Wednesday, July 15, 2009

7-15-09 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter

DSRCO Community Calendar
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149301710432&ref=mf
(Recent Newsletter Archives)


Wednesday, July 15th
“Light” in Concert
Northside Baptist Church
We are pleased to present “Light” in concert during our Equipping U service. The concert is free, open to the public and will start at 6:30 pm in the Fine Arts Center of Northside Baptist Church. .

This student-led ensemble features more contemporary songs and a commitment to ministering through music. During the summer, “Light” will be traveling across the United States on an 8-week concert tour, representing California Baptist University and the School of Music as they sing and minister in churches, schools and even summer camps.
For more information, please contact the music office of Northside Baptist Church at 704.602.2291 or www.northsidebaptistchurch.net
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Saturday, July 18th
YARD SALE -- BAKE SALE
7am -3pm, Unity Center for Spiritual Living7300 Mallard Creek Road
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Saturday, July 18th
FREE SHRED-IT EVENT
Council Member Michael Barnes will host a shred event on Saturday July 18 from
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot at Smokey Bones BBQ and Grill at
8760 J.M. Keynes Drive. The event will provide citizens an opportunity to properly
destroy and dispose of sensitive and confidential information and learn how to
prevent identity theft which is a significant crime issue.
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Sunday, July 19-23,
Vacation Bible School
Oak Grove United Methodist Church , 6pm - 8pm nightly
“NO CHARGE ----- ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE”All kids age 3 through 5th grade are welcome to join us for an action-packed,
adrenaline-filled expedition that teaches kids their strength and might come from God.
Through rocking contemporary music, larger-than-life recreation, games,
mind-boggling science activities, extreme sports videos and cool, challenging crafts.
We’ll show kids how to live on the E.D.G.E. In their faith. Parents and families are encouraged to join us on Thursday, July 19th, the
final night of Camp E.D.G.E. A BIBLE STUDY FOR ADULTS WILL MEET AT THE SAME TIME!============================================================

Unity Center for Spiritual Living7300 Mallard Creek Road704-599-1180-office Mon-Thurs 9:30AM-4PMwww.ucfsl.com Classes:Every Monday 7-9PM Spiritual Enrichment classesJuly- The Teachings of and about Jesus Every Thursday 7:30PM A Course in Miracles July 29th 7-9PM : Treasure Mapping Class (bring large white posterboard with you)
We will discuss the process of visioning for what you desire to manifest in your life and make our Vision Boards in class Wellness Ministry:July 16, 20, 23, 27,30 - YOGA 5:30PM Massage - contact church office or 704-776-0757 for appointment Community:Yard Sale July 18-- 7am-3pm Tune in every Sunday at 4PM on channel 21 (Char/Meck Time Warner Cable) for 'Spiritual Lifelines'; a show that brings to you inspiration, education and information. Check out the Bookstore in Unity House! Mon-Thurs 9:30am-4pm Ministers available for special services: weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc.
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Thru Sunday, July 26th
Shoes for The Congo
Bring your used shoes, in good condition, to the Narthex at Cole Memorial United Methodist Church (corner of West Sugar Creek at North Graham St) thru July 26, for delivery to the Congo.

Pastor Greg Freeman has a contact that will take care of shipping them. Any size shoes are needed. Please match pairs together.
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Thursday, August 6th
Derita Area Business & Service Providers Meet
9am, Maria's Grill, West Sugar Creek Rd. Open to Everyone.

Find out about FREE Advertising, Cost-saving Cooperative Efforts, Local Networking Opportunities. Together we are working to help local businesses grow despite the tough economy.

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."
--- DSRCO 704 806-3813 Leave Msg deritarep@aol.com
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Saturday, August 8th
Hidden Valley National Night Out

The National Night Out Event for our youth herewill be held on Aug 8th from 4:00pm til 8:00pm This will be a great time to meet and greet your neighbors. Some may have members who live in Hidden Valley or you may have a church
here, at any rate we need your help and participation.

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Thursday, August 20th
DSRCO Neighborhood Leaders Meeting
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, West Sugar Creek Rd.

