UPCOMING MEETINGS Mark your calendar!

September 20th HONNA Neighborhood

Meetings are held the third
Neighborhood Potluck Dinner Monday of each month
(except August and December)
October 18th To Be Announced at Westminster Presbyterian
November 15th Church, 126 11th Avenue NE
Eric Higgs, Designer of Centennial Parks Sundial Social: 6:45pm—Business: 7pm

St. Pete’s Jewel

on Tampa Bay
Volume 38 Issue 3 / September 2010 / www.honna.org Published Quarterly

Enjoy HONNA’s favorite

“new” tradition
Our September Monthly
A Room with a View
by Laura Fage
Neighborhood Meeting is a

POTLUCK
An Informal Opportunity
to Enjoy Good Food and the
Company of Neighbors and
Friends, Both Old and New
Come to the third of this
year’s Potluck Dinners in lieu
of the usual monthly ”busi-
ness-oriented” neighborhood
meeting. The date is Monday,
September 20th, at our regular
gathering place, Westminster
Presbyterian Church at 126
11th Avenue NE.
continued on page 2
A
s the days become cooler and you find
yourself heading outside more and more to
relax, entertain, dine – or all three – make
the most of the season by thinking of your yard as
an extension of your home. Creating an outdoor liv-
ing space is no longer just about increasing property
values or impressing the occasional guest. It’s about
creating a warm, welcoming, nurturing place to come
home to -- a place that soothes the stress out of daily
life and brings us closer to nature and spirit.
One of my favorite things about The Old North-
east neighborhood is that almost every home has a
space that can be transformed into an outdoor room.
Whether a formal living and dining space, a tropical
poolside retreat or small reading nook carved into a
sliver of available landscape, we have to remember
that decorating our home should not stop inside our
front door. That being said, here are a few steps to
plan a comfy and welcoming retreat that can fit any want to use the space. For outdoor dining? For
budget. entertaining a crowd? Are privacy and protec-
tion from sun or wind important or is your idea
Identify goals and make a “big picture” of paradise a roofless room that allows you to
plan stargaze at night?
Before you add a patio or deck or begin clearing
or shaping an existing landscape, determine how you continued on page 9

1
Jan Magray, Youth Music The
In this issue

Motivator Power Sundial Project

.............................5 & 26
by Barbara Marshall
Jan Magray is a long-time music educator, having taught of Citizens on Patrol..... 6
music to kindergarten to college-aged students for more
than 30 years. Jan came upon Concert in the
the Royal Theater Academy of Park................... 15
the Arts (www.royaltheater- The Answer Lady .... 18
midtown.com), located in the group that started with three six year olds
Midtown neighborhood of St. and now has 20 students and a waiting Halloween in
Petersburg, two years ago while list. The students do not pay a fee for this the ‘Hood............ 21
searching for a venue to teach afterschool program; the Royal Theater Fall Walking Tour.... 23
music to several young boys receives charitable donations from public
who weren’t able to travel to her and private individuals and entities for its Candlight Home
home-based studio where she outreach to kids. Jan named the program Tour.................... 27
teaches vocal and instrumental “Music FUNdamentals” because of her
music lessons. She subsequently belief that making music with others creates Calendar of Events
created an after-school
Historic Omusic
ld Northeast Neighborhood Ncontinued
ews on page 8 ..............................
Page 28 1
Potluck from page 1
HONNA will provide the main entrée (meat and meatless),
beverages and you can bring a favorite dish to tempt our palates.
Here’s our request of you. Depending on where you reside,
here’s what you can bring:
Between 5th-9th: vegetable dish (hot or cold)
10th-14th: bread or appetizer
15th-22nd: a dessert
23rd-30th: a salad of some sort (eg: greens, pasta or Jell-O)
Make enough to serve 6-8, depending on what it is you’re bring-
ing (of course, you get to take home any leftovers – unlikely!).
If you are kitchen-challenged – or even if you’re not – we en-
courage you to bring a can or package of non-perishable food
which we’ll donate to the church’s food pantry to pass along to
those in need.
Plan to arrive between 6:45-7pm
so we can lay out all the food and
begin dining by 7 or so. There will be
no formal program – just neighborly
conversation at tables over dinner. If
you can’t arrive by 7, come when you
can as the food should hold out until
we start to close down around 8pm.
Not a HONNA member? You’re
definitely invited anyway. And if you
decide to join, we won’t stop you.
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 NSNAeditor@aol.com
Editor Rick Carson
Columnists and Reporters parks will complement the Trail and make it more aesthetically
Mike Dailey Mike Panetta Jill McGrath
Yvonne Swanson John Gee Sue Strott
Circulation Joe O’Connor
Contributors All our Old Northeast neighbors
Newsletter Layout & Design Sharon Bond: SharonBond@gmail.com
Advertising Information Rachel Sartain: RTSartain@yahoo.com
Ad Rates­
Ad Size­ 1­Qtr­ 2 Qtrs­ 3­Qtrs­ 1­Year­
Business 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”) ­ 200 372 512 640
Full page­ 400­ 744 1024 1280
Back Cover 1/2 page 1400
*Inserts and Premium Placement: Rates Upon Request
*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 November 7th. 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 2,500 active home mailing addresses.
Contact Rachel Sartain: RTSartain@yahoo.com
Ad space is limited so please make arrangements early.
Page 2 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
The President’s Perspective
Mary Alice Lange
Association President
Many of you have probably seen the construction that is cur-
rently underway in Vinoy and North Shore parks. As part of its
Trail Program, the City is extending the North Bay Bike and
Walking Trail northward. It will eventually connect with other
sections of the trail also under construction from Coffee Pot Park
to 78th Avenue.
The increased width of the path (12 feet) required that the
light poles be moved back from the Trail. Although red dots on
many of the trees caused concern for residents, City staff assured
the Neighborhood Association that the dots identified trees for
relocation, NOT removal. New trees are also being added to the
landscaping as well – 36 Sabal palms and four Live Oaks.
When HONNA was notified of the Trail expansion, Board
members Paul Boudreaux and Robin Reed accompanied me and
we met with City staff to discuss what additional improvements
the neighborhood would like to see included in the Trail plans.
The City and HONNA agreed to:
• Removal of railroad ties from the plantings at the restrooms
(tennis courts) and re-landscaping of the entire area.
• Replacement of mismatched benches along the Trail so that
all benches will be the same as those in Vinoy Park (new trash
containers will also be installed).
• Gaps in the hedge at the swimming pool will be filled in (or
the area replanted).
• The substructure for the Centennial Sundial sculpture will
be contributed to the memorial of the 100th anniversary of the
Waterfront Parks.
Those of us who walk and bike, have children and grandchildren
and who use the Trail can look forward to a safer journey in the
future. Enhancements to the plantings and the amenities in the
pleasing for everyone.
There are many exceptional opportunities to meet your neigh-
bors and enjoy the neighborhood festivities such as the September
20th Pot Luck Dinner, Octo-
ber 16th Florida Orchestra in
the Park, October 24th Walk-
ing Tour of the waterfront
parks, Halloween weekend
festivities, November 6 th
Sundial dedication and the
December 12th Candlelight
Tour of Homes.
Come join us.
No Advertisers = No Newsletter
Please Support Our Advertisers
Who Support This Newsletter
And tell them you saw their ad here
 Association News & Activities
At the May unfortunately, to be a non-event for this year.
monthly meeting FYI. Concern has been
we heard about a voiced about the large round
proposal to allow orange Xs on a number of
digital billboards trees and palms in North
within City limits. Shore Park. No, these aren’t
Tom O’Neill of Clear being marked for elimina-
Channel Broadcast- tion. They will be moved
ing made the case elsewhere in the park to make
for such billboards, room for other new plant-
reporting that some ings in their place. Speaking
80 current billboards of trees, have you noticed
would be removed all the new plantings on the
and would be re- parkway and on the medians
placed by eight new on 4th Street (right)? Looking
digital displays on good!
major thoroughfares Paul Boudreaux is the
(e.g., I-275, 34th Street, Roosevelt and Tyrone Boulevards). Tra- newest vacancy appointment
vis Jarman (above), representing Citizens for a Scenic Florida, to the HONNA Board. He
presented the opposing case, citing safety (e.g, distractions) and and his wife, Barri, moved
aesthetics among other reasons. A decision on the proposal awaits here three years ago from
City Council action. Silver Spring, MD. A retired
Our June gathering was a quarterly potluck, unfortunately US civil servant, Paul is ac-
timed during a seasonal downpour which a small but hardy band tive with his condo association board, volunteers at the St. Pete
of hungry souls braved. Museum of History and plays senior softball. On the HONNA
July’s meeting was an open forum at which time residents were Board he is its representative to the Council of Neighborhood
encouraged to voice their pleasures and displeasures about life in Associations (CONA). 
the neighborhood and the performance of the HONNA Board. A
couple dozen people took the time to participate in a sometimes Committee Reports
lively give-and-take conversation about a diverse range of issues:
HONNA opposition to the ill-fated “Westin” hotel project on 5th Historic Preservation
Avenue N, how the neighborhood is represented before official Robin Reed, Chair
City bodies, prostitution on 4th Street, noisy events in the water- Planning Awards
front parks, more trees in public spaces and rat traps in the alleys. HONNA re-
As is customary, a representative of the Police Department was ceived second
present to provide an overview of recent criminal activity in the place for our new
neighborhood. Cautionary note: more home burglaries are occur- Neighborhood
ring and through unlocked windows during daylight hours. There Plan at the annual
was no August meeting. Neighborhoods
Rain was also the unwelcome guest on the 4th of July and suc- USA (NUSA)
ceeded in canceling the annual Children’s Parade at Coffee Pot conference in
Park. A few patriots showed up, including the Fife & Drum Corps, Little Rock, AR,
but the monsoon downpour won out. HONNA sincerely thanks the this past May.
law firm of Fudge & McArthur (neighbor Donna Fudge) and HONNA President
Smith & Associates Real Estate for sponsoring what turned out, Mary Alice Lange
and Board
members
Larry
Smith
and I rep- (l-r) Mary Alice Lange, Larry Smith,
r e s e n t e d Robin Reed and Elton Gatewood, Presi-
T h e O l d dent of NUSA
Northeast at the awards luncheon that featured former
President Bill Clinton as the keynote speaker. Susie Ajoc,
director of the City’s Neighborhood Partnership Office,
was on hand to lend support to The Old Northeast team.
The neighborhood also received a Florida Trust for
Historic Preservation award for the Plan in the category
of Preservation Education/Media at the Trust’s annual

