President s Letter. A Note of Thanks to CHNA

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1 1 Remember Mother s Day! MAY 2012 ` Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association Newsletter Save on Landscaping with CHNA Tree-Trimming Program Everyone who passes through Crescent Heights can feel the character and charm of our neighborhood. One important factor is the amazing tree canopy that provides us with shade and cooler temperatures (lower A/C bills)! This tree canopy is an asset that has taken decades to grow, but it could be wiped away relatively quickly by improper maintenance or poorly informed neighbors. CHNA has arranged for two locally licensed and insured arborists to provide heavily discounted tree-trimming services for our neighbors. The arborists benefit by getting to do all the work in one neighborhood for several days, saving on time and gas. We benefit because they are willing to share those savings with our neighbors. Both of the arborists listed below have been recommended by CHNA neighbors and are licensed and insured; however, the CHNA Board cannot formally recommend anyone in this circumstance for liability purposes (our attorney made us write that). It is important to maintain the trees in your yard so they will live longer and also so dead branches don't become a hazard to you and your neighbors. We hope this program will be used to trip out dead wood and thin canopies where appropriate; so we carefully selected qualified arborists to ensure the trimming looks natural and is healthy for the trees. (continued on p. 5) Free Family Shuffleboard Party, May 6th Please bring your family for an afternoon of FREE Shuffleboard. The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Courts are a hidden treasure in our city, and we want you to become familiar with it. Haven't ever played shuffleboard? No worries; all you need is a good attitude and the willingness to try! The event is open to Crescent Heights neighbors of all ages. Bring a snack to share and your own beverages, and join the fun on Sunday, May 6th from 1-3 at 559 Mirror Lake Drive North. Shuffleboard equipment provided and free "lessons." If you have any questions, please contact John Sullivan at John Sullivan This Year s Live Oak Project Begins Soon More Trees to Choose From! See details 1 on p. 4 CHNA Neighborhood Happenings --MAY 2012 Family Shuffleboard When: Sun., May 6 Time: 1-3 pm Where: St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr. N. Bring your own refreshments. FREE ADMISSION. Book Club Meeting When: Tues, May 22 Time: 7-9 pm Where: th Ave. N. Host: Maureen Camphire The Beginner s Goodbye, Anne Tyler (Check website for reading lists and discussion questions.) --JUNE 2012 Yappy Hour When: Sat., June 9 Time: 1-3 pm Where: Salty Dog DIY Pet Wash & Groom, 2317 Dr. MLK St. N. Refreshments provided. (Bring your pets.) --JULY 2012 Pool Party When: Sun. July 22 Time: 2-5 pm Where: th Ave. N. Host: Marlys Cox --AUGUST 2012 Porch Party When: Sat. Aug. 18 Time: 6-8 pm Where: th Ave. N. Host: Lisa & Paul Chistolini --John Sullivan

2 Newsletter published by Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association (CHNA) PO BOX 76051, St. Pete, FL CHNA Board-- President: Greg Holden, Vice President: John Sullivan, Secretary: Nancy Warner, Treasurer: Mary Yates, cell Membership Director: Molly Sipp Newsletter Editor: Kristen Noakes-Fry Web Designer: Bill Wright Business Relations & Newsletter Layout: Chris Giebner Home of the Month: Erica Allums Newsletter Distribution: Lisa Chistolini At Large: Jim Tomlinson, Jen Wright, Tracy Donald CHNA logo (top of page 1) by Peter Bramley ( ) All content: Copyright 2012, Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association, St. Petersburg,FL President s Letter I hope this note finds you doing well! A few quick updates for you... Art Scholarship: Congratulations to our neighbor, Brandy Stark, Ph.D., who has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant to study the work of Georgia O Keeffe in New Mexico this summer. Easter Egg Hunt: This year s Easter Egg hunt in Crescent Lake Park was a success. Thanks to Mary Yates and all who worked to make this happen. Curbside Recycling: St. Pete s voluntary recycling program is available in Crescent Heights. Residents place newspapers, cardboard, metal, aluminum cans, glass, and plastic at the curb in special containers for weekly pickup by Waste Services of Florida, Inc. (WSI) at a cost of only $2.75 a month. WSI provides residents with all labor and equipment. Contact WSI at Help for Homeless Animals: The Animal Emergency Clinic, nd Ave N ( ) will take any stray (injured or uninjured) animal or distressed wildlife free during regular business hours. All services from the Animal Emergency Clinic and the SPCA are free. (Thanks to Jen Wright for this information.) Florida Neighborhoods Conference: The conference is in Pensacola from July Reserve room by May 28. For more information, see: In your service, Greg A Note of Thanks to CHNA CHNA MAY 2012 News -- p. 2 Great music, full sanctuary, lots of butterflies, and good friends made for a wonderful celebration of the Church of the Beatitudes 50th Anniversary on Easter Sunday. We are so thankful for our relationship with the Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association and the support you gave us in preparing for our celebration. Our congregation was moved by the spectacular spread in the Crescent Heights newsletter. We look forward to our future together. In response to feedback from the Association Board, we will offer our first of monthly Parents Night Out on Friday, May 11. Drop your children at the church after 5:30 pm and pick them up by 10 pm for a safe evening of activities while parents get an evening to themselves. Contact the church about more details; leave a voic and someone will get in touch with you. Also in May: Saturday, May 19, Family Kite Building and Flying Day, 9-11 am; and Tuesday, May 8, Drum Clinic, 6:30-7:30 pm. May God continue to bless our families, our neighborhood, and our community. Yours, Phil Miller-Evans, Pastor The Church of the Beatitudes Living Blessed

