Fisher Parker [March 2010]

              Fisher Park Established 1902 –Listed on the National Register of Historic Places – www.fisherparknc.org
Page 1
A SPRINGTIME TRADITION
Children of Fisher Park residences, as well as children of
folks with offices in our neighborhood, are invited to our
annual Egg Hunt near the East Fisher Park playground,
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m. (Rain date is Sunday, March
28, 1:30 p.m.) While youngsters are merrily entertained,
please take a moment to thank Delancey Street residents for their generosity,
once again arranging the hunt, refreshments, and games. For details contact our
volunteer Children's Events Coordinator Rachel Cannon-Percival at 273-3365.
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
Preservation Greensboro Inc. (PGI) plans a Historic Homes Tour of several
Fisher Park and Aycock neighborhood homes in May 2011 (previously
scheduled for May 2010.) May 2010, PGI offers their 6th annual Walking
Wednesdays tours of the exterior of Historic District homes in historic
neighborhoods, including Fisher Park and Aycock. Visit www.blandwood.org for
May 2010 walking tour information. Contact PGI's Ashley Poteat 272-5003-ext-
2 or apoteat@blandwood.org to volunteer for the May 2011 homes tour.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
We welcome the 3-year volunteerism of new Board members living on streets
near you: Sarah Jordan of Olive Street, Robert Kantlehner of Parkway Street,
Judy Morton of Fisher Park Circle, and Angie Smits of Magnolia Street. Many
thanks to Board members rotating off after their 3-year Board commitments:
Rachel Cannon-Percival of North Eugene Street, Rob Pope of Simpson Street,
Rick Luebke of Virginia Street, and Lutie Graham of Leftwich Street. The
neighborhood Board recently voted on a Bylaws change, reducing the Board
constituency from 15 to 12 members, due to the ongoing challenge of finding
neighbors who commit to attend monthly meetings..
Although tradition supports annual transition of officers, John
McLendon has kindly served as our neighborhood association President when
others preferred not to assume those responsibilities. Thanks to John for his
extended leadership!
Each year, your neighborhood Board actively seeks equitable volunteer
representation from all parts of our neighborhood, from Wendover to Church to
Smith to Wharton streets. Whether volunteering for the Board, or engaging with
neighborhood Committees that pique your specific interests, contact any Board
member to volunteer. Visit www.fisherparknc.org to read about volunteer
opportunities. There's one waiting for you!
FisherParker
serving residents of the Fisher Park Neighborhood
March 2010
the
CALENDAR
___________________
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m.
East Fisher Park Playground
(Rain Date is Mar. 28, 1:30 p.m.)
336-273-3365
Park Spring Clean Up
Saturday, Apr. 17, 8:30 a.m.
East & West Fisher Park
336-273-8286
PGI Historic Homes Tour
Rescheduled to May 2011
Potluck & Bluegrass Social
Saturday, June 5, time tba
Temple Emanuel
336-373-1051
National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 6:30 pm
East Fisher Park Playground
336-209-5525
Park Autumn Clean Up
Saturday, Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.
East & West Fisher Park
336-273-8286
Neighborhood
Annual Meeting
Sunday, Nov. 21, 4 p.m.
Broome Hall, Holy Trinity
336-545-5543
Luminaria Display
Sunday, Dec. 12, dusk
(Rain Date is December 19)
336-638-7706
Fisher Park Established 1902 –Listed on the National Register of Historic Places – www.fisherparknc.org
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FISHER PARK SHUTTER HUNT
Just for fun, we've created a Fisher Park Shutter Hunt for youngsters. Drawings of 17 Fisher Park home's shutters
can be matched up with their house numbers. The hunt presents an excellent opportunity for kids to differentiate
designs, grasp numeric and directional concepts (N/S/E/W), as well as sharing a family outing. When the “call of
the hunt” beckons, request a copy of the Fisher Park Shutter Hunt from Ann Stringfield, 336-370-0457.
NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDS IN THE CFGG
In June 1997, the Fisher Park Neighborhood Association became the first neighborhood in Greensboro to establish
an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG). That year's neighborhood
Board initiated the fund with $10K. The fund has grown to approximately $24K, thanks to fund-raising from
annual Luminaria sales, infrequent house tours, and earned interest.
The CFGG manages investment assets in equity and equity-like securities, and
fixed-income securities, with greater tax benefits and flexibility for donors than many
private foundations. The original intent of our neighborhood's endowment fund was to
accumulate funds to pay for significant events, neighborhood enhancements, or perhaps purchase or provide
incentives to renovate a neglected property. Each year an annual endowment payout of several hundred dollars is
available for use by the Association, yet in most years our Board has allowed all profits to remain in the fund and
grow. Donations are always welcome and are tax deductible. To learn more about the Fisher Park Neighborhood
Association's endowment fund, contact our neighborhood President or Treasurer.
MUNICIPAL SERVICE DISTRICT TAX
Neighbors often ask why two other Historic Districts have more decorative street lights and street signs than the
Fisher Park Neighborhood. The answer is, Greensboro's two other Historic District neighborhoods chose a
different tool to finance major projects. In 1989 the Charles B. Aycock Historic District and the College Hill
Neighborhood Association both chose to tax themselves with an annual Municipal Service District (MSD) tax .
(That year, the Fisher Park Neighborhood Association chose not to implement the MSD tax..)
Property owners in those two neighborhoods pay 5 cents per $100 in assessed tax value to fund projects
that enhance the special character of their neighborhoods. In College Hill, MSD tax projects have included adding
decorative street lights and signs, constructing a median along Spring Garden Street, renovation of Springdale
Park, and comprehensive neighborhood plans. In the Charles B. Aycock Historic District, MSD tax funds have
been used to landscape near the Max Thompson Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, renovate Sternberger Park, and add
decorative street lights and signs throughout their neighborhood. Since 1989, Aycock and College Hill
neighborhood associations MSD tax funds have grown to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
PARK COMMITTEE
Both sides of Fisher Park received significant attention throughout 2009. Five park work days brought out
volunteers to reduce scruffy underbrush along creek banks, remove dead trees, and plant over 50 new canopy and
under-story trees and over 100 new plants providing seasonal interest. Receipt of the coveted 2009
NeighborWoods grant engaged over 250 volunteers to plant 150 new free trees; 94 trees along neighborhood
streets, 32 trees in the park, and 24 trees in Green Hill Cemetery.
This January, 37 new flowering plants and trees were added to a previous expanse of
mulch near 106 Fisher Park Circle. Two water lines and spigots for watering plants in 3
seasons (turned off in winter) were added in West Fisher Park replacing old non-functional
spigots. Gracious thanks to individual donors who made many new plantings
possible, and to Chip Callaway for landscape design expertise, Delancey Street whose
residents unfailingly attend Park Work Days in force, Sally Atwood of Simpson Street and
Carl Myatt of North Park Drive who Co-Chair our Park Committee efforts, and all
neighbors who volunteer with our neighborhood Park Committee. For 2010 Park Clean
Up events, see the front page calendar or www.fisherparknc.org/News.html. To purchase our few remaining 2009
Fisher Park NeighborWoods caps at $6 each, call Sally Atwood at 336-273-8286.
Fisher Park Established 1902 –Listed on the National Register of Historic Places – www.fisherparknc.org
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JUST DOO IT
Neighbors ask us to repeat that leaving animal waste on public property or
on neighbor's private property violates Guilford County's Public Nuisance
Ordinance Section 5-8. You can be fined! More importantly, pet poop in
inappropriate places violates neighborhood relationships. Please bag your pet's poop and deposit it in trash bins..
Convenient plastic bags are available at several entrances to Fisher Park, for those walking dogs in the park.
