Chatham County, NC Blogs

Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:47:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: Meg Miller
Subject: AP exams ARE important!

wow.  That is surprising and very disappointing news concerning the placement of spring break right before AP exams.Almost as surprising as the scheduling NW did which puts all but one of the AP exams in the spring..  I understand the thought behind this, to teach the course closer to the testing time but it over loads students who are taking more than 2 AP classes (my daughter will now have to drop AP Stat).  Also the class time in the spring is shortened b/c of the test schedule.

I guess AP students are supposed to use their spring break to study.  and I’m sure most of them will because that’sthe type of student who signs up for the challenge of AP anyway.

There’s no winning with AP and the block schedule but i totally agree that someone is not thinking when it comes to the calendar.   AP students are a minority, and not many parents are going to give this a second thought. But again it goes back to why we lose so many talented gifted kids to other schools like  Woods.  People on the “outside” scratch their heads and wonder whey the BOE makes bonehead decisions like this.

Email Mr. Logan the the BOE and ask them why the kids who work so hard to achieve are always getting the short end…and this starts with the “gifted” programs in grade school.

and P.S.  Spot on Pam!

Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:09:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: Linda Bienvenue
Subject: Immigrants report crime too

So, Chatham County’s “leadership” is being pragmatic when they decide that the Sheriffs should not spend their time enforcing the law (ICE), to give them the time to arrest those who “break” the law (burglars, drug dealers, etc.), when they are reported by those who are living here against the law (illegal immigrants)   Did I interpret that correctly?   Oh, and by the way, the leadership is also breaking the law.   Has this surreal sanctuary brought everyone who was in the shadows out of them?   Have a lot of people “in the shadows” been calling in to report crimes?   How can you tell?  Has crime in Chatham County decreased measurably because of this, and if it has/has not – can it be proven?   I was brought up to believe that if you are not breaking the law, you have nothing to fear from those who enforce the law.   Of course, as each day passes, those in power seek to remove more rights and privileges from a law-abiding free people, and give the rights to those who break the law.   Ahhhh — so this is redistribution in action.

Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:43:55 -0400
From: pthomas
Subject: Insurance for inexperienced drivers

I totally agree with regular schmo about her views on inexperienced drivers.  I believe in children working and paying for part of their own insurance.

My daughter started working in tobacco when she was 13, and saved money for her car insurance from the time she started working.  By the time she got her drivers license, she had quite a lot of money saved.

She continued working during the whole time that she went to high school and college.  She learned responsibility and the rewards of hard work.  Today, she works full time, is raising four children, and is teaching them the same work ethic that she developed.

The insurance companies are in the business to make money.  They take more risks by insuring inexperienced drivers, so they charge more.  You just suck it up and pay for being inexperienced.

Phyllis Thomas

Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:22:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: Meg Miller
Subject: You got me!

The other day I received an email entitled “comments on your post” and like a boob I opened it.  It was linked through an old post I made to the chatlist, back in 2007 and there were all sorts of strange addresses attached to it. This was a post that Gene put on the journal so it is still accessible.  i knew right then I had screwed up. There was a snippet of the post I had made so i have no doubt that whoever sent me this “gift” did it through my chatlist account.

i have contacted Gene, as a heads up.  My computer is completely dead but I guess I should have known better.

I’m not blaming, just warning.

Meg

PS.  am using my don’t laptop for now.  Need a good (cheap) Mac repair person.

Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:41:18 -0400
From: Joy Hewett
Subject: library

While libraries across the  country are cutting services, our county commissioners have teamed up with the community college to enlarge our library. (It may even create a few jobs!) For the improvement in the library  many of us are quite glad, but I also think bookmobiles provide a valuable service to the community, too. While I suffer the inconvenience of the roundabout going in at 87, it has led to alternative routes to town. Some may consider roads and libraries, funded by taxpayers, as “socialist” but I think collective efforts for the good of the community are vital, and what the government can do best for us.

Let’s hope the county can find a way to provide a book mobile again in the future.

Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:01:48 -0400 (EDT)
From: regular schmo
Subject: Insurance for new drivers

I am in complete agreement with the insurance company for charging more for new drivers.  Happened to me, happened to you, happens to everyone.  I paid half and my father paid half.  Of course I started driving when I was 14…. but I had to get a part time job to pay for my half of the insurance and for gas.  If you check the statistics you will see new drivers are the “worst” drivers.  Hence using the words “new”. Grades have nothing to do with driving ability in my opinion.  Though I had good grades when i was in school.  I just feel that new drivers should pay more.  I had to, my husband had to, my friends and family had to.  It makes sense.  And if they can not afford the insurance then I guess they don’t drive.  I worked while in school.  There are people working 2 jobs, going to school, and raising a family….. so collage kids should be able to work some… to pay for SOME of the insurance.  If you have more than 1 “new driver” in your family… well thats life.  You chose to have children close together.  That is what happens.  Did you complain about the cost of college?  (which is RIDICULOUS)  or did you accept it.  I love my insurance company.  They taught me responsibility at a young age.  I am still with them and will never change.  And, since I have a great (knock on wood) driving record I pay about $70 a month for 3 cars.

just my 2 cents.  People need to stop complaining about some things that have been around forEVER!  accept it.  Shouldnt the kids have been driving for a few years now?  I mean you can get a learning permit and start the insurance then.  So when they are old enough the insurance companies already know them and know how they drive.

ok I know not everyone agrees with me… but at least we are in America and opinions are aloud!
thanks chatlist

Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:38:17 -0400
From: “William \”Chip\” Pate”
Subject: Chatham BOE Sabotages Students

It’s hard to believe that community leaders elected and appointed to  promote educational excellence would sabotage the students they’re  supposed to serve, but that’s precisely what Chatham County school  officials and the Board of Education have done.

And apparently they don’t care one bit.

Despite knowing about the potential conflict, these “leaders”  scheduled next year’s spring break immediately before Advanced  Placement exams. That means high school sophomores, juniors and  seniors will return after 10 days away from the classroom and walk  straight into college-level finals. Students will have no chance to  get back

into their academic routines, attend review sessions or get  last-minute advice from teachers.

The AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Science exams are that Monday  morning at 8 a.m. AP Psychology begins at noon. Good luck, folks.

Our ‘leaders” have failed. It could cost some of our students college  credit, much-needed flexibility later in their education and a lot of  money, since credit from AP exams allows many families to avoid  paying for courses later.

All they needed to do was schedule the break the week before Easter,  as many area school systems already have done (see below for a list)  — a very minor change to accommodate next year’s later holiday.

It’s not acceptable to use the excuse that “we’ve always done it like  that” or “most people wanted it that way.” That may be fine when  there’s no educational interest in play, but never when there’s a  compelling instructional reason to choose one option over another.  You can imagine the board’s response if “most people” wanted to be  out

of school the week before End of Grade tests!

Decisions like these reverberate far beyond the many students now  facing important exams without the opportunity to prepare adequately.  How do you possibly convince relocating families and businesses that  Chatham County has a quality school system when student achievement  clearly doesn’t matter?

What’s worse, these leaders don’t care. After making this argument to  board members and asking for a change in the calendar — in postal  mail and e-mail, with copies to the superintendent — not one board  member or school official responded in any way whatsoever. Silence. I  guess when you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar,

there’s  simply nothing to say.

For the record, based on research provided to me, only four school  systems in the area sabotaged their students with a spring break  running from April 25 to 29 (through May 1 counting the weekend):  Randolph County, Harnett County, Asheboro City and Chatham County.

And, it probably isn’t too shocking that these districts also posted  the lowest average SAT scores in the area. (This might suggest  something about whether academic achievement is valued.)

Here are some schools or districts that looked out for their students  (and have higher average SAT scores than Chatham):

* April 18-25: Lee County, Guilford County, Alamance-Burlington and  Raleigh Charter (Wake)

* April 18-22: Wake County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg

* March 28-April 1: Orange County, Moore County, Chapel Hill- Carrboro and Winston-Salem/Forsyth

* March 21-25: Woods Charter (Chatham)

It’s something worth remembering when we hear about Chatham County  Schools “collectively creating success,” as its website boasts — and  when it’s time again to visit the polls.

William S. “Chip” Pate Jr.
Pittsboro

Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:36:08 -0400
From: Phyllis Thomas
Subject: Good Heating/ AC

I have had a wonderful relationship with A-1 Heating and Cooling.
Their prices are competitive, and I purchased the maintenance contract.
They have been completely prompt and attentive, and the people that come out have  always been extremely nice.
The phone number is 919-837-5467.
The company is located in the Chatham Central area.  I don’t remember if it’s Bear Creek, Bonlee, or Goldston.

Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:11:40 -0400
From: Susan Giles
Subject: Fwd: N. C. Wildlife Update

On Sept 8, Chatham County citizens can express concerns regarding wildlife issues at the CCCC. Please see schedule and add to ChatList.

