tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110419472012-02-17T16:50:15.642-05:00Living in the Elizabeth Neighborhood.John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.comBlogger3761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-54829369725704000922012-02-15T20:18:00.001-05:002012-02-15T20:19:24.919-05:00

It's sad when another grand one goes.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-58378563473470638792012-01-16T17:23:00.002-05:002012-01-16T17:27:03.920-05:00

The ECA writes:Elizabeth Traditional School's leadership team and PTA have invited the ECA and the Elizabeth Community to participate in an open discussion regarding the proposed permanent supportive housing project near the school. This is the only community meeting currently planned. Please make every effort to attend to have your voice heard.When: Tues., Jan. 31, 6:30-8 p.m.Where: Elizabeth

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-51860842368365168512012-01-15T20:09:00.002-05:002012-01-15T20:12:38.001-05:00

Work is going on at the Nofo spot on Elizabeth Avenue. Here's what the Observer had on it the other day:Opening soon: Smalls, a restaurant-lounge When Smalls opens its doors in mid-January on Elizabeth Avenue, diners can expect chef-inspired haute comfort food served in a joint setting. Smalls is an intimate space that seats 80 and will be family-friendly and then transition into a

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-22958301376833108402012-01-13T13:47:00.002-05:002012-01-13T13:52:44.385-05:00

Seventh Street between Caswell and Clement was closed this morning after a tree fell, knocking down power lines. The tree was in front of the brick building between Savvy + Co. and Jackalopes. That was some wind last night.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-83485654473705672422011-12-16T08:50:00.002-05:002011-12-16T08:53:50.207-05:00

Not sure what was in the trash can at CPCC this morning, but this possum was guarding it well.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-72614461555672348402011-10-17T17:44:00.002-04:002011-10-17T17:50:56.684-04:00

Well, a replacement actually. Presbyterian Healthcare announced today it's going to ask the state to let it replace the existing orthopaedic hospital with an $84 million new one at the corner of 5th and Caswell. Presbyterian says the new facility will "have 64 acute care beds, 16 transitional care beds for skilled nursing care, 12 dedicated observation beds in a Universal Care Center, and 10

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-49069437178645827232011-10-16T16:23:00.002-04:002011-10-16T16:25:49.339-04:00

The ECA writes:Mark your calendars for tree banding materials!When - Nov. 5, 9 a.m to 12 p.m.Where - 2338 Greenway Ave. Why? - Those pesky canker worms will start their ascent soon. Time to get the bands on!More info - For $1 per foot, you will receive tanglefoot, spatula and gloves, batting and tar paper. We will also have staple guns you can borrow.If you have any questions or concerns,

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-65755765165338603262011-10-01T07:35:00.002-04:002011-10-01T07:39:14.406-04:00

Kristan Magas writes:The park adoption program is in need of help!Please consider signing up to volunteer at Independence Park on an upcoming Saturday. We need one or two people for each Saturday to do trash sweeps and then 5-10 people to help on Saturday, Oct. 8 (and every second Saturday of each month), from 9-12 to work with the parks and rec staff on a beautification project in the park.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-13238730372294756072011-09-27T17:14:00.001-04:002011-09-27T17:16:47.860-04:00

The ECA writes:The city has offered the ECA up to $3,000 for tree banding this fall, and we need your help! The grant will help the ECA subsidize tree banding materials, making it cheaper for everyone to keep those pesky canker worms at bay. We need a lot of signatures, essentially saying you'll give at least one hour to band trees. This is something we all do anyway, so you don't need to

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-3131009311784445632011-09-09T07:31:00.001-04:002011-09-09T07:32:16.024-04:00

The ECA writes:On Sunday September 11th there will be a ceremony/remembrance presented by the Firefighter Steven Coakley Foundation at the old Fire Station now the Palmer Building on 7th Street. The first bell will ring at 8:30 which is when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Also there will be an unveiling of a piece of steel from Ground Zero that is a very small piece of an

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-84212380667460708992011-08-23T17:39:00.002-04:002011-08-23T17:47:52.258-04:00

Now you can help the homeless without having to leave the neighborhood, thanks to Caldwell House at Caldwell Memorial Presbyterian Church.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-56853152845702268682011-08-07T15:42:00.001-04:002011-08-07T15:43:43.871-04:00

Monday, Sept. 19.6:30-8:00 p.m.St. John's Baptist (corner of Hawthorne & 5th), Broach Hall (enter from rear of church).Bring a covered dish, appetizer or dessert.The Elizabeth Community Association will provide pasta and drinks.Bring $20 to renew your annual membership.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-58273092749777997942011-07-24T12:30:00.002-04:002011-07-24T12:42:05.437-04:00