HOT STUFF
Bathroom floors have been mighty cold this winter! So we've recently investigated under floor radiant heat
retrofit systems such as HeatIzOn Zmesh. This flexible mesh heating material resembles a window screen, installs
beneath floorboards, can be twisted and turned around joists and corners, and can be nailed or stapled in place.
Add a layer of insulation beneath the mesh to ensure the heat flows up into the room. These low-voltage (25
amp) systems hook into cold leads, which run to a transformer mounted in your basement, attic, or crawl space.
The mesh can be installed as a DIY project with material costs ranging between $8 to $14/sq foot, including a 25-
yr. warranty. www.heatizon.com or 888-239-1232. (Copied with permission from Old House Journal, Jan. 2010.)
FIBERGLASS-FREE INSULATION
Installing new fiberglass-free Safe Touch insulation from Dow requires no protective gloves or goggles. Made of
the same polyester fibers as clothing, this insulation doesn't contain borates or acrylic or formaldehyde binders
found in traditional insulation materials. SafeTouch is flexible and can be held in place by friction. Insulation
batts are available in R-13 and R-19 for about $50/bag and can be ripped to size by hand, especially handy for
DIY projects in older homes. For details call 866-583-2583 or visit dowsafetouch.com. (Copied with permission
from Old House Journal, Jan. 2010. Tell newsletter editors whether or not you like these tips in our newsletter.)
HANDMADE BRICK
A neighbor asked us to share her excitement about a company in Salisbury, NC that advertises handmade brick.
Their website exhibits an exquisite array of multicolored bricks, like those hard to find colors we often take for
granted in the foundations or walls of our older homes. To learn how old-style bricks are made, or to consider
handmade brick as a source for renovations, visit http://www.handmadebrick.com.
A PLACE FOR RESPITE
The manager of The Sacred Garden Bookstore at 215 W. Fisher Avenue, corner of Fisher & Simpson Streets in
our neighborhood, invites you to visit their back-yard garden, open to anyone seeking respite from a busy day.
Inside the bookstore, open Mon.-Thurs. 11am-5:30pm and Fri/Sat 11-2, you'll find ecumenical and secular books,
coffee and tea for $1/cup, cards, gifts, event information, and a meeting space that can
be reserved for community conversation. The bookstore kindly sells our Fisher Park
Neighborhood t-shirts (Adult S/M/L/XL, kids S/M/L.) Stop by, call 336-544-1225, or
visit www.sacredgardenbookstore.com
COME OUT TO PLAY
There's something mighty special about walking to a neighborhood friend's house to ask
if they can “Come out to play!” Neighbor Comer Ware volunteers to coordinate a
Fisher Park youngster's playgroup, facilitating those early yet life-long friendships.
For details, contact Comer Ware at 678-429-5250.
GREENSBORO NEIGHBORHOOD CONGRESS
Every month, citizens passionate about neighborhoods gather at the Central Public Library to discuss issues
common to all neighborhoods, learn about city services, and meet representatives of neighborhoods city-wide.
Meeting topics are varied, covering anything from recycling, to protest petitions, to rental unit certificates of
occupancy, to zoning, etc. All neighbors are invited to participate! Visit www.gnc-nc.org for details.
Fisher Park Established 1902 –Listed on the National Register of Historic Places – www.fisherparknc.org
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THE NICE GUY WINS
If you missed the publicity on our neighborhood e-mail listserv, or the
local newspapers, or CNN News, then we'll be first to tell you young Edward
Myers (age 11) of East Bessemer Avenue was rewarded for “doing the right
thing”. While participating in our autumn 2009 Park Work Day, Edward
retrieved a sopping-wet purse from our park's frigid creek. Park volunteers
called Police Officer M.L. Sletten and the woman whose ID was in the purse.
Reunited with her purse, she related that a thief broke her car window, stole
the purse and a little cash, then apparently tossed the purse into the creek.
