Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News - December 2007

Historic

Published Quarterly

Old Northeast Neighborhood News
www.honna.org

Volume 34 Issue 4

December 2007

Holiday Home Tour Time
by Julia Brazier
A highlight of the holiday season returns to the neighborhood on December 9th, from 3-8pm, when the Tenth Annual Historic Old Northeast Candlelight Tour of Homes allows visitors a rare glimpse inside eight of this historic waterfront community’s loveliest homes decked out in their holiday finest. Ticket sales -- $15 advance, $20 on the day — will benefit both neighborhood improvements and a local environmental program. A popular tradition since 1997, the Old Northeast Candlelight Tour allows visitors — on foot, by car, bike or riding chauffeured vans staffed by seasoned guides — to visit homes representing many architectural styles. A diverse selection of homes spans the neighborhood from 8th Avenue NE on the south to Granada Terrace on the north, and from Coffee Pot Boulevard to 1st Street N. continued on page 2 viate safety and security issues of residents by reducing the risk of accidents and/or injury to walkers and vehicles. At the same time, this project seeks to enhance the historical character of the neighborhood. The existing cobra lighting provides lighting above the tree canopy rather than at pedestrian level and is therefore inadequate – and residents do not want to remove or cut back these trees as they embody the character of the neighborhood. This project will continue to replace the existing cobra lights with decorative acorn lighting along 1st Street from 21st Avenue south toward 12th Avenue; there are 20 acorn lights from 21st to south of 14th. The new lighting will ensure that residents, visitors and passersby in The Historic Old Northeast have a safe, comfortable and secure feeling while enjoying the neighborhood. Funding for the lighting project is provided by Neighborhood Partcontinued on page 5

One of the eight Tour homes

The President’s Perspective
Mary Alice Lange
Association President

Decorative Acorn Street Lighting
For over a decade Historic Old Northeast residents voiced concerns about pedestrian and vehicular safety and insufficient lighting along many of our neighborhood streets and avenues. HONNA approached the City of St. Petersburg to discuss available options that could provide a better lighting source. Residents volunteered countless hours conducting a neighborhoodwide survey to document existing street lights and dark areas. After thorough evaluation, the survey data identified 1st Street as having the greatest need and impact on residents across the neighborhood. The Association’s purpose in initiating the Decorative Acorn Street Lighting project is to create a lighted environment to alle-

IN THIS ISSUE
Old NE Holiday Party .......................... Page 4 Lost Pet Locator .... Page 7 Best of The Worst ........ Page 8 Rock Around The Block ....... Page 10

HONNA Neighborhood Meetings
are held the third Monday of each month (except August and December) at Westminster Presbyterian Church 126 11th Avenue NE 6:45 p.m., social 7:00 p.m., business

UPCOMING MEETINGS

December 17th All Neighborhood Holiday Party (See page 4) January 21st USF Professor Dr. Gary Mormino on Florida History HONNA Board Meetings February 18th are held the second Monday of each month Annual Crime Watch Update/Report at 6:30pm and ISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS H are open to the public. Page 1

Mark yo u calenda r r!

SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!
The Candlelight Tour Committee has been fortunate to have a number of donors and sponsors for the upcoming event. We thank them – and hope you will, too!
Albertson’s on 4th Street N Beach Drive Inn Dr. Randy and Amy Buckspan Dickens House Bed & Breakfast Evos on 4th Street th 4 Street Shrimp Store Local Coffee & Tea/Integrity to Go Louis Pappas Catering Savannah’s Café Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club Westminster Palms Westminster Presbyterian Church

Holiday Home Tour Time from page 2
be warmed by the hospitality of Dickens House Bed & Breakfast, the Beach Drive Inn, Westminster Palms and Westminster Presbyterian Church. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit stewardship program dedicated to protecting and restoring the Tampa Bay estuary. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15, either by mail (checks should be made out to HONNA and sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to HONNA Home Tour, P.O. Box 76324, St. Petersburg FL 33734) or beginning Thanksgiving weekend at the following outlets: A Green & Yellow Basket 205 1st Street NE 727/898-4438 Beach Drive Papery 2435 Dr. MLK Jr. Street N 727/821-9942 Dolin’s Garden Center 801 62nd Avenue N 727/525-3434 Florida Craftsman Gallery 501 Central Avenue 727/821-7391 Marion’s 1301 4th Street N 727/821-2345 Premier Group Realty, Inc. 2331 4th Street N 727/822-8686 Something Different From Around the World 3252 Tyrone Blvd N 727/384-2202 Something Different From Around the World 9445 Ulmerton Road Largo 727/518-9387 Uncorked 2706 4th Street N 727/892-9463

The Newsletter of the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association
Published quarterly – March, June, September and December and mailed to all households in The Old Northeast P.O. Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734 e-mail [email protected]
Editor Rick Carson Columnists and Reporters Peter Stanhope Mike Dailey Susan Alderson David Forman John Gee Yvonne Swanson Chuck Lindeen Linda Dobbs Circulation Contributors Newsletter Layout & Design Advertising Information

Keaton Green Barbara Rhode Amy Labie Jill McGrath

Cathy Leonard and Joe O’Connor All our Old Northeast neighbors Sharon Bond: [email protected] Peter Stanhope: [email protected]

AD RATES
AD SIZE
Business card 1/4 page (4.75" x 3.5") 1/2 page (9.5" x 3.5") Full page Single page insert* 1Qtr 50 100 200 400 300 2 Qtrs 93 186 372 744 600 3 Qtrs 128 256 512 1024 900 1 Year 160 320 640 1280 1200

Advance tickets will be redeemed and day-of-event tickets can be purchased for $20 at Westminster Palms Colonnade Guest House (825 Beach Drive NE) and Westminster Presbyterian Church (126 11th Avenue NE). The event sponsor, The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association (HONNA), is an active force in enhancing the physical beauty, quality of life and unique environment of The Historic Old Northeast. Established in 1911, the neighborhood was one of the first communities in the City of St. Petersburg and is on the National Register of Historic Places. For further information see www.honna.org or contact Julia Brazier at 727/895-4443 or [email protected].

Have you been to a

*Preprinted inserts that you provide are delivered within the newsletter. Due to delivery restrictions, inserts are available on a limited basis. The newsletter quarterly publication dates are March, June, September, and December. The deadline for accepting new ads and ad changes is three weeks prior to the publication month. The next deadline is February 8th. Payment for new ads should be submitted at the same time that the ad layout is provided and should be addressed to “HONNA Advertising.” The newsletter is distributed by mail to all homes in The Old Northeast (boundaries are 5th Ave N to 30th Ave N, and 4th St N to North Shore Dr/Coffee Pot Bayou Blvd). There are approximately 2,800 active home mailing addresses. Contact Peter Stanhope: [email protected] Ad space is limited so please make arrangements early.

LY L A T E LY ?
See page 9 for the upcoming schedule

Porch Party

Page 2

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Association News & Activities
At the September general membership meeting we learned about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College which now offers classes at First Presbyterian Church in our neighborhood. These courses typically meet once a week for several weeks and include topics such as French impressionism, film noir, art instruction, introduction to Buddhism and a biography series (Gene Kelly, Marie Antoinette, Helen Keller and George Orwell, among others). To receive a catalog or register, phone 864-7600, e-mail [email protected] or go to the web site (www.eckerd.edu/olli). You’re never too old to exercise your brain. Jo-An and Bob Christie were featured at our October meeting, and they shared tips on Halloween decorating. Long known for their elaborate and creative decorations – for which they received a “lifetime achievement” award from the neighborhood association – they explained their work takes between 75-100 hours. They are big on getting holiday items on sale (use coupons, such as those offered by Michael’s crafts stores) or through mail order (like Lillian Vernon) or eBay and Google. Experience has taught them to keep their decorations off the ground to the extent possible to avoid tampering (if you place items on the roof, sand bags will help keep them in place). And if you have a big picture window, decorate inside too. They reported the highest number of trick-or-treaters they’ve had come to their door was 1,200 though the numbers have fallen off in recent years. The November meeting to elect officers and board members for 2008 had yet to occur as we went to press. A report will be posted on the web site by December 1st and will be published in the March issue of this newsletter. only join if you haven’t already but volunteer your time to help go door-to-door and increase membership. Please fill out the application below.

