitted by John McLendon)
DOWNTOWN DESIGN GUIDELINES DEVELOPING
In recent years, downtown Greensboro has experienced much redevelopment and new development. We welcome renewed activity in our center city, and we simultaneously wish to maintain the unique character of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
The City Planning Department is creating a Downtown Design Manual to encourage appropriate and compatible design in the downtown area. Action Greensboro and Downtown Greensboro, Inc., along with a committee of residents, business owners, landlords, and developers, are participating. The study area for this planning effort overlaps our Fisher Park neighborhood in five blocks (east to west) between Smith Street and Fisher Avenue.
The City Planning Department recently met with representatives of neighborhoods surrounding downtown. Fisher Park’s representative encouraged the planners to adopt appropriate design guidelines for the transition area between downtown and our historic, residential neighborhoods. We hope the guidelines will encourage preservation of historic structures and existing residential use, encourage residential infill development, and require compatible design where commercial development occurs. Please contact neighborhood President-Elect John McLendon with your input as this process continues. Those living nearest to our neighborhood’s southern boundary (Smith Street) are especially encouraged to speak up, as your residences are the most vulnerable to new downtown developments. LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP TO NEIGHBORHOOD TEEN
One of Fisher Park’s young residents, Emma Parker of Victoria Street, recently graduated from Grimsley High School with several creative writing awards under her belt. Emma won 1st Place in Salem College's Inspired Ink contest for high school-aged creative writers. She also won the John Carlton Myatt Writing Scholarship administered by the Community Foundation of Greensboro and Carl Myatt, a Fisher Park resident. The scholarship is in memory of Carl Myatt’s son, John Carlton Myatt, a lover of creative writing, who died in 1990. Emma plans to attend Goucher College this fall to continue her creative writing. How nice that a Fisher Park resident earned the award.
THE COPELAND TRADITION Will Copeland, grandson of Fisher Park Neighborhood Association co-founder Mary Lee Copeland who died in August 2006, carries on his grandmother’s tradition of neighborhood volunteerism. Although Will does not live in Fisher Park, he visited his grandmother’s home here many times, and initiated his Boy Scout community service project here with guidance from our Park Committee.
Along with friends he has recruited to help, Will is uncovering and re-seating long-hidden expansive granite steps – which weigh between 500 and 900 pounds – at the intersection of Elm Street and South Park Drive. The team is clearing underbrush and mulching around the steps, which will welcome those passing by into east Fisher Park. Will solicited contributions from friends and neighbors, worked small jobs for additional funds, purchased the mulch, performs strenuous labor to ensure the granite steps are stable, and when finished will have earned every stitch of his Eagle Scout badge. Impressed by Will’s initiative, the Fisher Park Board recently sent a check for $250 to help Will add a handrail to the stairway. Neighbors who knew the many contributions of Mary Lee Copeland sense she’d be exceedingly proud of grandson Will carrying on her tradition of generosity to the Fisher Park neighborhood.
75 YEARS AGO
A recent Greensboro News & Record column highlighting 75 Years Ago carried this reminiscence from March 25, 1932. “Five thousand children participated in an Easter egg hunt in Fisher Park, sponsored by the Greensboro Merchants Association, which saw to it that every child found an egg.” Clearly our neighborhood park has long been a shared space for city residents as well as neighborhood residents. Thanks to everyone who works in and for our neighborhood park!
CRAFT LEADS PARK COMMITTEE
We thank all members of our Park Committee, especially Carl Myatt of North Park Drive who served longer than he ever intended as Chairperson, and accomplished many park improvements. Carl eagerly reports that David Craft of 605 North Church Street has agreed to Chair the Park Committee as of this summer. David has a wealth of experience with plants, planting, and natural environments, learned in part from his father Bill Craft’s cultivation of plants in local parks and cemeteries. The Park Committee listens for your input, so please contact David Craft at 274-3420 or Chsyhkr@Gmail.com with ideas or to volunteer in the Park. We hope you’ll join neighbors at our autumn Park Work Day on Saturday, November 10, 9–11 a.m. on both sides of Fisher Park. Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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SUMMER TIPS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN
Many thanks to Dr. Debbie Leiner Fields of Carolina Street for sharing these tips for our children.
Sunburn. Keep babies under 6 months old out of direct sun and dress them in clothing that covers the body, including a hat and sunglasses. Children should stay out of the sun during peak intensity, and parents should use a sunscreen with SPF 30 that protects against both UV A and UV B. Every blistering sunburn increases the risk of malignant melanoma by four times.
Mosquitoes and ticks. Keep as much of the body covered with clothing as possible. Avoid bright colors and scented soaps, lotions, shampoos that attract insects. The most commonly used insect repellant, DEET, seems to be safe when used sparingly, but be aware that it is a neurotoxin. Natural alternatives like citronella are safe and probably as effective as DEET if reapplied frequently.
