Historic Old Northeast Newsletter December 2011

8/3/2019 Historic Old Northeast Newsletter December 2011

1/32PagHistoricOld NOrtheast NeighbOrhOOd News

St. Petes Jeweon Tampa Bay

HONNA NeighborhoodMeetings are held the third

Monday of each month(except August and December)

at Westminster PresbyterianChurch, 126 11th Avenue NE

Social: 6:45pmProgram: 7pm

Volume 39 Issue 4 / December 2011 / www.honna.org Published Quarte

UPCOMING MEETINGS Mark your calendar!

continued on pag

Deceber 19th Old NE Holiday Party (see below)

January 16th Sharing Plans & Ideas

for HONNA

February 20th To be Announced

Celebrating 100 Yearsof Community

1911-2011

continued on page 10

In thIs Issue

Bells will be ringingSunday, Decemb11th, for this yea

Candlelight Tour of Homfrom 3-8pm.

Start your holiday off wsome festive cheer and gra friend, neighbor or fammember as you make yoway through eight of The ONortheasts historic homeswhat has become St. Peteburgs nest holiday traditiYou wont want to miss seethese homes lovingly decorafor the holidays!

The ticket price of this yeatour, our 14th annual, will be $in advance and $25 on the d

Bells Will be Ringing

by Sharon Kantner

Chair, Candlelight Tour of Homes

HONNA Teas Up with The City to Enjoy a

Good Old-Fashioned Picnicby Robin Reed and Chris AvrenPicnic Coordinators and HONNA Board Members

Great weather, unique antique cars, a harmonized barber shop quartet and family members teamingwith one another, all vying for $25 gift certicates donated from Cold Stone Creamery ice cre(1961 4th Street N) or $25 VISA gift certicates donated by HONNA. All you had to do was be better th

anyone else at the three-legged race, bean bag toss orthe ever-messy egg toss!

Some picnickers indulged themselves on pre-ordered gourmet box lunches (prepared by neighborRita Fabula) or purchased fully-dressed hot dogs. Themore organized packed their own. Ice cream, popcornand water were available for the old fashioned priceof 25 cents.

The expanse of North Shore Park at 15th Avenue NEwas a bee-hive of activity. Face-painting, building abox city and a bouncy tent were available for free forthe wee ones. Croquet and bocce games attractedthe more sedate in the crowd. A DJ played music from

For all Old NE residentsDATE: Monday, Dec. 19thTIME: 6:30-9pmPLACE: Old Northeast Tavern,

201 7th

Avenue N

Heres a chance to mixand mingle with yourneighbors from The Old NE catch up with old friends andadd some new ones to your list.Christmas and New Years willbe fast approaching and this willbe a great time to take a well-deserved time out from all thehustle and bustle.

There will be a $5 per personadmission charge which willentitle you to helpings of pizza,

salad and dessert; cash bar fordrinks.

Please bring a new, un-wrapped toy or book whichwell be donating to localcharities committed to helpingabused, homeless and needychildren and young teens and brightening their holiday sea-son during these challengingeconomic times.

We thank the Old NortheastTavern for again hosting our

holiday party. Please join us andbe a part of this festive neigh-borhood tradition.

Old NortheastHoliday Party

What an Event The 100 Year Anniversary oThe Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood

Changes on 1st Street .......3

HONNA Honored ..............5

Scam Artists.....................14

Red Light Cameras......17

No Strangers Here ... 20-21

The Monticello ........28-29


2/32Page 2 HistoricOld NOrtheast NeighbOrhOOd News

*Preprinted inserts that you provide are delivered within the newsletter. Dueto delivery restrictions, inserts are available on a limited basis.

The newsletter quarterly publication dates are March, June, September, andDecember. The deadline for accepting new ads and ad changes is three weeks prior tothe publication month. The next deadline is February 7th. Payment for new ads should

be submitted at the same time that the ad layout is provided and should be addressedto HONNA Advertising. The newsletter is distributed by mail to all homes in The Old

Northeast (boundaries are 5 th Ave N to 30th Ave N, and 4th St N to North Shore Dr/Cof-fee Pot Bayou Blvd). There are approximately 2,500 active home mailing addresses.

Contact Sue Strott: www.honna.org/Newsletters/Advertising-Questions.htmlAd space is limited so please make arrangements early.

AD SIzE 1Qtr 2 Qtrs 3 Qtrs 1 YearBusiness card 50 93 128 160

1/4 page (H 4.9 x w 3.7) 100 186 256 320

1/2 page (H 4.9 x w 7.8) 200 372 512 640Full page 400 744 1024 1280

Back Cover 1/2 page 1400

*Inserts and Premium Placement: Rates Upon Request

AD RATES

Published quarterly March, June, September and December

and mailed to all households in The Old Northeast

P.O. Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734e-mail [email protected]

The Newsletter of the Historic OldNortheast Neighborhood Association

Circulation Joe OConnorContributors All our Old Northeast neighborsNewsletter Layout & Design Sharon Bond: [email protected]

ADvERTISING INFORmATION: Sue Strottwww.honna.org/Newsletters/Advertising-Questions.htm

Editor Rick CarsonColunists and Reporters

John GeeJill McGrathSue Strott

Mike DaileyBarbara MarshallMike Panetta

Courtney EllisSusan CoffeyLaura Fage

Candlelight Hoe Tour from page 1

of the tour. Tickets in advance may be purchased through PayPal on ourHONNA website (www.honna.org)and at ticket outlets around town. Thisyear with the advance ticket purchase

we are offering the book, Souvenir ofSt. Petersburg Views from the Vinoy,for just $10 (which retails for $14.95)as well as the historic neighborhoodags for $25 (which retail for $30). Thebook is full of interesting pictures andinformation about The Old Northeastneighborhood and is a wonderful coffeetable book or a holiday gift idea. Theags are a great way to show your appreciation and support for oneighborhood and are available in two colors, burgundy and greTickets will also be on sale the day of the event from 2-7pm for $at Westminster Palm View, 939 Beach Drive NE.

The tour is our neighborhood associations largest fundraiserplease help us spread the word in promoting the event. A portionthe proceeds will be going to Clothes to Kids, a local charity providnew and quality used clothing free of charge to low-income, schoaged children in Pinellas County.

For more information or if you would like to volunteer for the evego to www.honna.org or e-mail [email protected].

2010 Tour Home

2010 Tour Home Kitche



overview of crime in the neighborhood with a high incidenceauto burglaries (all from unlocked cars) and residential robber(mostly from open garages and bikes left on porches).

The election of members for the HONNA Board of Directtook place at the November meeting, after we went to preResults will be posted on the HONNA website and appear in March issue of this newsletter.

There is no monthly meeting or Porch Party in DecembInstead, all Old NE residents are invited to the annual HONholiday party on Monday, December 19th, at the Old NortheTavern [see page 1 for details].

The January monthly meeting will be an opportunity neighbors to share ideas and thoughts about ongoing and nactivities and events sponsored by HONNA and learn more abthe associations goals and plans. We encourage residents to pticipate in this meeting (Monday, January 16 th) to provide inputhe ofcers and Board of HONNA consider what the associatwill be doing going forward.

Porch PartiesLarry Smith, Coordinator (and Membership Chair)

As we nish up another year of successful HONNA Friday niPorch Parties, I just wanted to say Thanks to all of the individuwho helped make these events such a success. Those who openup their porches included: Don Culpepper and Dino CappeRickand Sharon Kantner;Drexie Smith;Chris and BeveAvren;Judi Reed;Bill and Erin Nobles;Steve and Nina UrSteve Deal andFrank Hay; and Peter Motzenbecker andShanSpanfelner. Two individuals who helped with getting the e-blnotices out were Bob Hunter and Joe OConnor. And nally,

greeters included Barry Avedon, David Morris, Jill Kern aGabe and Renee Hobbs.

Our goal is to hold Porch Parties in all parts of our neighborhoeach quarter and would like to encourage all new residents to coto a Porch Party to meet your neighbors. In that regard, we ually hold a brief meet and greet meeting just prior to the PoParty to discuss ideas on how we could become more welcomto our new neighbors or improve theses events. If you would lto help with meet and greet, host a Porch Party or voluntas a greeter for a portion of the party, please contact me at [email protected] [email protected].

Historic PreserationRobin Reed, ChairSunken Gardens Guide Now Aailable

Looking for a colorful shrub or unusual fruit tree for your gden? Need a little help in identifying an unusual plant as you strthrough Sunken Gardens? A newly published Sunken GardPlant Guide and History is now available to help you navigatewonderful world of plants to be found at Sunken Gardens.

Our good friend and horticultural expert, Bill OGrady, has wten fascinating descriptions of a wide variety of tropical fruit tre

palms, shrubs and owering trees. A time-line and brief histare also included for those who have an interest in why and whSunken Gardens was founded and how it was eventually sav

Association News & Actiities

Committee Reports

T h e S e p t e m b e rmonthly meeting wasthe nal potluck of theyear. A brief programwas offered by ChuckWells of the St. Peters-

burg Police Department(see photo left) whospoke on Internet safety,

particularly as it appliesto children and youthand sexual predators.