Coming soon to Midtown: Chipotle Mexican Grill, the Vitamin Shoppe and Mattress Firm. Meanwhile, in Plaza-Midwood, Harris-Teeter will tear down and rebuild its store at the corner of Central and The Plaza.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-56703945754144383952011-07-17T07:58:00.002-04:002011-07-17T07:59:34.185-04:00

Kristan Magas writes:As many of you know, we, the Elizabeth Community, have adopted Independence Park to help the city with maintenance due to severe budget cuts. You may not know that Hawthorne's Pizza is co-adopting with us! We each are doing a weekly trash sweep of the park and working together on a monthly maintenance project. Please consider signing up for this great opportunity to show

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-77815404395146092852011-07-17T07:42:00.002-04:002011-07-17T07:57:21.507-04:00

If you haven't yet, check out the snazzy new Elizabeth Community Association website. Very nice.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-72339073893644735622011-07-17T07:17:00.004-04:002011-07-17T07:41:22.966-04:00

Hope you had a chance to stop by the inaugural Elizabeth Avenue Farmers Market Saturday. There was fresh fish, eggs, honey and bread as well as fruits and veggies in the parking lot next to 1900 Mexican Grill (not, as the wonderful new ECA website says, in front of Customshop). Traffic was light when I got there around 9 a.m., but the vendors were hopeful. The baguette from Chef Charles Catering

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-61537797237938965092011-07-17T07:10:00.003-04:002011-07-17T07:17:08.782-04:00

Just before the fireworks July 4, the setting sun put on its own brilliant show. Late afternoon rain kept thousands of people from the Independence Park area for the fireworks -- I've never seen a lighter attendance. I thought it was one of the best shows I've seen, with several new boom-booms.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-26419580327624440362011-06-06T07:37:00.003-04:002011-06-06T07:41:33.507-04:00

If you've ever paused for a cool drink of water at the corner of East Bay and Clement, or held the button for your dog to drink from the lower tray, consider making a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Charlotte, Chantilly Montessori School Outdoor Learning Initiative or to the  Levine Dickson Hospice House in memory of Eileen Montgomery.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-15631777609461773702011-05-31T17:22:00.000-04:002011-05-31T17:22:06.001-04:00

The ECA writes: Mark your calendars! Come out and meet your neighbors old and new at this ECA Social Where: Studio K Gallery, 2024 E. 7th St. (next to the Friendly Mart). When: Friday, June 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be served.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-64487255250362142802011-05-22T08:49:00.000-04:002011-05-22T08:49:20.542-04:00

Daybreak seems to be the best time to catch a glimpse of the family of rabbits we have in upper Independence Park. The rabbits are another good reason to keep your dog on a leash in the park.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-48696157444384060272011-05-05T07:31:00.000-04:002011-05-05T07:31:52.622-04:00

Kristan Magas writes: Elizabeth has officially adopted Independence Park. Severe budget cuts have limited Parks and Recreation staff and the maintenance of our park, so we would like to help them with two ongoing projects: 1. Walk through the park each Saturday afternoon to pick up trash. 2. Help with maintenance or landscaping projects on the second Saturday of each month.  The park staff is

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-81868668638989071042011-04-04T20:52:00.000-04:002011-04-04T20:52:48.100-04:00

Suddenly, in the vast, cavernous space of upper Elizabeth Avenue there is art outdoors -- thanks to Red Sky Gallery. The new location at 1523 Elizabeth Ave. opened March 25. There is another Red Sky Gallery downtown in the EpiCenter. Welcome Red Sky. I hope your presence helps reinvigorate the area. 

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-75362308144855562922011-04-02T16:49:00.001-04:002011-04-02T16:49:50.602-04:00

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-69052229148105679652011-04-02T16:47:00.000-04:002011-04-02T16:47:03.451-04:00

The Progressive Dinner Committee writes: We are so excited in anticipation of Elizabeth's favored neighborhood event: the Annual Progressive Dinner! On Saturday, April 30, we will celebrate in Greek style! This is a great opportunity to meet your new neighbors and spend time with your dear friends.  Join us for fabulous food, fun, and laughter! Please RSVP by April 20th to elizabethdinner

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-21357786261071574342011-04-02T16:42:00.000-04:002011-04-02T16:42:45.764-04:00

Diana Watson writes: Home Tour 2011 will once again share our neighborhood beauty with the greater Charlotte community next October (exact weekend depends on forthcoming Panthers schedule).   The home tour is one of the largest fundraisers for the Elizabeth Community Association and also a great way to visit with all your neighbors. We currently have four solid commitments on homes and three

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-38154014127312675482011-04-02T16:40:00.000-04:002011-04-02T16:40:24.833-04:00

From the Elizabeth Communities of Faith: Charlotte and North Carolina face unprecedented and inevitably painful decisions in the coming months that will shape the future for millions of children. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board must cut education funding 5% to 15%, or about $100 million. The budget reductions will return the CMS budget to 2001-2003 levels. Children at every level of

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-73795844477273201352011-01-02T16:35:00.000-05:002011-01-02T16:35:40.847-05:00

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-13041449078776267832010-12-19T11:22:00.001-05:002010-12-19T11:23:06.345-05:00

Terry Lett writes: As some of you are aware, there is an email list specifically for the promotion of our Elizabeth businesses; the existing list has been transferred to Google Groups.  Neighborhood businesses may post one neighborhood-specific special or offer for residents each month.  To sign up for this email list, click on the "Visit this group" link below, then click "Apply for Membership."

