Wednesday, November 3, 2010

11-1-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter

11-1-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter


DSRCO PO Box 26382 CHARLOTTE, NC 28221

Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods)
helps make our work possible. We are grateful to the many individuals, families, neighborhoods,
HOA's, businesses, churches, and groups who provided us with operating funds this past year.

This month, DSRCO has received Dues contributions from

Bible Baptist Church
6237 Rumple Road
704 596-2645

We appreciate your continued support. Thank You!

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Thursday, Nov. 4th
Derita Business Association Meets
9am, Maria's Grill in Derita. Open To All, No Membership Fee.

Our goal is to help spread the word about local business, the services that you offer,
the greater values that the community will receive in shopping closer to home.

Each meeting always includes time for exchanging business cards and Networking,
a variety of self-promotion ideas and co-operative advertising ideas

"Our Goal is to Promote Local Businesses and Service Professionals Serving Our Area."

--- Bernie Samonds 704 806-3813 Leave Msg deritarep@aol.com

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Thursday, Nov. 4th
FREE PARENT WORKSHOP
7-9pm , University City United Methodist Church

We invite you to join us in the Worship Center. Kirk Martin, a renowned author and behavioral consultant and founder of Celebrate Calm, which blends science-based research with humorous real life examples, will present a FREE PARENT WORKSHOP.

The focus of his endeavors are to equip teachers and parents with practical strategies designed to improve focus and behavior, eliminate defiance and disrespect, relieve anxiety and sensory issues, and replace yelling with calm, respectful homes. Mr. Martin has graciously offered to share his expertise with our community with a free Parent’s Workshop. You can check out his website at www.celebratecalm.com Registration is not necessary. This is a great opportunity for parents and UCUMC would like to pass it on to those within our community. For more information, contact Donna Benson at 704-369-8023 or email dbenson@ucumc.org.
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Saturday, Nov. 6th
The “Amazing Race”
to be held in and around uptown Charlotte

The “Amazing Race” promises to be a challenging and FUN event. I want to make you aware of an opportunity to support the scholarship fund for Therapeutic Recreation summer camps! These funds are increasingly necessary to help children, teens and adults with disabilities to attend summer experiences offered through the Therapeutic Recreation Section of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department.

For details, E-mail: Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
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Saturday, Nov.7th
Fall Back --- Daylight Savings Time
Set your clock back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.
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Saturday, Nov.13th, & Dec. 11
FREE Rabies Vaccination Clinic
7-11am, Charlotte Animal Shelter, 8315 Byrum Drive,

SAVE YOURSELF SOME MONEY AND PROVIDE YOUR DOG & YOUR FAMILY peace of mind. Be in line before 11am to have your pet vaccinated --- This service is provided by Charlotte Animal Care & Control -- a division of CMPD.

Dogs must be on a leash. Cats may be in a carrier. Owners should bring their ID showing their current address, or a bill that shows their residency

Rabies is a viral disease spread by contact with infected animals --- by their bite or contact with an infected animal's saliva. Once symptoms appear, it is usually 100% fatal in humans.

The disease is frequently found in mammals such as foxes, raccoons, bats and domesticated animals which have been infected.
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Saturday, Nov. 13th
Derita Fall Fiesta
will be held at the Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road 12 Noon -5 pm. Mark Your Calendar, Come join your neighbors as we celebrate fall. Fun for the whole family!

Free admission! Free games, live music, face painting, hayrides to a pumpkin patch, inflatables, piƱatas, popcorn and cider. Craft items and baked goods for sale. Fish fry, hot dogs, and lots of other food for sale. Organized by five churches in the Derita area along with local merchants and service organizations.

Please bring a canned food donation for the Loaves & Fishes food ministry.

Visit the Derita Business Association & Derita-Statesville Road Community Org booth to sign up for the Free Drawings. Gift Baskets & lots of other prizes!

Rain date: Nov. 20, 2010 More info at http://deritachurch.org

The five churches working together on this event are Derita Baptist, Cole United Methodist, Freedom Ministries, Fuente de Vida Ministry, and Derita Presbyterian.
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Saturday, Nov. 13th
REKINDLING THE “LOST ARTS”
3-5pm, Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall) 101 W Sugar Creek Rd.

Featuring Monthly Workshops open to any and all females age 15 and up who are interested in participating. The Lost Arts are activities or hobbies that are in danger of being lost or forgotten because they are not being passed down to current generations.

November Workshop: “Thanksgiving Preparation”
(from planning the meal to a proper table setting)

For more info, please call the church: 704-596-4466
RSVPs are welcome, but not required
Admission is Free

December’s workshop: Candy Making (instructions and demonstrations on how to make Pulled Mints and Classic Peanut Brittle). Date to be announced
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Saturday, Nov. 20th
UMW Holiday Bake Sale & UMYF Yard Sale
Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Statesville Rd.

8am - 12 Noon. Lots of activity, whether you're looking for a homemade cake, pie, tray of cookies or brownies, cupcakes, ready-to-thaw casserole. There will be sausage & biscuits with coffee or hot chocolate inside. Outside, there will be all sorts of tools, furniture, gently used furniture and other items in the Methodist Youth Yard Sale.
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Thursday, Nov. 25th
Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast
8:00 am Thanksgiving Morning
SCPC Fellowship Hall
$3.50 Adults /$2.50 Children 12 and under

Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 W. Sugar Creek Road
Charlotte, NC 28213
704.596.4466
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December 11th
Holiday Homemade Cookie Sale
9 am – 12 Noon, University City United Methodist Church

All proceeds benefit The Christmas Store, the church’s youth holiday outreach ministry. The event offers delicious home-baked cookies, beautifully decorated for the holidays, for sale by the box.

If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Sprick ( 704-281-0027) or Bert Giles, Director of Youth Ministries, at (704) 369-8020. The Church is located at 3835 West WT. Harris Blvd (corner of Harris Blvd and West Sugar Creek Road.

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What your Neighbors are saying

Registered Voter I.D.?

"I went to have a mammogram this morning in Charlotte, NC. I gave the lady at the front desk my insurance card and then she asked me for a photo ID.

Now, if I need a photo ID to get a mammogram, why don’t I need one to VOTE? Time for a CHANGE! --- Deborah Rowe, Nevin Community
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Vicious Computer Virus

Although this virus has been around for a couple of years, it’s still circulating. You will receive an e-mail from UPS, Fed Ex, or USPS along with a packet number. It will say that they were unable to deliver a package sent to you on such-and-such a date. It then asks you to print out the invoice copy attached.

DON'T TRY TO PRINT THIS. IT LAUNCHES THE VIRUS!

Pass this warning on to all your friends. This virus has caused Millions of dollars in damage. SNOPES confirms that it is real.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

This really happened to me. Ruined my whole computer. Luckily I had an image backup and could restore it somewhat. Lost some data even at that.
--- Rob Carroll, Truck Tech Auto & RV
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Ultimate Panthers' Fan Package

The Allen Tate Company , "Preferred Realtor of the Carolina Panthers," is giving away the Ultimate Fan Package. This includes four lower-level tickets and four field passes to the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta game on December 12th; a signed and framed Carolina Panthers jersey; and a 50-inch LG Plasma HDTV.

Registration is easy. Simply go to www.allentate.com/theresamcdonald and click on the Panthers Ultimate Fan Package link on the left side of the page. Complete the registration form and you’re done.

You’re also welcome to forward this e-mail to your family and friends and encourage them to enter the contest as well. They must live in NC or SC; be 18 years of age or older at the time of registration; and have a valid e-mail address. Limit one entry per person. No purchase is required. Registration ends at midnight on November 18, 2010, and the winner will be announced on or before December 1, 2010.

And if there’s anything I can help you with, please feel free to call or e-mail me. It’s always great to hear from you.
Theresa McDonald, Realtor 704 236 9340
Theresa.Mcdonald@AllenTate.com


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Surviving the Holidays Workshops

for families who have lost a loved one in the past two years. These workshops will give you tools to help you survive the holidays and even find hope again. The work-shops will be held at Hickory Grove Baptist Church North Campus, 2350 Odell School Road starting on Wednesday night October 27 and run for four Wednesday nights ending on Nov. 17. Classes start at 6:30pm.

To register call Jerry & Skip Mudge 704 509-6603 or register by email sjmudge@bellsouth.net


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Local Folks "Serving Our Community"

NEEDY CHILD CHRISTMAS FUND

For 21 consecutive years, Mike Kleban & friends Michelle, Joni, & Sue, have been soliciting donations to provide Christmas for Needy Children here in our area. They contact school counselors, local pastors, etc. and seek out families that won't be able to afford a winter coat or clothing for school, who may have trouble putting food on the table, or a simple toy or game to unwrap on Christmas morning.

This year their goal is to aid 100 boys and Girls. What makes this different from so many other charities is that 100% of every contribution goes into this mission. Everyone is a volunteer and they even pay for the Christmas wrapping paper out of their own pockets.

The time is quickly approaching and we could sure appreciate your help. No donation is too small. You can send a tax-deductible gift payable to Oak Grove UMC, by writing Kleban Ministry on the memo line.

Oak Grove United Methodist Church
6440 Old Statesville Road
Charlotte, NC 28269

or

Mike Kleban
317 Woodside Drive
Harrisburg, NC 28269

Thank You for your generosity!
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Hats Off To:

Boy Scout Troop 67 of Ebeneezer Baptist Church
who have "Adopted A Street" here in Derita --- Gibbon Rd

Drivers, Please watch out for these young workers as they gather litter and debris that others have thoughtlessly tossed along the roadside.
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Youth Yard Sale to Aid Charity

The Oak Grove United Methodist Youth Fellowship is sponsoring a YARD SALE on Saturday, Nov. 20th from 7am -- Noon. The proceeds from this sale will go toward the Mike Kleban Needy Children's Christmas Project.

If you have not already done so, it is time to do your fall cleaning and to gather upadditional items for us to sell. And remember, one person's junk is another person's treasure so be ready to purchase from our yard sale after you stop by the Church Ladies' Bake Sale for your biscuits & grits that morning.

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6440 Old Statesville Rd.

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Who said "There's NO FREE LUNCH?"
You can EAT FREE at Maria's Grill with a $10 Gift Certificate provided by these Derita Businesses

Call Paul of North Carolina, LLC.
Do you have a house that needs a lot of things fixed to make life simpler?
That's what I do. Projects handled one by one.
home 704-596-4937 cell 704-564-0994
Call_Paul@bellsouth.net

Corley Controls
Heating - Cooling - Electrical
We are Your Neighborhood Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists
Family Owned and Operated --- We Service ALL Makes & Models
info@corleycontrols.com 704 598-2677


Daniel B. Hefner Plumbing Co.
A Family Tradition since 1919
Quality Plumbing Services through 4 Generations
Residential - Commercial & Gas Lines
www.danielhefnerplumbing.com 704 598-3703


Derita Reporter Printing Service Carbonless Forms, Letterheads, Business Cards, Envelopes
2600 Allen Road South 704 806-3813 Pls Lv Msg
deritarep@aol.com


Joe Sailers R B C Insurance
Phone -- 704-661-8275 joe.sailers@rbc.com
Specialist in Life, Health, Disability, and Supplemental Insurance
R B C has great Annuity Rates


Keziah's Furniture Outlet Quality Furniture & Closeouts at Discount Prices
2914 Gibbon Road 704 596-7427
www.keziahsfurniture.com


Theresa McDonald. Realtor
Help Me Sell Derita. -- Charlotte's Best Kept Secret
theresa.mcdonald@allentate.com 704 236-9340


Ultimate Protection Insurance
& Financial Solutions, LLC
Sal Pierre-Louis -- Licensed Independent Insurance & Benefit Consultant
"As an Independent Insurance Agent
I have access to all the top insurance carriers in North Carolina"
"Let me be your advocate and shop around for you"
phone:704-241-2654 email: ultimateprotectionnow@yahoo.com


Wesley E. Sinclair, CCM Sales and Service Representative
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Medicare Supplements Long Term Care Life Insurance
Critical Illness Disability Insurance Annuities
Auto - Home - Renters - Boats
wesesinc@hotmail.com 704 560-1861

Sign Up for the FREE Weekly Drawings at Maria's Grill starting this week!
Winners will be notified each Monday by email

1st Week Winner --- Corey Westbrook
2nd Week Winner --- Stefanie Spake
3rd Week Winner --- D.W. Lindsey
4th Week Winner --- James Locklear
5th Week Winner --- Johnny Harris
6th Week Winner --- Ralph Duncan
7th Week Winner --- Willie Mason
8th Week Winner --- Ray Fincher
This Week's Winner --- Kathy Locklear

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The Derita Lions Club
meets 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at Maria's Grill

Join us for dinner at 6pm and find out what our Club is doing here in the Community, and in conjunction with other Lions Club within the our District & across the State.

Last week, Lions District Governor Gary Steele was the guest speaker and he announced Goals for the coming year . . . But it was a "soft sell," because Derita Club members and had met and exceeded their fund raising for White Cane Charities and Camp Dogwood summer camp for the previous year. They did well on all points of the annual Governor's Review. Jim Hunter is the Derita Club President this year.
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Local Church Notes

We invite the Derita Community to check out
the new Derita Presbyterian Church

... contemporary worship, praise band, culturally relevant messages. Derita is a changing church in a changing community.
If you are seeking a spiritual community or looking for a new, fresh way to worship and serve, then we welcome you to Derita Church. Worship service at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School immediately follows worship.