3 CHNA MAY 2012 News -- p. 3 May Home of the Month: th Ave. North Congratulations to the May 2012 Home of the Month! Your hard work and dedication has made your home a beautiful place to live. (Photos by Erica Allums.) The May Home of the Month belongs to Kelly and Doris Cope at th Ave N. This 1946 alabaster cottage with detached garage is a cheerful accessory to the neighborhood. With its rounded doorways, beautiful kitchen, and brand new laundry room, I can see why the Copes have lived here for 33 years. Retirement is fabulous for Kelly and Doris who enjoy going out with friends and traveling. Their plans this month are Orlando and a wedding in Georgia. (I love weddings!) You can find Doris most days outside gardening and working out at the YMCA. Their favorite room in the house would be the front porch. And what a porch it is, with all built-in seating with extra comfy cushions and storage underneath in deep drawers! Doris loves to cook, and I can see why. Her kitchen is great, with its wood floors and handsome cabinets. A few years ago, the Copes returned home from their honeymoon to find that neighbors had gotten together and surprised them with brand new landscaping. What can I say: Crescent Heights is the place to live! Erica Allums

4 CHNA MAY 2012 News -- p Live Oak Project Offers More Choices CHNA is once again partnering with local business Dolins Garden Center to offer neighbors a bulk purchase discount on trees. In this year s Live Oak Project, the following trees will be offered at a 50% discount with planting service and four weeks of follow-up care provided. Current estimated prices are below: 8-9 ft Live Oak tree for $158 (large tree [50ft tall at maturity] living 300+ years) ft Live Oak tree for $299 (large tree [50ft tall at maturity] living 300+ years). 8-9 ft cold-hardy Queen Palm for $150 (grows up to 50ft and is the most prevalent palm currently found along the tree line in our neighborhood). 5-7 ft flowering Bottle Brush tree for market price at the time less the bulk discount (est. $150 or less, depending on availability; a small tree alternative of ft with vivid red "bottlebrush" shaped flowers in Spring). The trees available through Dolins have a thicker caliper compared to trees available at some "big box" garden stores, which means that the trees are older. This fact combined with the professional planting and care service greatly increases the likelihood that the tree will survive and thrive. Dolins also provides a guarantee for every tree. Consider adding a tree to your landscape in 2012 to help keep Crescent Heights the beautiful shade-fill neighborhood that it is today. Orders can be placed with Dolins through September, and planting will occur in early October. Additional details will be provided on the website and in future newsletters. Jen Wright Live Oaks Better for Shade than Laurel Oaks In Crescent Heights, we have huge old spreading oak trees in abundance, representing two native Florida species: Laurel Oaks (quercus laurifolia) and Live Oaks (quercus virginiana). Grateful for any kind of a shade tree under the Florida sun, most of us have given little thought to which kind of oak is casting those welcome shadows. What s the difference? Here s one quick way to tell: In the fall and winter, the leaves of the Laurel Oak turn yellow, drop off, and make a mess, while the Live Oak is a true evergreen. Even more important than the presence or absence of drifting leaves all winter is the life span of the two types of oaks. Since much of our neighborhood was established in the 1930s and 1940s, many existing Laurel Oaks are in the last years of their life spans. Planting Live Oaks as an addition to our landscaping or to replace old Laurel Oaks will ensure years of shade for us, our children, and our grandchildren. When considering planting Live Oaks instead of Laurel Oaks, here are some points to consider: Height: The Live Oak grows 60 to 80 feet, while the Laurel Oak grows to around 60 feet. Shade Potential: The Live Oak has a crown spread of 60 to 120 feet, quite wide in relation to its height, giving it the stability to withstand high winds and storm surges. In 1984, the Florida Champion Live Oak in Alachua County measured 84 feet in height, over 9 feet in diameter, and had a crown spread of feet. Toughness: The Live Oak is a sturdy hardwood tree (the wood weighs 55 pounds per cubic foot when air dry) with a trunk that can grow to over 6 feet in diameter. The smaller, weaker trunk and branches of a Laurel Oak tend to rot and become prone to breakage, requiring more pruning and maintenance and posing a higher risk of property damage in high winds. Also, the Live Oak tolerates periods of drought better than the Laurel Oak. Life Span: The Live Oak will live to over 300 years; expected ideal life span of a Laurel Oak is years. According to botanists, Live Oaks attract picturesque Spanish Moss (tillandsia usneoides) because Live Oaks emit calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus to provide the perfect nutrition. Kristen Noakes-Fry