Newsletter
Rick Carson, Editor
The newsletter continues publishing at a reduced number of pages from the customary 32. Regular columns do not appear in every issue which is the reason you may not be seeing some of your favorite features. The cutback in pages is being done to lower publishing costs while we increase the number of advertisements to bring in more income. If you would like to advertise or know of a business which should be advertising in our newsletter, please contact Pete Stanhope at [email protected]. We are always looking for ideas for stories, regular features or special stories as well as residents who might like to write them. Also, if anyone is interested in getting involved in the creation of the newsletter, please be in touch with me (NSNAeditor @aol.com).

Neighborhood Design Review
Julia Brazier, Chair
Nothing is currently pending with the City of St. Petersburg Board of Adjustment, Development Review Commission (formerly Environmental Development Commission) or the Community Preservation Commission which would involve HONNA.

Crime Watch Fact Sheet
Name _____________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City/State: St. Petersburg, FL Zip: _____________

Committee Reports
Treasurer’s Report
Douglas Haan
Checking balance: CD balance: TOTAL Less Available Funds $13,134.46 $17,624.34 $30,758.81 $ 2,500.00 Home Tour seed money $ 2,000.00 Crime Watch seed money $26,258.81

Home Phone: ______________________________ Office Phone: ______________________________ Cell Phone: ________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________ Emergency Contact Person ___________________ Contact’s Phone # ___________________________ HONNA Member: Yes____ No____ Would like more info on membership Yes___ No___

Crime and Safety
Brian Johnson, Chair
As the year draws to a close, we have had over 50 new members sign up for Crime Watch. We are setting up an e-mail site so that all members can network and receive a monthly Crime Watch update on activities in the neighborhood. We need to have more members out of our 2,500+ homes and ask that each of you not

Signed: ___________________________________

HONNA
PO Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Page 3

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association
OFFICERS and BOARD
President Mary Alice Lange 251-2034 Vice President Chuck Lindeen 822-8444 Secretary Anne-Marie Stephenson 897-9398 Treasurer Douglas Haan 488-5514 Board Member At-Large (Past President) Cathy Martin 821-8656 Directors Julia Brazier Rick Carson Nicole Durkin Brian Johnson Susan Lahey Nona Peebles Robin Reed Maureen Stafford 403-2237 898-7834 391-9756 368-8419 894-3529 825-0480 488-8154 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Old Northeast

Holiday Party
for all Old Northeast neighbors
Date: Monday, December 17th Time: 6pm Location: Old Northeast Tavern, 201 7th Avenue N Here’s a chance to mix and mingle with your neighbors from The Old NE. In the midst of the holiday season, we think it would be a great time to take a break! We hope that you will be able to join us for this casual gathering at the Old Northeast Tavern. There will be a tasty all-you-can-eat pizza/salad bar for just $5 per person plus a cash bar for your drinks. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call Cathy at 6675510 so we have some idea about how many folks to expect! Please bring an unwrapped toy which will be donated to Toy-for-Tots. The Tavern will be collecting toys the entire month of December, and anyone who brings a toy will get a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream at Neighborhood Scoops next door. Thanks to owners Dan and Sarah for their hospitality

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

HONNA Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm and are open to the public. Check with HONNA for the location.

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Please Support Our Advertisers Who Support This Newsletter
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Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association Membership
The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association was founded in 1974 to promote civic improvement of our neighborhood. We invite and welcome all residents of the Old Northeast to join the association and become involved. Annual membership dues are $25 per household.

JOIN OUR COMMITTEES
Your volunteer involvement in one of our committees will help enhance your neighborhood and our association. Please contact any committee chair for information. Candlelight Tour of Homes (December):
Co-Chair Elaine Normile, 821-3479 C.O.N.A. Rep: Maureen Stafford, 488-8154 Crime & Safety: Brian Johnson, 391-9756 Membership: Douglas Haan, 488-5514 Neighborhood Design Review: Julia Brazier 403-2237 Newsletter: Rick Carson, 898-7834 Planning/Historic Preservation: Robin Reed, 825-0480 Programs: Susan Lahey 368-8419 Traffic: Nicole Durkin, [email protected] Website: Nona Peebles 894-3529

Send this completed form to:
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association P.O. Box 76324 St. Petersburg, FL 33734

Name(s): ________________________ Address: ________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ Phone: __________________________ E-Mail: __________________________
When did you move into the neighborhood (month and year)?: _______________ $30 ANNUAL DUES ENCLOSED

Page 4

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Acorn Street Lighting

from page 1

nership Matching Grants from the City of St. Petersburg. Matching funds have come from proceeds from HONNA’s annual Candlelight Tour of Homes and general fund monies. The 2006 and 2007 Neighborhood Partnership Grants for Decorative Acorn Street Lighting had a cash match of $15,000 and $10,000 worth of volunteer service hours (calculated at $15 an hour) for each year. All previous grants for various projects were matched totally by volunteer service hours. The volunteer service hours commitment fulfills the responsibility of matching grant dollars while the cash match goes directly toward the actual project. Therefore, grant applications requesting a $25,000 grant and committing a $15,000 cash match actually receive a project valued at $40,000. The HONNA Board of Directors was fortunate to have reserve funds that could be used toward a cash match. Unfortunately, the Board is unable to continue funding the cash match at this time. The FY08 grant application requested a $25,000 grant with a $25,000 volunteer service hours match. If approved, the FY08 project will extend the decorative acorn lighting for two more blocks. If you are interested in serving the neighborhood by volunteering toward the grant match please call me at 251-2034 or e-mail at [email protected]. The City of St. Petersburg working with Progress Energy calculates the budget costs for each project. The project budget

would include alley power source connection, trenching and running underground cable from the alley and along 1st Street to the new light poles, installation of the light poles and wiring along with installation of the acorn globe. Neighborhood Partnership Grants are submitted in September with the review committee making a decision by November or December. The City Council will review recommendations made by the grant committee and ratify agreements. In January or February the Association President meets with grant administration to sign the grant contact. Street Lighting Survey HONNA conducts Street Lighting Surveys on a rotating basis as volunteers are available. Residents involved in the program identify necessary repairs and locations in need of additional lighting and report needed repairs to Progress Energy and the City of St. Petersburg. The purpose of the surveys is to assist in maintaining a safer environment for residents of the City who walk, drive and cross neighborhood streets and avenues on foot, bicycle and car. A well- maintained lighting system provides a safe environment and also helps to alleviate crime. Lighting surveys have been conducted annually when identified as a matching volunteer service commitment for a Neighborhood Partnership Grant. Funding is only required when there is a need to create a neighborhood-wide map to document repairs and dark areas.

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Page 5

Thinking in

Purple

by Barbara Rhode, LMFT
Barbara Rhode is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides trainings and workshops to corporations and nonprofits on wellness and life balance. She lives in a very purple house in The Old Northeast, a place where she contemplates in shades of “purple.”