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-9857516458723301892010-12-10T17:27:00.000-05:002010-12-10T17:27:40.550-05:00

A few reminders for the annual Elizabeth Holiday Party tomorrow night: Please bring comfy socks or slippers, as we will all remove our shoes while inside this beautiful, new home. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.  Don't forget your serving utensil.  Disposable dishes are easiest, if possible. As always, we thank the ECA for providing the ham and beverages. You can still RSVP by

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-41278700454437815152010-12-05T21:04:00.000-05:002010-12-05T21:04:02.201-05:00

Welcome to the 'hood, Paul Mitchell The School. Here's hoping you sign up lots of students and can make a solid business at 1516 Elizabeth Avenue. Your contractors did a nice job renovating that old building, but let's face it, the newness sticks out in contrast to what's around it: Next to nothing. Whatever the reason, much of Elizabeth Avenue between CPCC and Presbyterian Hospital has become a

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-63233415567874335462010-12-05T20:27:00.000-05:002010-12-05T20:27:46.672-05:00

In case you're wondering what all the tour buses are doing around Presbyterian Hosptial, they're driving hospital employees to and from the Blake Hotel downtown where the employees are parking their cars. Seems the employee parking deck at Caswell and 5th may have some structural issues, and until they can be identified and corrected, no parking at the deck. The buses are running every 10 minutes

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-89892628131465885752010-11-28T15:28:00.000-05:002010-11-28T15:28:04.875-05:00

Thoughtful look at the CMS situation from Elizabethan John Cleghorn, pastor of Elizabeth's Caldwell Presbyterian Church. The full sermon is available if you'd like to read more (PDF).

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-64740613408312433312010-11-26T10:26:00.000-05:002010-11-26T10:26:44.774-05:00

Here are the details for the Elizabeth Holiday Party. As Maya Packard notes, this is an adult party, so reserve your baby sitter early. RSVP to: elizabethparty@gmail.com Saturday, December 11 Drop-in from 7-11 pm 2125 Greenway Avenue At the home of Kim and Harris Lineberger ECA will provide drinks and ham. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-46597131795908939182010-11-13T09:08:00.000-05:002010-11-13T09:08:21.421-05:00

Belated welcome to a pair of Under the Water Towers, one for Lovilla, Iowa, and one -- well I'm not sure exactly where to place it. Somewhere not too far from Philadelphia, I believe. Anyway, welcome.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-23558058667296073392010-11-06T16:10:00.000-04:002010-11-06T16:14:19.053-04:00

The grand opening last night at Kennedy's Premium Bar and Grill, the new entry in the fight to stay alive as a business at 366 N. Caswell Rd., was festive, at least for the short time we were there. Patsy Kinsey was among the honored guests, although I couldn't be sure if she was politiking or just checking out the noise level. It certainly was loud, kind of midnight loud at 6 p.m., but I guess

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-24642835861105577332010-11-04T13:33:00.000-04:002010-11-04T13:33:52.797-04:00

I guess at some point people will have been shopping online for so long that they won't miss the tactile benefits of walking into a well-managed store. They won't miss what an engaged employee can offer. They won't feel the serendipitous buzz of walking out with something sharper than what they came in for. No, the online-only shopper won't miss a place like VisArt Video, but that's his problem.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-72913152107242520992010-11-04T13:26:00.001-04:002010-11-06T16:14:19.054-04:00

Had lunch at Camille's (mostly because I needed wi-fi and had just recently eaten at Sub Station II.) And what to my wonderous ears should appear? Christmas music. Yes, really. Sorry, Camille. Nov. 4 is just too early.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-57207477561547532982010-10-31T15:16:00.000-04:002010-10-31T15:16:57.928-04:00

Maya Packard writes: Save the date: Saturday, Dec. 11, for the Elizabeth holiday party, 7-11 p.m. at the home of Kim and Harris Lineberger, 2125 Greenway Ave. More details to follow. 

