Chatham County, NC Blogs

Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:34:24 -0500
From: Sarah Carr
Subject: AT&T landline billing

We’ve had AT&T /BellSouth at our home since we moved here in August.  While the first 2 bills were understandably wacky because of new installation, prorated charges, etc, they have been wrong since October.  I pay for unlimited long distance, yet every month, I get charged for long distance calls.  So, I spend 30 minutes on the phone with them to correct the problem.  They always credit the account, but have not done anything more, saying only that it’s a “known issue” and they’re working on it.  It takes them 4 months to fix this???  Not to mention that it’s not like they are calling me to notify me that they’re overcharging me….
So, is anyone else having this problem with AT&T/BellSouth?  Check your bills if you’re not sure.

More importantly, what other landline options are there?  We’re out off of Jones Ferry Rd., between Lamont Norwood & River Rd.

Thanks, Sarah

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 21:37:30 -0500
From: Larry Hicks
Subject: George Lucier to Seek Second Term

Commissioner Lucier will run for a second term

George Lucier will seek re-election as Chatham County Commissioner from District 3. Lucier, a Democrat, was elected in 2006, and has a long record of public service at the local, state and national levels. He is currently Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners and served as Chair in 2008 and 2009.  Lucier also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Central Carolina Community College, the Chatham County Board of Health and the Economic Development Corporation.

While serving on the Board of Commissioners, Lucier has focused on what he calls the four essential areas of success for Chatham County; economic development, education, land use and regional planning, and fiscal responsibility.

Shortly after taking office, Lucier and his colleagues on the Board restructured the Economic Development Corporation and developed a strategic plan in cooperation with Siler City, Pittsboro, Goldston, business leaders, and interested citizens. “We are all working together to implement our economic development plan and to help existing business and we are now in a better position to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, arts, medical and pharmaceutical, ecotourism, alternative energy and wood processing”. “We have also made a significant investment in the Siler City Business Park” Lucier adds, “which includes a new hospital and new job training facilities for county citizens at the Central Carolina Community College”.

Lucier and his fellow commissioners have given strong support to the Chatham County Schools. “Education is an essential partner in the success of Chatham County” Lucier stated. Chatham County currently ranks 5th out of 100 counties in school funding per student. School funding has increased 4% this year while the overall county budget decreased 3%. The Board of Commissioners was awarded the 2009 Commissioners of the Year by North Carolina School Board Association, “in recognition of their outstanding support for the schools, developing a strong working relationship with the Board of Education and the creative funding of education in the face of financial crisis”.

“Land use and regional planning is essential for infrastructure and school planning, economic development and environmental protection”, says Lucier. To this end, the Board has revised many ordinances including zoning, subdivision, watershed, soil erosion and sedimentation control, and stormwater. “These revisions will insure that growth works to the benefit of Chatham county citizens” adds Lucier.

Plus the Board is in the midst of updating the comprehensive land conservation and development plan, which includes farmland protection, parks and recreation, and the strategic plan for economic development. “Agriculture has always been a centerpiece for Chatham County and the farmers have been recognized for their leadership in beef cattle, chickens and organic farming. It is important to work toward finalizing a farmland preservation plan that keeps agriculture at the forefront of economic development.”

The county also is working on plans to build a regional water treatment plant on the western side of Jordan Lake, and developing a joint land use plan with Cary. “Chatham County played a prominent role in the passage of the Jordan Lake nutrient rules by the state legislature. We need to protect Jordan Lake as a drinking water resource and recreational area”.

“The key to managing the affairs of the county is fiscal responsibility.” Lucier points out. “Financial indicators, both short and long term, are very positive, and county government is on a firm financial foundation as evidenced by our ability to obtain funding for the Margaret Pollard Middle School, the Community College facilities in Siler City and Pittsboro, the county library and expansion of Northwood High School”. Lucier noted that the county saved approximately $7 million by beginning construction of these facilities in an economic downturn.

Lucier is proud to be able to fund these projects with a lean county government. “I don’t think people realize that on the average Chatham County has 100 less employees per capita than other counties in the State. Our tax rate is about average, yet we are still able to accomplish quite a bit. It is the engagement and leveraging of our citizens, advisory boards and non profit agencies that make this possible”. These accomplishments, Lucier says, “have been achieved in an open and transparent manner and for the first time, we have a Commissioner Code of Ethics in Chatham County.”

Lucier says that family time with his wife, Jane and their two children is a high personal priority. However, he believes strongly in public service. “The support and appreciation expressed by many county citizens has helped to energize, motivate and encourage me to seek this office again next November. I would like to help complete the many initiatives we have begun that are important to the future of Chatham County”.