Baby Steps
There is a lot of information circulating about diets, exercise and nutritional supplements these days (make that an avalanche of information). Some of us can get very confused about what we should or shouldn’t be doing on this road to healthy aging and wellness. So, in response to all of this, I propose that we each try to do “one thing differently” today. Too many of us look at a problem that we have been struggling with for awhile and spontaneously tackle every square inch of it at the same moment. We set out with good intentions but quickly realize that we have overwhelmed ourselves and probably end up labeling this new attempt as yet another failure. Research shows that our brains are truly crea-

tures of habit. By now, most of us have created neurological ruts that can sabotage any attempt we make to steer a habit into a different direction. The solution is to simply take baby steps and try to do “one thing differently” every day. That kind of consistency and sense of routine really works to our advantage. Our bodies like a sense of routine, leaving us less stressed when we do something the same way, day after day. Shaking everything up by making sudden, abrupt changes can increase our stress response, causing us to back away from new behaviors and quickly revert to our old, unhealthy ways. Slowly easing into a change works to our advantage by keeping us at a lower stress level and enabling us to move ahead. For example, let’s say you have decided that you need to get more active and lose some of that extra weight you have been carrying around for the last few years. A lot of people immediately rush out and join a gym. Then they profess loudly to family and friends that beginning tomorrow they will work out every day at 5:00am. Go ahead and laugh, but you have to admit that gyms even make a lot of money this way, almost counting on a number of us to join and then not actually attend so they can keep selling all of those memberships. Instead, why not try what the experts recommend and start off a bit more moderately by walking a few nights a week or cutting out that second beer and having a glass of water instead. By the way, did you know that by simply cutting out one soda a day you can lose pounds in a matter of weeks? After walking two-three nights a week you begin to realize that you actually enjoy getting out and that you are even sleeping a bit better. Without thinking too much, you add another night to the walking schedule and even catch yourself pulling out that old tennis racket you hid in the back of your hall closet. Hitting some tennis balls after work on Wednesday might suddenly sound more inviting. And before you know it, you are moving the belt buckle in a notch closer, in a totally painless, stress-free way! Exercise has now become a habit and you tricked your brain into creating new pathways so you will not be stressed by this change. Then you do decide to join a gym and actually make the time to put it into your schedule on a regular basis. One thing different, one step at a time. Barbara Rhode is a Transitional Life Coach, offering workshops and coaching sessions throughout the area. You can reach her at [email protected] or by calling 727/418-7882.

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Lose a Pet… Lose an Owner?
o so many of us, our companion animals are family, and when a family member is missing it can be devastating. It happens in the safest and most loving of homes — a door left ajar, an undetected hole in the fence, workers coming and going. Public awareness is crucial to locating your lovedone-at-large, and to assist in this effort The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association web site (www.honna.org) now provides a Lost & Found Pets section as well as contact information for the Tampa Bay SPCA, Pinellas County Animal Services Department and the Humane Society of Pinellas, Inc. It is most important to note that HONNA does not recommend taking a found animal into your home, yard or car. Also, this service is intended to simply augment those of the professionals and is exclusive to the web site. You’ll need to notify these rescue organizations directly: SPCA Tampa Bay www.spcafl.org 9099 130th Avenue, Largo 33773. 727/586-3591 Pinellas County Animal Services Department www.co.pinellas.fl.us/bcc/animalservices 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo 33774 727/582-2600 Humane Society of Pinellas www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org 3040 State Road 590, Clearwater 33759 727/797-7722

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HONNA web site posting tips: You’ll be asked to enter your name and e-mail address, but this information is kept private and does not appear in the posting. When entering info about a found pet, it’s best to be as vague as possible so callers must provide the details. The site prompts for species, gender, color, breed, phone number, comments and a photo; enter as little or as much information as you like. We’re hoping that your family never needs this newest web site service, but if you do we’re here for you at www.honna.org to try to be of some help.

Your Neighbor in The Historic Old Northeast
Julia Brazier REALTOR
727-403-2237
[email protected]

Bindman Bruzas Realty

Outstanding References! Superior Service Excellence Guaranteed
Page 7

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Over The Back Fence

by

S

and

S

…is a collection of what we’ve heard exchanged in the aisles of the supermarkets, shared waiting in line to pick up the kids from school, read in the papers, overheard in the pew behind us in church and, yes, even passed over the back fence. If you have something you’d like to share about a special recognition, award received, birth, graduation, gooddeed-done or observation around the neighborhood please pass it along to the Editor. “Over the Back Fence” is only going to be interesting if we hear from you!

Bad, Worse, Worst…Generally speaking, this is a pretty good neighborhood filled with all sorts of things that make us glad we live here. But we’re always going to find something that peeves or irritates us. So how about a “Worst in the Neighborhood” award? There are a number of potential categories but let’s start with “Most Dangerous Street.” Eyes & Ears nominates 9th Avenue N/NE, a popular street that is totally incapable of accommodating two cars coming in opposite directions. And if you’re traveling south on Beach Drive and make a right turn into 9th Avenue: Beware! The way the street is angled plus the foliage on the corner and with cars parked on 9th you need to be very careful you don’t hit an on-coming car heading toward the intersection. What event held in the park wins the title for “Most Inconsiderate Event Attendees”? Easy. Ribfest. The trash discarded in residential streets by its departing patrons sends the slob-o-meter off the charts and gives the threeday food extravaganza the trophy hands down. Want to nominate in some other categories? Let’s hear from you ([email protected]). Bikers Descend on Neighborhood!... The Defenders of Wildlife is putting together a holiday lights bike tour that’s going to be traveling through our neighborhood. The idea is to raise awareness of the organization and what it’s trying to accomplish. The date is Saturday, December 15th, beginning at 6pm at the Defenders offices at 233 3rd Street N. After the bicyclecade everyone will return to the Defenders office for refreshments and take-home ornaments. Decorate your bike and the best one wins a prize. And you need to have a light on your bike (it’s the law!) and wearing a helmet is encouraged. There’s a $12 registration fee (kids 12 and under are free). Mandy Minor, an Old NE neighbor, is helping put this together. FMI, phone 823-3888.

Our Resident Historian…Old NE resident Gary Mormino, professor at USF’s St. Pete campus, received accolades from St. Petersburg Times columnist Howard Troxler in an October 14th column. He praised Gary for his historical research and recent book on Florida, Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams. The book was the basis of a documentary, “The Florida Dream,” which recently aired on public TV stations. Gary will be a featured guest at our January 21st monthly Neighborhood Meeting Ommmmm…A new DVD, titled “Yoga with Haris at Sunken Gardens,” has been produced featuring yoga teacher, Haris Lender, a former Old NE resident. The DVD shows her teaching a yoga class in several spectacular areas of the Gardens. Old NE residents Julie Feeley (North Shore Drive NE) and Debbie McSorley (Beach Drive NE) “star” in the meditation section. The DVD will be available in mid-December in the gift shop at Sunken Gardens. Tree Tribulations…A “concerned citizen” contacted the Mayor’s office to report that Mayor Rick Baker, an Old NE resident, had two trees on his property that had grown too close to a sidewalk and alley. The Mayor reported this to the code enforcement office (“If someone says that to me, I’m part of the government. We should treat it as an official complaint,” Hizzoner is quoted as saying in the October 18th St. The Ba Fen ence Ov e r The Back Fence is a P e t e r s b u rg Times). It was determined that, yes, the STEP ON UP trees were in violation and and so the Mayor promptly went out and trimmed them. Case e-mail: [email protected] closed.

