Derita/Statesville Rd. Comm. Org.

4-14-08

Apr 15, 2008

4-14-08 Derita-Statesville Road Community Org Email 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. Our 2008 membership drive is currently in progress.

Ruby Bickett
Charlie & Mary Brack
Michael & Lynne Fitzpatrick
Roger Greene
Vickie Yarborough

Pfister Co. -- Dyes & Chemical

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.
===================================================================

Fix This Roads Mess!
City Council will begin looking at Road Projects on Wednesday, April 16th
Email Them Today and Tell Them Where Traffic Bothers You Most!

JamesDistrict2@aol.com, pkinsey@carolina.rr.com, FOXXCharlotte@aol.com,
michael@barnesdistrict4.com, lassiter@bellsouth.net, adulin1@carolina.rr.com,
district3_turner@yahoo.com, n3157w@yahoo.com, PMcCrory@ci.charlotte.nc.us,
SBurg346@aol.com, edwin@edwinpeacock.com, warren@warrencooksey.com

While City Leaders were touting road improvements planned for IKEA and the 29/49 weave
in Sunday's Charlotte Observer, we are hearing NOTHING about projects that would improve
our local traffic problems.

Sure, it's nice to know that IKEA's thousands of customers daily can now flood I-85 North
& South without any problem, exiting at the I-85 bridge/intersection that was built for Wachovia
& IBM . . . But what about us taxpayers who have to negotiate the Derita-Sugar Creek bottleneck
every day headed into the City from all of the neighborhoods along WT Harris, Mallard Creek,
Browne's Ferry and Eastfield Rd. For the folks who FINALLY exited Hubbard Rd onto Mallard
Creek Rd. and face our usual local traffic.

And what about the folks of the Nevin Community who have to share narrow two lane Statesville Rd
with all of the trucks, traffic, and buses forced off I-77. It's not just rush hours and wrecks that send
traffic streaming through their neighborhood any more.
.
Here's What We Know

Regarding Statesville Rd. Widening:
We asked Councilman Mitchell for an update on the Widening of Statesville Rd, I-85
to Sunset Rd. (actually, Starita Rd to Keith Drive). As you will recall, this project was
bumped from the last Roads Bond Vote, and was to have appeared on a 2008 Road
Bond Ballot.

We haven't heard from Councilman Mitchell. but we received this update from CDOT
Planner Tim Gibbs (via Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess):

"The Statesville Road widening project will provide for a four-lane roadway
between Starita Road and Keith Drive. Funding for this project would be
provided if approved in the 2010 transportation bond measure."

In yet another email from a local developer, we read:

"I spoke with Imad Fakhreddin, a City Engineer familiar with the Statesville
Road project. He is not aware that this project has been bumped and said
that City Council will be discussing the projects for this years bond referendum
on April 16."

Meanwhile, development projects along this Stateville Rd. corridor have been limited due
to the uncertainties of When, If, and What right-of-way land will be required. If this bothers
you. If the traffic bothers you. Let the members of City Council know today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regarding the Graham St. Connector

TIP Project: U-2507A --- construction set to let 8-17-10, with right of way secured date
of 8-15-08.

Former Council Member Pat Mumford announced that this State project is fully funded.
But so far, we have NOT received notice of the Public Comment Meeting (with updated
maps and right-of-ways) that was to be held early this year.

We are still awaiting a response from State Engineers regarding a second entrance that
the Walgreens developer has requested. (One would be off West Sugar Creek Rd; the
other would be a simple right turn off of this Connector Rd.)

To our knowledge, we have not heard of any property being acquired for the last proposed
roadway. Or any discussion of the short segment that would connect the Graham Connector
to City Blvd at Neal Rd.

We did read a published statement that due to "tight funds and rising construction costs",
the State only plans to undertake 15 of nearly 300 road improvement projects proposed in
our area. Is this very, very local project still on the agenda? No one is answering.

What we do know ---- is that NOT EVERYONE is pleased with the last plans submitted
for this project. Walgreens, I mentioned. Cole Memorial United Methodist tried to cope
with this when they re-designed their parking facilities. They created an entrance on
Mineral Springs for drivers headed east on West Sugar Creek who would no longer be
able to turn left into their Church yard.

