Derita/Statesville Rd. Comm. Org.

March 31, 2008

Apr 05, 2008

DSRCO PO Box 26382 CHARLOTTE, NC 28221
Your Voluntary Annual Membership ($10 for families; $20 for businesses, groups, neighborhoods)
helps make our work possible. Our 2008 membership drive is currently in progress.

Melvene Dowell
James & Pamela Garrison
Wayne L. Henderson
William & Bonne McCoy
Frank & Nancy Newton

Harrington Woods Homeowners Association
Joan's Designer Wallcoverings
Oak Grove United Methodist Church

Since our last email, these folks have joined or renewed their membership for 2008.
We appreciate Your Support and hope to hear from Others, too.
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DSRCO Community Calendar
http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/diary.html

Tuesday, April 1st
Allen Hills - Carrie Hills Neighborhood Mtg.
7pm, Christian Family Missionary Baptist Church, Allen Rd. South
Crime Watch Meeting and Community Updates. Info about recent break-ins
in nearby neighborhoods and how we need to get prepared. Pass this word to
your next door neighbors & down the street. We need to take action now
before the Summer Break-in Season hit us. ---- Sylvia Cannon,
Allen Hills-Carrie Hills CrimeWatch
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Sunday, April 6th
Amazing Grass: 2nd Annual Bluegrass Communion Service
Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, 3501 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
Back for a second year by popular demand is our Bluegrass Communion Sunday,
scheduled for morning worship at 10:55 am. Get out your denim and get ready
for a toe-tapping service of worship featuring service music and hymns in down-
home bluegrass style. We will be breaking out the fiddles, wash tub bass, banjo
and the like for this special service.
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Thursday, April 10th
8th Annual Fried Chicken Dinner
Derita Masonic Lodge #715, 6300 Rumple Rd. (behind CMS Alternative School)
11am - 6pm, Eat In or Take Out. $7.00 per plate
Local Delivery on 10 plates or more --- 704 596-0423
Benefits the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, NC
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Thursday, April 17th
DSRCO Business & Service Providers Breakfast
7:30am, Sugar's Family Restaurant, W Sugar Creek at I-85

Breakfast meetings are held 7:30am, 3rd Thursday of the month --- drop-in
format for those who have to eat and dash; networking opportunities with
other business people in our Community and a way to let folks know what
services ARE available. No fees, come share a few minutes with us.

PS. Sugar's Restaurant has arranged a "$2.89 Breakfast Special" for us
that you're sure to enjoy.
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To be added to our FREE Businesses & Services Email List, send a request
to deritarep@aol.com
Thursday, April 17th
Delicious Chicken Barbeque Lunch
11am - 2pm, Oak Grove United Methodist Church
6400 Old Statesville Rd. 704 596-4084

Looking for a great home cooked meal at a fantastic price?
$6 plate includes: 1/2 chicken, slaw, baked beans and bread.
The United Methodist Men do this right, but don't wait too late. Those of us
who make this stop a tradition know to come early and bring our appetite.

Eat in or take out. Think ahead and buy extras to serve for supper.
You won't be disappointed.
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Thursday, April 17th
DSRCO Neighborhood Leaders Meeting
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church on West Sugar Creek Rd.
Issues of concern to the Community, Discussion and Planning.
This meeting is open to the public.

http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/pact.html Recent Newsletters
http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/diary.html Community Calendar
============================================

Saturday, April 19th
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
The recreation ministry of Northside Baptist Church will host ?“Share the Rock?”
beginning at 8 am. Participation is free with prizes for winning teams and t-shirts
for all players. Guest speaker will be John Zeller from SCORE International and
chaplain for the NY Yankees minor league affiliate. Those interested may put
together their own team with 4 players per team. Players must be ages 16 and up,
and teams will be divided into ?“A?” and ?“B?” divisions. For signing up a team or for
further information contact Steven Stinson at 704.602.2214. All participants must
be registered by April 16. Northside is located at 333 Jeremiah Blvd., near the
Sugar Creek exit off of I-85.
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Saturday, April 19th
Poplar Springs Neighborhood Organization
Next meeting: 12:15 pm in Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall.

