Chatham County, NC Blogs

Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:52:41 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Bulletin Board Topics

1. AN OPEN LETTER TO REPUBLICANS AND CONSERVATIVES IN CHATHAM  (Read 3538 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,16875.0.html

2. Work starts on sidewalk construction along 15-501, near Cole Park Plaza.  (Read 1980 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17342.0.html

3. New Construction by Wal-Mart  (Read 1676 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17280.0.html

4. CJ – No surprises, no hassles with Signature Auto Solutions  (Read 1668 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,7678.0.html

5. Winter May Not Be Over In Chatham County  (Read 888 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17392.0.html

6. They are cutting down the BIG oak tree…  (Read 653 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17360.0.html

7. Toano company acquires Chatham County golf courses  (Read 653 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17047.0.html

8. drivers license renewal in pittsboro?  (Read 438 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17394.0.html

9. Can ANYONE tell me of a local Clocksmith??? PLEASE  (Read 362 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17332.0.html

10. Chatham Crop Mob event featured in New York Times Magazine  (Read 261times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,17378.0.html

Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:40:26 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: 1st part of the 2009 Best of Chatham County.

Here’s the first part of the 2009 Best of Chatham County.
(Second half due out later this week)

*Best local antique store*
Beggars & Choosers Antiques
38 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro
CLOSED JAN 2010
Honorable mentions
French Connection

*Best bed and breakfast*
Rosemary House
76 West St, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone:  (919) 542-5515
Honorable mentions
Laurel Ridge
Celebrity Dairy

*Best local thrift shop*
PTA Thrift Shop
11500 US Highway 15 501 N #103 Phone: (919) 969-9457
Honorable mentions
Habitat Home Store
Second Bloom
Pittsboro & Siler City PTA Thift Shops

*Best day spa*
Spa at Bell House
1016 Thompson Street, Pittsboro
Phone: (919) 542-0653
Honorable mentions
Aria Spa
Salon Blue
Antonella’s Salon

*Best hair stylist/salon for women*
Antonella’s Salon
49 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: (919) 542-6661
Honorable mentions
Salon Blue
Kelly’s Salon

*Best hair stylist/barber for men*
Barker’s Barber Shop
Downtown Pittsboro
Honorable mention
Antonella’s
Salon Blue

*Best local hardware store*
Lowe’s Hardware
121 Lowe’s Drive Pittsboro, NC
Phone: (919) 642-4030
Honorable mentions
Pope’s Hardware
Siler City Ace Hardware
J Henry Paint & Hardware

*Best place to hear music*
The City Tap
89 Hillsboro Street. Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 545-0562
Honorable mentions
Pittsboro General Store Cafe
Bynum General Store
Shakori Hills in Silk Hope
Carolina Brewery
Reno Sharpe’s Store

*Best place to see local art*
ChathamArts Gallery
115 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Honorable mentions
Siler City Arts Incubator
Pittsboro General Store Café
Carolina Brewery,
Raleigh Street Gallery

*Best pottery studio/store*
Mark Hewitt
424 Johnny Burke Road, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: (919) 542-2371
Honorable mentions
Janet Resnick
Lynn Morrow, Stone Crow
Raleigh Street Gallery

*Best yoga instructor*
Cathy Holt
Phone: (919) 542-4103
Honorable mentions
Helen Kern, Mary Ann Doty

*Best local handyman*
Jim Nitsch of HandyJim.com
Phone: (919) 548-0748
Honorable mentions
Freedom Handyman

*Best local plumber*
Clear Water Plumbing
175 Holly Glen Rd, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: 27312 (919) 837-5186
Honorable mentions
Pittsboro Plumbing, Partin Plumbing
Russ Jackson, Mark Crawford
Liles Plumbing in Siler City

*Best heating and air conditioning specialist*
Chatham Heating & Air
171 Thompson St. Pittsboro, NC
Phone (919) 542-5319
Honorable mentions
Miller Heating and Air
Tommy Snipes

*Best window washer*
Dwain Ritchie
Phone: (919) 636-0069
Honorable mentions
Window Wizard

*Best local landscaper*
Arbor Enterprises
Phone: 919-362-1047
Honorable mentions
Ginny Gregory, Tom Glendining
Specialized Landscaping

