For October, we’ve selected “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. 2010 is the 50th anniversary of the publication of this American classic. The time and place for the October meeting TBA.
]]>Our book for July is “The Sounding” by Hank Searls. Please join us for interesting conversation and a lot of fun!
Our book selection for August is “The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo” by Steig Larsson. Time and place TBA.
]]>This will be a hard act to follow--but Janice Heath has offered to host our next meeting on Monday, June 21, at her home at 928 Oak Street. We’ll meet as usual at 7:00 P.M. The book we’ve chosen is “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett--a Nashville author and winner of many literary awards (this book is enthusiastically recommended by Janice and Nancy)
In July, we plan to meet on Monday, the 19th, and our book will be “Sounding” by Hank Searls (this is recommended by Mary Ann). When we have a location for the July meeting, it will be posted on this web site.
]]>
President - Michael Biderman
Vice President - Jim Palmour
Secretary - Janice Heath
Treasurer - Robert Stanley
Board Members: Amanda Tarr; Carolyn Insler, Lisa Mack, Jane Keegan, Carey Koch and Mary Ann Zaha
Following the election, Bijan Dhanani from createhere.org spoke concerning upcoming events that are part of the Chattanooga Stand initiative. The first of those events is on June 9 at 55 E. Main St. The public is welcome to attend.
]]>For next month, we’ve chosen the Greg Mortenson books, “Three Cups of Tea” and “Stones Into Schools.” If you haven’t read “Three Cups,” you should begin with this one, because it explains how Mortenson began building schools in Pakistan in the 1990’s. “Stones” describes the expansion into Afghanistan after 9/11 and is riveting, also, but in a different way. It also includes maps which provide a better geographical “feel” for where this is taking place. We hope you’ll read at least one of these and join us on Monday, May 24, at 7:00 P.M. at the home of Lisa Mack at 846 Oak Street . You’ll enjoy the discussion and can help us choose what we read next!
]]>Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, at 7:00 P.M., and we’re meeting once again at the home of Jane Elmore (thank you, Jane!) If you haven’t been to Jane’s, you’ll enjoy seeing her beautiful home--the newest one in Ft. Wood! It’s at 901 Oak Street, on the corner of Oak Street and Fort Wood Place. Our March meeting was an evening of interesting, animated conversation. We hope you’ll join us in April--and, you’re welcome to bring a friend!
]]>
March 12th - Ginny and Randall Soules - 872 Oak St.
April 9th - Tom and Nancy Bibler - 905 Oak St.
May 14th - Remo and Beth Capecchi - 949 Vine St.
June 11th - Cheryl and Greg Leitner - 911 Oak St.
July 9th - Catherine and Matt Martin - 863 Oak St.
August pool party to be announced
September 10th - Carla and Ken Pritchard - 864 Oak St.
October 8th - Debbie Dunlap - 839 Oak St.
November 12th - Susan and Mike Biderman - 840 Fortwood St.
December holiday party to be announced
And a reminder - Our book for March is “The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer. It’s been on the bestseller list for a couple of years, and it’s out in paperback ($6.99 on Amazon.com). We hope you’ll read the book and come join the discussion - but even if you haven’t read the book (or don’t get it finished), please come to the book club meeting. The book just gets the conversation started. We had a lively discussion last time on all kinds of issues inspired by “The Help.” Our host will provide beverages and a dessert. Hope to see you Thursday, March 18 at Jane’s house!
]]>
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING IN SEPTEMBER
On September 18, all members of the Fort Wood neighborhood were invited to attend a forum in the Fort Wood Apartments Tea Room to discuss quality of life and safety issues in our area. (If you did not receive a newsletter or notification via e-mail, please contact mazaha@vei.net or call 266-6058.) Mary Ann Zaha, who coordinated the meeting, has submitted the following report:
The goal of the meeting was to collectively express concerns. Participants were broken into three groups and asked to express their views on Safety, Quality of Life, and What is Being Done in the Neighborhood That You Like. After the initial lists were generated, each member of the group was asked to identify two concerns that were most important to them from each of the three lists. The following is a compilation of the groups’ three lists and the corresponding rank of importance expressed for each item. A detailed report will be presented at the follow-up meeting which is scheduled for February 5, 2008.