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L ET’S H E AR F R OM YO U

Check out the HONNA web site

www.honna.org
Page 8
HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

PORCH

PAR ARTIES PARTIES
Porch Parties are held the third Friday of the month from 7:30-10pm (except December). Porch Parties are strictly social and provide and informal and fun way to mix and mingle with your neighbors. Bring your own beverage. Cups, ice and light snacks are provided. Ask a neighbor to ride or walk over with you. For more info, contact Julie Feeley (8224969; [email protected]).

You’red Invite

December 17th All-Neighborhood Holiday Party in lieu (see page 4)
Dress up time at the October Porch Party, hosted by Frank Hay and Steve Deal

January 18th Jim and Cathy Leonard 319 10th Avenue N

February 15th Ken and Linda Garrity 706 15th Avenue NE

Not a member of The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association? Your annual dues of $30 will go toward helping fund many of the beautification projects you see around the neighborhood. Think the City does all these projects and maintenance? Think again. Your neighbors, through HONNA, make it happen. SEE PAGE 4 FOR DETAILS
HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Page 9

Block Party On, Old Northeast!
by Jill McGrath t is always a busy world here in The Old Northeast. One of the draws of this historical neighborhood is the diversity of its citizens, its architecture and its ambiance. Additionally, some areas are socially active and some are quietly inactive. Life can become self-centered out of necessity but, no matter what the circumstances, all of us share in this neighborhood. It is important to form connections in The Old Northeast, not necessarily to encourage close friendships but to connect as a community with one another so that we can form a network of neighbors within the Old Northeast. There are many opportunities in The Old Northeast to come together. There are neighborhood gatherings and holiday celebrations. HONNA encourages monthly Porch Parties, sponsors Candlelight Home tours, garage sales and a Halloween celebration. And some neighbors plan block parties. Block parties take a great deal of effort and planning but are the most cohesive of all the social events in The Old Northeast. The initial goal is to collect the block residents for a planning session and line up volunteers for the different responsibilities. The next step is the procedure required by the Police Department to obtain permission to cordon off the block. According to the five-page application offered by Charles Burnette, who is the officer in charge of the St. Petersburg Police Department’s Special Events Unit, the applications must be submitted at least ten days prior to the scheduled event. There are a “couple of hun-

I

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Monica M. Vernon • Garth A. Vernon

St. Petersburg 424 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 Seminole 7700 Seminole Blvd, Ste 200, Seminole, FL 33772

(727) 393-1922 office • (727) 392-3266 fax
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Cathy, Mike, Paul and Kathleen at their second block party of 2007 dred” applications submitted every year, resulting in a scarcity of cones and traffic personnel. Halloween is a favorite time for block party applications. The application forms require responses of detailed information and commitment to the regulations. Also required are the names of the people who are sponsoring the block party and this means every resident who lives on the block. The permission requires the date and time frame of the party, a map of the block and a check in the amount of $30 payable to the City of St. Petersburg for the use of the necessary traffic cones to block off the space at both ends. It is the responsibility of the residents to “provide adequate supervision for the activity, insuring the safety of the participants and the protection of City property.” City ordinances and Florida state statutes must be followed. Many Old Northeast residents find these conditions helpful in preparing for their Block Party. A number of block parties in The Old Northeast have been so successful that they have been occurring every year and can be used as templates for other residents who are thinking of becoming involved in such an event. In the mid-1980s one block began a party geared to Christmas and this celebration has grown to include five blocks in all. The twelve “hosts,” who take on the organizational and financial responsibilities, wear lighted ties to identify their position in the party framework. The hosts also provide the meat, such as chicken wings, and the necessary paper goods for the event’s pot-luck feast. One of the hosts makes up

200 Central Avenue, Ste 620 (Bank of America Tower)

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

the invitation and the flyers are delivered to every house. Everyone on the event block brings their backyard and porch furniture out onto the street so that people may sit while enjoying the food and the fun. Christmas music is played over speakers. Serving tables are rented for food placement. Houses and all the tables display decorations. For the children, there is always a genuine Santa in attendance. Approximately 1,200 people attend this block party each year. To encourage the spirit of giving everyone is asked to bring a can of food which is given to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. One year even rain did not dampen this event because everything and everyone moved to one of the neighbor’s very large porch. Another very successful block party’s evolution began when it was discovered that every car parked on the block had been vandalized with spray-paint, targeting 50-60 people. That shared and difficult experience brought everyone together and their block party was born. Now the block celebrates twice a year, for Halloween and again when the time changes in the spring. The trees are strung with twinkling lights and everyone pitches in to help with party duties; there is a pot-luck supper and each house donates $5 for the City fee, plates and utensils. Tables and chairs are set up in the center of the block so that the cordoned ends are free for kids to ride their bicycles and for dogs to play. This event spans about five hours and draws 60% kids and 40% adults in all. The cones are left in place for the next day so the kids can play in safety. Participants claim that “everyone has a great time” and “there has never been one negative.” Hopefully these reports will encourage people to commit, plan and party on because block parties have proven to be neighbor-

Jeff and Liz Weaver celebrate six years of Old NE Block Parties on their street hood success stories. [With appreciation to Shannon, Susie, Meg and Elizabeth.] Jill and Ed McGrath (who grew up together in the Hudson River Valley of New York) are restoring a 1910 cottage on the corner of Bay Street and 6th Avenue NE. This is Jill’s fifth (Ed’s third) complete house restoration project and they have promised each other that it will be their last.

