Derita/Statesville Rd. Comm. Org.

27 April 2008

Apr 26, 2008

4-27-08 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.

C. Roberts, Inc.

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

Water Restrictions Amended
Residential car washing, lawn watering and filling swimming pools and fountains are
permitted one day per week, ONLY on your Water Day. Use day ends at midnight.

Odd-numbered addresses may use water outside on Saturdays.
Even-numbered addresses on Sundays. ---- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities

?• Dirty, soapy water from washing your car can pollute our surface waters.
?• Wash on the lawn or other natural area. Soil acts as a filter to clean the wash water.
?• Limit runoff by using a bucket, rag and control nozzle on your hose.
--- Char-Meck Storm Water Services
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DSRCO Community Calendar
http://hometown.aol.com/deritadsrco/myhomepage/diary.html

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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Tuesday, April 29th
CATS Public Forum (Drop-in session)
LYNX Blue Line Extension Light Rail Project, 4pm ?– 6pm
Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC Food Court)
Refreshments Provided
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Thursday, May 1st
CMS Alternative School Meet & Greet
6:30 - 7:30pm, CMS Alternative School on West Sugar Creek Rd., Media Center
Purpose:
?• Meet the new Principal
?• Hear about the 'new' CMS Alternative School
?• Provide Your imput
Refreshments will be served
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Saturday, May 3rd
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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Wednesday, May 14th
Troop 14 Scouts & Friends Reunion Dinner
7pm, Texas Ranch Steakhouse Restaurant, W.Sugar Creek Rd. at I-85

Come meet up with the Old Gang again. Casual dress. Order from the regular menu.
We're keeping it simple and easy. NOT one of those "I Turned Out Better Than You"
affairs. It's just old friends, catching up and re-connecting.

The room is costing us $10 each and Food prices as ordered from Menu with gratuity.
Jonathan Sossamon is putting this dinner together. jsossamon@carolina.rr.com

Bernie also does a weekly photo email with new "old pics" and tales of Scouts and
Friends in the Good Old Days with Troop 14. Just send him your email address to get
on the mail list. deritarep@aol.com
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Thursday, May 15th
DSRCO Business & Service Providers Breakfast
7:30am, Sugar's Family Restaurant, W Sugar Creek at I-85

Breakfast opportunity to network and chat with other business people from the
greater Derita area. The discussions provide useful information and can often be
a sounding board for what you have on your mind. No membership fee. Eat and
dash, if you need to.

But with the current economy, we think we have a number of economical ways
that we can all work together to promote our businesses locally --- whether you
are in retail or cut lawns on weekends.

To be added to our FREE Businesses & Services Email List, send a request
to deritarep@aol.com
website: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563126808wAUQLY
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Thursday, May 15th
DSRCO Neighborhood Leaders Meeting
7pm, Derita Presbyterian Church on West Sugar Creek Rd.
Working together to solves Issues of concern to the Community. Sometimes even
the toughest dilemna can be resolved if you know where to go or who to talk with.
Lots of current information to share. Feel free to join us this Thursday. Our meetings
are always open to the public.

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

Sunday May 18th
Journey with Us: An Opportunity to Worship, Fellowship, and Play
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, 101 W. Sugar Creek Road
Immediately Following Worship Service

Some Classic, Time honored Favorites You Grew Up Playing
Some Traditional Games From Africa
If You Have A Particular Game You Would Like To Share
Come, Bring Your Ideas And Games. And Join The Fun

EVENT WILL BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE. Info: 704.596.4466
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Sunday, May 18th
NorthEast Coalition Meeting
3pm, University City Regional Library (WT Harris Blvd).

Roundtable Discussion ?– Invited participants are: Malcolm Graham, Anthony Foxx,
Michael Barnes, Trent Merchant, and Jennifer Roberts. Fox18 News Anchor Brien
Blakney will moderate the discussion. All are welcome to join us.
---- Claire Green Fallon, President, 704 596-8288 cgftjf@aol.com
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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.

This month Lions Club members will be out selling brooms. Looking for a good
SoftSweep to use in the kitchen? A wide bristle broom to tackle the garage and
driveway? They even have the traditional cornstraw brooms.

Proceeds help provide summer camp for the sight-impaired kids, financial aid
for eyecare, medicines to prevent blindness, cornea transplants, and efforts to
educate the public about glaucoma and other diseases that result in blindness.
You can help . . . and you get a great broom in the bargain.