For more information, refer to http://lucier4chatham.blogspot.com/

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 20:02:37 -0500
From: Brad Johnson
Subject: Brian Bock for Chatham County Commissioner

You are invited to attend the Campaign Kickoff for

BRIAN BOCK

Candidate for Chatham County Commissioner

Sunday, Feb 7 at 1:00 pm

The Pittsboro Community House – 65 Thompson Street, Pittsboro

Brian decided to run because the actions and proposals of the current county leadership are raising our property taxes, shredding our property rights, and spending our tax dollars on unnecessary pet projects and staff increases in a time of severe recession. The current and proposed policies create an environment which is hostile to job creation and retention, policies which scare off, rather than attract new businesses to Chatham County.

This Campaign Kickoff will be an excellent opportunity to hear from Brian regarding current Chatham County issues and how he, and we, can make a difference in the governance of Chatham County.
Join us on Sunday lets get this fight started!!

Free food and beverages will be served from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:19:21 -0500
From: Diane Pettus
Subject: Tom Vanderbeck Announces Bid for Re-election in Chatham County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 2, 2010
Contact: Tom Vanderbeck 545-2150

Tom Vanderbeck announces bid for re-election as County Commissioner from District 4

Chatham County Commissioner Tom Vanderbeck announced today that he is seeking re-election. Vanderbeck, a Democrat, resides in District 4.

“In 2006, I ran on a campaign of open, honest government, sustainable economic development, thoughtful growth and quality schools,” Vanderbeck states. “I believe that we have turned Chatham County in the right direction and have made significant progress; however, there is much more to do to make Chatham the sustainable community we all desire.”

How Has Vanderbeck Led Chatham County in the Last Four Years?

Vanderbeck has been a leading advocate on the board for transparency in government, green economic development, sustainability and rural broadband access. He was recently appointed by the General Assembly to serve on the e-NC Authority, which promotes statewide rural broadband. Vanderbeck is currently the Vice Chair of the Triangle Area Regional Planning
Organization, and also serves on the Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health Board, the Chatham Transit Network and county broadband committee. Additionally, he is the county board liaison to the Housing Advisory Board, the Housing Coalition of Chatham, the Green Building Task Force, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Green
Economy Task Force.  He states, “Four years ago, we needed to bring county government back to its citizens. I enjoy working with my fellow commissioners tackling the issues that benefit all our lives.”

Commissioners Vanderbeck, Lucier and Thompson were overwhelmingly elected in 2006 on the same progressive, no-nonsense platform and are all running for re-election this year.

Commissioner Vanderbeck cites a number of key board accomplishments during his first three years in office: enacting a Code of Ethics and a conflict of interest policy for the Board of Commissioners; making Commissioner meetings and website more citizen-friendly and expanding citizen engagement; revitalizing the Economic Development Corporation; developing affordable
housing and farmland preservation plans; purchasing land for recreation; building and financing/upgrading public schools; approving a new Siler City community college campus and expansion of the Pittsboro campus; raising teacher supplements; and securing an interim water supply from the cities of Durham and Sanford while continuing to forge a framework for a regional
water treatment plant. In addition he says, “We have approved smart growth revisions of the zoning, subdivision, watershed protection, and soil and erosion control ordinances and enacted a new storm water protection ordinance.”

Vanderbeck emphasizes that the key to turning county government around has been teamwork. He says, “These accomplishments could not have been made without the expertise and extraordinary efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteer citizens and hard work and commitment of our professional staff. It is because of their continued efforts, and a cohesive county board, that
I feel quite confident we can make even greater strides toward sustainability in the next four years.”

Vanderbeck’s Vision for Future Initiatives

Initiatives Vanderbeck would like to work towards in the next fours years include: continued improvement in communications; formation of a transportation advisory board; completion of comprehensive sustainability, farmland preservation and transportation plans; expansion of broadband access and affordable housing; cost savings for solid waste disposal;
attraction of higher wage jobs; continued school and recreation site land banking; additional expansion of “green” programs at the community college campuses; and greenhouse gas reduction and energy conservation.

Vanderbeck’s Family Tradition is Community-Centered

Vanderbeck and his wife, Laura, returned to North Carolina thirteen years ago and settled into a passive solar home they co-designed and built. Laura, a PhD psychologist, has a consulting and clinical practice in Pittsboro. Vanderbeck, who previously worked as a small-scale sustainable farmer along with his wife, now considers himself just a part-time gardener. He says that
serving as a commissioner is his full-time job.