Caution: Do not use DEET on babies under 2 months of age, as their thin skin will absorb it. Read labels and do not use concentrations over 30%. For short exposures of a few hours, 10% is just as effective. Do not use DEET under clothing, on children's hands, and do not use sprays that can be inhaled or burn eyes. Wash off thoroughly when children come inside. Do complete “tick checks” a few times a day. Ticks must be embedded for several hours before they can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Air quality. Pay attention to daily National Air Quality (NAQ) reports. Even healthy children are considered a "sensitive" group and should avoid outdoor play on "orange alert" days. Help "clear the air" by reducing your home and vehicle energy use. Raise your thermostat 3 degrees, use compact fluorescent light bulbs, plan your errands so you drive less, drive a fuel efficient car, carpool, and walk or bike for short trips.
Pesticides. Because children live closer to the ground and engage in hand to mouth activity, they can be exposed to harmful levels of chemicals in their own backyard. Limit or eliminate the use of weed killers on your lawn. Use pest management companies that employ “Integrated Pest Management” techniques that rely less on toxic chemicals.
AFTER OURS
Remember to visit “After Ours” at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/afterours/ where you can join then post a brief description of any items you’re willing to donate, free, to anyone residing in Aycock or Fisher Park neighborhoods. Then await contact from anyone who’d enjoy your donated items. Once in this group, you’ll receive e-mails from other donors, and you might choose items others are donating. What was “yours” becomes “ours,” hence the clever name “After Ours.” Questions? Contact “After Ours” coordinator Chuck Van deZande of Wharton Street at cvandy2@earthlink.net 574-1919.
YOUR TURN?
If you can hardly suppress a keen interest in our Fisher Park neighborhood and can afford some spare time to coordinate and share information, then consider volunteering to edit our Fisher Parker newsletter or to maintain our www.fisherparknc.org Web site. Ann Stringfield a370-0457 would love to pass either baton to you!
To learn about any of many neighborhood volunteer opportunities that may be your cup of tea, visit http://www.fisherparknc.org/Volunteer_Opportunities_2006.doc or approach any Board member and offer your enthusiasm! You’ll find neighborhood friendships multiply in equal measure with participation.
Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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Fisher Park Established 1903 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — www.fisherparknc.org
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Fisher Park Neighborhood Association
P. O. Box 2043, Greensboro, NC 27401-1612
CONTACTS – July 2007
Board of Directors
Position
Name
Phone
E-mail
President (2007)
David Shub
274-0363
shub99@yahoo.com
President-Elect (2009)
John McLendon
545-5543
jmclendon@sbaal.com
Secretary (2007)
Cheryl Poole
275-0333
cherylpoole@triad.rr.com
Treasurer (2007)
Jim Jeffries
691-8981
jimjeffries@mvalaw.com
Past President ExOfficio (2007)
David Shub
274-0363
shub99@yahoo.com
Board (2007)
vacant
Board (2007)
Catherine Feeney
451-5588
cfeeney@triad.rr.com
Board (2007)
Ann Stringfield
370-0457
infocrofters@triad.rr.com
Board (2008)
Vicky Saunders
272-7661
vvanstory@gmail.com
Board (2008)
Wanda Myatt
272-0999
wjmyatt@triad.rr.com
Board (2008)
Dick Rhyne
230-1887
R2002r@aol.com
Board (2008)
Steve Rubin
271-8086
docrub1n@earthlink.net
Board (2009)
Lutie Graham
378-6928
Grahaml123@gmail.com
Board (2009)
Rick Luebke
273-5080
richardluebke@email.msn.com
Board (2009)
Rachel Canon-Percival
273-3365
purplepercival@yahoo.com
Board (2009)
Robert Pope
638-7706
Rpope10@triad.rr.com
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
David Craft
274-3420
chsyhkr@gmail.com
Northeast Side Greeter
vacant
Southeast Side Greeter
Janet and David Craft
274-3420
chsyhkr@gmail.com
Southwest Side Greeter
Prudence Strong
379-7209
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
vacant
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 FPNA Board meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the Monday before the final Wednesday of each month. Remaining 2007 meetings are July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November 26. November 18 is the FPNA Annual Meeting. The December Board meeting is usually cancelled due to holidays. See www.fisherparknc.org/news.html, or call Board members 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
Officer Melanie Daniel
373-4645 mailto:melanie.daniel@ greensboro-nc.gov
Fisher Park ListServ
Subscribe: mailto:fisherpark-subscribe@yahoo.com
Submit e-mail: fisherpark@ yahoogroups.com