JOIN US! Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 www.deritachurch.org

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Sunday Evening Prayer at 6:00pm
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church

101 W. Sugar Creek Road
Charlotte, NC 28213
704.596.4466

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Fascinating Facts --- The Bobcats!

The hometown Charlotte Bobcats opened the regular season
against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, October 27th.
The home opener was played on Friday, October 29th against
the Indiana Pacers.

After reaching the playoffs for the first time in team history
last year, Coach Larry Brown, majority owner Michael Jordan,
and the rest of the talented Bobcats team look to again be playoff
contenders.


The Charlotte Bobcats arena, sponsored by Time Warner Cable
is also home to the Charlotte Checkers minor league hockey team.
It cost over $200 million dollars to build the Charlotte Bobcats arena.


And here’s another interesting fact...


Each state has laws that specifically deal with the probate and
administration of your estate. It is best to have your will drafted
and signed according to the laws of your resident state.
--- Landon A. Dunn, P.A.
Attorney at Law

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Derita Business Directory

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/564074079xONVEq

Businesses and Service Providers working here in our area can save you time and money, and helps support our local economy.

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Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. Last week I saw two suspicious-looking people in our neighborhood and I called 311 to request a "Zone Check." I was told that 311 was not the appropriate number to call and they gave me some other number to call.They may have given you CMPD's North Division office number 704-432-3801, but Response Area Commander Jeremiah Blow says, "Please pass the word on that when some sees suspicious activity PLEASE call 911, so we can ID the subject.Thanks."
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Q. Do you have any idea why they stopped reporting the crime stats/calls to service on EveryBlock.com ? The only thing that comes thru now are new real estate listings on Trulia, permits and kitchen inspections at schools and also parents complaining about the area schools. What is up?

Mark asked the North Division and no one there had even heard of Everyblock? When I go on to the website our profile is still set up to receive all notifications. Do you or anyone else know? We know that it is not that quiet around here?
--- Jennifer Coats, Nevin Community



Like several other advertising sponsored websites, Everyblock.com gathers its information (for free) from the public records and then re-packages it as their own content.

In this case, the Char-Meck.org website (which serves local government, police, fire, planning, and other departments) was recently re-worked to improve service and reduce costs. Re-launch of this official site, while faster and more easy to use in some aspects, did not include the police information you're asking about. That information was usually posted at a 24-48 hr. delay, so as not to interfere with any on-going Police operations.

When we asked Capt. Lester (University City Division), she was aware of the change on the City's website, but that she had not heard of any plans to further revamp the overall website to include the Police Service items.

Bottom Line --- The Public & News Media can still go downtown and report on what they find in the Police Blotter, but few copy & paste websites have the budget to hire someone to go down to check the records.
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Q. Thanks for your construction updates on what's happening in downtown Derita. How much of this is in preparation for the North Rail Train?


None of it. The road widening in front of Turning Point Academy (the former Derita School) are simply road improvements. Part of it is the North Graham @ West Sugar Creek @ Mineral Springs intersection changes and adding a turn lane @ Rumple Road. None of the work has to do with the Rail project.

In a recent newsletter we reported on a Nevin-Gibbon Rd. Sidewalk project that is supposed to provide walking access for a future Derita Rail Station, but that sidewalk work has been pushed back to 2014. And prospects for the $238 million Rail Project look dim as transportation tax revenues are faltering and there is no federal money to help subsidize the work.


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RENT TABLES & CHAIRS
for that family reunion, birthday party, backyard barbecue, block party, yard sale. 8 ft. long wood Tables, $5 each. Metal folding chairs, .50 cents each. Liberal pick-up policy. Leave a message, 704 806-3813 or deritarep@aol.com

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Anyone got firewood for sale? Send me an email at deritarep@aol.com

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Today's Funny
(from our FREE Friday Funny Mail --- You can receive it each week. Lots of jokes, cartoons, & funny pics sent in by our readers. Just send your request to deritarep@aol.com )

Computer Problems

The computer in my high school classroom recently started acting up. After watching me struggle with it, one of my students took over. "Your hard drive crashed," he said.

I called the computer services office and explained, "My computer is down. The hard drive crashed."

"We can't just send computer repair people down on your say-so. How do you know that's the problem?"

"A student told me," I answered.

"We'll send someone over right away."
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The Chocolate Chip Cookies

My wife is a by-the-recipe baker. But that attention to detail still hasn't made her chocolate chip cookies taste any better. One day, after the cookies had been in the oven a while, I smelled a familiar odor. "They're burning," I shouted.

"I know," she said nonchalantly.

"Aren't you going to take them out?"

"No. They still have six minutes."


Sunday, October 24, 2010

10-15-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter

10-15-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter
DSRCO PO Box 26382 CHARLOTTE, NC 28221 Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods) helps make our work possible. We are grateful to the many individuals, families, neighborhoods, HOA's, businesses, churches, and groups who provided us with operating funds this past year.
==================================================================================

This month, DSRCO has received Dues contributions from
Nathaley McElrath
Les Lemley
We appreciate your continued support. Thank You!
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Saturday, Oct. 16th
Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar

9:00am – 3:00pm, University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)

Don’t miss this annual tradition! There will be a wide variety of handmade items for sale as well as breakfast, lunch, and bake sale! If you would like to rent a table at the bazaar, contact Phyllis Ginder at 704-921-0926. Cost for an eight foot table is $30.
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Saturday, Oct. 16th
ALL Candidates Forum

University City Regional Library on WT Harris Blvd, 2 pm

The NorthEast Coalition invites all candidates for office to present their platform for office at The University City Regional Library on WT Harris Blvd at 2 pm. Please rsvp so that we may schedule you for time considerations.

Claire Green Fallon -President- North East Coalition
704-596-8288 cgftjf@aol.com
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Sunday October 17th
Church Hymn Choir Celebrates 21st Anniversary

Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, 2901 Oneida Road

Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church Hymn Choir will be celebrating their 21st choir anniversary on Sunday October 17, 2010 @ 3:00 pm. Guest choirs will be participating from NC, and SC. Everyone is invited to come out and be a part of this great celebration.

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Monday, Oct. 18th
Red Cross Blood Drive

9:30am – 2:00pm; Walk-in donors welcome!
University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)
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Wednesday, Oct. 20th
Business Professional Fellowship Event

5:00 – 8:00pm, University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)

This event offers a relaxing chance to meet business professionals of the UCUMC family! There is no selling at the event, but plenty of free food (while supplies last) and giveaways from each business.
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Thursday, Oct. 21st
Monthly DSRCO Neighborhood Leaders' Meeting

7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 West Sugar Creek Rd.

The DSRCO Board, Neighborhood Leaders and interested residents meet to discuss issues, needs of the community, re-zoning requests, area crime and programs to create a better Quality of Life for families in our area. This is an Open Meetng, everyone is invited.

This group not only serves as Omsbudsmen for our area, but maintains this twice monthly newsletter as way to keep everyone better informed.
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20th Century Fox movie I AM...
Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Rd.

We will be screening the new movie I AM... the movie that changes everything
in October on the following dates/times:

- Friday, October 22 @ 7 pm.
- Saturday, October 23 @ 2 pm.
- Friday, October 29 @ 7 pm.
- Saturday, October 30 @ 2 pm.

Check out movie trailers at: www.IAMthemovie.com Call the church office to reserve
your free tickets – 704-597-1122. (Age appropriate—13 and above)
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Saturday, Oct. 23rd
Youth Yard Sale – Bazaar - Flea Market – Bake Sale

Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 West Sugar Creek Rd.
8 am. – 12 pm.

We have Tables to Rent ($10). In this economy it seems that everyone could use some extra cash. If you have something to sell and would like to join the Youth on October 23rd, please contact Donny Raborn (704) 649-1480.

(Tables Limited - Reserve your table today!). If you want to bring your own tables, we just ask that you make a donation

What you sell is your cash, however a donation would be very much appreciated. All participants will be asked to help with advertising and clean-up. This will be an outside event, weather permitting. COME ALL!!!
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Saturday October 23th
Fall Festival

Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, 2901 Oneida Road

MT. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting a Fall Festival from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Everyone is invited to come out and bring the whole family with you for this fun occasion. There will be lots of fun, food, games, and Trick or Treat bags for the kids.
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Saturday, Oct. 23rd
6th Annual Matthews Rotary Bluegrass Festival
Chili Cook-Off, Bike Ride + 5K Race

8:30am - 3pm, Stumptown Park, Downtown Matthews
Details on-line: Events@MatthewsRotary.org
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Friday, October 29th
Reformation Day Fall Festival

Prosperity Presbyterian Church (Gym), 5533 Prosperity Church Road
6 - 8pm, Rain or Shine (in our gym)

Wear your favorite costume and come to our family-friendly fall festival, Learn about the significance of Reformation Day in church history and help us celebrate with an evening full of fun.

We will have HAYRIDES, a PUPPET SHOW, lots of GAMES, FACE PAINTING, CRAFTS, HOT DOGS, SNACKS, DRINKS, PRIZES, CAKE WALKS for parents, CANDY for the kids, and more! Activities will take place in our gym, so make plans to join us rain or shine! Parking and all event activities are completely FREE! No reservations or tickets needed Call 704-875-1182 for more details.
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Saturday. Oct 30th
Fall Festival
Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4700 Beatties Ford Rd.

5:00pm --- Join us for a wiener roast, games, face painting and more!
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Saturday, October 30th
Halloween Costume Party

7pm, Da Bears Den, 5400 Nevin Rd., (704) 598-8418


featuring: Sound Investment DJ-VJ/Karaoke
Costume requested, but not mandatory.
Prizes, snacks, giveaways, drink specials. See you all there!
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Saturday, Oct. 30th
4th Annual Runway 5K Run

Details on-line at CharlotteAirport.com
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Sunday, Oct. 31st
FALL FESTIVAL

6pm, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6440 Old Statesville Rd.

Games, Candy & Prizes, Hot Dogs, Cake Walk, Hay Ride. Fun for the Family and a safe evening for the Community. Come Join Us!
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Every Sunday
Sugaw Creek Historical Schoolhouse Tours
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 Sugar Creek Road West

Free Tours Every Sunday 3 - 5pm
From May until October
“Come by and learn a little history!”
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Tuesday, Nov. 2nd,
Choose Candidates & Make Decisions


Don't Forget To Vote!

Charlotte citizens will vote on $203.6 million in transportation, neighborhood improvement and affordable housing bonds. The bonds are a part of City Council’s adopted Capital Investment Plan and, if approved by voters, will not require a tax increase.

The three questions are listed separately on the ballot. You may vote for $156.6 million in Transportation & Road Improvements. You may chose to support the $32 million for Neighborhood Improvement. $15 million is being sought for Affordable Housing
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Saturday, Nov. 6th
The “Amazing Race”

to be held in and around uptown Charlotte

The “Amazing Race” promises to be a challenging and FUN event. I want to make you aware of an opportunity to support the scholarship fund for Therapeutic Recreation summer camps! These funds are increasingly necessary to help children, teens and adults with disabilities to attend summer experiences offered through the Therapeutic Recreation Section of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department.

For details, E-mail: Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
==============================================

Saturday, Nov. 13th
Derita Fall Fiesta


will be held at the Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road
12 Noon -5 pm. Mark Your Calendar, Come join your neighbors as we celebrate fall.

Free Games, Food, Country Store, Attic Sale, Hay Rides

Sponsored by Cole Memorial United Methodist Church, Derita Baptist, Derita Presbyterian, Freedom Ministries, Turning Point Academy, Greater Temple of Faith
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Saturday, Nov. 20th
UMW Holiday Bake Sale & UMYF Yard Sale

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Statesville Rd.

8am - 12 Noon. Lots of activity, whether you're looking for a homemade cake, pie, tray of cookies or brownies, cupcakes, ready-to-thaw casserole. There will be sausage & biscuits with coffee or hot chocolate inside. Outside, there will be all sorts of tools, furniture, gently used furniture and other items in the Methodist Youth Yard Sale.

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What your Neighbors are saying

Ultimate Panthers' Fan Package
The Allen Tate Company , "Preferred Realtor of the Carolina Panthers," is giving away the Ultimate Fan Package. This includes four lower-level tickets and four field passes to the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta game on December 12th; a signed and framed Carolina Panthers jersey; and a 50-inch LG Plasma HDTV.

Registration is easy. Simply go to www.allentate.com/theresamcdonald and click on the Panthers Ultimate Fan Package link on the left side of the page. Complete the registration form and you’re done.

You’re also welcome to forward this e-mail to your family and friends and encourage them to enter the contest as well. They must live in NC or SC; be 18 years of age or older at the time of registration; and have a valid e-mail address. Limit one entry per person. No purchase is required. Registration ends at midnight on November 18, 2010, and the winner will be announced on or before December 1, 2010.