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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Register Now
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 may often include homemade soups, barbecue
sandwiches, brunswick stew, pinto beans and cornbread..
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What your Neighbors are saying:

Fire Safety & Narrow Streets
There was fire in the new Water Haven subdivision off Rumple Rd. yesterday. All
the way at the end in the cul-de-sac. I think they had problems getting fire trucks
near the house because of the (NARROW) streets that are being approved. But I'll
bet you money they will never admit there was any problem
--- Dale Hillyard, RidgeView Neighborhood
==============================================================

Re: North Rail Station for Derita
I don?’t think we need rail at all. We have Graham and Statesville ?– not to mention I-77
& I-85 at our door. A train for the sake of having a train is a waste of money. To take
us where? 9 miles? --- Deborah Rowe, Nevin Community
-----------------------------------------

In the Neighborhood Leaders email comments it says that this could take 3 years to
plan, but I was under the impression that the North Corridor would be completed by
2012. I am guessing my expectation is greatly off. Just maybe by building the light rail
in our area it would infuse a set of nice condos along the rail.
--- Ronald Rule, Hemby Woods
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Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess Visit
Susan, Thanks for visiting with the Community Thursday at the Oak Grove UMC BBQ.
Not all of the folks here feel comfortable driving after dark, so visits like yours allow
them to speak our elected representatives at a more convenient time.

I tried to take notes, but it seems like so much was covered in just a brief time. The
Graham St. Connector Rd, widening of Statesville Rd, need to focus on housing owner-
ship rather than rental, routing buses into the neighborhoods that really need them, and
house break-ins. Hope we can schedule you and others for an evening meeting soon,
so that you can hear from our neighbors who were at work on Thursday. Thanks again.
--- Bernie Samonds, DSRCO
-----------------------------------------

On behalf of Oak Grove UMC and the Derita Community, I want to thank you for taking
time from your busy schedule to support Oak Grove?’s recent BBQ, plus listening to
concerns from our Community.

As I mentioned to you then, one main concern immediately is Zoning Compliance ---
after 5pm and on weekends. We have a continuous problem at 2390 Gibbon Rd and
3540 Gibbon Rd with constant "Yard Sales" and what we believe to be illegal food
venders. These people know the system and they set up after the Inspectors go home.
Please don't keep expecting our Police Officers to do this. We want them to spend
their time taking care of break-ins, car jackings, serious crimes and protecting us...
---- Kathy Phillips, Poplar Springs Neighborhood
===============================================================

Separating fact from fiction
As I suspected at the meeting the other night, it turns out that the Latino MS-13 gang
initiation story does indeed seem to be a recent Urban Legend. Check it out here:
http://www.snopes.com/crime/gangs/carbump.asp Snopes is an excellent source
for debunking stories that you may question.
--- Thomas Templeton, Great Oaks Neighborhood
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Got A Derita Memory To Share?
I read recently that nationally, one of the largest sectors of growth in Computer Use
is among Senior Citizens. They have learned that today's computers are simple to
use. Much simpler than a typewriter. Easier to send an email to ten friends than to
make ten phone calls relaying the same information. But more important, they are
using computers to post blogs and to write their memoirs.

So, if you want to share a favorite memory (or even just a few facts about your everyday
life back in the Good Old Days, we would sure love to read it.

For example --- I remember listening to T.D. Little telling about his misspent youth
growing up in Derita. During the summer, he would earn 50 cents a day working in the
field for a local farmer. He might be picking cotton or tending to vegetables, whatever.
Well, word got around that another farmer was paying just a little bit more per day,
don't recall if it was a dime or a nickel. But T.D. felt he needed to check it out. After
all, business is business. Before long, he was back with the original farmer. Sure, he
was making less. . . But both jobs included lunch, and T.D. said "the first farmer's wife
was a lot better cook than the second."

Would love to read (or hear) what you think is worth remembering. deritarep@aol.com
=============================================

Community University Classes
Oaklawn Recreation Center at 1920 Stroud Court, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Neighborhood Services concludes the spring semester of Community University,
empowering Neighborhood Leaders with the information they need to succeed.

Thursday, May 1: Community Safety
Learn important safety information, tips, and techniques regarding crime prevention,
neighborhood crime watch, fire prevention, and emergency response.

Wednesday, May 14: Good Neighbor Program
Get connected to information and resources necessary to maintain or improve
conditions in your neighborhood, including common courtesies, basic code and
zoning ordinances, and managing conflict.

To pre-register for workshops, call us at 704-336-2061 or jlove@ci.charlotte.nc.us
Register online at http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org,
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Your Quick Link To The
Derita Businesses & Service Providers Directory
Local folks in the Derita-Statesville Road Community who can provide prompt,
economical attention to your needs. Why travel across the County to shop or
Pay "Travel Time" for a service provider that leaves half a city away?