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 3


Like our neighborhood?
Want to make it even better?
Volunteer with one of 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: Chair, Sharon Kantner
C.O.N.A. Rep: Paul Boudreaux
Crime & Safety: Jay Marshall
Historic Preservation: Robin Reed
Membership: Barbara Marshall
Planning/Neighborhood Design Review: Mary Alice Lange
Newsletter: Rick Carson
Porch Parties: Larry Smith
Programs: Open
Traffic: Mark Lawson
Website: Joe O’Connor (interim)
To contact a chair via e-mail, go to
www.honna.org/board-and-committees.html
where you can click on the name of the person you
wish to contact and send him/her a message.
JOIN OUR COMMITTEES
Interested in working on publicity for the Association?
Getting involved in upcoming special events like the
Easter Egg Hunt or the 4th of July Children’s Parade?
Contact Mary Alice Lange at president@honna.org .
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association
OFFICERS and BOARD
President: Mary Alice Lange 251-2034
Vice President: Maureen Stafford — Happy anniversary! Your Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood
Secretary: Larry Smith — Crime Watch Program celebrates its first anniversary. Through the
Treasurer: Douglas Haan, 488-5514
Directors:
Paul Boudreaux —
Rick Carson 898-7834 Bob Hunter 898-7987
Rick Kantner — Robin Reed 825-0480
Mark Lawson 365-3155 Barbara Marshall 385-4746
Ron Magray 502-9065 Jay Marshall —
To contact an officer or Board member via e-mail, go to www.
honna.org/board-and-committees.html where you can click on
the name of the person you wish to contact and send him/her a
message.
HONNA Board meetings are held the second Monday of each
month at 6:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church and are
open to the public. Check beforehand with the Board president in
case the meeting day has been re-scheduled.
Page 4 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
conference in Sanibel. It was the second
time the Association has been recognized
by the Florida Trust, winning in the same
category last year for our book, Souvenir
of St. Petersburg, Views from the Vinoy.
Mayor Bill Foster and the City Coun-
cil recognized the neighborhood for both
awards at a Council meeting in July.
Council Chair Leslie Curran noted that
both the Plan and our book were mod-
els that she hoped other neighborhoods
in the City would use as templates for
their own plan updates and preservation
education projects.
Mary Alice Lange with Florida Trust award
Dolphin Restoration
The dolphins at the Venetian Steps in Granada Terrace have been
receiving some much-needed TLC of late. HONNA, in partner-
ship with the City’s Parks Department, has undertaken a project of
restoration and repainting for the dolphins and the Venetian Steps.
Restorer Glenn Anderson removed the dolphin on the right, repaired
the cracks and the split in the base and carefully returned it to its
original site. Pressure washing prior to painting not only cleaned
the surfaces but revealed some surprises – the dolphins were origi-
nally painted in lively colors. The City’s preservation staff, Kim
Hinder and Aimee Angel, have recommended that these colors be
restored when we repaint. Hence, you will see that the dolphins are
now sporting a teal shade of blue with brick-red eyes!
Historic Landmarks
The Ridgely Residence, located at 600 Beach Drive NE, will be
the first of our neighborhood’s local landmarks to display a beauti-
ful bronze plaque in honor of its architecture and contributions to
the history of St. Petersburg. To promote an appreciation of these
exceptional homes, the Neighborhood Association is making the
plaques available at no cost to the owners. Congratulations to
Bruce and Mary Sadler for having the first historic home in The
Old Northeast to be recognized in this special way.
Crime & Safety Committee
Jay Marshall, Chair
leadership of Maureen Stafford and the HONNA Board of Directors,
and the hard work of Ron Magray, all whom gave shape to the pro-
gram, our Crime Watch effort is recognized throughout the City as a
model. In fact, we have been asked to sponsor next year National Night
Out (NNO) for Police District Two, which covers over 40 separate
neighborhoods. NNO is to honor residents who take an active role in
Crime Watch and to recognize our partnership with law enforcement
to make our community a safer place to live, work and play. For our
neighborhood to be selected is one of the highest compliments.
This is a good time to let you know what accomplishments we
have achieved and where we want to be when we celebrate or
second anniversary. First, we need to recognize that The Historic
Old Northeast neighborhood geographic area is huge, running from
5th Avenue to 30th Avenue N and from 4th Street N to North Shore
Drive/Coffee Pot Boulevard. Our community can be reached by
anyone at any time using street ways and alleys, totaling over 135
access points.
 Sundial Planned as Memorial to Waterfront Parks Centennial Year
by Sydni Ann Shollenberger, Public Relations Consulting

A
s a memorial to the Waterfront Parks Centennial in 2010, sculptor Eric Higgs -- whose monumental sculptures have been
installed and his works exhibited around the world, from France to Japan and from California to Florida -- has designed a
one-of-a-kind stone sculpture, a human-scale sundial.
Robin Reed, who lives near the site where the Waterfront Parks Centennial Sundial will be placed, researched the history of ear-
lier sundials at “Vista Point” in North Shore Park, where Tampa Bay and Coffee Pot Bayou meet. She approached Higgs, who was
inspired by the possibilities of creating a lasting monument to the Waterfront Parks Centennial year.
Eric is contributing the design and his installation expertise to the project, and the City of St. Petersburg will provide both the in-
frastructure and landscaping when the sundial is installed next to the Pinellas Trail at Vista Point this fall. The dedication is planned
for Saturday, November 6th, during the 100th all-day birthday party, taking place in all 12 of the downtown waterfront parks. HONNA
was the first donor, setting aside $1,000 toward the project. The Old Northeast Garden Club and its members contributed almost as
much, and additional donations have since been received.
Save the date and join the fun – November 6th -- Party in the Parks!
[The “Neighborhood Times” section of the 8/15 St. Petersburg Times ran an article by Sandra Gadsden, Assistant Metro Editor/
Community News, “Time for an artistic sundial.” The piece gave some history about plans for the sundial sculpture to be erected near
the North Shore Drive-Coffee Pot Boulevard curve in the road. Old NE resident and sculptor Eric Higgs was approached by HONNA
Historical Preservation chair Robin Reed about creating something special for this spot, and since a sundial was once located here the
idea developed to create a “human” sundial. There will be a semi-circle of markers in the ground marking each hour, and when someone
stands in front of the half- Vista Point Sundial proposal
circle facing north a shadow draft; design by Eric Higgs
will fall upon the appropri- copyright 2010
ate hour marker. The cost
of the project is estimated
to be about $17,000 and
valued at $35,000 with Eric
donating his time “as a gift
to the neighborhood.” To
be known as Vista Point,
it’s scheduled to be finished
along with the North Shore
Trail with a target date of
November 6th.]
See related article page
26.

Judi Reed has been absolutely superb managing our Citizens on would like to have your own
Patrol (COP) component. Through her diligence, we have trained sign, all you have to do is
over 40 individuals through the St. Petersburg Police Department go to the HONNA website
to patrol our neighborhood and have deployed vehicle, biking (www.honna.org/contact-
and walking patrols. Most of you recognize these folks by their us) and let us know.
distinctive markings and lights, going out all times of the day, to If you see someone who
report suspicious activities. We have made a great start by actively is acting suspiciously, call
engaging these residents who take great pride in their community the police at 727/893-7780
and its safety. We have 11 vehicle patrols and three walking patrols. and report. If you can, please
Not a bad start. To all of you, a big thanks for your community go to the HONNA website
services. But, we need more residents to patrol! (www.honna.org/crime-
The biggest assets we have to prevent crime are your “eyes and watch) and let us know so
ears,” telephone and e-mail. Complementing our COP component we can alert your neighbors
are ways to encourage all residents to notice and report suspicious about the suspicious activ-
activities and make visible signs throughout the area that we do ity through e-mail blasts. It
just that. The City has placed four “Neighborhood Watch” signs at will only take a few minutes
strategic locations around the perimeter of the neighborhood and and will be well worth your
more are expected. However, we have taken this one step further. time to keep someone from
Everyone is encouraged to consider posting your own Crime Watch burglarizing a residence,
sign on your own property. Many are already out there, but if you stealing property or robbing

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 5

a neighbor. If you don’t report, then everyone suffers. If you have
not opted in to receive crime watch messages and e-mail blasts,
please go to www.honna.org/crime-watch and register. We will
send you timely information about suspicious activities so you
can be prepared and will notify you of Crime Watch events and
opportunities.
Another accomplishment is our work with the Council of
Neighborhood Associations (CONA) to push passage of the
street vendor ordinance, which prohibits soliciting from the
motor ways. As you may notice, we have dramatically reduced
the number of panhandlers soliciting monies from the streets.
Although this still exists to a lesser degree, especially in the
downtown area, isn’t it nice to drive around town without
seeing folks at intersections asking for money?
Your Crime Watch Program made a presentation at the Florida
Neighborhoods Conference held in St. Petersburg in July to help
educate crime watch representatives and other neighborhood
officials from throughout the state. Once again, The Historic
Old Northeast is so well respected for our community-police
partnership and our accomplishments that we are in the position
to help others grow and sustain their programs.
And we have a monthly Crime Watch meeting, held the sec-
ond Thursday of each month (except August and December)
at Westminster Palms. Our guest speakers address crime and
code issues and we talk about crime trends and prevention
measures and look for new ways to make our neighborhood
safer.
The above is just a snapshot of your Crime Watch Program,
serving you every day. However, our goal for this year is to
put in place sector or block captains so that, throughout all of
The Historic Old Northeast, we have crime watch coverage all
of the time. We can only do this through your active support.
Over the next few months, your Crime Watch Committee will
be reaching out to you to ask for a little bit of your time to
make a big difference. To volunteer or for more information,
e-mail jaymarshall@honna.org.
The following are thoughts from Judi Reed, one of our long
time residents of the ‘hood and who serves as a Crime Watch
coordinator and manages our Citizens on Patrol. She captures
the essence of why it is important for us to dedicate a little of
our time to community service by joining Crime Watch.

