9-15-09 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter

Our Thanks for recent membership dues contributions from:
Ann Boovy Gunson
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DSRCO Community Calendar

Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Mecklenburg County Primary Elections
Polls open at 6:30 am -- Close at 7:30pm
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Thursday, Sept. 17th
Family Care Home -- Open House

Family caregivers and senior industry providers are invited to experience a new and
special family care home for the elderly.
Unlimited Possibilites Family Care Home will host an Open House Luncheon on
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 from 11am to 2pm at 5003 Tewkesbury Rd. in Allen Hills.Creative Catering, one of Charlotte's premier caterers, will provide the complimentarymeal and tours of the home will be given.To register for the event, call 704.453.6753 or emailjames@upfamilycarehome.com
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Thursday, Sept. 17th
Monthly Derita-Statesville Rd. Community Org Meeting
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, W.Sugar Creek Rd.
The DSRCO Board, Neighborhood Leaders and local residents hold a roundtablemeeting to discuss issues, needs of the community, re-zoning requests, area crimeand programs to create a better Quality of Life for families in our area. We review actions taken since our last meeting, and discuss plans for upcoming decisions. Topics this time include: Metrolina Speedway, Hubbard Falls, and Penninger Circle
Apartments.This is an Open Meetng, everyone is invited.
This group not only serves as Omsbudsmen for our area, but maintain this twicemonthly newsletter as way to keep everyone informed of current and future plans.
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Sunday, September 20th
Annual Homecoming Celebration
Cole Memorial United Methodist, 2022 West Sugar Creek Rd.
Morning Worship at 10:30am Covered Dish Meal follows

Guest Speaker: Pat Heafner, who grew up in Derita and answered the call to the
mininstry at Cole Memorial. He is now retired and lives in Holly Springs with his
wife Martha.
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Beginning Sunday, Sept. 20th "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 p.m. a light supper kicks off the evening. The meal is free, but donations will be accepted.
From 5:30-6:30 p.m. 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.
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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============================================

Saturday, Sept. 26th
ATTIC SALE
Cole Memorial United Methodist Church
7:00 am - Noon in the gym.
Please come and drop by
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Thursday, October 1st
Derita Area Business & Service Providers Meet
9am, Maria's Grill, West Sugar Creek Rd. Open to Everyone, business or not.

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. Got a business card? You'll want to pass some out.

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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Thursday, October 1st
Nevins Center Community Fair

Nevins Inc. (Nevins Center) is celebrating their 50th anniversary. This is indeed
a milestone We have tentatively scheduled a Fair to take place on October 1st,
at the Center on Nevin Rd.

We are currently soliciting vendors to rent a table to market their products and
services. We will have activities for the entire family including food, raffles,
games, etc. We believe this will be a great day of uniting old and new neighbors!

Contact info: Melanie Genwright, Organizer704-726-3775 melanie@sincerelyatyourservice.comwww.sincerelyatyourservice.com
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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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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 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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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.
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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.
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Poplar Springs Neighborhood Association will meet at Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church the 3rd Saturday of each month at 12:15pm.============================================

A Reminder
Time is Running Out to Save the Derita Post Office
You need to email or send a letter to Congress now telling them that the
Derita Post Office is vital to this community and it should not be closed.

Email Sue Myrickhttp://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtmlor write her at:
The Honorable Sue Myrick
6525 Morrison Blvd Ste 100
Charlotte, NC 28211

Email Mel Watt:
http://www.house.gov/formwatt/IMA/issue_subscribe.htm
or write him at:
Congressman Mel Watt
1230 W. Morehead St. Ste 306
Charlotte, NC 28208-5214
Email the Postmasterhttp://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/escalate.jspThey make it darned inconvenient to email them, but you eventually click onto get to a writeable screen. Do it and leave a message.
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New Builders at Hubbard Falls

Q. I wasn’t able to attend the DSRCO breakfast meeting last week re: Hubbard Falls
development. I wondered if anything new was said. I haven’t seen the floor plans
for any of the homes yet, but hope they will have a presentable appearance.

DR Horton has only purchased 20 sites at Hubbard Falls and plans to build 5 model
homes (already under construction, open in late Oct). Their cheapest model on display
starts at $168K and their high end for Hubbard Falls is $199K. (Their website shows
9 models, beginning at $149K) If sales go well, they will probably buy more. You may have heard that DR Horton has been buying sites in a number of other stalled
projects in the area while the prices are inviting. They have a salesman on duty at HF.
He says he has had 30 folks walk through their first model during the past two weeks.

DSRCO VPresident Jack Brosch expressed concerns that the lots are not
contiguous and the number of models and price ranges could turn the whole
neighborhood into a hodge-podge of designs. He also had questions about
what the $39 monthly HOA dues (roughly $500 annually) would cover. In
earlier statements, lawn service was included with each patio home. That is
no longer the case.

DSRCO Treasurer Thomas Templeton writes: I went and looked at the website
for DR Horton and they have a section for the Hubbard Falls Community. There
are 9 Models listed ranging from 1356 - 2650 Sq. Ft. Priced from $149,000 -
$192,000. To me it looks like the same type of vinyl clad, garage-snoot sticking
out the front, cheap homes that we have seen all too often in the area. I feel
sorry if someone has actually bought one of the nicer homes and this junk goes
in all around them.

The DR Horton website address (with floor plans and artists renderings) is:
http://www.drhorton.com/corp/GetCommunity.do?dv=11&pr=45015


DSRCO Board Member Les Lemley writes: "The previous homes were rich
in architectural detail, amenities like granite, the DR Horton homes are very
basic materials. Since their plan is to build and sell these as inventory homes,
such interior upgrades are not likely at the time of construction."

Another unanswered question, if their preference is to build inventory homes,
what mix do they plan to build, more of the $169K or the higher?
Picked up a promotional piece at Hubbard Falls today which indicates DR Horton
will have homes starting at $140K.

Another company (Mattingly) may have purchased other lots and may become the lead
builder. Not sure about them or their product. The HOA is still apparently in the hands of Diamond Oak the developer, and will be until
at least 70% of the properties have been sold. The sales agent did not know about any
amenities or what the HOA dues would be covering. The DR Horton agent is Kip Moore,
704-507-6123
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What your Neighbors are saying:

Remembering Derita Stories
I truly enjoy your newscript. I am from Derita. Raised there in 1948 until the day I left
in 1964. I will get some (Remembering Derita) articles together for you. My motherMrs. Robert Boovy was the 1st Postmaster in the little Post Office they are tring toclose.My brother Fred has sent you a couple of articles about "the Bad Boys." Now I willget one together about us Girls & Roy's Grill. I worked there and I ran the placefor Roy & Shirley one year while they went on vacation. --- Ann Boovy Gunson

Looking forward to it, Ann. I can write all day about Derita and it's history, but what people really enjoy are the personal stories and what it was like growing up here. --- Bernie=============================================================

DSRCO NewsletterDo you know how entertaining as well as informative your newsletter is? I thoroughly
enjoy the editions! Thanks too about the political statements: I agree!...for what it's
worth....and am amused by Susan Burgess - Sylvia Cannon yard sign story.....Best to you and our NE neighbors! ---Nancy Carter, District 5

Thanks for taking time to read our newsletter. It's one way we can let folks
on City Council know what's happening in our part of town and we're thankful
that you have all supported our District & At-Large Representatives when
they have brought our rezoning & other issues before you. --- Bernie
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Zip-Lock Baggie Fly Prevention
Bernie, Thanks for all you do with the newsletter. I appreciate all your hard work in
keeping us informed. Regarding the Zip-Lock Bag Trick. We heard about this trick
earlier this summer and decided to give it a try (what's the worst that could happen).
To our amazement, it worked. We've had maybe 2 flies in the house all summer.
We've seen them fly up to the patio door and then fly away. The trick also worked
on our patio table. While cooking out, we had a ton of flies all around the patio
table. I put the zip-lock bag of water flat on the center of the table and the flies
disappeared like magic. --- Bunita Reynolds==============================================================

Disclaimer
To those folks on our FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail list. . . The touching story
about "Whoever Gets My Dog" (Reggie/Tank). I should have stated that it was NOT
a true story. Quite a few readers checked it out at Snopes.com and emailed me.

There ARE several groups that will take care of pets for our soldiers while they are
activated and serve overseas. As one reader explained, "It may not be the true story
of ONE individual soldier and his dog, but it helps appreciate the sacrifice of those
who serve, their families, and their pets." --- Bernie
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September Rain Totals
1.157 at CRN-54 Derita Alternative and
0.51 at CRN-58 Mallard Creek Elementary. --- Jack Brosch, Kelsey Glen
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The Weaver Preschool
at Cole Memorial UMC is now accepting applicants for children who are ages 2-4.
The Preschool is open between 9am - 1pm on most days and if you wish to learn
more about the school, please contact Susan Yinglingat 705-596-2356 (ext 15). Starting date for this fall is September 1st.

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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.

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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. Some 5 for $1.
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Looking for ways to help improve
and maintain your community? Need ideas to help strengthen your organization?If so, then see what’s new about CU…

New monthly themes with four supporting workshops per theme. Themes will include
homeownership, building neighborhood organizations, health and safety, and neighborhood
resources. New workshops including ABCs of Foreclosure, Defining Organizational Identity, Family and
Community Emergency Preparedness, Partnering for Progress, and more. All workshops are free and open to all Charlotte residents. Participants may register online,
call 704-336-2061, or email neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us

--- Jean Love
Neighborhood & Business Services 704-336-4161 (w)
http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org

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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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Items Banned In Garbage --- Effective October 1
Since the early 1990's, North Carolina has banned certain solid waste items from the
landfill. Banned items include:Aluminum cans Antifreeze Appliances Lead-acid batteries Used motor oil Oyster shells Scrap tires Yard waste (leaves and grass clippings generated from home yard maintenance)

Beginning October 1st, the following items will also be banned:Plastic bottles Motor oil filters Wooden pallets
The statewide ban is designed to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse
gas emissions, as well as to save landfill space and reduce litter. Wondering how to dispose of the banned materials? Solid Waste Services currently accepts aluminum cans and plastics 1 & 2 (such as water
and soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent bottles) in the red CURB IT! bins.
Yard waste is collected weekly at curbside on the same day that garbage is collected.
Scrap tires and appliances can be scheduled for a bulky item collection by calling 311
or 704.336.7600 or by logging on to http://curbit.charmeck.org
Used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and wooden pallets can be recycled at one of
Mecklenburg County's full service recycling centers.
For more information, visit http://curbit.charmeck.org --- submitted by Deborah Rowe


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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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Surfing Websites

National Whitewater Center, Charlotte has a live webcam broadcasting
daily. The Image could use a little help if you toggle to full screen, but a nice visit.
http://www.usnwc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168&Itemid=461

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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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Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. When does the Hubbard Falls developer intend to do the sidewalks along
Hubbard Road to connect to the work already done by the City? It really
looks bad and is a disservice to the neighboring communities..

The developer is required to post a bond prior to beginning construction of the
subdivision. This is a part of the pre-approval process. The bond is held by the
City of Charlotte until such time as the subdivision is completed and the require-
ments are met. If the sidewalks are not completed, the City may cash the bond
and hire a contractor to do the work. This is standard procedure. You should
contact the Engineering & Property Management Dept. about this. They are
responsible for the requirements, including sidewalks, for a new subdivision.
Call (704) 336-6692. --- Mark Griffin, City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services Dept
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Q. There is a pack of roaming dogs killing my cats. Several days ago, one
of my cats turned up missing from my father's yard. This cat did not leave
the yard, and at first I thought she had died from old age (12). Then, Wed-
nesday night, a 14 y/o cat disappeared. Again, not a wanderer. Yesterday, I found a dead possum under my pickup. I spoke to my dad's
next door neighbor, who told me he'd seen three "coyotes" a few nights
back in my dad's yard around 3:00 AM. At 4:05 AM this morning, I was awakened by his dog barking, and I looked out the window to see two of the three dogs he described, chasing one of
my cats in our yard. I banged on the window and scared them off, but it is
now obvious that these dogs are roaming the neighborhood at night; killing
my cats and other animals. (Details followed)

As you know, DSRCO emailed our Contact at Animal Control and Officers were
assigned to your area to look for stray. We also put you in touch with Animal
Control because if the dogs are only spotted at night, they will need permission
from you and other neighbors so that they can set traps (cages). Aggressive
dogs (individual or a pack) is definitely not something we/they want to see in a
residential neighborhood.

It was not immediately known if these are in fact strays that have banded together
to hunt, or if these belong to an individual who "lets them run" at night. Either
way pets or small children could be at risk.

If anyone else is having a problem with aggressive dogs, nuisance animals, etc.
This can become a dangerous situation. You can get results, too. Call 311.
======================= Free Rabies ClinicCharlotte/Mecklenburg Animal Care and Conrol Facility, 8315 Byrum Drive Mecklenburg County residents only 2nd Saturday of every month 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.Dogs must be leashed and cats in carriers. Please bring ID with your current address or a utility bill that shows your current
address. If you do not bring written proof of a prior rabies vaccination, only a
one year shot will be given. Everyone who is in line before 11AM will be served. Line cuts off at 11AM.
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Q. Working in my backyard this morning, I notice a man just across the
fence doing some cleanup work. I asked if he was moving in? He replied,
"No M'am, not me. This house is going to be a Group Home." How can that
be? I live in a residential neighborhood of single-family homes!

It can happen and frequently does. Group Homes, much like Section 8 Homes,
fall under the Federal Fair Housing Act. For it's part, the City must accept that.
But it has passed City Ordinances that Group Homes must be at least 500 ft.
from any other existing Group Home; and it also has limits on how many persons
who are not related may live in a home. Additionally, such homes can be shut
down, if they become a problem and are declared a public nuisance.

You are lucky in that the residents slated to be your new neighbors are all Senior
Adults. I recall one HOA in our group that was getting its second Group Home
of Teenagers. Having struggled with problems from the first group so long, the
HOA President decided to take a different approach with the Second. . . She
started baking Chocolate chip cookies. Surprising what a little kindness can achieve.
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Q. I have really enjoyed the "Derita" articles, particularly the recent one
about those Skinny-Dipping Boys. Can anyone write for your newsletter?
I've got a couple of memories that I'd like to share.

Someone asked me recently if this was MY NEWSLETTER? Well, pretty much.
I've always wanted to write a newsletter that people enjoy reading, that shares
information, answers questions, publicizes things that go on in the community,
occasionally cracks a joke or tells a funny story. I'm happy to share it with the
Derita-Statesville Community Organization. That name opens a lot of doors and
frequently gets answers to those questions that I mentioned. It also helps that
the DSRCO Board often agrees with what I'm thinking, or will at least take the
time to straighten me out.

So can you write for the Newsletter? (We're not talking about Poetry, are we?)
Many of the Church Secretaries & Dept Heads write the notes you find here.
Announcements come in from this group or that and lots of stuff from City Staff
to sort through & edit. But the rarest, best-est, most desired stuff that I'd like
to see are articles about Derita. When I get a short story from Peggy Almond
or Fred Boovy, everything else just get shoved aside until I've digested their latest.

So few folks from their era & mine are both writers and on-line. I wish that I
had the time to go around every month to the Hot Dog Lunches at Oak Grove
and the Senior Club at Derita Presbyterian, so that I could listen in on all of
the "Oral Histories" that get passed off as "Oh, we were just talking."

I sat down this weekend to watch a PBS documentary on World War II. Part
of it was filmed in the Philippines where my Dad served. He never talked about
it and would usually change the subject when I asked. The best I could do
was to look through a tattered photo album that Mom had saved. Faded pics
of Dad and the guys in his mortar battery; the ravaged jungle areas, a few shots
of the mobile artillery guns, the old Army trucks, and a pic or two of Dad in a
housecoat when he was in the hospital recovering from Malaria. I remember,
too, he had a terrible time with his feet. . . something he picked up over there
walking around in those wet boots. . . Yes, I often wish that I had pressed harder
to get him to open up, but I learned from another friend who served in European
Invasion, there are just some things you'd rather not remember.

So yes, email me ( deritarep@aol.com ). Tell me what you want to write about.
I'll get back to you. Always looking for a good FREE story.
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Today's Funny (From our FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)

The Old Farmer's Pond

An old farmer had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the
back forty, had it fixed up nice; picnic tables, horseshoe courts, basketball court, etc.
The pond was fixed for swimming when it was built. One evening the old farmer
decided to go down to the pond, as he hadn't been there for a while, and look it over.

As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he
came closer he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in his pond.
He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of
the pond.

One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"

The old man replied, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim or to
make you get out of the pond, I only came to feed my alligators."

Old age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill every time!