For additional information please see: www.Vanderbeck4chatham.org (under construction)

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:46:13 -0500 (EST)
From: Linda Booker
Subject: ChathamArts Sustainable Cinema Series

A big thanks to everyone who came out to the Fearrington Barn last friday night for the screening of LOOKING FOR MS. LOCKLEAR.  Despite a cold, snowy night, a terrific crowd enjoyed a wonderful documentary and the humor and songs of Rhett and Link.  Much gratitude to all our ChathamArts volunteers, Fitch Creations and our attendees and supporters who made the evening a memorable event and raised funds for ChathamArts and its arts in education programs.

For those who saw the film and would like to learn more about the Lumbee’s struggle for federal recognition, local author and historian Marjorie Hudson wrote to tell us that  “-there are two chapters about that in my book, Searching for Virginia Dare.”

Don’t miss our next ChathamArts Sustainable Cinema event on tuesday February 23, 7:00 at Fearrington. A NEW KIND OF LISTENING is the story of a visionary director, a one-of-a-kind theater group, and a young man who could not speak, yet found the voice he had been looking for all his life. Kenny Dalsheimer’s documentary takes us inside the creative work of the
Community Inclusive Theater Group, as director Richard Reho inspires cast members, some with disabilities, to be writers, actors and dancers in an original collaborative performance. Together they prove that a small community arts project has the power to transform lives.  There will be a panel discussion afterwards with the producers, local theater & arts
program directors and disability representatives. Admission at door: $5 adults/$3 for students.  More information at http://www.chathamarts.org/programs/sustainablecinema.html

Come see why the Independent Weekly calls the ChathamArts Sustainable Cinema Series “One of the best film-festival ideas to emerge around here.”

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:56:23 -0500
From: rhoda l berkowitz
Subject: Food for Fines

During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day (February  8 – 14),  patrons of the Chatham County Public Library system can pay  off their fines by donating non-perishable food items to benefit CORA and the  Siler City food bank.  For each dollar of fines owed, one item of non- perishable food will be accepted.  The most needed items are pasta sauce and boxed pasta,  canned tuna or canned salmon, canned soups and vegetables, beans  (canned or dried) and boxed cereals.

Food for Fines programs have been successfully used in  many communities to assist patrons with limited budgets,  increase  book returns, and help local food banks.

Everyone in the community is invited to bring non-perishable food items to the libraries during that period, not just  those patrons who owe fines.

Please support Chatham County’s first Food for Fines program.  It is  a benefit for everyone in our community.

Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 01:29:19 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Chatham Chatlist hits 3,100 members

I am happy to report that the Chatham Chatlist hit 3,100 members this weekend.

Thanks to all you great members for making this chatlist what it is.

Gene Galin
Chatlist moderator

Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:47:54 -0500
From: Tom Heckel
Subject: thanks for recommendations

Hi Chatham friends,

My recent post asking for recommendations for local electricians resulted in ten responses. The Chatham chat list is such a wonderful resource. Thanks for all your responses and thanks to Gene for all his hard work.

Tommy

Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:56:13 -0500
From: Patricia B. Learned
Subject: Fundraiser for Interfaith Ministries of Chatham County

FUNDRAISER for the INTERFAITH MINISTRIES of CHATHAM COUNTY – Thank you brave souls who did show up at the General Store Cafe’ yesterday (February 1) for our fundraiser.  I was there from 11am-2pm.  Then I left and did not go back.  On my way there I encountered icy roads and an accident so I felt it was better for me to come back home than risk an accident myself.

The General Store Cafe’ says we can try again for another date.  So please stay tuned.
Patricia B. Learned

Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:47:52 EST
From: Kattorney
Subject: David Ismay for Mardi Gras King 2010!

Really?  Do you just sit around and wait for Mardi Gras every  year?  I mean, that’s cool….it IS a really great party.  But this is  essentially the same post you posted last year and it wasn’t particularly  humorous or accurate then, either.  Although Andrea wasn’t even involved  with Mardi Gras 2009 at all, I know her and I’m sure she’d be THRILLED to  have YOU as her
advocate!!   What devotion and loyalty!!  And by  the way, the Mardi Gras king and queen aren’t voted upon.  There  is a king cake and a queen cake, both of which contain a plastic baby in  accordance with Mardi Gras tradition.  Whoever gets the baby in their piece  of cake is the king and queen of the ball.  I bake the cakes.  C’mon  by, I’ll save a piece just for you.  Maybe YOU can be the king!

Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:26:19 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
From: dismay2164@mypacks.net
Subject: Andrea Young for Mardi Gras  Queen 2010!

The search is on for a new 2010 Mardi Gras Queen! I nominate  Andrea Young!

