Yup.
We are at it again.
The owner of "8th Street Market" on the corner of 8th/Hubbard has agreed to allow us to paint and beautify his Market.
Ready to help?
Well bring it on.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
9 a.m.
What to bring?
Gloves, paint supplies, snacks to share, landscape clean up tools
post here or email with questions: preservationsos@yahoo.com
(I have a lovely poster and picture to upload but can not figure out for the life of me how to do it.)
If someone can transfer it over, xoxo.
http://www.myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6498#p6498 (http://www.myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6498#p6498)
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/8thStreetMarketPoster21-1.jpg)
I am so excited about this project.
What a great way to help the commercial corridor in a real and tangible way. We've waited on various business facade grants and promises for years and years.
Let's just do it ourselves!
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/photoofmarket-1.jpg)
I just read that myspringfield.org thread. Wow. Those evil SPAR people just don't stop do they?
Some people just don't seem to accept that many of their neighbors are wanting to do nice things for others. Our idea is to help those, just because it's a kind and neighborly thing to do. There's of course, those who don't support out efforts if it happens to not be their idea, or coming from certain organizations. That's fine, they don't need to help, the negative attitude will not deter our acts of good will.
If we had lived in Springfield longer I'd probably have more opinions about things. I'd have seen things tried that did or didn't work and think that things would always go that way. But as relative newcomers we are still in the mode that anything is possible. We've already seen evidence of it. So it doesn't matter if businesses have been offered opportunities in the past. We'll just do it again, in a new way. If it takes hold and there is an improvement for the area, then it won't matter what was said or done before. All that matters is that we all believe in the possible and do everything we can to make our community better. Count me in!
Quote from: Springfield Chicken on October 11, 2010, 06:25:13 AMAll that matters is that we all believe in the possible ...
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Make-Love-Not-War-T-Shirt-8179.jpg)
Quote from: Springfield Chicken on October 11, 2010, 06:25:13 AM
If we had lived in Springfield longer I'd probably have more opinions about things. I'd have seen things tried that did or didn't work and think that things would always go that way. But as relative newcomers we are still in the mode that anything is possible. We've already seen evidence of it. So it doesn't matter if businesses have been offered opportunities in the past. We'll just do it again, in a new way. If it takes hold and there is an improvement for the area, then it won't matter what was said or done before. All that matters is that we all believe in the possible and do everything we can to make our community better. Count me in!
Well the "opportunity" the SPARbarians were referring to was this alleged "assistance" program SPAR set up that reminded you of a sale at a sleazy used car lot. They had compiled a list of contractors who would do spruce ups like signs, awnings, etc., but the business owners would only get that if they spent a certain amount of money on other things they were required to have done.
It seriously was comical. It's like, let me get this straight, the business owner has to spend $10k with this SPAR contractor doing a bunch of stuff SPAR should have paid for itself if it wanted done, and a lot of that money represents actual profit to the contractor, and then in the end you'll give me a $500 awning with some of my own $10k you just made off me?
I know this is going to be real shocking, given the nature of the program and all, but for some bizarre reason SPAR couldn't get the businesses to participate in the program. Can't imagine why. Like I said, seriously comical.
What Gloria and Co. are doing is actual neighborly assistance. I can't believe that guy on myspringfield.org had the gall to compare volunteer neighbors helping a local business to that alleged "assistance" program SPAR was trying to push. That's why the other posters on myspringfield were putting quotes around the word "assistance" when discussing SPAR's program.
I'm looking forward to seeing this makeover take place. Isn't this the same business that was trying to open a fish market on 8th & Main last year? Do they still have plans to open on Main or has that concept been completely abandoned now?
You guys can count me in...I just posted the pic/flyer to my fb page!!!
Thank you local!!!
Quote from: thelakelander on October 11, 2010, 09:35:43 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing this makeover take place. Isn't this the same business that was trying to open a fish market on 8th & Main last year? Do they still have plans to open on Main or has that concept been completely abandoned now?
The "rumor" I kept hearing was that code enforcement got involved. It is an old building so things could have been made difficult. There could be legitimate concerns, but that was the "hinder rather than help" mode from the community organizations at the time so perhaps now with the newer organizations getting the "help not hinder" idea, the owners can figure out how to open the place.