*Best grading service*
Collins Mountain
Phone:  (919)929-3324
Honorable mentions
Ricky Beal, Jeff Scott Grading
Earl Thomas, Roger Bright

*Best local doctor*
Dr. William Garlick
200 E Salisbury St, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 545-0580
Honorable mentions
Dr. John Corey, Dr. James Holt,
Dr. Bergert, Dr. Eric Butler,
Dr. James Holt, Dr. James Kurz
*
Best local dentist*
Dr. Rouse Wilson DDS
767 West St, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: (919) 542-3502
Honorable mentions
Dr. Noah Wilson DDS
Dr. Paul Mitchum DDS
Dr. Michael Peele DDS
Dr. Paul Powell DDS

*Best local chiropractor*
Dr. Mindy Bradshaw
11312 US Hwy 15-501 North, Suite 104
Phone: (919) 969-0931
Honorable mentions
Dr. Roxanne Hollander
Dr. Elizabeth Freedman

*Best local pharmacy*
Pittsboro Discount Drugs
628 East St, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: (919) 542-7283
Honorable mentions
CVS Chatham Crossing
Siler City Pharmacy
Pittsboro Kerr Drug
Siler City Walgreens

*Best local veterinarian*
Hope Crossing
Animal Hospital
58 East Cotton Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 542-1975
Honorable mentions
Hill Creek Veterinary Hospital
Pittsboro Animal Clinic
Jordan Lake Animal Hospital
Cole Park Veterinary
Chatham Veterinary Service

*Best local place to board your pet*
Companion Camp
3408 Castle Rock Farm Road, Pittsboro
Phone: (919) 545-2267
Honorable mentions
Pettsboro Groom & Room
Hope Crossing Animal Hospital
Pittsboro Animal Hospital
K9 Kindercare

*Best new car dealer*
Pittsboro Ford
1245 Thompson Street, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: (919) 542-3131
Honorable mentions
Welford Harris in Siler City

*Best used car dealer*
Smart Cars by Weiland
471 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC.
Phone: 919-542-1599
Honorable mentions
Pittsboro Ford
Signature Auto Solutions
Welford Harris in Siler City

*Best auto mechanic*
Performance Automotive
1027 East Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 542-5614
‎Honorable mentions
Doug’s Auto & Tire
Pittsboro Auto Care
Siler City Automotive
Diaz Automotive
Chapel Hill Tire

*Best auto parts store*
Advance Auto in Pittsboro
462 East St, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 542-2899
Honorable mentions
NAPA in Pittsboro & Siler City
New Hope Auto Parts

Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:21:52 -0500
From: gina harrison
Subject: Northwood Bets on Guys & Dolls for Spring Musical

Will Nathan Detroit find a place for “The Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York” before Big Jule arrives? Will Miss Adelaide finally get Nathan to the alter after 14 years?  Will Sky get that Mission Doll Sgt. Sarah Brown to fly to Havana for DINNER? And most importantly, which is more popular—Mindy’s Cheesecake or Mindy’s Strudel?

The answers to these and other completely inconsequential questions will all be revealed when the Northwood Arts Education Department presents the 1950 Broadway classic, Guys & Dolls, March 25-27 at 7pm in Northwood’s Benjamin J. Lee Auditorium.

Based on Damon Runyon’s famous New York stories of the depression-era denizens of Broadway and Times Square, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, Guys & Dolls includes some of the American musical theatre’s best known works—Luck Be A Lady, Bushel and a Peck, I’ve Never Been in Love Before, and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.

This year, in addition to the three 7pm performances, there will be a special Friday night “dinner theatre” option, featuring a pre-show Cuban dinner. Enjoy a “Night in Havana” from the Barbeque Joint that includes Cuban Roast Pork, Arroz con Pollo, Cuban Black Beans & Rice, salad greens and Flan for dessert. Proceeds benefit the NHSAEF Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Lori Carlin, directing her 13th spring production, commented, “In selecting our spring musical for the Gala season, we were looking for a big name show that would draw students and community members alike. Guys & Dolls has been called “the perfect musical comedy.” The show is big, bright, fun, and engaging. We’ve produced it once before and have fond memories of that experience. This year we are taking a fresh approach to producing this classic show. Our student performers and technicians have their work cut out for them but I feel certain that we will find a way to exhibit the talent & spirit that Northwood students bring to the stage every year. And we are looking forward to sharing Guys & Dolls in our beautiful newly renovated auditorium!”