Octobers meeting was devoted to an overview of the Citysplans for reducing car speeds on the one-way 1st Street below22nd Avenue and facilitating the inclusion of bike lanes as part ofan extension off the North Bay Trail. Mike Frederick, the CitysManager of Neighborhood Transportation, (photo below) led thediscussion, which sought to obtain input from residents alongand near 1st Street. Eliminating one lane of trafc should slowtrafc (a recent study indicated most drivers average over 30mphon this stretch and the speed limit is 25mph). A large majority ofthe approximately two dozen residents in attendance favored theCity moving forward with the bike lanes. There was also discus-sion about trafc on 4th Street, plans for medians and creatingdedicated left turn lanes. The state Department of Transportationdoes not support the installation of additional crosswalks (theexisting crosswalk between Sunken Gardens and Panera Breadrequired nine years to gain approval) but is agreeable to havingmedians. A report by the Community Police Ofcer provided an



Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association

OFFICERS and BOARD

To contact an ofcer or Board member via e-mail, go to www.honna.org/board-and-committees.html where you can click on the name of the ofce/person youwish to contact and send him/her a message.

HONNA Board meetings are held the rst Monday of each month at 6:30pm at West-minster Presbyterian Church and are open to the public. Check beforehand with theBoard president in case the meeting day has been re-scheduled.

President:Mary Alice Lange .....................................251-2034

vice PresidentJay Marshall .......................................................... -TreasurerMonica Vernon....................................................... -SecretaryChris Avren ........................................................... -

BoardPaul Boudreaux .......................................824-7050Rick Carson .............................................898-7834Douglas Haan ..........................................488-5514Rick Kantner ........................................................ -Amir Lashgari ................................... 800/743-8904Susan McGarry...................................................... -Ron Magray .............................................502-9065Judi Reed ................................................804-2455Robin Reed.............................................. 825-0480Larry Smith ............................................................ -

Crie Watch Fact SheetName _____________________________________

Address ___________________________________

City/State: St. Petersburg, FL Zip: _____________

Home Phone: _______________________________

Ofce Phone:_______________________________

Cell Phone: ________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________

Emergency Contact Person ____________________

Contacts Phone # ___________________________

HONNA Member: Yes____ No____

Would like more info on membership Yes___ No___

Signed: ___________________________________

HONNAPO Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734

CLIP AND MAIL by the citizens of St. Petersburg. Artist Nona Tskhovrebashvdrew the lovely and delicate botanical illustrations, and Old Nresident Jerry Robinson of Robinson Brand Builders created design for the guide. Available for sale for $10 (including taxSunken Gardens, Haslams Bookstore and Interior Motives Glery, the guide would make a great stocking stuffer -- or perhaeven a treat for you!

Historic Hoes WorkshopHONNA had a table at the Historic Homes Workshop on N

vember 19th sponsored by St. Petersburg Preservation and held

the St. Petersburg Shufeboard Club at Mirror Lake. The daprogram included demonstrations on skills needed to restore amaintain an old house such as windows, wood oors, exter

painting, landscaping and energy efciency.

TrafcRon Magray, Chair

[For an overview of auto and trafc plans for 1st Street, October meeting recap on page 3.]

Crie & SafetyJudi Reed, Chair

On October 12th The Old Northeast Crime Watch program wchosen as the 2011 St. Petersburg Crime Watch Program of the yat a ceremony in the downtown Coliseum [see box]. The membof Crime Watch are extremely honored to have obtained this rognition from the City and the St. Petersburg Police DepartmeThe volunteers who form The Old Northeast Crime Watch hacontinued to work diligently in making certain that our neighbhood remains safe.

In the June edition of this newsletter, I mentioned that oCrime Watch program was expanded to include public safety. Evthough weve always reported street light outages and major co

problems, weve taken a more active position in recommendalleyway improvements, wattage upgrades to old street lights aimproving street access. We believe that these are quality-of-issues and these recommendations bring improvement and saf

to the neighborhood.At this time I would like to introduce you to Marty Foxx a

John Samaha, two Crime Watch volunteers and avid neighborhopatrollers. They rst met when our Crime Watch was formed abecame some of the rst members of the Citizens on Patrol. Meetifor the rst time, they also became friends and enjoy their wee

patrol where they are able to serve the community and exchanideas -- and also have just good ol conversation.

Back in November I received a note from them after their patinforming me that all was well, but they wanted me to go lookan alley between 4th and 2nd Streets N and 23rd and 24th AvenueThe note said that .the alley is in terrible shape with pholes, lack of paving, and a quite narrow width. It is worth yreview. The next day I walked over there and reviewed the allIt wasnt a pretty picture and worse than what I imagined. In dition to what Marty and John had indicated, the two alley ligwere covered with foliage and the alley ended at the backend o4th Street motel -- a prime area for crime to be committed and

persons to disappear.

I took notes and contacted persons at the City who I wothrough concerning light and code problems in our neighborhoI was immediately transferred to an employee (Deborah Larswho coordinates multiple problems such as this and she wawonderful resource. As a result of Marty and Johns caring abthe neighborhood and the safety of its residents, the City will



Burgundy

Burgundy($30/ea):

For more information contact Larry Smith, membership Chair, at [email protected]

re-paving the alley in 2012, thealley and surrounding lightsare being upgraded to a higherwattage and the foliage is beingremoved. For those residentsliving north of 22nd AvenueN, wave and say thank you tothese two dedicated residents.And dont worry -- they alwayshave a smile on their faces. Infact, wave and say hello to all

of our Citizens on Patrol. Theycan provide you with CrimeWatch signs (and free vehicleclubs if you qualify), answerpatrol questions and nd outanswers for a number of ques-tions. Let them know aboutstreet and alley lighting, codeproblems and, of course, anysuspicious activity.

At the St. Petersburg Parks Department volunteer ap-preciation social in October which honored the effortsof residents, HONNA received the Outstanding VolunteerAchievement Award for its Crime Watch program. Judi Reed,coordinator of the program and organizer of the 2011 NationalNight Out event held in North Shore Park in August, acceptedthe plaque presented by Ofcer Gabe Lopez. Ofcer Lopezacknowledged Judis community spirit, dedication to the CrimeWatch program and unfailing support of the Citys Police Depart-ment all of which is appreciated by the department.



Its Tieby Helen Torres

Crime Watch Patrol Member

Daylight Saings Tie has ended and wee fallenback to Standard Tie. That eans:

Our daylight hours are shorter and darkness is much longer.

Lighting your residence, both inside and outside, becomeseven more important for the safety of friends and family and to

deter criminals from breaking into your house. Arriving home from work in the darkness creates more risk

for you encountering suspicious persons. Street lighting is spo-radic. Alleyway lighting is nearly non-existent. Drive down youralleyway without your car lights on and you will know what thismeans. Dark, isnt it?

Here are soe tips to help you hae a safe hoe: Turn on your porch lights front and rear. Even low wattage

landscaping lighting is helpful, too.

Install or repair inoperable motion detector lighting in thealleyway (e.g., over your garage) and areas to the side and behind

your residence. One of the best is a detector that intensies thelight when someone passes by.

Always remove any valuables from your vehicle and LOCKYOUR CAR DOORS.

If you have a garage, make sure its closed before you gointo your residence.

O

n October 16th, a dozenfolks from the neigh-

borhood, the West-minster Day School and the church gathered for an informal plannmeeting to see how the church could best minister to the wider comunity. In addition, several people who could not attend the meetoffered suggestions and offered to help with the ministry prograthat would be offered. Below are the suggestions the church receiv

Parenting/family team building workshop (one was schedufor November 30th)

Book club to discuss works by Christian authors (i.e., C.S. LewMadeleine LEngle) or books on social justice, politics, values, e

Workshops/discussions on: current issues, time managemecivics, Myers-Briggs and skills, attitudes and personalities within comunity, living and regular wills, home mortgages, home foreclosu

Continue Parents Night Out on a regular basis

Music programs (e.g., handbells)

Update technological capabilities (e.g., a Facebook page, updatwebsite, beginning a blog)

Reach out to college students living in the area

Community garden

Better publicity (e.g., yers, signs)

If you have other suggestions or ideas, please feel free to share thwith the church at 821-5259, e-mail Pastor Gail [email protected] or drop a note in the mail (126 11thAvenue NE, 33701). The pasand church leaders would welcome hearing from you.

The congregation invites neighborhood residents to join them Sunday worship at 10:30am. As Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

on the weekend this year, the church will be having both Christmas Eand Christmas Day worship service. Christmas Eve service will beat 7pm and will be a service of lessons, carols and candlelight. TChristmas Day service will be a joyful celebration of the birth of Jewith Christmas music and stories followed by a time for fellowship; service begins at 10:30am.

News fro

Westinster

Presbyterian

Church

Candlelight Tour of Homes: Sharon Kantner

C.O.N.A. Rep: Paul Boudreaux

Crime & Safety: Judi Reed

Historic Preservation: Robin Reed

Membership/Porch Parties: Larry Smith

Planning/Neighborhood Design Review: Mary Alice Lange Newsletter: Rick Carson

Programs: Susan McGarry & Amir Lashgari

Trafc: Ron Magray

Website: Joe OConnor

To contact a chair via e-mail, go towww.honna.org/board-and-committees.htmlwhere you can click on the name of the person you

wish to contact and send him/her a message.

