Our Thanks for recent membership dues contributions from:
Kay Roderick, 2010
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DSRCO Community Calendar
Saturday Oct 3rd
Clothes Closet 8am to 11am. Williams Memorial PresbyterianFree clothes, first Saturday of every month4700 Beatties Ford Rd – Behind main building www.wmpc.info
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Saturday, October 3
Harvest Fest 2009 -- Craft Show, BBQ & More
9am - 3pm, Harrisburg United Methodist Church, Hwy 49
Another of the BETTER Craft Shows around with usually 50+ vendors and hot BBQ
served from the grill by the United Methodist Men. Big selection of Baked Goods
by United Methodist Women and plenty to choose from in the Pumpkin Patch.
Vendor spaces $35. Contact Diann Norwood, 704 784-2319
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Thursday, October 8th
Oak Grove UMC Annual BBQ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (or sold out), 4600 Old Statesville Rd.
1 plate = $8.00 (includes BBQ, slaw & baked beans)3 sandwiches = $8.00 (includes BBQ, slaw & chips)Dine in - Delivery availableChurch phone number: 704-596-4084
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Friday, October 9th
Booster Club Annual Fall BBQ
10am to 6pm, Northside Christian Academy
Plates, $7.00, include 1/3 lb of BBQ, cole slaw, chips and a roll. Desserts and
drinks will be $1 each. Free delivery within the University City area with a 25+ plate
order when pre-ordered by Tuesday, October 6th. Money raised will go to support
the athletic department of Northside Christian Academy.
For more information, contact Butch Hicks at bhicks64@aol.com or Mark Bovitz at
markbovitz@urbanrealtync.com. The church address is 333 Jeremiah Blvd., off
West Sugar Creek Rd. near I-85============================================
Friday, October 9th
Community Worship Service
7 PM at Derita Baptist Church, 2835 W. Sugar Creek Road
Churches in the Derita/Statesville Road/Beatties Ford Road area are coming together
to be a sign of Christian love and unity. In addition to occasional worship services,
this interdenominational cooperative plans to seek opportunities to gather our
community for service, fellowship, and support.
All congregations in our North Charlotte area are invited to join together with Blessed
Harvest Institute, Derita Baptist Church, Greater Deliverance Ministries, Life Changing
Church, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Rockwell AME Zion Church, Statesville
Road Baptist Church, and Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Our next organizational meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6 pm at Williams Memorial
Presbyterian Church, 4700 Beatties Ford Road. For more information, contact Brian
Fite (704-393-5439) or Bob Symanski (704-596-4084).
============================================
Saturday, October 10th
Mother's Morning Out
Cole Memorial United Methodist Church, 2022 West Sugar Creek Rd.
10am - 12:30am, FREE CHILDCARE.
Your children, age 5 to 5th Grade, will be treated to crafts, singing, games,
stories and a short movie. You need to call 704 596-2356 (weekday mornings)
to pre-register your child.
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Saturday October 10th
Family Dinner & Movie Night
6pm, Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Fellowship Hall
Dinner: $6/person $18/family
Movie: Donations Accepted
Menu: Spaghetti, Salad, French Bread, Coffee & Tea
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Sunday, October 11th Homecoming at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
Come celebrate with us....Worship begins at 10:30 followed by lunch on the grounds
with entertainment by the Singing Men of America. We look forward to seeing you.
============================================
Saturday, Oct, 17th
LLS "Light the Night" Walk
Symphony Park at South Park
Light the Night is an annual, nationwide walk to celebrate and commemorate the
lives touched by cancer. In a sense, that's all of us. We all have friends, neighbors
and family members who are battling Cancer. Sadly, most of us know people who
have lost the battle.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health
organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education
and patient services. Your cash donation is needed and will be greatly appreciated.
Every 5 minutes, someone in this country is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every
10 minutes, someone dies. Leukemia is the leading cause of cancer death among
children and young adults under the age of 20. Lymphomas are the most common
blood cancers and incidence increases with age.
Donations are tax deductible and checks should be made out to The Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society. Our friend, Ameila McGirt (1828 Archdale Dr. Charlotte, NC
28210) is collecting donations for this cause.
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Saturday, October 19th
Epworth United Methodist Church, Concord, NC
Not in our specific area, but because we have a number vendors and craftspeople
who read our newsletter, here's a sales opportunity. Booth spaces are $20; Festival
runs Saturday 10:30am -3pm. No duplication of vendors on specific brands. For
details, contact Teresa Gray 704-786-6183.