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-18816671085647287932010-10-25T21:08:00.000-04:002010-10-25T21:08:35.780-04:00

The highlight of the ECA Annual Dinner was an impassioned "sermon" by Elizabeth's own Rep. Dan Clodfelter on the importance of the Elizabeth Area Plan. I wish I had recorded it! The message was clear: If you think the details of the Area Plan are unimportant or if you think the details can be easily worked out -- or if you think the quality of our neighborhood is not in jeopardy -- you are

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-71001034677865041892010-10-24T14:18:00.000-04:002010-10-24T14:18:40.187-04:00

Josephine Hicks writes: Dear Elizabeth Neighbors, I want to invite you to a special new fundraiser called Spell the End to Cancer.  Please save the evening of Sat., Nov. 6 to join us for an evening of Scrabble, other word games, good company and good food to benefit Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C). This event was conceived when we lost our neighbor and friend Ann Brewster Jones to pancreatic cancer

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-25826308333090413922010-10-24T13:41:00.001-04:002010-10-24T13:41:35.192-04:00

 Find out tomorrow when Andy Misiaveg gives an update on the Elizabeth Area Plan at the ECA Annual Dinner at 6:30 p.m. in Broach Hall at St. John’s Baptist Church.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-30409796476682780462010-10-14T20:26:00.000-04:002010-10-14T20:26:58.223-04:00

Maya Packard (she sure is busy!) writes: Please plan to join your neighbors for the annual meeting of the Elizabeth Community Association Oct 25 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John's Baptist Church. Please bring something to share for the Potluck Dinner. Learn what's been going on in the neighborhood Meet local politicians Hear from our neighborhood's police officers Get involved with upcoming projects Join

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-40699090803523275012010-10-13T20:11:00.000-04:002010-10-13T20:11:48.233-04:00

Maya Packard writes: Thanks to the Elizabeth Community Association, tree banding kits are available to ECA residents at a fraction of what they would cost at a hardware store. The cost for supplies through the ECA is $1 per foot. The price includes roofing paper, batting, Tanglefoot and wrapping supplies. This year, The ECA tree banding materials will be sold on Oct. 30 at 2217 E. 5th St. Cash

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-2547955235370284222010-10-11T20:53:00.000-04:002010-10-11T20:53:31.693-04:00

If you see Mary Nell McPherson walking her dog in the 'hood, check to see if she has an extra bounce in her step. Her group, Freedom School Partners, is getting a well-deserved $200,000 donation from Bank of America. According to the Charlotte Observer: Freedom School Partners said the bank foundation's money represents one of the largest gifts it has received. The organization was launched in

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-66657385042110986612010-10-11T20:42:00.000-04:002010-10-11T20:42:10.604-04:00

Yes, it shall rise again. The Woodpeckers will begin construction on the Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall soon. How soon? I don't know. Stop by Starbucks some Saturday morning and they'll be there and you can ask them yourself. What I do know is that carving starts Oct. 24 at the corner of Clement Avenue and East 8th Street. The lighting ceremony will be Oct. 29 at dusk. Sharpen your knives and your wit

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-82682243107083258092010-09-27T18:00:00.000-04:002010-09-27T18:00:51.309-04:00

Brendan Walsh writes: St. Martin's Episcopal Preschool is having a Junk in the Trunk sale Oct. 2 in the church parking lot from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Start saving those items  you want to sell that day, all out of the back of your car or truck (or small table). We are selling parking spots for $20. If you would like to use the whole parking spot to sell your items and park across the street, you are

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-32756392547867100942010-09-22T17:42:00.001-04:002010-09-22T17:43:13.174-04:00

The Crime Dudette writes: On Sunday evening an incident occurred at our local Harris-Teeter at Central and The Plaza. One of our neighbors went into the store. One of the locks on the car was broken, so she was unable to fully lock her car.  When she came back and got in, she was surprised by a man in the back -- with a gun. The assailant made her drive to the bank to withdraw money, and

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-18867805988055145172010-09-22T16:58:00.000-04:002010-09-22T16:58:13.751-04:00

Maya Packard writes: We are 10 days from the Elizabeth Home Tour (Oct. 2-3) and need about 20 more volunteers to help staff the great homes and gardens on this year's tour. Volunteering is easy. You're in a beautiful home (or garden) for two hours (four hours if you'd like a free ticket to see all the great homes) to greet neighbors and tour-goers. It's a great way to see or meet neighbors and

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-24505191231243368042010-08-30T18:10:00.000-04:002010-08-30T18:10:24.180-04:00

Maya Packard writes:  The Elizabeth Home Tour is right around the corner (Oct. 2-3). This is one of our neighborhood's largest fundraisers and truly is successful because of the great homes and gardens featured, and because of the countless volunteers who make things run smoothly over the weekend. If you would like to work a shift, please let me know what shift(s), what day(s), home and cell

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-37968941890691438272009-09-29T19:29:00.000-04:002009-09-29T19:29:48.542-04:00

Maya Packard writes: Last night, members of the Elizabeth community gathered to discuss some of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools planning and proposed options to deal with overcrowding at Eastover Elementary. It was a good meeting and we had a productive dialogue. Here are some key dates that you should be aware of: Tonight, Sept. 29, 6:30 -- 8:30 PM, Myers Park High School - CMS-hosted