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, next door, has a much larger Congregation. One
so large that it overfills their huge parking lot, spreads to neighboring businesses, and
even closes down one lane of West Sugar Creek Rd each Sunday. They do not have
the luxury of an entrance off Mineral Springs Rd. When the planned Sugar Creek /
Graham intersection goes to 7 lanes (2 left turn, two straight, and one right) with a
barrier separating the two sides, Everyone attending their church will have to enter and
exit going toward Derita on Sugar Creek.

Additionally, Mineral Springs Rd. will become a side street without an intersection.
Residents from all of those neighborhoods, including Neal Rd. and the Schools (and
school buses that currently use this road), and the worshippers/students, faculty &
Staff at Northside Baptist who are now using the new entrance off Mineral Springs Rd.
--- ALL will find that they will ONLY be able to make a RIGHT TURN off Mineral Springs
(headed toward Mallard Creek) when it Mineral Springs ends at the Graham Connector
Rd.

So does it seem that we still have a problem here? That could explain why there
has NOT been a recent meeting for Public Comment on the Graham Connector Rd.
But Thank Goodness, CDOT has solved the traffic problems for the IKEA Money
Machine.

It's NOT ENOUGH for the City to say that this is a STATE project. It's here in the
City, In our Community, and will directly affect our residents. They need to get
involved while this thing can still be fixed. If you agree, write City Council today and
tell them.

JamesDistrict2@aol.com, pkinsey@carolina.rr.com, FOXXCharlotte@aol.com,
michael@barnesdistrict4.com, lassiter@bellsouth.net, adulin1@carolina.rr.com,
district3_turner@yahoo.com, n3157w@yahoo.com, PMcCrory@ci.charlotte.nc.us,
SBurg346@aol.com, edwin@edwinpeacock.com, warren@warrencooksey.com

Clarification
Just a point of clarification on one item: The Mayor and City Council will not be making
decisions about any items on April 16th. April 16th is a Budget Retreat, at which the Mayor
and Council will get their first look at the draft capital budget recommendations for fiscal
year 2009. That draft budget does include transportation projects, but also includes projects
in many other areas, such as economic development and housing. Council will not be voting
on which projects to include in the budget until June 9th and will not officially decide which
projects to place on the November 2008 referendum until August 25, 2008.

Curt Walton
City Manager

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DSRCO Community Calendar
http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/diary.html

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.
---------------------------------------------
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.

I "introduced" Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess to the tradition last year. She
already had plans to visit her parents that day, so she bought extra plates
to carry along.---- She's scheduled to do a groundbreaking ceremony at 12:30
elsewhere on April 17th, but plans to join me at Oak Grove at 11am. She didn't
want to miss this. Maybe we will see you there, too? --- Bernie
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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).

CMPD Capt. Freda Lester and Capt. Andy Leonard and Chief Darrell Stevens will be
visiting us.This will be a farewell to the Chief visit.

We have also invited Harold Cogsdell and Judge Todd Owen to give a short statement
about their campaigns at their request. If any other candidate would like short speaking
time, please get in touch with me. All are welcome to join us. 704-596-8288-cgftjf@aol.com

Claire Green Fallon
President, NorthEast Coalition
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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 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
============================================

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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Sunday, May 4th
Youth Choir Spaghetti Dinner
University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (Corner of Harris & West Sugar Creek)
11am ?– 1pm.
Cost: donation to benefit Youth Choir Summer Mission Trip.
Entertainment provided by Youth Choir.

RSVP ?– 704-369-8017 or 704-369-8029.
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Tuesday, May 20th
Annual Meeting for Farmington (Oak Crest & Oak Knoll)
University United Methodist Church
"Eat, Meet & Greet" with refreshments at 6:30pm. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm.

Holloway Association Management, LLC
(704) 875-7299 office
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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)
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Registrations in April
SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
at University City United Methodist Church
3835 West WT Harris Blvd. (Corner of Harris & West Sugar Creek)

Performing Arts Camp:
July 7 - 11, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, daily.
Children will learn Christian music, choreography, drama, and more. A full
performance on Friday evening closes the camp. For rising 8 - 12-year-olds.
Cost is $160 per child.
Registration begins April 21 at www.ucumc.org or 704-369-8023 for information.