Citizens on Patrol
by Judi Reed

O
ne of The Old Northeast Crime Watch patrollers the other evening said that we “Need to take back the neighborhood,”
and it made me reflect on how our neighborhood has changed throughout the years regarding neighborhood crime. Were
they right or was I forgetting how it was here 20 years ago?
Of course, for 14 of those 20 years I only lived here on weekends, having a career that sent me somewhere every week and most of the
time I didn’t know until the last minute where I was headed. However, I don’t remember people breaking into homes or cars at the rate
they do now or having so many panhandlers and vagrants. And there wasn’t a need or thought for having a Crime Watch program.
Times have changed though, and I’m home most days now and somewhat settled into a more “normal” lifestyle. And I guess the
other world has changed as well. Now I find myself in my spare time volunteering to run The Old Northeast neighborhood Citizens
on Patrol. We are a group of volunteers who care enough about our community to give our time to patrol. Our mission is to work
with the St Petersburg Police Department and our neighbors to help keep our community free of crime.
We’re not out there patrolling to capture or corral anyone -- we’re out there to report any suspicious criminal activity, to report street
lights not working or malfunctioning or to report egregious code violations that would facilitate crime in our community. Volunteers
drive cars, ride bikes and scooters and walk throughout our neighborhood. We have certain
areas we’re assigned, usually our own backyard areas we reside in, but we’re not restricted
such that we can’t help out or go elsewhere.
The people who volunteer are only asked to give one hour a week or whatever they can
spare. The training is condensed into one evening and it teaches you not only how to look
out for potential problems but provides information that you can use on how to look out for
your own family and residence.
Volunteers come from many different professions and many different parts of the country
or world. Some are retired and some are still working at two jobs. For instance, there is a
retired Air Force fighter pilot and his wife, a surgeon, someone who’s worked all over the
Middle East for the oil companies, another who works for a ministry, a person running a
limo service in another state, government contractors, Realtors and many others from vari-
ous professions. They are all different and interesting but what they all have in common is
an interest and desire to make The Old Northeast the wonderful and safe community that it
should be and was meant to be.
So please join with us in any way you can and help “take back our neighborhood.” Make
The Historic Old Northeast not only beautiful but a safe place for our families, our friends,
our neighbors and our loved ones (the furry ones, too). If you can donate just a little of your
time to make things safer, we’d love for you to join us. We encourage dog and cat walkers
to take part. Turn your morning or evening stroll into a little something different. It’s all for
a wonderful cause, and it could be for your own as well. To volunteer or for more informa-
tion, e-mail jaymarshall@honna.org.
Judi with Officer Gabe Lopez Thank you all, and stay safe!

Page 6 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

 Clip and mail

Crime Watch Fact Sheet

Name___________________________________________

T
Address_______________________________________ Zip____________
he Historic Old Northeast
Neighborhood Associa- Home Phone:_______________ Office Phone:_________________
tion has joined the social
networking world to enable us to Cell Phone:_________________ E-mail:_______________________
better interact with our members
and residents.  Come join us on Emergency Contact Person______________________________________
Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Contact’s Phone #_________________________________
honnaorg.  Several pages have
been created for various other HONNA Member: Yes____ No____
“Old Northeast”s so watch for the
HONNA logo. This is a great way to Would like more info on membership Yes___ No___
exchange information and discuss
topics concerning our neighbor- Signed:_ ________________________________________
hood. HONNA, PO Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734
Look for Us on Facebook!

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 7

Power of One from page 1 while other students attempt to match tones or find a key on the
fun, along with opportunity for skill achievement and develop- piano with her students repeating, “There are no wrong notes.”
ment of a positive self worth through collaborative and supportive Jan helps them create their own music, gaining confidence in ex-
group interaction.  pressing themselves. A tradition is to begin and end the children’s
music programs with one of Jan’s compositions, “Join Together.”
Music FUNdamentals follows the school year calendar with a The words say it all: “Join together,
fall, winter and spring module. one another, raise your voices high;
Jan meets several times a week sing together, hear the music, reach
with each child in both a small up to the sky.”   
group of two or three for 30 min-
utes and also a large group of ten Her curriculum, which often in-
once a week for 45 minutes. The cludes a simple children’s chant or
culmination is a filmed recital play party song that Jan’s composed,
held in the spring of individual features different soundscapes also
and group performances before created by her to evoke action
the children’s family members.  and emotion, allowing students to
respond with moving about freely,
Jan’s music and ministry clapping and vocalizing supportive
careers align in her outreach to sounds, and also playing instruments
help kids feel included in their like drums and piano. Jan’s message
“singing” community and to feel to the kids: If you don’t express, you
valued by peers and family. She depress. 
uses her music styles and own
compositions to connect, unite Jan’s goal is to get other after-
and heal individuals and groups school programs, both locally and
in an emotional and communal way. She teaches group support of nationally, to incorporate her music
a soloist’s individualism, having her students listen carefully to the curriculum. And she would also like to see it used in home school
soloist’s vocal inflection — a practice that transfers into everyday programs and at children’s hospitals.  She plans to create a con-
life where kids are challenged to understand one another. To teach tinuing curriculum for her students at the Royal Theater who were
that each child is honored with his turn to perform instills a sense of enrolled for the first two years. Interested musicians or teachers
ease and diffuses the need to “fight” for one’s rightful opportunity. who would like to volunteer can reach Jan at webmaster@artsoft-
She also instills in her students the need to demonstrate patience hespirit.net.  
Jan lives in The Historic Old Northeast with her husband, Ron. She holds
a BS in Music Education from the University of Minnesota; a graduate cer-
tificate in Music Education, specializing in the Kodaly methodology from the
New England Conservatory and University of Massachusetts; is a graduate of
the Music for People “Leadership and Musicianship International Program”
and also has a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College.
Barbara Marshall serves on The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood
Association (HONNA) Board of Directors and is chair of its Membership
Committee.
A version of this article appears in the September 2010 issue of
The Northeast Journal.

New
Members
Laurence & Emily Fasan..........................19th Avenue NE
Jonathan Coleman, Rick Kerby.......... Andalusia Way NE
Amy Robison & Doug Robison................13th Avenue NE
Susan & Mark McGarry............................23rd Avenue NE
J. Warren Alessi & Linda Reifler-Alessi.......13th Avenue NE
Pat Byars........................................North Shore Drive NE
Brooke &Todd Himot...............................12th Avenue NE
Anne McDaniel.........................................14th Avenue NE
John & Rebecca Barie....................................1st Street NE
Cara & Wade Cooper.................................. 29th Avenue N

Page 8 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

Room With a View from page 1
Do some research before you get started. Read design and gar-
dening magazines, talk to friends and acquaintances, visit home
and garden stores and sign up for garden tours in your favorite
neighborhoods. Start a scrapbook of images that depict the style
that’s most appealing. Write down your goals and decide your
budget. Then, on your own or with a professional who can provide
additional insight, sketch out your long-range plan. Even if you’ll
be doing the job in phases, it’s important to see the final vision.
Match the outdoor room to your home’s
architectural style
Ideally, your outdoor room should reflect the exterior design of
your home so look for ideas, furnishings and hardscapes (i.e., hard
flat surfaces) that connect and complement for the most cohesive
transition. An informal courtyard enhances a Mediterranean-style
home while a formal English-style outdoor room suits a traditional
home and a woodsy brick-paved area is an ideal fit for a Craftsman
bungalow. Use your house’s trim color in the outdoor room to tie
the spaces together.
Build the space
In order to give the
sense and security of a
“room,” you should pro-
vide some structure in
the form of walls. No
construction is needed for
this room, just some cre-
ative ideas. Obviously the
walls of the house, garage
or other small structure
would be ideal, but walls
can also be created from
fencing, lattice panels,
outdoor curtains, a row
of planters, a living fence
of dense shrubs or myriad
potted containers. The
walls need not be solid
structures; just the mere
illusion of a wall is enough.
Gates, pergolas and pathways are hallmarks of charming garden
design and can finish the look. Provide as many of them as your
outdoor space allows! Flooring should follow in the style best
suited to that of your home’s exterior design whether it is layered
decking, a tiled courtyard or pea gravel winding path leading into
a secret garden.
Budget for landscaping
Adding plants is usually the last thing that happens in an outdoor
room project, so people generally spend too little on this part. Plan
to spend around one-fifth of your budget so you can buy plants that
are mature and healthy to offer more immediate privacy. Ornamen-
tal trees are a nice addition to any space. Evergreen shrubs and
roses, herbs, perennials and flowering annuals bring color, scent
and movement. Match your plant varieties and potted containers
to the style of the space and group them for added impact.
Add the final touches...
You’re much more likely to use an outdoor room if you incor-
porate elements you love. Consider both new and vintage finds to
add character in the outfitting of your outdoor space.
Furnishings Dress up outdoor furniture with weather-resistant,
no-fade fabric cushions. A durable area rug in an outdoor-friendly
material adds an elegant touch and can help frame the space. When
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
weather permits or for special occasions, add interesting toss pil-
lows and a comfy throw to complete the look. And always arrange
your furniture to capture the best views.
Lighting Light up the night with flickering candles, glowing
Japanese lanterns, strings of white lights or a sparkling chandelier.
As the weather cools, a fireplace or fire pit can both be functional
and enhance the mood.
Dining
One or a variety of dining areas may be appropriate based on
your space and use of the room. A traditional dining table sur-
rounded by chairs or cushioned benches, a couple of round bistro
tables set in front of an outdoor sofa, upholstered cushions or cubes
surrounding a coffee table or low dining table could work alone
or in combination. Consider a console or buffet table, a wheeled
trolley or a smaller side table for serving.
Storage/Display
A small side table or set of nesting tables — both are ideal
for displaying your accessories, as is a metal or wooden rack.
They’re also convenient
for holding the books,
drinks and small items
you take outside with
you to lounge.
Decorative touches
Look for art or ar-
chitectural pieces, such
as a fountain, birdbath
or statuary that capture
your interest. These piec-
es add personality. A
terra-cotta tile floor in an
outdoor courtyard shrugs
off the splash of a foun-
tain or the occasional soil
spill from a potted plant.
Fresh flowers, candles
and tablecloths are musts
for outdoor tables. Flea
markets and yard sales
can yield great decorating
treasures, but a treasure hunt in your own house or garage may
turn up furniture and accessories that can be reinvented as outdoor
décor (remember…spray paint is our friend!).
You know in your heart when you feel welcome somewhere.
Often it takes just a smile and an authentic “Glad you’re here.”
But if you’re lucky, your host provides something extra – a fresh
bouquet, a sumptuous pillow – that makes you feel pampered. Your
outdoor room is an extension of your home, and whether you’re
creating a place to entertain, cook for your family or unwind alone,
a secluded outdoor space is the perfect antidote for hectic days.
Enjoy your new-found room!
And on a more personal note, my husband, Frank, and I recently
moved into our dream home in The Old Northeast and are in the
process of revitalizing our many outdoor spaces – just in time
for Fall’s glorious weather. We look forward to seeing you in the
neighborhood!
A resident of the Old Northeast, Laura Fage is the proprietor of Casa
Terra Design (www.casaterradesign.com; laura@casaterradesign.com)
which specializes in curb appeal; outdoor rooms; interior redesign;
staging for sale and inspiring home owners to live a more beautiful life.
She has owned a home and garden boutique, hosted a garden TV show
and conducted workshops on all aspects of home décor.
Page 9