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

drove to the start of the trail. The Friendship Trail is the old Gandy Bridge, so just off Gandy Boulevard to the left before the bridge is the parking lot for fishing and the start of the trail. Helmets are required (although we saw quite a few people without them – who’s going to enforce that rule?). No dogs, no alcohol and no motorized vehicles are allowed. On the Trail people are roller With the steady influx into our neighborblading, walking, running, biking and fishing. Hours are from 7am hood of new residents, we’re seeing an to sunset. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. increasing number of families with Then there is the Pinellas Trail — 34 miles of quiet, mostly young children – plus the stork is secluded, smooth-paved trail from St. Petersburg to Tarpon keeping pretty busy around here as Springs. My 11-year-old grandson and I took the challenge and it is. So we thought it might be helpstarted at the southern-most start (or trail end as they call it on the ful to share with parents of youngweb), at 34th Street S, between 7th and 8th Avenue S near Gibbs sters (as well as grandparents welcomHigh School. We were dropped off there (with water, granola ing visiting grandkids) ideas of familybars, and a cell phone) and planned to meet the car at the Semifriendly activities and destinations nearby, nole Fire Station on the east side of 113th Street N. We estimated especially ones which are free or inexpensive. If you have any such it would take about two hours to go the 10 miles; even though it good “secrets” you’d like to pass along, let us know. was summer and hot, it took just slightly over 1½ hours. Wow, this trail has it all — woods, fields, backyards, water, bridges, cemeteries, parks with picnic tables and play equipment, Tyrone Mall, camp grounds with cabins, trailer parks – and very by Linda Dobbs few people!! What a shame it is that more people don’t use this free resource. One of the few people we saw was a man going up There is nothing quite like flying downhill on a bike (without one of the overpasses using his hands to propel his wheelchair up hands if you are brave) with no fear of what’s at the bottom! I the steep hill. I was awestruck at the power and speed he had remember doing just that at age six or seven on a neighbor’s using only his arms. I didn’t wait to see him coming down the driveway. However, the feeling of free flying got ruined by my other side – I can’t even imagine it. It makes me shudder to even Mom who was yelling frantically “Stop” as I approached the street think about speeding down a hill in a wheelchair! and the “traffic” (what little there was in the ‘50s in a small town). And, I’ve been afraid of going fast downhill ever since – skiing, Our adventures continued. We saw parrots we had never seen roller coasters, etc., ruined. Bummer! Thanks, Mom. before. We pedaled onto the Cross Bayou Bridge, which goes over Boca Ciega Bay. We pedaled up big overpasses and then Biking is fun for all the family since most people have bikes coasted down the other side like and St. Petersburg has a lot of bats out of you-know-where! bike-friendly places, even for Of course, as I pumped slowly kids. The seawall sidewalk all and methodically up the “hills,” the way from The Old Northmy grandson pedaled circles east to The Pier is the easiest around me — going up and then and most accessible. But for the down, then behind me, then in more adventurous and anyone front of me, until we reached desiring traffic-free, quiet, outthe “summit.” Once there, I of-the-way rides, either the raced him down the other side Pinellas Trail or the Friendship with little effort as I had bigger Trail is the answer. And, what wheels and therefore less revoa view! It’s amazing what you lutions for the old legs! It was can see, hear, and smell at a exhilerating and exhausting. slower pace (better than driving 60mph in a car) -- birds, In the slow, flat sections, we fish, planes, people, water, practiced hand signals. He boats, clouds, sky, sun, plants looked at me in open amazement and the ICE CREAM MAN. when I told him we had to use these same signals in the car in order to pass a driving test when The other day I got to experience that lovely, wind-whistlingI was 16. I don’t actually remember ever having to put my hand through-the-hair flying freedom again. And, without worrying about out the window of the car to do this in a real situation, but no traffic or stopping! You can, too, just by taking a little excursion matter – he was impressed (especially when I told him we had to on the Friendship Trail alongside the Gandy Bridge. We rode across “roll” down the window in order to do this). Tampa Bay — it’s only three miles long one way – just 45 minutes round trip at an easy pace. That makes it do-able for eight Another place to start is at the 9th Avenue N and 66th Street N year-olds and 60-somethings, because it’s flat most of the way. intersection. There is a bike shop on one side of 9th Avenue and a Best yet, going from the west you can spot the “hill” on the eastvery small strip mall on the other side (you can park there on ern end (if that is your goal) and the anticipation makes pedaling Sunday at least). The trail is mostly old railroad track beds and easy. Or, you can always turn around before the hill and go back thus is set a little higher than the surrounding land – a perfect – then it’s only about four miles round trip. sightseeing viewpoint. You don’t have to have a bike rack; we just piled our bikes in Someday (hopefully soon) there will be a connection between the trunk of the car, secured everything with a bungee cord and continued on page 18 HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Page 13

KIDZ KORNER

Happy Trails

“Can You Hear Us Now?”

Thanks for Speaking Up
by Cathy Martin HONNA Past President
s of the end of October, 157 neighbors have so far participated in The Historic Old Northeast Neighbor hood Association (HONNA) online survey. Of those, 38% are relative newcomers to the neighborhood, having lived here between one and five years and another 24% have been in the neighborhood from six to ten years. Almost 97% of those who completed the survey are full-time residents of the neighborhood. Almost 90% live in single family homes, 55% of them between 13th Avenue and 22nd Avenue, 24% between 9 th and 13 th and 18 % between 5th and 9th. Only 5% of survey takers to date live above 22 nd Avenue, and 8% live on 1st Street. About 90% included proximity to downtown and the waterfront parks as one of their top reasons for choosing to live here. The historic nature of the neighborhood and the variety of architecture here was one of the top reasons for 79%, and 56% listed among the top three the sense of community and neighborhood, our amenities and activities. Half listed the tree canopy and streetscape and our curb appeal — certainly unique in this part of Florida! Of the many services provided by HONNA, 76% of survey takers said that advocacy for the neighborhood at City Hall was among the services they value most. The newsletter was a close second with 65%, and Crime Watch came in third with 51% of respondents choosing it as a most valued service. The survey asked you to choose the three most important issues facing neighbors in 2008: 58% of those who answered chose homeowner insurance as one of the top three, 52% cited crime and vagrancy, 49% selected property taxes,

A

48% chose development on the perimeter of the neighborhood and 33% marked traffic and parking. A third of respondents said they or someone in their household had been a victim of crime within the past two years, and of those property theft or vandalism constituted the crime for 65%. A permit parking program on neighborhood streets is favored by 46%, with 32% still undecided. Comments added suggested the specifics are important to everyone, wherever such a program —which has been under discussion for a long time — might be proposed. The Candlelight Tour of Homes has the largest contingent of volunteers, among respondents to the survey to date, with 52% and Porch Parties are second with 26%. According to survey-takers, HONNA’s top priorities in 2008 should be preservation of the neighborhood’s historic quality (69% chose this as one of their top three) and advocacy for and promotion of quality of life issues (traffic, parking, zoning) on behalf of the neighborhood at City Hall. Crime Watch and the newsletter nearly tied for third place, with 42% and 39% respectively. Of those who took the survey 76% say they are HONNA members; 60% are female, 27% are between 51-60 years old, 26% are between 41-50 and 24% are between 61-70. Ninety-six percent own their home, 63% are employed full time and 97% are registered to vote in Florida. A number of neighbors took the time to make suggestions or comments. We heard that neighbors who rent (an increasing number, we believe) would like to feel more welcome.

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

that more readers understand the connections among these issues and quality of life in our neighborhood. We’ll keep our eyes open for community opportunities and the lines of communication open to your ideas and opinions. If you have not rung in on the many issues the survey touches on or as new issues and concerns arise, please give us your thoughts. The names and contact information for HONNA Board members can be found on page 4. We sincerely thank you for sharing! Some folks said that neighbors above 22nd think HONNA is for those who live closer to downtown. A lot of people commented one way or another on the growing homeless population, on the increasing noise and traffic throughout the neighborhood and increasing airplane noise over the neighborhood (maybe MacDill AFB had a change in a flight path?). Neighbors who responded to the survey love the proximity to downtown and events, but bemoan the traffic, parking and speeding cars through pedestrian streets. Some noted that a lot of houses could be maintained better and have indicated that they would rather not involve the City in code violation reporting; if neighbors could just tend to their yards, we’d all benefit. Curbside recycling is a frequent suggestion, preservation of trees was noted and alley cleanups reported as a suggestion for new activities. Folks seem to feel strongly — like most other Floridians — about progress versus preservation and the environment. There were a number of heartfelt opinions about both. A big area of concern is the growing number of vacant houses, even if well-maintained. Another is the crowding of multiple tenants into rental properties that consume too much on-street parking. Another is the number of bike riders using sidewalks, skateboarding and motorized scooters on the street and dogs off leash throughout the neighborhood. We took note of suggestions for more neighborhood-specific articles in the newsletter about goings on, old houses and their upkeep, care and rehabilitation, about history and character(s), and neighborhood-wide initiatives to help make a difference in the way we all live. We heard your suggestion that we tone down the rhetoric and amp up the action that affects us all. We will soften the edgy newsletter inclusions and sharpen our view of City and developer activities so that we can bring you more perspectives and ideas in order