And if there’s anything I can help you with, please feel free to call or e-mail me. It’s always great to hear from you.
Theresa McDonald, Realtor 704 236 9340
Theresa.Mcdonald@AllenTate.com
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Downtown Derita Park?
Read your article about the West Sugar Creek Rd. widening (intersection project) across from Turning Point Academy (former Derita Elementary School). With these building being removed and other work happening along the railroad track, I am wondering if this might be an opportunity to create a small Downtown Derita Park, like the one beside the railroad tracks in Cornelius?

The space there has landscaped with shrubbery and flowers, benches and even some ornamental lighting. This might be start of some "aesthetic clean-up" along the track here in Derita? It might lend itself well to the "Village of Derita" community re-identification that you folks were discussing some months back.
--- Jeff King, Royal Oaks Neighborhood
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Hotel Key Cards
If you travel or stay at hotels. Always take along a small fridge magnet. You will need to use it before you leave your hotel for home.... to erase info stored on that magnetic stripe:
a. Customer's name
b. Customer's partial home address
c. Hotel room number
d. Check-in date and out dates
e. Customer's credit card number and expiration date!

When you turn key cards in to the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner. An employee can take a hand full of cards home and using a scanning device, access all of the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense.

If you have a small magnet, pass it across the magnetic stripe several times.. Then try it in the door, it will not work. It erases everything on the card.
--- submitted by Gary & Linda Hylton
=====================================================

Charlotte Rotary Club Organizing
The Matthews Rotary Club has started the process to charter a new Rotary Club: Charlotte International Rotary Club US They have had the first two meetings and are now looking for additional potential members to be part of the Charter Members of this new Club. If you are interested in finding out more about this Rotary Club. please call Bryant Eckert at 704-335-2387 or bryant.eckert@usbank.com

There is also a University City Rotary Club currently meeting. For info, Contact: thurstonstclair@aol.com
===================================

CMPD Officers Brief Neighborhoods

Sgt. Jermiah Blow & Ofc. Mike Travis have been making the rounds at Crime Watch meetings in Response Area 3. CMPD recently caught up with a suspect they know was connected with a couple of break-ins . . . Well, quite a few break-ins, if you look at the pile of items recovered. But they could only connect the two incidents because folks had not taken time to record serial numbers or to engrave numbers on the items that had been stolen.

"I can't say it enough," said Ofc. Travis. "Make a list of the serial number on your computer, electronics, power tools and other expensive items. We want to be able to identify them and return them to you when we recover them."

They also alerted Nevin & Allen Hills residents that street signs at the Lake Rd @Cindy Lane intersection are being moved to better direct the traffic flow and improve safety. Officers will be watching the intersection more closely to insure that drivers obey the STOP signs.

The neighborhood intersection at Allen Rd. South @ Allen Rd. East was recently converted to a 4-Way STOP to help reduce speeders and prevent accidents. In just the first month, Officers have written 25 tickets for traffic violations, 11 of them to folks who live within the neighborhood. Still, the Officers heard complaints about drivers breezing across the narrow streets which have neither curbs nor sidewalks. Since last week's CW meeting, Patrol Cars have been seen more frequently.
===================================

We invite the Derita Community
to check out the new Derita Presbyterian Church ... contemporary worship, praise band, culturally relevant messages. Derita is a changing church in a changing community. If you are seeking a spiritual community or looking for a new, fresh way to worship and serve, then we welcome you to Derita Church.

Worship service at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School immediately follows worship. JOIN US! Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road
===============================================

Saturday, Oct. 23rd
BBQ Fundraiser for Judge Tim Smith

11 am until… at the Home of David and Jeree Current
5700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, 704-393-5084


Wood-smoked BBQ and all the trimmings! LEXINGTON STYLE! Plate and 2 sides or 2 Sandwiches and 1 side --- Only $9! Includes drink Vegetarian options will be available, please let us know in advance.

Party Pack of 12 tickets only $100!
Free delivery within 10 miles on orders of 10 plates or more!

For Tickets, call David Current (704) 393-5084, Jackie Smith (704) 619-2121 or Chad Smith (704) 807-5497 or purchase on-line at www.judgetimsmith.com.

============================================

Who said "There's NO FREE LUNCH?"
You can EAT FREE at Maria's Grill with a $10 Gift Certificate
provided by these Derita Businesses

Call Paul of North Carolina, LLC.
Do you have a house that needs a lot of things fixed to make life simpler?
That's what I do. Projects handled one by one.
home 704-596-4937 cell 704-574-0994
Call_Paul@bellsouth.net

Corley Controls
Heating - Cooling - Electrical

We are Your Neighborhood Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists
Family Owned and Operated --- We Service ALL Makes & Models
info@corleycontrols.com 704 598-2677


Daniel B. Hefner Plumbing Co.
A Family Tradition since 1919
Quality Plumbing Services through 4 Generations
Residential - Commercial & Gas Lines
www.danielhefnerplumbing.com 704 598-3703


Derita Reporter Printing Service
Carbonless Forms, Letterheads, Business Cards, Envelopes
2600 Allen Road South 704 806-3813 Pls Lv Msg
deritarep@aol.com


Joe Sailers R B C Insurance
Phone -- 704-661-8275 joe.sailers@rbc.com
Specialist in Life, Health, Disability, and Supplemental Insurance
R B C has great Annuity Rates


Keziah's Furniture Outlet
Quality Furniture & Closeouts at Discount Prices
2914 Gibbon Road 704 596-7427
www.keziahsfurniture.com


Theresa McDonald. Realtor
Help Me Sell Derita. -- Charlotte's Best Kept Secret
theresa.mcdonald@allentate.com 704 236-9340


Ultimate Protection Insurance
& Financial Solutions, LLC

Sal Pierre-Louis -- Licensed Independent Insurance & Benefit Consultant
"As an Independent Insurance Agent
I have access to all the top insurance carriers in North Carolina"
"Let me be your advocate and shop around for you"
phone:704-241-2654 email: ultimateprotectionnow@yahoo.com


Wesley E. Sinclair, CCM
Sales and Service Representative
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Medicare Supplements Long Term Care Life Insurance
Critical Illness Disability Insurance Annuities
Auto - Home - Renters - Boats
wesesinc@hotmail.com 704 560-1861

Sign Up for the FREE Weekly Drawings at Maria's Grill starting this week!
Winners will be notified each Monday by email

1st Week Winner --- Corey Westbrook
2nd Week Winner --- Stefanie Spake
3rd Week Winner --- D.W. Lindsey
4th Week Winner --- James Locklear
5th Week Winner --- Johnny Harris
6th Week Winner --- Ralph Duncan
7th Week Winner --- Willie Mason

============================================

DoodyCalls of Charlotte
Fall Pooper Scooper Special
(
expires: Oct 31, 2010)

Not been able to clean your backyard all summer?
Let DoodyCalls help you take control of your backyard before you aerate/seed.

Initial/One Time Yard Cleaning
1 dog - 23.00
2 dogs - 25.00
3 dogs - 28.00
4 dogs - 30.00

1.800.DOODYCALLS (366-3922)
www.DoodyCalls.com

============================================

Have a Community Project you want to complete
but don’t have the tools to do it?


Take advantage of the free Historic Northwest Community Tool Shed. The Community Tool Shed provides Charlotte residents, neighborhoods and community organizations with resources to beautify and maintain their communities.

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $14,000 grant to the City of Charlotte for the purchase of an inventory of tools ranging from hammers, ladders and paint brushes to power drills, sanders and pressure washers. For a complete listing of tools included in the Historic Northwest Community Tool Shed and information on how to reserve the tools for your next project, visit http://nbs.charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-2175.
============================================

The Derita Lions Club
meets 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at Maria's Grill

Join us for dinner and find out what our Club is doing here in the Community, and in conjunction with other Lions Club within the our District & across the State.

============================================

Finding Help for Jackson
Our neighbor Maggie Sewell is on a campaign of her own. Recently she heard about 3 year-old Jackson Laskowski, the middle child of three Harrisburg boys, who had been diagnosed with Stage IV Liver Cancer. His best chance at life is a liver transplant later this year. Maggie hopes to raise funds locally to help this cash-strapped family who have already lost one son. You can read more about Jackson at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonlaskowski

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Derita Business Directoryhttp://good-times.webshots.com/album/564074079xONVEq

Businesses and Service Providers working here in our area can save you time and money, and helps support our local economy.

===================================

Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. Last Sunday, The Charlotte Observer printed a short note about CDOT plans to widen West Sugar Creek Rd. to 4 lanes from Mallard Creek Rd. to Lynn Lee Circle. Do you have any details and when will construction start?

Yes, there is a plan, but it has been shelved for the foreseeable future. A $250,000 study was done in 2003 to determine the need, suitability and approximate cost --- but the analysis team hired by the City of Charlotte determined that with the amount of traffic to be diverted by the completed Graham Street Connector (North Graham St to Mallard Creek Rd.) widening was not needed. That study predicted the reduced traffic count on West Sugar Creek Rd. would be somewhere around the 1980's traffic level. DSRCO questioned their projections at the time and you all have witnessed the daily traffic congestion that has continued in the months that have followed.

Again, there is a Widening plan, but there is no funding for the project or a projected timetable.

Further development along Old Potter's Rd, and the huge Griffith Lakes development project (still in limbo) might well bring the plan back into play, but not anytime soon. The plan, as drawn, called for a 4-lane road with bikeways, sidewalks, lights & curbing --- which is why residents nowadays get "the deaf ear" when they plea for sidewalks along the current West Sugar Creek Rd.

Karen Sullivan's article (in The Charlotte Observer) explained mostly how NCDOT is now purchasing right-of-ways for the Graham Street Connector. Negotiators are working to acquire the first 62 land parcels that would have "utility claims." (Where power poles or underground pipes might have to be moved or installed). With that done, the acquisition team would move on to the remaining 70 properties affectedby the road construction & road widening project.

(Some of it might take more negotiating than you might think. --- For instance, the proposed route takes the front porch & parking are at the Derita American Legion Building, so NCDOT only wants to buy their building, but not the two acres
behind it --- which will then become land-locked by NCDOT's plan to prohibit driveways.)

More details on the Sugar Creek widening plan at:
http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/epm/Projects/Transportation/Roads/Pages/Sugar%20Creek%20Road%20Widening.aspx
=======================================================

Q. Can you give us an update on the Gibbon Road Sidewalk Project that is tied to the CATS North Commuter Rail Station? Is there any additional word on a sidewalk from Crater Park into downtown Derita?

"The City of Charlotte constructs sidewalks through multiple programs such as the Sidewalk Program, Neighborhood Improvement Program and others. Developers also build sidewalks as neighborhoods are constructed. Currently, about 1,900 miles of existing streets do not have sidewalks. Through its programs, the City of Charlotte builds approximately 20 to 30 miles of sidewalk each year depending on funding availability.

"City of Charlotte staff reviews sidewalk needs with inquiring Charlotte residents each day. Sidewalk requests are placed on a list and are scheduled for construction based on priority level and available funding. The Sidewalk Program received $15 million in funding from the 2008 Neighborhood Improvement Bonds, which is helping to construct approximately 16-20 miles of sidewalk citywide. Sidewalk requests remaining on the Priority List but not yet in process are dependent on future bonds or other sources of funding. "The Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. has requested additional information regarding their sidewalk requests. The following speaks to their inquiry:


1) Nevin-Gibbon-Sugar Creek Sidewalk
"This project is planned to install sidewalk on the north side of Nevin Road from Alpine Lane to Gibbon Road, the southwest side of Gibbon Road from Nevin Road to West Sugar Creek Road, and fill in several gaps on West Sugar Creek Road at an estimated cost of $1.3 million. Given the cost, the City had the opportunity to apply for federal matching funds and received notice in July that the funds were approved. By receiving federal funds, the Sidewalk Program can implement additional citywide projects. The funds are planned to be disbursed (subject to continued authorization of the Federal Transportation Bill program that would fund this sidewalk) in July, 2014. The City intends to move forward with the project at that time.


2) Gibbon Road Sidewalk
"This project is highly ranked on the sidewalk priority list. The limits of this proposed sidewalk are the southwest side of Gibbon Road between Nevin Road and Brawer Farm Road. The estimated cost is $2 million. Given the substantial cost of installing sidewalk on two-lane roadways that are targeted for future upgrades such as widening or other improvements, funding for this sidewalk is dependent on future bonds and other City funds apart from the dedicated Sidewalk Program. City staff needs to review possible implementation of this project and how it might be funded through a combination of City programs.
----- Allison C. Brickey, P.E.
City of Charlotte
Engineering & Property Management
Project Coordinator
abrickey@ci.charlotte.nc.us
=================================================================

Q. My son plays football for Derita Athletics and really enjoys it. But I have some concerns about the group and how they manage their money. DAA has lots of kids in the program, but they say money is tight. I offered to help them
raise funds for field improvements and other things, but they have been reluctant to discuss their finances with the parents.


Derita Athletics has been providing an excellent youth sports program for the our area since 1958. They have always worked hard to keep the costs low enough that no child gets turned away, even to the point of providing scholarships when needed. Even with he troubled economy and sponsorships down this year, that remains the case.