Vacation Bible School
July 21-25, 9:00 am - Noon, daily.
For rising 4-year-olds through 11-year-olds.
Children will enjoy ?“Power Lab?” and see how God?’s power is in science and
all things in our world. Cost is $8 per child with a cap of $24 per family.
Registration begins April 21 at www.ucumc.org or 704-369-8023 for information.

Kids Sports Camp:
July 28 - August 1, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, daily.
For rising 7 - 12-year-olds. Cost is $160 per child. Kids will experience Christ
centered teamwork and skills in Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer.
Registration begins April 21 at www.ucumc.org or 704-369-8023 for information.

Wacky Wednesdays:
July 16 and 30, 9:00 am - Noon.
For 4-year-olds through Grade 5 (VBS age). Cost is $5 per child. Activities include
crafts, music, snacks & games!
Registration began April 1 at www.ucumc.org or 704-369-8006 for information.
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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..
==========================================

What your Neighbors are saying:

Re: Car Windows Smashed in broad daylight
Just wanted to inform you about the two break-ins the wife and I saw while we were
at the Grand Promade II off WT Harris on Saturday evening. We parked on the top
parking deck near the Melting pot and after coming back, maybe 20 minutes later
from Qdoba, we noticed two cars had their windows busted in. Nothing happened to
our car because we have heard the warning about leaving nothing in sight. This was
alarming to us because it was still daylight and it happen so quickly. Please remind
people to continue to put items in the trunk and out of sight. --- Thanks, RR
============================================================

Thanks for Visiting With Us
Councilman Barnes,
THANKS for dropping by the Allen Hills-Carrie Hills Meeting last night.
I know that your presence made a real impact on the folks attending.

Sylvia Cannon has worked hard to pull this group together over the past several
years and it has been a tough road. Probably only one-tenth of the households
in the two Neighborhoods were represented last night . . . but so many others
chose to ignore community problems until they become their own. She refuses
to let that happen and works diligently to get those to come who will to make
a difference.

I was surprised to hear the crime stats last night (one break-in a week since
Jan. 1st. in Allen Hills-Carrie Hills). Like many folks, I thought we were doing
better than that --- and we must. Summer is just around the corner and that's
when this crime will peak. --- Bernie Samonds, Allen Hills
============================================================

Car Washing Okay-ed?
I just read an article about the spraying that is going on, the last line says that
Charlotte Utilities is going to lift the Car washing for 7 days so we can get the chemicals
off of our cars, Do you know anything about this?

Yes, that is correct, it was lifted for seven days last week AFTER the spraying
program was completed, as the BT tends to gum on your vehicle's finish kind
of like tree sap.
This applies to persons who wash their cars at home.
There is NO restriction on professional car washes or the corner lot car wash
concessions, as we understand it. --- Diane Reis, Crater Park
===============================================================

2007 Worst Attendance Record
N.C. Senate Worst Attendance: Meck Dem Malcolm Graham, present only 74% of
the time. Second worst was Edgecombe Dem Clark Jenkins, and third worst was
Wake Dem Janet Cowell. --- NC Center for Public Policy Research
===============================================================

Re: The Truck Chase 3 Nabbed on Statesville Rd.
The one kid, Staples, is 18 ?– has 27 arrests since September, 2006; Twenty of them
are felonies. A guy Tara Servatius (WBT Radio) talked to, said he broke in to their
house, stole their spare car keys and then came back and stole their car. THEN he
stole the vehicle in the chase yesterday. He keeps on getting probation!!! I sure
hope our friend Tim Smith is a hard-nosed judge. --- Deborah Rowe, Nevin Community
===============================================================

The Gratitude Campaign
What a GREAT idea! Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you and
wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how or it felt awkward?
Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used and has
started a massive movement to get the word out. Please take just a moment to watch
.... The Gratitude Campaign ...and then forward it to your friends!

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php --- Susan Lemckert
===============================================================


Thanks
Enclosed is my annual membership dues. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed
& to improve the Community --- Vickie Yarborough, Allen Hills

I really enjoy reading about the things going on in my old neighborhood. Thanks
for the emails. Good Luck in all of your endeavors. --- Ruby Bickett, DSRCO Past President

===============================================

Vianne Howitt Reporting
Report: North East Parks Advisory Meeting
I attended the meeting on March 25, 2008. This advisory board makes recommend-
ations to the Parks & Rec. Dept. as well as acting as emissaries of the NE communities.