Working with them like this at their 8th street location will go a long way to encouraging them to do more in the community.
Let's not forget, this isn't a total make over like Ms Maggies...we're just doing some beautification work...but also keep in mind, any and all are welcome to participate. We're all about helping neighbors and this is the beautification committee of preservation sos.
A reminder about Saturday if you can come out and help. Just going to focus on landscaping and clean-up. Here are the needs:
6 one gallon pots of a hearty plant for the brick planter
4 five gallon pots (shrubs) for the side adjacent to the vacant lot, also hearty
4 one gallon pots of a hearty plant for the small CROW
6 bags of soil
4 bags of tree bark/mulch covering
Plastic trash bags for clean-up
Bring gloves and water to drink
Rakes, shovels, brooms
I estimate this to be $100 for materials. Post here or email preservationsos@yahoo.com if you can donate.
If you can't come out to help, try and stop by to say hello to everyone, including the store owners. Beautification, Preservation, Love, and Friendship, that's the point of the Neighbor to Neighbor Project. Thanks for your support.
Bringing along old newspapers and some weed cloth wouldn't hurt. Laying down several thicknesses of newspaper, then weed cloth, will keep the areas we plant and mulch weed free.
We did one hell of a job, although it ended up not painting, instead we completely landscaped including a brick walkway.
before
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs026.snc4/33666_1627594539688_1531307631_1555062_7076019_n.jpg)
after
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs394.ash2/67232_1627595179704_1531307631_1555066_666875_n.jpg)(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs006.ash2/33639_1627595379709_1531307631_1555067_1959339_n.jpg)
before
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs024.snc4/33566_1627594779694_1531307631_1555063_169447_n.jpg)
after
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs288.snc4/40737_1627595659716_1531307631_1555069_4857137_n.jpg)
finishing the walkway...which is brick, cemented in place
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs813.snc4/69363_1627595939723_1531307631_1555071_8022247_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs114.snc4/36053_1627596299732_1531307631_1555074_5677868_n.jpg)
finished product
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs464.ash2/73741_1627597619765_1531307631_1555082_4284007_n.jpg)(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs776.snc4/67595_1627597739768_1531307631_1555083_4740696_n.jpg)(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs446.ash2/71920_1627598179779_1531307631_1555087_4829920_n.jpg)
the kissing of the frog, for those who said it was a waste of time...oh, how wrong that was...the owner was delighted and the corner looks fantastic
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs792.snc4/67291_1627596819745_1531307631_1555077_3384_n.jpg)(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs442.ash2/71496_1627597299757_1531307631_1555080_4319032_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs461.ash2/73459_1627597899772_1531307631_1555084_5886080_n.jpg)
we are Preservation SOS and we're making a positive difference
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs814.snc4/69421_1627596939748_1531307631_1555078_7820272_n.jpg)
I think about 20 folks showed up including Marc McCullough who is a resident and a candidate for city council.
Thank you to Eva Ayers who so generously supplied the red mulch and most of the bricks for the pathway
and the regular SOS crew who always show up at these events including hooplady & Tony S.
Now, let's go in there and buy something!!
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/IMG_2785-1.jpg)
Thats really cool! Always thought that place was an eyesore.
If we don't want it to be an eyesore, we'll need to be the ones to change it. And it won't be fixed with one day's worth of work. The store needs attention, both from a beautification aspect and from a business aspect. In other words, the neighborhood needs to take "ownership" of it, use it, frequent it, get to know the owner.
Not making demands, but rather making connections to the store.
This is the only way to affect any significant change, IMHO.
Bill Hoff spent some time weed whacking the enormous empty lot across the street. Tony Sullivan and friends went in afterwards and bagged up the trash.
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/tonys-1.jpg)
I wonder what could be done to beautify that area? Maybe some "tire planters?" How about a permanent net...."badminton in the bad lands?"
Sidewalk "chalk art" contests?
I drove by 8th Street Market Sunday morning and saw Mark standing on the brick path. I know Mark from the thrift store, he occasionally comes in to talk.