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Thursday, October 22nd
80th Annual Mallard Creek Barbecue
Community House, 11400 Mallard Creek Rd.
11am - Until
Plates, $9.00, includes BBQ, slaw, apple sauce, Brunswick Stew
Sandwiches, $3.00
Pound of BBQ or Quart of Brunswick Stew, $9.00
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Friday-Saturday, Oct 23-24
Annual Bazaar
9am - 4pm . Asbury United Methodist Church, 11724 Asbury Chapel Rd
Proceeds to local and international missonary projects. Additional Craft vendors
still needed. Contact Michele Becher, thefunkyflea@gmail.com 704-293-3307
============================================
Saturday, October 24th
Farmington Neighborhood Yard Sale
7am - 12pm. At Homes throughout the Neighborhood off Hubbard Rd.
Interested residents will need to obtain their own permit.Residents planning to
participate should inform Kelly Shanklin at kashanklin@yahoo.com by October 19th,
so that she can appropriately map the yard sale route. Rain date is the following
Saturday.
============================================
Saturday, October 31
Third Annual Runway 5K Run/Walk 8am, Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Mark your calendar to take part in this run/walk at one of the nation's most unique
locations and busiest airports. Last year close to 600 runners and walkers raised
more than $10,000 for Lifespan's Community Activities Employment Transition
Program (CAET). LifeSpan transforms the lives of children and adults with develop-
mental disabilities by providing education, employment and enrichment opportunities.
Pre-register now to receive a reduced rate at www.charlotteairport.com.
Miss North Carolina 2009, Julie Tesh, will be at the event this year to hand out prizes!Carolina Panther’s mascot Sir Purr will be at the event to enterain.Nostalgic aircraft from the Carolina’s Aviation Museum will be on display.There will be a large bounce house for the kids to enjoy.Many more things to see and amenities will be added soon!
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Saturday October 31st
Multicultural Festival
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 W. Sugaw Creek Rd. 704.596.4466Worship Service @ Noon
Music Dance Exhibits Videos Storytelling Food
It’s Free! So Make Plans To Join Us!
All Ages Welcome --- Children’s Activities
"God is bringing all nations & tongues to our doors…
Embrace the adventure with hope!
We are many cultures under ONE GOD
============================================
Saturday, October 31st
FALL FEST @ Derita Presbyterian Church
2-5 pm, Activities will include hay rides, trips to pumpkin patch, games for children,
hot dogs, popcorn, apple cider and soft drinks. Fall Fest serves as a major fund raiser for church’s annual mission trip.A program guide will be prepared and ads will be sold for the booklet.============================================
Sunday, November 1st
Festival of Tables
Ladies Luncheon and Fellowship
1:00 pm, Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
$8.00 Per Person, (fundraiser to support missions)
Hosted by: The Women of the Church and Women’s Circle of Faith
Come for a great time of fun and fellowship! There will be many dining table
themes for viewing and judging, followed my lunch and entertainment.
For more information, please contact
Linda Raborn 704-564-9148 or Deane Davis 704-596-1420
RSVP required in advance.=============================================
Poplar Springs Neighborhood Association will meet at Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church the 3rd Saturday of each month at 12:15pm.
Allen Hills - Carrie Hills Community Meeting -- 7pm, Tuesday, Oct. 6th
at Family Missionary Baptist Church, corner of Allen Rds South & East. Meeting
lasts about one hour.
=============================================
What your Neighbors are saying:
Re: Zip-Lock Baggie Trick
Don't know if you saw it, but The Charlotte Observer did a story on the Ziplock Baggie trick
on the same day your last Newsletter came out. They said it also work to keep away bees
and wasps.
Yes, saw that, Thank You. Like our reader wrote last time, it works on insects
with compound eyes and bees & wasps definitely fall into that category. Just
wished I had heard of it sooner, Would have spent fewer dollars on OFF and
Cutter Insect Repellant. --- Bernie Samonds
===================================================================
Code Enforcement Inspector
The new inspector for the Derita-Statesville Rd area is Josh Myers. Call 311 to report
a problem & to start the paper work. His direct telephone number is (704) 432-2382.