Reedy Creek Park:
The National Wildlife Assn. has started a chapter at Reedy Preserve.
Reedy Creek Park Dept. is adding a free, fence enclosed children friendly playground
For more information contact: Bridge Strong, manager, Reedy Creek Nature Preserve

Evergreen Nature Preserve (Near Sheffield/Eastway) will have improvements made
to the parking area and facilities. The Preserve will be 10/90 which means that 10%
of the preserve will be developed for public use and 90% will be left untouched.
For further information contact Bridge Strong

Eastway Park's first phase of development will be completed on time - The scheduled
opening is August, 2008.Currently the consensus for the Park's name is "Eastway Park".
Final decision will be made after further consultation with neighbors' input.

The Greenway Division is looking for ways to further expose the greenway
system to the residents of Charlotte.

Mallard Creek Park
5 out of 8 fields are now ready for public use. 3 remain and are awaiting grass
conditions to improve before reopening to the public.The Concession Building is
now in operation.

Toby Creek Greenway
A lot of DOT issues due to 29 and 49. The greenway dept. hopes to start
Summer '08 and complete the path in summer '09.

Currently there is no official way of informing local HOA's and the NEC
of the minutes/agenda of the Advisory Board. Suggestions are welcome.

The bridge from the University Lake area to the Mallard Creek Greenway has been
funded ($10,000.00) but is not yet scheduled on the work to be completed.
Neighborhood input would most likely hasten the addition of the this project.

One Seat is available on the Advisory Council for the Northeast Park District.
Volunteers can apply via the internet on the Park and Rec Website or by calling
311 and requesting an application.

Upcoming Events
TBA - All District Advisory Council meeting to update Master Plan Progress/Results

October 2008 - Nevin Park, Accessible Playground building week by volunteers
Volunteers needed to help build an All Accessible Playground for Mecklenburg
County children.

Next Regular Meeting: April 22 @ 6:30pm @ Reedy Creek Park Shelter #3.

FYI: The edition of the Get Going Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Spring/Summer 2008 Guide has additional information for all parks in Mecklenburg.
(I found a copy at my vet's office, Mallard Creek Animal Hospital.)

I plan on attending the next meeting in April.

Thanks
Vianne Howitt
704-547-9287
ivhowitt@carolina.rr.com
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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. Could you find out how to stop the illegal Tractor Trailer trucks constantly
using David Cox Rd. as a cut-through? The road is narrow enough as it is . . .
imagine meeting one of these trucks. There are a couple of signs stating the axle
weight limit, but they are not where anyone sees them even if they do pay attention.
The road is not a thoroughfare but is certainly treated like one. HELP.
--- Teresa D. Temple. David Cox Rd.

We forward your email to Capt. Andy Leonard, who commands CMPD North Division.
Their priority right now is home break-ins and other thefts. Any truck use enforcement
who likely require someone on it pretty much full time to establish a pattern of violations.
If a trucker pleads ignorance of the restrictions, CMPD will usually give the guy a warning.
So without having an Officer witness repeated violations, I think you see their problem.
==================================================================

Q. Have you heard anything more about the traffic signal requested at Neal Rd. &
Mineral Springs Rd.?

"From what I understand, we are still awaiting the traffic counts. That program gets a little
backed up from time to time, but we expect the data soon." --- Doreen Szymanski, CDOT
==================================================================

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.

The City currently has one project being installed along Hubbard Road, which consists
of the addition of sidewalks and curb and gutter along much of Hubbard Road extending
from Mallard Creek to West Sugar Creek Road.

We also upgraded a 72 inch culvert at Wade E. Morgan Drive early in the contract period.

In addition to this project we will be widening to add a right turn lane at the limits of Mallard
Creek and Hubbard Rd. This addition will require paving from the intersection to a terminus
of 500ft. This is the only requirement of paving for this project with the exception of install-
ation of obvious pipe crossings. The City's project began on August 7, 2007 and is scheduled
for completion by May 22, 2008. The Contractor is Blythe Development.