Andrea as you may remember is the founder of The Abundance  Foundation and
has advanced it to a whole new level.  She will long be  remembered for
totally re-inventing the annual Pittsboro Christmas Parade and is  credited with
developing and bringing to fruitation the 2008 & 2009 Mardi  Gras. So,
everybody vote for Andrea Young for Mardi Gras Queen  2010!

What? No New Mardi Gras King? Many of us thought that honor would  go to
Lyle Estill- but alas, he if far too busy preparing for his apparance on  the
‘Ophra’ TV Show, promoting his new book “Small Is Not Enough” And perhaps
you may or may not have heard- Lyle now Sings!!

David  Ismay

Kathie  Russell
Russell & Pressley
727 W. Hargett St., Ste. 109
Raleigh, NC  27603

Pictures from the Jordan-Matthews Lady Jets vs Northwood Lady Chargers basketball game in Pittsboro, NC are up at http://www.chathamphotos.com/2010/100109nwjmgirlsbasketball/index.html

I have posted group and individual shots of the Woods Cheerleading squad 1/27/10 at
http://www.chathamphotos.com/2010/100127woodscheerleaders/index.html

Woods parents who order prints before February 28, 2010 can save shipping cost, since I can drop the orders off at Woods Charter School.

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:37:35 -0500
From: Jeff Lane
Subject: Der steelin’ our jerbs!

> ——————–  12  ——————–
> Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:31:39 -0500 (EST)
> From: dismay2164
> Subject: Pittsboro’s Mobile gypsy vendors
>
> There are so many parts to this problem it is a joke. First and foremost, these folks that set up on the
> curb and in parking lots ARE TAKING BUSINESS FROM PITTSBORO FIRMS. To sell in Pittsboro, a
> vendor must have a vendor’s licence obtained from the town of Pittsboro- at a cost of $25.00 per year.
> They can set up anywhere they like, provided they have WRITTEN PERMISSION  from the property
> OWNER. Those selling food (especially that prepared on the site) must be inspected and passed by the
> Chatham County Health Department.

Hooo Boy… You are correct sirah… there are so many parts to this problem it really is a joke.  But sadly, the joke is in how y’all local business lovers are so bigoted.  And so quick to shoot off at the mouth without any proof to back up your blatant and non-blatant allegations of societal misconduct by “them danged gypsies” and their snubbing if your well ordered and established land of pre-existing businesses.

So you’ve been to the county and town offices and have determined by going through the records that none of these people have business licenses?  Because if you have, I’d love to see a detailed report on your findings, and the person you worked with, because I would like to follow up on this miscarriage of justice.

But lets be just a little bit realistic here.  Shot of Spro (the much maligned mobile menace) and the Hot Dog lady have been there for quite a while now.  Given the size of Pittsboro, and the very tiny number of businesses within Pittsboro, to you HONESTLY believe that they could have gone this long, sitting in the SAME SPOT FOR WEEKS without the tax man coming to collect his sheckles?  Really?

Now over in Metropolis, I could see a few mobile vendors getting away with it for a good while, but in a town with so small a population, and so few brick and mortar stores, really?  I can’t even get away with not having my septic system inspected twice a year and I live MILES away from the office that handles that boondoggle.

But let Madame Hot Dog speak for herself “Yes, I pay taxes. I have a Tax ID number with the state of NC but I refuse to post it here. Yes, I pay rent to have a space at the Old Ford Dealership. Yes, I had to get my permit from the Chatham County Health Department and NO, it did not piggy back off of my  commissary which is Virlies. I had to go through “you know what” to get it, just ask anyone on BBS, they followed our ordeal. And, Lisa Morgan has stopped by my cart while I was fully operational and gave me my own inspection and I passed with flying colors. I keep my permit, my business license and my recent inspection with me on my cart if you would like to stop by and see it. I have nothing to hide. ”

And let’s let Tina speak about rent, “If you or anyone you know that is interested in renting a small portion of the OLD Pittsboro Ford lot with all of us, please have them contact Noel at (919) 616-5068. Noel is wanting to turn the area into a little market with lots of variety; a one-stop-shop! There is also electricity available at the site. You will need to have your Town of Pittsboro business license/permit and depending on what you are selling there may be additional things you will need to obtain. You can utilize the services of the small business center to help you get started. This is where we started too. Gary Kibler is fantastic to work with! Best of luck and we hope to see you soon as we grow and grow!

Noel is even interested if you just want to do something on nights and/or weekends.

Note: We will also be hooking up to electricity soon and will be further back toward the building so if you don’t see us at the entrance just look further back! We will be extending our hours as well.