Fortunately, the crook didn't open the wallet's zippers, one of which concealed almost $2,000 in $100 bills! The
grateful woman rewarded Edward with a $100 bill! He purchased a Carolina Panthers jersey and gave the rest to
his family. Soon they received a letter from Edward's hero, Panthers player Steve Smith, plus an invitation to a
Panthers game. Congratulations to the Myers family on successful parenting, ensuring the nice guys win!
MOUNTAIN DULCIMER CLUB
Wharton Street neighbor Chuck Van deZande invites neighbors to share his interest forming a
Greensboro “Mountain Dulcimer Club”. Mountain dulcimers are 3-4 stringed instruments of
varied shapes, such as hourglass or teardrop. Chuck envisions a group with no fees, free lessons,
free tablatures (sheet music showing finger placement), and exploration of various genres of
music: bluegrass, hymns, medieval, and folk. Please contact Chuck at cvandy26@gmail.com or
336-574-1919 if interested in teaching or learning to play the mountain dulcimer.
PROTECTING THE STREAM
Staff of the City of Greensboro Water Resources Department, Storm Water Management Division, Water Quality
Section (Peter Schneider and Rebecca Wells) recently investigated a milky discoloration of the stream that gently
winds through Fisher Park. The pollution was traced back to painters working at a Leftwich Street property.
They'd washed paint down a storm drain which empties into the Fisher Park stream. In old neighborhoods, some
old basement utility sinks even drain directly into the stream! Peter and Rebecca offer a dye test to determine
where your used water ends up and can recommend corrective action. Anytime you see our park stream
discolored or polluted, please call 373-2055 and report it immediately! Take pictures if you can and send photos
to peter.schneider@greensboro-nc.gov. On weekends, call the City non-emergency number, 373-2222. City staff
are on-call to investigate pollutants immediately. The sooner you call, the more likely a solution is found.
REFLECTIONS ON LOSING HOLLEMAN HOUSE
Recent months have been discouraging for the Fisher Park neighborhood and historic preservationists. In April
2009, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church demolished a historic house on Smith Street outside the Historic District yet
on the fragile southern edge of our neighborhood. In January 2010, First Presbyterian Church demolished the
Holleman House within the Historic District at the corner of North Greene Street and West Fisher Avenue. This
was our most significant loss in many years, an important contributing structure in
our Historic District, leaving a prominent corner starkly vacant.
If these recent losses weren’t hard enough, we are concerned about the
possibility of additional loses in the future. First Presbyterian, Holy Trinity, and
Temple Emanuel all own other historic houses that could be endangered. Now is
a time to step back and ask important questions. Why do neighborhood churches
continue to remove historic houses? How can we encourage these churches to
cooperate with us in our mission to preserve the historic and residential character
of the Fisher Park neighborhood?
The Holleman House was one hundred years old and included 4 modest-income
apartments anchoring a prominent intersection. Built in the transition between the Queen Anne style of
the Victorian era and the Colonial Revival style of the early 20th century, historic preservation experts documented
Holleman House as one of the most architecturally significant houses in Greensboro.
Fisher Park Established 1902 –Listed on the National Register of Historic Places – www.fisherparknc.org
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When First Presbyterian Church acquired the corner property, the Holleman House already was in poor
condition due to deferred maintenance. Yet local contractors with extensive experience in historic rehabilitation
confirmed the house could be renovated for under $300K.
The Fisher Park Neighborhood Association tried to save Holleman House as a productive asset for the
church. We proposed a collaborative campaign to raise funds for rehabilitation. Neighbors pledged substantial
financial contributions to initiate fund-raising and proposed to recruit in-kind contributions from contractors,
suppliers, and volunteer labor. Preservation Greensboro offered technical assistance. We also encouraged the
church to sell the property to someone to restore the house, but the property was not offered for sale. The
Church's governing body rejected all offers. In early January, Architectural Salvage of Greensboro (ASG)
reluctantly salvaged treasured features from Holleman House, including intricately decorative columns, three
classic wooden mantels, stair railings, windows, doors, and sturdy wooden kitchen cabinets. On January 21, 2010,
Holleman House was demolished.