His email address is jrmyers@ci.charlotte.nc.us
===================================================================
Re: Hubbard Road Sidewalks
Tom Ferguson, City Engineering Dept, says it is standard policy for a developer to
add sidewalks AFTER completing the building on a site. Heavy truck & equipment
traffic in and out during construction could damage the concrete, requiring that it
be removed and replaced. The City still holds this developer's cash bond, so rest
assured that sidewalks will be built. If the lots are not sold and developed in a
reasonable amount of time, he assured us that the bond fund was adequate for the
City to have the work done.
====================================================================
Overrun With Mosquitoes?
To place a "Mosquito Complaint or get More Information: Call 704-336-5101
Meanwhile, you can eliminate mosquito breeding sources: Remove any containers that can hold at least 1/4 inch of water; Keep gutters clean and in good repair; Repair leaky outdoor faucets and change the water in bird baths and pet bowls at
least twice a week.
============================================================
Dogs Running Loose in Allen Hills, Killing Cats
Bernie, I wanted to send you an update on the situation Doug Hanks reported on
strays/roaming dogs. Traps were set on the property on Twin Dr and remained
there for seven days. The traps are scheduled for pickup today. We were unable
to identify or locate the dogs described during the attacking situations. We will
continue our efforts with periodic patrols of the area for stray roaming dogs.
As you documented in your recent news letter, it is imperative that these incidents
get reported to 311 as they occur. It gives us a better opportunity in resolving these
issues. I appreciate what you do for the Dertia Community and look forward in
assisting you with any other issues in your area.
---- Skip Russell
CMPD/ACCD (Animal Control)
Haven't heard of any re-occurrences. Maybe the owners got the message and have
locked up their dogs (or hopefully, they will be in your traps). --- Bernie Samonds
======================================================================
My Boys ALWAYS Make Proud
"Thanks. Loved these." I wrote after Rich Haag sent me some really creativetest answers that will appear in tomorrow's Friday Funny Mail.
"Reminds me of an incident that happened at a Scout Camporee in Davidson years
ago," I added. "A competitive event was supposed to have Scouts tie a clovehitch
knot around a tree while always remaining outside a 10 ft perimeter. "One of my Patrol Leaders, Bucky Dellinger (who became a teacher at West Point
and is currently a Battalion Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan) came up
with a different approach. His guys still had the poles they used in the flag-raising
competition just a bit earlier. They simply tied a large, very wide open clovehitch,
then used the poles to lift it high into the air, dropping it down over the tree and
then they pulled it tight. . . The redneck judge disqualified them for "thinking outside
the box.""
"That is wonderful. I have heard that part of what makes our military great is leaders
and soldiers who can think creatively under stress. Bucky probably made a great
teacher." replied Rich Haag ---- Bernie Samonds
=============================================
"Derita Days" Bonanza --- Oct. 16, 17, 18
Participating Derita merchants and service providers will be offering
special discounts. great bargains, closeout prices, and "added values"
during this 3-Day Event.
We will be sending out a special email to our entire 3250+ address mail list
listing the merchandise and services --- and the local businesses & local
service providers offering them.
Watch for the email.
=============================================
Message from Susan Burgess
Dear Derita-Statesville Road Community,I want to make everyone aware that even though there is a hiring freeze, both the City of
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have job openings and are accepting applications. For City jobs, click this link:https://cltjobs.ci.charlotte.nc.us/psp/PHR89/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE&Action=A&SiteId=1000 For County jobs, click this link:https://jobs89.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/psp/XTERNAL/MKAPPLY/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE&Action=A&SiteId=1 My best wishes,Susan BurgessMayor Pro Tem
===========================================
What You Missed . . .
Derita Area Business & Service Providers Met
Smaller crowd than usual due to the first of the month, but we discussed how
you can use your technical, hobby, and business expertise to get FREE advertising
in the DSRCO Newsletter and other places. A good example: Richard Behr, who
does professional pre-sell or pre-buy Home Inspections, was encouraged to send
us a list of the 10 things you can do prepare your home to sell. The 6 things you
can fix (or add) to raise the sale value of your home. The 5 most frequently found
problems that can cost you a Sale.
Les Lemley suggested a "Where Can I Find It?" column for this newsletter. Like
many other folks, he often turns to Google or Craig's List when hunting for an item
that he doesn't know where to find locally . . . That usually mean having to buy NEW
and pay shipping charges. This week he's looking for a couple of USED table tents
that folks might have used to shelter their picnic table this past summer. Last month
Jack Brosch was looking to borrow or rent a long extension ladder so that he could
clean his gutters. No Sherlock Holmes here, but I'm thinking we can do this. Just
email us what you're looking for and we'll post it with your contact info.