A Meeting to address issues that have risen over the summer, to discuss plans for the upcoming months, and to assess the needs of our Neighborhoods. No doubt, this will also be an opportunity to meet some of our political candidates one-on-one. This meeting is open to everyone.

---- Bernie Samonds, DSRCO President. . 704 806-3813 deritarep@aol.com

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Sunday, September 20th
NorthEast Coalition Meeting
3:00 pm at the University City Library. The NorthEast Coalition will not meet over the summer. Speakers at our Sept. Meeting will be Chief of Police, Chief Rodney Monroe and City manager Curt Walton. They will speak on the state of Charlotte and will answer your questions and concerns.

Also, Deputy Chief Kerr Putney and two of our local Captains, Captain Lafreda Lester of the University City Division and Captain Greg Collins of the North Division will be present The NorthEast Coalition will also open the meeting to all candidates running for office for 3 minutes to state their positions and answer questions. Please, candidates, RSVP cgftjf@aol.com if you wish to attend and wish to be scheduled. Claire Green FallonPresident -NorthEast Coalition704-596-8288 CGFTJF@aol.com
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Korean War Veterans AssociationNorth Carolina Chapter 265

Korean War Armistice Observance July 27 2009 --- 12:00 Noon

KWVA North Carolina Chapter 265 will honor Cpl Jerry Kirt Crump with a Memorial Observance with full military honors at his gravesite on Monday July 27 at 12:00 noon, the 56th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. Jerry Kirt Crump was a North Carolina native who received the Nation's highest Military Combat award, the Medal of Honor, for his heroics during the Korean War.

The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953, with neither side able to claim outright victory. A peace treaty has never been signed.

The public is invited to join the family at 12:00 noon at the Mt Zion Methodist Church cemetery in Cornelius NC for this ceremony. The church and cemetery are on the right side of NC-115 or Old Statesville Rd traveling north. The address is 19600 Zion Ave. If you take exit 28 off I-77, go east almost 1 mile and turn right onto NC-115, the church will be 1/4 mile on the left.

Please join the Chapter and his family in this observance.

Carl Johnson, Chapter Secretarycfj6@cornell.edu704-948-9234

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What your Neighbors are saying:


Re: Metrolina Speedway
Thanks so much for the detailed update on the Speedway project. At a time when so many folks in our area are out of work, this is very hopeful in terms of jobs. Many folk came to mind as I was reading your update. Thanks again and have a great 4th of July holiday.
--- Annetta Watkins-Foard
Executive Assistant / Office Manager
Community Building Initiative
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Stay Alert -- Call 911, if folks look Suspicious
I wanted to let you know that there are 3 teenage (?) boys driving around and on foot....ringing doorbells of homes that may appear to be empty.They rang my neighbor’s door bell and ran. Then continued down Hartford and looking for
homes to be vacant or owner not home.

It happened again today. This time around noon and the teenagers were in a cherry Caravan, brand new. Please pass this along to the neighbors to be on the look out. It could be harmless but they might be casing homes.
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Keeping an Eye on Our Neighborhood
Last night at around 9:20 pm a heavy-set Caucasian lady with shoulder-length, wavy blonde hair knocked on our front door. She told my husband she didn’t know where she was and needed to know how to get to Statesville Road. Our
dog started barking at her and I let him keep on barking!

I have seen this lady frequently on Statesville Road “working” so I was a bit suspicious. She always wears shorts and a very large tee-shirt. Perhaps she had a “customer” who gave her a ride to our neighborhood and just needed to
walk back to familiar territory. Anyway, I thought I’d let you know.
--- Nevin Community, off Nevin Rd
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June Rain Totals
5.47 at CRN-54 Turning Point Academy and
4.58 at CRN-58 Mallard Creek Elementary --- Jack Brosch, Kelsey Glen
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A Note of Local Interest
Paul Eich files to run for Mayor of Mt. Airy, NC.