To remain in Pop Warner, an organization must field 8 teams; Derita has 9. League egistration is $1601 per team --- plus the added expenses of repairing and replacing uniforms & equipment, maintaining the field, paying for medical & security personnel. till Derita's registration fee this year is only $150 per player, while most organizations charge $250, according to the current President, Tonya Faison.

"Yes, we are operating on a very tight budget this season, but our focus right now has to be on the Players and their season." says Faison. "After the season is over, we'll have time to sit down with parents, go over our records, and discuss ways that we can raise funds to prepare for next season."
======================================================

RENT TABLES & CHAIRS
for that family reunion, birthday party, backyard barbecue, block party, yard sale. 8 ft. long wood Tables, $5 each. Metal folding chairs, .50 cents each. Liberal pick-up policy. Leave a message, 704 806-3813 or deritarep@aol.com

======================================================

Anyone got firewood for sale? Send me an email at deritarep@aol.com
=======================================================

Today's Funny
(from our FREE Friday Funny Mail --- You can receive it each week. Lots of jokes, cartoons, & funny pics sent in by our readers. Just send your request to deritarep@aol.com )

Directions
A German, looking for directions in Paris, pulls up to a bus stop where two Americans are waiting.

"Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Deutsch?" he asks. The two Americans just stare at him.

"Parlez-vous franƧais?" he says.

The two continue to stare, so the German tries again "Parlate italiano?"

No response. "¿Hablan ustedes espaƱol?" Still nothing. Frustrated, the German guy drives off.

The first American says, "You know, we should learn a foreign language."

"Why?" asks the other. "He knew four languages, and it didn't do him any good." --- from Reader's Digest

10-1-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter

10-1-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter
DSRCO PO Box 26382 CHARLOTTE, NC 28221
Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods) helps make our work possible. We are grateful to the many individuals, families, neighborhoods, HOA's, businesses, churches, and groups who provided us with operating funds this past year.

Those who have contributed during this past month are:

Ilene Fagen & Tom McFarland --- Thank You for your Support!

============================================


Saturday, Oct. 2nd
Harvest Fest 2010
---- Craft Show - BBQ - and More
9am - 3pm, Harrisburg United Methodist Church, Hwy 49, Harrisburg NC

Crafters & Visitors, please mark your calendars. We're happy to announce the
date for our 20th Annual Harvest Fest. We usually have 600+ visitors, over 50
craft exhibitors, our famous BBQ Lunch, plus breakfast, homemade Baked Goods
and pick a prize. Come pick a pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch.

Info & Registration for Crafters, call 704 784-2319
For event information, call 704 455-2311 (Church office)
=============================================

Thursday, Oct. 7th
Derita Business Association Meets

9am, Maria's Grill in Derita. Open To All, No Membership Fee.

Our goal is to help spread the word about local business, the services that you offer,
the greater values that the community will receive in shopping closer to home.

Each meeting always includes time for exchanging business cards and Networking,
a variety of self-promotion ideas and co-operative advertising ideas

"Our Goal is to Promote Local Businesses and Service Professionals Serving Our Area."
--- Bernie Samonds 704 806-3813 Leave Msg deritarep@aol.com
=============================================

Saturday, Oct. 9th
Teen Girls and Women’s Consignment Sale

University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)

Regular Sale: 8:00 – 11:00am
Half-Price Sale: 12:30 – 2:00pm

New Sale! If you would like to volunteer or consign, visit www.ucumc.org/consignmentsale.

=============================================

Thursday, Oct. 14th
Oak Grove United Methodist Annual Barbecue

11am - until, Oake Grove United Methodist Church, 6440 Old Statesville Rd.

Men of the Church will be cooking and chopping BBQ pork shoulders for plates,
sandwiches, and bulk barbecue. $8 per plate or 3 sandwiches. Individual sandwiches
$ 3 each. Eat in or Take out.
=============================================

Saturday, Oct. 16th
Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar

9:00am – 3:00pm, University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)

Don’t miss this annual tradition! There will be a wide variety of handmade items
for sale as well as breakfast, lunch, and bake sale! If you would like to rent a table
at the bazaar, contact Phyllis Ginder at 704-921-0926. Cost for an eight foot table
is $30.
=============================================

Monday, Oct. 18th
Red Cross Blood Drive

9:30am – 2:00pm; Walk-in donors welcome!
University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)
=============================================

Wednesday, Oct. 20th
Business Professional Fellowship Event

5:00 – 8:00pm, University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (corner of Harris Blvd. and Sugar Creek Rd.)

This event offers a relaxing chance to meet business professionals of the UCUMC
family! There is no selling at the event, but plenty of free food (while supplies last)
and giveaways from each business.
=============================================

Thursday, Oct. 21st
Monthly DSRCO Neighborhood Leaders' Meeting

7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 West Sugar Creek Rd.

The DSRCO Board, Neighborhood Leaders and interested residents meet to
discuss issues, needs of the community, re-zoning requests, area crime and
programs to create a better Quality of Life for families in our area. This is an
Open Meetng, everyone is invited.

This group not only serves as Omsbudsmen for our area, but maintains this twice
monthly newsletter as way to keep everyone better informed.
============================================

Saturday, Oct. 23rd
6th Annual Matthews Rotary Bluegrass Festival

Chili Cook-Off, Bike Ride + 5K Race

8:30am - 3pm, Stumptown Park, Downtown Matthews
Details on-line: Events@MatthewsRotary.org
=============================================

Friday, October 29th
Reformation Day Fall Festival

Prosperity Presbyterian Church (Gym), 5533 Prosperity Church Road
6 - 8pm, Rain or Shine (in our gym)

Wear your favorite costume and come to our family-friendly fall festival, Learn
about the significance of Reformation Day in church history and help us celebrate
with an evening full of fun.

We will have HAYRIDES, a PUPPET SHOW, lots of GAMES, FACE PAINTING,
CRAFTS, HOT DOGS, SNACKS, DRINKS, PRIZES, CAKE WALKS for parents,
CANDY for the kids, and more! Activities will take place in our gym, so make plans
to join us rain or shine! Parking and all event activities are completely FREE! No
reservations or tickets needed Call 704-875-1182 for more details.
============================================

Saturday, Oct. 30th
4th Annual Runway 5K Run

Details on-line at CharlotteAirport.com
============================================

Every Sunday
Sugaw Creek Historical Schoolhouse Tours

Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 Sugar Creek Road West

Free Tours Every Sunday 3 - 5pm
From May until October
“Come by and learn a little history!”
==============================================

Tuesday, Nov. 2nd,
Choose Candidates & Make Decisions

Charlotte citizens will vote on $203.6 million in transportation, neighborhood improvement
and affordable housing bonds. The bonds are a part of City Council’s adopted Capital
Investment Plan and, if approved by voters, will not require a tax increase.

The three questions are listed separately on the ballot. You may vote for $156.6 million
in Transportation & Road Improvements. You may chose to support the $32 million for
Neighborhood Improvement. $15 million is being sought for Affordable Housing
==============================================

Saturday, Nov. 6th
The “Amazing Race”

to be held in and around uptown Charlotte

The “Amazing Race” promises to be a challenging and FUN event.
I want to make you aware of an opportunity to support the scholarship fund for Therapeutic
Recreation summer camps! These funds are increasingly necessary to help children,
teens and adults with disabilities to attend summer experiences offered through the
Therapeutic Recreation Section of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department.

For details, E-mail: Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
==============================================

Saturday, Nov. 13th
Community Fall Fiesta

will be held at the Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road
1-5 pm. Mark Your Calendar, Come join your neighbors as we celebrate fall.

==============================================

What your Neighbors are saying

Drano and aluminum foil in plastic bottle
Careful if you reach down to pick up that plastic bottle that someone tossed into your yard. It may not be what it seems. Received a warning that these homemade explosives have turned up locally. If you find something that looks suspicious, Call 911. Let the Professionals handle this.
=============================================================

Presbyterians & Methodists
"Thanks for all that you do to put out a Calendar for the local Presbyterian and Methodist Churches."

I know you're just poking at me. But honestly, we send out an email twice
each month to over 125 Staff and Contact People at local Churches inviting
them to post upcoming events & activities. Could be that you Baptists party
as much as we do, but you just don't want to tell anyone. --- Bernie

=============================================

More News on Intersection Design
Road Widening on West Sugar Creek Rd.


Not talking about the bottleneck in front of the Post Office, but NCDOT will be swinging the wrecking ball sometime after November. They will be removing the building where Beamer's Lunch used to be. Rhodes Barber Shop will be moving up the street to Derita Corners as one of the three new tenants next door to Players Sporting Goods.Citizen's Tax Service (in the former Neal Brumley Law Office building) will move up there as well, beside The Nile (Lounge & Dance Theater).

Brumley's building will be razed and 15-20 feet frontage will be shaved off Edwards Used Car Lot on West Sugar Creek. You've already seen how much pavement was removed in the Players Sporting Goods parking lot before it was re-paved and striped. Except for a small grassy set-back, that's where the new right turn lane onto North Graham Street will go.

There's also talk about a new median on North Graham St. to better control the flow of traffic onto (Derita side) West Sugar Rd. and straight ahead onto the Graham Street Connector Rd.

Some folks say this is a good first step into cleaning up the area along Derita's railroad tracks. With these buildings gone and proper landscaping, this could be an impressive change. The area at Derita Corners (Players, etc) has already undergone some trackside cleanup and landscaping. Undergrowth was trimmed back to the tracks.

So why all this work, if NCDOT isn't going to do anything about the bottleneck? That's the question Charlie Edwards is asking? No doubt you are wondering the same thing.. But all we are hearing is that these changes are all a part of completing the intersection design at North Graham - West Sugar Creek. Mineral Springs Rd. (sheared off further up the block) will enter the Connector Rd. as a side street.

More details as we receive them. Right now right-of-way purchasing is on-going from the Derita end. We're told that property owners along the Mallard Creek Rd. widening end will be receiving more paperwork from NCDOT in December.

=============================================

20th Century Fox movie I AM...
Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Rd.

We will be screening the new movie I AM... the movie that changes everything
in October on the following dates/times:
- Friday, October 15 @ 7 pm.
- Friday, October 22 @ 7 pm.
- Saturday, October 23 @ 2 pm.
- Friday, October 29 @ 7 pm.
- Saturday, October 30 @ 2 pm.

Check out movie trailers at: www.IAMthemovie.com Call the church office to reserve
your free tickets – 704-597-1122. (Age appropriate—13 and above)
==============================================

We invite the Derita Community
to check out the new Derita Presbyterian Church ... contemporary worship, praise band, culturally relevant messages. Derita is a changing church in a changing community. If you are seeking a spiritual community or looking for a new, fresh way to worship and serve, then we welcome you to Derita Church.

Worship service at 9:30 a.m., Sunday School immediately follows worship. JOIN US!
Derita Presbyterian Church, 2230 W. Sugar Creek Road
===============================================

As I Recall . . . memories of a growing up in Derita

We said Good Bye to a dear friend and one of the DSRCO family this past week.

Mary Anne Locklear was a generous with her time and talents. Sunset Baptist Church was filled to capacity with family, friends, and former Scouts.

There are many stories I could share. Mary Anne loved working with her Scouts, both boys & girls. Had she chosen a different career, I think Mary Anne might have been a teacher. She loved kids, she knew how to communicate with them. She knew how to challenge them and she knew how to inspire them. She did it for more than three decades as Girl Scout Troop Leader, a Scout Mom, Committee Chairman, and a fundraiser for many, many of their activities.

For more than a decade, she helped coordinate the Derita Halloween Costume Parade . . . Doing posters & flyers and helping to round up candy & prizes. For close to 25 years, she helped hundreds of girls' teams register and get prepared for the annual National Softball Tournaments coordinated through Players Sporting Goods. She prepared information booklets, suggested places to stay, found lodging for the umpires & officials, and helped coaches handle their last minute registration worries.

She was one of the Cole Travellers. Taking part first in the Sunday School Class monthly outings to dinner and then helping to coordinate the three day getaways to Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg which the church Seniors enjoyed. She was active in Charlotte's Folk Music Society, pickin' and playing with the best of them.

Folks saw her year after year as the snack bar cashier for the Cole Memorial Spring & Christmas Crafts Shows. But she did much more than collect the money while the Scouts grilled hot dogs dished up the homemade soup. Several times, when my Mom was so sick and my own nerves were frayed to the end, she would literally step in and do the shopping or whatever else needed to be done to make sure that the Show went on as planned and that the Scouts and other groups had a successful fundraiser. The Christmas Shows ran for 14 years.

On Mary Anne's Facebook page today there are many, many messages from friends and former Scouts thanking Mary Anne for all that she has done in their life. But there is one that speaks for all of us about the type person that she was. . . David Butler wrote about "an Angel" that stepped into his life and took him under her wing. "She pretty much knew me better than I knew myself." --- I think that all of us feel pretty much the same way about Mary Anne. . . We don't know what we did to deserve her, but she made a difference in life for each of us.