5 CHNA MAY 2012 News -- p. 5 Tree Trimming Project, Cont. from p.1 While the arborists are at your property you may have them look at removing dead trees, but we ask that if you take out a tree that you replace it with a new tree. Expert arborists tell us that uninformed insurance companies suggest that some of their customers throughout Florida need to take down trees to retain coverage. While this sometimes may be true, often it is entirely unnecessary, and a qualified arborist can often write a letter regarding the health of the tree and benefits to the property owner. This has proven effective in saving many trees in our community. John Bolender, Arborist Extraordinaire ISA Certified Arborist SO Paul or Tane, Tree Dragons Tree Service Florida Arbor Certification No. FL5538A Please call these two arborists for quotes to have your trees maintained. Retain the character and thus property values of our great neighborhood. --Greg Holden YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CHNA Newsletter Advertising Rates, /8 page ( business card ) -- $15 1/4 page -- $25 3-month minimum 1/2 page -- $40 Full page call for rates. Kristen Noakes-Fry Chris Giebner

6 Art Around Town with Brandy: The Magic of Art at MFA CHNA MAY 2012 News -- p. 6 One of the greatest treasures in St. Petersburg is the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). As an educator, I often find myself taking classes there. It was in this capacity that I was able to witness the current (and soon closing) exhibition Ancient Egypt Art and Magic: Treasures from the Foundation Gandur pour l Art. The pieces within the collection showed aspects of lesser-known Egyptian lore, especially how art was magical. A tour of the exhibit revealed a small sculpture of a pregnant cat linked to the Egyptian queen. The queen, like her feline counterpart, was to bear many offspring. A stone tomb engraving was explained by docent Anne Shamas. The dead listed items they wanted in the afterlife; simply reading this list mystically recreated them in the world of the hereafter for the deceased. Among the sarcophagi was a small container that once held a mummified shrew, considered an animal who led the dead to the underworld as it burrowed through the ground. Other concurrent and ongoing shows currently include Picturing a New Society: Photographs from the Soviet Union 1920s- 1980s (April 14 August 19) and Global + Local: Studio and Contemporary Glass on Florida s West Coast (May 19 Oct. 14). The Museum also has a wonderful permanent collection of art ranging from Mesopotamia to Modern. The bust of Augustus adorns walls also housing African elephant masks, Mesoamerican pottery, and paintings by Georgia O Keeffe. As the hot summer months approach, this is a wonderful place to spend a cool afternoon studying art. The MFA is located at 200 Beach Drive, downtown St. Petersburg. Website: Brandy Stark JTS TAX SERVICE Of Pinellas County th Ave North cell msswess@earthlink.net Owned and Operated by Stephanie Pitts Specializing in Electronic Filing Small Business/Rental Property Reasonable Rates 20 Years Experience Live in the Neighborhood Available Year Round Pick Up and Delivery Service Available If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me Remember to relax and let me do your taxes Book Nook: The Beginner s Goodbye New From Anne Tyler Our first Crescent Heights Book Club selection is Anne Tyler s new novel, The Beginner s Goodbye. The awardwinning, best-selling author has been writing for almost 50 years about love, loss, family, work, and change. The Beginner's Goodbye is set in Baltimore as are many of her other 19 novels, including The Accidental Tourist, which became a successful movie. In this new book, Aaron, whose job involves editing books for beginners, examines his life as a widower, taking readers along as he looks back on his marriage, remembering its bonds and strains. An interview with Anne Tyler and more about her and The Beginner's Goodbye can be found at: The Book Club will be discussing The Beginner s Goodbye on Tues., May 22, 7-9 pm. Maureen Camphire is hosting the meeting at th Ave. N. Refreshments will be provided. Our Book Club discussion questions will be posted in advance of the meeting on Maureen Camphire

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8 CHNA MAY 2012 News -- p. 8 Join the Crescent Heights Neighborhood Association TODAY! Help support the neighborhood and efforts to make this a great place to live. Cost is just $20 a year (Jan-Dec). Join online and pay with PayPal at Or fill out the membership form below and mail or bring to the next meeting. Name: Address: Alternate Address: Phone: Fee is $20 payable to CHNA. Bring to meeting or mail to: CHNA, PO Box 76051, St. Pete, FL YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! CHNA Newsletter Advertising Rates, /8 page ( business card ) -- $15 1/4 page -- $25 3-month minimum 1/2 page -- $40 Full page call for rates. Kristen Noakes-Fry Chris Giebner Heather s Pet Sitting, Inc heatherspetsitting@mail.com Professional In-Your-Home Pet Care Dogs, Cats, Birds, Pocket Pets, Fish & Reptiles Insured, Bonded, Business License, PSA Member Your favorite restaurants now deliver! Lunch & Dinner Home & Office Order online at:

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