PAUL EICH filed as a candidate for Mayor of Mount Airy, N.C., citing his love for Mount Airy, his broad work experience, and his knowledge of Mount Airy's City Council/City Manager form of government. Being a relative newcomer gives him the advantage of an open mind, which combined with his logical and analytical approach, will help him to lead discussion and decision-making of the City Council as it tackles the challenges of the economy and the needs of the citizens.
Eich is a graduate of MIT with bachelor and masters degrees in chemical engineering and another masters in management from MIT's Sloan School. He is also a veteran of the.Navy during Vietnam, serving in (Engineering and
management at the Naval Ship R & D Lab. His work experience includes large and small companies, his own company, and a non-profit that managed an urban forest inside the Charlotte city limits. Work varied from market research in consumer products, production of carpets and urethane foam, laboratory research and development, process engineering, heating and air conditioning, and various levels of management. He was verv active in local and state heating and air conditioning organizations, including four times president of the Charlotte association and is a past-president of the North Carolina Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors Association.Eich's volunteer work reaches beyond church work. In Charlotte, he served on the board of directors of the Derita Statesville Road Community Organization for more thirty years including seven years as president. He was active with the Charlotte Habitat for Humanity organization. In Mount Airy, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, the Golden Notes, and AARP tax aide filing income taxes free for seniors and moderate income citizens. He was also twice a Charlotte City Council at-large candidate and was considered for the Mount Airy council seat vacated last year by Tom Bagnal. He is aware of actions of city government, regularly attending council meetings for more than a year.Happily married for 43 years to wife Ellen, they have three grown children living in Fort Mill SC, near Salt Lake City UT, and in Charlotte. Ellen is an accomplished church organist and a former elementary school teacher.

Anyone who wishes to contribute or ask questions can contact the candidate at PaulEich@peoplepc.com or call the home at 786-7297. The mailing address isPaul & Ellen Eich, 124 Plantation Place Ln, Mt. Airy, NC 27030

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Just wanted to add that Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess, who is also running for re-election as a candidate for Charlotte City Council - at Large, was one of Paul's first campaign contributors. I saw a copy of Paul's Thank You email because I happened to be mentioned in it . . .

But Paul Thanked Susan for the contribution, but also for her continued good work on City Council and her efforts in assisting leaders of the Derita-Statesville Road Community. --- Bernie
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Home-Grown Veggies

Keziah's Furniture Outlet -- 2714 Gibbon Rd has homegrown Cucumbers & hot peppers. Red vine ripe Tomatoes are only 3 for $1.00.

Also had some great looking yellow crook necked Squash ready to slice and fry up for supper. Prices are extremely fair and quality is excellent.

They will re-open on Monday, after a brief vacation.
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Got Extra Veggies in your garden to sell or share?
Send us an email deritarep@aol.com , tell us what you've got and we will help you spread the word.
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Newell Farmers Market is Open
Saturdays, 8am - 2pm, 1749 Rocky River Road
(One block from the intersection of WT Harris & Rocky River Rd.
Turn West on Rocky River Rd at the intersection)

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Community Service Awards for Scouts!
Recently, we have received a number of suggestions for worthwhile Neighborhood & Community Service Projects, but most of them never happened due to a lack of manpower. . . Which started me thinking about a program my Scout Troop used back in the 1970's --- Community Service Hours.

Boy Scouts, working as individuals or as a group, could earn a 3" embroidered patch ( 50 Hours, 100 Hours, or 200 Hours ) by keeping a record of their good works and turning in their summary sheets to the Troop Leader. Before long,
several other Scout units had latched on to the idea and asked to buy some of our extra patches.

The projects were wide and varied. One Scout delivered the Neighborhood's newsletter door-to-door. Several collected canned goods for the Needy during the holidays. Another helped wash the fire truck & hoses at his Neighborhood
VFD. Some picked up litter, one cut a widow lady's lawn. The hours mounted up and a lot of good things were being accomplished. Before long, we were trying to find enough money in the Troop Treasury for us to re-order patches.

You will note that individuals were able to pick their own projects and it was left up to the Scout units to decide what was acceptable. In our unit, Scouts needed to assist others with Eagle Service Projects became eager volunteers.


So here's my idea: And we REALLY need to hear from you local Boy Scout, Cub Scout & Girl Scout Leaders on this --- Are you interested? Would you like to make these awards available to the kids in your unit?