Your volunteer involvement in one of our committeeswill help enhance your neighborhood and our association.

Please contact any committee chair for information.

Like our neighborhood?Want to ake it een better?

volunteer with one of our coittees!



Since its earliest days, a pier has been the pride and joyof St. Petersburgs downtown waterfront. The currentlandmark Pier is the seventh in a succession of waterfront

piers, which opened in 1973.

A new St. Petersburg Pier is closer to reality as a ve-memberpublic jury narrowed the list of teams vying to design the newstructure to three. City Council approved the jurys recommen-dation during the September 8, 2011 City Council meeting. Thethree nalists are: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), lead designer

Bjarke Ingels of New York; Michael Maltzan Architecture, Inc.,lead designer Michael Maltzan of Los Angeles; and West 8 UrbanDesign and Landscape Architecture, lead designer Adriaan Geuzeof New York.

Selecting the three nalists was the latest step in an internationaldesign competition that concluded extensive community dialogueregarding the Citys landmark Pier. The City drew interest from

world design teams with 23 expressing interest in competingdesign the new Pier with a $50 million budget.

A jury to evaluate the proposals was selected by City Counand their backgrounds reect a diverse range of expertise a

perspectives. The members are: Stanley Saitowitz, a South Arican architect and an architecture professor from UniversityCalifornia/Berkeley; James Moore, PhD, a Tampa-based urbdesigner and former architecture and design professor at USSusan Fainstein, PhD, a Harvard University urban design profsor; Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch and myself.

The three nalists will submit design concepts for a new Pby November 29th. The exhibits will be on display for public vieing and comments at the St. Petersburg Museum of History froDecember 6th-30th*. The Museum is located at 335 2nd Aven

NE. The exhibit Look, Think, Share will be free and openthe public. Hours of the exhibit will be:

Tuesday 10am-7pm

Wednesday 10am-9pm

Thursday 10am-7pm

Friday 10am-5pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday 1pm-5pm

Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas DayA presentation will be made to City Council during a Worksh

on January 26th with nal approval by Council on February 2Please take advantage of the opportunity to view the proposals aoffer your input. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Council Member Currmay be reached at: CCouncil, P.O. Box 28

St. Petersburg, FL [email protected]; 551-33

CurransCorner

Closer to a New Pierby Leslie CurranMember of City Council for District 4

*Please note, the weekeof December 16, 17 and 18, tarchitectural models will moved from the Museum to tColiseum, 535 4th Avenue N, fa public jury presentation. T

general public is invited to attenbut comments will not be hear



Please Support Our Adertisers...and reeber to tell the that you

saw their ad here.

At this time of year, our hearts and minds are onhome, family and, yesgiving that perfect gift.But after the holidays, many people report hav-ing a case of the blues as the festivities have dieddown and they are left with the awesome task of

trying to tackle a meaningful resolution for the New Year.

Decades ago I decided carpe diem was going to be my soleresolution for the reminder of my days, and whether that meansskipping an afternoon of work for a bike ride or simply usingmy best serving ware for a pizza dinnerthe rewards have been

without end. So this New Years Eve why not make living a morebeautiful life your resolution? It will not only bring you greatrewards, but those around you as well. Lets start living a morebeautiful life where each day begins -- at home.

You know how you feel when you give yourself a dof pampering at the spa? You feel refreshed, rejuvenaand renewed. You can also make your home look and f

refreshed, rejuvenated and renewed, all in one day, witredesign. Were not talking about totally renovating yohome by knocking down walls and buying new furnit-- although that would work but by a redesign that wgive your home a facelift using everything you alreaown. How could that work, you ask?

Re-inision. Re-iagine. Re-purpose.I could provide some of the technical tools [we] d

signers use such as balance, scale and proportion, butit really comes down to is putting your things in just tright spot to give you that designer look using the art

placement. To a designer, a lot of how we place thingsinstinctual and it just feels right (that instinct is hon

with years of practical experience). However, I can giyou a few tricks you can do on your own to help give yohome a facelift for the New Year.

First, you need to evaluate the rooms architecture and xed cal points. What is the shape of the room? Do you have a replaor a great view out the windows? Determine what your focal pois and arrange the furniture to complement that element.

Always keep function in mind when arranging your furnituHow are you going to use the room and what do you needinclude in it to make it comfortable? Extra side tables, lightineed to see the TV? Make sure to set it up so that it works justwell as it looks.

And while theyre important, never place your artworkaccessories until everything else is in the perfect place. Thalike picking out your jewelry before you pick your outt. Yoaccessories should complement the room and its furnishings, nstand all by themselves. With some exceptions, you should uaccessories to ll in spaces around the room, on tabletops aon walls to complete the overall look. Make sure they relatesomething in the room, for instance color, style, material, etc.it doesnt work in that room, try it in another room.

If you have more time, consider a fresh coat of paint, an acquisition or a few new accessories. The beauty of redesignthat it can be done in one day, and you could be very surprisedhow it changes your room and your lifestyle. Those tips asidethe process seems daunting or you are short on free time, patienor creativity, here are some guidelines to help you decide if yshould hire an interior re-designer.

You might want to hire a professional re-designer if...

You want a fresh, new look without having to spend a lotmoney.

You have little or no free time to coordinate and shop home decor items.

You feel completely overwhelmed by the number of choiavailable.

You need help with space planning, furniture placementaccessorizing.

The Only Resolution That mattersLie a more Beautiful Life!

by Laura Fag



Youve tried to deco-rate your home and havepurchased a few niceitems but really need helppulling it all together.

You want a cohesivedesign that can be carriedthroughout your home.

You want to improvetrafc ow and function-

ality of the room. You think you havepretty good taste butwould like to move upa few notches in style.Youve torn out photosin magazines of roomsyou like but are unsure ofhow to coordinate someof the elements.

vYou and your partner cant seem to agree on where your fur-nishings should be placed in your home.

Youre tired of buying things here and there without an overall

plan. Youre blending households or downsizing and dont know

what you should keep or not keep.

Interior re-designers can help to pull rooms together in smallways and large -- whatever suits your budget and your mood. Itis about having a living room that invites you in again and again,

a dining room that indupeople to linger after dinnor a bedroom that worksa personal retreat. It is abachieving an overall loA re-designer can percethe potential of a homeways most people cant a

provide the WOW facwithin budget. Ultimateexpert advice, whether yadhere to it or not, tends

be a good investment.

There is no greater light than a home you loto be in and one that you

proud to show your frienYou probably already haeverything you need for t

wonderful home. It just needs to be put in the right spot.

Carpe diem!

A resident of The Old Northeast, Laura Fage is the proprietor of CaTerra Design, a creative business devoted to the enhancement a

celebration of life, from inspiring clients to live a more beautiful through home decorating and redesign to creating the most sougafter private, public and corporate special events imaginable. Lais an award-winning event planner; has owned a home and gardboutique; hosted a garden TV show and conducted workshops onaspects of home dcor and residential gardening. For more informtion visitcasaterradesign.com or call 727.269.9462.



the 20s, 30s and 40s throughout the afternoon. Mindy, Sunken Gardenscockatoo, along with her friend Bill OGrady, enthralled both kids and theirparents. St. Petersburg Preservation was on hand offering photo ops andJay Marshall secured a collection of antique re-ghting equipment whichwas on display. Mistress of Ceremonies Jean Calandra, a resident of TheOld Northeast and a teaching artist at the American Stage, was in full 20sattire and kept everything moving at an excellent pace.

Later in the afternoon, City Council members Leslie Curran, Jeff Dannerand Wengay Newton and his family dropped by to offer their best wishes

to the neighborhood, which included their singing Happy Birthday to theneighborhood (see photo below).

The celebrations nale was the decorated hat contest (see photo below)with chief judge Kathi Harris, milliner extraordinaire and proprietress ofher own unique hat business.

If you think you are exhausted just reading this, think how satisfying theend of the day was for the picnickers and approximately 40 volunteers whoseefforts made the afternoon such a success. We wish you all could have joined

nouncements anddont be afraid tovolunteer!!!

Our special thanks to the 40+ neighborhood volunteers, Stevie Osterland and tCity Parks Department and the City of St. Petersburg for making this memoraband historic event possible!