Through hours of discussion, it became clear that First Presbyterian acquired the property for possible
future expansion, and Holleman House stood in the way. Church leaders indicate they do not yet have specific
plans for the property, but possibilities include a community garden or a gazebo, and perhaps a new building.
Many neighbors believe the church intends to expand parking at the corner, and a number of church members
suggest that is why they acquired the property. Urban designers say that a prominent corner is the worst place for
a parking lot. Loss of Holleman House confirms we must renew efforts to bridge gaps between church and
neighborhood. The following article offers a hopeful dialogue initiated for this purpose.
FISHER PARK FUTURES
In November 2009, our entire neighborhood was invited to Fisher Park Futures; a Sacred Places Workshop
attended by dozens of neighborhood residents, church and business representatives, and others active in the local
historic preservation community. This grant-funded workshop encourages constructive dialog to increase
recognition that buildings and spaces within neighborhoods, not only church buildings, often carry a treasured or
“sacred” significance for those who live and work here.
One idea proposed conceptualizes a “Sacred District” along North Greene Street – a unique area offering
resources for cultural enrichment, peaceful reflection, spiritual sanctuary, social justice, and sustainability – with
meeting and program spaces for nonprofit organizations and other groups, shared events including concerts,
performances, speakers, forums, and adult classes. The concept of sacred space encompasses religious and secular
places and perspectives important within a diverse neighborhood and community.
Existing physical assets with sacred value include not only historic buildings and grounds of religious
congregations, but also our public park and our residential neighborhood housing hundreds of families. A
number of other nonprofit organizations already have facilities in our neighborhood: Faith Action International,
Guilford Interfaith Hospitality Network, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro, The Servant Leadership
School, the UNCG Department of Continual Learning, The National Conference for Community and Justice of
the Piedmont Triad, Sanctuary House, and Delancey Street.
With collaborative planning and marketing, could neighborhood churches and temple
make optimal use of their facilities and possibly generate new revenue to help maintain their
historic buildings? Can our Neighborhood Association increase dialog with the churches, temple,
and other nonprofits to further our mission “to preserve the historic and residential character of Fisher
Park”. Might more people visit a broadly defined “Sacred District” to support additional small
businesses and entrepreneurial ventures? Will City government help promote such space with marketing,
streetscape improvements, parking, and policies to encourage neighborhood-compatible development?
A meeting to continue this dialogue will be scheduled in coming weeks. Meetings will be announced on
the neighborhood e-mail listserv. Sign up for the listserv at www.fisherparknc.org/communicate.html .
Neighborhood residents are encouraged to participate! Even if you can't attend meetings, ensure your voice and
ideas are heard by contacting FPNA President John McLendon, Vice President Robert Kantlehner, or any FPNA
Board members listed on the following page. Share your ideas for Fisher Park Neighborhood's future!
Fisher Park Established 1902 –Listed on the National Register of Historic Places – www.fisherparknc.org
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Fisher Park Neighborhood Association ● P. O. Box 2004 ● Greensboro, NC 27402
Board of Directors
Position (term ends) Name Address Phone
President (ex officio) McLendon, John 2 Magnolia Court 336-545-5543
Vice President Kantlehner, Robert 306 Parkway Street 336-706-0428
Secretary (2010) Sherry Rogowski 227 North Park Drive 336-275-2174
Treasurer (2010) Angie Smits 706 Magnolia Street 336-574-1879
Board (2010) Craft, David 605 North Church St. 336-274-3420
Board (2010) Jackson, Jane 115 North Park Drive 336-271-6705
Board (2010) Lowe, Sonya 710 Magnolia Street 336-209-5525
Board (2010) Usry, Connie 908 Magnolia Street 336-279-8383
Board (2011) Atwood, Sally 802 Simpson Street 336-273-8286
Board (2011) Crews, Nicole 605 Magnolia Street 336-373-1051
Board (2011) Rogowski, Sherry 227 North Park Drive 336-275-2174
Board (2011) Vacant. Call John McLendon to volunteer!