There will be resurfacing per The City Street Maintenance Division due to the realignment of
the hairpin turn for the Hubbard Falls Development. According to Street maintenance this
work will occur at the limits of Wade E. Morgan Drive to West Sugar Creek. Through coor-
dination with Street maintenance it is safe to say the resurfacing work should take place in
June upon completion of the City sidewalk project to assure all curb work is completed. The
latest could be July. --- Sonji Mosley, Project Manager 704-336-3214
===================================================================

Q. I own a house in the Poplar Springs Neighborhood, off Gibbon Rd. A friend
told me that you used to play in the pasture land here as a kid. Would you happen
to know how this area got it's name?

Certainly, but Derita Historian Ona Puckett and Dr. Dan Morrill of the Mecklenburg Hist-
orical Commission can probably do it more authoritatively than I.

Do you know that little white farm house on Gibbon Rd. that sits on the hill just before you
get to the Poplar Springs entrance? That's the Welch-McIntosh House, built in 1907 by
George Welch. He's the fellow that sold spring water from Poplar Springs to a thirsty group
of townsfolks long before the City of Charlotte got a water system.

(Don't confuse it with the farm house, same side, closer to the entrance. It was owned by
the Stephens family . . . the origin of Stephen Farm Lane in your neighborhood).

"A large, convivial man who enjoyed joking with and teasing his children (seven of them),
George Welch was a resourceful and imaginative truck farmer. In addition to raising crops,
he was a dairyman and tended peach, apple and pear orchards. He regularly delivered milk,
butter, fruits and vegetables to customers in Charlotte. One of Welch's stops was the
Berryhill Store in Fourth Ward, where he would deposit his farm products and pick up
supplies for his wife.

"Another of his enterprises was establishing and superintending the North Derita Poplar
Springs, which was situated at the bottom of the hill behind the house. "I wish to announce
that I have opened the above Springs near Derita and am prepared to properly fill orders
in any quantity at reasonable prices," Welch declared in an advertising circular that
appeared in 1911. The circular contains a photograph of a gable-roofed spring house (no longer
extant) and a horse-pulled delivery wagon. The product, of course, was pure drinking water.
Later the spring house was used to refrigerate milk produced by Welch's cows."


I should add that the old spring house ruins made a "most excellent fort" for young adolescents
such as myself at the time. I would meet up with school mates who lived on Hoover Drive and
we would play army there and along the creek in more recent years.

But back to the history. . . Selling bottled water to downtown Charlotte businesses
wasn't unique to Poplar Springs. I have written previously about the bottled water
from Derita Mineral Springs with it's "Calcic Taste and wonderful healing qualities."
Not only did they sell water by the wagon-load, but the Mineral Springs (of Mineral
Springs Rd. --- actually off Neal Road buried under the current Sugar Springs Neigh-
borhood) became a weekend party spot for locals and the Charlotte townsfolk. They
would gather outside the Derita Mineral Springs rock building with banjo players,
fiddlers and singers on a Sunday afternoon for dancing and visiting old friends.

A few grainy old pictures at:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/81956247ISGbGu

One more amusing anecdote --- "According to Maurice McIntosh, Clara Welch
adamantly refused to have a bathroom put in the house. She simply did not think it
appropriate to use indoor facilities. Consequently, the family continued to use the
outhouse, which still stands behind the dwelling, until after Clara's death in 1953."
=============================================================

Q. I used to buy Southern Flavoring from your Mom, got it at your Craft Shows
at Cole Memorial, and then from Ann's Hair Designer in Derita. Do you still have
it for sale?

It was a steady fund-raiser for Mom's Christian Workers Circle and for the Boy Scout
Troop through the years. A lot of folks used it for cakes, pies and cookies. The
Women's Group at Oak Grove United Methodist still carries the full line of flavorings
and the stainless steel knives, I believe. You can probably get them any weekday
morning when the Church secretary is there, but you will always find someone there
Thursdays, 11am - 2pm during the Hot Dog Lunch fundraiser.
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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!)
Another Wife

At a pre-birth class for couples who had already had at least one child, the instructor
raised the issue of breaking the news to the older child.

"Some parents tell the older child, 'We love you so much that we decided to bring
another child into this family.' But think about that. Ladies, what would you say if
your husband came home one day and said, 'Honey, I love you so much, I decided
to bring home another wife?'"

One of the women immediately responded, "Does she cook?"
--- submitted by Deborah Rowe
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