A Few "Mary Anne" Derita Memories

"I first met Mary Anne in the mid 1970's. She and Marlene Allen had a Girl Scout Troop at Derita Presbyterian. . It was a young group, but an active one. They learned skits and games, mastered crafts and they worked on lots of badges. One of those was the camping badge and she asked if I could arrange for them to use the old Boy Scout Camp on Lake Wylie. I got turned down at first, but then the registrar told me the girls could go and camp on a separate campsite, if my Boy Scout Troop made reservations and camped out that same weekend.

They did their thing. My 10-11-12 year old boys did ours. As a Thank You, we were invited to join the Girls for supper. My guys shook of the dirt from a day's activities in the woods and even managed to wash their hands and faces, but when we walked over to the Girl's campsite, there were red & white plaid tablecloths on the rustic picnic tables. Neatly rolled Yellow napkins and plasticware laid out beside each paper plate and fresh picked flowers on the table. We were having spaghetti and the girls were all wearing their homemade aprons. They served each of us a freshly tossed salad. Another girl poured cups of iced tea, as a third Girl Scout set out baskets of toasted french bread. I just looked at my boys and thought "Welcome to Girl Scout Camping, Mary Anne style."

"Another time, She heard from her son Johnny that the Boy Scouts were going camping at Myrtle Beach and she asked if we had any extra room on the bus. As would happen at least three other times, her Girl Scouts filled up the seats on the Scout bus. The boys had our usual campsite at Lakewood Family Campground and the girls set up in
one several rows away. I remember this one trip in particular because we got off to a late start. As we passed through Darlington, I suggested stopping at the Pizza Hut in Hartsville for supper. Mary Anne used a cell phone to call ahead and place the order. She told me afterwards that we might have to wait because they had another big group scheduled ahead of us.

We arrived, were shown to our tables and the waitresses started bring out the pizzas. One of the girls complained that they had put pepperoni all over her "cheese only." But Mary Anne told her, "Just pick them off, Johnny will eat them." And the little girl was doing just that when the other big group arrived.

"Oops!" Mary Anne blushed brightly as she held a hand to her lips. I'm pretty sure I heard her stifle a little giggle as we finished eating the other group's pizzas.

In the years that followed, her Girls accompanied the Boy Scouts to the Emerald Pointe Waterpark at Greensboro (yes, I'm sure she would have much preferred the Lazy River, but the girls talked Mary Anne into riding a huge twisting waterslide affectionately called "The Black Hole.) They joined us for a few more beach trips, monthly visits to the Schiele Museum; and I even got recruited to drive a bus load of the Jr's & Sr's to Charleston for the weekend on the Air Base. Mary Anne set her sights high for her girls and called on her friends to make it happen.

In the late 1970's Roy Segee & I put together an Indian Dance Team to perform at the District Boy Scout Campfire. Mary Anne's son Ray was in that group and we performed for several Scout family nights, eventually morphing into the official Order of the Arrow Indian Dance Team. The boys continued to perform several times a month all over Mecklenburg County. But it wasn't just a boy-thing, before long Mary Anne had formed a group of "Shawl Dancers." They joined us for program & practice nights at the Schiele Museum and danced publicly and at several PowWows.

Her son Johnny was in the Webelos group at Cole Memorial, then later in the Boy Scouts. Mary Anne worked on Committees with both groups. The boys took a lot of trips. Washington DC, Florida and Myrtle Beach were among their favorite destinations. Two trips stand out in my mind.

One was Johnny's first Washington trip. It may embarrass him if I tell you that Mary Anne hid a $10 dollar bill in the bottom of his covered soap dish for that trip. It was a reward for maintaining good personal hygiene. Three days later, after returning home, he told her, "Next time, I'm going to take more money." --- Oh yeah, he missed the original surprise, but Mary Anne taught him a valuable lesson.

On another trip, this time to Disneyworld, Jay Diggs & I were out-voted. Jay's wife Joyce & Mary Anne had worked hard on the Tow-Wat sales program that helped each boy earn enough money to go back to the Magic Kingdom and they
decided this time they were going, too. After a bus ride straight through the night to Orlando, the Moms were at a disadvantage when we stepped through the gates at 10am the following morning. The boys wanted to see everything, ride everything, and then do it again and again. But the two ladies did their best to keep up. We headed back to camp around 10pm that evening. We did a late snack and most of them were in bed by midnight.

Daybreak came early the following morning, but word reached me the two Moms had decided to stay behind. They said something about antiques and some shops they wanted to visit near the campground. Well, that night, when we returned, the word quickly spread that someone had gone through the boys' tents. Dirty T-shirts had been washed and the Easter bunny had visited leaving each boy a brand new plastic cereal bowl filled with cello grass, marshmallow eggs, speckled malted chocolate balls and jelly beans . . . As the boys all thanked Mary Anne & Joyce for the grand surprise, they realized that maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to have your Mom come along on a campout from time to time.
--- Bernie Samonds

=============================================

Making Good Things Happen

WT Harris Bridge FINALLY gets striped
Don’t know if you saw me on the Channel 36 News. They responded when I kept hitting "road blocks trying to get stripes put on the bridge over I-77 on Harris. The State people I tried to talk to just kept passing the buck. When I kept emphasizing it was dangerous, they just turned a deaf ear.

I finally said ”if I have the Highway Patrol call it in as an urgent situation will you do something?” The response “if that’s what you want to do, go ahead.”

Anyway, the people Channel 36 talked with said they had just received some funding and would do it within 30 days. It was done on the 29th day, but at least it was done.
--- Paula Veazie, Kelsey Glen


Riding For Those Who Can't
Oops! Lost the email that I thought my computer saved. But wanted to mention that 59 year-old Rich Haag (formerly of University City Magazine & other Knight publications) did a 200-mile bicycle ride to the beach last month. It was a two-day ride to raise money for the fight against MS, both with pledges & donations.


Finding Help for Jackson
Our neighbor Maggie Sewell is on a campaign of her own. Recently she heard about 3 year-old Jackson Laskowski, the middle child of three Harrisburg boys, who had been diagnosed with Stage IV Liver Cancer. His best chance at life is a liver transplant later this year. Maggie hopes to raise funds locally to help this cash-strapped family
who have already lost one son. You can read more about Jackson at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonlaskowski


Wednesdays, Sept. 29 to Oct. 20th
"Surviving the Holidays" Workshops

Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd.

No matter how long it's been since your loved one died, grief can make the holidays a painful time, but there is Hope! Workshops on helping you not only survive the holidays but discover a new reason to enjoy them again. Led by Skip and Jerry Mudge. To register: contact Jan Stroud at HGBC 704 531-4042 or for more information e-mail sjmudge@att.net

=============================================

Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. Do you know why they left about half a mile of Sugar Creek unstriped? They striped from Harris Blvd. to just past the burned house, then skipped about ½ mile and started again at the entrance to Hubbard Falls. It is on the corner and bridge so it is really a bad spot. The lanes are marked with spots of paint but no stripes that show in the dark.

Haven't received an answer from NCDOT Engineer Louis Mitchell yet, but if I could hazard a guess from what I've seen of the local re-surfacing work. The center stripes and no passing lane markings are laid down with a paint truck. It covers a lot of ground, but it quits laying paint as it approaches some of the intersections. A crew of 4-6 painters with measuring tapes and paint stencils work their way along behind them marking intersections. Because they do the time-consuming specialty work, they could be running behind in our area.
===============================================================

Q. I understand that Norfolk-Southern isn't willing to give up any more right-of-way to widen West Sugar Creek Rd. in front of the Derita Post Office. Has anyone ever suggested using Derita Ave. (directly in front of the Post Office) to create a 2-lane North & 2-Lane South twin lane arrangement with the railroad track running down the middle?

Many times. Some folks even show up with hand-drawn plans that suggest how Derita might look with a row small town shops along Derita Ave. -- kind of a Dillsboro look-alike. The Derita Ave. side would cross the railroad track to re-join West Sugar Creek Rd. just before the intersection with North Graham. They see this as a win-win situation because it would eliminate the West Sugar Creek bottleneck and create a thriving downtown area for Derita.

This might well have happened, if the originally-promised light rail from Charlotte had actually occurred. But we said from the very beginning that voters were being misled. The best we could hope for was a station along the Commuter North Rail, if built. A train would stop (for 90 seconds or less) just north of Nevin Rd. then continue on toward Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, & Mount Mourne. The proposed street and crossing closings proposed for the Commuter Rail would prevent Derita Ave, from re-joining West Sugar Creek Rd.

Also a major developer would need to step in and design the business make-over project because neither the State nor the City are willing to make the investment. But thanks for your suggestion.
=============================================================

Q. Who can we contact about adding a left-turn lane on Gibbon Rd. at the intersection with West Sugar Creek Rd? Every day, traffic backs up on Gibbon Rd. because of folks who want to turn left onto West Sugar Creek Rd. With a left turn lane, traffic turning right could continue to blend into Sugar Creek traffic.

This hasn't been done because vehicles turning left create a blind side, obscuring approaching traffic from folks turning to the right. The only safe way to do this is to add a traffic signal at Gibbon @ West Sugar Creek --- once again slowing the traffic on West Sugar Creek Rd.

Our best advice would be to make your turn onto Nevin Rd. and enter West Sugar Creek at the traffic signal . . . But the signal timing would need adjustment. Some folks have clocked the West Sugar Creek @ Nevin Rd. signal lasting as long as 5 minutes.
=====================================================================

Q. What's up with all of the new concrete boxes around the utility poles in Derita along West Sugar Creek Rd?

While they aren't likely to keep someone from "taking out" a utility pole, they have been placed to designate how far out a curb or sidewalk might have extended, if the City had actually poured a sidewalk and curbing. By not adding these, they salvaged at least a minimum of parking in front of businesses like Derita Small Engine Repair, and "whimped out" on purchasing this row of "old buildings" that would have to be razed to widen West Sugar Creek Rd. to 4-lanes.

When we look at major snafu's like the turn lane for Rumple Rd. and the failure todeal with this age-old bottleneck on West Sugar Creek Rd., it will make it difficult for us to vote for the Road Improvement Bond on Nov. 2. After all, the only thing in the Road Bonds for our area that we can see is some road work on Johnston-Oehler Rd.

============================================

Who said "There's NO FREE LUNCH?"
You can EAT FREE at Maria's Grill with a $10 Gift Certificate
provided by these Derita Businesses

Call Paul of North Carolina, LLC.
Do you have a house that needs a lot of things fixed to make life simpler?
That's what I do. Projects handled one by one.
home 704-596-4937 cell 704-574-0994
Call_Paul@bellsouth.net

Corley Controls
Heating - Cooling - Electrical

We are Your Neighborhood Heating and Air Conditioning Specialists
Family Owned and Operated --- We Service ALL Makes & Models
info@corleycontrols.com 704 598-2677


Daniel B. Hefner Plumbing Co.
A Family Tradition since 1919
Quality Plumbing Services through 4 Generations
Residential - Commercial & Gas Lines
www.danielhefnerplumbing.com 704 598-3703


Derita Reporter Printing Service Carbonless Forms, Letterheads, Business Cards, Envelopes
2600 Allen Road South 704 806-3813 Pls Lv Msg
deritarep@aol.com


Joe Sailers R B C Insurance Phone -- 704-661-8275 joe.sailers@rbc.com
Specialist in Life, Health, Disability, and Supplemental Insurance
R B C has great Annuity Rates


Keziah's Furniture Outlet Quality Furniture & Closeouts at Discount Prices
2914 Gibbon Road 704 596-7427
www.keziahsfurniture.com


Theresa McDonald. Realtor Help Me Sell Derita. -- Charlotte's Best Kept Secret
theresa.mcdonald@allentate.com 704 236-9340


Ultimate Protection Insurance
& Financial Solutions, LLC
Sal Pierre-Louis -- Licensed Independent Insurance & Benefit Consultant
"As an Independent Insurance Agent
I have access to all the top insurance carriers in North Carolina"
"Let me be your advocate and shop around for you"
phone:704-241-2654 email: ultimateprotectionnow@yahoo.com


Wesley E. Sinclair, CCM Sales and Service Representative
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Co.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Medicare Supplements Long Term Care Life Insurance
Critical Illness Disability Insurance Annuities
Auto - Home - Renters - Boats
wesesinc@hotmail.com 704 560-1861

Sign Up for the FREE Weekly Drawings at Maria's Grill starting this week!
Winners will be notified each Monday by email

1st Week Winner --- Corey Westbrook
2nd Week Winner --- Stefanie Spake
3rd Week Winner --- D.W. Lindsey
4th Week Winner --- James Locklear
5th Week Winner --- Johnny Harris

============================================


Today's Funny
(from our FREE Friday Funny Mail --- You can receive it each week. Lots of jokes, cartoons, & funny pics sent in by our readers. Just send your request to deritarep@aol.com )


Deborah's Newest Blonde Jokes

A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, 'PULL OVER!'

'NO!' the blonde yelled back, 'IT'S A SCARF!'
==========================


A blonde was playing Trivial Pursuit one night... It was her turn. She rolled the dice and she landed on Science & Nature. Her question was, 'If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?'

She thought for a time and then asked, 'Is it on or off?'
===========================

A girl was visiting her blonde friend, who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were. The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was named Timex.