Susan Giles,
retired, NC WRC

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Wildlife News – Do Not Reply <WildlifeNews@ncwildlife.org>
Date: Thu, Jul 15, 2010 at 8:33 PM
Subject: N. C. Wildlife Update

*N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission*

*2011-2012 Proposed Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Regulation Changes Up for Public Comment ** *

*RALEIGH, N.C. (July 15, 2010)* – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
voted on July  7 to take to statewide public hearings 23 proposed changes to
the state’s hunting, trapping and fishing regulations for the 2011-2012
seasons.

Adding five streams to the public trout waters program and removing hunting
and trapping restrictions at Cowan’s Ford Waterfowl Refuge in Lincoln,
Mecklenburg and Gaston counties are among the regulation changes. The public
can provide comments online beginning in early August and at any of the nine
public hearings in September.

For full text of the proposed regulations changes, visit the Proposed
Regulations for 2011-2012 Hunting, Trapping and Fishing
Seasons<http://www.ncwildlife.

org/NewsReleases/documents/Proposed_changes_in_Hunting_Trapping_and_Fishing_Regulations_for_2011.pdf>on
the Commission’s website,
www.ncwildlife.org.

Public hearings begin at 7 p.m. The schedule for the 2011-2012 hunting,
trapping and fishing seasons is below:

*DATE* Wed, Sept. 8

*DISTRICT* 5

*CITY** * Pittsboro

*LOCATION* Central Carolina Community
College<http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=Central+Carolina+Community+College+764+West+Street,+Pittsboro,+NC&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Central+Carolina+Community+College&hnear=764+West+St,+Pittsboro,+NC+27312&cid=0,0,11644501995043027092&ei=JaU0TOS2JMOB8gaav8mqAw&ved=0CBM>

In addition to attending a public hearing, the public can provide comments
by:

- Mailing comments to 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701;
- Visiting the Commission’s website, www.ncwildlife.org. In early August,
a Submit Comments Link will be posted on the home page.  **

After hearing public comments and reviewing written comments, the 19 members
of the Wildlife Commission will meet in November and vote on adopting these
proposed rules. Adopted rules will go into effect Aug. 1, 2011.

*About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission*

Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been
dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and
wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and
public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for
the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides
programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational
and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:06:44 -0400
From: Nick Meyer
Subject: Anonymous trashing

To the not so gentle,

Another anonymous ad hominem attack was launched yesterday on the chatlist by (Mr? Ms?) “Ima Lone”.

The target was Lyle Estill.  No matter what you think of Lyle’s opinions ( I happen to mostly agree with them, including about the Plenty), no one can accuse him of not standing squarely behind them with intelligent explication, with his money, with his considerable energy, and with his name. “Lone” fails on all counts.

In the marketplace of ideas anonymous trashtalk should be treated as the trash it is.

Nick Meyer

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:41:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: doug berg
Subject: Immigrants report crime, too

A writer suggests that the Chatham leadership does not question immigration status out of a belief in some right to immigrate “undodumentedly.” (July 14, post #15) I would imagine, however, the real reason is a bit more mundane and a lot more pragmatic. Here on the local level, keeping people within the boundaries of the law requires as many residents as possible to be willing to “call the law” when they see something going on that should not be. If you get law enforcment involved in checking status, and at the same time you are driving a large demographic group into the shadows, well, I think you’d see crime starting to increase.

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:36:24 GMT
From: Pam Cash-Roper
Subject: Offer for cheaper biofuel by Lyle Estill

I do not personally know this man BUT it seems to me he has made a generous offer of lower fuel costs for the Bookmobile. I can not see what his past public or private appearances have to do with his present offering.. Been here all my life and can not for life me undestand where all this backbiting, attacking and negative, nasty attitudes come into play. I have in all my 56 years never encountered such negative people from the chatlist, to the BBS, to people on the street who just can not say anything nice, pleasant or positive. If I believed everything I heard said about folks here in these forums…I would not want to meet anyone. But you see I know there are wonderful, good people here..most of them just don’t post on these boards. Let’s go for a few more positives. Mr. Estill if you read this, would love to meet you over a glass of iced tea. Because no one can be all bad. Blessed Be.

Pam Cash-Roper

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:58:29 -0400
From: Rita Marley-McKenzie
Subject: Thanks to Lee Pollard and Computer Therapy

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Lee Pollard and Computer Therapy Inc for donating computers and laptops to Chatham foster youth. These computers allow students to learn new skills, complete homework assignments, take online classes, complete research, and much more. Chatham County is truly blessed to have such a beneficial program.