Board (2012) Sarah Jordan 836 Olive Street 336-574-3680
Board (2012) Robert Kantlehner 306 Parkway Street 336-706-0428
Board (2012) Judy Morton 102 Fisher Park Circle 336-387-8351
Board (2012) Angie Smits 706 Magnolia Street 336-574-1879
Other Contacts in the Neighborhood and Beyond
Kids Event Coordinator Rachel Cannon-Percival 336-273-3365 purplepercival@yahoo.com
Events Coordinator Crews, Nicole 336-373-1051 ncrews2@triad.rr.com
Greeter Coordinator Rachel Cannon-Percival 336-273-3365 purplepercival@yahoo.com
Southeast Greeter Janet Craft 336-274-3420 JWolfeCraft@gmail.com
Southwest Greeter Rebecca Woell 336-404-0898 woelljr@earthlink.net
Northwest Greeter Todd McCain 336-333-2299 stmccain@aol.com
Northeast Greeter Jane Jackson 336-271-6705 jjackson1@triad.rr.com
Neighborhood Watch Sonya Lowe 336-209-5525 lowesonya@gmail.com
Newsletter Editors Ann Stringfield & Liz Urquhart 336-370-0457 336-373-1250 infocrofters@triad.rr.com
liz.urquhart@ugcorp.com
Park Committee Carl Myatt & Sally Atwood 336-274-3554 336-273-8286 cmyatt3363@aol.com skda1@aol.com
Youngsters Playgroup Comer Wear 678-429-5250 cwear@centuryfurniture.com
Streets & Sidewalks Sarah Jordan 336-574-3680 sarahtjordan@yahoo.com
Webmaster Ann Stringfield 336-370-0457 infocrofters@triad.rr.com
Block Captain Coordinators
Southern Area Cheryl Poole 336-275-0333 cherylpoole@triad.rr.com
Northern Area Jim Willis 336-275-5092 NA
Civic Representatives of the Fisher Park Neighborhood
City Council Zack Matheny, District 3 Council Rep. 336-272-0523 zack.matheny@greensboro-nc.gov
County Commissioner Kay Cashion, County Commissioner 336-274-6272 bwillia1@co.guilford.nc.us
Board Meeting
Schedule
Board meetings 6:30 p.m. in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church education building, Haywood Duke Room.
2010 Board meetings are Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 29, Apr 26, May 24, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 23, Sept 27, Oct 25, and Dec 6.
(Nov/Dec meeting is combined due to holidays.)
The Neighborhood-wide Annual Meeting is Sunday, Nov 21 at 4 p.m in Broome Hall of Holy Trinity Church.
Fisher Park Neighborhood Association Mission
To preserve the historic and residential character of the Fisher Park neighborhood,
and to work with the City of Greensboro to help maintain the scenic park for the benefit of the general public.
Department/Company Other Helpful Contacts Phone
City Customer Contact Center Directs citizen calls to appropriate City departments. 373-2489 (373-CITY)
City Historic District Staff Historic district guidelines, application for certificate
of appropriateness, plus free design review advice.
336-373-2349
Zoning Enforcement Parking in front yards, historic district guidelines enforcement. 336-373-2630
Ordinance Enforcement Housing inspections, abandoned vehicles, lot cleanup. 336-373-2111
Duke Power Streetlight outage. 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
Police Central Division Help for emergencies and non-emergencies. Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 336-373-2222
Police Central Division–Community
Resource Officer
Officer Melanie Daniel 336-373-4645
melanie.daniel@ greensboro-nc.gov
Fisher Park E-mail Listserv Visit www.fisherparknc.org/communicate.html and follow
directions. YOU make up your Yahoo username & password.
After joining the e-mail listserv, you may send
e-mails to fisherpark@yahoogroups.com