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Page 15

Ponderings
Whose Park Is It?
by John Gee
John and his wife Kathy moved to St. Pete from New Mexico five years ago, and he currently teaches history at a Sarasota high school. He has served on the HONNA Board where he co-chaired its Historic Preservation Committee. You can also read more from John in the Northeast Journal. The low grumble of the passing Harleys can only mean one thing — Rib Fest is here. Since my youth was spent in the Episcopalian blandness of upstate New York, cream of mushroom soup was the default sauce and the myriad recipes of bar-b-que sauce never entered my DNA. But here in the southland, bar-be-que is as important as NASCAR, and people flock to this event like teenagers to the mall. Using the 21st century’s measuring stick of popularity, a Google search of bar-b-que gave me 4,590,000 hits so let’s all assume that this particular weekend event is here to stay. This is one more weekend that requires the City to fence off and charge a fee to enter a public park and give me a chance to see how quickly grass can recover from the onslaught of thousands of little feet. Yet another event designed to rise us out of a past history of slow Florida living and into our brave new world of constant entertainment. Don’t get me wrong — the parks in this town are its primary asset and they should be used for everyone’s enjoyment. When we moved here with our countrified dogs, we liked the fact that there was space nearby to give us a sense of openness. The sec-

ond day here, I took the dogs down to the park and let them loose to revel in their new place. It only took five minutes before an ever vigilant police force gave me a ticket. Welcome to St. Pete they told me while pointing out the sign that explained that the parks were not as open as they seemed. Hey, we live in a city now and not everyone’s lifestyle can be accommodated. I just had to realize that, at times, the park was more open to people other than me. It wasn’t long before I discovered that our parks were being used for many purposes besides walking dogs and enjoying the view. What seemed like an endless parade of events running from the artistic to the capitalistic punctuated the months, and over time I was able to sift through the interesting and not-so- interesting. The Blues Fest, although inconsistent, is a treat, and trying to understand how Jerry Lee Lewis can be considered a blues artist is beside the point. The fact is our town can attract such a venue and we are all better off for it. After buying a boat, the yearly Strictly Sail event became de rigueur for us. We were amazed at all the sailing products, and the fact that after looking at everything a sailor could want we never came home with more than marine tape and holistic seasickness remedies. My wife likes the Mainsail Art Show but, due to the overwhelming number of artists, she can only last a few minutes before dissolving into mental gridlock – too many choices with too little time. So what’s the point here? As the question raised in the title suggests, there are times when a citizen may wonder why a taxsupported park so often loses its openness and devolves into a for-profit meat eating frenzy or a eclectic music/art festival. By luck, good fortune or planning, our town benefits from a full use beachfront park that must be considered the envy of many Florida towns. For this reason, it makes sense to use all the park, not only in a Chamber of Commerce way but also in a fun-lovingfreedom-to-use-what- we-have way. So in answer to that guy I met at the park who was ranting and raving about yet another fence set up to keep him off “his” park land all I can say is – Hey, lighten up, take out your wallet, pony up some bucks go inside and enjoy yourself. After all, it’s our park, isn’t it?

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Old Northeast Holiday Party
for all Old Northeast neighbors
HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Date: Monday, December 17th • Time: 6pm • Location: Old Northeast Tavern, 201 7th Avenue N

Page 16

[Editor’s Note: Holidays in The Old Northeast are special for residents – old and young alike. Our resident teen reporter, Keaton Green, shows us what it’s like to grow up in the ‘hood at Christmas time.]

Christmas Traditions Begin Early
by Keaton Green
I always know that it’s Christmas time in The Old Northeast when I can walk up and down the streets and there are lights on every house. I know it’s Christmas time when all the families bring home Christmas trees and talk about the upcoming block parties or about going Christmas caroling. Every day after Thanksgiving, more and more decorations are put up until Christmas Eve. That’s when the residents of 18th Avenue NE put out their luminaries that light up the street and bring smiles to all the families that drive around on Christmas Eve to admire the decorations. Every year before Christmas, I go to a Christmas block party on 18th Avenue NE. All the kids ride bikes or scooters to the party, where they spend time doing arts and crafts, riding on the horse-drawn carriage and snacking on Christmas treats. Some years Santa comes and lets the kids sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. We all love singing Christmas carols while riding on the carriage and looking at the Christmas lights. There’s a cute craft table to make things like a Christmas necklace. One of my favorite parts of the party though is eating all those Christmas cookies and snacks! For the past two years I have gone Christmas caroling with friends who live in our neighborhood, including Belle Perkins, Shalla and Quinn Galanos, Nancy Gracen Klein and my sister. We visit many houses, but my favorite time was when we sang last year for an elderly, wheelchair-bound lady who was very sick. After listening to our “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” she smiled. A great tradition in our neighborhood is the annual holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes (this year on December 9th from 38pm). You get to walk through the beautiful neighborhood decked in Christmas wear and tour eight homes. My family has a special holiday tradition. Every year on Christmas Eve, we dress up and attend the Christmas Eve service at

our church, then have dinner at the Vinoy. Then we drive around the neighborhood looking at all the beautiful decorations. One of our favorite streets is 18th Avenue NE where luminaries light about four blocks. They are lit at 6pm and last for about four hours. Mrs. Sally Baynard started this grand tradition about eight years ago. I know it’s Christmas in The Old Northeast when I wake up Christmas morning, look out my window and see all the decorated homes. It’s nice knowing my neighbors share the joy of the season that’s so special in our neighborhood. Keaton Green lives in The Old NE with her parents , sister and brother. She is a 7th Grade student at the Canterbruy School of Florida.

New Members
Paul and Barri Boudreaux ............. North Shore Drive NE Bill Coffman and Daryl DeBerry .............. 18th Avenue NE Emily and Tash Elwyn ............................ 14th Avenue NE K.C. and Gerie Hicks ............................. 19th Avenue NE Alice and Garry Tenney .......................... 15th Avenue NE HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Page 17

As the Snowbird Flies
by Amy Labie
Realizing that spending the holidays in New England this year was not going to happen, I readjusted by planning an extended Thanksgiving visit. This meant the dreaded decisions of what to pack in what to follow airline guidelines and still be able to take what would be required for a three week nomadic stay at various homes of friends and relatives. Since I was using air miles, I took the scenic route to Boston via Dallas. My flight left at a civilized time and I was even lucky enough to get an aisle seat. All set with the novel I’ve been meaning to read for a month and a pocket book of Sudoku puzzles, I was ready to relax and enjoy the flight. But, I never read a paragraph or finished a puzzle. My seatmate was in the mood to chat. She was very pleasant and the conversation turned out to be thought provoking. She was headed back home to Oklahoma where she’d lived for many years. Her grown children and a grandchild were still there, but her husband had lost his life in the Oklahoma City bombing. Listening to an actual survivor brought home the fact that her story was not about special effects in a movie or a front page photo of a faraway disaster. During the remainder of our time together she revealed how she had pieced together her life in both mundane and monumental moments. Chalk one up for the human spirit. When we were about to land, she asked if I’d listen for her next boarding gate, as she was a bit hard of hearing and there was so much airplane noise. Of course I did and listened for my own as well. There wasn’t much time between connections, so I piled my tote on my everybody-has-one-rolling-black-bag and headed for my gate, each of us wishing each other safe travels. After opting for a fairly edible sandwich instead of a pizzasized cookie, I ate at the gate leisurely awaiting the call to board, reflecting on the words of the lady from Oklahoma — until they announced that it was time to board for Pensacola! I had inadvertently mixed up the terminals in my effort to help her. I’d glanced at my boarding pass which said B25 and read my seat number instead of the gate. I had about seven minutes to run to an escalator and a Skylink tram to get to C26. My son and his wife would be waiting in Boston. I had to get there. What a challenge this would be for someone who has been gradually healing from wheelchair, to cane, to walking stick and just plain walking with orthotics for the past few years. I’ve been so hoping I could get back to playing tennis but concerned that I should be careful about running for fear of falling. Now I was faced with no choice. In the words of Nike, even though I was clad in New Balance, I had to “just do it.” And I did! How potent the combination of prayer and adrenalin can be. And thanks to the lady from Oklahoma, I had a chance to see that I’m finally ready to get back in the game. Chalk another one up for the human spirit. Amy Labie is a wife, mother and grandmother who is enjoying life in St. Petersburg. A freelance writer and aspiring novelist, she loves people-watching and listening —whether it’s at a sidewalk café in Paris or a truck stop in White River Junction