Our Guest today was At Large City Council Candidate Patrick Cannon. Before his
brief sabbatical, Cannon served on Council for 12 years --- 12 years without voting to
raise Taxes. During that time, he was a good friend to Neighborhoods, ours in
particular. Almost unheard of, he frequently popped in on local Rezoning Community
Meetings to learn more about what both developers & residents were saying. He has
always had a good command of the facts & figures on City Projects and votes as if
it is his own money that is about to be spent. . . I think Cannon really impressed a
few of those present when they asked specifics about upcoming road projects, CATS
operations, housing issues, Police & safety. When he didn't know the projected time
line on one project, he just flipped open his blackberry, tapped a few buttons and had
the project manager on the line for a direct response. . . Sounds the man we NEED
to send back to City Council this November.
============================================
Sunday Evenings, Now in Progress
"Supper, Seminars & Singing"
Cole Memorial United Methodist Church presents
the first of a series of Sunday evening “Supper, Seminars & Singing” for families in
the Derita and University communities. The programs include activities for adults,
youth and children. “These Sunday evening programs will be a great time to deepen
friendships within our church and our community, as well as grow in one’s ability
to live one’s faith in the world,” said Laura Garrett, Sunday Program Coordinator.
At 5 pm. a light supper kicks off the evening. The meal is free, but donations will be accepted.
From 5:30-6:30 pm. adults can attend a seminar on issues affecting the community.
Weekly topics to include:Crime in Our Neighborhood Gang of One – a gang prevention and intervention initiative from the CMPD Turning Point Academy Homelessness: How Can We Help?
During the same time youth (grade 6-12) can attend United Methodist Youth Fellowship, children (age 5 to 5th grade) can participate in a Community Children’s Choir, and a nursery will be provided for younger children.
More details and Community Children’s Choir, registration information is available at 704-596-2356 or carelink@bellsouth.net.
============================================
If You Enjoy Receiving THIS Free Newsletter,
PLEASE recommend us to your friends and neighbors. Invite them to subscribe.
It's FREE. It's current. It's topical. But without your help, we can not continue to
grow and share the news items and announcements that are important.
email us at deritarep@aol.com
===========================================
The Derita Lions Club meets the 2nd & 4th Monday of most months Visitors & New Members Welcome 6:30 - 8 pm Maria’s Grill in Derita 2801 W. Sugar Creek Rd.
===========================================
Red Ripe Tomatoes still available at Keziah's Furniture, 2714 Gibbon Rd.
4 for $1.00, some smaller ones 6 for $1.00 Usually fresh pulled today.
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As I Recall . . . memories of a growing up in Derita
A Boy and his Dog
I guess most every boy had a dog to grow-up with. We did. My older brother
and I shared our bedroom in Derita with Chubby, our little 4 legged brother of
sorts, who slept with us, ate with us, played with us and went most every place
we went except school. We sure did love that old dog. But, Chubby was slowing
-down, and he was 12 yrs. old when he didn't get out of bed one cold, winter
morning. I want you to know that ours' was one sad household for a spell. Our Mom worked in the former Derita post office when it was across the
(RR) track from the current one. Back then, the old building also housed
Derita Hardware, and the Dry Cleaners. Well, Mom accidentally adopted a
new companion one day when old Spot just wandered in. Now Spot was a
"sooner" for sure. He just walked-in, got fed, got sleepy, and stretched out
on a canvas mail bag and took a nap. Mom always did have a soft heart for
any hungry animal. So, Spot found himself a home in the Derita Post Office. One cold, rainy day after school my little brother Jerry rode his bike to the
Post Office and while Mom was busy, Jerry picked-up Spot, put him in the
basket that he had on front of his bike, and they took a ride. I happened to
come in a little later and Mom asked me to please go find Jerry & Spot, as
they had no business out in this rain. Now, they didn't go far. I found themboth at Mullis Grocery, OUTSIDE. Jerry said he felt sorry for Spot because
he was shaking from being cold & wet.