Safety Concerns
Quality of Life - Improvements Needed
Things We Like About the Neighborhood
Additionally, in post-session debriefing, group members observed that there is a need for unity, bringing neighbors together to achieve common, acceptable goals. Neighbors also noticed that different areas of Fort Wood have different concerns. For example, neighbors on Vine and Oak Streets expressed traffic concerns, whereas neighbors on 5th and Fort Wood Streets worried about crime. One person said, “I notice our concerns are about what is next door, rather than what is next door to our neighbors.”
Nearly everyone involved in this process expressed willingness to attend another session devoted to generating solutions. The more residents who attend, the better we will be able to meet the needs of the neighborhood as a whole. The process is non-judgmental and provides neighbors with a safe place to offer their input and participate in positive change for the neighborhood we all are proud to live in.
Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. when we will hold our follow-up session devoted to coming up with concrete proposals for making this a better place to live and work. We need each other’s creativity and ideas.
We wish to thank the following people for helping with the September meeting: Facilitators—Bea Lurie, Tom Bibler, and Mike Peterson; Child Care Provider—Catherine Martin; Refreshments—Nancy Bibler and all who brought desserts; Statistics/Recording—Jesse Peterson; and the Fort Wood Apartments—Bruce Hagemeyer.
Everyone agreed it was a very productive evening, and we look forward to the next session.
PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency, at the request of the Chattanooga City Council in response to neighborhood concerns in the Fort Wood area, has been conducting a study of zoning issues in Fort Wood. The planning agency examined the existing zoning and land use, explored neighborhood concerns of non single-family uses within the study boundary, and examined trends in the issuance of special use permits. On Tuesday, November 12, 2007, the agency will provide policy recommendations to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission and to the City Council to serve as a guide for the neighborhood and direct decision-making in an appropriate manner so as to protect its character and retain land use diversity.
FALL SPARKLE DAY
The weekend of November 17-18 has been selected for the fall clean-up in preparation for the Fort Wood Tour of Homes on November 30th. Amanda Tarr is arranging for dumpsters to be available in the neighborhood throughout the weekend. This will be a good time to work on our own yards, but we also need help with general clean-up tasks around the neighborhood. Please check with Amanda to find out how you can be of the greatest assistance.
STREET CLEANING
Amanda Tarr is arranging for street-cleaning in Fort Wood the during the week of Thanksgiving. If parking off the street is an option for you during this time, it would facilitate the cleaning. Thank you.
FORT WOOD TOUR OF HOMES
The tour is scheduled for Friday, November 30, 2007. Co-chair Catherine Martin reports that volunteers are needed for two committees which won’t involve major work but will be needed around the time of the tour. Eight houses on Vine Street and Oak Street will be on the tour. Tickets go on sale November 12, and decorations will go up during the week of November 11th. Billboards will be going up around Chattanooga soon to advertise the tour. Please contact Catherine (267-6505 or catandmatt@earthlink.net) or Jackie Cook (266-1649 or clacahrack@aol.com) to offer your help.
BREAK-IN
A break-in occurred last month at 900 Oak Street. This is a reminder to all of us to be vigilant about keeping doors and windows locked
Don’t Miss These Neighborhood Events
Tuesday, November 12 – Planning Commission Meeting
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Nov 16-18 – Sparkle Days
Friday, November 30th – Ft. Wood Tour of Homes
Sunday, December 9th – Holiday Chili Supper, 4:00 PM at Biblers’
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 – Neighborhood Improvement Meeting
]]>
AUGUST POOL PARTY
On Sunday, August 26th, the last Fort Wood Pool Party of the summer will be held at the Fort Wood Apartments Pool on the corner of Clark Street and Fort Wood Place, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The neighborhood association will provide pizza and soft drinks, plus plates, cups and napkins. Please bring a dessert and such pool essentials as chairs and sunscreen.