(727) 895-4353
Cell: (727) 480-0916 Fax: (727) 895-3242 E-mail: [email protected]

Happy Trails from page 13
downtown St. Petersburg and the Trail, as well as an extension from downtown to the Friendship Trail and Weedon Island. At this point it is still necessary to drive and park or take a bus – a not so easy option. The buses do have a bike rack in front so you can ride, then bike. You do have to purchase a bike permit for $2 and you must be at least eight years old. Instructions on loading the bikes are given when you obtain the permit. (Call the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority at 540-1900 or www.psta.net to find bus routes near the Trail and permit information.) To find out more about the Pinellas Trail, call the county office at 549-6099. To download mileage, maps and locations go to the website, www.pinellastrails.org. “Happy Trails to you!” Linda and her husband Bob moved to The Old Northeast on Valentine’s Day 2003 (they wanted to be near their two grandchildren who live in our neighborhood). Over the past 30 years Linda has been editor of a weekly newspaper, a magazine and a medical journal as well as numerous newsletters.

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

ON THE DOCKET:
Some Upcoming Events In and Nearby Our Neighborhood
For a current and more detailed listing go to the City’s website at www.stpete.org
Climb St. Pete (climb 28 floors to help the fight against lung cancer; benefits American Lung Assn) Bank of America Tower; 347-6133 Dec 1 Fly-Mart Hanger Garage Sale Albert Whitted Airport; 822-1532 Dec 1 AWAPS Pancake Breakfast Albert Whitted Airport; 822-1532 Dec 1 WaMu & the St. Petersburg Lion’s Club Santa Parade Begins on Central Avenue; 525-5950 Dec 1 Snowfest North Straub Park; 893-7441 Dec 1 FISH-ful Saturday Pier Aquarium; 895-7437 Dec 2 Music Fest on the Water The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 7 Get Downtown Central b/w 2nd-3rd; 393-3597 Dec 7 Babes in Toyland The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 7 St. Pete Shuffle St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Courts; 867-7228 Dec 8 Walking Tour of Downtown St. Petersburg Historic District Central at 2nd; 824-7802 Dec 8 Dicken’s Carolers The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 8 Deck The Halls (proceeds benefiting The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast) Artspace, 10 5th St N; 418-8887 Dec 8 The Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition North Straub Park; 821-1200 Dec 8 The Bruce Watters - Lighted Boat Parade The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 8 Tuba Christmas The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 8 Gallery Walk Downtown galleries; 821-6767 Dec 9 Music Fest on the Water The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 12 Boley’s Jingle Bell Run The Pier and the downtown waterfront; 821-4819 Dec 14 Babes in Toyland The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 15 Poinsettia Tree Photo Opportunity Sunken Gardens; 551-3100 Dec 15 FISH-ful Saturday Pier Aquarium; 895-7437 Dec 15 Dicken’s Carolers The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 16 Music Fest on the Water The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 1 Dec 21 Babes in Toyland The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 22 Poinsettia Tree Photo Opportunity Sunken Gardens; 551-3100 Dec 22 Classic Car Show The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 22 Dicken’s Carolers The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 23 Music Fest on the Water The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 29 3rd Annual Winter Art Walk -30 BayWalk; 384-6000 Dec 29 Grand Central Stroll - Salute to New Year & Resolutions Grand Central Business District; 328-7086 Dec 30 The Great Weedon Bird Quest Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & History Center; 453-6500 Dec 30 Music Fest on the Water The Pier; 821-6443 Dec 31 First Night Venues throughout St. Petersburg; 823-8906 Dec 31 New Year’s Eve at The Pier The Pier; 821-6443 Jan 4-6 Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show The Coliseum; 892-5202 Jan 5 AWAPS Pancake Breakfast Albert Whitted Airport; 822-1532 Jan 12 Walking Tour of Downtown St. Petersburg Historic District Central Ave. at 2nd ; 824-7802 Jan 12 Gallery Walk Downtown galleries; 821-6767 Jan 12 Sunshine City Antiques and Collectibles Show -13 The Coliseum; 892-5202 Jan 17 Tampa Bay Job Fair The Coliseum; 892-5202

JANUARY 18 PORCH PARTY (see page 9) JANUARY 21 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Jan 26 The Great Weedon Bird Quest Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & History Center; 453-6500 Feb 2 AWAPS Pancake Breakfast Albert Whitted Airport; 822-1532 Feb 9 Walking Tour of Downtown St. Petersburg Historic District Central at 2nd; 824-7802 Feb 9 Gallery Walk Downtown galleries; 821-6767

FEBRUARY 15 PORCH PARTY (see page 9) FEBRUARY 18 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Feb 23 The Great Weedon Bird Quest Weedon Island Preserve Cultural & History Center; 453-6500 Feb 29 20th Annual Gasparillia Classic Gymnastic Meet -Mar 2 The Trop; 813/558-0035

DECEMBER 17 OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY PARTY (see page 4)

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by Susan Lahey

In other parts of the country, the arrival of Fall is marked by brightly colored leaves and crisp weather. In The Old Northeast, we know that it’s Fall when we see huge spiders, bats, fluttering ghosts, giant rodents and tombstones springing up all over the neighborhood. We’ve earned a reputation for the “place to be” on Halloween, and with good reason! One doesn’t have to walk far too find a fearsome array of goblins and critters — this year’s displays may have been the best ever! Big eyeballs peered from the playscape at the Kowalski’s. The family dog supervised the installation of the ghoulish graveyard at the Goodrich home. A Fall harvest theme adorned the Johnson’s place. The Christies, winners of a life-time award from the neighborhood association for “Best Decorations” in The Old Northeast (see page 3), have added even more scary stuff to their extensive collection of Halloween artifacts. With the vast array of clever creations, it was almost impossible for the contest judges to narrow down their selections for the 2007 Halloween Decorating Contest winners (more pictures can be found on the HONNA website at www.honna.org) Honorable Mention: 132 6th Avenue N 255 9th Avenue N 112 16th Avenue N

HALLOWEEN HALL OWEEN HELLISHNESS, HORRORS AND HIGH SPIRITS

1st Place:
725 18th Avenue NE; The Coffman/DeBerry family had a dazzling display of pyrotechnics 175 18th Avenue N 405 18th Avenue NE 805 18th Avenue NE 455 20th Avenue NE

435 16th Avenue NE 525 17th Avenue NE 140 18th Avenue N

Thanks to Cynthia Serra (3rd Street N) and her witchingly merry band of judges for riding their broomsticks up and down our streets and avenues selecting the winners. It’s not too early to start planning for next Halloween!