Tina Meeks
Shot of Spro – Mobile Espresso Van”

That was from the BBS and took me all of about 30 seconds to find it.
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php?topic=16453.0

> Take a look the the vendor’s set-up- These vans and cooking things cost thousands of dollars- a sure
> sign that the vendor is not hard up for money. As for the vendors paying Noel to set up in the old car lot, I
> suspect that is baloney. (Free everything is these vendor’s style) I overheard Noel tell someone that he
> could not charge vendors for space, or rent out space, because it would be in violation of his lease. (If the
> old car lot is indeed leased, why is there a big sign saying it is available for lease?)

correlation != causality.  No matter how much you want it to.  Oh, they have a big fancy van so they MUST be wealthy, ergo, they don’t live here and are just takin’ our jerbs.  Really?  You should ask the other local Pittsboro business owners how much THEY had to sink into buying/leasing and remodeling their physical stores.  I bet Eric Shook (J. Henry) would probably tell you that it is NOT CHEAP to start any business, mobile or not.  In fact, I remember not too long ago that the expenses he owed, compared to the sales he was doing had almost made him close the store.  And the Co-op?  Not too long ago IT TOO was having some pretty bad issues with money, honey.  But someone who bought a van OBVIOUSLY has money, right?  I bet it never even occurred to you that buying a van or a cart gives you an easy way to start your own business without having to pay extortionate leases and the expense of actually occupying a building, did it.  I bet you never realized how LESS expensive it is to start a business that way, giving you a far better chance of actually making a profit since, guess what? Your overhead is lower, AND you can go to where the customers are, instead of sitting back and hope they see your signs.

As for rent, read again Tina’s BB post.  Sounds like she and others were working WITH Noel to rent out space in the lot for their businesses.  YOU heard, or think you overheard, meaning you were eavesdropping on a private conversation and you didn’t get the context, nor did you get the actual conversation did you.  Did you YOURSELF actually ask Noel if he was renting space out, or if he had allowed people to be there?

Yeah, you don’t have to answer that.  I know the answer already.

> These ugly trucks and vans that set up to grab a fast buck are not pretty to the eye and the noise of the
> propane generators are a nuisance- and a pollutant of air and eardrums. Why should we have to endure
> this offensive noise and smell, just so they can make money and, their product is not cheap by any
> means.  And remember, they are only interested in setting up in a location that is free to them.

Even uglier is the attitude that you and others seem to have regarding LOCALS having the gall to start up businesses that compete with your preferred businesses.  How dare they?  As for price, their products are as cheap as you’ll find them anywhere else.  As for your last statement, please qualify that.  You KNOW this for a fact?  You can prove that they are not paying rent and are just squatting?  And again, I point you to my FIRST paragraph.  In a town as small as Pittsboro, with a local government that is money hungry as they are, do you REALLY BELIEVE that they would let a few small businesses like that sit in the old Ford Lot for WEEKS without coming to collect their money?  If you do, I think maybe you should go join the Chemtrail watchers… they could use someone with your astute insight.

> A tell-tale sign of this took place last First Sunday (day of Pittsboro Christmas parade) The owner of
> Mobile Espresso van was overheard to let the manager of First Sunday know, in no uncertain terms, that
> she had no intention of paying the $20.00 set-up fee (which all first Sunday vendors pay)- And that no
> one could force her to pay. Not only that, but she had a bad attitude. She further bullied the situation by

“was overheard”? There you are again, eavesdropping on other peoples business.  Didn’t your mama teach you any manners?  But from what you said, YOU didn’t do the overhearing either… so you heard, from a friend, who heard from a friend, who heard from a friend that so and so said such and such.  Sigh…  You make this way too easy.  You know, it was recently overheard that you are very flatulent in restaurants.  See how easy that was?  A completely false statement made to seem reasonable just because “someone” overheard it somewhere…

Pssst… if you believe everything that you heard from Tommy, who heard from Billy, who heard from Susie, who overheard Wendy telling Johnny that he may have heard a man on a corner talking about free ice cream, then I’ve got a deal for you.  I have $20,000,000 stashed away in a bank account in Nigeria and I need YOUR help to move the money to America before the deadline comes and the Nigerian government claims it.  It was left to my by my long lost Uncle Mark who was a pipeline contractor for a major oil company.  He tragically  died in an automobile accident and left no next of kin. Or so I heard…

> setting up advertising sandwich boards on several corners of Salisbury and Hillsboro streets. (There is a
> Pittsboro Town ordinance against sandwich boards on streets) VISITORS to First Sunday had to listen to

That’s funny… I seem to remember seen more than a few sandwich boards around businesses on First Sundays in the past…  Sadly I missed the December one, but the others I’ve been to have had a few sandwich boards out, and not one of them pointed me to tasty coffee and hot dogs.  I must have missed out.