Thoughts from
the Front Porch…
by Courtney Ellis, MA, RMHCI
Pulling the Weeds of Worry
For some reason, the song “War” by Edwinn Starr comes into
my head whenever I find myself worrying too much. Replace the
word “war” with “worry” and you’ve got yourself a hit. “Worry –
what is it good for? Absolutely Nothing!”
Page 10
Don’t get me wrong -- a little worry is natural and even good
at times. “Eustress,” as it is called, is the healthy kind of stress
that motivates us. Unfortunately, what we spend most of our
times drowning in is “distress” – the unhealthy anxiety that can
consume our thinking and, in turn, our emotions and behaviors.
While we can spend copious amounts of time making lists and
planning ahead, we can never quite control life enough to avoid
worry. If just one thing comes along that is outside our realm of
power, the feelings of anxiety and panic rear their ugly heads. So
how do we stop this? Just like pulling weeds we need to get down
to the roots to actually make any sort of progress.
Imagine a dandelion if you will. An innocent-looking weed
that is often mistaken for a flower, the dandelion secretly steals
nutrients and weakens what was once a healthy lawn. Similar to a
flower, the dandelion is made up of three main parts: the flowering
head, the stem and the roots. The flowering head is what we look
at, the stem is what holds up that head and the roots provide the
foundation to the plant as a whole. In the same way, our lives are
made up of three main elements: our behaviors, our feelings and
our thoughts. Just like the dandelion, our behaviors are the things
people see (flowering head), our emotions allow those behaviors
to grow (stem) and our thoughts are where it all begins (roots).
In order to change the behavior, then, we need to get down to the
negative thinking that allows this life-sucking weed to grow.
Worry in itself is an action often accompanied by other behav-
iors such as yelling, loss of sleep, forgetfulness and irritability.
While it seems like we should be able to simply change these
behaviors with a little discipline, again we need to look deeper
to have any sort of effect. In many ways, our behaviors are just
outward expressions of what we are experiencing on the inside.
Bob Watts knows The Old Northeast
 Resident for 10 years
 Commitment to educating clients on all aspects
of their transaction
 Aggressive approach & strategies
 Unparalleled service direct from Owner/Broker
Looking to sell? Call now for your FREE
Comprehensive Comparative Market
Analysis.
Bob Watts, Broker
727-647-3300
bob@bobwattsrealtor.com
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
Right below the flowering head, then, we find the stem of the dan- we can all experience once we strip
delion which influences what the flowering head will look like. In away the unhealthy thoughts that
life, this stem is made up of our emotions. Emotions experienced provide the roots to our own worry.
with worry can include fear, frustration, helplessness, anger and Recognizing that a) “I am not able
hopelessness. When worrying, we often feel that we are victims to be in control of everything” and
to our emotions. They control us rather than us controlling them. b) “If I am not in control, things will
We cannot always trust our feelings, however, and must recognize turn out okay” are much healthier be-
that we do have a choice in how we feel. That choice begins at lief systems to adopt. These thoughts
the roots – our thoughts. will lead to healthy emotions such as
Some of the main beliefs from which worry originates are: a) peace, happiness, thankfulness and
“I am able to be in control of everything” and b) If I am not in contentment. These emotions will
control, everything will fall apart.” We have this deep-seated need then lead to healthy behaviors such
to be in control and therefore spend half of our time anticipating as kindness, productivity, rest and
and preparing for things that may never actually happen. I recently fun! Think better, feel better. Feel
read the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, which provided better, behave better. Do what you
me with a great excerpt about the magnitude of our thoughts. In the can and let go of the rest. It will lead
book, Elizabeth meets a friend named Richard. Richard, frustrated to a healthier you.
with Elizabeth’s constant brooding and worry, exclaims:
…You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the 1
Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
same way you select what clothes you’re going to wear (New York: Penguin Group, 2006), p.
every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want 178
to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind.
That’s the only thing you should be trying to control. Drop Courtney Ellis is a Registered Mental
everything else but that. Because if you can’t learn to Health Counselor Intern who pro-
master your thinking, you’re in deep trouble forever.1 vides individual and couples coun-
Elizabeth’s positive response in the book is to start living by the seling to the Tampa Bay area. She
vow: I will not harbor unhealthy thoughts anymore. She realizes lives in a cute bungalow in The Old
that the sky will not fall down around her if she forgets to hold it up Northeast with her husband and two
and suddenly is able to experience the moment rather than worry dogs. She tries to spend as much time
about what is to come. What a peaceful way to live – one which on her front porch as possible.

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PHOTO: CHRIS VIGH

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96% of our land-dwelling birds
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Insects pollinate our fruits and vegetables.

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*From Douglas W. Tallamy’s book Bringing Nature Home,
How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants.

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Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 11

 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, good-
deed-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!

Clothes to Kids... This organi-
zation is critically short of school niceties. Best to be able to keep Fido under control at all times
uniforms. Twenty-three Pinellas
County schools now require their
student bodies to wear uniforms.
A large majority of these children
cannot afford a single uniform!
For Clothes to Kids to properly
help these needy children, they
will need many uniform donations
as well as cash to purchase uni-
form pants and polo shirts. Their
current supply is critically low.
The mission of Clothes to Kids is to provide clothing free of
charge to low-income school-age children in Pinellas County.
They appreciate donations of new and gently used clothing, shoes
and school uniforms for school age children from kindergarten
through 12th grade. This is a year-round program, and they are
always in need of clothing and shoes. All donations, clothing
and cash can be dropped off from 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday
at the Clearwater (1059 N. Hercules Avenue) or St. Pete (3251
3rd Avenue N Suite 145) store locations. For more information,
contact Lynne McCaskill at 461-3645 or visit the website at www.
clothestokids.org.  and gables. Check out his website at www.trhode.com.
Our own “newswatcher”... Neighbor Linda Dobbs has
become a “news watcher” for the St. Petersburg Times’ new (as
of June) daily online newspaper. Her “beat”
is our neighborhood, a place she knows well
from her years contributing articles to this Over The Back Fence is a
newsletter and the Northeast Journal. Got a
lead on a story? Anything about a neighbor-
hood business, people or anything of interest
Soapbox...
to us locals? Contact Linda at linda_dobbs@
yahoo.com.
Fundraiser for Tampa Bay Watch... We’ve
heard that Energize Tampa Bay is holding an
all-day fundraiser on Saturday, September 25th,
at the Push Ultra Lounge (128 3rd Street S).
For a minimum donation of $10 ($5 for kids)
you can participate in yoga and fitness classes e-mail: nsnaeditor@aol.com
geared to all ages and skill levels. Contribu-
tions will go to Tampa Bay Watch, the non-
profit stewardship program dedicated exclusively to the protection
and restoration of the marine and wetland environments of the
Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs.
So be part of Tampa Bay’s health and wellness community’s ef-
forts to positively impact an important local need. For more info,
go to www.energizetampabay.com.
Dog walking Ps and Qs... If you’re one to walk your dog off
leash, be reminded that the City has a leash law. Your sweet Fido
may be an angel, but that approaching mutt may not be. Or Fido
might decide to take a preemptory lunge without any pre-sniffing
(for Fido’s safety and your peace-of-mind). Sure, the open spaces
of North Shore or Crescent Lake parks are tempting but that’s why
we have convenient dog parks at both these locations.
Museum of Fine Arts dates... Some upcoming dates to re-
member at the Museum of Fine Arts. Exhibitions: A Passion for
Photography: Selections from the Carol A. Upham Donation
and Changing Identities: The Len Prince Photographs of Jessie
Mann (through September 26th); A Decade of Collecting for the
Community (began July 31st); Transcending Vision: American
Impressionism 1870-1940 (provided by Bank of America Art in
our Communities program) August 28th-January 9th, 2011. During
September there are programs like “Coffee Talks,” “Discovery
Hour,” “Encore,” “World of Imagination Storytelling,” “Friends
of Photography” and the “Arts Alive Free Museum Day” on Sep-
tember 25th. Go to www.fine-arts.org for details.
Rhode in the news... Old NE resident and architect Tim Rhode
was the “resident expert” in a feature series on older homes called
“Attention to Details” which ran in the St. Petersburg Times over
a period of four weeks in July’s Saturday “HomeLink” section.
His articles, complete with explanatory photographs, were on the
topics of columns and entries, windows, brackets and overhangs
Westminster makeover... The soon-to-open Westminster Palms
Palm View is looking good after its major makeover. New parking
areas have been paved and fresh land-
scaping is in place. This continuing care
retirement community, which now en-
compasses the better part of two blocks,
has opportunities for volunteers. If that’s
something that interests you, contact
Step on up Anne Osborne, Director of Volunteers,
and at 894-2102 x251.
“Speak Up, Speak Now”... Neighbor
let’s hear Tracey Locke, who was featured in the
from you inaugural feature “The Power of 1” in
the June issue of this newsletter for her
work creating the Paris Project, was in
the spotlight recently for the “Speak Up,
Speak Now” project at the Florida Holo-
caust Museum. The eight-week summer project, whose objective
is to get middle school students to understand the importance of
civic responsibility and not tolerating intolerance, was written up
in an August 4th St. Petersburg Times article, “Youths Urged to
Speak Up.” As a museum volunteer, Tracey wanted to create a
program that tied in the museum’s message with the realities of
our local community today. A students’ art exhibit is on display at
the museum (55 5th Street S) through October 10th. For more info,
go to www.speakupspeaknow.org.

Page 12 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

 Lemons for Leukemia with guest house (with interior design by another former Old NE
... The front page of the resident, Peter Stanhope) -- featured on both the Candlelight Tour
7/14 “Tampa Bay” sec- of Homes and Garden Stroll – will understand why it was snapped
tion of the St. Petersburg up so quickly. We are sad to see him go but know that because he
Times ran a large photo of has so many good friends here that he will be a frequent visitor to
Jud Cummings who set up St. Pete. Good luck, Craig!
a summertime lemonade Stressed?... Feeling stressed out? You’re not alone. Forbes.com
stand in front of his home at (8/17) has pegged the Tampa Bay area as fourth among “Most
16th Avenue NE and Beach Stressful Cities 2010.” The dubious honor was based on: high
Drive to raise funds for a unemployment (rank: 5), long commute times (rank: 17), long
classmate’s mother diag- working hours (rank: 10), limited health care (rank: 13), poor
nosed with leukemia. In physical health (rank: 4) and limited exercise (rank: 9). Only Las
a bit over two weeks the Vegas, Los Angeles and Houston are “better” at being stressed
seven year old raised $900 out than we are.
toward his original target
of $1,000 but then upped
the figure to $2,000. Check
out his Facebook page (JC’s
Lemons for Leukemia), and
donations for Sarah Adams
can be made by going to
www.clfinc.org/web/28/
supportsarah.asp. Jud’s proud parents are Dax and Stacy.
Farewell... We say “good-bye” to another friend who has con-
tributed much to the neighborhood. Craig Hyde, former HONNA
Board member and valued contributor to numerous Old NE proj-
ects and events, has closed his business (Urban Environments
landscaping) and is moving back to the German Village section of
Columbus, OH, to pursue other opportunities. He sold his home
on 1st Street in three days (!). Those who remember the quality
renovation of a three-unit dwelling into a single family residence