Well, Jerry went in the store to get Spot some dog food, but he only had
15 cents, so he just got a pint of milk. Of course Jerry had to feed Spot the
milk, and was doing it in his shirt-sleeves because he had wrapped Spot up
in his own coat. Yes, Spot was high, dry & content in his basket and Jerry
was soaking wet, broke, but "Happy" as a lark!!........ --- Fred
Earning Spending Money
My Classmates knew that I often worked afternoons and weekends at my folks'
grocery store on Beatties Ford Road. Worked everyday throughout the summer.
But I also had other money-making schemes.
Dad always told me that if your stuff didn't sell, you could always eat the inventory.
Well, I once raised carrots & radishes. Rabbits ate my carrots and the radishes
didn't sell. . . Ever tried to eat 6 lbs. of leftover radishes?
Also started a worm farm. Was going to sell worms as fishing bait. Ants killed off
the first batch. Built the new cages well off the ground. Saved table scraps and
coffee grounds to fatten them up. Read that corn meal was good for that too. . .
But NOT Self-rising meal, I learned too late. It has salt in it. Re-stocked one
more time and had two big trays of growing soil when I headed off to Scout
Camp for the summer. Figured I could keep breeding & selling them all summer.
First week there were three large African-American Troops at camp. They took
one look at Lake Calhoun and they bought every worm I had by lunchtime on
Wednesday. . . I was stuck there the rest of the summer without a single breeder.
Mark Kilby & I also tried to corner the Christmas tree market one year, but
who knew that July was too early to begin cutting your trees.
--- Bernie Samonds
Sounds like we both had some of the same ideas about making money, Bernie.
I remember a buddy & myself cutting and "dragging" a few Christmas trees
forever (It Seemed) from somewhere up Mallard Creek Rd. And then, some
Choice experiences gathering mistletoe by climbing the trees.
For a little spending money summer months, I could usually find some kind soul
to pay me for mowing their lawn. Now I had to do it with Dads push-mower.
A motorized mower, at that time was for the Rich & Famous. After you mowed
with this "Reel type push mower, you had to go over the yard with a "sling blade",
to get the things sticking-up everywhere.
One of my regular customers, Mrs Brown on Mallard Creek Rd., bought herself
a new gas-powered push mower, and one Saturday morning, I was elected to
be the first person to use it. I made one lap & the muffler fell off. Not thinking
what I was doing, I reached right down, picked it up, & came-up with a badly
burned hand of course, but --- Nobody had to tell me to put it down!
We also picked and sold blackberries, wild yellow & red plums and even some
wild strawberries. We also worked for the local farmers. --- Fred
The Neighbors
I, Ann Boovy Gunson - moved to Derita in 1948, when my father had our
new home built there at 2727 Gibbons Road. When we moved in, Gibbons Road was a dirt road. The property next door
to our new home was FARM LAND. The owner of the property had a large family, and he raised most of his
vegetables to feed his family. He had a beautiful garden - A real Showplace.
He also had 2 old mules - their names were Luke and Nadine. He wouldhook Luke up to the hand plow and he kept that garden so weed free you could
not find a weed anywhere. He even, at the end of a growing season; would allow
beans to dry up purposely. I remember he had Limas Beans, etc. up in the attic
drying for the Winter Pantry. He had a large garage outback of his house; he was a Mechanic by trade, and
it was said He was the "BEST REAR-END mechanic in all of the area. He
worked for Charlotte Transit on the City Bus Fleet. Shortly after we moved in I became friends of one of their daughters, they had
3 girls and 4 boys. I'll refer to the girl I befriended as "Lefty Lynda." We
became best of friends, and were inseparable. S he was about a year younger
than I, but we got along great. She was either at my house or I was at her house
all the time. If we were away from home at mealtime, our mothers just put
another plate on the table and we put our feet under the table as if we belonged
there. Lynda's mother made Homemade Biscuit 3 times a day. She had great big
bread pans and she always made two of them full for each meal. I can still
remember those Biscuits, they were big light and fluffy, never gummy. They
would melt in your mouth. Sometimes she would have a jar of homemade
Apple Jelly on the table to spread on them with a big dab of real Butter. Once I asked my mother if I could spend the night over with Lynda. For
some reason it did not suit her. Guess what, I went anyway. Mother waited
until she knew we would be in bed, and came over to their house with a
flashlight to get me. She came up to the window where we were sleeping, and
knocked on the side of the house. She said, "Ann I know you are in there.
You get up, do not dress, get your shoes on and come on out here.You are
Going Home!" She wanted me to know when she said something she meant it.