Attention Poplar Spring Neighbors, a few residents have been ticketed for parking cars
in the wrong direction in front of their homes. Please make sure you park correctly and
your auto isn't parked on front lawn.
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Sunday, April 20th
AVATAR In Concert !
Unity Center for Spiritual Living, 7300 Mallard Creek Road
Special Music and Workshop/Concert,1-3PM
http://avatarpozmusic.com/ for more informations about this fantastic musical group
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Sunday, April 20th
Spring Fling Tea Elegant Victorian Style
including 3 courses: Savory, Scone, Sweet
Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, 3501 West W.T. Harris Blvd, 1:30 pm
to 3:30 pm, The Gathering Room. A love offering of $15 is suggested will all
proceeds going to youth activities. Advanced reservations needed by April 13th.
Sign up by email at tealadyKay@carolina.rr.com
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Sunday, April 20th
NorthEast Coalition Meeting
3pm, University City Regional Library (WT Harris Blvd).

Please save the date for a special invitation to wish Chief Stephens, who is retiring
fond farewell. Also joining the Chief will be 2 police captains for a brief discussion.
Any and all questions should be forwarded to Claire Green-Fallon on 704-596-8288
or cgftjf@aol.com

http://hometown.aol.com/deritapolitics/myhomepage/politics.html
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Sunday, April 20th
Community Seder Supper
Northside Baptist Church will celebrate a Seder Supper on at 6:00 pm. This
celebration of the Old Testament Holy Day will be led by Frank Shimkus with
worship music led by Messianic Jew, Josh Manarchuck. The Northside church
family invites all friends and neighbors to join us for this meaningful observance as
we learn of the beautiful pictures of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ that are a part
of this Jewish feast. Northside is located at 333 Jeremiah Blvd., near the Sugar
Creek exit off of I-85.
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April 4th, 5th, 7th at 7pm, and April 6th, 2pm
THE MOSES CODE
Unity Center for Spiritual Living, 7300 Mallard Creek Road
Thirty-five hundred years ago God gave Moses a gift that changed the world. Some
of the most incredible miracles in history came from applying a simple code, activating
the power of the creative force of God in the world. This ancient technology has largely
been lost or ignored since then, only to be revealed once again through this movie and
book. This code, if finally applied by humanity, has the power to transform the planet,
as well as add the richest blessings to your own life.

Some of the best known spiritual teachers in the world join James Twyman in this
film, offering tools on how you can apply the Moses Code to your own life. This is
the foundation upon which the Law of Attraction is built. The film focuses on the
power of "Soul Manifestation," drawing upon your own innate spiritual connection
to produce miracles everywhere you go. Many other films and books have focused
on using the Law of Attraction to "get" the things we believe we need, eg. houses,
cars or other goods. The Moses Code takes the next much more important step:
how do we use this law to "give" from our soul, automatically attracting spiritual
blessings into our lives. For information call: 704-599-2056 revjulie3@carolina.rr.com
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April 25th and 26th at 7pm, and April 27th at 2pm
TIMEWAVE 2013
Unity Center for Spiritual Living, 7300 Mallard Creek Road

?“Timewave 2013 is a powerful and poignant film with a deep spiritual and intellectual
message. It offers insight into the turbulent and transformative nature of the times
in which we are living as well as hope for the future of humanity.?” The new millennium
has proven to be the next ?“age of enlightenment.?” Everywhere you look, fascinating
ideas are being presented and old standards are being challenged. While firmly
based in a rich perspective on our past history, and a new understanding of the nature
of the times we live in, Timewave 2013 offers a clear, yet positive vision of what is to
come. For information call: 704-599-2056 or email - revjulie3@carolina.rr.com
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Sunday, April 27th
?“Dr. Newheart?’s Neck-Up Check-Up?”
A musical by the children of Northside Baptist Church will be presented on at 6 pm.
In this lively presentation Dr. Newheart gives the kids a biblical perspective on how
God would have us use our eyes, ears, mouth, neck and mind. Northside is located
at 333 Jeremiah Blvd., near the Sugar Creek exit off of I-85.
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Saturday, May 3rd
United Methodist Women's Annual Attic Sale
7am ?– 1pm. Cole Memorial United Methodist Church, on the corner of Sugar Creek
and Mineral Springs Rds, Lots of clothing, furniture, sports equipment, seasonal
items, jewelry, tools and plenty of knick-knacks.

Please come and buy the perfect treasure. Please direct questions to Gloria Lacey
at 704-596-4937. Donations welcome!
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The Derita Lions Club Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays
7pm at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
for a dinner meeting and interesting program.