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 13

 they decide to write a book about
Neighborhood Book Group being “the help” and about the
twisted thinking of their employ-
As The Pages Turn... ers. It’s all done in secrecy and
by Susan Coffey written anonymously by Skeeter.
One Great Book Club met in July at the home of Susan Engler She begins to change when she
(20th Avenue NE). The book Susan chose is the country’s most sees things through the eyes of
popular book club pick right now -- The Help, by Kathryn Stockett the black maids. For instance,
-- and what an amazing book it is. It led our group to a spirited they are trusted to raise the white
discussion of growing up in the South versus the North, civil rights children but must use the bath-
and would one have the courage to take an unpopular stand even room made for them outside.
if it was the right thing to do. They are never allowed to sit at
the same table of their employer
The book is set in the ‘60s in segregated Mississippi. The novel
and can only speak when spoken to. Through these meetings with
is not only about black maids raising the children of their white em-
one another to write the book their lives are changed in ways they
ployers but about the complete divide between blacks and whites
never could see coming.
during that time, particularly in the South. Stockett, who grew up
in Mississippi, reminds us of the injustices that blacks had to face Of course, this led the group into quite a discussion, which made
back then: not being able to eat at the same table as whites, drink us all take a look at ourselves and our own thoughts regarding race.
from the same water fountain, swim at the same pool or even use The discussion went from the ‘60s to the present day and what we
the same restroom as the whites. She also reminds us of the sit-in had experienced ourselves. What made it especially interesting was
at the Woolworth’s counter by four black men, Rosa Parks taking a the fact that most of us are from the North, South and Midwest.
seat in the front of the bus and having the courage to speak up when This novel is poignant and thought-provoking and the group
they needed to be heard. Despite terrible consequences, blacks gave it a thumbs up.
and some whites continued with their cause of reaching equality.
ONE Great Book Club meets every other month, the
Stockett delivers her message to us through three main charac- second Thursday of that month in the evening. There con-
ters. Miss Skeeter, who is a recent graduate of “Ole Miss,” returns tinues to be a waiting list; I can be reached at cofflash@
back home to her family, who also has a black maid. She befriends aol.com. Our sister/brother book club meets the last
two black maids. One is Abilene, who is older and has tragically Wednesday of each month in the afternoon. Contact
lost a son, and the other is Minnie, younger and outspoken who Colleen Grant at JAMESGRANT1140@
has a family of her own to raise and a violent husband. Together msn.com for more information.

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Page 14 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

 Annual Concert in the Park
For the last 17 years, items as Tampa Bay Harvest volunteers will be on hand to collect
long-time music lover donations for their food bank services in the Tampa Bay area.
and Old Northeast resi- Those wishing to join Helen to help her celebrate her 17th year
dent Helen Torres has as the major sponsor for this event and support the “Pops in the
generously underwrit- Park” concert may become one of Helen’s Buddies! A donation
ten the free “Pops in the of $125 or more will secure you seating directly in front of the
Park” concert featuring stage in Helen’s specially-designated area and recognition in the
The Florida Orchestra at concert program. To become one of Helen’s Buddies, please con-
Vinoy Park. She invites tact Helen at 727/895-4353 or homeshelen@earthlink.net or go
the community to join online to www.floridaorchestra.org/donate-now.asp.
the orchestra again on See you October 16th at 6pm for the VSA pre-concert perfor-
Saturday, October 16th, mance to be followed by the Florida Orchestra’s 7pm perfor-
at 7pm for a program mance. 
of beautiful and familiar
favorites by Brahms,
Dvorak and Offenbach
along with selections
from “South Pacific”
and “Harry Potter and
the Sorcerer’s Stone,”
ending the evening with Tchaikovsky’s explosive “1812 Overture.” 
As a devotee and title sponsor of Opera Tampa, Helen has also
helped to arrange for vocalists from the opera company to perform
some best-loved opera arias and a duet as part of the program.
To kick off the evening, VSA Florida (the International Orga-
nization on Arts and Disability) will again provide a pre-concert
performance by some of its gifted young artists beginning at
6pm. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 15

 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 neces-
sarily 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 wel-
come them to the neighborhood.
555 5th Avenue NE #621 . .......................... Jaleen Hartney
145 6th Avenue NE . ................. Michael and Cynthia Yates
114 7th Avenue N ................................... George Calamari
155 8th Avenue NE . ...................................... Jon Shawkey
1124 Bay Street NE ................................Eleni Rakopoulos
Truck Mount Steam Cleaning Services 231 12th Avenue N ..................................... Matthew Jones
221 13th Avenue NE................................. Elizabeth Barnes
Carpets, Tile, Upholstery 526 13th Avenue NE..............................Linda Reifler-Alessi
Bricks & Pavers 556 13th Avenue NE........................Gregory & Jamie Davis
206 17th Avenue NE.........................................Martin Zeller
Serving The Historic Old NorthEast since 2009 303 20th Avenue N........................................ Bryan Frankel
515 20th Avenue NE.................................... Dennis Lehane
165 21st Avenue NE..................................... Nancy Templin
Serving Humanity Since 1954! 130 22nd Avenue NE.....................................Lynne Savage
321 26th Avenue N........................Joshua and Emily Jones
727-466-5547 1502 2nd Street N...................................... Solomon Kilgroe
837 3rd Street N......................................... Pamela Jenkins
Call Today- You’ll Be Glad You Did!
Source: Compiled from public records by FNBR Inc. and
www.CleaningPolice.com printed in the St. Petersburg Times.
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Page 16 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

 Join Sunken Gardens for a Day Trip to
McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach
Thursday, October 28, 2010 7:00am – 5:30pm
Members: $50 / Non-members: $58
Includes round trip transportation via 47 passenger air-conditioned motor coach, guided
tour of the gardens, snacks and bottled water. Lunch will be dutch treat at the Riverside Café in Vero
Beach before we head home.

McKee Botanical Garden, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit cultural organization located at the southern
gateway to Vero Beach, Florida, with the mission of “nurturing and enhancing a historic garden in a
unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all.”
The garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a historic Florida landmark.  It
has been endorsed by The Garden Conservancy as a project of National Significance and received the
Florida Trust’s “Outstanding Achievement in Landscape Architecture” in 2002. 
McKee Botanical Garden is known for its 18-acre subtropical jungle hammock, filled with plants
appropriate for horticultural growing zone 9B. This dense and diverse collection also features several
restored architectural treasures.
Your PAID REGISTRATION holds your spot.
REGISTER by calling Sunken Gardens at 727-551-3102 to reserve your space
via credit card or stop by the Gardens during business hours to register with the
cashiers. First come, first served.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS OCTOBER 12TH!
MUST HAVE a minimum of 35 participants in order for trip to go.

Don’t miss out. Tell your friends.

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 17

 by Sue Strott

Are you one of those people who goes about your day-to-
day life noticing things happening around you (or not hap-
pening) in the neighborhood and our City and you wonder
why (or why not) but never get around to discovering the
answer? We’ve decided to ask one of our neighbors, Sue
Strott, who’s lived in The Old Northeast almost forever, to
track down the explanations for some of those puzzling
questions which bug, bedevil and frustrate us.
So here’s a start with some of those nagging, niggling
WHYs? and WHAT’s?. Let us know if you have a particular
issue or query you’d like The Answer Lady to check out
and we’ll see what she can learn. Like FiOS... will we ever
“hear them now”? Contact The Answer Lady at nsnaedi-
tor@aol.com.

Watering After a Rain Compliance for the City, to determine a height limitation of
Most residents are aware of the request that we change our grasses and foliage.
sprinkler timers after a substantial rain to conserve water. But, Mr. Bush said that the height limitation is 10”, which is stipu-
some of us have wondered why the City tanker trucks and some lated by a City ordinance. Anyone can report a violation to the City
other contracted company tanker trucks water City property after main codes at 893-7373. By the next business day, that property
a rain. will be cited and noted that the overgrown foliage must be cut by
Kathy Markiewicz, Parks Operations Foreman, explained that a specific date. If this is not complied with, the City Sanitation
all the water they use is reclaimed water (recycled). However, Department will do the cutting and a special assessment lien will
her department is very aware of the weather and the depth of be placed on the property, where it will remain until paid or when
that rain all across town. Sometimes it will rain in The Old the property is sold.
Northeast and hardly rain at all in the northwest part of the City Yard Signs
or elsewhere. In case you’re wondering who has been removing your yard
Ms. Markiewicz pointed out that if plantings are new, the signs or notices from the curbside or on posts, the City employs a
regulation for the material is to water every day for 30 days, person to remove and dispose of them. The City has an ordinance
every other day for 90 and then once a week for the pre- against advertisements anywhere they are not permitted. As the
scribed establishment period. She said that some new trees political campaign season gears up, remember that yard signs (of
are 100 gallon users, and even in a downpour enough water any sort) may not be erected on the parkway – which is that area
may not be realized. So they are being good watchmen and between the curb and the sidewalk.
watchwomen Bob Turner of the City says that “For Rent” or “For Sale” signs
Overgrown Property are allowed on the property affected but they may not be placed
As many rental properties in the neighborhood are run by absen- within “an arm’s reach of the street,” which is about three-four feet
tee landlords and many residents are considered snowbirds during from a roadway. Mr. Turner may be reached at 893-7394.
this summer Fire Hydrant Flushing
season -- as F r o m “ Yo u r L e t t e r s ” i n t h e 8 / 1 5 e d i t i o n o f t h e
well as the “Neighborhood Times” section of the St. Petersburg Times; a letter
fact that some from William R. (Bill) Buckholder of south St. Petersburg: “Have
properties are you noticed the water gushing from fire hydrants almost daily for
in foreclo- several weeks…I see literally thousands of gallons dumped out
sure – many of hydrants and draining into the bay….Water is flushed from
of these prop- the hydrants to clean out the system because the water may not
erties may be be safe. Thousands of gallons of this ‘unsafe’ drinking water go
overgrown into the bay. An employee is paid to sit and watch it flow out…It
with grass would seem that (1) the water being flushed could be made more
and weeds. pure in the first place, (2) it could be put back in the system and
We checked purified again, or (3) pumped into the trucks used to water city
with Gary landscaping. This all becomes a disincentive to be frugal in our
Bush, Direc- water usage.”
tor of Codes Why do we seem to still be “wasting water” by flushing fire
Page 18 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
hydrants when everyone is so water conscious are also checked for maintenance and to pursue other solutions. For further in-
and conservative lately? are purged of older water at that time. formation or to suggest other ideas, you
City residents use approximately 24 million Because we do this and even paint the may contact Mr. Kinard at 892-5105.
gallons of water a day, but the pipes through hydrants for visibility regularly, we Sue was born in Chicago and lived
which the water flows were built for three times maintain a Class A fire rating with insur- in Canada before moving to The Old
that amount. (During the ‘50s and ‘60s large pipes ance companies. NE in 1973 where she continues to run
were installed on our South Side, presuming such Mr. Kinard stated that the City is an apartment rental business. She lives
a need for potable water to be used for drinking, “keenly aware of the issue” and of all of with her dog, Foxy Lady, and is one of
irrigation and fire protection; however, the area the ideas yet put forth and will continue those people who enjoys being busy!
did not grow as anticipated.)
Without flushing, St. Petersburg officials say
that residents would run the risk of poor water
quality, as the water can stagnate in these large
pipes which would allow bacteria to grow.
Pressure Washing
We here in St. Pete and six other governments
purchase our water from Tampa Bay Water, and Drywall Installations
they have been adding chloramine since 2002 Residential/Commercial
to purify the water. This chloramine is weaker
than regular chlorine and therefore becomes less Interior/Exterior Painting
potent in less time. The flushing from the source General Renovations
through to the South Side allows it to remain at Free Estimates
its specified potency. This is why we see more
flushing at that end of town.
The City flushes about 30 million gallons a
month to keep it safe. The thought of capturing
it as it is flushed has been discussed and debated
. .
PHONE: 727 823 8020 EMAIL: FLACMS@YAHOO.COM
for a long time. In speaking to City Supervisor
Jim Kinard, he noted that it would take maybe September/ october/ november Special
15 minutes to fill a tanker truck and a whole fleet MAR/APRIL/MAY SPECIAL:
would have to be standing by. It is also not fea-
sible to direct the water to nearby lawns due to “Exterior Facelift”
the quantity and pressure.
The thought that the flushed water could be Up to 2500 sq ft, minor repairs and 3 colors
funneled to the storm drain system, which in turn
would get treated and recycled, is a theory on $1795.00
which the City has been working for some time.
Unfortunately, in our economy, some of the costs
to ensure that the water trail hits its mark might
be prohibitive for now.
Mr. Kinard mentioned that we must comply
with fire codes, as well, and that all hydrants must
be flushed for one minute annually. The hydrants