Her friend said, 'Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?'

'HELLLOOOOOOO......,' answered the blonde. 'They're watch dogs'!
--- submitted by Deborah Rowe

Friday, February 12, 2010

1-15-10 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter

URGENT -- Derita / Hunter Acres Area
Saturday morning, a female English Redtick Coonhound was hit by a car around
Christenbury Rd. and Gibbon Rd. in Charlotte Of course, the man who hit her
kept going but two other people stopped to help. The man who stopped tried to
get her out of the road and she tore into his arm. Animal Control was called but
by the time they got there, she had died.

This poor girl has on a "competition collar" that has two phone numbers, both
invalid. No rabies tag was attached to the collar. The owners need to be located
ASAP to see if she was current on her rabies shot. If they can't be found soon,
the man who was bitten will need to undergo rabies treatment himself.

If you have any information at all about this dog, please contact Charlotte Animal
Care & Control. Call 311 --- submitted by Patty Galloway

============================================

Valentine treat for Mom:


Saturday, February 13th
FREE CHILD CARE at Mothers' Morning Out
10am. to 12:30 pm, Cole Memorial United Methodist Church,
2022 West Sugar Creek Road

For pre-registered children nursery through 5th grade
There will be crafts, singing, games, snack, stories, and a short movie.
Please call 704-596-2356 today and sign up.
Let our family take care of your family!!
============================================

Sunday, Jan. 17th
Chief Monroe at NorthEast Coalition Meeting
3pm, University Region Library on WT Harris Blvd.

The Northeast Coalition invites you to hear our guest speaker will be Chief Rodney
Monroe. Also speaking will be City Councilman Michael Barnes who will introduce
our new mayor, Anthony Foxx and our newly elected Councilmen-at-Large David
Howard and Pat Cannon. They will discuss their goals and answer questions from
the group. All are welcome to come and join us.

Election of the new NEC board is also on the schedule. Refreshments will be
served.

For further information please email cgftjf@aol.com or call 704-596-8288.
==================================

Thursday, January 21st
Open House
Northside Christian Academy will host an Open House on Thursday, January 21st
at 10:00 am or 6:30 pm for 5K-12th grade.

For information please contact 704.599.9015, pstarkey@ncaknights.com or
www.ncaknights.com.
==================================

Thursday, January 21st
CMPD Neighborhood Community Advisory Council Meeting
For residents that attend the Neighborhood Community Advisory Council Meeting
at the North Division office, the NCAC meeting date has been changed to January
21st at 7 PM. Please contact Officer Travis or Officer Giannini if you have any
questions, 704-432-3824.

Sgt Jeremiah Blow from the Metro Division has been selected as our new RAC
for Response Area 3 and will be present for the meeting. We invite you to attend,
meet Sgt. Blow, and introduce yourselves.
==================================

Saturday, Jan. 23
Hike for Habitat fundraiser
Mecklenburg County Park & Rec invites you to take a “Hike for Habitats,” at
Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve, 4601 Nevin Road in Derita. A guided hike through the
nature preserve starts at 11 am. The program runs 11am-1pm. The Preserve is
open until dusk.

"Hike for Habitats" is a way to show your support for “wildlife and wild places” in
Mecklenburg County. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds
go to Partners for Parks, a program for nature education programs, trail improvements
and equipment to remove invasive plants. Donation checks should be made out to
Partners for Parks and are tax deductible for most donors.

Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve is a 186-acre property that includes old-growth trees
and mountain-like terrain in the Derita community and is one of the largest natural
areas near uptown Charlotte. Three walking trails are open daily. Fishing is not
permitted in the lakes.

For more information, visit www.parkandrec.com and click on Nature Preserves, or
call Reedy Creek Nature Center at 704-598-8857 704-598-8857 ..
==================================

Begins January 25th!
Baseball/Slow-Pitch Softball Registration
at Northside Baptist Church begins January 25th! Open to boys and girls ages 4
– 12. Practices begin March 8 and registrations must be received by February 22.
Cost is $70 per child with a $15 late fee after February 22nd. You may register
online at www.northsidebaptistchurch.org or call the church at 704-602-2284.
==================================

Tuesday, January 26th
Woodstone HOA Winter Meeting
6:30 pm, Sugar Creek Library, 4045 North Tryon Street, Suite A
General Meeting and Election for the 2010 BOD officers will be held
==================================

Sunday, Jan. 31st
Activist Training
Participants in last April's Tea Party rallies may be interested in a special Activist
Training Seminar presented by the American Majority. The session hopes to
answer the question "What Next?" and will provide how-to steps for keeping the
Liberty movement going. 2-5:30 pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel, 805 W.Arrowood Rd.
Pre-registration is required. For details, contact Rebekah@AmericanMajority.org
===========================================

Thursday, February 4th
Derita Business Association Meets
9am, Maria's Grill, West Sugar Creek Rd. Open to Everyone, business or not.

New name. Same group. Open to all businesses in the greater Derita area, including
On-Call Service Providers and Home-Based Businesses.

Our goal is to help spread the word about your business, the services that you offer,
the greater values that the community will receive in shopping closer to home.

Each meeting always includes time for exchanging business cards and Networking,
a variety of self-promotion ideas and co-operative advertising ideas like this month's
Free Lunch at Maria's drawings.

How long is this going take? We'll be done in under 60 minutes, that's the rule.
Even if you have to duck out early, it will be worth your time.

"Our Goal is to Promote Local Businesses and Service Professionals Serving Our Area."
--- Bernie Samonds 704 806-3813 Leave Msg deritarep@aol.com
============================================

Sunday, Feb 7th
Souper Bowl Sunday
Cole Memorial United Methodist Church, 2022 West Sugar Creek Road

Cole Memorial UMC will be sponsoring a "Souper Bowl" luncheon to benefit the
Weaver Preschool, 11:30 am after 10:30 Church Services. The function will be
hosted in the gym and features homemade soup, hot dogs, desserts, and drinks.
Guests are welcomed to attend, along with church members. Donations for the
School will be much appreciated. Please join us for a delicious meal and great
fellowship!

=============================================

What your Neighbors are saying


CMPD Focus Neighborhood
During the month of November, the Neighborhoods of Thompson Glen, Derita Woods,
Cardinal Point and Carrie Hills experienced an increase in residential burglary,
larceny from auto and auto theft. In an effort to reduce crime, North Division officers
implemented an increased number of zone checks, field interviews, citizen contacts,
and traffic stops in those areas during December. The result was that violent or
serious property crimes fell 42% and were reduced by 57% for residential break-in's.
=============================================================

Re: Walgreens
Walgreens should open in February" is still the latest word we're getting. There have
been several set-backs during the construction that created some delays. Cold
weather may now become another factor, as the concrete median on West Sugar
Creek Rd must be built and some other street improvements still need to be made
before they get a "Certificate of Occupancy" and are permitted to open their doors
to the public. --- Bernie
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Welcome Walgreens, we can hardly wait! A Dozen Large Eggs have been $1.45 at
Food Lion since Thanksgiving, and you've had them 99 cents a dozen for the past
two weeks. May not beat FL on everything, but it will be nice to have a choice again.
--- Waiting to Shop Walgreens
=============================================================

Re: DSRCO Newsletter
"The Best $10 your money can buy!" --- Charles & Louise Sternburg
---------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks for keeping us informed. Keep up the good work" --- Starke Ratcliffe
David Ratcliffe
Derita Floral Supply Co.
==========================================================

Re: Chicken King Restaurant (in the former Chilly Moose location)

"My husband and I have gotten food from the Chicken King a couple of times.
Although they still have the tables and booths, it's really a take-out place now,
rather than a sit-down restaurant.

(You've probably noticed that the Chilly Moose had been subdivided a while back,
with the other half becoming the D & L internet cafe.) You go in, place your order,
have a seat and wait until your order is ready.

"Many items are deep-fried and include fish (perch, croaker or flounder), shrimp,
pork chops and (of course), chicken (including tenders, gizzards, livers and wings.
There's sandwiches and burgers, as well as hoagies and gyros, as well as hot dogs
and barbecue, and a selection of salads. Except for the slaw, all sides are fried.
(They still have okra.)

"Prices are reasonable, and Freddie, who was the cook when it was the Moose,
is still there. You can get a bacon burger and fries for $3.92. It also still has the
same phone number.

"The woman at the counter when I was there is also Greek. My *guess* is that Sam
Tsilimos decided to retire and sold it to some friends. The last several months,
when John and I would go there to eat, there would be very few other people in the
restaurant, if any. (He loved their pork chops, though, and he's not real thrilled about
the deep-fried version.) With Maria's and Sugar's so close, and serving similar food,
maybe there just wasn't the market anymore, esp with the economy the way it is.
--- Mary K, Royal Oaks
--------------------------------------------------------------
"We have picked up lunch there several times. Thought the fried chicken was
pretty good." --- John Keziah, Keziah's Furniture
=============================================================

Rain Totals

December precipitation totals 5.16” at CRN-54 Turning Point Academy
and 5.25” at CRN-58 Mallard Creek Elementary --- Jack Brosch, Brosch Computer Svc
==============================================================

Poplar Springs Home Hit --- Second Time
Bernie,
After spending sleepless nights after home invasion on Thanksgiving, "these creatures"
came back in an attempt to take what they left behind the first time. Luckily enough the
back of the house was secure according to CMPD, who responded to call to investigate.

I was told that our neighborhood and homes across the creek are being rented by
whomever has the money to pay the rent (low income housing, Section 8 or drug lords).
Landlords don't screen tenants, homeowners are being over run with un-desirables
who commit crimes and are back on the street thanks to their greedy attorneys, who
are paid well to get them out of jail before the ink dries on the paperwork.

If these "creeps" put as much effort into finding and keeping a job as they spend
watching me and my going and coming, this would be a much better world.

Citizens should start paying close attention to the stats on these greedy attorneys
and the judges who allow these repeat offenders to walk the streets of North Carolina
and perhaps have them disbarred from practicing law in the US. Or join them in a
state run criminal institution of higher learning for 20-30 years.
--- Stephanie Walker, Poplar Springs
============================================================

Derita Memories

Just wanted to say that I really enjoy those short stories about Derita's history that
you and Fred Boovy have been writing. Have you ever thought about doing a book?
--- Mary D.

Mrs. Ona Puckett self-published her historical notes of Derita, but I don't
know that any more copies are still available for sale.

Edgar (Eddie) Conley is working on a coffee table/picture book about Growing
Up in Derita during his school boy days -- 1950 & 1960's. Not sure when it will
be ready, but will keep you posted.

As for the Memories that Fred Boovy, his sister Ann Gunson, and I have been
sharing here --- I have started posting them on-line as a Blog. Even though I'm
a few behind, you can read it (or download it) at:
http://deritahistoricalarchive.blogspot.com/
============================================================

Looking for a Guest Speaker?
County Manager Harry Jones is available for some speaking opportunities in February
and March. If your group or Club is looking for a speaker, really knowledgeable about
what services the County provides, the County Budget and County Departments.

Contact: Brian Gott, Resource Development Coordinator, (704) 621.1808
============================================

COUNCILMAN MICHAEL D. BARNES
Will Run For DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Charlotte City Councilman Michael D. Barnes has announced his
candidacy for District Attorney for Mecklenburg County.

Barnes, a Democrat currently serving his third term on the City Council, has more
than 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney. If elected, he wants to convene
a group of leaders from throughout the county to explore ways to address the
challenges facing the DA’s office. He also plans to use his existing relationships
with the Charlotte City Council, Mecklenburg County Commission, the Governor and
the North Carolina Legislature to highlight and address the need for resources in
Mecklenburg County.

“It is imperative that we elect a District Attorney with leadership experience, a
compelling vision and absolute objectivity,” shared Barnes. “If elected, I will continue
to work to prosecute criminals and also to ensure that resources are in place to allow
the DA’s office to effectively do its job. My existing relationships with Charlotte-
Mecklenburg Police Department and the local and state governing bodies, combined
with my work to improve public safety locally, will provide immediate benefits to our
community and the DA’s office.”

A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Barnes received his undergraduate degree
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his law degree from
North Carolina Central University. He and his wife Keisha have three children.

Contact: Michael D. Barnes
704.548.0093 barnesdistrict4@aol.com
============================================

Bargains Galore

Why wait until you can hold a Yard Sale? If you've got stuff filling up your garage,
something you're no longer using, furniture that doesn't go with the "new look" ??

You can list it for FREE in our weekly Bargains Galore email that goes out each
Wednesday night. . . In fact, you can list up to 6 items free every week. We've had
computers, printers, TV's, lawn & yard equipment, scooters, trucks, stereo & radio
equipment, wedding items, collectibles . . . the list goes on!

Some of it sells, some doesn't. But the list is constantly changing and the list of
folks requesting this FREE Email continues to grow. Write deritarep@aol.com to
receive a sample copy.

===================================

Win A Free Lunch at Maria's Grill

The Derita Business Association is giving away a
$10 Certificate every week in Feb. & March

So, beginning February 1st,
Just drop your business card (with email address) in the fish bowl at the Register
or Fill out an Entry Blank. We will notify the winner each week by email.