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563126808wAUQLY
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CATS North Rail Update
Neighborhood Leaders Discuss Derita Rail Station..

Last week, following a CATS presentation to DSRCO & Neighborhood Leaders, we
emailed a brief summary and an aerial view map of the proposed Derita Station site
to over 180 folks on our local Neighborhood Leaders list.

We had a good discussion with CATS Representative Eshe Glover at the meeting,
and in the email, we wrote:

"As she reported in a recent DSRCO Newsletter, Derita Baptist Church chose not to
become a part of the potential Derita station, parking, and development --- which would
have utilized land that the Church owns along Nevin Rd. stretching from West Sugar
Creek Rd. back to the Norfolk-Southern railroad track

"Neighborhood Leaders Bernie Samonds and Sylvia Cannon had walked the track with
CATS planners a couple of years back. They had suggested a corner parcel of land along
Gibbon Rd beginning at Nevin Rd and heading north, which Planners have now designated
as their alternative site.

"It provides easy access from Nevin or Gibbon Rds.; has ample land available for parking
up to 100 park and ride vehicles; and already has some multi-family development nearby
and property on the opposite side on Gibbon Rd. for residential or commercial expansion.
It also adjoins the A.M.E. Zion Church Renaissance Center (a huge banquet & retreat
facility), and the retirement home community that the Church is building there.

." As in Huntersville & the northern towns, Neighborhood shuttle buses could bring
a number of riders from nearby subdivisions --- as gas and downtown parking spaces
prices continue to rise.

"Eshe was quick to point out that NO FINAL DECISIONS have been made. The actual
planning process could take up to three years, as Planners study the rest of the line
north. This early presentation was made to encourage public comment and to see if
Neighborhood Leaders agreed with CATS thinking on this potential location.

"Derita remains one of the potential stations. Cost, accessibility, and ridership
projections will play a significantly role in where rail stations might be built.

You can view the aerial map at:
http://news.webshots.com/album/563142963zVUCsl

We also received a number of questions from some folks who did not attend, so
Eshe was kind enough to email us these answers as well:

Trip time:
The trip time from Davidson will be approximately 35 minutes.

Schedule:
The current phase, Preliminary Engineering, should be completed in spring 2009. At
that time, the Metropolitan Transit Commission, Charlotte City Council, and the Boards
and Commissions representing Mooresville and the North Mecklenburg towns will decide
if and when to advance the project to construction.

Parking:
The current plans have identified approximately 100 parking spaces at the Derita
station, 450 spaces at the Harris station, and 350 spaces at the Eastfield station.
These numbers are all approximations and are subject to change. We will also
preserve land at the stations for future expansion of the parking areas as the market
demands. --- Eshe Glover, CATS 704.336.2984 eglover@ci.charlotte.nc.us
=============================================

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. Have you heard anything more about the Graham Street Connector?

Rev. Rick Hoffart (Derita Presbyterian Church) says the Church recently agreed to
an "access easement" requested by NCDOT Planners whereby they and Walgreens
would share a single entrance on West Sugar Creek Rd --- allowing Tryon St bound
traffic a break in the concrete median, so that drivers could make a left turn into
the Church/Drug Store parking lots. NCDOT's letter indicated this was one of the
responses they awaited in the intersection planning.

Still, there has been no word on a similar concession for Ebeneezer Baptist (on the
other side of the West Sugar Creek/Connector intersection). Tryon St bound Traffic
is still prevented from making a left turn into their Church parking lot.
================================================================

Q. I frequently use the sidewalks along Cindy Lane Extension to walk my dog.
(There are NO sidewalks on my street or in my neighborhood). But they are often
covered with broken glass (beer bottles, etc). Will the City clean this up, if I call
311?

No. Even though many neighbors in Arvin Hills did not want the sidewalks along the back
of their property and even asked for fencing or thick shrubbery to restore their privacy and
to provide protection from drive-by burglars --- nothing was done.

The City says that it is now responsibility of the adjoined property owners to keep the
sidewalks clear. While the City might sometimes step in to help with cleanup, there is
a new City ordinance being drafted to more specifically assign this job to the nearest
property owner. If you do call 311, remember they are totally clueless to help without
being given a valid house number.
===============================================================

Q. Did the City Council agree to keep the Statesville Rd Widening project
on the Roads Bond this Fall?

No Decision Yet. After the first batch of DSRCO Newsletters went out 4-14-08, City Mgr.
Curt Walton sent us an email correcting the info given us by two CDOT Planners. We
included this in all of the remaining emails.