> that horrible propane generator racket for more than 3 hours. This whole thing was planned well in
> advance- Because she had bragged about it in a chatlist that somehow was not published before the fact
> but a week after.

If you think THEIR generator is loud, you should come hear the one I use during power outages.  HooooWEEEE does it make a racket.

> (I am willing to bet that Mobile Espresso Van did not have written permission from the town of Pittsboro
> to set-up on the street)

Willing to bet.  SO yet another supposition.  DO you have ANYTHING that is not a supposition or an allegedly overheard conversation by parties unknown, or an outright fabrication?  Anything at all.  Just one fact?

> And now Mobile Espresso Van is bragging that they are converting to electric so they can remain longer
> in each location. JUST WHO is going to continue to  provide them with FREE ELECTRICITY?

Well, now this is just supposition on my part, admittedly, but having actually TALKED to Tina and her Husband, you know, in person, not through a friend of a friend, but actually walked up to them and chatting them up, I would imagine that the electricity is being worked out among all the businesses there and the bill would be added to rent’s charged, or some other sort of deal.  Again, at least I bothered to warn you that I was guessing, instead of just passing my guesses and hearsay off as factual.

> Fees and booth rental money collected from vendors at Pittsboro First Sunday is in return spent on
> advertising, musical guests and other entertainment (Such as the Belly Dancing Showcase)-

Good to know.  So tell me, David, what happened when you went to the organizers of the First Sunday and made them aware of this grievous tragedy?  I mean, you DID go and actually make your accusations in a place where they could be acted on, rather than just blindly throw them up on a public forum without any due diligence at all, correct? Oh… My bad…

> Pittsboro does not need these gypsy vendors- they have no interest in the town or making it a better
> place. Just what do they give back in return?

Well, Lynn works with Virlies.  She buys her goods from local bread stores and grocery stores, sells her wares to local customers and travelling customers, pays the taxes, and I’d imagine that she takes her meager profits and puts them back into the community by shopping for her home in local stores as well.

What do YOU give back in return?  I know, you don’t shop outside of Chatham’s borders, right?

Can someone, ANYONE please explain how this is supposed to work. So, I should start a local business and feed back into the local economy but I should NOT start a local business because I’d be stealing business from other local businesses?  Does that about sum it up.

So again, now that the Don Quixotes have stepped forward to rid our blighted town of these evil dragons, I will certainly sleep better at night… or maybe not because your zeal for tearing down a local business in the name of local business is just so confusing it makes my brain hurt.

Again, can ANYONE prove that they are not licensed?  Not inspected? Not paying rent?  Anyone?  Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:11:26 -0800 (PST)
From: Tina Meeks
Subject: A response to defend our small Chatham business

Mr. Ismay,

I want to thank you for following us as closely as you have since you have a lot of information about where we are, how long we are there, what our vehicle looks like, our prices, etc. etc. but…I am not going to keep defending myself on this Chatlist as if I am doing something illegal. I know I will have folks that don’t like what we are doing and I am okay with it. The information you provided is not accurate so let me take the time to address your statements:

I do have my Pittsboro permit. The cost is $100 a year, not $25. I also have my Siler City permit and it is $25 a year. My permits, insurance, health dept approval and NC Dept of Ag approval is in our van. Please feel free to come by and ask to see it anytime you wish.

I am approved by the Chatham County Environmental Health and NC Dept of Agriculture to operate. I have a Sales Tax ID as well and I pay sales tax each month to the state.

I, and anyone that does business there at the lot, pays rent. I have cashed checks to prove it!!! The information you stated was true about Noel subleasing, but Noel has since been given approval by the owner (the management company) to allow others to operate at the site. There is actually a post on the Chatlist and BBS looking for new folks to join us! Noel wants to make this a mini-market offering all types of unique and specialty items to the folks in Pittsboro and Chatham County. If you know anyone who is interested, even if it is just on weekends, you can call him at (919) 616-5068.

We get NOTHING for FREE! I pay for everything, including ELECTRICITY once we get it finalized! The electrician is charging $150 and the permit for it is $50. Progress Energy is charging us a $75 deposit and we will have a monthly bill to pay. I can provide you my account number if you want to verify it. We also pay fees to be at events, fairs, festivals, etc., which can be quite costly since our average ticket sale is much, much lower than other vendors at these events. We also have to pay three times more due to the size of our van.

Ugly truck? That is your opinion and I won’t fault you for it.

We are very interested in participating in 1st Sunday and have made several attempts with the facilitator, Leslie Fesperman. She states there is no room for us at this time and she already has other vendors serving similiar products. I am not upset with 1st Sunday and hope eventually they will allow us to join them and pay the fee and participate officially.