Lunches in February, Compliments of

Theresa McDonald. Realtor
Help Me Sell Derita. -- Charlotte's Best Kept Secret
theresa.mcdonald@allentate.com 704 235-9340


Keziah's Furniture Outlet
Quality Furniture & Closeouts at Discount Prices
2914 Gibbon Road 704 596-7427
www.keziahsfurniture.com


Sherrell M. Smith, Realtor/Broker/Investor
888-666-4ECO Toll-Free
888-666-4326 Fax
Sherrell.Smith@AllenTate.com
www.AllenTate.com/SherrellSmith


Derita Reporter Printing
Carbonless Forms, Letterheads, Business Cards, Envelopes
2600 Allen Road South 704 806-3813
deritarep@aol.com

===================================

Did You Know?

First Time Home Buyers
"Of the 30+ visitors to our model homes over the past two weeks, most have been
from the 28269 zipcode. Many just like this area and would be coming from
apartments."
============================================================

Theresa McDonald, Professional Real Estate Agent --- has posted a home main-
tenance list for the month of January, made easy!
http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/hometips/homemaintenance/tasks_jan.html
===========================================================

CMPD Response Area 3 Commander Sgt. Jim Wilson has been selected for
promotion to Captain on Jan. 22nd following the successes in crime reduction
achieved here in the Derita-Statesville Rd area of the past year & a half with his
team (Ofc. Mike Travis & Ofc. Amanda Giannini).

Sgt Jeremiah Blow from the Metro Division has been selected at our new RAC.
===========================================================

Tom Polys is the new president of Farmington HOA. Did any other neighborhoods
change leadership with the New Year? Let us know. deritarep@aol.com
==============================================================

Just in --- The NorthEast Coalition elected the following Officers for the coming year:
President - Claire Green-Fallon
1st Vice President- Dan Greineisen
2nd Vice President - Jack Brosch
Treasury - Mike Aufrecht
Secretary - Clair Lane

============================================

Northern Towns Push Ahead
Plans To Make Headway on the Commuter North Rail

Bernie: We haven’t met, but I’m working with Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson,
Mooresville and Charlotte to conduct an economic development assessment of the
land north of I-85 along I-77 and the future commuter rail line.

We’ve hired the Urban Land Institute of Washington DC to bring a panel of experts
here January 25-29 to hear from developers, elected officials, business and citizens
who have an interest in this geography.

My organization, the Lake Norman Transportation Commission, has raised the
money for the panel and is the official sponsor. We would like to have you involved
representing the DSRCO if you have the time. There are three opportunities for you.

First, a dinner at 7 pm on Monday, January 25 at the Peninsula Club in Cornelius.
This is the kickoff event and will explain in detail what we’re doing.

Next, a public meeting at 5 pm on Tuesday, January 26 at the Homewood Suites
in Davidson at Exit 30.

Finally, the final report session at 8:30 am Friday, January 29 at CPCC --
North Campus in Huntersville.
--- Carroll Gray, Exec Director

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

There you have it, folks. For everyone who keeps asking me what is the latest
that I have heard about the train?

Interested folks in the Northern towns have hired the former head of the Charlotte
Chamber of Commerce "to help them get this train on the tracks."

And yes, it's not just the Northern towns train - - -- 4 stations are planned within
the city limits of Charlotte. This is our train. too.
====================================

Spreading the Word
Community University On-line
Not everyone has the time to travel around town to participate in the workshops
offered by Neighborhood Services, so many of the most requested self-help topics
are now being offered on-line. Here are the links for Part 4 of 4 about Improving
Your Neighborhood Communication Skills:
• Developing a Plan for Communication article
• Promoting Internal Communication article
• http://ww2.wkkf.org/DesktopModules/WKF.00_DmaSupport/ViewDoc.aspx?fld=PDFFile&CID=0&ListID=28&ItemID=5000009&LanguageID=0"Strategic Communications Plan template
• Effective Communication booklet

Additional Helpful Links and Resources:
• Creating Newsletters article
• Increasing Newsletter Readership article
• Email Newsletters Do’s and Don’ts article
• Creating Posters and Flyers article
• Using E-mail Lists article
• Free online templates for brochures, flyers, newsletter & more
================================
Citizen Input Survey
Tell The City How To Best Spend Federal Funds
The City of Charlotte is looking for your input. The U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City of Charlotte to submit a FY2011-
FY2015 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is the document that the
City uses to outline its housing and community development programs. In addition,
the Plan lets HUD know how the City plans to spend the federal dollars it receives.

The City of Charlotte receives approximately $8.5 million annually from HUD for
the following federal programs:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

HOME Investment Partnership (HOME)

Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)

Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA)

The programs are used for a variety of activities that include economic development,
building and renovating homes, down payment assistance to help with the purchase
of homes and funding to operate emergency shelters.

Your responses to the survey will help the City develop program budgets and
priorities for the next five years. The survey offers opportunities for your feedback
in the areas of need related to affordable housing, community development, economic
development and/or public services.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey.

Sincerely,

Patrick T. Mumford, Director
Neighborhood and Business Services

Click here to take Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZY8F2CP ==================================

5 Saturdays, beginning Jan. 30th
From Wagon Roads to New South City

A free series of history classes covering four centuries of Charlotte area history,
will be offered to the public on five consecutive Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon,
commencing January 30th.

Sponsored by the Mecklenburg Historical Association Docents, the series will be
based on historian Mary Kratt’s book Charlotte, North Carolina: A Brief History
and will feature lectures by distinguished members of the region’s academic and
history communities.

Participants are asked to register by January 25 and should leave their name and
contact information with either Alice Bostic (704-527-3251 or alice.bostic@cpcc.edu)
or Camille Smith (704-334-2201 or CSmith10@carolina.rr.com). This series has
proven very popular in the past and early registration is encouraged.

Topics of Study and Locations
January 30, 9:30 am-noon, Native Americans and Early Settlement presented by
Ann Evans, Curator at Wm. Elliot White Homestead, at the Charlotte Museum of
History.

February 6, 9:30 am-noon, Charlotte’s Beginnings presented by Leslie Kesler,
CMH Historian and Curator; Tom Phlegar, CMH Docent; and the Historical Cooking
Guild of the Catawba Valley at the Charlotte Museum of History.

February 13, 9:30 am-noon, 19th Century Charlotte presented by Dr James Hogue,
UNCC History Dept.; and Ann and Jim Williams, MHA Docents, at the
Levine Museum of the New South.

February 20, 9:30 am-noon, 20th Century Charlotte presented by Dr. Thomas
Hanchett, Historian, Levine Museum, at the Levine Museum of the New South.

February 27, 9:30 am-noon, Historical Interpretation and Tour of the Church
presented by the MHA Docents at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church.
--- submitted by Carol Dilda
====================================
As I Recall . . . memories of a growing up in Derita


Folks often ask me "How's Business in Derita?" "Great," I answer, "Last time
I had some." (rarely gets the same laugh it did 5 years ago.) But the truth is,
despite the current Recession, Derita has always been blessed with business
folks and businesses that survived. DSRCO VP Jack Brosch says there are
thousands of merchants, service providers & home-based businesses in our area
--- and most of them are still "hanging in there."

Derita has been a good place for business even from the early days in the 1760's.
People sold what they grew and traded for what they needed (or just learned
to do without). Fresh eggs, a home-cured country ham, yellow corn or a basket
of garden vegetables could usually be traded for goods at one of the family-
owned stores.

That's the way it was done back then. No one hopped in the car and ran out to
pick up a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk. Folks usually went once a week or
maybe if they really had to have something. Farms folks were pretty much tied
to their homesteads. Our early stores were akin to the watermelon & fruit stands
we used to see on our way to Myrtle Beach. They often started as a small shed
where the larger farms sold their excess and then expanded as people asked
for other items.

The folks that made it into Mrs. Puckett's book, were the ones who saw a future
in selling goods and focused on it. At Amos Rumple's store (present day site of
Derita Presbyterian Church) you could pick up your mail, buy seed for your field,
a cast iron pan for the kitchen, eggs if your hens weren't laying, or part of a bolt
of cloth for making your dress. There would be glass globes for the lantern, some
store-bought remedy medicine. What food hadn't been grown locally probably
came in by wagon (or later by train) --- which again made Derita a good location
for doing business.

Up the street, you might pick up feed for your livestock, tack for your mules or
horses, a salt lick for the pasture and a Farmer's Almanac to find out the best
days for planting. Depending on who had been trading what, that might be the
place to pick up nails for the barn or even a basket of sweet potatoes that
someone grew out in Mallard Creek. In later years, you could buy or even rent
farm equipment when needed.

A thirsty "downtown Charlotte" without a public works back then also meant
that Marty Gardner's folks were filling a lot of water bottles from Derita Mineral
Springs for daily deliveries that I'm guessing took the better part of the day to
make the round trip to Charlotte.
A few of the out-lying stores in our area during more modern times would have
included Mowry's Store at the Mallard Creek bridge, Bonds Store at the old
Prosperity Church Rd., Wallace's Store on Eastfield Rd., The Rock Store near
North High, Ferrell's Store & Wash Davis's General Store at Croft. They, too,
were serving the folks living on farms that surrounded them.

-----------------------------------------------

John Markham (Markham Landscaping Supply Center) told our Thursday
morning business group about visiting Davis' General Store in Croft when his
son was working on a local history project for school.

Silas Davis pulled out one of the old ledgers from a shelf and showed them
where local farmers had paid for seed and supplies with butter and fresh eggs.
You see, the General Store was more of a local grocery back then and people
bought everything from corn flakes to bath soap there. Today you can still buy
everything from boots & coveralls to tomato plants in the Spring.

"The back room was often filled with country hams hanging from the ceiling,
probably as many as 100 or more," Silas recently told a PBS TV film crew.
Hams grown by customers, no doubt.

His brother, who worked at the store back then, added,"Yes, and when times
were slow, we stayed busy rubbing the eyes off potatoes and straightening up
the merchandise."

It's also a place where problems get solved. I was telling Silas about an odd
printing job on a special parchment paper. The ink just would not dry. I stood
to loose about $100 by starting over with a special-order ink. Silas said, "you
got 90 cents? I can solve your problem." I left the store with a "brooder
lamp." --- You may have to google that. It's a heat-producing light bulb that
farmers us to hatch eggs and keep chicks warm. I was lucky, because he only
had 3 left in stock.

----------------------------------------------------------

The point I'm trying to make is that people here depended a lot more on each
other than we do nowadays. The major roads were dirt in the early days and
mostly gravel until the 1950's. I asked an older friend recently how often her
folks came to Derita from their place on the Plaza. "Lord knows," she answered,"
that was like going to another town back then. Sugar Creek was still one lane
and hadn't even been paved."

The house where I live was still woods when we moved here in 1952 and was
surrounded by wheat fields until the 1960's. Many of our neighbors raised pigs
and cows for beef and their dairy operations. My Dad, as I've mentioned before
even tried his hand at raising some pigs --- for country ham, fat back. streaked
meat, sausage and ham hocks to sell at our grocery store on Beatties Ford Rd.

Folks here grew lots of cotton and vegetables with the season and the train stops
here and at Croft (and Ferrell Town) during earlier years, the railroad meant that
growers could reach an even wider market.

Two of my own favorite spots were Hoke Hunter's pink store on Derita Rd.
(Graham St @ Cannon Ave now) where I spent my allowance on Atomic
Fireballs & Bazooka bubble gum with those goofy comics. (Dub Gibson ran
a store there for a while. The widening of Graham St took most of his parking,
so he moved to downtown Derita, and the old store morphed into The Derita
Store with gas pumps & a snack bar).

The other spot was Mowry's Store down by the creek on Mallard Creek Rd.
He had the best aged Hoop Cheese in all of Mecklenburg County (usually
several kinds to choose from) and he would sell it by the pound or by the slice.
I used to go out there sometimes on Sunday afternoon with my Dad. They
liked to sit in the store, drink one of those small CocaCola's in the bottle and
"talk shop" about the grocery business. . . Years later, my folks built a store,
their third, here in Allen Hills. The Cubbyhole Grocery. But I'll save that story
for later.

Now over to Fred who will tell you about his younger days working in the
Derita grocery business.

-------------------------------------------------

"I reckon the store that I remember the best in good-ole-Derita was Mullis Gen.
Merchandise. Edgar Mullis & his brother, Joe operated the store till they had a
falling-out and Joe opened a store on Statesville Rd.

Edgar continued to run the Derita store (where Stallings Refrigeration is now).
His brother Frank would help out in the store and he would also work on radios
& TV sets in a little shop set up in the back of the store. L. A. Bowen worked
there And Mr. Jim Brown was the butcher. I was probably 12 or 13 yrs. old
when I started there as the "Grunt". I did whatever the men didn't want to do.

If I worked all week my pay would be $5.00. (Good money back then). I was
like any teen-age boy. I had one whale of an appetite and the temptation was
great in a grocery store. I ate something all the time. Mr. Brown would make one
delicious spiced ham sandwich with mayo, lettuce & tomato. I would do the
eating and Edgar would keep track & put it on a tab. One week I had eaten
so much that when I got paid, I owed him.