Tickets are available online at http://www.SeatYourself.biz/northwood. General admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children under 5. Reserved seats are $10 and tickets for the friday night dinner and show are $24. Dinner seating is from 5:30–6:20 pm.

The Northwood High School Arts Education Foundation (NHSAEF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization, is a community initiative dedicated to ensuring excellence in arts education by identifying, creating, and supporting programs that enrich learning, foster student achievement, and increase community involvement. Visit www.NHSAEF.org to learn more.

Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:46:18 -0500
From: James
Subject: Please move your dog discussion to the appropriate animal chatlist

Okay people -

I don’t mind keeping out an eye for someone’s lost dog, but these ongoing discussions about pet care, etc. are getting out of hand.

This is not a pet chatlist.

If you wish to discuss animal matters you can discuss them on the animal lovers chatlist at http://groups.google.com/group/chatham-animals

Jim

Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:28:05 -0500
From: Mary Donna Pond
Subject: Theology on Tap Discussions for Young Adults

Young adults in their 20s or 30s are meeting in a casual setting twice a
month to talk about what matters.  Theology on Tap, offered by Chapel in the
Pines Presbyterian Church, meets the first and third Thursdays of every
month at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Grill in Southern Village.

Led by Scott Adams, the group meets twice a month to discuss current events
and theological questions of relevance to post-undergraduates seeking
answers as they navigate many life changes that occur after college. Adams,
known to many in the area as an ultramarathoner who ran across North
Carolina in the summer of 2008 to increase support and awareness of cancer,
holds a Masters in Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA,
and also earned his Masters in Library Science from UNC where he now works.

The group tries to dig deep and be honest about a variety of faith-related
questions and discussion topics. Young adults of various perspectives,
backgrounds, denominations and faiths attend and encouraged to offer their
unique perspectives.

“It’s really laid back,” said Emily Davis, group coordinator. “Bring what
you will to the discussion.” Recent topics include being a missionary in war
ridden countries, politics and most recently the relationship between
Christianity and other faiths. Suggestions for future topics are welcome.

Interested? Our next gathering is scheduled for March 18. For more
information, contact Emily Davis at emilyrosedavis@gmail.com.

Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:14:37 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Candidates for local 2010 Chatham County political races

County Commissioner – District 3

Brian Bock 133 Saxaphaw Run REP (919) 357-7044
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Cadle W. Cooper 1918 Russell Chapel Rd. REP (919) 548-6336
Pittsboro, NC 27312

George Lucier (Incumbent) 628 Redbud Rd. DEM (919) 542-4629
Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 548-4151

County Commissioner – District 4

Pamela Stewart 1395 Van Thomas Rd. REP (919) 302-3037
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Tom Vanderbeck (Incumbent) 8180 Old Graham Rd. DEM (919) 545-2160
Pittsboro, NC 27312

County Commissioner – District 5

Kim Beal 1289 Bonlee Bennett Rd. REP (919) 837-2820
Siler City, NC 27344

Walter Petty 2287 Bonlee Bennett Rd. REP (919) 200-1940
Siler City, NC 27344

Carl E. Thompson, Sr. (Incumbent) 67 Robert Thompson Rd. DEM (919) 837-2407
Bear Creek, NC 27312

Chatham County Sheriff

Richard H. Webster (Incumbent) 1145 Pittsboro Goldston Rd. DEM (919)
542-4988
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Larry Meadows 3954 Piney Grove Church Rd. REP (919) 663-1915
Siler City, NC 27344

Clerk of Court
Sam Cooper (Incumbent) 1103 NC Hwy 87 N DEM (919) 357-6766
Pittsboro, NC 27312