Tired of all the TV ads and newspa-

per inserts touting the marvels of Ve-
rizon’s FiOS but not being able to get it
in your home? Stay tuned for the next
September/ october/ november Special
installment of “The Answer Lady.”

credit: www.electrichouse.com

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 19

 P O R C H P A R T I ES

Y o u ’r e 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

Invited
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 Larry
Smith, smithlb@earthlink.net.

September 17
Bob and Linda Dobbs
2296 Coffee Pot Boulevard

October 15
Steve Deal and Frank Hay
Annual Halloween Rehearsal
and Costume Tryout
315 8th Avenue NE

November 19
Mark and Susan Williams
635 15th Avenue NE

InsurING homEs of thE past

for the prEsEnt and futurE.

HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING YOURs?

® When did you last review your homeowner policy?
® Do you have the coverage you truly need?
® Are there more affordable insurance options?

® What about your autos, motorcycles and boats?

The trusted experts at North Shore Insurance Group can help.

Give us a call today for your complimentary policy review.

727-896-5165
111 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 102, St. Petersburg FL 33701

Page 20 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

 Halloween in
Experience
The Power Of Our

A Natural Carpet Cleaning Process

The Hood
Check the HONNA website – www.honna.
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house decorating contest, special block info@citrusolutionfla.com
Julie Maguire Citrus Solutions of St. Petersburg
extravaganzas and other ghastly plans for www.citrusolutionfla.com
Halloween Central in The Old Northeast…
the place to be for Halloween festivities.

For information about the planned activities

and to volunteer, contact Cynthia Serra;
cynthia@cynthiaserra.com, 727/580-3335 (cell) Lightning Print
or 727/342-3800 (office). is proud to be the printers for the
Old Northeast Neighborhood News

If you are buying color or black and white

copies give us a call and check our pricing.
Free local pick-up and delivery.

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Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 21

 Of Oaks and Animals in The Old Northeast
by Jill McGrath

ground with a headache. One resident squirrel, aptly named

“Rocky” by a neighbor, will run right up the side of your body
to collect a peanut from a shirt pocket. This year the oaks
produced an extraordinary crop of acorns so our grounds are
covered with tiny prairie-dog-looking holes where the bounty
has been stored for future feasting. The acorn bounty has
also contributed to a squirrel game, called “pelt the human.”
There were so many acorns that the gray rodents had to do
something to amuse themselves after the gorging. Squirrels
have pups only once a year but there seems to be a healthy
and continual population.
One morning we found our three dogs standing at attention
pointing at one of our garden shrubs, obviously fascinated by
something unusual. Upon closer inspection we learned the ob-
ject of their interest -- a mother opossum with several pinkish
babies clinging to her back. The mother tried to look “dead” as
opossums do, and did not move one muscle, resembling a new
garden ornament…which smelled differently to the dogs. The
dogs lost interest and followed us back inside. When we peered
from one of the windows, mom and babes were no longer there.
Several weeks later, arborists were cutting oak branches from
our roof and found, nestled in a web of branches, the mother
opossum and her babies, again playing dead.
Several years ago a pair of Blue Jays built a nest and their
eggs hatched. One of the very young jays fell out of the nest,

A
and despite our best efforts became food for either a feral cat
recent gardening article in the St. Petersburg Times or the hawk. The next year there was a repeat of this scenario
reported, “The Live Oak…, if properly cared for, could and our efforts worked for a few days. We watched the parents
be enjoyed by your baby’s grandchildren and great swoop down and feed the little jay and we put the baby jay
grandchildren.” This statement reflects the ages of two Live Oaks into a cat carrier every night. Again, the youngster disappeared
which flank our 1910 cottage and were probably planted when into a predator’s mouth. The parents must have learned to
the house was built. The oaks stand as giant guardians, one to the make a better nest because there have been no more premature
east, one to the west -- offering shade, the mysterious-appearing fledglings hiding in the grass under the oak. Geckos scurry
Spanish moss, limbs to climb and hanger access for dripping plant around the trunk
garlands. Bromeliads are bountiful in the oak to the east. For and branches,
our 6th Avenue NE animal kingdom, the trees offer protection which delight
and a playground. Also, according to the Times, Live Oaks children who at-
can spread their branches as much as 120 feet and can grow tempt to catch
as tall as 80 feet high. They have deep roots, are hurricane them. The Live
resistant and thrive in this climate, through winter despair Oaks make for
and summer fever. natural zoos with
Our Live Oaks (Quercus virginianas) have provided us with disparate inhabit-
more nature entertainment than many a NatGeo program. The ants.
oaks have hosted circus squirrels, an acrobatic mother opos- The Mourn-
sum and her babies, nests of inexperienced Blue Jay parents, ing Doves tee-
nervous Mourning Doves, pigeons and people. They also offer ter along the oak
hiding places for smaller bird species as hungry hawks peruse branches with
overhead and sometimes land to have a better view of possible their chicken-
meals. For a few hours one winter afternoon, a Sharp-shinned like dance steps.
hawk alighted on a branch and ate his catch while staring in More doves
at my husband who was working at his desk. appear and it
Squirrels deftly chase one another up and down, and jump seems as though
from tree limb to tree limb along the spreading branches as a meeting is be-
though the oak was a mere walking trail. Why none of the ing held as they
squirrels has hit the ground during their agile races is a testa- teeter back and
ment to their athletic abilities. We have yet to see a squirrel forth together.
hanging on for dear life nor have we found one lying on the Their soft “coo”
Page 22 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
sounds can be very haunting through
an open window. Sadly, the number
of Mourning Doves declines when the
hawk appears.
The green spaces between the side-
walks and the streets and avenues in The
Old Northeast belong to the City but
it is up to the homeowner to maintain
and be responsible for those spaces. A
neighbor reported that the majestic Live
Oak, which inhabits our western green
space, sported a child’s swing while we
were away on vacation. I called the City
and spoke to an official who assured
me that even though the City owns the
green space no one can infringe upon
the adjacent homeowner’s shrubs, trees
or plantings within that space. There is
also a liability issue because any child
in a swing that close in proximity to a
street or sidewalk could tumble out and
be severely injured. The tree remains
a safe and mighty hanger of Spanish
moss only.
Our eastern Live Oak shades our terrace Jill and Ed McGrath (who grew up together in the Hudson River
area and hosts orchids and trumpet vines. An extraordinary num- Valley of New York) are restoring a 1910 cottage on the corner
ber of flowering bromeliads live within the towering branches, of Bay Street and 6th Avenue NE.  This is Jill’s fifth (Ed’s third)
a veritable garden in the sky. The pleasure which our two Live complete house restoration project and they have promised each
Oaks give us is just another example of why we love living in other that it will be their last.
The Historic Old Northeast.

The Waterfront Parks

continued. . .
Fall Walking
Tour
Sunday, October 24th 1:30 pm
Meet at 15th and North Shore
(on the parkland side)

“Who were Flora Wylie

and Elva Rouse anyway?”
We hope you will join Rob Wertz and Mike Dailey, our
neighborhood architecture gurus, for the HONNA Planning/
Preservation Committee’s fall walking tour.

This season’s tour will delve fur-

ther into the history of our waterfront
parks that are celebrating their 100th
anniversary, and discuss some of the
mid-century condominiums along
North Shore Drive.