"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
===============================================================

Q. My neighbor says that Derita School is over 100 years old. I think he's
wrong. The place just doesn't look that old to me.

Not building, the institution. The building in use as the CMS Alternative School was
built in 1971 on the site of several earlier school buildings.

You see, the early schooling in our area was handled by the Presbyterian Churches
with "Field Houses" at Query's Field, Bethel Church & Rockwell. This continued up
until the time of the Civil War, when all schools were closed.

The first school on the Derita site (on land donated by Amos Rumple, local Postmaster
and general store owner and construction paid for by white residents) was a small,
two room frame building in 1875. It was supported by private subscriptions and classes
were held during the four winter months while the fields were fallow.

Further down the street, a one-room frame building known as Rockwell School served
Black students. It was later replaced with a Rosewald School structure (see photo and
notes http://news.webshots.com/photo/1084226490045740583dXbIrC )

"In 1889," local historian Ona Puckett writes, "the Citizens bought twenty-five dollar
shares totaling $570 and built a larger school which became known as Oak Grove
Academy, and then later as Derita Academy. It continued until 1895." It drew local
students who arrived by horse or on foot, and even students from South Carolina who
took room and board in local homes.

"During the early years of Derita School, there were no grades. The pupils were
promoted by Readers -- 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. There were no inside restrooms, and the rooms
were heated by coal & wood stoves. Students carried their lunches in lard buckets
or paper sacks. There was a water shelf in the corner of the room with a bucket of
water and a dipper for drinking," she writes

With additional land and even a second story added, the school was deeded to the
Mecklenburg County Board of Education in 1902. It became a high school in 1922
with the addition of an 11th Grade. By 1926, the larger, old two story brick building
with a bell tower --- that many of us "Old Timers" remember was built. The structure
included two wings and a cafeteria. The gymnasium and an agricultural building were
added in 1937.

Derita School reverted to a junior high in 1952 when North Mecklenburg High School
opened and became an elementary school when J.M. Alexander (Huntersville) and
Ranson Jr. High opened. The school enrolled its first Black student in 1961. The
current structure opened on the front of the site (previously a large school yard) in
1971, and older portions were eventually razed. In the late 1990's, Derita students
moved to Mallard Creek Elementary and Governor's Village on Neal Rd. The
Derita structure was used briefly as a temporary home for students while their own
school (Highland Elementary) was under construction before it became an Alternative
School. --- Thanks again for historical notes from the writings of Ona Puckett
-------------------------------------------------------------------

As a young first and second grader in the 1950's, I attended Derita School. My
home on Allen Rd South was too close for me to ride the school bus, so Dad
usually dropped off my brother and I on his way to work. We would walk home in
the afternoon along the railroad tracks.

Among my favorite memories were arriving on the school grounds early, playing
tag, chase or ball out near the huge fir tree in front of the old, two story red brick
hall. Hoping for just a few more minutes before the bell sounded and we were all
ushered in to our classrooms. I remember the huge auditorium (well, huge to me.
After all, I was a First Grader) when we went to assemblies. Sitting there looking
up on either wall where there was a narrow balcony. Then turning my attention
to the huge stage with its giant curtain.

But my best-est memory ever was when the Circus came to town. They set up
a huge canvas tent out on the school playground. At lunch time, we took a side
trip out by the School water tower to see where all of the elephants had been
brought to water down. There was a fine spray of drizzle in the air as they snorted
up a trunk full and then sprayed it across their backs. It was a hot dry day, I
recall. I remember, too, the smell of the animals. All dry and dusty, too. Oh, and
the smell from the piles being dropped here and there. Somebody told me they
"hired" some students to go around and shovel that stuff up. --- Who ever knew that
school could be so much fun. ---- Bernie Samonds
=============================================


Today's Funny: (From our FREE Friday Funny E-Mail
Send us an email if you'd like to receive it, too!)
Always! Always!
Always wear clean underwear in public, especially when working under your vehicle.
From the Northwest Florida Daily News comes this story of a Crestview couple who
drove their car to Wal-mart, only to have the car break down in the parking lot.


The man told his wife to carry on with the shopping while he fixed the car in the lot.
The wife returned later to see a small group of people near the car. But on closer
inspection, she saw a pair of male legs protruding from under the chassis.

Although the man was in shorts, his lack of underwear turned his private parts into
glaringly public ones.


Unable to stand the embarrassment, she dutifully stepped forward, quickly put her
hand UP his shorts, and tucked everything back into place. On regaining her feet,
she looked across the hood and found herself staring at her husband who was
standing idly by. The mechanic however, had to have three stitches in his forehead.
--- name of our blushing contributor withheld
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