Picnic from page 1

Above: City Council members Jeff Danner, LeslieCurran and Wengay Newton

the estimated 350or so who attended-- but dont despair,theres talk of an-other Old North-

east neighborhoodfamily picnic in thefuture. Look for an-

Above: Youngest hatcontestant

Left: Mindy, SunkenGardens cockatoo,along with her friend

Bill OGrady

Right: St. PetersburgPreservation was onhand offering photoops

Merry Makers Barbershop Quartet


11/32Page HistoricOld NOrtheast NeighbOrhOOd News



Thoughts fromthe Front Porch

Courtney Ellis is a Registered MentalHealth Counselor Intern who providesindividual and couples counseling tothe Tampa Bay area. She lives in a cozybungalow in The Old Northeast withher husband and two dogs. She tries tospend as much time on her front porchas possible.

by Courtney Ellis, MA, RMHCI

Be Grateful ThisHoliday Season

With the holiday season comes excitement, joy, twin-kly lights andoh, yeah, stress. Stress because theeconomy is not doing so hot and we have a lot of food

and decorations to purchase. Stress because many of us are livingpaycheck-to-paycheck and dont exactly have excess funds lyingaround for gifts. Stress because we not only have to give presents toour family members but also have to be sure to get little somethingsfor teachers, co-workers and neighbors.As cheery and fun as the holidays aresupposed to be, we often make the monthof December into a time of needing more,wanting more and becoming well awareof the fact that we dont have more togive. While times are denitely toughin America right now, I do think there isa silver lining amidst tight budgets andempty wallets and that silver lining iscontentment.

Think about that word contentment.What immediately comes to mind? Forme, it is peace, rest, satisfaction. It ischoosing to focus on what we do haveversus on what we dont. It is dwellingon those things that we are thankful for even the small things. It is separatingwhat we want from what we need and remembering that we canbe happy even if we dont have it all. Contentment is choosingnot to compare ourselves to the Joneses because we have it prettydarn good over here. And lastly, contentment is choosing not tocomplain about all of those things that you do not have, whetherverbally or in your head. To sum it up, contentment is a choice wemake daily and one that we should all make during this holidayseason in order to fully enjoy it.

A great quote I recently heard is this: Gratitude unlocks the

fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and moreturns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to claritycan turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger intfriend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for todand creates vision for tomorrow (by Melody Beattie). I love tquote as it reminds us that when we choose to be grateful for wwe do have, we realize that we have enough. What if we went ithis holiday season feeling like we truly had enough? How woit look different? I believe that it would bring less stress, give

permission to spend less on presents and would bring our childrgreat life lessons on what matters and what is to be valued.

So how do we choose contentment? One easy way is to stcomplaining, period. Recently I was challenged to think abothe power of my thoughts and words when it came to complainI was asked this: If I had to give someone a dollar every timcomplained, and if someone gave me a dollar every time I wgrateful, would I be rich or poor? Unfortunately, I dont thinwould be rolling in the dough, to be quite honest with you. This htruly challenged me to catch myself when I am focusing on ththings that I dont have. It has challenged me to stop comparimyself to my neighbor and to appreciate what is in front of me

Another way to choose contentment is to focus on and be thankfor what we do have. A great exercise is to write out ve things which you are grateful. Okay let me guess family, house, food, jcar.or something along those lines. Now list ve more, then more and so on. It is amazing to see how many things we truly hato be thankful for once we begin listing them in detail. Even lithings that we often take for granted -- like being able to have windows open in December, having clean water to drink or havincoat to wear on those few cold winter days. You can list things yhave, people you appreciate and activities you are able to do. I chlenge you over this holiday season to sit down with your family ashare your lists. Be more vocal about the things you are thankful on a daily basis -- maybe even share a few things you are thankfor with your spouse each night before bed or each morning befstarting a hectic work day.

I also challenge you to back this holiday season. Gyourself permission to not satievery desire and instead thinkcreative gifts that will give yoloved ones a lasting feelinglove, hope or encouragemeBelieve me, when your kids looking back on their favorthings from childhood they going to think of memories spas a family, not things. So go cate memories go choose tothankful. It will surely make t

holiday season merry and brigeven on the tightest of budget



Thank You Mama Offers:Acupuncture n Herbal Therapies n Massage

Mayan Abdominal Massage n Education for the entire family

Visit Our Baby BoutiquOrganic boutique clothing n Carriers n Feeding n Gear n Gi

find us onfaceboo1511 4th Street No

St. Petersburg, FL 337

(727) 289-725

www.ThankYou-Mama.co

Beautiful gifts, Exceptional care.

Stress-Free Grooming...

AT YOUR DOORSTEP!

727-698-9500

www.DogmaSpa.com

We come to youhome or officeandsave you time.

Less stress for both you and your pet. Personal, one on one pet care. Sanitary, safe and healthy environment. Day, evening, and weekend appoint-

ments available.

Rebecca Barie

Portraits7272892800

[email protected]

Children

Adults

Pets

This Little Piggy



Oer The Back Fence

is a collection of what weve 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

youd like to share about a special recognition, award received, birth, graduation, good-

deed-done or observation around the neighborhood please pass it along to the Editor. Overthe Back Fence is only going to be interesting if we hear from you!

S Sandby

Over The Back Fence is a

Soapbox...STep On up

d

leTS hearFrOm yOu

-i: [email protected]

Finally!!... Doughnut lovers and acionados of Dunkin Donutscoffee will celebrate the opening of a new drive-through DD inearly December at 1050 4th Street N. The store is being built to U.S.Green Building Council standards and will have all LED lighting,efcient water xtures and constructed with insulated concrete

requiring less energy tocool. [source: St. Peters-burg Times, 10/23].Upthe street aways at 27064th Street NE is a new littleMexican restaurant calledCasita Taqueria. With its

handful of tables insideand out on the patio, you can enjoy tacos, tortillas, bean dishes,salads and more. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 11/13] The casitawas reviewed (favorably) in the 11/17 Times.

Dumpster Dilemma... Many thanks to our neighbors, theWestminster Community, for responding to HONNAs requestto screen their Dumpster located on Beach Drive NE (HONNAsNeighborhood Plan seeks to put trash receptacles in the rear ofproperties). In addition, the Dumpsters location had given theimpression that construction was on-going at thesenior living facility. To address the issue,Westminster installed fencing to screen theDumpster from the view of passers-by on

one of our most traveled thoroughfares, andthe Citys Sanitation Department agreed toopen and close the gate on trash days.

Code Violations...A neighbor is inquiringWhats up? with properties she describesas messes and possibly being used by va-grants. One is located at Beach Drive and 6thAvenue NE. Anything being done to cleanup these properties?, she asks. One thingyou can do is phone the City and report your

concern. Codes compliance (including for overgrown properis 893-7373. If that doesnt work, go through the Mayors ActiCenter at 893-7111.

Ringside Cafe... The9/21 St. Petersburg Timesdid a feature piece in itsNeighborhood Timessection on restaurantswhich had morphedfrom previous existenceas houses or other busi-nesses. The Ringside Cafat 1492 4th Street N hadonce been a residence,

boardinghouse and a box-ing gym (now nearby asthe Fourth Street BoxingGym).

SCAM artists at work in St. Pete. .. BEWARE!An alert from tCouncil of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) and the Snell I

Neighborhood Association. In November, Snell Isle and Old Nresidents have had young people knock their doors asking for donations to variothings (sending the USF lacrosse teamFrance to play, helping to pay for part o

semester abroad, sending magazines to otroops abroad, etc.). These people are veclever, pushy and persuasive. They giyou names of neighbors a few doors dowor a block over and say they contributeThat is a lie. DO NOT BE FOOLED. THIS BOGUS AND A CON. All persons sliciting door to door must register with tCity and display a certication card issu

by the City. Do NOT give that person amonies. The monies collected do NOT to any charity, just to the con artist. WHA

TO DO: If you are approached, tell them NO or say you need

think about it and to come back tomorrow. Then call the Poliimmediately and tell them you are reporting a suspicious personDescribe what that person looks like (height, weight, build, racwhat he/she is wearing (clothes, shoes, hat, sunglasses?) andwhich direction she/he went. Ask that an ofcer stop by in persto talk to you. Write down the name of the person you reportthis info to and also ask for an event number. If you did give thea check, call your bank immediately and have the bank stop pament on that check. The Police Department is investigating th

but they need our help to apprehend these con artists. Please repothis activity as soon as these people appear. Help stop them fro

preying on us and our neighbors.



Neighborhood Book Group

As The Pages Turn...by Susan Coffey

ONEGreat Book group met in September atthe home ofJessica Keith. The bookJessica chose was TheHungerGames

by Suzanne Collins, which is the first book in The HungerGames trilogy. Written in the first person and told by 16 year

old Katniss Evergreen, it is labeled under young adult sciencefiction. Although the concept is somewhat disturbing, we allfound the book to be captivating and hard to put down. Thebook is fiction, but Collins takes the modern day idea of reality

TV to the next level.

The story i s se tin post apocalypticUnited States, and thecountry is known asPanem with the richCapital (formerly theRocky Mountains) andits 12 districts. Kat-

niss is from District12 (formerly Appala-chia) which is rich incoal production but isthe poorest of the dis-tricts. As punishmentfor a previous rebel-lion against the Capi-tal, every year one boyand one girl betweenthe ages of 12-18 fromeach district are cho-sen through a lottery

to participate in theHunger Games. Thegames are televised

24-7 throughout the whole country for all to watch. But thisis not your Olympics where the best at their sport win; this isteenage couple against teenage couple fighting for their lives.No, this is more like war, where 12 couples are sent to anundisclosed outdoor arena to kill each other until one coupleemerges as the victor. Once youre chosen -- like the draft --there is no way out except to participate and survive.