The Derita Lions are actively seeking new members. For information, pls call
Jim Hunter (704 597-5983) or Ed Davis (704 596-1420)

April 14th --- Our Speaker is a representative from the Veterans' Administration
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Each Thursday, 11am - 2pm
Delicious, Economical Hot Dog Lunch
Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6440 Old Statesville Rd. serves a
weekly Hot Dog Lunch. Drop in, eat in or take out. Your choice of trimmings.
Home made desserts. Weekly specials often include homemade soups,
barbecue sandwiches, brunswick stew, pinto beans and cornbread..
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What your Neighbors are saying:

Re: Suspicious Young Man Knocking on Doors (Devongate)
I just want to say thank you Bernie for sending out these types of notices. It really
helps to keep me aware of what is going on in our community and helps remind
me to be much more aware of my surroundings. Thanks again and keep up the
good work. --- Resident, General?’s Point Neighborhood
-------------------------------------
Capt. Andy Leonard (North Division) writes:
This is the type of call we need to go to 911 not 311.
This is a suspicious person on scene and we need an officer to check
the person out BEFORE a potential crime happens.
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Re: Canker Worm Spraying Safe & Soon
This same BT works on Japanese Beetles as well. So those should be reduced
in population also. --- Lewis Guignard

Don't Remove Tree Bands Just Yet.
Just a reminder to our neighbors who band their trees. Contrary to what it says
on the CharMeck website, the tree bands should NOT be removed the second
week in February. Leave the bands on until the caterpillars have stopped feeding.
The reason for this is that when it rains, the caterpillars are knocked to the ground.
Many times, their silk lines will break and they must re-climb the trees. Leaving
the bands on will trap them. I typically snare half as many in the Spring as I do
in the Fall. --- Doug Hanks, Allen Hills
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Re: Land being cleared on Oneida Rd. (off N Graham St)
I am on your email lists, a resident of Allen Hills and also a Realtor with the Allen
Tate Company. I was able to gather some information about the parcel in the
bend of Oneida Rd that is currently being cleared for construction:

Oneida-Russo LLC owns the parcel (04518102) and Oneida Subdivision was
approved looks like back in 2003. I have attached the subdivision map ?– looks
like townhouses, it?’s zoned R12 MF. Not sure if they will be for sale or rent.
I will try to get more information. Thanks for the great service you provide!
--- Theresa McDonald www.theresamcdonald.com
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Re: A Message from Councilman Michael Barnes
Councilman, We appreciate the update. Sounds like you're definitely doing the
right things. :-) --- Marguerite Cooke, Neal - Mineral Springs Rd.

Councilman, Please keep up the good work in preventing more starter home
neighborhoods and apartments in UC. We are saturated and we are fed up.
For those of us who chose to move here 18 years or more ago, we moved here
for the safety, peace and quiet. We have seen our beautiful area steadily decline.
There should be just as many starter homes built in the Southeast as the Northeast.
Why are we getting the "short end of the stick?" Please argue this and pull us
in for support. --- Donna W. Ratcliffe, Harrington Woods Homeowners Association
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Re: Bus Service in Hunter Acres
CATS representative Pamela Seward who has promised to re-assess the situation
and get back to me. We went over several situations here in Hunter Acres, mainly
distance to bus stop, and danger of walking on either Sugar Creek or Gibbon Road.
I will continue to pursue this matter, as I feel we in this area deserve bus service as
we pay the same taxes as other area. --- Elizabeth Winters, Hunter Acres

Elizabeth,
I will follow-up with Pamela on Monday prior to the City Council meeting about the
new bus service in Hunter Acres. Thank you for leadership in providing bus service
to the community. --- James Mitchell, Jr - City Council District 2

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Re: FREE Friday Morning Funny Mail
I don't know where you find all of these. Good jump start for the day.
Have a great weekend. --- Nancy Newton, Newell

Glad you enjoy them. Most of the jokes, cartoons and funny pictures are sent in
by our Funny Mail readers. That means we get some of the newest and funniest
stuff for each Friday morning edition. Again, it's Free! You just have to request it.
Send me an email at deritarep@aol.com --- Bernie
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Thanks!
Just wanted to say THANKS to DSRCO for all you've done for Oak Grove UMC
and the surrounding community --- Kathy Phillips, Poplar Springs

Here's our Annual Dues. Thanks for sharing your time and information with the
Community --- Harrington Woods Homeowner's Association, Inc.
Tim Stokes, President
Ron Carter, VP ACC
Donna Ratcliffe, Treasurer
Songhai Deveaux, Secretary
Jonathan McLean, VP Social Committee
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Dispatch to City Employees

CANKER WORM SPRAY -- Is Safe & Will Be Soon
Within the next two weeks, the City of Charlotte will be conducting an aerial spray to control the cankerworm population. The spray will cover approximately 63,000 acres. A map of the spraying area is located on our website: cankerworm.charmeck.org. In addition to the map, the website contains a list of frequently asked questions and answers and a brief history of the cankerworm problem in Charlotte.