When I got out there she had a "Little Keen Switch" (a small branch from a
shrubbery). She whipped my bare legs all the way home. Needless to say,
I think that is the last time I went there without permission. --- Ann Boovy Gunson ====================================
A great little vignette on growing up in Derita, Ann. I remember the biscuits that
my Mom used to make. Thin & crisp, but tasty. Worked great with jelly, butter or
the sausage gravy she frequently made at breakfast time. Imagine my surprise to
find that her two sisters made the larger mouth-watering type that you write about.
Always loved going to my Aunt's houses for a Sunday lunch, so I could eat my fill
of those biscuits. Remember the "switchings," too. Mom would reinforce her rules by sending either
my older brother or I out to cut them ourselves. Pity either of us that came back
with a "limp" Switch. She was a kind, loving Mom. . . but we took some "regular
reminding" not to disobey her. I'm thinking that Lefty and her siblings had chores to do around the farm. Mom
was the eldest daughter on a family farm near the base of Six Mile Mountain in
Pickens County, S.C. Her daily chores included cooking for her Mom & Dad,
her five siblings, and a half-dozen or so field hands (neighbor boys who lived with
her family because their own folks could not afford to feed, clothe or shelter them);
She and her two sisters fed the chickens, gathered the eggs, milked the cows, and
handled the washing & cleaning, while the boys all worked in the fields. She also
helped her Dad in the little family store (largely barter back then) they ran at the
dirt crossroads called "Terrapin's Crossing."
Derita Historian Ona Welch Pucklett writes about those early years when a family
had to buy either a refrigerator or an electric stove to get power run to their house.
I believe it 1917, she said, when the first lines were run to Derita to power the lights
for the Derita Floral Supply greenhouses. Long before the Food Lion shopping center
was built on North Graham St., their many, many glass and poly-covered growing
houses covered that whole area and spilled across the street to the big lot next door
to Players Sporting Goods.
As a kid, I used to play army with my buddies over on Nevin Road. We'd go down
the hill to the creek between what's now Hoover Drive and Granite Creek Lane. Before
long, we'd end up at the ruins of the Stephens Farm Spring House. . . a huge concrete
block building with water-filled holes cut in the concrete floor where they'd sink the
huge milk cans from their dairy after milking. Cool water from the creek nearby
seeped into the holes and kept the milk fresh until it was picked up or needed.
Before that, how folks kept things cold was a real puzzlement to me. My folks
owned a Westinghouse for years. But I do recall visiting with country kinfolks in
South Carolina who still had "refrigerator boxes" cooled by a big block of ice.
Being a grocer's kid, we didn't have a "Winter Pantry," but I can tell you about some
local folks who did . . . But that will have to keep until next time. ---- Bernie Samonds
============================================
Community University workshops in October
New monthly theme: Building Neighborhood Organizations
All workshops are free and will offer information to help new and established neighbor-
hoods strengthen their associations.
New workshop topics: Anatomy of a Neighborhood, Defining Organizational Identity,
Stop the Madness: Making Meetings Work, and Getting Things Done…By More Than One!
New location: Albemarle Road Recreation Center located at 5027 Idelwild Road North
New time: 6:00pm—8:00pm
For more information or to register, go to http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org and click
on the Community University icon or call 704-336-2061.
=============================================
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.
=============================================
Secure your Shed Warning as break-ins rise”
TIPS THAT CAN HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK OF YOUR STORAGE SHED
BEING BROKEN INTO:
We need YOU to be aware that your STORAGE SHED, as well as your house, has
valued possessions that thieves would love to steal. It also has equipment that could
help them break into a house.
Most housebreakers are lazy. They look for easy ways of getting into a house or
sheds. By taking a few simple precautions you can reduce the risk of being burgled
and make your home and shed more secure.
•Low or damaged fencing allows easy access to your property. •Fix a wooden trellis to the top of a fence, if climbed it will break, create noise and
attract attention. •Gates at the side or back of the house should be kept locked with a good quality
bolt and padlock. Sheds should be kept locked with a good quality bolt and padlock.
One of the best ways to keep thieves out is to use nature's own defense mechanisms
to stop intruders. A barrier of prickly hedge may be all the protection you need around
your property. Hedges and shrubs in the front garden should be kept to a height of no
more than 3 feet in order to avoid giving an offender a screen behind which he can
conceal himself.