Katniss, who only becomes one of the chosen after takingher 12-year old sisters place, is paired with Peeta from herdistrict who secretly has a crush on Katniss. The chosen are

sent to the Capital weeks before and prepped not only on howto fight and survive but are also given new haircuts, clothes,make up and paraded out as if for a movie premiere for all thecountry to see and to place their bets as to who they perceivewill be the survivors. The outdoor arena is not like a stadiumas one would think: it is a dangerous wooded area with roughterrain with wild animals, poisonous plants and unpredictableweather, all controlled by the Capital. Survival of the fittest isan understatement here, but Katniss finds good in some of heropponents which makes it all the more difficult.

As the games continue, money is raised by the viewers tosend food or weapons to their favorite couple. Katniss andPeeta become one of the favorites after Peeta professes his love

for Katniss to the viewers, but Katniss is too much in survimode to really believe him. The book also takes a twist wthe players and the rules are changed, not only having couagainst couple but each couple against one other.

We all liked this book a lot and almost didnt want to admit because of the concept, but Collins wrote this in such a wthat we had to find out how this would turn out. We had a seous discussion as to the similarities with reality TV, war asurvival. There are some hard scenes in the book, which maus wonder how this book could be recommended for teenag

but it is very popular with them as well as adults.Jessica kept with the books food preference and made lastew for all of us since it was Katniss favorite meal. We gave this book a thumbs up.

gh gh gh

In November we met at the home ofMimi Hallock. Mchose the bookHotelontheCornerofBitterandSweetby mie Ford. The book is told by the character Henry Lee, botha 12-year old boy in the 1940s and as 56-year old man in 19

The story takes place in Seattle. Henry Lee is an Americborn to Chinese immigrants and becomes a young teenagerthe start of World War II. Henry is the Lees only child, a

they want him to fit in with the American culture. His fatis so obsessed that Henry be Americanized and also does nwant Henry to be mistaken for Japanese. So his father does tthings to ensure this. First, he has Henry schlorshipping atexclusive all-white American school where Henry is pickedrelentlessly, and he has Henry wear a button that says, I Chinese as not to be confused with the Japanese.

Henrys father sends mixed messages to Henry. His fathwas a Chinese nationalist who hated the Japanese and was proof his Chinese heritage but did not want Henry to speak Ctonese in their house. He wanted Henry to speak English evthough he and his wife barely spoke English. On the other hahe wanted Henry to finish his high school years in China w

relatives. Talk about confusion! Henry was caught in the midas not being accepted by his classmates for being Asian ayet his father wanted him to be Asian only to point. All of tis compounded by the factthat Henry, who works atthe school cafeteria that heattends, finds his true soulmate, a Japanese-Americangirl named Keiko. She toois schlorshipping at thesame high school and istormented by the other stu-dents for being Japanese.

She, like Henry, was born inAmerica and barely speaksJapanese. Their bond isvery thick and they supportone another immensely.They are only 12 years old

but they are wise beyondtheir years. Henrys fa-ther does eventually findout about this relationshipand does everything in his

power to sabotage it.



Please Support Our AdvertisersWho Support This Newsletter

No Adertisers = No Newsletter

And tell the you saw their ad here

each other again and stay in touch through letters. The swe

Ford actually starts the book in 1986, when Henry watching as the new owner who just purchased the boardup Panama Hotel is pulling out all the belongings left so loago by the Japanese who were forced to leave them behindthe 1940s. Henry sees a Koi parasol that he swears belonto Keiko, which sets off a lot of emotions of things that mighave been. At this point Henry is widowed from Ethel and hhis own son, Marty. Marty, who is in college, loves his fath

but their relationship is somewhat strained because neither ogets the other. But, seeing this parasol and Henrys queto get to the truth about his own father and what happenedKeiko helps bring the two of them together.

Ford goes back and forth from the 40s to the 80s, and tstory flows nicely. We really are interested in the characteand what happens to them. It really does end bittersweet.

As per our group everyone had an opinion on this subjewhich led to a great discussion. Again, keeping with ththeme, Mimi served a wonderful Asian dish. We all gavethis book a thumbs up.

ONE Great Book Club meets every other month, thesecond Thursday of that month in the evening. There

continues to be a waiting list; I can be reached [email protected]. Our sister/brother book clubmeets the last Wednesday of each month inthe afternoon. Contact Colleen [email protected] information.

And so begins the bitter sweet. The war is going strong andPresident Roosevelt signed the order for all Japanese livingin the U.S. to be sent to internment camps. The bitter. Most ofthese Japanese are American-born and had nothing to do withthe bombing of Pearl Harbor. While American men fought thebrutal battles in the Pacific, the Japanese in America were fight-ing a battle to keep their homes, their jobs and their familiestogether. Some of the Japanese-Americans even fought in thewar for the U.S. Inevitably, Keiko and her family are sent to an

internment camp and then moved to another. They and all theirJapanese neighbors are forced to leave most of their preciousbelongings in the Panama Hotel, which is at the entrance to theJapanese section of the city in Seattle. They presume that oneday they will go back there to re-claim them. Life and yearsgo on and they dont.

With the help of an older jazz musician whom Henry hasbefriended, he and Henry hop on several buses to Idaho whereKeiko and her family are now encamped. Henry and Keiko arenow 13 but deeply and innocently in love. They promise to see

Book Club from previous page



Consuer TipWhen contracting services from any business its

always a good idea to check with the Better BusinessBureau for prior complaints. Ask for references and

conrm that your contractor is licensed.

Jeffrey Seymour, DMD, MS

4305 4th Street N., St. Petersburg

727-954-3440

www.northeastorthodontics.com

Traditional andClear Braces

InvisalignPreferred Provider

Conveniently Locatedin the Neighborhood

Full Time Ofce Hours

Most Insurance PlansAccepted

Call Now to Schedule YourComplimentary Exam

Orthodontics

for Children

& Adults

In Case You missed It:Updates and Follow Ups

Keeping You Current on Some

Neighborhood Stories That Have

Been in the News

Beginning October 29th

, mo-torists could expect to be cited forrunning red lights. In September, St.Petersburg Police began issuing warn-ings to motorists running red lights atany of the 10 intersections selectedfor new trafc safety cameras as partof the Stop on Red program. Thecameras capture still images and videoof red-light violators which are thenreviewed by the Police Department.Most communities who implementred light running cameras see a reduc-tion in violations from 20%-87%. Formore information on the program,

visit www.stpete.org/stoponred

In case youre interested as to where the trafc safety camerasare located, here are those intersections (and each is supposed to bemarked clearly with signs); note that one is in our neighborhood.Running a red light will earn you a $158 ticket.

4th Street and Gandy Boulevard

4th Street and 54th Avenue N

4thStreet and 22nd Avenue N

6th Street and 5th Avenue S


34th Street and 1st Avenue N

34th Street and 1st Avenue S

34th Street and 22nd Avenue S


66th Street and Tyrone Boulevard

66th Street and 22nd Avenue N

B e t w e e n S e p t e m b e r 1 5 t h a n d O c t o b e r 2 8 t h ,the Ci ty began using the red l ight cameras in aprobation period during which time more than 2,200 warningswere issued. Here are the number of warnings issued per day atthe intersection of 4th Street and 22nd Avenue N: southbound, 10.9,eastbound, 7.2; northbound, 0.3. The southbound gure was thehighest of the 16 locations monitored. [source: St. PetersburgTimes, 10/29]

The state is cracking down on several assisted living facilitiesin Pinellas County which have been found to be unsatisfactory.

The Agency for Health Care Administration has notied the Peakeepers Den at 1325 4th Street N that it will deny its applicatfor a license under new ownership due to a leaking roof and issuwith resident care. A lawyer for the 51-bed facility has said it hopeful all issues may be resolved and its application for licencan be approved. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 8/24]

A mans body was found oating off North Shore Pon November 5th. The man, a client of the Boley Center, had n

been seen for several days when surfers off North Shore Pdiscovered his body. His backpack had been located a day earl

in the water off the park at 12th Avenue NE. Police said there wno evidence of foul play or that the man was suicidal. [source:Petersburg Times , 11/8]



Are you one of those people who goes about your day-to-day life notici

things happening around you (or not happening) in the neighborhood and oCity and you wonder why (or why not) but never get around to discoveri

the answer? Weve decided to ask one of our neighbors, Sue Strott, wholived in The Old Northeast almost forever, to track down the explanatiofor some of those puzzling questions which bug, bedevil and frustrate us

So heres a start with some of those nagging, niggling WHYs? and WHATLet us know if you have a particular issue or query youd like The Answer La

to check out and well see what she can learn. Like FiOS... will we ever hethem now? Contact The Answer Lady at [email protected].

by Sue Stro

Getting Your Old Northeast

Hoe Ready for Winter

The weather is turning cooler and we know Winter is

around the corner. Some of our Northeast folks havejust joined us this year and may not be aware that there

are many things we can do to make our Winter in Paradise morepleasant. Long-time Old Northeasters may just like a thumbnailsketch to remind them of how to winterize their home. Here areseveral of those reminders:

Doors and WindowsCheck the weatherstripping around doors and, if necessary, add

felt stripping to the sides and install door-bottom-sweeps, eitherself-adhesive or screwed on metal-rubber to the bottom. Checkyour windows for drafts as well. Self-adhesive rope caulking cando almost instant wonders if you dont want to spring for a morepermanent solution now.