DSRCO would purchase a supply of patches. We would also supply the Hour Reporting Sheets. When your boy or girl member reaches a total of 50, 100, or 200 Hours Community (or Neighborhood) Service in the DSRCO area
we will provide the patch, recognize them in the DSRCO Newsletter, and list some of the good deeds they accomplished. Maybe even run their photo, for all of our 3250+ subscriber DSRCO area families to see.

Our DSRCO Board will discuss this idea at our August 20th meeting. I would really like to hear from you before then. Tell me what you think. deritarep@aol.com

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As I Recall . . .

Funny sometimes how an action or an incident can trigger a funny memory. . . I was crumbling sausage patties to scramble into some eggs for breakfast this morning when I was "transported" to the summer of 1976.

I had somehow cajoled Scout Dad & Dog Lover Bob Hutsell into helping me transport and chaperone 19 boys on a 7-day camping trip to Florida, including two lengthy Historic Trail Hikes (the boys all got medals & patches), a visit
to the Kennedy Space Center, and three glorious days at DisneyWorld (before there was an Epcot). We did a lot of bulk grocery shopping here before we left and even with gas, campground fees, Disney tickets and several burger stops along the way, we did it for about $125 per boy.

In Orlando one morning, Bob and I had gotten up early to whip up a quick scrambled egg & sausage breakfast with toast, jelly, and fresh milk. We had crammed our few ice chests with perishable meats, cheese and other
ingredients for sandwich lunches and late night snacks. It was really a tight fit, so I also opted for some space-savers like a number of cans of bulk Breakfast Sausage which did not need refrigeration.

Returning from a quick morning shower, Scout Todd Davis quickly donned an apron and asked Bob how he could help?

"Just stir this into the eggs as they cook," Bob replied and spooned the last of the brown glob (bulk sausage) into the frying pan.

Todd eyed it suspiciously . . . never having seen sausage that didn't come in either a pattie or a link. "What is this stuff?" he asked.

Sensing a joke in the making, Bob replied. "Oh, It's Alpo!" Knowing full well that his reputation as a breeder of Sheepdogs was well known among the boys.

With Todd at the spatula, it wasn't long before the word had spread through the camp. "Dog Food! We're having scrambled eggs & DOG FOOD for breakfast!" Didn't help matter either when another one of the guys "fished"
an empty can out of the trash and began reading the ingredients. None of the boys had heard of Pork Tripe, but they all knew what tongue, jowls, and the rest were. . .Kind of gave new meaning to that old TV commercial for
sausage, "Whole Hog --- Everything but the Oink."

Went through a lot of toast & jelly that morning and the boys were ready to "pig-out" on sandwiches come lunch time. No one starved or died, but at the boys' next Patrol Leaders Council, canned bulk sausage was banned to the same Oblivion which is shared by the infamous Deviled Ham Spread, which had been used on our sandwich saltines for three days as we hiked the Appalachian Trail during the summer of 1975. Unhappy Campers were still toting their unopened cans when we arrived at the trailhead 30 miles from our start. A bear raided our campsite on the trail that year, stole a backpack, ate the fruit, cheese & crackers, and chomped into toothpaste and foot powder. . . But as one Scout pointed out at Family Night, the bear wouldn't touch that Deviled Ham.
--- Bernie Samonds

We repeated the Florida Trips several times over the next couple of decades, but you can join the 4000+ other folks who have viewed our 1976 travels at:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/549840188LOfVGs

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Need Extra Tables & Chairs for Family Gatherings & Yard Sales?
Contact Bernie Samonds (704 806-3813 deritarep@aol.com ). 8ft. folding tables, $5 available to rent. Folding metal chairs, 50 cents each. Call now to reserve them. Liberal pickup and return availability.

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Trying to Reduce "the Clutter?"
Got stuff you need to buy, sell or trade? List it FREE in our BARGAINS GALORE email. No fees. No Commissions. List up to eight items free each week and get ready for the phone to ring. It's that easy. Email us at deritarep@aol.com

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HOT DOGS EVERY THURSDAY
Oak Grove United Methodist Church
6440 Old Statesville Road, 11am - 2pm
Fix'em the way you like'em, Eat In or Take Out
Not a Hot Dog fan?
Skip the dogs, choose the Homemade Soup & muffin
or Pinto Beans and cornbread (ketchup & onions available)
Warm friendly atmosphere. Wonderful conversation readily available

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Friday. August 7th
“Fairview Homes Community Reunion”

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department invites interested citizens to attend a “Fairview Homes Community Reunion” and a presentation to honor the memory of Anita Stroud on Friday, August 7, 2009, 6:30 - 8:30pm at Ivory Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. Former residents of FairviewHomes are especially invited.

