Living in the Neighborhood

NOTE: The Council of Stewards meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of every other month in St. Alban’s Church library (lower level) at 7:00 p.m. Special meetings are called as needed. Meetings are open to residents. The next regular COS meeting is scheduled on June 28, 2006.

In the Know in Our Neighborhood

* * Neighborhood Streets and Byways * *

The neighborhood is certainly in a state of change this spring! There are numerous homes for sale, both single-family and townhome. The good news is that they are selling as fast as they go on the market. With the rate of turnover and with so many new residents in the neighborhood, I thought it would be good to revive some past newsletter stories. Many folks may not be completely familiar with the history behind our streets and byways.

With the exception of Fairview and Caldwell Lanes, the primary streets and roads throughout the neighborhood are named after Southern authors and writers. The narrow “byways” are all named for local people who were in the chain of title for property purchased for the New Neighborhood.

In 2004 and 2005, brief biographies were written about each road. Steve Lee, our neighborhood webmaster, has provided a link on the website to each of these biographies. If some of these names are not familiar, please visit www.stalbanssq.org and click on “Authors/Streets.” You may learn some interesting trivia!

Updates to these biographies will appear in the newsletter as new facts are revealed.

“In the Know in Our Neighborhood” is intended to provide important, useful, or interesting information that might not be known by all neighbors. I need topics that you feel appropriate. If you have ideas, call Dave Smith (704.987.1472) or e-mail davidbsmith@bellsouth.net.

Harper Lee Street — Update

As you may know, To Kill a Mockingbird was the only book ever written by Harper Lee. There is a new biography of her entitled Mockingbird by Charles J. Shields. The May 29, 2006, issue of New Yorker has an article about Harper Lee, Truman Capote, To Kill a Mockingbird (both the book and the film), and some comments about the new biography.

Harper Lee and Truman Capote were early friends. Many critics have speculated that Capote actually authored the well known novel. Although he did provide guidance to Harper Lee on the manuscript, correspondence between the two strongly supports Harper Lee as the author. Experts also agree that the rich dialog and language in To Kill a Mockingbird does not fit Capote’s style.

Perhaps New Da Daytimers Book Club will review the new biography. For more information, please visit www.newyorker.com/critics/books/articles/060529crbo_books. Thank you to Steve Lee for this update.

Replacement of Shrubs and Plants — Reminder

The Landscape & Grounds Committee and Abbott Enterprises have received a number of requests to replace dead plants and shrubs around townhome units. Although these requests are expected to be reviewed and new shrubs planted, Contemporary Landscapes has indicated that late spring and summer are generally poor times to replant. To give plants the best chance of survival with the least shock, early fall is the best time for this work. Therefore, unless a special request is made otherwise, replacement shrubs and landscaping will be planted in the fall (October/November).

If you have plants that need to be replaced or other landscape issues that need to be addressed, you may contact Abbott Enterprises directly or you may pass the information to one of the committee members.

Yard-of-the-Month Winner – May, 2006

The Landscape & Grounds Committee congratulates Jason and Jennifer Stallings of 327 O. Henry Avenue as the June 2006 winner of the “Yard-of-the-Month.” There were so many candidates for this month’s selection that it was hard to choose, but the committee was just drawn to the Stallings’ home. They have carefully maintained their landscape while bringing in many neat examples of seasonal color. The overall effect, including the American flag for Memorial Day, is very pleasing and in great scale to their house. The Stallings’ commented that they had actually worked toward achieving this honor. Chris, their son, was thrilled at the idea of winning that “summer garden award!” Well, the work paid off.

The Stallings will proudly display the neighborhood Star of Excellence during the month of June. The entire family was able to pose for the winner’s picture [Christopher (in front), baby Sawyer, and Jennifer & Jason].

Congratulations to the Stallings family!

Selection Criteria for Yard-of-the Month

Each month from April through November, a yard will be selected among single-family homes. The home will be selected one or two weeks prior to the month of the award and will be featured in the newsletter and posted on the website.

The criteria established by the Selection Committee (representatives from the neighborhood) are listed again to help all neighbors recognize and develop outstanding yards in our neighborhood. Several good candidates were not considered due to the fact that the grass strip between the sidewalk and street was not maintained. This grass/planting area is the owner’s responsibility and has been added to the criteria for clarification.

The total exterior appearance of the yard should be one of neatness and visually appealing as evidenced by:

Mowed and edged lawns.
Well defined planting beds that are mulched and weed-free.
Pruned shrubs and trees.
Effective use of seasonal color through plantings of annuals and/or perennials.
Plantings in scale to size of yard.
No, trash, junk, or dead plant/grass material.

If you have questions or suggestions regarding this plan, please call Shirley Fischer at 704.894.0222.