MANY THANKS to Bruce Hagemeyer for hosting the Pool Party for Fort Wood residents. This is always a popular and well-attended event, and we are grateful to Bruce and the residents of the Fort Wood Apartments for sharing the pool with the neighborhood for this event.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007 - REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY
Report of the Planning Commission Study to be held at the Patton House, 801 Oak Street, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. At this time Melissa Taylor, Senior Planner with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency, and other staff members will be on hand to discuss the results of the zoning survey and the recommendations of the Planning Commission. This is an “Open Forum” meeting—you are free to come and go as you like, review the results of the survey and the recommendations, complete comment cards regarding the recommendations, and ask questions.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 - NEIGHBORHOOD GENERAL MEETING
Neighborhood General Meeting to discuss issues of safety and neighborhood improvements. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and will be held at the Tea Room of the Fort Wood Apartments. You can access this room most easily from Clark Street, at the rear of the apartments, just behind the pool area. Coffee and soft drinks will be provided. You are invited to bring a dessert to serve 8-10 people. Mary Ann Zaha and others will be facilitating a discussion of ways to improve the quality of life for residents of Fort Wood. We hope to have a good crowd to provide a wide range of input and ideas for us to work on as a neighborhood. Child care will be available.
FORT WOOD ANNUAL LANDSCAPE AWARD
Doug Danner and Chris Law at 935 Fort Wood Street have created a lovely botanical haven in their backyard which opens up to Fifth Street. It is filled with perennials and springtime plants, decorative globes of glass and other attractive garden adornments. They live in the Perkins home, built in 1960. Mrs. Perkins originally planted this garden to be a spring garden. Through trial and error, Doug and Chris have added perennials and other flora, constantly improving and enlarging the garden.
Doug and Chris, please accept our sincere congratulations for your beautiful garden and for the enhancement of our wonderful neighborhood!
FORT WOOD HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
This year’s tour, scheduled for Friday evening, November 30th, is shaping up nicely. Co-chairs Catherine Martin (267-6505) and Jackie Cook (266-1649) have arranged for nine Fort Wood structures to be on the tour, including homes, condos, and other private buildings. Volunteers are still needed for the Decorations (putting up neighborhood banners) and Brochure Development committees. Please contact Catherine or Jackie if you are willing to work on these committees.
Our past tours have been very popular events and a lot of fun for everyone involved (except maybe the co-chairs!)—step up and volunteer, and you‘ll be glad you got involved in helping to showcase our neighborhood and help raise funds for our worthy Fort Wood neighbor, Orange Grove Center.
FORT WOOD WEB SITE
Thanks to Jeremy Keys, 854 Oak Street, Fort Wood now has a fantastic website! You can access it at http://www.historicfortwood.org. It includes historic information about the Fort Wood area, details on the Tour of Homes, a calendar of neighborhood and community events, recent newsletters, links to historic preservation sites and to businesses in the Fort Wood area, and photos of some of the architectural features in our community. Please check it out—it’s a terrific resource for our neighborhood and represents a huge donation of Jeremy’s time and skills. And thank Jeremy when you see him!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2007 - FORT WOOD HOLIDAY CHILI SUPPER
Mark your calendars for this neighborhood party to be held at the Biblers’ at 905 Oak Street. Festivities will begin at 4:00 PM. Bring your favorite chili or a side dish (salad, bread or dessert). Plates, cups, and soft drinks will be provided. Festivities will begin at 4:00 PM.
FORT WOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION DUES
Please send your 2007 membership dues ($15 single, $25 family/corporate/organization), payable to the Fort Wood Neighborhood Association (FWNA), to Tom Bibler at 905 Oak Street, if you have not already done so.
Don’t Miss These Neighborhood Events
Thursday, August 23 – Planning Commission Report, Patten House, 5:30 PM
Sunday, August 26 – Pool Party, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Ft. Wood Apts.
Tuesday, Sept. 18th – General Meeting/Safety & Neighborhood Improvements, 7:00 PM, at Ft. Wood Apts. Tea Room
Friday, November 30th – Ft. Wood Tour of Homes
Sunday, December 9th – Holiday Chili Supper, 4:00 PM at Biblers’
If you have questions or suggestions regarding the neighborhood association, please contact Tom via e-mail at or by phone (preferably) at 267-5572.
]]>
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Southern Regional Office
456 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(803) 722-8552
The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
Hall of the States, Suite 332
444 North Capitol Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
(301) 663-6149
The National Park Service
Preservation Assistance Division
Technical Preservation Services
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, D.C. 20013-7127
(202) 673-4000
Historic Preservation Briefs are available from the National Park Service.