Fairview Homes was a large low income and public housing community near uptown Charlotte, off Oaklawn Avenue and Statesville Avenue. It is now a totally redeveloped community called Park at Oaklawn. Anita Stroud, who lived in
Fairview Homes, was a beacon of light in the community, running programs and activities for underprivileged children.

Beginning in the 1940’s, she invited hundreds of children into her home for Bible stories, tutoring, mentoring, and fun play activities. Ms. Stroud organized an annual summer camp program for low income children. She distributed donated money, clothes, food, and school supplies to children living on food stamps and welfare assistance in Fairview Homes and in the nearby Double Oaks community.

Her work was recognized in national articles. She won many awards, including an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from UNC-Charlotte 1982. Many stories were written about her activities in the Charlotte Observer and the Charlotte News (evening newspaper), and on radio and TV. The Anita Stroud Foundation Inc., a non profit foundation, was formed in 1974 to promote her good works. The foundation continues today with education, motivational and enrichment programs for children. The programs operate out of the Anita Stroud Youth Development Center at Ivory Baker Recreation Center.

Anita Stroud, “Ms. Neet,” as she was known in the community, passed away in 1984 at the age of 84.

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NEED TO BORROW OR RENT
a 25-30ft Extension Ladder for gutter cleaning.
Jack Brosch, Cell: (704) 622-6995

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You can find Contact Info for many Derita Businesses &
Service Providers in our FREE Business Card Listings at:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/564074079xONVEq

You will save money by shopping for services already in the Derita area.
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Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. Do you know the history of the Nevin Community?

Not as well as Jean Burris does . . .

The Nevin Community was named around 1889, when a half acre of land and 62 books were donated by Squire John P. Hunter, for a school on Nevin Road off Statesville Road.

The name "Nevin" was fully established in 1891, when Nevin Post Office was in operation on Statesville Road near the school. It was located in a store belonging to Joseph Wardin. Mail was brought by horseback from Charlotte.
Nevin Post Office closed in 1902. The name "Nevin" was given by Joseph or Mollie Wardin, who were of Irish descent. It was the name of a location in Ireland.

Mr. and Mrs. Wardin sold an additional 2 1/2 acres to Nevin School in 1919, for $250. Across the road from the Wardin property, on Statesville Road, was a two story Victorian home built by W. J. Hutchison. His first son, Olin, was
born there in 1883. On his 111 acre farm he grew cotton, corn and wheat. In the 1900's, the house became Olin's home. He was School Councilman for Nevin School, and countersigned paychecks for teachers.

When the community needed a new school, the old frame schoolhouse became a community house. It had a hip roof, a porch across the front, and had a stage inside. The house was moved down the hill eastward to make room for a 4-room brick school. The new brick school burned in 1919, and the community house (original school) was used once again until another school was built on the same foundation. Nevin School closed in March 1955. Well remembered teachers at Nevin were: Margaret McConnell, Principal; Katie Lee Conley, Gladys Todd, Ruth Melton, Lillian Bates, and Edith Tarrant.

The Wardin family heirs reclaimed the Nevin School property after the school closed. Since 1959, it has been used as was purchased in 1965, and named Nevins Center, Inc.

Nevin Community remained an undeveloped, rural area while Charlotte grew southward. Blight and deterioration of the older homes prompted the need to organize for improvement. Nevin Community Organization, Inc., began meeting
on February 26, 1987, for the purpose of community improvement through cleanup, beautification and good quality development. The organization received tax exempt status in December 1988, in order to receive grants for community improvement.We received our first grant in November 1988, and began mailing newsletters to residents. Fund raising drives have enabled us to be able to erect "Nevin Community" signs at each entrance on Statesville Road. We are rebuilding the wonderful community spirit we had 30 years ago, and discovering the good neighbors around us.
---1989. Jean Davis Burris, Nevin Community President
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Q. Bernie, I have written you about this before. Cars are still being parked on the lawn on Allen Rd. East.