If you are planning to replace your computer or have already purchased a new computer, please consider donating your old computer or laptop to Computer Therapy.  www.computer-therapy.com

Thanks again! Rita.

Rita Marley-McKenzie
LINKS Coordinator
Chatham County DSS

Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:22:12 -0400
From: everyday krauser
Subject: RE:Subject: cell phone service

My experiences with multiple providers has always lead me back to Verizon. They may lack the EyePhone’s but they make up for it in coverage. Im currently on a blackberry curve i picked up at our local radio shack, not a good idea. Not trying to bash to local Radio Shack but Sprint, the service they sell is horrible in even downtown Pittsboro, Ive maybe seen the phone at full bars driving past a cellphone tower once. I warn you, Sprint, AT&T, Cingular, Tmobile, Nextel, Cricket, Metropcs, Boost and tracphone have offered a large variety of services to me but they never helped me where it counted…getting reception in the middle of gum springs church rd, in RTP when im at work, anywhere else in chatham, while traveling or when in other states . Verizon can actually get a signal here and keep that signal on a full drive around and about Chatham, there are maybe 2 definite dead zones Ive encountered even for them. Anyway point being, I would highly suggest Verizon for reliability in our area. If anyone has had positive experiences with all the providers ive tried in the past i’d love you hear you feedback. Also, just to let you know i do NOT work for verizon. Though they should probably pay me for preaching.

Evan Keiser

Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:27:43 -0400
From: Tom West
Subject: Sally Kost frequently sought to fiddle with meeting minutes.

Seems like Chatham Coalition member and Chatham County Commission chairman has a problem with what she says being put in the public record.

Sally Kost frequently sought to fiddle with meeting minutes.

You can read the entire article in Cary news at http://www.carynews.com/2010/06/19/18690/joint-committee-record-gets-a.html

Below are some pertinent points

“The minutes are the official documentation of meeting bodies,” said Cary Councilman Erv Portman, a committee member. “It’s important they reflect what was said and not what someone might have thought they said.”

Switching to verbatim minutes makes it nearly impossible to challenge accuracy. The change will bring a more accurate reflection of the meetings.

Since the committee began regularly meeting again a year ago, Kost has suggested comprehensive edits to the minutes for at least four meetings: June 1, 2009, Aug. 31, 2009, March 18, 2010 and April 15, 2010.

In December, the committee had an extensive discussion over the Aug. 31 minutes. Kost said she wanted to clarify several points of the conversation, leading Rowland to prepare a special set of verbatim minutes.

In the preliminary minutes for the August meeting, Kost is reported as saying that the county would work on design standards and an overlay district for the area after the land use plan is adopted. In the December review, Kost said, “I never said that. I didn’t say it’s after the land use is adopted because I think they need to be concurrent and  it’s probably a point we need to discuss.”

But in Rowland’s verbatim minutes of the August meeting, Kost said: “One of the things that we were going to propose is perhaps we direct staff to start working – once we have a land use plan – to work on design standards and then have an overlay for this area.”

The comment stayed in the approved minutes.

After the April 15 meeting, Kost wanted to delete this from the preliminary minutes: “Kost said that she wanted to make a decision after absorbing the better information,” referring to new data on environmental impact of a proposed development near Jordan Lake. Kost says she’s concerned that the switch to verbatim minutes will create a larger workload for staff.

Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:24:59 -0400
From: Mari Trosclair
Subject: Chickens in the neighborhood

The requests from home buyers to be able to raise chickens or goats in neighborhoods has greatly increased in the last few years.  Some developers have recorded covenants to allow chickens (rarely allow a rooster) to broaden their buying pool and many neighborhoods have amended their covenants to allow chickens.

If your neighborhood allows chickens, is considering chickens or has already changed the covenants to do so, I would like to get your feedback on the pros or cons in your experience.

Thanks in advance.

Mari Trosclair, Realtor, Broker, GRI, ePro, ABR
Piedmont Preferred Realty, Inc.
http://www.HiddenCoast.com
919.619.2236  Fax: 919.287.2609

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:26:22 -0400
From: Jeff Lane
Subject:  It prevents politicians from back tracking when they’re caught in lies

The problem with Verbatim Minutes is that it prevents politicians from back tracking when they’re caught in lies (or mis-statements as they like to call them).

Personally, I applaud the use of verbatim minute keeping, and really, I think they should video the meetings and post them publically (with exceptions for the rules regarding closed door meetings) for anyone in the county to view and consider…