We sold livestock feeds, chicken scratch, mash, flour & sugar that was all in
sacks. Lots of the sacks were in different prints & patterns. The farmers wives
would use these empty sacks as material to make dresses for the women & girls,
shirts for the boys & men. They also made underwear from these sacks. When
they purchased the feed, etc., they would pick out the sack they wanted.
Of course it would be on the bottom of the pile. These 100 lb sacks were not
easy to handle, and the ladies always made sure you were careful not to tear or
damage the sack they wanted.

All of the produce that was IN-Season, was, of course from the farms around
Derita, and I'm sure that Mr. Mullis & the farmers did a lot of "horse trading." I
do remember Bigger Bros. Co. bringing out a whole big stalk of bananas that
we hung up with a heavy rope. They were so good that I couldn't stay out of them.
Mr. Mullis told me not to eat them all, as he would like to sell at least a few.

We had several regular customers, mostly little old ladies, who walked to the
store and couldn't carry their groceries home. I was always glad to see them come,
because I would carry their groceries home & it was a chance to get out of the
store, away from the boss and not have to sweep the floor or dust the shelves.
And then too: The ladies would usually give me a nickel or dime tip. That dime
would buy a Pepsi Cola & candy bar or a (nab) as we called a pack of Lance
crackers. I was glad to see summer come to an end so I could get out of the store
and back in school. Yeah! You know it... -------- Fred
------------------------------------------

Fred,
Your email came in just as I was finishing my own lunch, two banana sandwiches
today. A lot of this sounds familiar to me, but most of the younger generation
who read this newsletter probably won't believe it.

Yes, I've slept on a feed bag pallet and covered up at night with a quilt made of
flour sack squares. Never wore clothes from such, but Mom impressed me often
with taking care of the clothes she bought. I wore them until they wore out or
until "they got too small for me to squeeze into them."

She used to tell the story about working at Kress Co.'s dime store downtown
as a counter clerk. She was single again, had a little girl (my sister) at the time.
She had saved nickels & dimes to where she was finally able to buy a new store-
bought dress. A pretty yellow one. She wore it to work one day and the store
manager came to her and told her he needed her to work in the stock room that
day. She told him, "No Way! I saved too long to for this dress than to get it dirty
or torn messing with those old boxes."

He wasn't having any back-talk, "You'll do as I say, or you'll be fired."

With that, she looked him straight in the eyes and said, "No, I won't. I Quit."
She turned, picked up her coat & purse and marched right out of store . . .
down West Trade Street . . . and into Delmonico's Restaurant, where she
started to work the same afternoon as a waitress.

Re: Taking the groceries home for folks. That was a standard practice during the
1950's in the black neighborhood where my folks had their second store on
Beatties Ford Rd. We had two dray-boys who made deliveries on bicycles ---
bags and boxes of groceries, sometimes a 5 gal can of kerosene on a bicycle with
a huge 2x3 ft.wire basket. On weekends, we had a part-time driver who used
Dad's pickup truck to keep them the orders from piling up. Folks came in to buy
their week's (sometimes 2-3 week's groceries -- using their Social Security checks)
at one time. Others might telephone their orders in, which I filled.

Eating on the job was big temptation, too. Cheerwine & Tru-Ade soda were my
two biggest vices. We had a huge water-filled cooler that stretched across the
front of the store. I also had a salt-craving for potato chips, but I suppose I did
the most damage in the meat department, where I'd cut a healthy slice of aged cheese
or boiled ham to sandwich between some saltine crackers. . . Always said that I had
counted & sacked so many Jack's 2 for a Penny cookies that I didn't care for the
taste of them. . . Then I liked to died one week when the cookie man left 3 boxes
of 3 for a Penny cookies. (They weren't much bigger than a vanilla wafers.) They
sold like hot cakes. I can still smell the coconut macaroons & coconut bars just
thinking about it. Dad ran the meat market & Mom handled the register & candy
counter. She would always have at least 5 types of cookies and a huge array of
candies from 2 for a penny up to 10 cents. ----- Bernie

--------------------------------------------
Fred, again:

"Oh Boy, Banana sandwich. Make mine with creamy peanut butter, please. Now
if I can't get that I'll take a couple of hot dogs from Kress lunch counter if I happen
to have 20 cents. Next best hot dog to Roy's Grill. Speaking of Kress, Are you
familiar with , a black man who sold Hot Parched Peanuts from a Cushman
motor scooter? He hung around the Kress store front and had the best peanuts around.
Another character that stayed around Kress was a middle-aged man that always
wore a black suit & he would give you an eye exam & fit you in new glasses right there
on the street. He had a little table & small suitcase that he set-up, usually at the back
door of Kress on E. Trade St. Quite a character.

I was the #2 boy in my family, so I didn't have to worry about flak from Mom about
new clothes. My clothes were hand-me-downs from big brother Bob. They were
'bout worn out when I got them anyway.

Bernie, talking about carrying out groceries, I had a pet goat that would pull a
li'l homemade wagon. I would earn lots of dimes & nickles with my wagon &
my goat "Stinky". ----- Fred
-------------------------------------------------------

Now Fred, you'll never convince me that a Kress Co. hot dog was anywhere
near as good as one with mustard, chili & onions at the original Tanner's stand
'n'eat just a few doors down Tryon St. And that followed by a greasy cello pack
of those hot, fresh roasted red skin peanuts all covered in coarse salt. I'd wash
it down with either fresh-squeezed orange juice or their famous Tanner's punch.

And as for the Kress Co.lunch counter, which lined one whole wall of the basement
floor. When Mom & I would go downtown, we would be among those persons
standing 2 - 3 deep, waitng on someone to vacate one of those spinning stools
(no booths here). Hot dogs are my all time favorite food, but I'd gladly pass it up
any time for the Kress's homemade vegetable soup and those buttered corn sticks.
But weren't we supposed to be talking about DERITA stores?


A Got A Favorite Derita Memory?
Sorry, folks we got a little off topic again this time, but neither of us claimed to be a
history professor. Fred & I have lots more stories to tell in future Newsletters and we
hope some of you will share a few of your Derita Memories here as well.

Anyone here shop at Russell's Market (later Jimmy's Supermarket) or J& J Grocery
on Hwy 115, or Joe Mullis' on Statesville Rd? How about the old Red & White store
in Derita? Let us hear from you. deritarep@aol.com

Let me close with this note from Hazel Hunter. She said, "As a little girl I would
always stop by the chicken coup and snatch an egg from the hen's nest when we
went to store, because the man behind the counter would always swap some candy
for it."

=============================================
Our DSRCO Webpages and services for this E-Mail Newsletter
are provided at No Charge by

and

and


============================================

What Sometimes Seems To Be . . .

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery,
when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and
that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the
road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road.
It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that
glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent
gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate
looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer,
he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out,
'Excuse me, where are we?''

This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered..

'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked. 'Of course, sir.
Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.' The man gestured,
and the gate began to open.

'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.

'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued
the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top
of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked
as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate,
he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.' 'How about my friend here?'
the traveler gestured to the dog.

'There should be a bowl by the pump.' They went through the gate, and sure enough,
there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the
water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing
by the tree. 'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered. 'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man
down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their
best friends behind.'
Author unknown. --- submitted by Rich Haag


============================================

Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. What's happening next to Players Sporting Goods?

"Well, it's actually happening to the whole building," says David Butler, owner of
Players Sporting Goods --- "Outfitters to the Athlete"

"Workmen will be remodeling and upgrading the store fronts of our building here at
the corner of North Graham & West Sugar Creek, and the former Mexican Restaurant
next door. They'll creating a new, modern look, probably something similar to the
Food Lion across the street and giving us a more attractive and appealing appearance.
It should be something that will really step-up the appearance of this corner and
be a nice improvement

"Crews are working on the old restaurant first and doing extensive remodeling inside.
Plans call for it to be subdivided into two retail spaces. No tenants for those have been
announced, as yet. But I'm sure our landlord probably has some prospects," Butler said.

The property is owned by the Ratcliffe family, as is the vacant lot next door, the Food Lion
shopping center across the street, some vacant land there, and the Derita Floral Supply
Company on West Sugar Creek. Their former greenhouses had stood on the two corners
here since 1906 when "Derita Rd" (North Graham now) was still a dirt wagon road.

This is especially good news for Players, as indicated by this internet post that
we found:

Good variety? ---By Leslie Q.
Players can almost be missed if you're not carefully looking. This store is not flashy
but carries all of your sporting goods needs. I've stopped in for everything from
whistles to head bands. They offer uniforms for all sports, equipment, ....
=============================================================

Q. Are you aware that legalized Gambling may be going on in the
Derita-Statesville Road Community under the guise of Internet Cafe's?

Well, you are correct. But actually it is under the banner of 'SWEEPSTAKES." A
loophole in the state laws that banned video poker machines and made the N.C.
Education Lottery legal.

We turned first to CMPD, since this (if true) would be a law enforcement issue.
It turns out that the North Division had one location under investigation and we
named three others to check out. They turned the information over to Vice & the
Police Attorney two weeks ago. So far, we have heard nothing.

A DSRCO Operative (sounds much classier than saying "a guy we know") visited
one of the locations and checked it out. Proper paperwork was filled out in case
our guy became a "big winner" and he forked over $5 for 5 minutes time on the
computer to play video poker. . . That's $60 per hour, folks. And no, he did not
leave with a pocketful of money.

Yes, there were quite a few players in the room, all working away with their
rented computers. But no flashing lights, ringing bells or sirens sounding off
while our guy was there.

Later that same evening Rep. Nick Mackey attended our DSRCO Leaders Mtg.
He explained about the loophole and how the wording that opened the door for
the State Lottery also permitted On-Line Gaming, as long as the rules were
followed and the required paperwork is in place.
============================================================

Q. I've been hearing some weird howls outside, including tonight, and
something's been wandering around our house, too. I can hear the crunch,
crunch. crunch of the leaves and it has the gait/trot of a dog. I've heard this
crunching in daylight and at night, including in the wee hours of the morning.
One night it was obviously in our back yard here in the Royal Oaks Neighbor-
hood (off West Sugar Creek Rd).

Found these coyote calls online, and they sound very much like what I have
been hearing. I'm really afraid to let our cat out at all. (Fortunately when it
was so cold, she didn't WANT to go out, but sometimes I can't stop her
slipping out.)

http://www.soundboard.com/sb/wild_coyote_sounds.aspx

You may want to warn people about letting their cats and small dogs outside.
--- Mary Kane, Royal Oaks

Interesting and very possible.

We know that there have been photographed Coyote sightings in the Derita area;
Foxes & Raccoons in such abundance that even Animal Control says not to leave
food stuff out that might attract them to your door.

I listened to the sound track and have to admit it is similar to calls I have heard
probably 3 times in the early morning over the past two weeks. I didn't get up to
check, just dismissed them as maybe someone's Beagle or hunting dog that had
gotten loose and had maybe picked up the scent of one of the stray cats that wound up
here. So far, none have turned up missing.

The second set of calls sound a lot more familiar, almost like a squirrel barking. Used
to hear that more regularly before developers cleared the woods for the condo units
near Cardinal Glen. But I always figured the sound was way too loud to be the squirrels
barking outside my window during mating season. I often hear and see those clinging
to the brick & window screens as the male chases his mate all over the place in the
Spring.

I'll pass your note along to others, though it seems "my own" cats have already gotten
the word. They now seem to vanish at dusk and only show back up in daylight or at
feeding time. --- Bernie.
============================================================

Q. I know that City Council is supposed to vote on Petition #2009-068 (the
Penninger Circle Rezoning) this week. Is there a chance that they can drop
the Over 55 Age Restriction if the apartments go un-rented?

We got blind-sided by an "Administrative Change" on a Prosperity Rd seniors
development, where four buildings became one, and the change from the original site
plan was never taken before Council or the public. So, DSRCO VP Jack Brosch
took your question directly to the Planning Dept.

01/12/2010 "Both Tim Manies and Debra Campbell confirmed that to drop the
55+ restriction would require a separate petition and could NOT be done with an
administrative approval. This restriction would even survive bankruptcy of the
original developer."
==============================================

Today's Funny From our FREE Friday Funny Mail email.
Write deritarep@aol.com to join the email list
of about 450 families

DEER CAMP
Four guys have been going to the same deer camp for many years. Two days
before the group is to leave, Frank's wife puts her foot down and tells him he isn't
going. Frank's friends are very upset that he can't go, but what can they do?

Two days later the three get to the camping site only to find Frank sitting there
with a tent set up, firewood gathered, and dinner cooking on the fire.

"Dang man, how long you been here, and how did you talk your wife into letting
you go?"

"Well, I've been here since yesterday. Yesterday evening, I was sitting in my chair
and my wife came up behind me and put her hands over my eyes and she said,
'Guess who?'" I pulled her hands off, and she was wearing a brand new black
see-through nightie. She took my hand and pulled me to our bedroom.

The room had candles and rose petals all over. On the bed she had handcuffs,
and ropes! She told me to tie and cuff her to the bed, and I did.

And then she said, "Do what ever you want." So, Here I am.
--- submitted by Don Ager
=================================
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