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 23

 The
GREEN
by Michael Panetta
“Those That Don’t Learn from
History are Bound to Repeat It”
S
eeing the large populist “green” movement penetrating
at so many levels is quite a welcome coming of age. I
recently attended three national professional conferences
and at least 80% of the content focused on sustainable and low
impact architecture, conservation, alternative energy, revolution-
ary products and reducing the toxicity of our environment -- very
positive stuff.
This is almost deja vu from a brief
period in the late 1970s when archi-
tecture schools and the profession
focused on energy performance, solar
power, experimental materials and
ecologically balanced buildings long
before green was “green.” Then the
oil embargo ended, gas lines were
forgotten, OPEC’s cheap oil surged
and the environmental movement
withered and lost till we reached the
millennium.
As an old school environmentalist
and tree hugger, I celebrate Earth Day
every year, except this year with great
irony. The Deepwater Horizon sank
in the Gulf on April 22nd with some
ghostly symmetry: 41 years ago, a
rupture on an off-shore rig blackened
California’s Channel Islands and the
beaches of Santa Cruz and Santa
Barbara. It ignited the public’s ire and a fierce public backlash to
what was (then) unimaginable destruction and became the catalyst
for the first “Earth Day” in 1970. A mere 2 million gallons spilled
over 12 short days, it was truly a leak compared to the Deepwater
Horizon’s 2.23 million gallons a day for over 85 days. Think about
it: less than a day of Gulf oil = Earth Day.
Over 5 million barrels -- 210 million gallons -- flowed into the
Gulf. That one Exxon Valdez (270,000 barrels, 11 million gallons
Page 24 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
PAGE
or 17 Olympic pools) every 4.5 days or 18.5 EV’s total. Hopefully,
we have marked the end of more oil.
What was amazing for me, everyone I knew was also emotion-
ally invested in what was unfolding. The Gulf was the center of
discussion. Like many, every day the Internet searching was al-
most ritualistic looking for the latest NOAA, EPA, NRDC reports,
robots and talking heads. I also wandered into what happened in
the years or decades that followed events that bonded me to en-
vironmentalism (I am a metro tree-hugger, broadband has come
to the forest).
With the disaster contained, everyone finally breathed out.
We witnessed almost pure science fiction but not The End to the
story. But is there a beginning, too? Maybe to a debate on how to
insure the environmental and personal long term impacts are fully
provided for, and finally resolve historic issues and politics that
brought us to this point, maybe like 40 years ago.
To help stir the inquisitive and weekend tree-huggers with facts,
parallels and events hidden by time, some historic green facts and
timelines.
Early 20th century: The conserva-
tionist movement is with a great vision
to protect and preserve nature from the
pressures of the coming industrial era.
Late 1950s: Under President Eisen-
hower, the first presidential white pa-
pers indicating our need for new energy
sources were developed.
1959 The Food & Drug Admin-
istration finally gets some teeth: An
amendment to the law is passed stating
“No additive shall be deemed safe if it
is found to induce cancer when ingested
by man or animal.”
1962 Rachel Carson: Her book
Silent Spring focuses the public’s atten-
tion on the unregulated and unbridled
misconducts of the chemical industry.
1969: Gas was 35 cents a gallon
and the environmental movement was
ignited with the Santa Barbara coastline
spill mentioned above.
1970, April 22: Earth Day is born with “teach-ins” to inform
our nation about the consequences of human’s impact on the global
ecosystem.
1969-1974: While Roosevelt is the father of Conservation,
Richard Nixon is arguably the Father of Environmentalism. He
delivered progressive and historic landmark regulations and laws:
the Endangered Species Act lessons learned or not?
was passed, the Environmen- We can’t view all indus-
tal Protection Agency (EPA) trial giants as the same --
was born, car mileage stan- some are vanguards and
dards were mandated, lead others are the ogres (sorry
was eliminated from our gas Shrek) and no two events
and the Clean Air Act, Clean are the same. What is left
Water and Energy Star were is the wisdom from his-
implemented. tory to not re-learn some-
1976 Love Canal: Highly thing you don’t want to
toxic material was buried in learn in the first place.
an abandoned canal for two Deepwater Horizon
decades; 40 years later 21 can never be un-done.
tons of degraded barrels had slowly leached The oil may be of sight, but not out of
toxins into groundwater, flooded basements, our lives. The spill is a legacy, it is un-
puddles and seeped into pools. Significant precedented and we can’t understand or
cancer cluster popped up in surrounding predict the consequences of the oil and
communities that pointed to a gross neglect the dispersants on how the sea life or the
and cover-up and led to the Superfund Act. greater eco-system that we are part of will
1979 Ixtoc 1: A blowout preventer failed react. We need vigilance.
on an exploratory well in Mexico’s Bay of I think our society is at a “moment.”
Campeche for 290 days, totaling around We are being confronted with many
3.3 million barrels of oil dumped into Gulf. conflicting priorities and choices, and
This was the largest ocean spill prior to some mind-numbing realities. How we
Deepwater. act, what we support, who we elect, what
1984, December 3: The world’s worst we trust in will all matter in how we will
industrial catastrophe occurred in Bhopal, look back on this day. Be inquisitive, be
India, at a Union Carbide pesticide plant informed, be well.
producing methyl isocyanate (MIC). Ne- Time to head back to the tree house.
glected equipment, failed control systems, Peace!
inadequate maintenance and training, short cutting, higher profits
and disregard for the safety of workers or the public lead to a chain
reaction that leaked 41 tons of MIC. It flowed from the plant down- Michael Panet-
slope over surrounding slums in the middle of the night and 3,000 ta moved to The Old
people were killed instantly. Conservatively, 8,000 died within the Northeast In 1998 and is
first weeks, another 8,000 since. president of his architec-
tural practice, Panetta
1989 Exxon Valdez spill: Exxon vigorously fought require- + Associates, Inc. For
ments for double shell hulls on ocean going oil tankers because additional information,
“it’s too expensive to build a boat within a boat” and “the cost of comments or fact checks
mitigating a small potential risk will unfairly burden business and he can be contacted at
consumers with higher cost.” The Valdez then ran aground in Prince GreenInfo@PanettaAs-
William Sound, fouling 1,100 miles of Alaska’s coastline. In 1989, sociates.com.
Exxon executives promised to take care of everyone affected by
the spill. $5 billion in punitive damages was originally awarded
in 1994 to fishermen, Alaska natives, business owners. Exxon
launched a series of appeals and in 2006 a jury agreed to cut the
settlement in half. Finally, 20 years later, in June 2009, the Supreme
Court ruled for a fraction of the initial settlement -- $507.5 million
amounting to about $400,000 per litigant. The whole cleanup cost
Exxon $2.5 billion. Looking back, Exxon never stepped up and
took responsibility for it’s action or consequences and it’s clear
that it’s only concern was the bottom line (a very comprehensive
memory of Valdez, www.blackwavethefilm.com).
2010 Now: Reports indicate a great deal of oil remains, pooling
on the sea floor. Blue Crab larvae were found to have ominous signs
that the crude has already infiltrated the Gulf’s vast food chain and
could affect it for years to come. The Ixtoc environment recovered
better then anyone expected, but there is no way to predict who
or how the oil will affect the delicate web of life in the gulf. We
are on chapter one.
Do events sound familiar/similar? Patterns emerge? Messages
in comparisons and parallels? Are there teachable moments from
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 25
 CELEBRATING THE WATERFRONT PARKS’ 100th BIRTHDAY
Even though it’s steamy mid-summer in St. Petersburg, there’s a lot of planning underway for cool projects and events this
fall celebrating the Waterfront Parks Centennial.
SUNDIAL TO MEASURE TIME FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS
On the drawing boards for placement this fall is a one-of-a-kind stone sculpture, a sundial designed by sculptor Eric Higgs and
scheduled to be placed in North Shore Park as a lasting memorial to the Parks Centennial year. Higgs’ design includes educational
components and symbols of St. Petersburg’s history, from the coquina shells to be used in the concrete base to one element of
the sundial reflecting the city’s sister city in Japan.
The project affords an opportunity for neighborhood associations throughout the city to make a contribution to financing this
project for which artist Higgs is donating his design and installation expertise. [See related article page 5]

PArTY IN THE PARKS — A Centennial Celebration

Saturday, November 6th
For the first time in St. Petersburg’s history, there will be one day of ongoing events, exhibits, and activities in all 12 of the
City’s downtown waterfront parks, stretching from North Shore to Albert Whitted. At latest count, over 100 activities and groups
are on tap to entertain, amuse, delight, educate, and feed people and families visiting the waterfront on Saturday, November 6.
• The Saturday Morning Market will be open in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot. Vinoy Park will host the St. Petersburg
International Folk Festival Society (SPIFFS) event. Albert Whitted Airport will hold its Airfest, beginning the day with a benefit
pancake breakfast at the Hangar Restaurant. At Spa Beach, the Pier Aquarium will host an event. North Shore Park will have
volleyball games and tennis experts on hand at the courts.
• A Coast Guard cutter will be docked at The Pier for tours, and at Albert Whitted, the Army Air Force, Marines, and Coast
Guard will all have exhibits and booths. An Air Force flyover with craft from MacDill Air Force Base is also scheduled.
• Food vendors are set to offer a variety of foods and beverages. Cary’s Pretzels will have refreshments to purchase in several
of the parks, and 400 Beach Seafood & Taphouse and Ferg’s Sports Bar will also be offering their fare for sale.
• Entertainment will include music for every taste, from rock to polka to jazz. Photo buffs will see award-winning pictures as
winners of the Waterfront Centennial “Picture Your Parks” photo contest are announced. Dance enthusiasts may find music to
dance to as well as dance groups to watch.
For more information on the history of St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks or to volunteer to be involved, visit www.stpeteparks100.
org Tax-deductible contributions to support Waterfront Parks Centennial events can be sent to Centennial Celebration, 200 Second
Avenue South, #100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Page 26 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

The Spirit of the Holidays --                                                                                                      
The Historic Old Northeast
Neighborhood Candlelight Tour
of Homes

N
othing exudes the spirit of the holiday season more
than the annual Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood
Candlelight Tour of Homes. Taking place from 3-8pm
on Sunday, December 12th, this 13th annual yule-
tide tradition offers self-guided tours of some
of our historic neighborhood’s most charming
homes, all decked out in their holiday finery.
Celebrate the season by  strolling the oak-
lined, brick streets of The Historic Old North-
east. Tickets will be $20 in advance and $25
on the day of the tour. Partial proceeds from
ticket sales support The Historic Old Northeast
Neighborhood Association, dedicated to the
preservation and enhancement of this
treasured community.
For more information on the
Candlelight Tour of Homes,
visit honna.org.