It is your opinion that we have no interest in the town. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t. Our goal is to make the best product for our customers and make it the way they want it. In our opinion, if they were getting it prior to our arrival, we wouldn’t have any customers. I’m sorry if you are offended that we are here, but there are many that LOVE what we are doing and think it is a great idea! At least we know you won’t be one of our happy customers!

What do we give back to Pittsboro? A unique business idea – the 1st of its kind in the Triangle area. In addition, I want to help with fundraising events and unite with other local businesses in hopes to improve both of our awareness in the community. We do donate 10% of our gross sales to the fundraising event.

We also are strong supporters of local business and have used a local graphic designer, sign maker, bookkeeper, CPA, bank, electrician, propane company, gas station, and the grocery stores to purchase our milk products. Most of all…we get our lunch from Big Daddy Dogs!  I love the smell in the air when Lynn is warming things up, ahhhhhhhh – and of course, our produce from Noel. He has me addicted to the honey crisp apples.

Cheers,
Tina Meeks
Shot of Spro – Mobile Espresso Van
(919) 663-5796
shotofspro@embarqmail.com

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:59:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Lynn Hayes
Subject: energy audit from Home Performance NC

Hi neighbors,

I hired Mark Bashista of Home Performance NC to perform an energy audit at an old mill house that I own in Durham.  He went through the house with a fine toothed comb and gave me a list of things to fix and prioritized them for me.  I made the biggest repairs and the tenants report that their utility bills have come down by almost half.

So I really recommend his service, you can reach him at 919-360-1570 or at www.homeperformancenc.com.

best wishes,
Lynn Hayes

From: Heather Johnson
Date: Wed, Dec 9, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Subject: Support ALL local business!!

Ms Marie Miller,

This is an unfortunate message to read. We should not disparage our local business owners. Tina and Tommy Meeks are the owners of the Espresso Van. They and the other folks there are LOCALLY OWNED FAMILY businesses who pay taxes, business fees and other contributions to our community -  in no way do they intend to be temporary. All of the vendors in the Ford parking lot are our neighbors and I think it’s a beautiful thing they are doing! Turning a vacant spot into an opportunity for local business owners to thrive is a fabulous idea! Noel didn’t have to let other folks on the lot, but in the spirit of cooperation he has welcomed them to share their goods as well.

What makes Chatham County such a great place to live is the spirit of community and supporting one another. I hope Ms Miller that you will have an opportunity to examine your thoughts and perhaps be humbled. I would imagine that Vance from the General Store does not share your feelings about the folks at the Ford parking lot. It’s not really fair of YOU to include him inyour message. That really places him in an unfortunate position and he doesn’t deserve that, either.

I am inspired by the Meeks family and my reasons are really none of your business. I will just say that they have children to raise and support and their drive and creativity is amazing and their family and our community are blessed for it.

How our businesses should be packaged is simply not dictated by you. And why would you want them to be?

All the best to every small business in that lot. We need you here and I will continue to look for ways to support you!!!

Sincerely,

Heather
–
Heather Johnson
Chatham Bookkeeping Services

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:49:58 -0500
From: Mariah Wheeler
Subject: Thank You Pittsboro!

Dear Art Lovers from Pittsboro and Environs,

Just wanted to say a big “Thank YOU! to those of you who visited my Studio #46 and/or the Joyful Jewel during the Chatham County Studio Tour. It was so much fun talking with you about my jewelry, the processes I use to make the pieces, and the love I endeavor to share through them.  I appreciated the questions and the care with which you chose pieces to take home or to give as gifts. You came out despite the cold and rain. I was fortunate to meet you – smiling folks who appreciate things made with care and attention to the creative muse, and who are supporting the arts locally.  Pittsboro rocks!

Mariah Wheeler, Jewelry Artist and
The Joyful Jewel
“one of a kind treasures for the discerning soul”
45 West St. in downtown, Pittsboro, NC
(919) 545-6836, http://www.joyfuljewel.com
20 artists taking their time to make something unique

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:49:12 -0500
From: Lynn Hicks
Subject: Stillpoint Acupuncture business listing

Heather McIver, L.Ac.
Stillpoint Acupuncture
234 E. Raleigh St.
Siler City, NC 27344
919-663-1137  or 336-382-1462

I fell in love with Chinese Medicine from my first treatment in 1993 and have been studying it ever since. In 2001, I graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, CO and moved to Greensboro to open my practice.  That practice is thriving and now employs 4 practitioners and sees 300-400 patients per month.  I moved to Chatham County in 2004 and quickly opened a satellite office in Siler City. I have been very impressed by the level of acceptance and loyalty I have received here.