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-43412783182541473522009-09-25T18:39:00.000-04:002009-09-25T18:39:11.082-04:00

The Elizabeth Community Association is hosting a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 to discuss  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools options for addressing overcrowding at Eastover Elementary. This meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, at 501 Hawthorne Ln. All of the options will be discussed at the meeting. CMS's process is two public forums on Sept. 29 and

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-48621368165233494582009-09-21T20:49:00.000-04:002009-09-21T20:49:18.486-04:00

The city will hold two meetings tomorrow to discuss the process of the Elizabeth Small Area Plan.  Both meetings are at St. John's Baptist Church (corner of 5th and Hawthorne), the first at 4 p.m., the second at 6 p.m. Says Alan Goodwin of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department: The purpose of these identical meetings is to introduce the plan and planning process, solicit Citizen

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-4852809728338391322009-09-20T21:10:00.000-04:002009-09-20T21:10:57.540-04:00

Hi Elizabeth, My name is Vickie Cockrum & I live on Clement Avenue in Elizabeth.  I am trying to get the word out to Elizabeth residents about an Indy Craft Show, CraftAttack 2009 that will be held in Elizabeth Park on October 10th from 10-5.  There will be 50 Indy vendors selling all Handmade merchandise (mostly vendors from the Charlotte area that sell on Etsy.com).  This is a juried show, so

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-7028668480446362372009-08-31T20:23:00.000-04:002009-08-31T20:23:12.396-04:00

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-87815385055679284702009-08-31T19:59:00.001-04:002009-08-31T20:01:17.773-04:00

Beth Haenni writes: You may comment on the proposed Winter 7th Street development by emailing your comments to:  winteron7th@gmail.com The proposed Winter Properties plan and a map are available for viewing on the homepage of www.elizabethcommunity.com. Due to subsequent city-related deadlines, the deadline for Elizabeth neighborhood comments to this email address is:  this Wednesday, September

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-82426773160025006612009-07-26T15:05:00.001-04:002009-07-27T09:40:19.444-04:00

I've occasionally been miffed at the noise coming from Memorial Stadium -- sometimes it sounds like it's right next door, especially during an otherwise quiet Friday night. And more than one big high school game at Memorial has caused parking problems on my street. But I still think it's a shame that there'll be no football this fall at Memorial Stadium. I will miss it.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-71884891805405006112009-07-19T17:03:00.000-04:002009-07-19T17:03:48.397-04:00

No, I haven't used them yet. I've thought about it and even talked about it. But my inability to get over to Independence Park and play on the ping-pong tables that Gary Dunn donated  doesn't mean I don't think it's a really cool thing he did. Thanks Gary.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-6574885875005628472009-07-19T16:49:00.001-04:002009-07-19T16:50:25.348-04:00

Our fair city -- I had no idea:  “Charlotte's an outlier" -- this from no less an expert than Elizabeth's own Dan Clodfelter, a Democratic state Senator. On occasion I've felt like an outlier in Charlotte, but the city is so plain it's hard to see it outside the norm. What could this mean? The Queen City: a person who lives away from his place of work?  An extreme deviation from the mean? A

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-48619170504929664302009-03-24T19:24:00.000-04:002009-03-24T19:24:37.112-04:00

The 23rd annual Elizabeth 8K Road Race is Saturday. The proceeds benefit the beautification of our neighborhood. The 8K starts at 8 a.m., the 3K at 8:05. As always, there there will be festivities after the race at Independence Park. Sign up online by Friday, March 27.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-29426820616047274472009-03-11T19:51:00.000-04:002009-03-11T19:51:14.176-04:00

You wonder about what's happening to the businesses on Elizabeth Avenue while the street is all torn up. You have questions about why that lovely old house on 7th Street at Louise is gone -- just like that. You can't remember when the Elizabeth road race is -- or the Elizabeth recycling event or the Elizabeth Easter egg hunt. You are in bad need of the Elizabeth Spring 2009 newsletter. It's got

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-34241859762991326852009-03-02T10:43:00.000-05:002009-03-02T10:43:46.226-05:00

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-19677073348883414902009-02-16T21:52:00.000-05:002009-02-16T21:52:10.411-05:00

The Observer reports that for homes in ZIP code 28204, last year brought the highest average sales price of the last six years. If you take a look at the interactive map, you'll notice that 2008 also saw the fewest number of homes sold in the ZIP: 98, or about 10 fewer than the average sold each of the last six years. Having fewer homes sold in a year could affect the average price, but it's

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-84764571429715188222009-02-12T19:30:00.011-05:002009-02-12T19:41:59.122-05:00

Register now for the 23rd annual Elizabeth 8K, or if you prefer the slower pace of the 3K, go for that. As always, the proceeds benefit the beautification of our fab hood. 