Furnace and Heating EquipentIf you havent done so yet, consider having your furnace in-

spectedor at least change the lter, if any, every month inWinter and every three months during the rest of theyear. Ensure that there are no ammables touchingor near the furnace before it starts up. Make surethat any cold air returns arent blocked. Keep allvents and baseboards clean. Remember that a68 degree thermostat and a sweater can keepyou feeling like its 72 degrees. You mightwant to change to a programmable thermo-stat if your home is not a complex (costestimate: $30-$70). You might even get a

rebate so ask your utility company.Check all ductwork in your attic and un-

der your house to ensure that it is all sealedat the joints. Sometimes they separate -- oranimals separate them. Seal them with silver-backed duct tape. Youllbe saving lost heat to the outside. If your home is heated by radiators,bleed the valves by opening them slightly (while you hold a smallpot below) until water appears and close them. I have always had toturn on the system and wait until the radiators heat up to accomplishthis. Youll hear the steam escaping. And, yes, the steam and watercoming out will be hot, so be careful. If you dont have a radiatorkey, try Palmers Hardware (4650 49th Street N., 527-3792). They

have a great many items for older homes. Remember, you can a special reector behind the radiator and/or place a fan in fronmove the warm air.

Safety Precautions Before Startup of HeatingChange your batteries in your smoke detectors and carb

monoxide detectors. And test them. Check your re extinguish

and/or replace them if theyre 10 or more years old.Insulation

Check the insulation in your attic to ensure you have at leastinches thickness. Occasionally, our temperature will fall belowdegrees in Winter and adding some insulation to the attic will prevwarm air from escaping. Also check the ashing at the roof edand in corners of the roof to ensure water cannot enter the hom

RoofWhen inspecting gutters, check for broken, worn or damag

roof shingles/tiles and replace them.

FireplacesIf you have a wood-burning replace that you havent clea

in two-three years, its probably time to hire a chimney sweElectric and gas replaces should be maintained following

structions that came with them. Dont forgepull the damper chain to shut the chimn

when the replace is not in use to syour furnace-heated air from esc

ing. Open it, of course, to light a Also, ensure that your chimneproperly capped or screenedkeep out rodents and birds. O

bird can make a heck of a mwhen it falls down to your as

not to mention the poor bird

Gutters and Downspouts

If gutters arent topped with pmanent guards, clean out gutters a

run your hose water down the dowspouts. Otherwise, sweep off the gu

guards. Check foliage and debris at the bottom of the downspoto ensure theyre not clogged. Consider adding extensions on downspouts to direct water away from the house.

Hot Water HeatersFlush hot water heaters at least once a year to reduce sedim

that can build up at the bottom, lessening its efciency or possicausing a leak. Take a water hose and attach it to the bottom spion the water heater. Turn off the water heater to avoid gett



Sue was born in Chicago and lived in Canada before movingto The Old NE in 1973 where she continues to run an apartmentrental business. She lives with her dog, Foxy Lady, and is one ofthose people who enjoys being busy!

Harris Tax & Accounting

Services, LLC

944 4th Street N

Suite 700

(above Tijuana Flats )

727-803-6911

Call for a free consultation!

www.harristaxandaccounting.com

Eleanor Harris, CPA

James T. Harris, Accountant

burned. Run the hose outdoors. Open the valve and let the waterdrain out completely, rinsing out the sediment with it. Detach thehose and close the spigot. Turn the water heater back on and let itll up. If you have a solar hot water heater, check with your com-pany. If yours is not a gas hot water heater, consider blanketing itwith specially made blankets.

Air ConditionersAnyone with window air conditioners should consider covers

during the Winter months.

Ceiling Fans

Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push hot air downwardto recirculate it throughout the home. Return them to the up posi-tion after Winter.

CoputerConsider a backup battery to protect your computer during any

blackouts.

Trees and PlantsHave a tree company or arborist trim any trees overhanging your

home and/or over electrical wires. Consider your precious sensitiveplants in pots and secure them in a protected area for when we doexperience the odd frosts.

For more suggestions and solutions to winterizing your Old

Northeast Home, consult Google: home winterizing, from whichmuch of this article derives.

Heres an investment that

will make you smile...

$99 NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

D entalExamination(ADAcode 0150) (gum disease & oral cancer exam included)

Fullmouthxrays(ADAcode 0210) (we use thyroid collars)

Invest in your health, your

return is compounded daily!

Call Your Downtown Dentist Today!

Caring Conscientious Confdent

(727) 822-8101John A. Ferullo,D.D.S,M.S.

200 CentralAvenue,Suite 830

St.Petersburg,Florida 33701

www.yourdowntowndentist.com



John and Susan Arsenault (7th Avenue NE) have been involved withinternational home exchanges for the past 15 years. They have exchangedtheir home with families in Greece, Italy, Germany, Ireland, France,

Sweden, the DominicanRepublic and Spain. Thefamilies have become in-ternational friends, andthey are always welcomedas guests in the country,not just tourists. It is avery cost-saving methodof visiting other countriesand the United States, es-pecially if one uses use air

miles. John and Susan usethe website HomeLink.org for exchanges, andthey are happy to speakabout the program withanyone who may haveany questions.

Rita Fabula (8thAvenue NE) is a chef (French-trained) and is of Italdescent with good home training from grandmother Nonnie! Shes bprivileged to cook in many countries, learning the different cultures acuisines, most recently in Istanbul where she lived for ve years. Rita moto St. Petersburg three years ago and is self-employed as a personal c

and caterer. Swould love to cofor your next pty! And she gicooking lessonsinclude in privhomes, havingcently complea series locally

community venManga!

Laura Fage (20th Avenue N), during her days as a model, quicdetermined that shed rather be directing catwalk activities than ing on the catwalk -- and her successful event planning career wlaunched. Laura has worked with more than 50 major designers fr New York, Milan and Paris, creating breathtaking fashion shoaround the country. When those designers needed a private receptiLaura was called upon. That quickly led to her career in creating most sought-after private, public and corporate events imaginabDespite all that experience, she confesses she got nervous beforeevent only once when she met Audrey Hepburn. Having met ma

celebrities, Laura is not easily impressed -- Theyre just like usreally, she says. But when Eliza Doolittle and the iconic Breakfat Tiffanys star opened the door to her hotel suite to be escorted toevent, Laura was speechless. And when Ms. Hepburn invited Lain to wait because the star wasnt quite ready, Laura nally found voice and the two hit it off. The founder, principal and lead designeCasa Terra Design (casa-terradesign.com), Laurasfavorite type of party issimple: one where theguests -- and hosts -- arecomfortable and totallyrelaxed, leaving the event

Spellbound(Lauras eventplanning company name).

Frank Fage (20th Av-enue N), originally hailingfrom the U.K., had al-ways wanted a piece of theAmerican Dream. Duringone of his many vacationsin St. Petersburg, Frankhappened upon a bit of thatdreamand with stars in his eyes and love in his heart, it was his 1978 silver anniversary edition white Corvette in mint condition. Fra

No Strangers Here Just Friends Youe Yet to mee

Getting to know our neighbors in this delightful neighborhood is not as hard as one might think. The Historic Old Northeast neighborhis where many of us count on each other for support, help, community engagement, entertainment, safety, a welcoming attitude and spontanwith an invitation to come join us on our front porch. To paraphrase renowned community activist Ralph Nader, when strangers start becomlike neighbors, communities are reinvigorated.

Just as diverse as our neighborhoods residential architecture are our neighbors, who are such a great mix with interesting and fun bagrounds, careers and experiences to share. Here are just a few -- and look for more snapshots in future issues of this newsletter (if you hasomething interesting, quirky, unique about yourself or an Old NE friend to share, let us know at [email protected]).

by Barbara Marshall



had it shipped to England (no small feat) and drove it for years beforepassing the dream on (we can safely assume that this was a one-of-a-kindcar in England). Frank may not have his corvette today, but you willregularly see this successful Coldwell Banker real estate agent toolingaround town in his Guinness version of a black mustang convertible.

Rick Kantner (14thAvenue NE) played tennis starting at age eight,reaching the nals of his rst tournament in Miami Beach in 1974at age nine. Continuing at tennis, he was a USTA-ranked junior inFlorida and North Carolina, achieving with his high school doublespartner #3 ranking in NC while garnering all-conference and all-district honors. Coming from a tennis family, Rick played collegiately

at Carson-Newman College all four years and taught during collegesummers. He says that his greatest tennis success came when hewas rst introduced to his future wife, Sharon, on the tennis courtin 1995. Sharon played on the FSU tennis team, later became a salesrep with Wilson Sporting Goods which sponsored tournaments, whereshe played against Jimmy Buffet and mingled with Chris Evert andJimmy Connors.