He looked up and said "Miss Gloria, this is really beautiful" and the men standing around just shook their heads and said "it really is."
Anything we can do, helps bring light.
I salute all involved sheclown! Very nice work and just a small amount (Yea......right!) of sweat equity! One corner at a time and one block at a time...........Kudos to SOS! This appears to be more service to the community, from SOS, than SPAR Council's speed dialing, lip service!
Thanks CS.
(But, just to let you know, Bill Hoff is a SPAR board member & he did help with the clean up & definitely has a heart for preservation).
It truly was an all inclusive neighborhood effort.
I also appreciate the kudos. We put a great deal of energy and hard work into this project, just as we do with all of them. Our goal (Preservation SOS) does not stop with our efforts to save the structures, but to help maintain and beautify our neighborhood. While most worked on the landscaping make over, others helped with cutting down weeds and picking up trash on the other 3 corners. It's also the combined efforts of others that help make this the best neighborhood in Jax.
You people are just vigilantes spreading chaos and anarchy throughout Springfield! :D
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on October 25, 2010, 10:31:57 AM
You people are just vigilantes spreading chaos and anarchy throughout Springfield! :D
Finally a label I can live with!
i'm sorry i missed this one, especially since i stop by that store fairly often--i just had too much goïng on this weekend.
I like that name idea in case we ever form yet another group. We could be SCATS - Spreading Chaos & Anarchy Throughout Springfield! It has a nice ring to it! ::)
Ohhhhhhh.
not a pleasant acronym.
but like all the words!
rebels for the cause!
Yeah...not so much. Not into chaos and anarchy. Would rather spread peace, love and beauty, thanks just the same. :) Random Acts of Beauty, Guerilla Good Deeds.
Chaos=Creativity
Anarchy=Not following someone else's rules
yep I like it :-)
I view it as chaos=mixing things up and not sticking to the same ol' same ol'. Messing with the status quo will always cause chaos in somebody's world. Depending on how they are intended chaos & anarchy in and of themselves are not negative words. IMHO.
I'll stick with the Preservation SOS.
Time for SOS to take the lead............no agenda, but for the neighborhoods good overall!
Quote from: KuroiKetsunoHana on October 25, 2010, 02:34:17 PM
i'm sorry i missed this one, especially since i stop by that store fairly often--i just had too much goïng on this weekend.
Kuroi, you can still be part of the process by giving the owners positive feedback the next time you buy something. Altruism is wonderful, but it helps when business owners can see that a project like this has a direct effect on their bottom line.
definite point, and thank you for pointing that out--i wouldn't've thought ov it.
Went by there this morning, on the way to Three Layers, looks much better than it did! Kudos to SOS!
Any ideas on the lot across the street?
Sheclown, can you post a picture? I have lots of grand visions for our vacant lots in Springfield.
Quote from: sheclown on October 26, 2010, 08:42:49 PM
Any ideas on the lot across the street?
I like the chalk festival idea. Either a contest or just a group random act of beauty. Yeah, I know the art will wash away but who cares? One more excuse to get people on an unloved corner interacting with each other.
Maybe we could mark out a giant circle and make a mandala.
Rebels Wielding Chalk!!
I'd rather do something at the place a couple blocks up, at Liberty
@ Springfielder...they all need to be done!!!
Chalk festival. Cool idea.
CELEBRATE OUR SLABS!
I am in love with that building and lots surrounding it Springfielder. Love it!!
In San Diego they have a place called the "flower fields." rannuculus of all colors for acres and acres. Gorgeous.
Since the lots aren't mowed , throwing wild flower seeds is pretty simple. "Seeds of Hope."
This will be more challenging b/c it is weed patches and slabs of concrete.
That's what they used to do on the rights of way out by the Avenues. They sow wildflower seeds and only mow when the flowers have stopped blooming in the late spring.
CS...next time you are on your way to Three Layers, why not stop at the Hubbard Store and buy something? You don't have to spend a lot. Even a pack of gum is only $1. But take time to tell the owners how nice the store is looking.
Quote from: hooplady on October 26, 2010, 09:01:48 PM
Quote from: sheclown on October 26, 2010, 08:42:49 PM
Any ideas on the lot across the street?