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-42342522296556086992009-02-12T19:23:00.014-05:002009-02-12T19:27:58.064-05:00

Crime Dudette writes: A 5th Street resident placed two envelopes with bill payment in her mailbox last week. One was a utility bill, the other was a tax bill. On Saturday she received a phone call from a woman residing on Perrin Place who told her she had found a bunch of opened mail near her house. The Perrin Place resident retrieved the mail and saw our Elizabeth neighbor’s return address on

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-43399172303560303952009-02-05T19:14:00.011-05:002009-02-05T19:19:35.591-05:00

The lovely and talented Maya Packard reminds us that the start of the new year (ok, I'm a month behind) is time to renew your ECA membership: This year, the ECA needs your involvement more than ever, especially during these tough economic times. Our theme this year is LIZ GOES GREEN! Not only are we intent on preserving our tree canopy, but we are also keen on supporting our neighborhood’s many

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-80829903042884897042009-02-05T19:04:00.014-05:002009-02-05T19:10:42.889-05:00

Crime Dudette writes: The neighbors have noticed, as have I, that the 'hood appears to be more lax than previously with picking up dog droppings. PLEASE make sure that when you walk your dog, you pick up what they leave behind! It’s becoming quite an issue – when one dog leaves a present, all the other dogs leave a present in the same place. We know how competitive the little ones can be about

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-50928416133660281422009-01-27T21:18:00.006-05:002009-01-27T21:22:21.387-05:00

Maya Packard writes: The ECA has created an email mailing list to help encourage support of our neighborhood businesses.  Sign up for LizBizPromos today, and you will begin receiving occasional emails from Elizabeth restaurants and other businesses offering special promotional deals to Elizabeth residents.  To subscribe to this list, send an email to majordomo@elizabethcommunity.com with "

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-26238439758045782532009-01-27T07:11:00.052-05:002009-01-27T07:37:32.809-05:00

Whether it was the right concept at the wrong time or simply the wrong concept to begin with, the Home Depot Design Center underneath Target at midtown is shutting down. Home Depot spent a lot of money over the years to train me on what a Home Depot store is. I'm just stupid enough that if you tag "Design Center" on the end of it, I still kind of expect a hardware store inside. That's not what I

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-65056472913508221582008-12-01T20:01:00.000-05:002008-12-01T20:05:51.755-05:00

Maya Packard writes: Dear Neighbors, Clean out those closets! The Elizabeth Goodwill Drive is coming! As a 5th Street neighbor says, "It's the time of year to pass along some  of our past blessings to get ready for new ones this holiday season." When: Saturday, December 6, 9-12 noon Where: Goodwill truck stationed at 2125 Greenway Ave. (empty lot) What: furniture, clothes, baby items, home

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-30356858456064888132008-12-01T17:52:00.000-05:002008-12-01T18:01:48.668-05:00

I was remiss by not drawing attention to longtime Elizabethan Byron Baldwin when he was featured as one of the All-Stars of the Arts in the Observer. If you see him, congratulate him on recently becoming a grandfather.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-4470552218829064602008-11-29T16:40:00.000-05:002008-11-29T16:50:48.557-05:00

There's Elizabeth's own Janet Woodson on the Observer's Business page, featured in a story about how companies are cutting back on parties. Woodson's business, La-tea-da's, is -- like most businesses -- being hit by the economic downturn. "Woodson has been in the business 12 years and has never seen scaling back on this level, she said."

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-11215711895295001252008-11-05T21:07:00.000-05:002008-11-05T21:19:52.158-05:00

Dana Inge writes: There’s an "emergency" ECA meeting next week. Note from our ECA president Melanie Sizemore: We will have a community-wide meeting Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church to discuss a very important planning document which is being proposed by the planning office. The plan is on a fast track approval process so we need to make our comments heard as soon as

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-68001834177202206042008-10-27T21:21:00.000-04:002008-10-27T21:28:58.700-04:00

The carving at the Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall has more than commenced -- it's almost done, as you can see ahead of the official lighting on Wednesday. Among the carvers Monday night were Hughes (left) and McLean Maddrey of East 8th Street, who fashioned a scary one.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-82776147175731969052008-10-21T19:52:00.000-04:002008-10-21T19:59:06.475-04:00

The Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall returns to 537 Lamar Ave. this year, site of the original wall in 2004. (The above photo is from two years ago, on Clement.) Carving starts Oct. 24 and the official lighting is Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. The project is put on by the Woodpeckers, a group of mostly Elizabethans who like to work with wood. And pumpkins. My guess is that, like past years, there will be a political

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-73152953752950493752008-10-19T20:25:00.000-04:002008-10-19T20:33:42.091-04:00