John Kelly is a recordingartist and the owner of TheHideaway Music Caf andProduction Studio on CentralAvenue in downtown St. Pete.The Hideaway serves beer

and wine, light meals and isset up as a comfortable, up-close-and-personal listeningroom where folks can listen toa variety of performers (www.hideawaycafe.biz).

Maureen Stafford (BeachDrive NE) has experienced sev-

eral extreme and memorable hiking episodes. In the 1980s she and agroup of 10 women trekked three weeks to 18,000 feet (base camp

height) in the Himalayas. Toget there, they had to landnorth of Katmandu at Luklaairport, the most dangerousairport in the world to land.She camped outdoors in thesnow at -10F and also hikedin the burning sun with blis-tering UV rays during manydays. In the 1990s she trekkedthe Andes mountains (18,000

feet) with friends, visitingremote, tiny villages andtraveling through the Amazon

jungle. In 2004, at age of 54,she climbed Devils Tower inWyoming. The view of thevery at plains from the topwas breathtaking. However,a bad storm moved in and thegroup, after signing the ascent book, had to hastily rappel off mountain -- a frightening rappel, indeed, through heavy rain alightning.

[A version of this article appeared in the November/Decemissue of theNortheast Journal.]

Barbara and husband, Jay, live in The Historic Old Northeast and owHouse to Home Relocation, LLC, a business specializing in downsizinphysically relocating individuals and families, focusing on the olderadult population and can also assist with aging in place safely (www.hthrelocation.com).They are members of the National Association of

Senior Move Managers (www.nasmm.org)

Aromatherapy is the pracce of using naturally-dislled plant essences to pmote the health and well-being of your mind, body & spirit. The fragrancethese oils can help restore balance & harmony to your body and to your l if

727/399-7386 [email protected]

Indulge YourselfRx Egz

M Vsuzwith a

Scents of MindAromatherapy Cae

crafted with thenest of essential oils

and pure soy wax

Thank you for supporting local businesses & American Farme

Scents of Mind Pure Soy CandleS

MAdE inClEARwATER, Fl

F Ac-g sbs



Twas the night before Halloween when Cynthia Serra, ofThe Old Northeast Coven, gathered her band of followersaround her and said, Strange things are happening on this

dark and dreary night that we must venture out to see. To theirsurprise, ghosts were ying over roof tops while goblins of all sizesand shapes were peering from behind bushes and trees and slitheringand stomping ghouls were screeching about their usual maladies.

At 825 18th Avenue NE there was a family of angry bi(Samuelsons and friends) busily feathering their 1st place nest.108 11th Avenue N scary creatures (Agustines and friends) wmaking eerie sounds while trying to nd their 2nd place coffor their ghoulish rest. At 605 16th Avenue NE Renee Celli aAnn Glover were occupied while staking their 3rd place claiThe witches asked how could this be? The children, the childrwe are waiting to see.

On the witches ew low and high noticing how many mostrange activities could be seen. All Honorable Mentions (818th Avenue NE, 231 8th Avenue N, 432 19th Avenue NE, 126 1Avenue NE, 601 6th Avenue NE) indeed!

With the bewitching hour of midnight about to strike, twitches were heard to say as they ew out of sight, Happy Hloween to all and to all a really frightful night!

HalloweenHorrorShowby Anne-Marie Stephenson



Property TransfersFollowing is a listing of recent property transfers in our North Shore neigh-

borhood. The individuals listed are new owners of the properties cited butnot necessarily the residents of those properties. The properties are listedin chronological avenue and chronological and alphabetical street order.

If any of these folks live near you, make sure you welcome them to theneighborhood.

Source: Compiled from public records by FNBR Inc. andprinted in the St. Petersburg Times.

Worship

Service:

Sundays10:30am

Ad courtesy of HONNA in appreciation of Westminsters generous support of HONNA

Natural Gas.Here and Now.How can you help America reduce its use of

foreign oil? Natural Gas. The supply of natural

gas in the U.S. is enough to satisfy the diverseenergy needs of our country today, and for more

than 100 years from tomorrow.

Peoples Gas is Floridas largest natural gas

provider. Were working for our economy and

your family.

Nearly two million Floridians enjoy natural gas.

Do you? Find out more atpeoplesgas.com/enjoy

and see if you qualify for up to $1,750 in

cash-back rebates.

555 5th Avenue NE #321 .....................................J.S. and Linda Groover

555 5th Avenue NE #643 ...................................... ........... Bonnie Peavy

105 6th Avenue N ........................................ .................. Nick Kavouklis210 6th Avenue N #4 ......................................... ......... Gary LaMachia

214 7th Avenue N ....................................... Gabriel and Renee Hobbs

321 9th Avenue NE ....................................Bradford and Abigail Miller

226 10th Avenue NE ............................................. ......Carrie Kirkpatrick

201 11th Avenue N ...................................... ................... Robert Bohan

225 11th Avenue NE ..................................... Douglas and Amy DuPont

227 11th Avenue NE ............................................ ....Allison Vecchiarelli

315 13th Avenue NE ............................... Thomas and Tamara Hayden

134 15th Avenue N ........................................... ... Jochen Ostermann

106 15th Avenue NE ...................................... John and Gina Pickard

135 15th Avenue NE ........................................... ........... Anthony Lewis

305 15th Avenue NE ..................................... Robert and Brenda Wright102 16th Avenue NE ............................... Evan and Elizabeth Kostreva

255 17th Avenue NE ........................................... ........................Yu Qin

436 17th Avenue NE ...................... David and Anneelizabeth Mostellar

344 21st Avenue NE ........................................... ................ Emil Pastor

232 23rd Avenue N .................................Joseph and Katherine Childs

126 23rd Avenue NE .......................................... ................Eric Wilson

136 26th Avenue N ....................................... ..................... Curtis Cafso

168 26th Avenue N ....................................... ........................Lisa Pence

1520 2nd Street N ........................................ David and Jennifer Jaffe

700 Beach Drive NE #503 ............................................ .. Roy Duttweiler

1250 Beach Drive NE ................................ Michael and Jewel Detmer

1876 Coffee Pot Blvd NE .............................. William and Martha Loyd

1175 Locust Street NE #8 ......................................... Sherry Scovronski

1012 North Shore Drive NE #33 ....................................... .......Carlos Ortiz



PORCh PARt IesPorch 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

Youre

Invited

more info, contact Larry Smith, [email protected].

No Porch Parties in Deceber or January

Neighborhood Holiday Party on Deceber 19th

valentines PartyFebruary 17th

Dino Cappelli

and Don Culpepper732 Oak Street NE



Check out the

HONNA website

www.honna.org

ON THE DOCKET: Some Upcoming Events Inand Nearby Our Neighborhood

DECEmBER 1World AIDS Day Williams Park; 388-4129

DECEmBER 1-5

St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show Albert Whitted Park; 800/940-7642DECEmBER 3

Santa Parade Downtown; 893-7441

DECEmBER 10Holiday Festival and Illuinated Boat Parade Spa Beach

DECEmBER 11HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOmES

(SEE PAGE 1)

DECEmBER 17Classic Auto, Bike & Truck Show and Toy Drive (benets All ChildrensHospital) Pier

DECEmBER 19ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD HOLIDAY PARTY (SEE PAGE 1)

DECEmBER 31First Night St. Pete Downtown locations;rstnightstpete.com

JANUARY 6-8Sunshine City Antiques & Collectibles Show Coliseum; 892-5202

JANUARY 12Tapa Bay Job Fair Coliseum; tampabayjobfair.com

JANUARY 15mLK Battle of the Bands The Trop

JANUARY 16mLK Dru major for Justice Parade The Trop to Vinoy Park; 827-8101

JANUARY 16NEIGHBORHOOD mEETING

JANUARY 20-22Ge, Jewelry & Bead Show Coliseum; 892-5202

FEBRUARY 17PORCH PARTY (SEE PAGE 24)

FEBRUARY 17Dancers 4 Cancer Coliseum; 892-5202

FEBRUARY 18Annual Grand Central Chili Cookoff 2400 Central; 828-7006

FEBRUARY 20NEIGHBORHOOD mEETING

We encourage you to go directly to the City website www.stpete.org and look forUpcoing Eents where you can click on view All Eents. This will enable you to

check updates and all the scheduled eents day-by-day for the coing weeks and onths.