As City employees, we wanted to ensure you had the necessary information to answer basic questions you might get from residents. Here are the facts:

The product, Foray 48B, is not a chemical insecticide. It contains Bacillus thuringiensis which is commonly referred to as Bt. This material is a naturally occurring organism that is already present in our environment.

In order to be effective, Bt must be ingested by the caterpillars. The specific enzymes necessary to activate Bt are only found in the digestive system of caterpillars. Other insects, birds and animals do not have the enzymes necessary to activate Bt in their digestive systems.

Documented studies of Bt have found no adverse affect on humans, plants, water supplies or other organisms. We have links to several of these studies on our website.

Certified organic farmers use Bt to control leaf feeding caterpillars in their gardens and bee keepers use it to control wax moths in the bee hives.

The low-flying aircraft used for the spraying will work with the FAA and Charlotte Douglas Airport officials to ensure the safest possible operations while in Charlotte airspace.

Temporary Change to Residential Car Washing Restriction
In response to requests to clean off residue from the cankerworm spraying program, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities will temporarily suspend the water use restriction on residential car-washing for seven days following the start of spraying. There are no other changes to the water restrictions. Because the spraying has not yet begun, residential car washing at the present time is not allowed.

The infestation of Fall Cankerworms in Charlotte has been affecting our tree canopy for almost twenty years. Our best hope of controlling the population is by using a two step approach, banding in the fall and spraying in the spring.

If you need additional information, please visit cankerworm.charmeck.org or call the City?’s Landscape Management department at 704-336-4262. --- Kim McMillan

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Register for Community University
Searching for ways to strengthen your neighborhood? Register for Community University,
a training program with classes and course topics designed to increase your knowledge
and skills of neighborhood organizations.

Where: University City YMCA (8100 Old Mallard Creek Road)
Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm


Dates: 4/2/08 Understanding Our City Government and Services
4/9/08 Identifying Stakeholders and Neighborhood Assets
4/15/08 Strengthening Your Neighborhood Organization
4/22/08 Building Strong Communication Skills and Strategies


Light refreshments will be provided by local restaurants at each workshop.

To register for the workshops, visit our website, call 704-336-2061, or email
neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
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AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER DAY CAMP
Openings Available
Lowest Rates in the Area
Free Bus Transportation From Many Area Elementary Schools
Derita Presbyterian Church
2230 West Sugar Creek Road
704 - 307 - 1530
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Need Extra Tables & Chairs for Yard Sale, Family Gatherings?
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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Your Questions and Some Answers

Q. Say, do you know anything about all the traffic counters that were up
a week or so back? They were in each location for two days, and then
moved. I saw them on Allen Rd., Sunset, Mt Holly-Huntersville, and Oakdale.
--- Doug Hanks, Allen Hills

Both CDOT and NCDOT are doing traffic counts right now. They expect road money
to be especially tight as construction material prices continue to spike. They will
likely spend it only where absolutely needed. The traffic counts verify whether or not
their previous projections are still on target.

I have asked Councilman Mitchell to write a response about the I-85 to Sunset Rd
widening project on Statesville Rd --- as to whether it will still be on a 2008 Road Bond,
or if it gets pushed off again. Should be in our next email Newsletter.
==============================================

Q. I live off of Hubbard & Farlow Road. I would like to know from Farlow Rd
all the way to West Sugar Creek, are they going to pave the road to make it all
even? When will they move the barrels and put lines on the street? When you
ride on the road it just doesn't seem to be finished.

We have forwarded your question (twice) to Mike Carsno, CDOT's Project Manager,
but we have not yet received a reply. We will try again and try to get an answer for
you and your Hubbard Rd. neighbors in our next issue.
==============================================================

Q. Can you tell me if any progress has been made on securing a traffic signal
for the intersection at Mineral Springs Rd. & Neal Rd?