Yes, that's Elizabethan Donna Bise with James Taylor at his concert at Ovens today for Barack Obama. No matter who you support, don't forget to vote. In Elizabeth, you can vote early at CPCC: CPCC Central Campus Facilities Building Located at 1325 E. 7th St., Charlotte October 16 – 31 (Weekdays) 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM October 25 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM October 26 (Sunday) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-57297670701439148482008-10-19T20:08:00.000-04:002008-10-19T20:20:58.327-04:00

Ok, it's got nothing to do with Elizabeth specifically, but it's fun to see 60 Minutes' Lesley Stahl walking down Tryon Street with Bank of America's Ken Lewis and hear her say things like "B of A seems to own Charlotte" and hear him say things like "We need to cut back compensation in this industry." Elizabeth is home to lots of BofA employees, so there you go.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-3284299731323721762008-10-19T19:56:00.001-04:002008-10-19T20:23:48.511-04:00

Hope you got to see Elizabethan Hardin Minor's take on the Burning Man festival in The Observer.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-11357612016009210052008-10-19T17:02:00.000-04:002008-10-19T19:56:37.833-04:00

I'd never been to a Trader Joe's before ours opened in Midtown, so I thought it was going to be like a regular grocery store, one that could replace a Harris Teeter. And it could, I suppose, but it's not really a regular grocery store. JT veterans already knew that, but I didn't. I love the stuff at Trader Joe's, stuff I didn't know I could get. But I'll still wander over to Central and The Plaza

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-57177481523996985622008-10-06T18:05:00.000-04:002008-10-06T18:21:38.013-04:00

I've been a loyal Harris Teeter customer for years but I have to admit I'm looking forward to the new Trader Joe's opening at Midtown on Oct. 10. Choice is good, right? I got my postcard offering a free reusable Trader Joe's shopping bag if I show up before Oct. 24. If you check it out on Friday, let me know how the crowds are. I may wait for Saturday morning before I go.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-44468887790216344172008-09-24T08:16:00.000-04:002008-09-24T08:18:16.737-04:00

Elizabethans: Be on the look-out for Lefty, a black-and-white cutie. If you find him, call Karen at 704-307-8288.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-65154166127841915552008-09-16T19:06:00.000-04:002008-09-16T20:00:49.668-04:00

So you're walking through lower Independence Park and there it is: A parking lot. In the park. Maybe it made sense to have a place for cars in our park when there was a building there, but seems like they should have torn out the blacktop when they tore down the building. But that's just me. What do you think should be done to lower  Independence Park over the next 10 years? The rose garden is

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-69486784238546955532008-08-25T20:15:00.001-04:002008-08-25T20:22:38.259-04:00

Have you seen the cool addition to the Briar Creek bridge on Central Avenue? Greensboro sculptor Jim Gallucci used galvanized steel for the artwork. We were remiss in not reminding folks of the dedication of the bridge held Saturday. Hope you had a chance to check it out. 

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-8546635379257082302008-08-18T19:43:00.000-04:002008-08-18T20:19:03.070-04:00

As soon as I proclaim the city won't "drop everything" to come fix our hole they do exactly that, saving our street from certain doom less than 24 hours after my post. The repair job (above) was professional and clean. That's a paperback book at lower right to give you an idea of how big the patch is. I'd say it's about 6 feet by 5 feet. I wasn't around when they did the repair, so I don't know

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-35204253575633056732008-08-13T20:00:00.000-04:002008-08-13T20:19:57.127-04:00

We got us a sinkhole. Ok, it's not a town-eating sinkhole, like the one in East Texas. Ours is only few inches wide and a few feet deep. So far. But hey, with a few more days of rain and a few more honking Cadieu trucks hauling out fallen trees (one fell on Fred Holder's house the other day; Cadieu dealt with it this evening), who knows how cavernous it may grow. It's not like the city is going

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-11881914727534566732008-08-10T17:10:00.000-04:002008-08-10T17:23:03.122-04:00

Hope you enjoyed the article on the eco-friendly Scott-Tylman home in Charlotte Magazine's Home and Garden summer issue. The work Elaine and Jerry did on their Kenmore home is very inspiring. Perhaps you spent some time in their backyard, having a drink before starting this year's progressive dinner. (Can't seem to find the article on the Web site.) 