What you can do:-
Put away all tools and equipment and ensure that all outside sheds are securely locked
when not in use.
Use plant protection - such as thorny shrubs.
Install outside security lighting which comes on automatically.
If you have a burglar alarm, why not extend it to cover outbuildings and sheds?
Photograph valuable garden plants or ornaments.
Mark your property. This makes stolen property easier to trace and it can be
positively identified as yours.
Check that your household insurance policy covers theft from your Shed/outbuildings.
If you have a local Neighborhood Watch, why not join?Stop garden thieves: - If you see or hear anything suspicious, dial 911.
---- Sergeant Ken Schul
Response Area Commander, North Tryon Division
=============================================
Hey, I'm Looking For
Some used folding canopy tents --- like you might have used to shelter your
picnic table this summer, or like a vendor might have set up on a street corner to
sell Panther T-shirts, etc on a game weekend. belleandtheyank@gmail.com
=============================================
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
No Hot Dogs on Thursday Oct, 8th -- Annual Barbecue Instead
Cooked It Ourselves, You Know It's GOOD!
============================================
Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. On Tuesday night while riding to the store, I saw two white female prostitutes
on the corner of Grenelefe Village Dr and Gibbon Rd tricking. An hour later, they
were still there, so I called the police on them. The police responded in a prompt
fashion and took care of the situation. You see this kind of activity on Sugar Creek
and Regan Road, near I-85 , but to think they would try to set up shop in our
neighborhood was shocking.
Not all that surprising. When CMPD turns up the heat in one area, Ladies of the Evening usually just move to another neighborhood. We had a problem here at the same location
about two summers ago. Local businesses complained that sometimes as many as
3-4 girls could be seen on the sidewalk in front of Grenelefe, at the convenience store
& Derita Bar on Nevin Rd. We emailed Capt. Andy Leonard (over North Division at the time) and he had Officers
begin making more frequent "zone checks." The problem pretty soon resolved itself,
but thanks for letting us know that they are back. A big part of the problem is that residents don't call CMPD and report it. They think
ignoring the problem will make it go away. I mentioned the tricksters not long ago at
a Community Crime Watch Meeting and got a real dressing down from some of the
older ladies present, saying that I should not be talking about that sort of thing in the
Church building where we were meeting. --- Bernie
--------------------------------------------------
"Thanks for the information and thanks for calling 911. I will have our 2nd and 3rd shift
Officers be on the lookout for this kind of activity. Please continue to call 911 anytime
you see this activity occurring so we can quickly address this problem.
--- Thanks, Officer Mike Travis
North Division Community Coordinator =======================================================================
Q. I travel Graham Street every day from Derita to work downtown. The street is
a main artery for the city and there are hundreds of businesses along Graham. How
about making some improvements to the corridor instead of buying designer trash
cans for Central Avenue or a street car that goes to an empty mall in a gang-infested
area? There are pathetic wooden benches at the bus stops that might seat 2 people
if they were thin, the grass strips along the road have grass a foot high, the street &
sidewalks are too narrow and in need of repair. Graham Street is just plain seedy-
looking. People even sit on the railroad tracks waiting for the bus!
--- Deborah Rowe, Nevin Community
Note to City Department of Transportation:
"Is there anything we can do for Graham St.?"
---- Susan Burgess, Mayor Pro Tem
"Graham Street is a state maintained road. I can’t tell completely whether Ms Rowe’s
concern is about the condition of the road surface or other issues. Her focus seems
more about conditions alongside the road. By copy, I will ask Vivian Coleman to
evaluate sidewalk conditions in the area. I also am copying Walter Abernathy with
Code Enforcement and Louis Mitchell with NCDOT to determine whether their staffs
should evaluate conditions both on the road and alongside the corridor."
---- Danny Pleasant, CDOT
" I remember when Graham Street was finally 4-laned. As a kid I had often walked
home to Derita from town when the City bus stopped at Dogwood Lane. The old
sidewalks ended at Hutchinson Ave. School, just one block north of the old Sealtest
Bldg. All of the sidewalks from that point to West Sugar Creek have all been the
result of federal matching grants or Summer Job Corps works programs.