3rd Place:
436 13th Avenue NE; The Anthony family’s featured strobe lights with cats in the attic

2nd Place:
116 17 Avenue NE; The Lewis family, whose decorations were handmade by Mom, Dad and the kids
th

Theme Winner:
825 18th Avenue NE; The Samuelson family, whose Scary Potter theme featured an enormous handmade snake entwined in the front porch windows

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

In Case You Missed It: Updates and Follow Ups

Keeping You Current on Some Neighborhood Stories That Have Been in the News
The Cork and Olive wine retailer on the 900 block of 4th Street N is selling this location, part of a new franchising arrangement as the company goes public. Franchises like this store are expected to sell in the range of $400,000. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 10/24]… Also, Limey’s Pub at 1492 4th Street N is up for sale after most recently changing hands in 2004. Asking price: $2.75 million. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 11/11] In October, the St. Petersburg City Council unanimously voted to deny Fuel Group International’s appeal of the Environmental Development Commission’s decision against the proposed hotel/condominium with restaurant and meeting space on the edge of downtown at 5th Avenue N and 1st Street. Several neighborhood associations joined residents in support of the denial. The developer has filed its appeal of the City Council’s decision to Circuit Court. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 11/5, and Nicole E. Durkin, Esq.] A 60 year old man was fatally shot during a gunfight on November 2nd at 142 5th Avenue N outside an apartment where he lived. Multiple gunshots were fired between the two involved, and a man was arrested in the shooting. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 11/5]

Carraba’s Restaurant is receiving unfavorable reviews from some of its neighbors over parking, traffic, garbage and other issues it has raised with the City. One City official who has heard the complaints says he doesn’t disagree with them (“The trash area is an eyesore, they’re probably correct about that”) and another says the problems are “very infrequent.” [source: St. Petersburg Times, 9/23] A recent zoning change that went into effect has designated Bird Island on Coffee Pot Bayou as a nature preserve. The St. Petersburg Audubon Society and others lobbied for the effort that would prohibit development of the almost three acres of mangroves and nesting birds. An unidentified private buyer purchased the land to prevent it from being developed. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 9/12]

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

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How Does Your Garden Grow?
by Yvonne Swanson -- Master Gardener
arrangement. So, too, do tropical plants such as schefflera, croton, xanadu philodendron, ginger and robellini palm fronds. Steer clear of hibiscus, allamanda and bougainvillea. They are beautiful in the yard, but extremely short-lived once cut. Poisonous plants, particularly oleander, are best left in the landscape and away from children and pets. Linda Santoro, a member of the Old Northeast Garden Group, likes using glossy green magnolia leaves in holiday arrangements. “Gather up a few on a branch and tuck in an artificial magnolia flower. No one will ever know the difference — or they never say so,” she notes. Make your cuttings with sharp pruners, cutting each stem at an angle. Immediately immerse entire stems in a bucket of water for four hours or longer to hydrate stems and flowers so they will last longer. When pruning stems of flowers, make generous cuts. If your garden selection is limited, swap cuttings with a neighbor or gardening friend. Or pick up prepackaged flowers and greenery at the supermarket to add to your arrangements. Even quality silk flowers from the craft store can spice up an arrangement. Any leak-proof container can hold cuttings. Raid your kitchen cabinets for pretty glassware and bowls. You can even use a large plastic tumbler — just wrap it with a large pothos leaf from the garden and secure with raffia, twine or ribbon. To make a wreath, start with a metal or Styrofoam wreath mold from the craft store. Don’t forget potted herbs, which thrive during our winter months. Garden Group member Rita Knorr enjoys creating herb gardens in rectangular clay pots and training rosemary into a Christmas tree shape. “It makes a lasting present in a lovely clay pot,” she says. Holiday rosemary pots are available now at local garden centers. They require a full-sun location and regular pruning to maintain their shape. Each year I create a fragrant fruit arrangement for the table or kitchen island using cut greenery from the yard and store-bought apples, oranges, lemons and pomegranates. I place podocarpus, schefflera and palm cuttings on an 18-inch high Christmas tree-shaped metal frame that I purchased at a craft store. In the frame’s dozen or so grooves I place small fruits, sometimes adorning them with whole cloves. When the greenery looks tired, I simply make new cuttings and replace worn stems. The arrangement lasts for weeks and the spicy fruit aroma is delightful. Use your imagination this holiday season to create a homegrown floral arrangement or wreath. It’s a great way to enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor and decorate your home for the holidays. [This article is re-printed from the December 2005 edition of this newsletter.] Yvonne Swanson is a Master Gardener for Pinellas County. She also writes a garden column for the St. Petersburg Times.

Holiday Decorating Hints
Now that it’s holiday time, many gardeners are turning their focus to the indoors, creating festive floral arrangements using cuttings from the yard mixed with items such as fresh fruit, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, colorful bows and tinsel. If you’ve got a good selection of plants in your yard, put on your gloves and get your hand pruners ready. You’ll find a virtual floral shop of greenery and more right in your own garden. Some plants last longer than others once cut. Evergreens, including magnolia, pine, holly, ferns and juniper, hold up well in an

Property Transfers
Following is a listing of recent property transfers in our North Shore neighborhood. The individuals listed are new owners of the properties cited but not necessarily the residents of those properties. The properties are listed in chronological avenue and chronological and alphabetical street order. If any of these folks live near you, make sure you welcome them to the neighborhood. 220 6th Avenue N #1 Robert Flannery 265 8th Avenue N Russel and Kimberley Bauernfreund Michael and Susanne Ward 330 8th Avenue N #3 385 8th Avenue N Jordan and Diane Sorchevich 255 8th Avenue NE Jaquelin and Barbara Marshall, Jr. R. Patrick and Hilary Marston 556 13th Avenue NE 134 15th Avenue N John and Kathleen Doolittle 346 15th Avenue NE Sebastian Bourgeois 816 15th Avenue NE Scott and Elizabeth Self 310 16th Avenue NE Joseph Conte 656 16th Avenue NE Michael Lawson 146 20th Avenue NE Jonathan and Mary Vanscoy 546 20th Avenue NE Logan Devicente 145 21st Avenue N David Wing 116 22nd Avenue NE David and Rachel Wein 225 22nd Avenue NE Darren Smith 135 25th Avenue NE Thomas and Margaret Soule 146 26th Avenue NE H. Pep and Lea Shappee 240 28th Avenue N Tracy DeGraff 300 29th Avenue N James Kelley 1000 North Shore Drive NE #2 Kathleen Coveleski 1036 North Shore Drive NE #2 Patricia Rollins 1100 North Shore Drive NE Ronald and Gabriele Hiermann 1100 North Shore Drive NE #201 James Nicholson 1140 Oak Street NE Daniel Clerkin Compiled from records by the Florida New Business Report.

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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

You’re just a stroll from a wonderful worship experience!
Join us Sunday mornings:
Communion Worship 8:00 a.m., Sanctuary Wrestling with God— Transformational Worship 9:01 a.m. Fellowship Hall Church School for All Ages 9:45 a.m., classrooms Worship with Choir 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Professional child care available all morning The mission of First Presbyterian Church is to equip God's people to know, love and serve God as revealed in Jesus Christ.

701 Beach Drive N.E. St. Petersburg (727) 822-2031 www.fpc-stpete.org

HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

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Next Neighborhood Meeting: Monday, January 21st, at 7pm
All neighborhood residents invited
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association P.O. Box 76324 St. Petersburg, FL 33734
www.honna.org PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. PETERSBURG FL PERMIT #1020

IN THIS ISSUE

• Holiday Decorating Tips • Halloween Fun • Survey Results • Acorn Lamp Posts

...and much more

Personally SOLD over $20 million in 2007
Despite the market slowdown, it has been a strong year thanks to all the Buyers and Sellers that have made this happen. Now is definitely the time to buy and invest.

Downtown St. Petersburg, Old NE, Snell Isle and surrounding areas continue to grow in popularity. They have the “Wow” factor

This Area has a Winning Formula: A Prime Location, A Beautiful Neighborhood, A Growing City, A Waterfront & Cultural Destination that will withstand the market trends.

Wishing You the Very Best for the Holiday Season And Happy New Year !

www.AlonaDishy.com
Main Number (727) 458-8037 Office (727)823-8000 X 129. Realty Executives

SPECIALIZING IN THE FINEST PROPERTIES IN THE AREA
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HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS