Our Thanks for recent membership dues contributions from:
Fred Boovy
-------------------------------------
Players Sporting Goods
5737 North Graham St.
"Outfitters to the Athlete"
(704) 596-6528
============================================
DSRCO Community Calendar
Thursday, August 27th
Early Voting Starts
Early voting starts on August 27th at the Hal Marshall Annex, 618 North College
Street. The link from the Board of Elections is here:http://meckboe.org/pages/Election/EarlyVoting/2009Primary/2009SEPTprimary.pdf===========================================
Wednesday, September 2nd
Of Faith and Freedom, a Patriotic Musical
6:30 PM at University City United Methodist Church
Of Faith and Freedom, celebrating God’s blessings on America, will be presented
by the University City United Methodist Church Celebration Choir, Orchestra, Spirit
Singers, Women’s Trio, Children’s Ensemble, Soloists, Color Guard, Narrators, and
Tech Team.. Active and veteran Military, Police, Fire, and EMS personnel will be
recognized during the presentation. This is a free concert and a love offering will be received. Childcare during the
concert for ages 0-5 years is available by reservation, call 704-369-8027. For more
information please visit www.ucumc.org
=============================================
Thursday, Sept. 3rd
Derita Area Business & Service Providers Meet
9am, Maria's Grill, West Sugar Creek Rd. Open to Everyone, business or not.
We will have a Rep from D.R. Horton at this meeting to talk about what his
company will now being building at Hubbard Falls, now that it has taken over from
Nibloc (who had promised homes starting at $250,000.)
We will be choosing calendar dates for our "Derita Days" promotion and explaining
how your business or service can be listed in the special DSRCO E-Mailer TWICE
for free. . . Putting your offer out to over 3250 local families.
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
===================================
Wednesday, September 9thReception for Susan Burgess
A reception and fundraiser for Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess will be held Wednesday,
September 9th, 5:00-7:00 PM at the historic Villalonga-Alexander House in Dilworth,
301 East Park Avenue. Information is found at SusanBurgess.org.
============================================
Saturday, September 12th
Hidden Valley Parade and Festival
Hidden Valley Elementary School, 5100 Snow White Lane
Parade: 10 AM
Festival: 11 AM
We Need Vendors to sell items at $30.00 per booth
We Need Entertainers, Steppers, Marchers, Cars, etc
Please call Linda Butler at 704-965-5658 for more information
=============================================
Sunday, September 13th
Homecoming Service & Covered Dish Luncheon
Derita Presbyterian Church, 3020 West Sugar Creek Rd.
Worship Service begins at 11am in the Sanctuary with Rev. Linda Bowman
For details or to RSVP, call the Church office at 704-597-1122n
============================================
Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Mecklenburg County Primary Elections
Polls open at 6:30 am -- Close at 7pm
============================================
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
============================================
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 roundtable
meeting to discuss issues, needs of the community, re-zoning requests, area crime
and programs to create a better Quality of Life for families in our area. We review
actions taken since our last meeting, and discuss plans for upcoming decisions.
This is an Open Meeting, everyone is invited.
This group not only serves as Omsbudsmen for our area, but maintain this twice
monthly newsletter as way to keep everyone informed of current and future plans.
=============================================
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.
=============================================
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
============================================
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
=============================================
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.
=============================================
Hubbard Falls Changes Hands, Plans Change
Q. Bernie, I just rode by Hubbard Falls dev. on Sugar Creek Rd. It’s the one
we fought so hard to keep from being developed. I noticed the houses being
built have gone from $250,000 plus to $150,000. Do you know if the builder
has changed or if they have decided to build a lower quality home. I thought
they agreed to build the better home when the deal was made.
--- Jane Duncan, Kelsey Glen
Yes, Nibloc, who promised the neat patio homes, has left the property. The new
builder is D.R. Horton, well known in the starter home market and they will be
building a less expensive product.
We discussed this at the DSRCO Candidates Forum last week. After building their
model homes more than a year ago, the housing market plummeted and Nibloc
was left with a lot of vacant lots. Haven't heard how much Horton paid for it, or if
the property still remains in the original developer's hands with lots being sold as
needed. Either type house meets the requirements for the original zoning, which
was not changed.
DSRCO VP Jack Brosch, who made the announcement at the Forum, will keep
an eye on the situation. Even at the cheaper price, don't expect to see any new
houses going up any time soon. According to realtors, the majority of homes most
recently being sold in this current market are around $150,000, but they have been
marked down from a higher price.
A Rep from D.R. Horton will be at the Thursday Morning DSRCO Businesses &
Service Providers Meeting, 9am, Maria's Grille in Derita. He/She will discuss the
type homes to be built and any amenities the company intends to provide. This
is an OPEN MEETING and you are welcome to attend.
=============================================
What your Neighbors are saying:
Thanks You, Neighbors
"We were here working (Harris Mustang, Allen Road South) on Sunday, Aug 23
and as my husband was backing the trailer up to the roll up door at the back of
our building. A man pulled up and asked him who he (my husband, Bill) was,
could he identify himself. The neighbor thought maybe someone was robbing us.
We really appreciated his concern and observation!!!! You never know who is
around and what they might be doing. Have a nice weekend and again thanks
for all you do. --- Kathy Harris, Harris Mustang
===========================================================
Sylvia Ain't Running
Okay, Listen Up, Folks. SYLVIA CANNON ain't running for City Council!
Yeah, we know you've seen the Cannon signs and the Susan Burgess campaign
signs in her front yard and mine . . . but that's former Mayor Pro Tem Patrick
Cannon and Susan Burgess, who are running for At-Large Council seats.
The signs are in our yards because we personally support them and plan to vote
for them. During their tenure, both of them have been honest, hard working Council
members that we could turn to for help in resolving community issues or answering
our calls for help. They have been "good partners" for the Derita-Statesville Road
Community Organization through the years and we ( Sylvia & Bernie ) would like
to see them re-elected. DSRCO can not and does not endorse candidates. But
the signs are not in DSRCO's front yards, they are in ours.
Chances are, there would be one for Ed Peacock, too. But he didn't leave us one.
He's junior man on Council and still in his first term. Even so, he's been out here
twice to Community Forums to talk about what's troubling folks and to see what
he can do to help.
Sylvia and I both have a tough personal decision coming up. One we'll probably
make after the curtain is drawn on the voting machine. Anthony Foxx or
John Lassiter? Both of them have been strong supporters of our Community
and people Sylvia and I could turn to when the red tape was getting cumbersome.
Each have qualities we like and both have supported one or two things we weren't
too thrilled with. . . But the saddest part is that this contest means we'll be losing
two Great City Council members. One will become our next Mayor and the other
gives up his seat on Council.
Again, DSRCO does not endorse Candidates. DSRCO doesn't even have a vote.
Sylvia and I have made our own decisions and that's why the two signs are in our
front yards. Who else are we voting for? Still working on that one. --- Bernie Samonds
==============================================================
Zip-Lock Bag Trick. What do you think?
"We sat in the enclosed patio section beside the house. We happened to notice a
couple of zip lock baggies pinned to a post and a wall. The bags were half filled with
water, each contained 4 pennies, and they were zipped shut.
"Naturally we were curious! The hostess told us that these baggies kept the flies
away! So naturally we were even more curious! We actually watched some flies
come in the open window, stand around on the window sill, and then fly out again.
And there were no flies in the eating area!"
--- a note forwarded by Marlene Allen
Beamers Lunch on West Sugar Creek Rd. had a water-filled baggie hanging from
the awning at their front door. John told me the same thing. --- Bernie Samonds
One Theory
"My research found that each of the millions of molecules of water presents its own
prism effect and given that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it's like a zillion disco
balls reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you figure
that flies are basically prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply
won't take the risk of being around that much perceived action."
===========================================================
Two Websites To Help You Save Money
www.couponcat.net www.coupons.com --- Deborah Rowe, Nevin Community
===========================================================
Hubbard Falls
"Considering the site work is done, I would not expect lots to change and would
documents be filed with the subdivision plan regarding the covenants and HOA. "As long as the HOA is fiscally healthly and maintains a responsible board, I think
concerns over who builds the homes is secondary. --- Les Lemley, Kelsey Glen
============================================
Summary -- Candidates' Forum on August 20th
DSRCO VP Jack Brosch counted 73 people in attendance. At least 20 of them
were candidates for Mayor or the City Council positions. Way too many speakers
for an evening, but we made it work, ending about 9:30 pm.
Usually, we hold our Candidates' Forum AFTER the Primary when the field has
been drastically narrowed. But the idea this time was to give the two principal
Mayor Candidates time to share their visions for the City and to explain how they
would work to resolve some of our recent issues. The discussion ran about 45
minutes.
James Mitchell and Aaron Sanders are running for the District 2 seat. Mitchell
was able to point to four terms of his accomplishments and prospects for the
revitalization of the Statesville Rd. corridor with the Metrolina Speedway project
and the Statesville Road widening project .
Michael Barnes, Councilman for District 4, was introduced along with the news
that his opposition had withdrawn her candidacy. Barnes used his time to talk
about growth in District 4, the prospects for light rail to UNCC, and the good
work being done by the CMPD.
Three familiar faces (Susan Burgess, Patrick Cannon & Ed Peacock) were among
a sea of new Council candidates. Most folks already knew of the support that
Burgess, Cannon & Peacock had given our Neighborhoods through the years.
Their remarks showed a clear, concise knowledge of the job and how to get
things accomplished. The others were basically introducing themselves and a few
had specific challenges they would like tackle, if elected. It is important to be able
to put a name with a face, though it would have been great to have had more time
to learn about these newcomers. --- Bernie Samonds
============================================
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.
========================================
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.
Our Next meeting will be Sept. 14,
Guest Speaker: Simon Weber, Metrolina Speedway
The Derita Lions received a special plaque at the District Meeting last month
for meeting their 2008-2009 Goal, contributing $1400 to the White Cane
Charities. Lion Ed Davis received, on behalf of the Club.
Derita Lion President Howard Blackwelder suggests that Lions invite their wives
(or a guest) to the Sept. 14th dinner meeting. Simon Webber of Metrolina (Speedway)
Investments will be our guest speaker.
The District Governor will be our Guest Speaker on Monday, October 26th
==========================
N.C. Lions District E to meet in Derita, Sept. 19th
Our first zone meeting will be Saturday, Sept. 19th, 9am. at Maria’s Grill in Derita.
Maria’s is on West Sugar Creek Road about a quarter-mile north of the post office and
is catty-corner across the road from Puckett’s Farm nightspot. It’s a “Dutch-treat”
breakfast meeting. (They’ve got a wide variety menu reasonably priced).
Our program is going to be led by PDG Sydney Eudy on the VIP fishing tournament
coming up in October. I have been in Lions for eight years and have never had much
explained to me about the event, which is a major statewide program for the visually
impaired.
In addition to Sydney’s program, one of our own zone members, Lion President Howard
Blackwelder (of the Derita Club) has participated in the tournament and may be able to
give us some insights on the value of the event.
I hope all of our zone clubs will be represented at the meeting. For you clubs who do not
have our new updated District Directory, please attend so you can get them. I also have
some other information to distribute to each club.
We need better attendance than last year. I promise efficient programs and hope they will
be useful. Promise to wrap this one up no later than 10:30 a.m. I wanted to have at least
one of my meetings in the daytime to accommodate those club officers who are unable to
drive after dark.
FYI: An introduction: I am Jim Maxwell, zone chairman for the seven Lions Clubs in the
northern half of Mecklenburg County. I was president of the Huntersville club last year and
have been in Lions since 2000. I previously was a Jaycee and a member of the Exchange
Club. My Lions lineage goes back much farther; my father was an active Lion in Morganton
for about 40 years.
=============================================
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.
=============================================
Scouting Join-Up Nights
Cub Scout Pack 13, sponsored by University City United Methodist Church,
will have additional Round up nights (7:00pm) at
September 17 - David Cox Elementary SchoolSeptember 17 - Croft Community Elementary School September 24 - Mallard Creek Elementary School Pack 13 meets at University City Methodist Church at the corner of Sugar Creek and
Harris. We meet on Tuesday nights at 6:50 PM to 7:50 PM. All boys ages 7-10
are encouraged to participate.
Cub Scouts is a family and home centered program that develops ethical decision-
making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and
10 years old). Boys who are in the first grade or 7 years old may join as Tiger Cubs.
Cub Master is Glen Belnap, 704-451-2136.
Boy Scout Troop 107 will resume Monday night meetings on September 14th.
Meetings are from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at University Park Baptist Church.
Contact Aaron McCoy at aaronmccoy@celgard.com for more information.
=============================================
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.
============================================
“Nevin-Gibbon Sidewalk Improvement Project
In May of 2005, City Council adopted a Sidewalk Retrofit Policy to prioritize and
evaluate sidewalk requests throughout the city. This policy separates all requests
and identifies needs into four categories (called tiers). The sidewalks requested to
be built on Nevin and Gibbon Roads are Tier 1, meaning they are thoroughfare
streets with higher traffic volumes (greater than 3000 vehicles per day) and there is
a need for sidewalk to separate pedestrians from traffic.
The project will add sidewalks along one side of Nevin Rd from Alpine Ln to Gibbon
Rd and along one side of Gibbon Rd from Nevin Rd to W Sugar Creek Rd. Existing
sidewalks will be saved where possible. Crossing improvements consisting of marked
crosswalks or pedestrian refuge islands are being considered near the intersection
of Nevin Rd and Gibbon Rd.
The Planning Phase has been completed and the Design Phase is now underway.
The Real Estate phase in the fall of 2010.
City staff is currently reviewing a potential future sidewalk project along Gibbon Rd
from Nevin Rd to Brawer Farm Rd. This project is separate from the current proposed
project and no further details have been determined at this time.
--- Project Manager Allison Brickey at 704-432-5529
or abrickey@ci.charlotte.nc.us
============================================
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.
========================================
As I Recall . . . memories of a local boy
Skinny-Dippers in Derita
I want to tell a little tale about a half dozen teen boys from in and around Derita
in 1951 or '52. We were just a bunch that spent most of our free time together,
be it working-playing or whatever. None of us had a car so we went most every
where on our bicycles. We were all gathered at Mullis Grocery Store one real
HOT morning. School was out & we were just hanging out in the shade of the
big water oak in the parking lot. Any of us lucky enough to have a dime was no
doubt drinking a Royal Crown Cola or a Pepsi. One of the guys, I think it was Ronnie, said: Let's go swimming. He didn't have
to twist any arms either, we were all for that. Now the closest public swimming
hole was Harris Lake, & we had rode our bikes there before, but it was just
too hot for that long trip today. I believe it was Charlie that says: "Hey! Let's go
to Mr. Gibbons' farm pond, it's sorta in the woods and we won't have to worry
'bout a swim suit." Well, we all went along with that, and we started getting
ready to go. Before we started we went to Mr. Joe Finchers' Amoco Station and pumped-up
any slack tires. Some of us oiled our chains with drainings from a used oil can.
The pond was several miles up Gibbon Rd. and it was not paved and it was a
rough trip on a bike. When we finally did get there, we were all ready to hit that
cool water. It was off the bike, out of the clothes and in the water right quick.
We were just getting cooled-off a bit when we heard something coming. It was
Fred Gibbon in his dads' pickup truck. Well, before he even stopped the truck,
he stuck his head out of the window & HOLLERED: "The Three of you get in
the back quick, there's been an accident in the woods and I need your help.
You don't need clothes. LETS GO!! Three of us jumped in the back just NAKED as baby jaybirds. Now Fred didn't
stop in the woods. And Fred didn't stop when he got to old Statesville Rd. either.
Fred put the hammer down and made a B--line for Down Town Charlotte.
He did wait till he got to Tryon St. before he started blowing his horn. He stopped
beside a parked city bus full of passengers and laid down on that horn. I've never
seen so many people pointing & laughing in all my years. The only place we had
to hide was behind each-other. I believe the other two guys were Johnny and Leon . Well Fred had enough fun and finally took us back to the pond, but he rolled-up
the windows and locked his doors and did not come to a complete stop. We all
jumped out as soon as we could. We all talked about what we were going to do
to Fred, but you know, we couldn't be too mad at Fred for laughing at ourselves
and each-other. --- Fred Boovy
Thanks, Fred. And thanks for pointing out that Gibbon Road had NOT
been paved back then. Eagle Scout Rick Hyman, who grew up in Hunter
Acres and delivered The Charlotte Observer by bicycle, wrote in my
Scouting Photos email newsletter that he traveled the gravel road into
Derita each day to pick up his papers. . . Folks were astonished.
Gravel Road?
Chatting with T.D. Little last month, he reminded me that for a long, long
time the pavement on two lane Graham Street (known as Derita Road
back then) stopped at Norris Avenue, where the huge old Cemetary
Monument works sat beside the railroad tracks. . . No such thing as a
paved 4-lane or a planted median.
I guess everyone has a favorite Skinny-Dip story worth telling. I know I've got
a few that some of my friends would find pretty embarassing, if I put them in
print. . . But here's one from Jack N (from my Scouting newsletter) that
several of us can identify with.
Jack and Randy were Boy Scouts in Troop 14 back in the late 1960's. They
lived in Arvin Hills, off Nevin Rd.and enjoyed many of the things teen boys do.
Especially, "Fishing."
Now there are a lot of small lakes in our area, but the very closest was just down
the street from Randy's house at the bottom of the hill on Lake Drive. Of course,
it couldn't have ben that simple, because that was right out in the open and the
lake was POSTED. But a ways up the well-forested shoreline, there was an old
boat chained to a tree. They surmised that they could slip into the boat, edge out
away from the dirt bank and probably set themselves to catch some big ones in
the deeper water.
Well, it was a good idea, I guess, but the fish were just not biting. The sun had
shifted and was now overhead and beating down on them. It was getting pretty
hot and one, or both of them, thought how refreshing it would be if they stripped
off their clothes and slipped into the water for a swim. . . which they did. Not
naked, of course, but in their bvd's.
Jack says he didn't think they were making all that much noise as they splashed
around, but suddenly they heard a big gun fired into the air. Neither boy stopped
to look who it was or if the gun was pointed their direction. They hit the bank
without delay. . . In fact, they moved so fast that Randy didn't even stop to pick
up his clothes and ran all the way home.
Well, that was Jack's story. One of mine was pretty much the same, except I
was a lot younger and there was no boat. I was still the Tag-along Little Brother
with my older brother and his friends. We had gone in wading at Nye's Lake
in Allen Hills "to free a snagged line." Never heard a gunshot, but Maxwell
yelled "Somebody's coming!" and we headed for the woods!
=========================================
Race For A Cure . . .
Will You Be A Sponsor?
The fight against cancer goes on. In today's society everyone knows someone
who has been touched by breast cancer. Whether it's a friend or relative, someone
in your circle has battled breast cancer. I have found a way to fight against cancer-
through the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. I will be dedicating my walk
to everyone who is currently battling breast cancer.
The Komen Race for the Cure is a community event that honors and memorializes
breast cancer survivors, co-survivors and those that have lost to the disease. The
Race also plays a vital role in raising funds for research, education, prevention,
advocacy and treatment. Each year over 1.3 million people take part in Race for
the Cure events around the world. I will be joined by hundreds of others Saturday,
October 3rd in uptown Charlotte.
How can you help?
You can support me by making a tax-deductible contribution to Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure. If you would like to donate, please visit www.info-komen.org and
click on my personal page to make a donation to my efforts.
You may also call me with the amount you will be pledging and can send the
donation, payable to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to me at the address below.
I must have all donations by October 3, 2009.
Additionally, you can join me at the event as a walker, runner or volunteer for the event.
There are many ways to join in on the fight to end breast cancer forever.
Thank you for supporting the fight against cancer!
Joanne Parillo
Williams Warriors Team
(704) 609-9945 (cell)
joanne.parillo@hotmail.com
Click here to visit my personal page.
============================================
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
============================================
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
========================================
Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. Why is DSRCO supporting 238 NEW APARTMENTS on Mallard Creek
Road? The "Senior 55" Apartments at Penninger Circle.
You say 238 New Apartments like that is a bad thing. The fact is, Mallard Creek Rd.
is being widened and the Graham St. Connector is being built to support area growth,
development and re-development exactly like this. Look to see road frontage along
Highway 115, a new widened Statesville Rd. and our two Derita projects lined with
businesses, apartments, and gated communities over the next decade. All of them
placed next to the new throughfares so that large numbers of people will have ready
access and egress. Single family homes and suburban neighborhoods will still be
built, but a block or two off the main road. It's the City Plan for continued growth as
our latest developments are reaching the county lines.
Sure, the University area has a glut of apartments. It probably seems worse than
other areas because many are rented only during the UNCC school year. But this
project carries the magic title, "For Active Seniors, 55+." Not only is it directed
at the growth market, it helps answer the question, when you're downsizing, where
do you move without leaving the City?
This property at Penninger Circle (about 14 acres) will face 4-lane Mallard Creek Rd.
is already bordered by multi-family, businesses, gated neighborhoods, and trailer
park across the street. The project as planned will fit nicely into the area, if only
development can wait until the roads are constructed, So far, no timeline has been
announced by the developer, Apprise Holdings, LLC.
As outlined, the complex would have two large building facing Mallard Creek Rd
across from Mason Dr. (94 units in three stories). Behind them would be six
24-unit buildings along Penninger Circle. A variety of sports amenities and a large
clubhouse would be available to 55 & older residents.
==============================================================
Q. When they landscaped the new Cindy Lane extension and the Nevin-Mallard Creek Road connector they put in little trees. Around the bases of
these trees there is plastic sheeting (like trash bags). I figured this had something to do with support when the trees were
originally planted. Now this plastic has been there a long time, probably more
than a year. In my opinion the plastic is an eyesore. Do they plan to leave this plastic
around the trees until it rots (does it rot)? Surely by now the trees have rooted
enough to remove some of the initial supports (the plastic). What is the purpose of this plastic and how long will it stay there?
--- Mary Anne Locklear. Nevin CommunityThe City (and many realtors) figure that they have a big investment in these trees
(purchase, planting, continued watering & care). These "bags" are used to retain the moisture during the trees development years. Previously, when the trees were
watered and fertilized, the extra dispursed into nearby soil and was lost. The bags
(bottomless) form a moisture barrier to keep those nutriments close to the tree &
roots.There is also some sort of test that arborists use to tell if more water should
be added. Anyway, there has been a marked reduction in "lost trees" and it was
particularly good during last year's drought. They will be removed once the trees
have been firmly established.
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Today's Funny (From our FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)
OLD PHOTOS
Curious when I found two black-and-white negatives in a drawer, I had them
made into prints. I was pleasantly surprised to see they were of a younger,
slimmer me taken on one of my first dates with my husband. When I showed him the photographs, his face lit up. "Wow! It's my old Plymouth."
--- submitted by Deborah Rowe
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
8-15-09 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org Newsletter
Thursday, August 20th
Mayoral & Council Candidates' Meet & Greet Forum
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, West Sugar Creek Rd.
Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization will host an evening event for you to meet ALL of the candidates vying to become Charlotte's next Mayor; incumbents and challengers for Districts 2 & 4; and all of the At-Large Candidates for City Council.
Candidates for Mayor will begin speaking promptly at 7pm, with a brief Q & A session before a short break for refreshments and time for meeting one-on-one with all of the Candidates. This will be followed sessions with the District Candidates and then with the At-Large Candidates --- with each making a brief statement and then questions from the floor.
This meeting is open to the Public and we encourage you to meet these Candidates before the Primary Election.
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DSRCO Community Calendar
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Wednesday, August 19th
Open House at Vance4:00 -6:00 pm, Vance Senior High School
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Sunday, August 23
Community Day
Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3435 Nevin Rd 704 596-4550
10 am Worship
12 Noon - 3pm Community Day Festivities
Free Food & Refreshments, Free School Supplies, Entertainment & Games
Open to Everyone
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Wednesday, September 2nd
Of Faith and Freedom, a Patriotic Musical
6:30 PM at University City United Methodist Church
Of Faith and Freedom, celebrating God’s blessings on America, will be presented by the University City United Methodist Church Celebration Choir, Orchestra, Spirit Singers, Women’s Trio, Children’s Ensemble, Soloists, Color Guard, Narrators, and Tech Team.. Active and veteran Military, Police, Fire, and EMS personnel will be recognized during the presentation. This is a free concert and a love offering will be received. Childcare during the concert for ages 0-5 years is available by reservation, call 704-369-8027. For more information please visit www.ucumc.org
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Saturday, September 12th
Hidden Valley Parade and Festival
Hidden Valley Elementary School, 5100 Snow White Lane
Parade: 10 AM
Festival: 11 AM
We Need Vendors to sell items at $30.00 per booth
We Need Entertainers, Steppers, Marchers, Cars, etc
Please call Linda Butler at 704-965-5658 for more information
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Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Mecklenburg County Primary Elections
Polls open at 6:30 am -- Close at 7
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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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Act Now, Save Our Post Office
Derita Post Office, one of 5 that May Be Closed
The Charlotte Postmaster has suggested consolidating or closing five area post offices as a cost-cutting effort. The others are Eastway, Freedom, Arrowood Rd, and 30th St.
A list of 766 Post Offices to be consolidated or closed has been submitted to Congress to show them the Post Office is serious about trimming expenses and finding ways to save money.
This is NOT because they aren't busy. Derita Station has some lengthy lines throughout the day, often stretching into the foyer during peak hours. It has two full-time counter persons, 1 part-time counter person, and another full-time counter person floating between Derita & David Cox. . . If anything, the Derita Post Office should be expanded.
Should the closure happen, nearly 500 PO Box Holders would have to go elsewhere to pickup their mail. That means a extra 3-mile trip out to David Cox and 3 miles back, (That's right 6 miles round trip! ) or an even longer trip to North Tryon St. --- wherever enough boxes could be made available. The same for you folks who want to mail a package, buy stamps, purchase a money order, or drop a letter in the box.
David Cox is also where you will have to go sign for & pick up your registered or certified mail, or pickup packages that you were not at home to receive. . . 6 miles round trip.
Like I said, the closing is NOT about improving service for anyone. Waiting lines will be longer, you'll be burning more gas and sitting in traffic.
We need to write/email Congress Now to save our Derita Post Office. We need to tell them that it is truly needed to serve the residents of our 10,000+ surrounding rooftops. That it is the essential for the local business community. That by closing it, we are creating a burden on both postal patrons and driving away the paying customers that the Postal Service needs to keep.
So how do we save it? You send letters ( and EMAILS! ) Now.
Write the "Postmaster, Charlotte, NC."
You can write a full letter to express your feelings, or you can simply say,
"I am a Derita Postal Patron and I want the Derita Post Office to continue serving myself, my family, and my community." Be sure to sign the letter and state your address to make it official.
Email the Postmaster
http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/escalate.jsp
They make it pretty inconvenient to email them, but here's the buttons you click to get to a writable screen . . . I wrote:
"As a Business Box Holder for more than two decades and a frequent patron at Derita Station (28221), I do not want to see this Post Office closed. Moving my box to David Cox Rd, or making the 6 mile trip there to purchase stamps, mail packages, or pickup registered & certified mail is NOT an option. Tens
of thousands of people in this community rely on its continued operation. Please do not close it."
Click continue and the next page is set up to record your contact information. Be sure to click the box to receive an email reply from the Post Office.
Email Sue Myrick
http://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtml
or write her at:
Congresswoman Sue MyrickU.S. House of Representatives
230 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Email Mel Watt
http://watt.house.gov/contactinfo.aspor write him at:
Congressman Mel WattU.S. House of Representatives2304 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515-3312
Email
Email our Mayor and Our City Council Members
Next to the banks, The City of Charlotte is probably one of the Post Office's biggest customers. They should have some clout with Charlotte Postmaster in saving our Derita Post Office.
lassiter@bellsouth.net, anthony@anthonyfoxx.com, JamesDistrict2@aol.com, michael@barnesdistrict4.com, SBurg346@aol.com, edwin@edwinpeacock.com
Act now! A decision will be reached by Sept. 30th
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What your Neighbors are saying:
Thanks for the Veggies Tip
Just got back from my second visit to Keziah's Furniture (2914 Gibbon Rd). Picked up some tomatoes, cukes and squash there last week and just had to go back. I selected six more really nice size tomatoes (for $2) that would have easily cost me $4-5 at the grocery store. At those prices, I should have bought more, but I wanted to leave some for the other folks who read your last newsletter. I'll be telling my friends about Keziah's, too. --- Ellen B.
Glad you stopped in. Frances tells me several folks have asked her "Where's
the produce stand?" It's that table & collection of baskets beside the front
door. What you see has usually been picked that same morning and sometimes
they pick twice a day. I like the variety of tomatoes. The large Beefsteaks are
nice and meaty, but I also like the higher acid ones just to slice and eat. -- Bernie
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Walgreens & the Race Track
Sure is great to see the scaffolding rising at Graham & Sugar Creek for the new Walgreens Drug Store. What took them so long? Also, have you heard anything about the Metrolina Speedway?
Guess you missed our newsletter note. The site preparation took longer than
expected because there were so many fiber optic cables buried on the property
that they actually had to build up the elevation on that corner. Working out the
"final" roadway plans with both CDOT & NCDOT for that intersection was also
a bear. . .But, as you can see, the masonry work has started and they will probably
be open before you can say "Halloween Candy."
Re: Metrolina Speedway. See the Derita Businesses & Service Providers note
below.
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Thanks to Code Enforcement & CMPD
Thanks for your help with the rental properties on Keith Drive. CMPD checked out some of the complaints and asked Code to make a visit. The trash had been picked up and gray roll-outs filled to overflowing had been pushed to the curb when we drove by last week. Two sofas had also been set at the curb, so we hope that Code has them scheduled for pickup as well, as that rental house is now empty.
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Last Meeting Summary
Derita Businesses & Service Providers Meeting
We realize that not every business owner or service provider can attend our 9am brunch at Maria's Grill on the first Thursday of each month. but after more than 20 months of trying different times, days, & places --- this is what seems to have worked best. For those who are interested, we will try to keep you informed on
upcoming activities and recent discussions with a special email. Please write us at deritarep@aol.com so that we can add you to our email list.
At the August 6th Meeting
1. We took time to exchange Business Card, tell a little bit about our business and ourselves.
2. We talked about the current economy (improving?) and what it might mean for Derita-based businesses and group promotions we might initiate to improve reliance on local businesses and service providers.
3. We discussed a special 3-day DERITA DAYS promotion where businesses would offer special discounts and special pricing which would be advertised in a group promotion. This might also include some group drawings for a free gas card or other items.
4. We heard from George Griffin that 189 kids have signed up for football and that Derita Athletic Association hopes to field 9 teams this fall. He invited Derita businesses to support a team. 4x4ft sponsor signs at Cheshire Field are available at $330 per year.
5. Ron Carroll talked about the services his company provides at Truck Tech Auto, Truck & RV repair (2515 Allen Rd. South). He talked about some of the top-of-line RV's that have been in for servicing this month. Rob also talked about the race cars they had been running at Concord Speedway; and he was anxious to hear more about opportunities at the Metrolina Speedway.
6. Rob Lenderman of Advanced Construction & Consulting stood in Simon Weber, whose plane was late arriving from Boston. Rob explained that delay in the planned demolition was unexpected, but that by combining it with their site preparation (grading), they should actually save money and speed up the construction of the Metrolina Speedway.
He said that the time had been used to complete the aerial survey, do test borings, and to do land surveying that was blocked from the air by the trees.
He pointed out that they were fortunate to get the initial funding secured earlier this year (with the rezoning) because many banks are now requiring borrowers to have 50% of their projects funded before even being considered for a loan.
Asked if the Speedway Investment Group had plans to purchase the remaining acres at Metrolina Expo, he said that discussions are still on-going. But the Expo will continue to operate and that the Pistone family will be using part of the initial Speedway purchase proceeds to develop an RV Park (for temporary stays) that
would serve people coming to Speedway events.
7. We heard from C.E. Holt Refrigeration (Gibbon Rd), which sells commercial refrigeration & ice makers, that they are expanding their business into other areas. Good News for at least one member present, as his Church is looking for a new mid-level ice maker.
8. We talked about the old Food Lion Shopping Center and how city regulations worked against subdividing the space or doing other upgrades at this time. We talked about how the Transit Development Overlay might affect business properties around the proposed Derita Rail Station.
9. Theresa McDonald, one of our regulars, arrived late. She is an Allen Tate Realtor and was "forgiven," because she had a 9am closing earlier that morning. Great News!
10. More, of course. But as you can see, we had a busy, productive morning.
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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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Griefshare Sessions Again Offered
at Hickory Grove Baptist Church
If you have lost a loved one to death and having a hard time coping with your loss, we invite you to come to Griefshare and learn more about the journey of grief and how you can find healing in your pain.
Hickory Grove Baptist Church North Campus is having a 13 week session Griefshare starting on September 2nd at 2350 Odell School Rd at 6:45pm . Come and learn more about the journey and share with others who have lost a loved one also. It is a safe place to release your pain and find healing.
Contact the Mudges at 704 509-6603 or go on www.griefshare.org to learn more
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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.
Our Next meeting will be Sept. 14,
Guest Speaker: Simon Weber, Metrolina Speedway
The Derita Lions received a special plaque at the District Meeting last month for meeting their 2008-2009 Goal, contributing $1400 to the White Cane Charities. Lion Ed Davis received, on behalf of the Club.
Derita Lion President Howard Blackwelder suggests that Lions invite their wives (or a guest) to the Sept. 14th dinner meeting.
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As I Recall . . . memories of two local boys
Remembering Roy's Grill & Constable Roy McCall
I guess this story begins with my older brother, Aubrey Dickson. Buddy was 7 years older than me and a lot better looking. Had that long wavy brown hair and the kind of face that attracted girls. He was quiet (some say "shy"), but usually sported a great big smile. Not overly tall, but filled out a white muscle tee like a catalog model.
Didn't care much for school, but he could have been a major talent. Buddy could sketch just about anything with pencils, charcoal, pastels, and even painted with oils. His work won ribbons every year at the Southern States Fair.
And did I say, the girls all loved him? They'd often meet in the evening for a fountain Coke and a burger at Roy's Grill. It was located on the lot next to Derita Cleaners (now) where the Players Sporting Goods screenprint shop sits in the old Gibson Grocery store building. Back then, the corner of Derita Rd, & Hunter Ave. was a small, rutted gravel parking lot with a cinder block building, painted white, that housed Roy's Grill
up front and the Derita Branch Public Library in back.
Inside, the walls were painted green & white, with wooden booths lining the Hunter Ave. side, the metal grill and a sit-down counter with stools on the opposite wall. In the middle of the room was a Wurlitzer juke box against a support post. Next to it was box after box of 45 rpm records in paper sleeves that had previously spun in juke boxes all over the county. Latest hits to old favorites by the hundreds --- and all of them at ready-to-move prices. Roy's definitely had more than burgers!
And me? I was the tag along little brother. Mom & Dad rarely got home before 8pm from our grocery store on Beatties Ford Road, so Buddy got saddled with the kid. I wasn't too bad at home. I had the woods out back, hills & gulleys to climb and even a Tarzan swing that let me sail out high over the creek and back.
But anyway, that's how I discovered Roy's Grill. Buddy & his friends would huddle in a booth or squeeze around a table and I'd park it on one of the round swirling stools at the counter. They'd do whatever teenagers do and I'd inhale the scent of diced onions hitting the grill and savor the aroma of hot dog chili being spread across a bun. Occasionally, I'd sputter as steam and grease filled the air when Roy filled the hot grill with a fresh run of hamburger patties. He would do the lettuce & tomato cheese burgers, but I believe the chili-onion-slaw all-the-way cheeseburgers probably outsold them 2 to 1. I'd hate to guess how many bottles of catsup they used up in a month.
I would eat almost anything, though Roy's fries were a lot like the crinkle cut fries from the grocery store, only a bit greasier. Soft inside with a crusty shell. Still, I'd choose them any day over the grease-sticks served at most fast food chains. With enough catsup, who am I to be a critic. Besides, Roy knew my weakness. Whenever he got a chance, he'd fork a big pile of dill pickle slices out of the jar on the counter and sit the pile on a waxed paper sheet in front of me. Haven't had those in years. They were cut near paper thin and had almost slimy centers. Man, now those were some pickles. Sometimes on Sunday evening Dad would drive me up to Roy's get a burger and a paper tray full of pickles.
But this wasn't Roy McCall's only job. He was also the Constable for Mecklenburg County. Not sure exactly what that means. The job description varies from place to place. Some places, they were like an old-time Sheriff chasing bad guys and investigating crime. In others, they served warrants and handled evictions. Whatever. Roy ran a got elected. I remember seeing the posters tacked on the utility posts and him standing there at the grill, gun on his hip, just a flipping burgers. He'd be working quickly to catch up all of the orders before turning the grill over to Shirley and himself rushing out the door to do whatever Constables do.
As for the Library, it was only open a couple of afternoons a week. The selection was limited, but you could put in a request for books from the Main Library downtown. One day a week, the Book-Mobile would arrive and park next to the Grill on Hunter Ave. With luck, the book you wanted might be there waiting for you.
Fortunately, when Statesville Road Elementary opened, we had a library there that probably had more books and a better selection than the branch. My worst offense was losing a book about Ulysses S. Grant. I paid for the book (which had slid under the couch in our living room) and found it a year later when we were
re-arranging furniture. At a nickel a day, buying it was probably still the cheapest way to go.
Summing it up, I'd have to say Roy's Grill was the greatest. It was our teen hangout at the time. Derita Drug Store with its inside soda counter was still a few years off and the only McDonalds in Charlotte sold hot dogs & hamburgers on Independence Blvd. near the old Coliseum. . . 15 cents each.
--- Bernie Samonds
==========================
" I grew up in Derita with two brothers & one spoiled little sister on Gibbon Rd. We moved into our new home, built by Mr. Robert Hunter in 1948. I have many fond memories of Roys' Grill, of Roy & Shirley (No Finer Folks anywhere). To think back on this area and the guys & gals that we grew up with makes me realize that these were some of the happiest years of my life. "One of my best friends was Billy Tarrant. His dad ran the hardware store in Derita. Well, Roy McCall lived in the house beside the Grill. Billy & I approached Roy one day about hiring us to do any kind of work to make a little money. We were all outside at the time, and Roy, looking at the yard, and it was a mess with trash
everywhere. . . Roy said, 'Here's what I'll do. If you boys will clean this whole place up, I will pay you with all-you-want-to-eat'.
"Billy and I talked it over and told Roy OK , We'll do it Friday. "We decided not to eat anything Thursday so we'd be sure to eat our money's worth at the Grill. Well it took all day to clean that mess up. We cleaned ourselves up & headed to our favorite booth. Roy knew we both loved hamburgers, but here comes Shirley with 2 hot dogs each. Roy hollars out.. 'Go ahead and start on those
dogs while these hamburgers cook.'
"Now I don't remember how many burgers, dogs, french fries and RC Colas we consumed, but it was way too many for we were worse than miserable. On top of all that Shirley handed us each a big triple cone of ice cream on our way out. We managed to walk to the hardware store and made a bee-line for the feed & seed dept. where we piled up on some of those nice soft sacks & slept it off.
--- Fred Boovy
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About Billy's folks. They were Mr. & Mrs. William Tarrant that lived next to the railroad tracks at Gibbon Rd. & Derita Ave. He was already retired when I first met him by name (He was being honored by the Derita Lions Club, I believe) and his wife (Edith) was still teaching at North High.
As a kid, I used to go to Derita Hardware frequently back then. I was going through my "building phase" and needed lots of nails for my tree house, forts, and revising my model train layout. I'd hop on my bicycle and ride to Derita. Get some nails in several sizes and they'd always double-bag'em so I'd be sure to make it home without spilling nails all over the road.
Of course, there would also be a lot of teasing going on. Bob Mitzell and several other men (who I didn't really know by name at the time) would be sitting around the pot belly stove there. They'd ask me if I was going to build a house. God, I loved that place. You could find almost everything there. It was a REAL hardware store. --- Bernie
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"Now Bernie while you were building your fort in your favorite spot, we were putting ours up in Mr. B.J. Hunters' cow pasture. Now about nails, we probably had to "Borrow" ours, because I'm sure we wouldn't have spent our Pepsi cola money on nails. Oh Boy--Those were the days, Huh! --- Fred Boovy
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Reader Memories Requested
I have written previously about T.D. Little working on two local farms as a boy. I'm betting that Marty Gardner probably filled water bottles for Derita Springs and that Tom Allen spent quite a few mornings milking cows in Allen Hills. I'm hoping that some folks will email a note about "Growing Up in the Derita Area" and how you earned your spending
money back then. I'm sure there are a lot of interesting stories out there.
--- email me at deritarep@aol.com
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Scouting Join-Up Nights
Cub Scout Pack 13 will be recruiting at University City United Methodist Church, Thursday August 27 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Worship Center Hospitality Suite.
Cub Scout Pack 13 will have additional Round up nights (7:00pm) at
September 17 - David Cox Elementary SchoolSeptember 17 - Croft Community Elementary School September 24 - Mallard Creek Elementary School Pack 13 meets at University City Methodist Church at the corner of Sugar Creek and Harris. We meet on Tuesday nights at 6:50 PM to 7:50 PM. All boys ages 7-10 are encouraged to participate.
Cub Scouts is a family and home centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Boys who are in the first grade or 7 years old may join as Tiger Cubs. Cub Master is Glen Belnap, 704-451-2136.
Boy Scout Troop 107 will resume Monday night meetings on September 14th. Meetings are from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at University Park Baptist Church. Contact Aaron McCoy at aaronmccoy@celgard.com for more information.
Bernie,
Open House Events Cub Scout Packs will be hosting Open House events at their meeting locations on August 27th beginning at 7pm. They will also be in certain CMS locations on September 10, 14, 17 and 24. We will have a list of those in our next newsletter.
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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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Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. Bernie, Have you quit sending out Crime Alert Emails? Haven't seen one in weeks!
Most of those are generated by Neighbors, not by CMPD, so the frequency is often determined by what we receive. Some HOA's frown on relaying the info because they feel the "negativity" might hurt home sales in the current economy.
CMPD reports that crime is down over all in our area, but theft from vehicles is still a problem. Ipods, electronic gadgets, even loose pocket change left in plain sight can invite a burglar. In many cases, vehicles have been left unlocked, but an experienced crook can break in and be gone in about 17 seconds --- Many of them working over one car after another as they go through a parking lot.
Our email probably won't help you catch a burglar, but it does remind the neighbors that they need to be more vigilant and that the bad guys have been working in their area. Replies, like the ones we hear at Neighborhood Watch meetings, can help CMPD Officers. They may be discussing one crime, only to hear from neighbors about one or more crimes or suspicious incidents that never got reported. The info may be just what CMPD needs to discern a pattern.
For example:
We did get one report this week of a break-in at Crater Park (5 days after it happened) with no details. A door was kicked in.
Here's an email that we got from the same week:
" Bernie -- There was a man that came to my neighbor's house this morning and asked if her husband was home..she said no, and he said your husband buys flowers from me. She said my husband never buys flowers and he said he has
bought roses from me and she said no he has not...He finally left He was in a small black car with a dent on the right side ... Just thought I would pass this along."
Chances are the flower salesman was knocking on doors to see if anyone was at home and was using the flower story as his exit line, so this lady would not call CMPD to report a stranger in the area.
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Q. I know I've seen this asked in the column several times, but, I'll give it another shot. Any word on if anyone is interested in developing the old Food Lion location? It's been an eye sore for a while. Is there any way the Derita area can proactively limit the types of businesses that can occupy that space? Or, better yet invite businesses to see the opportunity that exists on such a busy corner? --- Marian Mauney
Without going into a lot of detail, there have been several plans to redevelop the corner, but everything hinges on the City parking lot requirements which have been passed since the shopping center was last remodeled to expand the former Food Lion. More parking and more green space are needed to meet these new requirements. which means some of the buildings would have to go.
The property itself, is privately owned and the family has limited resources to do much else with it. . . It would probably have to be sold in order for an better funded landlord to actually redevelop it. Their Realtor is doing the best that he can to keep the storefronts occupied. Even discussed subdividing the old Food Lion space with a potential buyer, but again, ran into the parking requirements issue. Then, there was also the issue of funding during the current economy.
Re: The type stores there.
Of course, everyone would like a good combination of successful businesses. It is a good location. But Ace Hardware has a store a few miles down the road. A sit-down restaurant would need enough lunch & evening diners to keep their doors open. Boutiques face a very challenging time and Family Dollar (who did look) chose to build a stand alone just one block away.
For everyone who keeps asking about an Aldi . . . Food Lion still pays a fee (as the former anchor tenant ) that allows them approval on what type business can open in their old space. I'm told it is renewable for up to 15 years annually, so forget about Aldi, Lowes or A & P SuperSaver.
The Good News, however.
When the Derita Rail station opens, this property will likely fall under the Transit Development Overlay --- which caters to less parking and more walkable space. The property could then be developed into a Mixed Use site combining retail shops &
residential above. That's the most likely option that something really neat could be done here.=====================================================================
Q. Any word about sidewalks for West Sugar Creek or Gibbon Rd?
Maybe next issue. We had word on a new project that was being designed to improve
walking access to the proposed Derita Rail Station at Gibbon & Nevin Rds. We delayed
the story last issue because some changes being discussed.
The plan at present does NOT include an often requested sidewalk from the Poplar
Springs Neighborhood towards Derita, which is estimated to cost around $1 million.
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Today's Funny
(From a recent FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)
THE WEDDING
Did you hear about the big fight at Bob's wedding last week? When the preacher got to that part where he asks the bride if he would always obey her husband . . .
She replied, "Do you think I'm that stupid?"
Well, Bob was apparently still dazed from his bachelor party and thought they were speaking to him and answered up, "I do."
Mayoral & Council Candidates' Meet & Greet Forum
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, West Sugar Creek Rd.
Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization will host an evening event for you to meet ALL of the candidates vying to become Charlotte's next Mayor; incumbents and challengers for Districts 2 & 4; and all of the At-Large Candidates for City Council.
Candidates for Mayor will begin speaking promptly at 7pm, with a brief Q & A session before a short break for refreshments and time for meeting one-on-one with all of the Candidates. This will be followed sessions with the District Candidates and then with the At-Large Candidates --- with each making a brief statement and then questions from the floor.
This meeting is open to the Public and we encourage you to meet these Candidates before the Primary Election.
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DSRCO Community Calendar
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Wednesday, August 19th
Open House at Vance4:00 -6:00 pm, Vance Senior High School
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Sunday, August 23
Community Day
Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3435 Nevin Rd 704 596-4550
10 am Worship
12 Noon - 3pm Community Day Festivities
Free Food & Refreshments, Free School Supplies, Entertainment & Games
Open to Everyone
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Wednesday, September 2nd
Of Faith and Freedom, a Patriotic Musical
6:30 PM at University City United Methodist Church
Of Faith and Freedom, celebrating God’s blessings on America, will be presented by the University City United Methodist Church Celebration Choir, Orchestra, Spirit Singers, Women’s Trio, Children’s Ensemble, Soloists, Color Guard, Narrators, and Tech Team.. Active and veteran Military, Police, Fire, and EMS personnel will be recognized during the presentation. This is a free concert and a love offering will be received. Childcare during the concert for ages 0-5 years is available by reservation, call 704-369-8027. For more information please visit www.ucumc.org
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Saturday, September 12th
Hidden Valley Parade and Festival
Hidden Valley Elementary School, 5100 Snow White Lane
Parade: 10 AM
Festival: 11 AM
We Need Vendors to sell items at $30.00 per booth
We Need Entertainers, Steppers, Marchers, Cars, etc
Please call Linda Butler at 704-965-5658 for more information
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Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Mecklenburg County Primary Elections
Polls open at 6:30 am -- Close at 7
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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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Act Now, Save Our Post Office
Derita Post Office, one of 5 that May Be Closed
The Charlotte Postmaster has suggested consolidating or closing five area post offices as a cost-cutting effort. The others are Eastway, Freedom, Arrowood Rd, and 30th St.
A list of 766 Post Offices to be consolidated or closed has been submitted to Congress to show them the Post Office is serious about trimming expenses and finding ways to save money.
This is NOT because they aren't busy. Derita Station has some lengthy lines throughout the day, often stretching into the foyer during peak hours. It has two full-time counter persons, 1 part-time counter person, and another full-time counter person floating between Derita & David Cox. . . If anything, the Derita Post Office should be expanded.
Should the closure happen, nearly 500 PO Box Holders would have to go elsewhere to pickup their mail. That means a extra 3-mile trip out to David Cox and 3 miles back, (That's right 6 miles round trip! ) or an even longer trip to North Tryon St. --- wherever enough boxes could be made available. The same for you folks who want to mail a package, buy stamps, purchase a money order, or drop a letter in the box.
David Cox is also where you will have to go sign for & pick up your registered or certified mail, or pickup packages that you were not at home to receive. . . 6 miles round trip.
Like I said, the closing is NOT about improving service for anyone. Waiting lines will be longer, you'll be burning more gas and sitting in traffic.
We need to write/email Congress Now to save our Derita Post Office. We need to tell them that it is truly needed to serve the residents of our 10,000+ surrounding rooftops. That it is the essential for the local business community. That by closing it, we are creating a burden on both postal patrons and driving away the paying customers that the Postal Service needs to keep.
So how do we save it? You send letters ( and EMAILS! ) Now.
Write the "Postmaster, Charlotte, NC."
You can write a full letter to express your feelings, or you can simply say,
"I am a Derita Postal Patron and I want the Derita Post Office to continue serving myself, my family, and my community." Be sure to sign the letter and state your address to make it official.
Email the Postmaster
http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/escalate.jsp
They make it pretty inconvenient to email them, but here's the buttons you click to get to a writable screen . . . I wrote:
"As a Business Box Holder for more than two decades and a frequent patron at Derita Station (28221), I do not want to see this Post Office closed. Moving my box to David Cox Rd, or making the 6 mile trip there to purchase stamps, mail packages, or pickup registered & certified mail is NOT an option. Tens
of thousands of people in this community rely on its continued operation. Please do not close it."
Click continue and the next page is set up to record your contact information. Be sure to click the box to receive an email reply from the Post Office.
Email Sue Myrick
http://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtml
or write her at:
Congresswoman Sue MyrickU.S. House of Representatives
230 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Email Mel Watt
http://watt.house.gov/contactinfo.aspor write him at:
Congressman Mel WattU.S. House of Representatives2304 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515-3312
Email our Mayor and Our City Council Members
Next to the banks, The City of Charlotte is probably one of the Post Office's biggest customers. They should have some clout with Charlotte Postmaster in saving our Derita Post Office.
lassiter@bellsouth.net, anthony@anthonyfoxx.com, JamesDistrict2@aol.com, michael@barnesdistrict4.com, SBurg346@aol.com, edwin@edwinpeacock.com
Act now! A decision will be reached by Sept. 30th
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What your Neighbors are saying:
Thanks for the Veggies Tip
Just got back from my second visit to Keziah's Furniture (2914 Gibbon Rd). Picked up some tomatoes, cukes and squash there last week and just had to go back. I selected six more really nice size tomatoes (for $2) that would have easily cost me $4-5 at the grocery store. At those prices, I should have bought more, but I wanted to leave some for the other folks who read your last newsletter. I'll be telling my friends about Keziah's, too. --- Ellen B.
Glad you stopped in. Frances tells me several folks have asked her "Where's
the produce stand?" It's that table & collection of baskets beside the front
door. What you see has usually been picked that same morning and sometimes
they pick twice a day. I like the variety of tomatoes. The large Beefsteaks are
nice and meaty, but I also like the higher acid ones just to slice and eat. -- Bernie
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Walgreens & the Race Track
Sure is great to see the scaffolding rising at Graham & Sugar Creek for the new Walgreens Drug Store. What took them so long? Also, have you heard anything about the Metrolina Speedway?
Guess you missed our newsletter note. The site preparation took longer than
expected because there were so many fiber optic cables buried on the property
that they actually had to build up the elevation on that corner. Working out the
"final" roadway plans with both CDOT & NCDOT for that intersection was also
a bear. . .But, as you can see, the masonry work has started and they will probably
be open before you can say "Halloween Candy."
Re: Metrolina Speedway. See the Derita Businesses & Service Providers note
below.
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Thanks to Code Enforcement & CMPD
Thanks for your help with the rental properties on Keith Drive. CMPD checked out some of the complaints and asked Code to make a visit. The trash had been picked up and gray roll-outs filled to overflowing had been pushed to the curb when we drove by last week. Two sofas had also been set at the curb, so we hope that Code has them scheduled for pickup as well, as that rental house is now empty.
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Last Meeting Summary
Derita Businesses & Service Providers Meeting
We realize that not every business owner or service provider can attend our 9am brunch at Maria's Grill on the first Thursday of each month. but after more than 20 months of trying different times, days, & places --- this is what seems to have worked best. For those who are interested, we will try to keep you informed on
upcoming activities and recent discussions with a special email. Please write us at deritarep@aol.com so that we can add you to our email list.
At the August 6th Meeting
1. We took time to exchange Business Card, tell a little bit about our business and ourselves.
2. We talked about the current economy (improving?) and what it might mean for Derita-based businesses and group promotions we might initiate to improve reliance on local businesses and service providers.
3. We discussed a special 3-day DERITA DAYS promotion where businesses would offer special discounts and special pricing which would be advertised in a group promotion. This might also include some group drawings for a free gas card or other items.
4. We heard from George Griffin that 189 kids have signed up for football and that Derita Athletic Association hopes to field 9 teams this fall. He invited Derita businesses to support a team. 4x4ft sponsor signs at Cheshire Field are available at $330 per year.
5. Ron Carroll talked about the services his company provides at Truck Tech Auto, Truck & RV repair (2515 Allen Rd. South). He talked about some of the top-of-line RV's that have been in for servicing this month. Rob also talked about the race cars they had been running at Concord Speedway; and he was anxious to hear more about opportunities at the Metrolina Speedway.
6. Rob Lenderman of Advanced Construction & Consulting stood in Simon Weber, whose plane was late arriving from Boston. Rob explained that delay in the planned demolition was unexpected, but that by combining it with their site preparation (grading), they should actually save money and speed up the construction of the Metrolina Speedway.
He said that the time had been used to complete the aerial survey, do test borings, and to do land surveying that was blocked from the air by the trees.
He pointed out that they were fortunate to get the initial funding secured earlier this year (with the rezoning) because many banks are now requiring borrowers to have 50% of their projects funded before even being considered for a loan.
Asked if the Speedway Investment Group had plans to purchase the remaining acres at Metrolina Expo, he said that discussions are still on-going. But the Expo will continue to operate and that the Pistone family will be using part of the initial Speedway purchase proceeds to develop an RV Park (for temporary stays) that
would serve people coming to Speedway events.
7. We heard from C.E. Holt Refrigeration (Gibbon Rd), which sells commercial refrigeration & ice makers, that they are expanding their business into other areas. Good News for at least one member present, as his Church is looking for a new mid-level ice maker.
8. We talked about the old Food Lion Shopping Center and how city regulations worked against subdividing the space or doing other upgrades at this time. We talked about how the Transit Development Overlay might affect business properties around the proposed Derita Rail Station.
9. Theresa McDonald, one of our regulars, arrived late. She is an Allen Tate Realtor and was "forgiven," because she had a 9am closing earlier that morning. Great News!
10. More, of course. But as you can see, we had a busy, productive morning.
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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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Griefshare Sessions Again Offered
at Hickory Grove Baptist Church
If you have lost a loved one to death and having a hard time coping with your loss, we invite you to come to Griefshare and learn more about the journey of grief and how you can find healing in your pain.
Hickory Grove Baptist Church North Campus is having a 13 week session Griefshare starting on September 2nd at 2350 Odell School Rd at 6:45pm . Come and learn more about the journey and share with others who have lost a loved one also. It is a safe place to release your pain and find healing.
Contact the Mudges at 704 509-6603 or go on www.griefshare.org to learn more
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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.
Our Next meeting will be Sept. 14,
Guest Speaker: Simon Weber, Metrolina Speedway
The Derita Lions received a special plaque at the District Meeting last month for meeting their 2008-2009 Goal, contributing $1400 to the White Cane Charities. Lion Ed Davis received, on behalf of the Club.
Derita Lion President Howard Blackwelder suggests that Lions invite their wives (or a guest) to the Sept. 14th dinner meeting.
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As I Recall . . . memories of two local boys
Remembering Roy's Grill & Constable Roy McCall
I guess this story begins with my older brother, Aubrey Dickson. Buddy was 7 years older than me and a lot better looking. Had that long wavy brown hair and the kind of face that attracted girls. He was quiet (some say "shy"), but usually sported a great big smile. Not overly tall, but filled out a white muscle tee like a catalog model.
Didn't care much for school, but he could have been a major talent. Buddy could sketch just about anything with pencils, charcoal, pastels, and even painted with oils. His work won ribbons every year at the Southern States Fair.
And did I say, the girls all loved him? They'd often meet in the evening for a fountain Coke and a burger at Roy's Grill. It was located on the lot next to Derita Cleaners (now) where the Players Sporting Goods screenprint shop sits in the old Gibson Grocery store building. Back then, the corner of Derita Rd, & Hunter Ave. was a small, rutted gravel parking lot with a cinder block building, painted white, that housed Roy's Grill
up front and the Derita Branch Public Library in back.
Inside, the walls were painted green & white, with wooden booths lining the Hunter Ave. side, the metal grill and a sit-down counter with stools on the opposite wall. In the middle of the room was a Wurlitzer juke box against a support post. Next to it was box after box of 45 rpm records in paper sleeves that had previously spun in juke boxes all over the county. Latest hits to old favorites by the hundreds --- and all of them at ready-to-move prices. Roy's definitely had more than burgers!
And me? I was the tag along little brother. Mom & Dad rarely got home before 8pm from our grocery store on Beatties Ford Road, so Buddy got saddled with the kid. I wasn't too bad at home. I had the woods out back, hills & gulleys to climb and even a Tarzan swing that let me sail out high over the creek and back.
But anyway, that's how I discovered Roy's Grill. Buddy & his friends would huddle in a booth or squeeze around a table and I'd park it on one of the round swirling stools at the counter. They'd do whatever teenagers do and I'd inhale the scent of diced onions hitting the grill and savor the aroma of hot dog chili being spread across a bun. Occasionally, I'd sputter as steam and grease filled the air when Roy filled the hot grill with a fresh run of hamburger patties. He would do the lettuce & tomato cheese burgers, but I believe the chili-onion-slaw all-the-way cheeseburgers probably outsold them 2 to 1. I'd hate to guess how many bottles of catsup they used up in a month.
I would eat almost anything, though Roy's fries were a lot like the crinkle cut fries from the grocery store, only a bit greasier. Soft inside with a crusty shell. Still, I'd choose them any day over the grease-sticks served at most fast food chains. With enough catsup, who am I to be a critic. Besides, Roy knew my weakness. Whenever he got a chance, he'd fork a big pile of dill pickle slices out of the jar on the counter and sit the pile on a waxed paper sheet in front of me. Haven't had those in years. They were cut near paper thin and had almost slimy centers. Man, now those were some pickles. Sometimes on Sunday evening Dad would drive me up to Roy's get a burger and a paper tray full of pickles.
But this wasn't Roy McCall's only job. He was also the Constable for Mecklenburg County. Not sure exactly what that means. The job description varies from place to place. Some places, they were like an old-time Sheriff chasing bad guys and investigating crime. In others, they served warrants and handled evictions. Whatever. Roy ran a got elected. I remember seeing the posters tacked on the utility posts and him standing there at the grill, gun on his hip, just a flipping burgers. He'd be working quickly to catch up all of the orders before turning the grill over to Shirley and himself rushing out the door to do whatever Constables do.
As for the Library, it was only open a couple of afternoons a week. The selection was limited, but you could put in a request for books from the Main Library downtown. One day a week, the Book-Mobile would arrive and park next to the Grill on Hunter Ave. With luck, the book you wanted might be there waiting for you.
Fortunately, when Statesville Road Elementary opened, we had a library there that probably had more books and a better selection than the branch. My worst offense was losing a book about Ulysses S. Grant. I paid for the book (which had slid under the couch in our living room) and found it a year later when we were
re-arranging furniture. At a nickel a day, buying it was probably still the cheapest way to go.
Summing it up, I'd have to say Roy's Grill was the greatest. It was our teen hangout at the time. Derita Drug Store with its inside soda counter was still a few years off and the only McDonalds in Charlotte sold hot dogs & hamburgers on Independence Blvd. near the old Coliseum. . . 15 cents each.
--- Bernie Samonds
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" I grew up in Derita with two brothers & one spoiled little sister on Gibbon Rd. We moved into our new home, built by Mr. Robert Hunter in 1948. I have many fond memories of Roys' Grill, of Roy & Shirley (No Finer Folks anywhere). To think back on this area and the guys & gals that we grew up with makes me realize that these were some of the happiest years of my life. "One of my best friends was Billy Tarrant. His dad ran the hardware store in Derita. Well, Roy McCall lived in the house beside the Grill. Billy & I approached Roy one day about hiring us to do any kind of work to make a little money. We were all outside at the time, and Roy, looking at the yard, and it was a mess with trash
everywhere. . . Roy said, 'Here's what I'll do. If you boys will clean this whole place up, I will pay you with all-you-want-to-eat'.
"Billy and I talked it over and told Roy OK , We'll do it Friday. "We decided not to eat anything Thursday so we'd be sure to eat our money's worth at the Grill. Well it took all day to clean that mess up. We cleaned ourselves up & headed to our favorite booth. Roy knew we both loved hamburgers, but here comes Shirley with 2 hot dogs each. Roy hollars out.. 'Go ahead and start on those
dogs while these hamburgers cook.'
"Now I don't remember how many burgers, dogs, french fries and RC Colas we consumed, but it was way too many for we were worse than miserable. On top of all that Shirley handed us each a big triple cone of ice cream on our way out. We managed to walk to the hardware store and made a bee-line for the feed & seed dept. where we piled up on some of those nice soft sacks & slept it off.
--- Fred Boovy
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About Billy's folks. They were Mr. & Mrs. William Tarrant that lived next to the railroad tracks at Gibbon Rd. & Derita Ave. He was already retired when I first met him by name (He was being honored by the Derita Lions Club, I believe) and his wife (Edith) was still teaching at North High.
As a kid, I used to go to Derita Hardware frequently back then. I was going through my "building phase" and needed lots of nails for my tree house, forts, and revising my model train layout. I'd hop on my bicycle and ride to Derita. Get some nails in several sizes and they'd always double-bag'em so I'd be sure to make it home without spilling nails all over the road.
Of course, there would also be a lot of teasing going on. Bob Mitzell and several other men (who I didn't really know by name at the time) would be sitting around the pot belly stove there. They'd ask me if I was going to build a house. God, I loved that place. You could find almost everything there. It was a REAL hardware store. --- Bernie
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"Now Bernie while you were building your fort in your favorite spot, we were putting ours up in Mr. B.J. Hunters' cow pasture. Now about nails, we probably had to "Borrow" ours, because I'm sure we wouldn't have spent our Pepsi cola money on nails. Oh Boy--Those were the days, Huh! --- Fred Boovy
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Reader Memories Requested
I have written previously about T.D. Little working on two local farms as a boy. I'm betting that Marty Gardner probably filled water bottles for Derita Springs and that Tom Allen spent quite a few mornings milking cows in Allen Hills. I'm hoping that some folks will email a note about "Growing Up in the Derita Area" and how you earned your spending
money back then. I'm sure there are a lot of interesting stories out there.
--- email me at deritarep@aol.com
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Scouting Join-Up Nights
Cub Scout Pack 13 will be recruiting at University City United Methodist Church, Thursday August 27 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Worship Center Hospitality Suite.
Cub Scout Pack 13 will have additional Round up nights (7:00pm) at
September 17 - David Cox Elementary SchoolSeptember 17 - Croft Community Elementary School September 24 - Mallard Creek Elementary School Pack 13 meets at University City Methodist Church at the corner of Sugar Creek and Harris. We meet on Tuesday nights at 6:50 PM to 7:50 PM. All boys ages 7-10 are encouraged to participate.
Cub Scouts is a family and home centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Boys who are in the first grade or 7 years old may join as Tiger Cubs. Cub Master is Glen Belnap, 704-451-2136.
Boy Scout Troop 107 will resume Monday night meetings on September 14th. Meetings are from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at University Park Baptist Church. Contact Aaron McCoy at aaronmccoy@celgard.com for more information.
Bernie,
Open House Events Cub Scout Packs will be hosting Open House events at their meeting locations on August 27th beginning at 7pm. They will also be in certain CMS locations on September 10, 14, 17 and 24. We will have a list of those in our next newsletter.
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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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Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. Bernie, Have you quit sending out Crime Alert Emails? Haven't seen one in weeks!
Most of those are generated by Neighbors, not by CMPD, so the frequency is often determined by what we receive. Some HOA's frown on relaying the info because they feel the "negativity" might hurt home sales in the current economy.
CMPD reports that crime is down over all in our area, but theft from vehicles is still a problem. Ipods, electronic gadgets, even loose pocket change left in plain sight can invite a burglar. In many cases, vehicles have been left unlocked, but an experienced crook can break in and be gone in about 17 seconds --- Many of them working over one car after another as they go through a parking lot.
Our email probably won't help you catch a burglar, but it does remind the neighbors that they need to be more vigilant and that the bad guys have been working in their area. Replies, like the ones we hear at Neighborhood Watch meetings, can help CMPD Officers. They may be discussing one crime, only to hear from neighbors about one or more crimes or suspicious incidents that never got reported. The info may be just what CMPD needs to discern a pattern.
For example:
We did get one report this week of a break-in at Crater Park (5 days after it happened) with no details. A door was kicked in.
Here's an email that we got from the same week:
" Bernie -- There was a man that came to my neighbor's house this morning and asked if her husband was home..she said no, and he said your husband buys flowers from me. She said my husband never buys flowers and he said he has
bought roses from me and she said no he has not...He finally left He was in a small black car with a dent on the right side ... Just thought I would pass this along."
Chances are the flower salesman was knocking on doors to see if anyone was at home and was using the flower story as his exit line, so this lady would not call CMPD to report a stranger in the area.
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Q. I know I've seen this asked in the column several times, but, I'll give it another shot. Any word on if anyone is interested in developing the old Food Lion location? It's been an eye sore for a while. Is there any way the Derita area can proactively limit the types of businesses that can occupy that space? Or, better yet invite businesses to see the opportunity that exists on such a busy corner? --- Marian Mauney
Without going into a lot of detail, there have been several plans to redevelop the corner, but everything hinges on the City parking lot requirements which have been passed since the shopping center was last remodeled to expand the former Food Lion. More parking and more green space are needed to meet these new requirements. which means some of the buildings would have to go.
The property itself, is privately owned and the family has limited resources to do much else with it. . . It would probably have to be sold in order for an better funded landlord to actually redevelop it. Their Realtor is doing the best that he can to keep the storefronts occupied. Even discussed subdividing the old Food Lion space with a potential buyer, but again, ran into the parking requirements issue. Then, there was also the issue of funding during the current economy.
Re: The type stores there.
Of course, everyone would like a good combination of successful businesses. It is a good location. But Ace Hardware has a store a few miles down the road. A sit-down restaurant would need enough lunch & evening diners to keep their doors open. Boutiques face a very challenging time and Family Dollar (who did look) chose to build a stand alone just one block away.
For everyone who keeps asking about an Aldi . . . Food Lion still pays a fee (as the former anchor tenant ) that allows them approval on what type business can open in their old space. I'm told it is renewable for up to 15 years annually, so forget about Aldi, Lowes or A & P SuperSaver.
The Good News, however.
When the Derita Rail station opens, this property will likely fall under the Transit Development Overlay --- which caters to less parking and more walkable space. The property could then be developed into a Mixed Use site combining retail shops &
residential above. That's the most likely option that something really neat could be done here.=====================================================================
Q. Any word about sidewalks for West Sugar Creek or Gibbon Rd?
Maybe next issue. We had word on a new project that was being designed to improve
walking access to the proposed Derita Rail Station at Gibbon & Nevin Rds. We delayed
the story last issue because some changes being discussed.
The plan at present does NOT include an often requested sidewalk from the Poplar
Springs Neighborhood towards Derita, which is estimated to cost around $1 million.
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Today's Funny
(From a recent FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)
THE WEDDING
Did you hear about the big fight at Bob's wedding last week? When the preacher got to that part where he asks the bride if he would always obey her husband . . .
She replied, "Do you think I'm that stupid?"
Well, Bob was apparently still dazed from his bachelor party and thought they were speaking to him and answered up, "I do."
8-1-09 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org. Newsletter
DSRCO PO Box 26382 CHARLOTTE, NC 28221
Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods)
helps make our work possible. We are grateful to the many individuals, families, neighborhoods,
HOA's, businesses, churches, and groups who provided us with operating funds this past year.
Our Thanks for the dues received this month from:
Margaret C. Wilmoth
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Act Now, Save Our Post Office
Derita Post Office, one of 5 that May Be Closed
WSOC-TV News broke the story Friday evening, that the Charlotte Postmaster had suggested consolidating or closing five area post offices as a cost-cutting effort. The other Charlotte offices are Eastway, Freedom, Arrowood Rd, and 30th St.
This is NOT because they aren't busy. Derita Station has some lengthy lines throughout the day, often stretching into the foyer during peak hours. It has two full-time counter persons, 1 part-time counter person, and another full-time counter person floating between Derita & David Cox. . . If anything, the Derita Post Office should be expanded.
Should the closure happen, nearly 800 PO Box Holders (their count) would have to go elsewhere to pickup their mail. That means a 3-mile trip out to David Cox and 3 miles back, ( That's right 6 miles round trip! ) or a long trip to North Tryon St., wherever that many boxes could be made available. The same for you folks who want to mail a package, buy stamps, purchase a money order, or drop a letter in the box.
David Cox is also where you will have to go sign for & pick up your registered or certified mail, or pickup packages that you were not at home to receive. . . 6 miles round trip.
Like I said, this is NOT about improving service for anyone, this is about cutting labor costs and benefits. Positions are being cut at stations all over town. Carriers are working overtime and fewer counter persons means longer a wait for service. . . Even as the Postal Service Governors make plans for the next postage rate increase.
Mail was first delivered to Derita in 1860 a couple of times each week. Amos Rumple operated the first post office here out of a bureau drawer in his home (where Derita Presbyterian Church now sits) and area residents would stop by his small store and cotton gin to pick up their mail. Rural routes were started here in 1907
With succeeding Postmasters (and one Post-Mistress for about 15 years), the Derita Post Office moved from place to place within the community, but most always near the railroad track, as mail bags arrived by train for many years. The
most recent move was from a tin roofed building on West Sugar Creek Road (where the African Trader is now), across the tracks to the current location which opened in 1961.
In 1975, there were 29 carrier routes serviced out of Derita station, with 46 employees. That was also the first time that the Charlotte Postmaster tried to shut us down. A new station was built on David Cox Rd. and PO Big Wigs even had the audacity to call it the "new Derita Station." The real Derita Station was closed for several months until enough pressure could be brought to bear that the current facility could be reopened as a Finance Station.
Derita Post Office is an important and vital part of what makes this a Community. It's one reason why we kept our named and identity while neighborhoods all around us have lost their's. When we look at all of the businesses, churches, groups, and individuals that have Post Office boxes there, having a Post Office here is more than a convenience, it's a necessity.
So how do we save it? You send letters ( and EMAILS! ) Now.
Write the "Postmaster, Charlotte, NC."
You can write a full letter to express your feelings, or you can simply say, "I am a Derita Postal Patron and I want the Derita Post Office to continue serving myself, my family, and my community." Be sure to sign the letter and state your
address to make it official.
Email the Postmaster
http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/escalate.jsp
They make it damned inconvenient to email them, but here's the buttons you click to get to a writeable screen . . . I wrote:
"As a Business Box Holder for more than two decades and a frequent patron at Derita Station (28221), I do not want to see this Post Office closed. Moving my box to David Cox Rd, or making the 6 mile trip there to purchase stamps, mail packages, or pickup registered & certified mail is NOT an option. Tens of thousands of people in this community rely on its continued operation. Please do not close it."
Click continue and the next page is set up to record your contact information. Be sure to click the box to receive an email reply from the Post Office.
Email Sue Myrick
http://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtml
or write her at: 230 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Email
Email our Mayor and Our City Council Members
Next to the banks, The City of Charlotte is probably one of the Post Office's biggest customers. They should have some clout with Charlotte Postmaster in saving our Derita Post Office.
lassiter@bellsouth.net, anthony@anthonyfoxx.com,
JamesDistrict2@aol.com, michael@barnesdistrict4.com,
SBurg346@aol.com, edwin@edwinpeacock.com
Act now! A decision will be reached by October this October
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DSRCO Community Calendar
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149301710432&ref=mf
(Recent Newsletter Archive)
Tuesday, August 4th
National Night Out
Many of our Neighborhoods in our community will be observing the National Night Out this coming Tuesday evening.
Allen Hills-Carrie Hills will have its Crimewatch Meeting at Family Missionary Baptist Church, corner of Allen Rds S & E at 7pm.
Deritawoods/Tanglewood will be grilling hot dogs & hamburgers for their residents, enjoying the food, fellowship and fun at 3411 Cypress Pond Drive. CMPD Officers will be on hand to meet with residents.
National Night Out is a community-police partnership held the first Tuesday of every August since 1984 sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. It aims to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, and other anti-crime efforts. Initially communities held lights-on vigils. Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors 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, 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.
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.
Simon Weber of Metrolina Speedway will likely be meeting with us and we will be anxious to hear what progress has been made.
"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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Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9th
North Carolina Tax Free Weekend
on back-to-school items, clothing & some electronics. Watch for store ads.
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Saturday, August 8th
Hidden Valley National Night Out
The National Night Out Event for our youth here will 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
Mayoral & Council Candidates' Meet & Greet Forum
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, West Sugar Creek Rd.
Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization will host an evening event for you to meet ALL of the candidates vying to become Charlotte's next Mayor; incumbents and challengers for Districts 2 & 4; and all of the At-Large Candidates for City Council.
Candidates for Mayor will begin speaking promptly at 7pm, with a brief Q & A session before a short break for refreshments and time for meeting one-on-one with all of the Candidates. This will be followed sessions with the District Candidates and then with the At-Large Candidates --- with each making a brief statement and then questions
from the floor.
This meeting is open to the Public and we encourage you to meet these Candidates before the Primary Election.
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Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Mecklenburg County Primary Elections
Polls open at 6:30 am -- Close at 7
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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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What your Neighbors are saying:
Battered by the storm?
Fire Captain Rob Brisley says Your Charlotte FF's, Police, and Medic were rocking last Tuesday night with the storm. CFD ran over 115 calls for service in a 90 minute window, and counting. So if you must travel us bad weather, exercise caution. If the Road is Flooded “Turn Around Don’t Drown”
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Re: Illegal Traffic Moves on West Sugar Creek Rd.
Last newsletter, you mentioned the Rumple Road area of Sugar Creek where it narrows. Not only do they do U-turns, but they just plow straight ahead. I have had them try and force me into oncoming traffic several times.
When (State) Trooper Benge lived next door he sat there a lot and gave tickets. Gave the same woman a ticket for that stunt two weeks in a row. He said the city won’t bother and I have never seen a city police car sitting there. But I have seen them at the light ignoring those who go straight from the right hand lane. Buses are bad about that also. Just something to pass on. I have complained to the city about it and asked that they put a concrete divider where the lines are, but I was told lines were all they could do. --- Paula Veazie, Kelsey Glen --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derita --- Center of the Universe?
WCNC.com weather map. Does it list Myers Park? No. University City? No. NoDa? No. Derita? YES! http://www.wcnc.com/weather...
--- Visit Derita, on Twitter
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Remembering the old Metrolina Speedway
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46339680324#/photo.php?pid=30100821&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=46339680324&aid=-1&id=1492664638&oid=46339680324
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Latino Festival Noise Carried A Long Way
Just wanted you to know that we could hear the “festival” at Metrolina last Sunday clear over hear at Kelsey Glen. We have heard the racing when they had that a few years ago. I hope these new people really can do something about the noise or is going to be very bad for our property values. --- Concerned, Hubbard Rd.
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Thanks, we received several emails from upset neighbors about the noise and the carnival atmosphere. Don't know that anyone called 911 to get an Officer to check noise level, but that probably only applies after 10 pm.
The important point that needs to be made is that this WAS NOT an event staged by the Metrolina Investment Group, who are building the new Speedway. This was an event hosted by Metrolina Expo and they let it be known that they will continue to operate and do not plan on closing down.
--- Bernie Samonds, DSRCO
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Neighbors speak out about the Post Office:
On Closing the Derita Post Office
One of those box holders would be ME and ConCarolinas. It's a perfect location for the con chair and me both to be able to run by. And why the heck they'd close a BUSY station is beyond me. Plus it will only INCREASE traffic on WT Harris and Mallard Creek, etc, as well as making life that much MORE difficult for us citizens. One issue they should look at is: where are the post offices NORTH of I-85?
What they won't think of next to make our lives more difficult! Feel free to share any of my comments with whomever you think it will help to hear them.
--- Mary K, Royal Oaks Neighborhood -------------------------------------------------------
I remember they tried to close the Derita PO years ago and a petition was circulated. It must have worked!
The David Cox PO is a mess. The grounds are not kept up and the trash is always overflowing. I’d rather lose Saturday mail delivery than our little post office.
--- Deborah Rowe, Nevin===================================
Scouting Join-Up Nights
Cub Scout Pack 13 will be recruiting at University City United Methodist Church, Thursday August 27 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Worship Center Hospitality Suite. Cub Scouts is a family and home centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Boys who are in the first grade or 7 years old may join as Tiger Cubs. Cub Master is Glen Belnap, 704-451-2136.
Boy Scout Troop 107 will resume Monday night meetings on September 14th. Meetings are from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at University Park Baptist Church. Contact Aaron McCoy at aaronmccoy@celgard.com for more information.
Bernie,
Open House Events Cub Scout Packs will be hosting Open House events at their meeting locations on August 27th beginning at 7pm. They will also be in certain CMS locations on September 10, 14, 17 and 24. We will have a list of those in our next newsletter.
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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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Back in the Day
Having trouble getting a good signal for your cell phone?
Think back to 1910 when privately-owned telephone lines were first strung into Derita. Each family had to furnish your own wire and poles, enough to reach from the last house to yours. You were also responsible for maintaining the line in case a storm blew it down.
They were wall phones, had a crank to ring up the Operator and a receiver. One long ring would get the Operator at the main office. Then she rang the number for you. Each person on this "party line" had a number of rings (long & short), so you counted rings to see if the call was for you or for someone else. There were up to 10 families on each line.
The last of these "County Lines" in Derita, as they were called, ran from Puckett's Store to McLaughlin's Store. It was finally removed May 5. 1960. City Phones had been in operation for more than 50 years.
--- a bit of local history from Mrs. Ona Welch Puckett
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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.
Also had some great looking yellow crook necked Squash ready to slice and fry up for supper. Pickling & Slicing Cucumbers are in and Peppers are available. Prices are extremely fair and quality is excellent.
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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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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.
No Meetings during July or August
Our Next meeting will be Sept. 14,
Guest Speaker: Simon Weber, Metrolina Speedway
We need more young men and women to join our Club. The Lions do a lot of good in this and other communities nationwide. Lions do more for the blind than anyone else.
We support Camp Dogwood (a summer camp program for the visually impaired) and the Deep Sea Fishing Tournament on the NC Outer Banks (VIP Tournament) for the Blind. More than 250 blind and visually impaired attend each October with more than 250 volunteers helping. It's becoming nationally recognized for the money we raise going to these projects . . . So when you see us out there raising money, that's where it goes. Since 1957, the Derita Lions Club has supported various projects both local and national. --- Howard Blackwelder, President
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As I Recall . . . memories of a local boy
Public Transportation? Back in the late 1950's, Jim, we had the Blue Goose bus that ran down Hwy 115 from Mooresville through Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Derita, and then on to the old Trailways Station on Trade St.. It came through Allen Hills (our largest subdivision at the time) and passed by my house on the gravel road.
Our housekeeper used it to arrive at work, and then to go home in the afternoon. I rode it on Saturdays to head downtown shopping. Pets weren't allowed, but once I packed my brand new Boxer puppy inside a cardboard box one Saturday. I was taking him to show my Grandma. It was like playing Wack-A-Mole trying to keep that puppy head from popping into sight. . . Don't Ask, Don't Tell . . . But I knew the bus driver was having a terrible time trying to keep from laughing as he watched me in the rear view mirror.
One of my favorite stops was WT Grants on North Tryon (about 3 doors up from The Carolina Theater. They always had dyed Chicks, Ducks, & Bunnies around Easter. The guinea pigs, painted turtles and gold fish the rest of the year. Throughout the year, Grants also had the model train stuff you could only find in the big window at Sears during the holidays. Spent much of my grocery store earnings there outfitting my own Plasticsville, USA. model train layout there.. Nothing quite so enticing at Woolworth's. I bought school & office supplies for my imaginary businesses there.
My favorite meal was found in the basement at Kress Co. on the Square. Always a long wait to get seated at the counter. Tried their burger, hot dog, and grilled ham & cheese . . . but there was nothing ever so good as their Homemade Vegetable Soup and fresh made corn sticks that tasted like they had been basted in salted butter.
Washed that down with a cold fountain Coke (heavy on the syrup) over crushed ice in a genuine Coca-Cola glass. Not the watery stuff you get at today's fast food places. ow!
And Yes, I ate at the Burger King on the Square. It was on West Trade St. in what had been the basement of Liggett Drug Store. After Church at Cole Memorial on Sundays, Mom & Dad would drop me off at the Square and I would have lunch at the drug store dining room. A hot, open faced turkey sandwich smothered in gravy, fresh cooked french fries, half a bottle of ketchup, a dab of cranberry sauce and a tall fountain Coca-Cola. Then I would head down the street to either the Imperial or Carolina Theater to catch the movie of the week. Always loved those Jordan Almond candies from the concession stand, but managed to save a few for Mom. They were her favorites, too.
Afterwards, I'd walk down Tryon Street all the way to Tenth St. My grandma lived three blocks over on Pine St. and I could call my folks from there. The route took me right by the comic book & News Stand at the Square, and I would often swing around the corner to stop in the old Dixie News Center, too. I walked, as I said, because I'd have plenty of reading material, but by then I'd be stone-cold broke.
Mom & Dad? Oh, they'd have lunch at the Ming Tree Restaurant on Providence Road just across from the Manor Theater. Dad & Phil DerYuen (the owner) were old school mates. (Always amazed me how many folks Dad knew from his school days. I couldn't even name half my graduating Class at North Meck). We went to The Ming Tree often
on weekends but usually well after the Church crowd. I loved the Chicken Chow Mein and the Almond Cookies. Mom, Dad and Phil just loved to sit and talk. . . Phil's folks ran The Oriental Restaurant downtown on West Trade St. next to the old S & W Cafeteria.
Across the street another block down was Delmonico's Restaurant. Mom used to work there as a waitress when she first came to Charlotte. She used to tell a lot of fun stories, but the one I remember best was about waiting on old Mr. Penny. . . Yeah, THAT Mr. Penny. Mom would always be stationed near the front, but he would always take a small
table at the rear of the restaurant and he would ask that she be the one to wait on him. It required some extra effort, but she always got a $5.00 tip (back when $5 was worth something). One time Mom asked why he always wanted her to wait on him. He replied, "Honey. . . I just like the way you walk!" I guess I should have thought, "What a dirty old man." But I've seen photos of my Mom back then, and she was HOT!
Because of the long hours Mom & Dad worked as grocers, we ate out some nights during the week. My favorite spots were The Copal Grill on Wilkinson Blvd. (Yeah, owner Gene Gulledge was another of Dad's old school buddies.) I loved their Turkey & Dressing made with sausage, the tangy Blue Cheese Dressing that Mr. Gulledge made up special, and
the complimentary cherry jello topped with whip cream, that came with every meal.
I loved going to The Chicken Box on Seigle Ave. Doris Arrington, one of my Mom's gal friends, ran the place and she would always take time out to come sit as visit us while we ate. Doris said that they shared an apartment next door in Piedmont Courts when Mom first came to Charlotte. Doris knew my brother, sister, aunts, and cousins --- She just had to ask about everyone of them. Such a sweet, wonderful lady. . . if she would only just stop pinching my cheeks.
Don't think that I ever knew Faye's last name. She always said, "Just call me Aunty Faye." But she managed the dinning room at the Elks Club, second floor at Stonewall & Trade. And yes, she had my number. . . A basket of fresh cooked french fries and a big bowl of Faye's homemade Tartar Sauce. Didn't know what cholesterol was back
then, though I doubt I'd have much cared. I have tried to duplicate Faye's recipe through the years, but the closest I've come has some sweet relish, a hint of sweet onion, some Miracle Whip, and a couple of spoonfuls of sugar. Oh, Man, what a treat.
Another favorite hotspot later on was Honey's Restaurant on Morehead St. The food wasn't that great, but folks loved to watch the teenagers drive their cars in that endless circle through the parking lot & drive-thru. Heck, after we finished eating, Dad insisted that we make a few loops in our car before we headed home to Derita.
Closer still to Derita, was the Hi-Boy Restaurant on North Graham Street near 36th Street. Nick & his brother had one of the few area restaurants open at night where working folks could go for a reasonable-priced supper. My favorite was the fried half chicken with fries and Greek slaw or tossed salad. Mouth-watering. They must have fried it in peanut oil. So tasty, it would have been a sin to use ketchup on it.
--- originally posted on Facebook: I am a native Charlottean, by Bernie Samonds
Reader Memories Requested
Didn't mention our hometown favorite, Roy's Grill or the Derita Branch Library that shared the same building on Hunter Ave. I'm hoping that some folks will email a note about Roy's, Johnny's Restaurant, and maybe even Waldrop's Grill on Statesville Ave.
--- email me at deritarep@aol.com
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Presenting a Newsletter within our Newsletter?
Hi,This is Rich Haag, with news about University City - specifically.
I hope you'll find this news worthwhile and pass it along to others.
ABOUT THE NEWELL FARMERS MARKET
Locally grown produce is at its peak right now at the Newell Farmers Market, open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at the dead-end of Rocky River Road (right across the train tracks from the Newell post office and convenience store).
Longtime Newell resident Nancy Newton and her grandson, Josh James, have operated the market all summer.
Getting to the market is a little tricky, since the state closed the Rocky River Road crossing. Heading southeast from Tryon Street, turn right (west) at the Rocky River Road traffic signal. The market is at the dead end.
OPEN HOUSE AUG. 9 FOR NEW COUNTRYSIDE MONTESSORI HIGH SCHOOL
Countryside Montessori invites the public to an open house for its upper-school building, 2-4 p.m. Aug. 9 at 4125 Johnston Oehler Road.
The new facility will house Countryside's middle- and high-school programs. Countryside is a non-secular, independent school that serves nearly 500 children at its campuses on Prosperity Church Road, Mallard Creek Road and, beginning this August, on Johnston Oehler Road. Learn more the Montessori philosophy, Countryside and the open house at www.countrysidemontessorischools.org or by calling 704-549-4253.
ABOUT RICH HAAG
This is my second informal newsletter. I have lived near UNCC since 1987 and started University City Magazine more than 20 years ago. These days I produce a twice-monthly business E-newsletter for University City Partners. Old habits die hard. I still like letting others know about good stuff going on.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY CITY PARTNERS E-NEWSLETTERS
University City Partners oversees a tax district that promotes our community's main business district. UCP sends out a brief newsletter every two to three weeks to keep people informed about their area. You can read most of the articles from past newsletters at www.UniversityCityPartners.org You also can sign up there to get the free e-newsletter. Thanks for reading all the way to the end.Rich Haag You can reach me at:thehaags@bellsouth.net980-875-7528
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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 GALOREemail. 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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Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. Poplar Springs has a few of the same problems as the other neighborhoods that you write about --- Cars parked on front lawns, rental houses that need work or yard work. Our Community Org (we’re not an HOA) has called 311 and Code Enforcement a number of times, but we aren’t seeing any results. When the City did nothing, neighbors paid their lawn care guy to cut the high grass and I paid my guy to rake and bag up the trimmings. Can you help us?
We channeled your request a little differently this time. City Councilman John Lassiter and Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess encouraged Staff to get in touch with you to discuss the full list of issues, and to explain what they can do to help. The Code Officer reported that grass was not in violation when the first calls were received, but that grass in the backyard (still uncut) was measured and found to be in violation.
We have also contacted both CMPD and Code Enforcement regarding rental properties on Statesville Road and Keith Drive. Sometimes 12-15 vehicles are parked on the lawn there. Household furnishings, etc, have been pushed to the curb and left sitting there for weeks with no indications it would be picked up. CMPD has responded, but we have had no reply from Code Enforcement.
Neighbors in Allen Hills have reported mattresses, furniture, assorted trash pushed to the
curb two weeks ago at 2645 Allen Road South in front of an empty house. As this newsletter
goes out, the pile spread out by roadside scavengers picking through it, still sits there in the
rain and wind.
No doubt all of these neighbors will be talking about this at the Allen Hills-Carrie Hills Community Meeting this Tuesday night, and as Candidates come before the whole Community for a Meet & Greet on August 20th asking for their vote.
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Q. I am a newly-elected HOA President in a neighborhood off Hubbard Road. This is my first time doing something like this and I’m anxious to do something that will make a difference. Probably less that 15% of the residents attended our General Meeting where I got elected (drafted) and our Treasurer says we don’t have a lot of money that we can spend. Any ideas?
First, let me say Thanks You for accepting the position, Too often it can be a Thankless job. I hope that you will be able to find supporters on your HOA Board and from your neighbors in general to plan some community-building events.
Chances are, because of your location & median income, that your neighborhood won’t be eligible for a Matching Funds Grant, but call Neighborhood Services (311) anyway. They have a number of other ways to assist you.
Studies show that block parties, neighborhood improvement projects, and fun social events --- all things that get people out of their houses, communicating and interacting with others can lead creating a more cooperative spirit. You don’t have to start big. I know a lady who invited a couple of families to her backyard for a cookout. Every family brought something, burgers were grilled, and the two visiting families volunteered to host on the succeeding months. It quickly grew into an every month block party --- an evening out with friends and Mom didn’t have to cook. Worked great until winter, but needed a jumpstart the following Spring.
At Poplar Springs and DeritaWoods/Tanglewood, residents hold a Back to School Cookout. Neighborhood leaders collect notebooks, filler paper, pens, pencils, crayons, etc. to give to the school-age children. Neighbors bring a covered dish. Burgers & hot dogs go on the grill, and a backyard or deadend street becomes Party Central.
Bible Baptist Church on Rumple Rd. was doing a yard clean-up last spring when a passerby stopped in on his way to Hemby Woods. A few minutes later, he had changed into work clothes at home, rounded up his kids, and returned to help “spruce up” the entrance road to his neighborhood.
The same thing often happens when a few neighbors decide to rejuvenate the HOA entranceway. Folks with green thumbs just tend to multiply when they see potting soil and flats of flowers.
Never quite understood how this works, but Neighbors in Kelsey Glen used to hold Bunco parties. I sat in on a small HOA meeting at Les Lemley’s house with probably a couple of dozen folks attending. Business matters were covered quickly and then the discussion turned to who would be hosting the next Bunco party. Apparently, it would likely draw an even bigger crowd of participants.
Above all, don’t get discouraged. Not every plan or project will click. Success grows when you continue to make the effort.
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Q. Silly Question . . . But do you work for a newspaper printer? --- Bonni Lee
About Bernie Samonds
Sorry, I've been at this so long that sometimes I forget that I sometimes need to introduce myself. I am a Charlotte native and have lived in Derita since 1952, ttended Derita, Statesville Rd. Elementary, JM Alexander Jr. High and North High.
I had done some freelance writing while in school and graduated UNC-Chapel Hill with a Journalism degree in 1969. The same week, I started as News Editor at The Mecklenburg Gazette in Davidson, a weekly serving North Meck, Derita and the growing University area. The job included editing area correspondent's copy, general reporting, writing a weekly column, stories & news items for the front page; news photography, ad sales, business printing sales, and readership development in the Derita-University area. In addition, I got a free after hours introduction to hot lead typesetting and offset printing in the Davidson Printing Co. backshop.
It was at The Gazette, I learned you never stand between two area correspondents fighting over who gets to do a wedding write-up (they got paid by the inch and weddings could fill up a page). Never use a flash when shooting photos at a fire (The firefighters have this thing about hosing down live electric wires and the camera flash seemed to startle them). You always shoot 4 - 5 frames when you do a group shot (Hopefully one of the pics will have all eyes open and all faces pointed in your direction.) And that news photos need to be shot vertical. (Only way to print a big picture, as 3 & 4 column space is rarely available.)
By 1970, I was just getting settled in good when Uncle Sam notified me that I had just won the Lottery --- one of the final 3 DRAFT lotteries. I joined the Navy instead. Was trained in Communications, but spent the four years editing newsletters, preparing publications, handbooks, and running Boy Scouting programs for dependent children in Spain & Washington, DC. I always get tickled over the Navy Senior Chief I had in D.C. He would tell me, “Samonds, write up exactly what it is that you and bring it to me, so that I can write up your Evals.”
From 1974 - 1986, I returned to Community journalism, publishing The Derita Reporter, but I found that “my pockets were not deep enough” to cover the demanding cash flow. Advertising was good, but not enough to cover the quality publication I wanted to produce. I got into commercial printing (business cards, letterheads, envelopes, flyers, multi-part forms, and high school football programs for both North Meck & Garinger) to help pay the bills.
For the past 9 years, this newsletter, written & published by me, for the Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization, has been a way to share news, issues, group & church notes with our neighbors. 3250+ emails are sent to subscribers from my ISP account. The email is then often forwarded within local HOA’s area businesses and government offices. It is posted on several websites and portions of it appear in other group newsletters.
It is offered free of charge, thanks to several local businesses (you’ve seen their business cards posted here) . . . and we invite you to share it ( Forward the email ) with others.
So yes, I do work for a print shop here in Derita, in Allen Hills. Derita Reporter Printing.
--- Bernie Samonds, President DSRCO
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Today's Funny
(From our FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)
THE FLAT TIRE
A motorist had a flat tire in front of an insane asylum. He took the wheel off, but when he stood up he tipped over the hubcap containing the bolts, spilling them all down a sewer drain.
A patient, looking through the fence, suggested that the man take one bolt from the remaining three wheels to hold the fourth wheel in place until he could get to a service station.
The motorist thanked his profusely and said, "I don't know why you are in that place."
The patient said, "I'm here for being crazy, not for being stupid."
--- submitted by Deborah Rowe
Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods)
helps make our work possible. We are grateful to the many individuals, families, neighborhoods,
HOA's, businesses, churches, and groups who provided us with operating funds this past year.
Our Thanks for the dues received this month from:
Margaret C. Wilmoth
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Act Now, Save Our Post Office
Derita Post Office, one of 5 that May Be Closed
WSOC-TV News broke the story Friday evening, that the Charlotte Postmaster had suggested consolidating or closing five area post offices as a cost-cutting effort. The other Charlotte offices are Eastway, Freedom, Arrowood Rd, and 30th St.
This is NOT because they aren't busy. Derita Station has some lengthy lines throughout the day, often stretching into the foyer during peak hours. It has two full-time counter persons, 1 part-time counter person, and another full-time counter person floating between Derita & David Cox. . . If anything, the Derita Post Office should be expanded.
Should the closure happen, nearly 800 PO Box Holders (their count) would have to go elsewhere to pickup their mail. That means a 3-mile trip out to David Cox and 3 miles back, ( That's right 6 miles round trip! ) or a long trip to North Tryon St., wherever that many boxes could be made available. The same for you folks who want to mail a package, buy stamps, purchase a money order, or drop a letter in the box.
David Cox is also where you will have to go sign for & pick up your registered or certified mail, or pickup packages that you were not at home to receive. . . 6 miles round trip.
Like I said, this is NOT about improving service for anyone, this is about cutting labor costs and benefits. Positions are being cut at stations all over town. Carriers are working overtime and fewer counter persons means longer a wait for service. . . Even as the Postal Service Governors make plans for the next postage rate increase.
Mail was first delivered to Derita in 1860 a couple of times each week. Amos Rumple operated the first post office here out of a bureau drawer in his home (where Derita Presbyterian Church now sits) and area residents would stop by his small store and cotton gin to pick up their mail. Rural routes were started here in 1907
With succeeding Postmasters (and one Post-Mistress for about 15 years), the Derita Post Office moved from place to place within the community, but most always near the railroad track, as mail bags arrived by train for many years. The
most recent move was from a tin roofed building on West Sugar Creek Road (where the African Trader is now), across the tracks to the current location which opened in 1961.
In 1975, there were 29 carrier routes serviced out of Derita station, with 46 employees. That was also the first time that the Charlotte Postmaster tried to shut us down. A new station was built on David Cox Rd. and PO Big Wigs even had the audacity to call it the "new Derita Station." The real Derita Station was closed for several months until enough pressure could be brought to bear that the current facility could be reopened as a Finance Station.
Derita Post Office is an important and vital part of what makes this a Community. It's one reason why we kept our named and identity while neighborhoods all around us have lost their's. When we look at all of the businesses, churches, groups, and individuals that have Post Office boxes there, having a Post Office here is more than a convenience, it's a necessity.
So how do we save it? You send letters ( and EMAILS! ) Now.
Write the "Postmaster, Charlotte, NC."
You can write a full letter to express your feelings, or you can simply say, "I am a Derita Postal Patron and I want the Derita Post Office to continue serving myself, my family, and my community." Be sure to sign the letter and state your
address to make it official.
Email the Postmaster
http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/escalate.jsp
They make it damned inconvenient to email them, but here's the buttons you click to get to a writeable screen . . . I wrote:
"As a Business Box Holder for more than two decades and a frequent patron at Derita Station (28221), I do not want to see this Post Office closed. Moving my box to David Cox Rd, or making the 6 mile trip there to purchase stamps, mail packages, or pickup registered & certified mail is NOT an option. Tens of thousands of people in this community rely on its continued operation. Please do not close it."
Click continue and the next page is set up to record your contact information. Be sure to click the box to receive an email reply from the Post Office.
Email Sue Myrick
http://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtml
or write her at: 230 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
Email our Mayor and Our City Council Members
Next to the banks, The City of Charlotte is probably one of the Post Office's biggest customers. They should have some clout with Charlotte Postmaster in saving our Derita Post Office.
lassiter@bellsouth.net, anthony@anthonyfoxx.com,
JamesDistrict2@aol.com, michael@barnesdistrict4.com,
SBurg346@aol.com, edwin@edwinpeacock.com
Act now! A decision will be reached by October this October
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DSRCO Community Calendar
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=149301710432&ref=mf
(Recent Newsletter Archive)
Tuesday, August 4th
National Night Out
Many of our Neighborhoods in our community will be observing the National Night Out this coming Tuesday evening.
Allen Hills-Carrie Hills will have its Crimewatch Meeting at Family Missionary Baptist Church, corner of Allen Rds S & E at 7pm.
Deritawoods/Tanglewood will be grilling hot dogs & hamburgers for their residents, enjoying the food, fellowship and fun at 3411 Cypress Pond Drive. CMPD Officers will be on hand to meet with residents.
National Night Out is a community-police partnership held the first Tuesday of every August since 1984 sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. It aims to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, and other anti-crime efforts. Initially communities held lights-on vigils. Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors 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, 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.
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.
Simon Weber of Metrolina Speedway will likely be meeting with us and we will be anxious to hear what progress has been made.
"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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Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9th
North Carolina Tax Free Weekend
on back-to-school items, clothing & some electronics. Watch for store ads.
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Saturday, August 8th
Hidden Valley National Night Out
The National Night Out Event for our youth here will 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
Mayoral & Council Candidates' Meet & Greet Forum
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church, West Sugar Creek Rd.
Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization will host an evening event for you to meet ALL of the candidates vying to become Charlotte's next Mayor; incumbents and challengers for Districts 2 & 4; and all of the At-Large Candidates for City Council.
Candidates for Mayor will begin speaking promptly at 7pm, with a brief Q & A session before a short break for refreshments and time for meeting one-on-one with all of the Candidates. This will be followed sessions with the District Candidates and then with the At-Large Candidates --- with each making a brief statement and then questions
from the floor.
This meeting is open to the Public and we encourage you to meet these Candidates before the Primary Election.
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Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Mecklenburg County Primary Elections
Polls open at 6:30 am -- Close at 7
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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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What your Neighbors are saying:
Battered by the storm?
Fire Captain Rob Brisley says Your Charlotte FF's, Police, and Medic were rocking last Tuesday night with the storm. CFD ran over 115 calls for service in a 90 minute window, and counting. So if you must travel us bad weather, exercise caution. If the Road is Flooded “Turn Around Don’t Drown”
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Re: Illegal Traffic Moves on West Sugar Creek Rd.
Last newsletter, you mentioned the Rumple Road area of Sugar Creek where it narrows. Not only do they do U-turns, but they just plow straight ahead. I have had them try and force me into oncoming traffic several times.
When (State) Trooper Benge lived next door he sat there a lot and gave tickets. Gave the same woman a ticket for that stunt two weeks in a row. He said the city won’t bother and I have never seen a city police car sitting there. But I have seen them at the light ignoring those who go straight from the right hand lane. Buses are bad about that also. Just something to pass on. I have complained to the city about it and asked that they put a concrete divider where the lines are, but I was told lines were all they could do. --- Paula Veazie, Kelsey Glen --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derita --- Center of the Universe?
WCNC.com weather map. Does it list Myers Park? No. University City? No. NoDa? No. Derita? YES! http://www.wcnc.com/weather...
--- Visit Derita, on Twitter
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Remembering the old Metrolina Speedway
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=46339680324#/photo.php?pid=30100821&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=46339680324&aid=-1&id=1492664638&oid=46339680324
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Latino Festival Noise Carried A Long Way
Just wanted you to know that we could hear the “festival” at Metrolina last Sunday clear over hear at Kelsey Glen. We have heard the racing when they had that a few years ago. I hope these new people really can do something about the noise or is going to be very bad for our property values. --- Concerned, Hubbard Rd.
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Thanks, we received several emails from upset neighbors about the noise and the carnival atmosphere. Don't know that anyone called 911 to get an Officer to check noise level, but that probably only applies after 10 pm.
The important point that needs to be made is that this WAS NOT an event staged by the Metrolina Investment Group, who are building the new Speedway. This was an event hosted by Metrolina Expo and they let it be known that they will continue to operate and do not plan on closing down.
--- Bernie Samonds, DSRCO
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Neighbors speak out about the Post Office:
On Closing the Derita Post Office
One of those box holders would be ME and ConCarolinas. It's a perfect location for the con chair and me both to be able to run by. And why the heck they'd close a BUSY station is beyond me. Plus it will only INCREASE traffic on WT Harris and Mallard Creek, etc, as well as making life that much MORE difficult for us citizens. One issue they should look at is: where are the post offices NORTH of I-85?
What they won't think of next to make our lives more difficult! Feel free to share any of my comments with whomever you think it will help to hear them.
--- Mary K, Royal Oaks Neighborhood -------------------------------------------------------
I remember they tried to close the Derita PO years ago and a petition was circulated. It must have worked!
The David Cox PO is a mess. The grounds are not kept up and the trash is always overflowing. I’d rather lose Saturday mail delivery than our little post office.
--- Deborah Rowe, Nevin===================================
Scouting Join-Up Nights
Cub Scout Pack 13 will be recruiting at University City United Methodist Church, Thursday August 27 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Worship Center Hospitality Suite. Cub Scouts is a family and home centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Boys who are in the first grade or 7 years old may join as Tiger Cubs. Cub Master is Glen Belnap, 704-451-2136.
Boy Scout Troop 107 will resume Monday night meetings on September 14th. Meetings are from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at University Park Baptist Church. Contact Aaron McCoy at aaronmccoy@celgard.com for more information.
Bernie,
Open House Events Cub Scout Packs will be hosting Open House events at their meeting locations on August 27th beginning at 7pm. They will also be in certain CMS locations on September 10, 14, 17 and 24. We will have a list of those in our next newsletter.
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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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Back in the Day
Having trouble getting a good signal for your cell phone?
Think back to 1910 when privately-owned telephone lines were first strung into Derita. Each family had to furnish your own wire and poles, enough to reach from the last house to yours. You were also responsible for maintaining the line in case a storm blew it down.
They were wall phones, had a crank to ring up the Operator and a receiver. One long ring would get the Operator at the main office. Then she rang the number for you. Each person on this "party line" had a number of rings (long & short), so you counted rings to see if the call was for you or for someone else. There were up to 10 families on each line.
The last of these "County Lines" in Derita, as they were called, ran from Puckett's Store to McLaughlin's Store. It was finally removed May 5. 1960. City Phones had been in operation for more than 50 years.
--- a bit of local history from Mrs. Ona Welch Puckett
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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.
Also had some great looking yellow crook necked Squash ready to slice and fry up for supper. Pickling & Slicing Cucumbers are in and Peppers are available. Prices are extremely fair and quality is excellent.
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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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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.
No Meetings during July or August
Our Next meeting will be Sept. 14,
Guest Speaker: Simon Weber, Metrolina Speedway
We need more young men and women to join our Club. The Lions do a lot of good in this and other communities nationwide. Lions do more for the blind than anyone else.
We support Camp Dogwood (a summer camp program for the visually impaired) and the Deep Sea Fishing Tournament on the NC Outer Banks (VIP Tournament) for the Blind. More than 250 blind and visually impaired attend each October with more than 250 volunteers helping. It's becoming nationally recognized for the money we raise going to these projects . . . So when you see us out there raising money, that's where it goes. Since 1957, the Derita Lions Club has supported various projects both local and national. --- Howard Blackwelder, President
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As I Recall . . . memories of a local boy
Public Transportation? Back in the late 1950's, Jim, we had the Blue Goose bus that ran down Hwy 115 from Mooresville through Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Derita, and then on to the old Trailways Station on Trade St.. It came through Allen Hills (our largest subdivision at the time) and passed by my house on the gravel road.
Our housekeeper used it to arrive at work, and then to go home in the afternoon. I rode it on Saturdays to head downtown shopping. Pets weren't allowed, but once I packed my brand new Boxer puppy inside a cardboard box one Saturday. I was taking him to show my Grandma. It was like playing Wack-A-Mole trying to keep that puppy head from popping into sight. . . Don't Ask, Don't Tell . . . But I knew the bus driver was having a terrible time trying to keep from laughing as he watched me in the rear view mirror.
One of my favorite stops was WT Grants on North Tryon (about 3 doors up from The Carolina Theater. They always had dyed Chicks, Ducks, & Bunnies around Easter. The guinea pigs, painted turtles and gold fish the rest of the year. Throughout the year, Grants also had the model train stuff you could only find in the big window at Sears during the holidays. Spent much of my grocery store earnings there outfitting my own Plasticsville, USA. model train layout there.. Nothing quite so enticing at Woolworth's. I bought school & office supplies for my imaginary businesses there.
My favorite meal was found in the basement at Kress Co. on the Square. Always a long wait to get seated at the counter. Tried their burger, hot dog, and grilled ham & cheese . . . but there was nothing ever so good as their Homemade Vegetable Soup and fresh made corn sticks that tasted like they had been basted in salted butter.
Washed that down with a cold fountain Coke (heavy on the syrup) over crushed ice in a genuine Coca-Cola glass. Not the watery stuff you get at today's fast food places. ow!
And Yes, I ate at the Burger King on the Square. It was on West Trade St. in what had been the basement of Liggett Drug Store. After Church at Cole Memorial on Sundays, Mom & Dad would drop me off at the Square and I would have lunch at the drug store dining room. A hot, open faced turkey sandwich smothered in gravy, fresh cooked french fries, half a bottle of ketchup, a dab of cranberry sauce and a tall fountain Coca-Cola. Then I would head down the street to either the Imperial or Carolina Theater to catch the movie of the week. Always loved those Jordan Almond candies from the concession stand, but managed to save a few for Mom. They were her favorites, too.
Afterwards, I'd walk down Tryon Street all the way to Tenth St. My grandma lived three blocks over on Pine St. and I could call my folks from there. The route took me right by the comic book & News Stand at the Square, and I would often swing around the corner to stop in the old Dixie News Center, too. I walked, as I said, because I'd have plenty of reading material, but by then I'd be stone-cold broke.
Mom & Dad? Oh, they'd have lunch at the Ming Tree Restaurant on Providence Road just across from the Manor Theater. Dad & Phil DerYuen (the owner) were old school mates. (Always amazed me how many folks Dad knew from his school days. I couldn't even name half my graduating Class at North Meck). We went to The Ming Tree often
on weekends but usually well after the Church crowd. I loved the Chicken Chow Mein and the Almond Cookies. Mom, Dad and Phil just loved to sit and talk. . . Phil's folks ran The Oriental Restaurant downtown on West Trade St. next to the old S & W Cafeteria.
Across the street another block down was Delmonico's Restaurant. Mom used to work there as a waitress when she first came to Charlotte. She used to tell a lot of fun stories, but the one I remember best was about waiting on old Mr. Penny. . . Yeah, THAT Mr. Penny. Mom would always be stationed near the front, but he would always take a small
table at the rear of the restaurant and he would ask that she be the one to wait on him. It required some extra effort, but she always got a $5.00 tip (back when $5 was worth something). One time Mom asked why he always wanted her to wait on him. He replied, "Honey. . . I just like the way you walk!" I guess I should have thought, "What a dirty old man." But I've seen photos of my Mom back then, and she was HOT!
Because of the long hours Mom & Dad worked as grocers, we ate out some nights during the week. My favorite spots were The Copal Grill on Wilkinson Blvd. (Yeah, owner Gene Gulledge was another of Dad's old school buddies.) I loved their Turkey & Dressing made with sausage, the tangy Blue Cheese Dressing that Mr. Gulledge made up special, and
the complimentary cherry jello topped with whip cream, that came with every meal.
I loved going to The Chicken Box on Seigle Ave. Doris Arrington, one of my Mom's gal friends, ran the place and she would always take time out to come sit as visit us while we ate. Doris said that they shared an apartment next door in Piedmont Courts when Mom first came to Charlotte. Doris knew my brother, sister, aunts, and cousins --- She just had to ask about everyone of them. Such a sweet, wonderful lady. . . if she would only just stop pinching my cheeks.
Don't think that I ever knew Faye's last name. She always said, "Just call me Aunty Faye." But she managed the dinning room at the Elks Club, second floor at Stonewall & Trade. And yes, she had my number. . . A basket of fresh cooked french fries and a big bowl of Faye's homemade Tartar Sauce. Didn't know what cholesterol was back
then, though I doubt I'd have much cared. I have tried to duplicate Faye's recipe through the years, but the closest I've come has some sweet relish, a hint of sweet onion, some Miracle Whip, and a couple of spoonfuls of sugar. Oh, Man, what a treat.
Another favorite hotspot later on was Honey's Restaurant on Morehead St. The food wasn't that great, but folks loved to watch the teenagers drive their cars in that endless circle through the parking lot & drive-thru. Heck, after we finished eating, Dad insisted that we make a few loops in our car before we headed home to Derita.
Closer still to Derita, was the Hi-Boy Restaurant on North Graham Street near 36th Street. Nick & his brother had one of the few area restaurants open at night where working folks could go for a reasonable-priced supper. My favorite was the fried half chicken with fries and Greek slaw or tossed salad. Mouth-watering. They must have fried it in peanut oil. So tasty, it would have been a sin to use ketchup on it.
--- originally posted on Facebook: I am a native Charlottean, by Bernie Samonds
Reader Memories Requested
Didn't mention our hometown favorite, Roy's Grill or the Derita Branch Library that shared the same building on Hunter Ave. I'm hoping that some folks will email a note about Roy's, Johnny's Restaurant, and maybe even Waldrop's Grill on Statesville Ave.
--- email me at deritarep@aol.com
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Presenting a Newsletter within our Newsletter?
Hi,This is Rich Haag, with news about University City - specifically.
I hope you'll find this news worthwhile and pass it along to others.
ABOUT THE NEWELL FARMERS MARKET
Locally grown produce is at its peak right now at the Newell Farmers Market, open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at the dead-end of Rocky River Road (right across the train tracks from the Newell post office and convenience store).
Longtime Newell resident Nancy Newton and her grandson, Josh James, have operated the market all summer.
Getting to the market is a little tricky, since the state closed the Rocky River Road crossing. Heading southeast from Tryon Street, turn right (west) at the Rocky River Road traffic signal. The market is at the dead end.
OPEN HOUSE AUG. 9 FOR NEW COUNTRYSIDE MONTESSORI HIGH SCHOOL
Countryside Montessori invites the public to an open house for its upper-school building, 2-4 p.m. Aug. 9 at 4125 Johnston Oehler Road.
The new facility will house Countryside's middle- and high-school programs. Countryside is a non-secular, independent school that serves nearly 500 children at its campuses on Prosperity Church Road, Mallard Creek Road and, beginning this August, on Johnston Oehler Road. Learn more the Montessori philosophy, Countryside and the open house at www.countrysidemontessorischools.org or by calling 704-549-4253.
ABOUT RICH HAAG
This is my second informal newsletter. I have lived near UNCC since 1987 and started University City Magazine more than 20 years ago. These days I produce a twice-monthly business E-newsletter for University City Partners. Old habits die hard. I still like letting others know about good stuff going on.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY CITY PARTNERS E-NEWSLETTERS
University City Partners oversees a tax district that promotes our community's main business district. UCP sends out a brief newsletter every two to three weeks to keep people informed about their area. You can read most of the articles from past newsletters at www.UniversityCityPartners.org You also can sign up there to get the free e-newsletter. Thanks for reading all the way to the end.Rich Haag You can reach me at:thehaags@bellsouth.net980-875-7528
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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 GALOREemail. 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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Your Questions and Some Answers
Q. Poplar Springs has a few of the same problems as the other neighborhoods that you write about --- Cars parked on front lawns, rental houses that need work or yard work. Our Community Org (we’re not an HOA) has called 311 and Code Enforcement a number of times, but we aren’t seeing any results. When the City did nothing, neighbors paid their lawn care guy to cut the high grass and I paid my guy to rake and bag up the trimmings. Can you help us?
We channeled your request a little differently this time. City Councilman John Lassiter and Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess encouraged Staff to get in touch with you to discuss the full list of issues, and to explain what they can do to help. The Code Officer reported that grass was not in violation when the first calls were received, but that grass in the backyard (still uncut) was measured and found to be in violation.
We have also contacted both CMPD and Code Enforcement regarding rental properties on Statesville Road and Keith Drive. Sometimes 12-15 vehicles are parked on the lawn there. Household furnishings, etc, have been pushed to the curb and left sitting there for weeks with no indications it would be picked up. CMPD has responded, but we have had no reply from Code Enforcement.
Neighbors in Allen Hills have reported mattresses, furniture, assorted trash pushed to the
curb two weeks ago at 2645 Allen Road South in front of an empty house. As this newsletter
goes out, the pile spread out by roadside scavengers picking through it, still sits there in the
rain and wind.
No doubt all of these neighbors will be talking about this at the Allen Hills-Carrie Hills Community Meeting this Tuesday night, and as Candidates come before the whole Community for a Meet & Greet on August 20th asking for their vote.
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Q. I am a newly-elected HOA President in a neighborhood off Hubbard Road. This is my first time doing something like this and I’m anxious to do something that will make a difference. Probably less that 15% of the residents attended our General Meeting where I got elected (drafted) and our Treasurer says we don’t have a lot of money that we can spend. Any ideas?
First, let me say Thanks You for accepting the position, Too often it can be a Thankless job. I hope that you will be able to find supporters on your HOA Board and from your neighbors in general to plan some community-building events.
Chances are, because of your location & median income, that your neighborhood won’t be eligible for a Matching Funds Grant, but call Neighborhood Services (311) anyway. They have a number of other ways to assist you.
Studies show that block parties, neighborhood improvement projects, and fun social events --- all things that get people out of their houses, communicating and interacting with others can lead creating a more cooperative spirit. You don’t have to start big. I know a lady who invited a couple of families to her backyard for a cookout. Every family brought something, burgers were grilled, and the two visiting families volunteered to host on the succeeding months. It quickly grew into an every month block party --- an evening out with friends and Mom didn’t have to cook. Worked great until winter, but needed a jumpstart the following Spring.
At Poplar Springs and DeritaWoods/Tanglewood, residents hold a Back to School Cookout. Neighborhood leaders collect notebooks, filler paper, pens, pencils, crayons, etc. to give to the school-age children. Neighbors bring a covered dish. Burgers & hot dogs go on the grill, and a backyard or deadend street becomes Party Central.
Bible Baptist Church on Rumple Rd. was doing a yard clean-up last spring when a passerby stopped in on his way to Hemby Woods. A few minutes later, he had changed into work clothes at home, rounded up his kids, and returned to help “spruce up” the entrance road to his neighborhood.
The same thing often happens when a few neighbors decide to rejuvenate the HOA entranceway. Folks with green thumbs just tend to multiply when they see potting soil and flats of flowers.
Never quite understood how this works, but Neighbors in Kelsey Glen used to hold Bunco parties. I sat in on a small HOA meeting at Les Lemley’s house with probably a couple of dozen folks attending. Business matters were covered quickly and then the discussion turned to who would be hosting the next Bunco party. Apparently, it would likely draw an even bigger crowd of participants.
Above all, don’t get discouraged. Not every plan or project will click. Success grows when you continue to make the effort.
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Q. Silly Question . . . But do you work for a newspaper printer? --- Bonni Lee
About Bernie Samonds
Sorry, I've been at this so long that sometimes I forget that I sometimes need to introduce myself. I am a Charlotte native and have lived in Derita since 1952, ttended Derita, Statesville Rd. Elementary, JM Alexander Jr. High and North High.
I had done some freelance writing while in school and graduated UNC-Chapel Hill with a Journalism degree in 1969. The same week, I started as News Editor at The Mecklenburg Gazette in Davidson, a weekly serving North Meck, Derita and the growing University area. The job included editing area correspondent's copy, general reporting, writing a weekly column, stories & news items for the front page; news photography, ad sales, business printing sales, and readership development in the Derita-University area. In addition, I got a free after hours introduction to hot lead typesetting and offset printing in the Davidson Printing Co. backshop.
It was at The Gazette, I learned you never stand between two area correspondents fighting over who gets to do a wedding write-up (they got paid by the inch and weddings could fill up a page). Never use a flash when shooting photos at a fire (The firefighters have this thing about hosing down live electric wires and the camera flash seemed to startle them). You always shoot 4 - 5 frames when you do a group shot (Hopefully one of the pics will have all eyes open and all faces pointed in your direction.) And that news photos need to be shot vertical. (Only way to print a big picture, as 3 & 4 column space is rarely available.)
By 1970, I was just getting settled in good when Uncle Sam notified me that I had just won the Lottery --- one of the final 3 DRAFT lotteries. I joined the Navy instead. Was trained in Communications, but spent the four years editing newsletters, preparing publications, handbooks, and running Boy Scouting programs for dependent children in Spain & Washington, DC. I always get tickled over the Navy Senior Chief I had in D.C. He would tell me, “Samonds, write up exactly what it is that you and bring it to me, so that I can write up your Evals.”
From 1974 - 1986, I returned to Community journalism, publishing The Derita Reporter, but I found that “my pockets were not deep enough” to cover the demanding cash flow. Advertising was good, but not enough to cover the quality publication I wanted to produce. I got into commercial printing (business cards, letterheads, envelopes, flyers, multi-part forms, and high school football programs for both North Meck & Garinger) to help pay the bills.
For the past 9 years, this newsletter, written & published by me, for the Derita-Statesville Road Community Organization, has been a way to share news, issues, group & church notes with our neighbors. 3250+ emails are sent to subscribers from my ISP account. The email is then often forwarded within local HOA’s area businesses and government offices. It is posted on several websites and portions of it appear in other group newsletters.
It is offered free of charge, thanks to several local businesses (you’ve seen their business cards posted here) . . . and we invite you to share it ( Forward the email ) with others.
So yes, I do work for a print shop here in Derita, in Allen Hills. Derita Reporter Printing.
--- Bernie Samonds, President DSRCO
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Today's Funny
(From our FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail)
THE FLAT TIRE
A motorist had a flat tire in front of an insane asylum. He took the wheel off, but when he stood up he tipped over the hubcap containing the bolts, spilling them all down a sewer drain.
A patient, looking through the fence, suggested that the man take one bolt from the remaining three wheels to hold the fourth wheel in place until he could get to a service station.
The motorist thanked his profusely and said, "I don't know why you are in that place."
The patient said, "I'm here for being crazy, not for being stupid."
--- submitted by Deborah Rowe
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