Doreen Szymanski of CDOT tells us that a new Traffic Count was taken, after we
pointed out that an earlier count occurred on a date that School was not in session
(no busses and no parents taking kids to & from school. Also, the rear entrance to
the Northside Baptist campus had not yet opened.) If the traffic analysis does not
support a traffic light, we have asked CDOT to consider a flashing red/yellow light,
or even a round-about. We expect to hear back from them soon.
==============================================================

Q. Could you reprint the contact information for the Police Community
serving our area? I must have lost that email. Also, do you know why
Snoopy was flying over the Derita business area last week?

Again, here's the short list of Community Coordinators:

Officer Tom Ferguson -- North Division
Phone 704 432-3824
Pager 704 581-8068
tferguson@cmpd.org

Officer Jeff Miller --- University Division
Phone (704) 432-3824
Pager (704) 514-4253
Email: jmiller2@cmpd.org

Officers Bynoe and Price --- North Tryon Division
Phone 704-336-8398
Pager Sorry, we don't have those numbers
Email: kbynoe@cmpd.org tprice@cmpd.org

Last week, many of you on our Crime Watch email list received this:

CRIME WATCH ALERT
Thursday, March 27th, Noon
Allen Hills-Carrie Hills Crime Watch Leader Sylvia Cannon reports CMPD is in the
air (Snoopy) and blanketing the neighborhood with Patrol Cars in response to a
house break-in this morning on Periwinkle Ct. in Grenelefe Village (middle area near
the tennis courts).

The suspect, a black male, was presumed to be on foot, was wearing a green
jacket with fur around the hood. A search of adjoining areas continues.

Call 911 if you see this suspect,
or if you see someone who looks suspicious in the area,
this is the season when this type Crime becomes more prevalent in all areas..

Yesterday, Wednesday, March 26th
CMPD was again in the air and in our neighborhood looking for a stolen car and
two suspects. Those two were apprehended at separate locations. No
further details.
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To be added to our Crime Watch email list, email us at deritarep@aol.com and be
sure to include the neighborhood or subdivision where you live. It's free, but we only
send it to folks who request it.
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Q. Do you know who I might contact, to get the Railroad or the City to clean up
the area where Racine Ave crosses the Railroad. I am going to take many photos
and send them to Action Line. This has been a mess long enough, last time I sent
you mail on it they were suppose to start cleaning it up. What they are waiting on
is for the weeds and brush to grow and cover it up. When warm weather gets here
the Rats and Snakes will take over. I would organize a neighborhood group to
work on it, but we would be trespassing on their land.

The property you referenced is in the Norfolk-Southern (NS) right-a-way and subsequently,
they are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep. Because of citizen complaints,
the City of Charlotte or CATS will often cut the grass or clean-up areas around bus stops
and within the right-of-way. The removal of stumps is a bit more involved and labor intensive
and definitely falls under the auspices of Norfolk-Southern. The division manager for NS
is Leon Craighead and he may best be reached by email at leon.craighead@nscorp.com

If he?’s unresponsive, I?’m happy to try to reach him from this end?… it may not help, but it?’s
worth a try. Please let me know if I may offer additional assistance.
---- Eshe Glover, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)
p: 704.336.2984 eglover@ci.charlotte.nc.us
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We have received several emails recently questioning the future of the Statesville
Ave. corridor from I-85 north to Sunset Rd. Among them:

1) With the faltering economy and word that CDOT may not have the funds needed,
do you think the oft-discussed widening project will still happen any time soon?

2) Are there any plans to revitalize businesses along this same stretch of Statesville
Rd.? If so, when?

We have emailed these questions to Councilman James Mitchell. As Representative for
this area, he should know better than we,
1) If the Statesville Rd. widening project will still be funded in the 2008 Road Bond pkg.

2) What CDOT's Project Manager is telling him about design work on the corridor?

3) What new businesses and developers might be talking with Planning Staff?

Once he has a chance to research this with Staff, we hope to have some answers for
our next Newsletter. We know that both Neighbors and Property Owners are anxious
to move out of this economic holding pattern.
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Today's Funny: (From our FREE Friday Funny E-Mail
Send us an email if you'd like to receive it, too!)
The Famous Cab Driver

The tourist in London climbed into a cab and noticed by the license that his cab
driver's name was Winston Churchill. Trying to make conversation, he said,
"I see your name is Winston Churchill."

The driver simply said, "Yep. That's my moniker."

The passenger, not willing to give up yet on some banter, said, "That's a
pretty famous name."

The driver responded with, "As well it should be too. I've been driving a cab here
for over forty years!" --- submitted by Deborah Rowe