I know that a lot of folks find this practice very irritating and you feel it will bring property values down when potential homebuyers pass through our neighborhoods --- But you need to remember that this rule was written for the Eastside
where neighborhoods had a real problem with boats & trailers, mobile homes, and commercial vehicles parked in front yards.

The worst examples shown at the Stakeholder's Meeting showed giant mudholes and wash-outs created in those yards and that was what inspired City Council to act. Cars may still be parked beside a house, as long as they are behind the line created by the front of the house.

Code Enforcement will respond if you call 311 and lodge a complaint. Usually they will issue a warning and check back later on their next pass through the neighborhood. Further offenses can result in a ticket and a fine. You especially need a street name and house number to file a complaint.

In the past, CMPD would respond to cars parking illegally on the FRONT lawn if Code Enforcement (over-worked) could not get to them or if they are following up an official 311 complaint. But even they don't have time to ride around willy-nilly writing tickets when no complaint has been filed.
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Q. I live in the Sugar Springs Neighborhood off Neal Road, so I enjoyed reading what you wrote about the Sunday afternoon gatherings at Derita Mineral Springs -- the picnics, dancing, musicians & all. How large were the Springs and was it really a thriving business? Can I still find them?

"There were times in North Mecklenburg when eggs cost 10 cents a dozen and flour came in 100 lb. sacks and water from H.A. Alexander's Springs cost 10 cents a gallon. The picnic ground was a popular place on Sunday afternoons.

"At least that's what I've been told by the folks who know, Parks Hunter and son Leslie led me on a twilight visit recently to the site where Alexander's Spring House once stood.

'As a young boy, Parks remembered how his grandfather H.A. Alexander, used to carry a bottle of his "Calcic Mineral Waters" to the neighbors whenever they were sick. No one ever swore it would cure what ails you, but Mr. Alexander drank it himself and lived to the ripe old age of 93.

"The business was a big one when the five springs were tapped in the 1900's. The downtown Charlotte office buildings, with no running water of their own, used the huge five gallon, one gallon, and half-gallon bottles at the rate of 450 gallons a day, says Inez Martin of Neal Road. Her father used to drive the old water wagon and the water truck that came later.

"The old spring house has fallen now, but Parks uncovered the old metal ram he used to prime as a boy. No, it isn't a goat. A ram is a gravity-operated water pump, Alexander's used it to pump water a good quarter-mile to their home and into an elevated water tank behind the house.

"And the Derita Mineral Springs, located just north of "Mailbox Hill," the present intersection of Mineral Springs and Neal Rds, operated until World War II. The nearest competitor, a "Silva Waters," at Long Creek leased Alexander's Mineral Springs and closed it down." --- Bernie Samonds, The Mecklenburg Gazette, 1970

Of course, the Sugar Springs Neighborhood stretches back across the old Mineral Springs property now, but you can see some old photos on our website at: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/81956247ISGbGu

Another friend tells me eight springs were actually producing there at one time, so it wasn't surprising when you early homeowners complained of damp crawl spaces and flowing water popping up in their backyards.

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Today's Funny:
(From our FREE Friday Funny E-Mail. Send us an email if you'd like to receive it.

Today's Economy is So Bad that . . .

1) CEO's are now playing miniature golf.
2) Jewish women are marrying for love.
3) Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administrationaren't paying their taxes.

4) Hotwheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

5) Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package: GE,Pfeizer and Citigroup.

6) McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

7) Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned theirchildren's names.

8) A truckload of Americans got caught sneaking into Mexico.
9) The most highly-paid job is now jury duty.

10) Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

11) People in Africa are donating money to Americans.

12) Mothers in Ethiopia are telling their kids, "finish your plate, doyou know how many kids are starving in the US?"

13) Motel Six won't leave the light on.

14) The Mafia is laying off judges.

15) And finally...Congress says they are looking into this BernardMadoff scandal. Hey, neat...the guy who made $50 billion disappear isbeing investigated by the people who made $750 billion disappear.
--- submitted by Deborah Rowe