RECURRING EvENTS(see calendar at www.stpete.org for more opportunities and details and anychanges in these schedules)

DailyKidsDilly Dally with Dali Dali Museum; 823-3767

monday-FridaySenior Fitness Sunshine Center; 893-7101Self Defense Aerobic Karate Sunshine Center; 893-7190

Eery monday & Wednesday eeningAwaken Yoga Sunken Garden; 551-3102

Eery monday-ThursdayAwaken Yoga Sunken Gardens; 551-3102

Eery Tuesday & WednesdayHoop Dancing Sunken Gardens; 551-3102

WednesdayBreakfast with the mayor(4th Wed); stpete.org/mayor/break-fastwithmayor.aspTea Dances Coliseum; 892-5202Picnic and music Series Williams Park; 893-7441 (Decemberonly)

Eery Wednesday & FridayTerric Tots Great Explorations; 821-8992

ThursdayDali & Beyond Fil Series (1st & 3rd Thurs) Dali Museum;823-3767

FridayChute Chi Gong Sunken Gardens; 551-3102St. Pete Shufe St. Pete Shufe Board Courts; 822-2083Get Downtown music Series (1st Fri) Central b/w 2nd-3rd; 393359Great Weedon Bird Quest (2nd Fri) Weedon Island Preserve;

453-6500Saturday

Breakfast with Dali and Failies (1st Sat) Dali Museum; 823-3767Awaken Yoga Sunken Gardens; 551-3102Guided Hikes Weedon Island Preserve; 453-6500Horticulture Workshop Sunken Gardens; 551-3102Saturday morning market Al Lang parking lotWalking Tours meet at 243 Central; 824-7802

SundayInspire Yoga at the Dali Dali Museum; 823-3767Awaken Yoga Sunken Gardens; 551-3102music Fest by the Bay The Pier; 821-6443Caricatures at the Pier(1st & 3rd Sun) The Pier; 821-6443Pier Paddle and Social Spa Beach; 510-1921

OccasionalSanta in the Park and Glice Skating December 3-4, 7-11, 15-23; North Straub Park; 893-7441

Spend New Year's Eve around downtown with First Night St.Petersburg 2012 Florida's largest First Night Celebration. Strollthe waterfront and throughout downtown to check out the festivi-ties in special spaces and outdoor places. Drink in arts and culturewith family, friends and reworks.

First Night St. Petersburg celebrates its 18th Annual New Year'sEve celebration of the arts from 5:00 p.m. to midnight at multiplevenues in downtown St. Petersburg. Family-oriented festivitieswith music stages, entertainment, drama, dance, games, art, re-works and more.

For more information, visit rstnightstpete.com



We welcome these businesseswhich are advertising in your newsletter

for the first time.

Old North East106 20th Ave N

Offered at $199,900

Selling A Home In is Market Can Be Difficult...

ats Why You Need to Hire a Team To Get e Job Done!

Old North East303 9th Ave N

Last Listed at $249,900

www.MesimerTeam.com

Estelia and her team utilizeconsultation and communicationskills you expect from executives.With extensive networking onbehalf of your home, Estelia

focuses on powerful print andonline media and follows throughtirelessly to get your property sold.

(727) 686.2859

111 2nd Ave. N.E., Ste. 400St. Petersburg, FL 33701

[email protected]

Se Habla EspaolWir Sprechen Deutsch

Soldin18Days!

UnderContract!

Start to Finish Spine Care

Rebecca Barie Portraits

Doga Spa mobile Grooing

Grand Kitchen & Bath

Aqua Wae Pool Serice

TLC Copanion Care

Harris Tax & Accounting Services

John Barie / Aericas Business

Benet Association

Northeast Orthodontics

Scents of mind Pure Soy Candles

Holiday Shopping Ideas

and New Year Resolutions

Please be sure togive them thebusiness

and tell them yousaw their ad here!



Shady Characters of The Old NEby Peter Motzenbecker

Sunken Gardens is home to a Southern Live Oak known as the Sentinel of Sunken Gardens. It is estimated to be appromately 250 years old and was recognized for its signicance by the American Arborist Society in February of 1977. There

bronze plaque to that effect, located at the tree, recognizing the tree itself as well as those who had the foresight to preserve

If you would like to nominate a special or unique shady character in the neighborhood, contact Peter [email protected]

With the headline So long, old friend, the SPetersburg Times on 8/21 ran a photo of the hugtree at 20th Avenue NE and Walnut so long admired bneighbors and passers-by.

According to the paper, the tree estimated to be 150200 years old had lost a large limb in June and the resof the tree had to be removed.

However, months later the trunk and some limbs arstill there, inspiring hope that this beauty will remaistanding for years to come.

AfterBefore



Presering the Character ofOld Northeast HousesThe monticelloby Jill McGrath

Receiving Historic Land-mark designation for a

property occurs after in-numerable hours spent researchingthe history of a building that wouldsupport the application for that des-ignation. Many of the houses in TheHistoric Old Northeast are restoredto their former glory, many are leftas they are now found -- making the

best of mistakes made because of theenormous amount of money neededto undo the damage and restore the

buildings to their original and histor-ic designs. That a building, such asthe Monticello, has retained its truearchitectural bones and historicalimportance in St. Petersburgs Old

Northeast for a landmark designation is no small achievement.

In 1909 William and Cora Powers built their rusticated concreteblock home at 245 3rd Avenue N. The building came to have fu-ture multiple owners and uses. Between 1909 and the beginningof World War II, there were approximately 12 owners who usedthe building differently -- as a family home, apartment building,

boarding house, holistic medical clinic, furnished rooms, singlerooms and suites (including Murphy beds and replaces in some

of the spaces). The railroad depot was four blocks north, and thatproximity made the Monticelloan ideal place for tourists as wellas seasonal residents.

The attack on Pearl Harborin December 1941 impactedthe tourist trade in St. Peters-

burg because the military tookover hotel space; apartment androoming houses stayed open forcivilians. It was in 1942 that the

building became known as theMonticello Apartments. Around

1950, the Monticello became anartists colony, with a numberof the artist residents listed inWhos Who in American Art.In 1966 the building revertedto a family home, and it wasoccupied as such for 21 years.In 1987 the Monticello wasutilized as an adult congregateliving facility.

Through the years there weremany alterations such as the

removal of the rear kitchen wing as well as the recongurationinterior spaces. The building was abandoned in the late 1990s ain 2004 became the only survivor in a block demolished for nconstruction. Because of numerous code violations, a develoreceived a requested demolition permit for the building. In orderavoid the destruction of the Monticello,Kenand Elizabeth Grimcontacted the developer and negotiated the relocation of the buildiwhich was completed by Roesch House Movers to its new lo

tion, 750 3rd Street N, in 2005. Out-buildings including the formtwo-story gymnasium were relocated to the new property awere demolished.

In the Historic Landmadesignation application, Monticello met three out of nine necessary criteria of the Htoric Preservation CommittThe building is a representatexample of upper class residtial architecture built during citys rst period of real est

boom. It was converted toapartment house, as were maoriginal houses in the decadof the 1920s and 1930s. Fmany owners, the added incoderived from this change was incentive to convert their homto rental spaces. There are mainstances of this same transfmation still in existence in THistoric Old Northeast.

Rusticated concrete bloPhoto courtesy Ed McGrath

Photo courtesy Ed McGrat



A r c h i t e c t

Spalzng n rsdnal Dsgnrnovaons, Addons and Nw homs

call fo a consulaon vs o you om.

A R 1 2 1 5 9

7 2 7 - 8 2 3 - 1 5 6 6Web Site trhode.com

T i m Rhode

manufactured in St. Petersburg, was the material used to build theMonticello. Because so few rusticated concrete buildings survivedthe various construction and destruction swings of St. Petersburgsreal estate moods, the Monticello is a valuable historic and architec-tural example of the use of this particular concrete medium and is

one of the earliest masonry houses in the city. In the application itwas noted that the Monticello retains integrity of design, materials,workmanship, feeling and association.Its value as a building isrecognized for the quality of its architecture and it retains sufcientelements showing its architectural signicance.

This unique house combines the elements of the Queen Anne stylewith the classically inuenced Neoclassical Revival style. The QueenAnne architecture calls for a steeply pitched hip roof but the Monticellodesign incorporated the Neoclassical Revivals lower pitched roofinstead and the two story monumental Tuscan columns, the entranceportico and verandah. Other examples of the Queen Anne Style includeasymmetrical massing, two-story canted bay window system, theasymmetrical placement of windows and the curved-around porch.

The Neoclassical elements in the Monticello are use of lunettes (anarea enframed by an arch or vault) in the gable ends, the double hungsash windows entrance with a fanlight and side lights. This build-ing remains a rare example of the marriage between the Queen Anneand Neoclassical Revival Styles. Another criterion in the applicationreported that the Monticello has distinguishing characteristics of anarchitectural style valuable for the study of a period.

Thirty-two people were involved in the seamless transit of themassive Monticello, removing and replanting trees and adjustingboth electrical and ber optic wires as it was towed towards its nal

destination during the darkest hours in February 2005. Empty mjugs, placed on the top of each porch columns capital to thwpigeons, remained in place for the entire move. Beside the bloexterior, the original oors of the rst and second story, the thoriginal replaces, the leaded glass fanlight over the front door, rst oors molding and all interior doors were all that survivfrom the buildings inception. It was noted in the application doment that the planned improvements will stabilize the structand maintain the historic design.

I think it is a new house in an old wrapper. Everything you is either original or replicated to original but underneath it isnew, Ken explained. New includes electrical, plumbing, windo

bathrooms, kitchen, the three inch thick concrete walls which interior supports for the exterior block walls as well as an addsouth dormer (the original had been demolished much earlier)the third oor to bring in natural light to an area without

Historic Old Northeast Newsletter December 2011

Documents

Transcript of Historic Old Northeast Newsletter December 2011