"The wooden benches (this is the second generation) were a gift many years ago
from the late David Allen at American Dry Cleaners. He wanted his customers and
neighbors to have a place to sit while they waited for the bus. . . This was long
before CATS arrived on the scene. But we agree, CATS should be negotiating with
the Railroad to place adequate bus stops along the route. No one should have to sit
or stand on a railroad track to wait on a CATS bus." ---- Bernie Samonds, DSRCO
The GOOD NEWS is that much of the high grass and weeds between the curb and
railroad tracks has been cut since your inquiry . . . well, as much as you can reach
with a mowing tractor. Would be great if there were a Weed Eater crew that could do
some trim work, but many of the spots have tree and sapling trunks still standing
that would be a major problem. As was pointed out the agreement for the State to
reimburse the City for maintaining the grassy strips along Graham St. has expired,
but THANKS to whichever group (City or State) that found the money and took care
of that problem.
======================================================================
Q. We have a neighbor who has several cats and they are allowed to roam free.
They go to the bathroom in our yard, spray our bushes and jump on the birdfeeders
and kill the birds. Is there any way we can stop this? It doesn’t seem right that we
and others should have to put up with this nuisance. --- Concerned, Kelsey Glen
If you can find out the neighbor's house number, call 311. If I remember correctly,
there is a limit on the number of cats that you can own. While the Officer is there
counting heads, he/she can point out the problems you and your neighbors have
experienced (without specifically using your name). Sometimes that can resolve
the problem.
If the neighbor says they are Stray, or if the problem persists, Animal Control can
always set a trap for the Cats.
======================================================
Q. The house at corner of Statesville Road & Cindy Lane, is an absolute
eyesore. They have old couches, tires, all kinds of junk in the yard. This
intersection is passed by many cars every day and the condition of this yard
really makes out neighborhood look bad. We have reported it to Code
Enforcement. Can you tell us what's happening? --- Concerned
A Notice of Violation has been issued and re-inspection is scheduled for this
week, according to Inspector Josh Myers.
"Thank You! Came through there about 1:00 pm. today and they were cleaning it up.
Had couches on the curb and most of the other junk from the yard was gone.Thanks. Our neighborhood doesn't need this kind of junk on the roads." --- Concerned
======================================================
Q. Thanks for hosting the Candidates' Forum in Derita. I made it through the
Primary and I'm wondering if there are any Community or Neighborhood meetings
coming up soon where I could visit and introduce myself?
I think every political candidate hopes to find that perfect audience where the room
is filled to over-flowing with a throng of potential voters, but you've probably come to
realize that only happens in Charlotte when you try to re-district a school or raise
taxes. I consider it a GREAT turnout when we get 60 -75 people to show up for a
Forum. Our typical DSRCO Board meeting may be 6-15 people, as many as 30
when a neighborhood wants to discuss an issue. We disseminate most of our
information via this Newsletter.
That's the case with most neighborhoods around here. HOA's might have one
General Meeting per year and everything else is handled throughout the year by
a Board of 4-8 people. Biggest crowd I ever saw (except for some highly protested
rezoning issues) was the crowd from Great Oaks a couple of years back when the
HOA needed to raise dues, but still hadn't built the long-promised playground. Yes,
people turnout when you start getting into their back pocket.
There are two Crime Watch Meetings listed above (Poplar Springs & Allen Hills.
I think Nevin Community meets at 7pm on the same night in their Community
building. You'll also find a good crowd at the Oak Grove & Northside Christian
Academy Annual Barbecues next week. Be there around lunch time to shake a
few hands and pass out a few campaign cards. They don't go in for heavy politicking,
but as long as you come to eat, no one is going to be anti-social. The nice thing
about these two fund-raisers is that you won't be competing with 50 other
Candidates standing in a line. On second thought, just smile, introduce yourself
and hand them a card. Nobody wants to be shaking hands just before they eat.
(Swine Flu Season and all, you know.).
============================================
Today's Funny (From our FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)
The Economy is So Bad The economy is so bad that I got a 'Pre-Declined' credit card in the mail. It's so bad, I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behind the counter
asked, "Can you afford fries with that?" The economy is so bad that CEO's are now playing miniature golf. The economy is so bad if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.
The economy is so bad Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher
than GM. The economy is so bad McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer. The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned
their children's names. The economy is so bad a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico. The economy is so bad Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting. The economy is so bad Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. The economy is so bad the Mafia is laying off judges. The economy is so bad Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen. And finally... Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal... Great!!! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the
people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear. --- submitted by Les Hunter
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