State Organizations
Tennessee Historical Commission
2491 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37243-0442
National Register Plaques can be ordered from the Tennessee Historical Commission. Plaques offered by the Tennessee Historical Commission do not follow the more popular National Register Plaque wording. The application can be viewed and printed by clicking on the following link: Tennessee Historical Commission National Register Plaque Application. This application also has an example image of their plaque.
Standard and customized National Register Plaques are also available from the Erie Landmark Company and should ship within a reasonable timeframe. These plaques follow the more popular wording. An example of a customized plaque (with original homeowner and build date) can be seen by click on the following link: Customized National Register Plaque.
Local Organizations
Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission
Riverfront Downtown Planning and Design Center
2nd Floor, Miller Plaza, 850 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 266-5948
(The CHZC staff has a reference library available for information on architectural styles, restoration, old houses, and product information. Please feel free to call and make use of these materials.)
Regional Planning Agency
Planning & Design Studio
1250 Market Street
Suite 3010, Development Resource Center
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-668-2262
Fort Wood Design Guidelines
The guidelines clarify what is valuable and worth preserving in the district and explain how you can respect these features as you make changes or repairs to your historic building or design new buildings adjoining the old. As a property owner, you should refer to these guidelines whenever you plan changes to the exterior of your house or your property.
Building Inspection
1250 Market Street
(423) 757-5105
Better Housing Commission
1001 Lindsay Street
(423) 757-5204
Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
1301 Market Street
Suite 100
(423) 265-4114
Cansler Photography
Brad Cansler is recognized as a Master of Photography by the Professional Photographers of America, and is known throughout Tennessee and the U.S. for his ability to capture the essence of individual personalities and family relationships. His work has been displayed internationally in touring exhibitions and has been featured at Walt Disney’s EPCOT center on several occasions.
Helen Cansler has been awarded the Photographic Craftsman degree by the Professional Photographers of America. She creates beautiful, soft, sensitive portraits in a watercolor style.
Chattanooga Downtown Partnership
The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership enhances the quality and viability of the downtown area by producing, coordinating and/or encouraging events and activities designed to animate and enliven the public spaces, and by providing the promotion and marketing necessary to attract people downtown.
Cornerstones, Inc
Cornerstones, Chattanooga’s only non-profit Historic Preservation Organization, exists to preserve the architectural heritage and urban fabric of Chattanooga. Cornerstones serves as a catalyst by promoting the importance of recycling the buildings of our past for today’s uses and bringing together the resources required to effect change. Cornerstones works to conserve and bring new life to the historic buildings and to the streets of Chattanooga. It seeks to ensure that Chattanooga’s visual and spatial identity are enriched well into the future through the conscious conservation of those historic structures and public streets most worthy of retention. The challenge falls to Cornerstones to keep watch, champion their maintenance and profitable use, and when necessary step in and participate in their preservation and revitalization.
Hair of The Dog
Hair of the Dog has the look and feel of an old world Pub. It feels comfortable any time of the day, week, or year. The dark wood throughout, combined with wrought iron railing and warm lighting give it a very homey atmosphere. A custom hand operated dumb-waiter carries food and drinks to the second level where the dart boards, pool tables and jukebox are located. Our full bar features over 50 beers and a vast liquor and wine selection. So, whether you prefer great beer, a bold Zinfandel or 21 year old Scotch we’ve got you covered.
Mayor’s Mansion Inn
Experience the historical elegance of the Mayor’s Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast. This 18-room bed and breakfast mansion inn, built in 1889, was home to Edmond G. Watkins, who later became the Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Now serving Chattanooga and located in the Fort Wood Historic District, the Mayor’s Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast is truly dedicated to making your stay in Tennessee as unforgettable as your Chattanooga surroundings.
Tin Laser Center / Fort Wood Aesthetic & Wellness Center
Tin Laser Center offers customized care and a promise that you will receive individualized attention from a well trained staff and a caring surgeon with over 20 years experience in refractive surgery. Check out the people who are glad they finally had the procedure from a surgeon well known and recognized for his compassion and expertise!