I like the chalk festival idea. Either a contest or just a group random act of beauty. Yeah, I know the art will wash away but who cares? One more excuse to get people on an unloved corner interacting with each other.
Maybe we could mark out a giant circle and make a mandala.
Rebels Wielding Chalk!!
it is almost the festival of lights, and Mandala's are part of that celebration!
Perhaps I'm missing something here...although it's cute to do chalk art and things like that, that's not what I thought sos was all about. It just seems that something more substantial should be going on instead of chalk art on slabs of cement which would only be seen by walking over onto them. Chalk won't last, where as painting, landscaping and such are more tangible and makes more sense. Sorry, but that seems like a waste of time and good intentions, when there's actually lots and structures that need attention.
Now if there was some sort of event being held there, I can see having fun with the chalk art, but as I said, just to do it as some attempt to make that corner look better, well, in all honesty, that's an extremely temporary measure. Don't go off track, sos has been doing great work and making a meaningful and positive impact, IMO, to do something like that takes away from what has been happening.
No, I wasn't thinking that it would make the corner look better in any permanent fashion. I was just thinking it would be a good (and cheap!) way to get some activity on a space that is otherwise unnoticed, and make a connection to the previous good work that was done on the opposite corner. Hopefully those actions would have a domino effect.
More along the lines of a random, albeit ephemeral, act of beauty. Or perhaps just kissing another frog.
Anyhoo, I trust the movers and shakers of Preservation SOS to take all ideas thrown at them and make wise decisions with their limited resources.
Quote from: hooplady on October 27, 2010, 12:32:17 PM
....Anyhoo, I trust the movers and shakers of Preservation SOS to take all ideas thrown at them and make wise decisions with their limited resources.
Yup, me too. Just let me know where/when I need to be there to help... I can't always be there, but it's always worthwhile when I do get to join in.
you know it. Next Make It Happen! is right around the corner.
Yup.
Sure is.
Mark your calendar for November 20th.
Information will be posted in these next days.
One of the workers at the store came into the thrift store today, thanked us for the flowers and told me how beautiful they are. "We're taking really good care of them." He said. "Miss Eva brings her hose down to water them too."
And then he bought a shirt.
It was nice.
Quote from: Debbie Thompson on October 27, 2010, 07:03:26 AM
CS...next time you are on your way to Three Layers, why not stop at the Hubbard Store and buy something? You don't have to spend a lot. Even a pack of gum is only $1. But take time to tell the owners how nice the store is looking.
CS, You are the man!!! Went by Robert's Eatery at 8th and Ionia got my favorite sausage dog with the slaw, onions, and a coke and I'm getting ready to pay him and he says that CS got you covered and more than once. THANK YOU CS. Loking forward to meeting you some day.
He's not there Mon. or Tues. But look for the hot dog cart and the Gator tent Wend. Thurs. or Fri. Does a breakfast and a lunch.
Debbie T you can also just drive through and get a coke or water. Its a unique drive through. Check out that vacant lot for a spruce up too. Treat it as your vacant lot meet up spot. I'd like to participate in one of your projects.
CS, you're such a cool guy. :-*
Well sheclown...............thanks but only on Sundays, due to the moons phases and tides! Hardee Har Har! I have a soft spot in my crusty heart for Springfield, I can't help it........love the people and love the homes! Mr Noone, I stacked the deck due to your kindness in the beginning........I am only returning the favor and our paths will cross at some point in the future, you can be assured of that! sheclown, joann,stephen, the JOL Forum & MetroJax people.......everyone has an open invite to show up at Roberts @8th and Ionia & whatever Robert has, is on me! Breakfeast or Lunch, I don't care........it has been taken care of................needless to say all of the SOS members are on that list also! Ms Debbie.......I have been by the 8th Street Market, didn't advertise my showing up and see no reason to change that.............I do like the landscaping though.... much much better! That open ended invitation is even extended to Aunt Eulabelle De Portugal if she wishes to make an appearence! The secret phrase will be "CS Foltz said to come by"..............use that and Robert will fix you up!! Roberts hours are usually 0800ish to 4ish Weds to Fri's .......Bon Appetite!