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-61418931137299618192008-08-09T20:58:00.000-04:002008-08-09T21:30:13.036-04:00

We had a visitor in our backyard tonight. He cut a striking figure, high in the pecan tree. He was worried for some time by a mockingbird, but outlasted the smaller bird and settled in for a good sit. Last time I checked, he was still there. But it got way dark, so I can't be sure.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-38758261510354728732008-07-04T17:55:00.000-04:002008-07-04T17:58:48.209-04:00

Hope you caught Dannye Romine Powell's column on Elizabethan Bob Teixeira, who converted his 1981 Mercedes to run on vegetable oil.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-40444222640708639852008-07-04T17:11:00.001-04:002008-07-04T18:03:28.683-04:00

As usual, the shy and retiring Hardin Minor (top) was MC and host of the annual ECA 4th of July parade. The 15th annual celebration of America's birthday started shortly after 10:30 a.m. in front of Hardin's Clement Avenue chateau. In keeping with parade tradition, the temperature and humidity were as high as the spirits. After the parade, folks gathered in the Minors' back yard to eat, sing and

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-10657372971134600432008-06-29T20:04:00.004-04:002008-06-29T20:22:39.095-04:00

Turns out Elizabeth isn't the only neighborhood having a hard time landing Whole Foods. Even with its tony demographics, SouthPark is finding Whole Foods a little on the persnickety side. The Observer reports that construction on the site won't start until 2010, and you know these things don't tend to get early starts.The article says Whole Foods is considering additional locations in Charlotte,

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-66009961824977034362008-06-24T20:58:00.003-04:002008-06-24T21:00:29.134-04:00

The only North Carolina bar on Esquire magazine's list of the best bars in America? Thomas Street Tavern of course. No, it's not in Elizabeth, but it is often full of Elizabethans.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-38733008863098706482008-06-24T20:46:00.003-04:002008-06-24T20:56:23.787-04:00

The news just keeps getting worse for Eastland Mall. Now the owners may walk rather than pay the mortgage, because they owe more than the thing is worth. I tend to remember what Eastland used to be at this time, but in addition to figuring out what to do with the east side, now is the time to wonder: What will be the next Eastland?

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-33617226175183121102008-06-24T19:35:00.002-04:002008-06-24T20:45:59.147-04:00

Maybe if I was shot at Snug Harbor I might feel more like Scott Yamanashi, who is starting an armed neighborhood patrol in Plaza Midwood to battle crime. I certainly understand the frustration. Crime is a constant worry in this city, and sometimes it seems like nothing is being done. But I wonder about the setup: An armed and perhaps angry crime victim searching the mean nighttime streets for

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-4609146067808661912008-05-17T10:19:00.001-04:002008-05-17T10:20:57.978-04:00

The Elizabeth Crime Dawg writes: There is a 30-ish white male going door to door as an alarm company salesman. He was aggressive with one of my neighbors. He has been seen in Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood, yesterday and today. He is driving a small silver car with Ohio plates. Today he was seen cruising the neighborhood, stopping in front of each house, making notes. He may be taking notes of

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-45624711065399997042008-05-17T10:01:00.003-04:002008-05-17T10:14:55.953-04:00

My recent post got a pair of excellent responses:The Observer's Dan Tierney, staff writer for Neighbors of The City, says: "Please feel free to tell your neighborhood association, neighbors or anyone to please contact me if they have any story ideas or suggestions." Don't be bashful, folks. Call or email Dan and let him know what's going on here. Or tell me and I'll post it and/or call Dan. His

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-8250123912721215022008-05-11T16:44:00.002-04:002008-05-11T17:18:51.075-04:00

I hope you've been enjoying the new Neighbors of The City section of The Observer. It's a welcome replacement for the old Mecklenburg Neighbors section, and it's one of the first sections I look for Sunday mornings. (If newspapers are going to survive, they'll do so only by offering readers something they can't get anywhere else, and that will include hyper-local content like you see in NOTC.)

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-8624954735388415242008-04-29T20:39:00.000-04:002008-04-29T20:40:52.503-04:00

Kara Gooding writes: Congratulations Elizabeth Neighborhood! We conquered the cankerworm this year. Your banding efforts, along with the spraying program have saved our canopy from what was sure to be a devastating Spring for our mature tree canopy. I hope everyone is getting out and appreciating all the healthy green leaves we have right now.However, there is one last critical step: it is now

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-12599139379006225572008-04-20T16:19:00.001-04:002008-04-20T16:21:02.571-04:00

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-35180738279379482902008-03-25T19:23:00.003-04:002008-03-25T19:25:41.652-04:00

Register for this Saturday's race here.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-16762598025324012132008-03-08T08:04:00.003-05:002008-03-08T08:19:07.325-05:00

When we moved into our Elizabeth home 11 years ago, the foundation was straight and true. In the last few drought-plagued years it's begun to crack and list. That's not all. During the storm Tuesday night I noticed a leak in the roof. It's been six years since we last painted the exterior. And that's just the outside. Don't get me started on the improvements needed inside.Our homes give our

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11041947.post-43046834681485486602008-03-05T20:35:00.002-05:002008-03-05T20:47:33.987-05:00

Elizabethan Monte Ritchey is one of three Charlotte businessmen who have bought an old distillery in Kentucky to salvage heart pine, limestone and other treasures for reuse. The result is Bourbon Boards.

John McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06631351621970818562noreply@blogger.com0