What I most appreciate about this medicine is both scientific and artistic, part logic and part intuition. I specialize in women’s health concerns including menstrual problems, infertility and pregnancy. However, I also treat both acute and chronic pain as well as digestive problems, fatigue, stress, depression and anxiety. I see patients in Siler City on Monday afternoons and Friday mornings, and the initial visit costs $60.

Our Greensboro office offers a sliding-scale community clinic two days a week. My goal for 2010 is to offer something similar in Siler City as well. Please visit www.stillpointacupuncture.com to sign up for our e-newsletter to be notified once we do get that started. Or, feel free to call me with any questions. I’m also happy to come speak to interested groups about Chinese medicine.

Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:44:32 -0500
From: Rob Downs

Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:57:10 -0500
From: Jeff Lane
Subject: Re: Chatham Chatlist #3596

You know, sometimes people here can really disgust me.  All I’ve heard over the last couple years is “hurrr hurrr buy local buy local hurr hurr hurr” and here come’s someone who just can’t stand those pesky local businesses “stealing business” from local businesses.

> I was wondering what the rules and regulations are for the local vendors setting up shop along 64
> in Pittsboro?  It seems that every week their is a new person setting up shop at the old Ford
> parking lot.  It really doesn’t seem fair to me that the coffee van can just park for a few hours and
> take away business from the General Store Cafe, The drive through coffee shop at
> 64 and 87 or even the coffee shop at the Brewery.

Did you stop and ask?  Last I checked, they both were locals, both selling local products to local shoppers.  Would you rather the lot just sit empty, a decrepit rusting building on an  overgrown paved lot that no one wants to buy or lease? Or would you rather see local entrepreneurs starting their own businesses and maybe becoming successful.

> These people pay taxes, insurance support our community etc, yet someone can park for a few
> hours and steal away business from someone who is a permanent fixture in Pittsboro.  The same
> is true for the hot dog lady, pie man and even the guy selling Christmas trees. And it is becoming
> an eyesore to see excess boxes/trash lying around that location.   Everyone who owns a
> business has to adhere to certain rules, regulations, and pay taxes, are they?  And please do not
> tell me that their is enough business for everyone, if they want to be in business, set up an
> permanent location and see how you would feel if someone came in an stole your business.

So what you’re saying is that a local business only counts if it rents out an overpriced brick and mortar location?  So what, in your opinion qualifies as a worthy business here in Chatham County? By your own complaint and offense, we should all stop shopping at First Sunday, yes?  After all, all those temporary stands along the streets just clog up the pretty sidewalks and steal business from the “legitamate” businesses of Pittsboro, right?  Maybe we should stop encouraging those transient business thieves all together and just stop having First Sunday and the Street Fair.

> I hate to see how these “temporary” people can make a struggling business, suffer even more.

As someone else has mentioned, if a mobile espresso van is putting that much of a hurt on the GSC and that car-wash/coffee shop, then both of those businesses need to rethink some of their business plan. And lets be honest… the GSC is a great place.  I love the food there… but I can’t afford to eat there.  You may be able to, and bless you for your success if you can, but a lot of people can’t so a LOT of businesses are suffering.  I can barely afford to get a coffee a week from the Meeks’ van, but I do when I can.  And I stopped buying coffee from the little drive through a long time ago, because, let’s face it, their coffee is horrible.  It’s always too strong, burnt, just not well made.  Their Smoothies, on the other hand, are amazing. Especially the Mango.  It’s hard to find a delicious smoothie made from real mango, instead of that processed fake mango garbage.  But still, for a cup of coffee, I choose to spend my money at the LOCALLY OWNED and LOCALLY OPERATED Mobile Espresso van.

> Gene any chance you could do a little investigative work and put it in your paper?

Yes Gene, could you please?  I think these new local businesses could use a helping hand and some exposure in local media sources outside the Chatlist.  They provide a service or a product that people want, at decent prices.

Really Marie Miler, you epitomize the problem with our society today. Everyone searches and searches for any perceived slight just so you can rise up in impotent indignation, shaking your fists at the sky and yelling about the injustice of it all, without doing the slightest bit of leg work on your own beyond sabre rattling.

So I ask YOU, Marie Miler… instead of asking Gene to spend HIS time investigating these horrible temporary thieves of local business why don’t YOU go and educate YOURSELF.  Take some responsibility and find your OWN facts before you start making unfounded and inflammatory remarks about people you have never met and businesses you’ve never patronized.

Jeff, who can’t understand how, in this economy, people are willing to try to tear down entrepreneurs who have somehow managed to start a business and make it at least somewhat successful.