In Case You Missed It: Updates and Follow Ups

Keeping You Current on Some Neighborhood Stories That Have
Been in the News
 Sunken Gardens has received a $25,000 grant which will go towards developing
a master plan. The funds were made available through the Department of the Interior/
National Park Service’s Preserve America grant program. [source: St. Petersburg Times,
8/4]
 Police officer Jason Deary (r), a familiar (and imposing) figure at neighborhood
association monthly meetings over the years as The Old Northeast’s Community Police
Officer, was wounded slightly during a drug and weapons raid on a 19th Avenue S house
August 4th. Fortunately for him the .40 caliber bullet didn’t pierce the skin on his upper
thigh but did leave a large welt. [source: St. Petersburg Times, 8/6]

Individual and Business

Tax Returns
Small Business
Accounting &
Consulting
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 Ty Joslyn and Jackie Irby
(727) 393-1922 office • (727) 392-3266 fax Licensed Insurance Agents

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 27

ON THE DOCKET: Some Upcoming Events In
and Nearby Our Neighborhood
September 1 Arts Alive, free admission at select museums
Coffee With a Curator, Dali Museum; 823-3767 History of Art, Museum of Fine Arts; 896-2667
September 1-30 October 1-3
Bob Preston: A Life in Photographs, St. Peters- St. Pete Folkfest Central b/w 11th-13th
burg Museum of History; 894-1052 Iron Kids Triathlon Spa Beach Park; 813/868-5940
September 1 - October 10 October 2
Speak Up, Speak Now Florida Holocaust Mu- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Vinoy Park; 823-0728
seum; 820-0100 Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Central at 2nd;
September 3-25 824-7802
Margaret Steward: Celebration of Life Morean Dancing with the Sea Stars Fish-Head Ball benefit for
Arts Center; 822-7872 Pier Aquarium Don CeSar;1-800-282-1116
The Way Forward: Roads Less Traveled – 2010 October 3
Members’ Exhibition Morean Arts Center; 822-7872 Photography Hike Weedon Island Preserve; 463-6500
September 4 October 8-10
Inventors’ Fair The Pier; 821-6443 Sunshine City Antiques & Collectibles Show Coliseum;
Corvettes on The Pier The Pier; 821-6443 463-6500
September 5 October 8
Photography Hike Weedon Island Preserve; Great Weedon Bird Quest Weedon Island Preserve;
463-6500 463-6500
September 6 October 9
Salsa en St. Pete Labor Day Celebration; The Pier The Sunrise Run North Straub Park; 822-7475
September 9 St. Pete Oktoberfest Grand Central District
Wee-Time Weedon Island Preserve; 463-6500
Public Hearing to Adopt the City Budget City Hall OCTOBER 14 HONNA CRIME WATCH MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9 OCTOBER 15 PORCH PARTY (see page 20)
HONNA CRIME WATCH MEETING
OCTOBER 16 pops IN THE PARK
September 10 (see page 15)
The Great Weedon Bird Quest Weedon Island
Preserve; 463-6500 October 16
September 11 Pinellas Coastal Cleanup Various waterfront locations;
AIDS Walk St. Petersburg North Shores Park; 533-0402
532-2437 Super Special Saturday Family Day Museum of Fine
SurREALIZE the Dream Dali Museum; 823-3767 Arts; 896-2667
CBS Taste of Home Cooking School & Expo October `17
Mahaffey Theatre 3rd Annual Hot Pepper Fest, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102
September 16 October 18
Peer to Pier Speed Networking The Pier Tampa Bay Senior Expo, Coliseum; 892-5202
SEPTEMBER 17 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING October 18
PORCH PARTY (see page 20)
September 18 October 23
One Step Closer to the Cure 5K Run/Walk St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading USF Bayboro
Celma Mastry Run Albert Whitted Park Campus
Quarterly Classic Auto Show The Pier; 821-6443 Reggae Jerk Jam 2010 Food & Music Festival Spa
Super Special Saturday Family Day Museum of Beach Park; 813/792-1948
Fine Arts; 896-2667 October 24
September 20 Fall Walking Tour of Waterfront Parks
Tampa Bay Job Fair Coliseum; 892-5202 (See page 23)
October 29-31
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING – POTLUCK
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness 3-Day
(See page 1)
Walk Through St. Pete
September 23 November 2-4
Public Hearing to Adopt the Budget, City Hall Kids & Kubs Golden Senior Softball Tournament North
Perspectives on the Parks Program #3 Renais- Shore Park; 893-7108
sance Vinoy Hotel November 6
September 25 Centennial Celebration Waterfront parks
Alzheimer’s Memory Walk The Pier approach; — Dedication of Sundial at Vista point
578-2558 (see pages 5 & 26)
Page 28 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News
 November 6 Thursday-Saturday, Sept 2-Sept 30
SPIFFs International Folk Festival Vinoy Park; 552-1896 Marine Landscape and Wildlife in Florida Weedon
Historic Kenwood 11th Annual BungalowFest Historic Ken- Preserves; 463-6500
wood Friday
St. Pete Shuffle, St. Pete Shuffle Board Courts; 822-
NOVEMBER 11 HONNA CRIME WATCH MEETING 2083
Salsa Dancing, The Pier ; 821-6443
November 12-14
Get Downtown Music Series (1st Fri) Central b/w 2nd-3rd;
Ribfest, Northeast Exchange Club fundraiser for kids’
393-359
causes Vinoy Park
Grand Central Trolley Hop (3rd Fri) Grand Central Dis-
November 13
trict; 328-7086
St. Pete Studio Tour of Professional Artists, various
Friday Night Wine & Music Series (3rd Fri) BayWalk
gallery locations
Courtyard; 824-8888
November 14
Saturday
Bay Area Kidney Walk for National Kidney Foundation
Saturday Morning Market (Oct & Nov)
Location TBA; 407/894-7325
Saturday Antiques & Green Market (Oct & Nov) Central
NOVEMBER 15 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING at 13th; 895-0368
NOVEMBER 19 PORCH PARTY (see page 20) Guided Hikes Weedon Island Preserve; 895-0368
Horticulture Workshop, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102
November 19-21 Dali Family Fun Saturdays Dali Museum; 823-3767
Women’s Half Marathon & 5K Health & Fitness Expo, Face Painting by Joanne Conte The Pier; 821-6443
(to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) Vinoy Resort FISH-Ful Saturday: 2010 The Year of the Ocean (1st Sat)
and other locations Pier Aquarium; 895-7437
November 20-21 Gallery Walk (2nd Sat) Downtown locations; 323-ARTS
Holiday Extravaganza & Gift Market, Coliseum; 892- Sunday
5202 Inspire Yoga at the Dali Dali Museum;823-3767
November 26-28 Music Fest on the Water The Pier; 821-6443
Gem, Jewelry & Bead Show, Coliseum; 892-5202 Sunday Afternoon Fun (1st & 3rd Sun) The Pier; 821-
November 27 6443
6th Annual Grand Central District Chili Cookoff, Grand For a current and more detailed listing
Central District visit the City’s website at www.stpete.org

Recurring Events
Monday
Celebrity Critter of the Week The Pier; 895-7437
Pilates Sunken Gardens; 551-3102
Jazz Jam for the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association
(1st Mon) Albert Whitted Terminal
Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday
StrollerFit/Baby Boot Camp, Sunken Gardens; 637-7913
Every Monday & Wednesday
Great ART Explorations, Great Explorations; 821-8992
Lunchtime Yoga Sunken Gardens; 551-3102
Every Tuesday & Wednesday
Hoop Dancing, Sunken Gardens 551-3102
Every Tuesday & Thursday
Muscle Bar Sculpture Women’s Fitness, Sunken Gardens;
637-7913
Awaken Yoga with Vandana, Sunken Gardens; 637-7913
Wednesday
Tea Dance (1st & 3rd Wed., Oct & Nov) Coliseum; 892-5202
Oldies but Goodies Dance (2nd & 4th Wed) The Pier;
821-6443
Every Wednesday & Friday
Lunchtime Yoga Sunken Gardens; 551-3102
Terrific Tots Great Explorations; 821-8992
Thursday
Movie and Music in the Park/Waterfront Centennial (Oct)
North Straub Park
Dali & Beyond Film Series (1st & 3rd Thurs) Dali Museum;
823-3767
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 29
 How Does Your Garden Grow?
Chocoholics can plant all kinds of “chocolate plants,” in-
cluding chocolate vine (Akebia quinata, “Silver Bell”’), sweet-
smelling chocolate columbine (Aquilegia viridiflora, “Chocolate
Soldier”), bronze and burgundy coral bells (Heuchera, “Choco-
Hip and late Ruffles”), exotic dark-leafed canna (Canna “Australia”),
black-colored daylily (Hemerocallis, “Ed Murray”), dark

Trendy burgundy pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa, “Oakhurst”) and

tropical black elephant ear (Colocasia, “Black Magic”). For

Plants
the sweet smell of chocolate indoors and out, chocolate orchid
(Oncidium, “Sharry Baby”) is one of the easiest orchids to grow
and it blooms several times throughout the year.
The hands-down best plant for a block party is the night
blooming cereus (below), which is a gangly, twisting member

I
of the cactus family. It’s downright ugly every day of the year
t’s fun and rewarding to try new plants in the yard, but except for the one night when its fuzzy buds stretch and un-
forget the run-of-the-mill ones at the big box stores. This ravel, then open into ghostly white blossoms as big as saucers
fall, go all out with some totally hip and trendy plants and as fragrant as expensive perfume. There are two types: the
that will spice up your garden and impress your friends and cactus Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus) and the
neighbors! Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), which is actually an
These plants are easy-to-grow and typically available at lo- air plant (epiphyte). Both are native to tropical rainforests and
cal garden centers (remember, if you don’t see them in stock, have similar nocturnal blossoms. Cereus blooming parties have
you can always ask the nursery manager to order some for been around since this plant became popular in the early 1900s
you; that’s one of the advantages of shopping at locally-owned – and The Historic Old Northeast neighborhood is known to
nurseries): host blooming parties from time to time. It’s quite the sight –
For a sweet tooth, grow the stevia herb. Its green leaves contain neighbors with lawn chairs and cameras, some in their pajamas,
stevioside, which is gathered around this spectacular plant that opens each petal in
200 times sweeter slow, dramatic fashion. It’s a party like no other!
than sugar but con-
tains no calories
and doesn’t affect
blood sugar levels.
It’s the same herb
used in sweeten-
ers such as Tru-
via and SweetLeaf
and added to soft
drinks. Grow this
South American
native in a sunny
garden with rich,
organic soil and
keep it well-wa-
tered. Munch on
fresh leaves to satisfy a sweet tooth or add to foods and bev-
erages. You can also harvest and dry leaves, crush them and
store for later use or steep leaves to make a liquid. [Recipe:
Add one cup of warm water to ¼ cup of fresh, finely crushed
leaves (not dried). Let the liquid mixture set for 24 hours, then
refrigerate.]
If you like lemons, oranges, tangerines and limes -- but only
have room for one tree -- plant the ultimate space-saving “cock-
tail tree.” Thanks to ingenious multi-plant grafting by growers,
this 10-to-12-foot tree produces several varieties of citrus and is
available in a variety of fruiting combinations. You can plant it in
a large container or in the ground; just choose a sunny location
and water daily for the first several weeks. (Jene’s Tropicals in
St. Petersburg stocks cocktail trees).

Page 30 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News

Historic OLD NE APARTMENTS

727 895-6090
www.TerrierProperties.com

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Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Page 31
 Neighborhood Potluck: Monday, September 20 , at 6:45pm
(see p.1)
All neighborhood residents invited
Prsrt Std
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association U.S. Postage Paid
St. Petersburg FL
P.O. Box 76324 Permit #1020
St. Petersburg, FL 33734
www.honna.org

In this issue
• The Power of 1
• HONNA on
FaceBook
• Of Oaks and
Animals
• The Gree Page
• Room With A View
... and more!

Do you know anyone looking to buy a home in your area? Don’t miss these great deals!
Custom home on Coffee Pot Bayou | 830 Monterey Blvd NE | $1,950,000
Beautifully remodeled historic home on oversized lot | 635 28th Ave N | $375,000
Opportunity to build your dream home on Snell | 460 Lido Way NE | $245,000
So much space and potential waiting for a creative buyer | 121 5th Ave N | $345,000

Page 32 Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News