School Board Elections will be in November

School Board District 3

Tina Ford 411 N. Rocky River Rd. non-partisan (919) 883-6665
Sanford, NC 27330

Jeff Johnson 225 Red Hill Lane non-partisan (919) 698-9387
New Hill, NC 27562

Martin Pinnock P O Box 185, 96 Audubon Ln. non partisan (919) 898-6595
Goldston, NC 27252

Del Turner P O Box 147 non partisan (919) 776-0563
Gulf, NC 27256

School Board District 4 – 2 seats

Ilana Dubester 97 Box Turtle Rd. non-partisan (919) 542-1849
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Elizabeth Haddix P O Box 1785 non-partisan (919) 542-9800
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Gary Leonard (Incumbent) 415 Fall Creek Church Rd. non-partisan (336)
581-3305
Bennett, NC 27208

Deb McManus (Incumbent) 11 Pine Forest Dr. non-partisan (919) 663-2261
Siler City, NC 27344

Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:01:21 -0500
From: Judy Orchard
Subject: Wanted to give a big shout out to Antonella’s

Wanted to give a big shout out to Antonella’s – just had the most amazing facial today and thought I should share the love.  If you’re looking to treat yourself or someone special, be sure to check them out!  You don’t need to leave Chatham County to feel like royalty!

http://www.antonellasalon.com.

Judy

Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:32:53 -0500
From: Steve Candelori
Subject: RE: Chatham Tax Survey

Chatham Chatlist #3664

For those who missed the survey, I am re-posting the link…https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L9YRKDK

My opinion is that Tom is being unfairly criticized for posting the survey. Tom has been a wealth of knowledge and information for the Chat List. I admire him. I think he is well within his right to post the survey. And as I would suspect, there will be those out there that wish taxpayers wouldn’t pay attention to what our elected officials are doing with our money. Look what is happening at the federal level by the Acorn Administration. Does anyone have an idea how stimulus money is being spent? It will horrify the the most left leaning liberal socialist. A few of the comments made about the survey really stuck out for me…they are:

I took the survey, and found it to be very one sided, especially the last question.

Really? What do you mean? It’s a question on a survey…just answer it. BTW, what side?

but public opinion should not be based on an unscientific survey.

Of course not…who needs public opinion anyway? I’m curious though…what makes this survey unscientific? The comment alone was made to bring doubt about the survey….it didn’t work on me. You?

Reeks of junk science and political spin.

Please let the Chat List faithful know what you are talking about….especially the “junk science” part.

though i did find some of the yes/no type questions at the end rather difficult to answer mainly because the issue presented is much more complex than just a yes/no reply…

Yes or No are appropriate choices for an answer to those questions. Anything less is neither Yes or No. Politicians make their living on the unclear. Perhaps you should consider a career change.

as i said, it comes down to what you expect of your government and for sure there are those who don’t trust it and find it intrusive.  i can say there have been times i have been of such a mind, but in the balance of things, the good far outweighs the bad and to me that equates to a better quality of life for all the people of the county

One can only assume that statements such as this can only come from those who pay attention to our government or from those that don’t yet have become subservient government subjects. Surveys like this help keep those that care informed. What is the problem with that?

The spending of tax revenues should be closely watched, period. Especially when an increase in spending like what we are seeing is taking place. Can we all agree on that? I don’t know about you, but forking over my earnings to politicians and trusting them to do the right thing with it doesn’t leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. They need to be closely watched and held accountable.

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:53 -0500
From: Sam Groce
Subject: News Release on Beef Quality Assurance Training

Upcoming Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training Program

Many of you will remember during 1997-98 there was the initiative called th=
e North Carolina Certified Beef Producer Program also called Southeast Prid=
e, which encouraged producers to not only vaccinate and more actively manag=
e their animals, but also the proper methods for doing this.  Unfortunately=
, this program never really got off the ground the way that the organizers =
had hoped it would have.

               As a part of a national initiative North Carolina has decide=
d to revive this program, but with not only a new name, but new information=
 and new practices, partly brought on from the foreign animal disease threa=
ts that we now face and the changing global markets in the beef industry.  =
The North Carolina Beef Quality Assurance Program is a voluntary program de=
signed to certify producers about those issues surrounding production and m=
arketing that are vital in today’s markets.  As far as I know this program =
will continue to be a voluntary program, however, in the near future there =
will probably be some special sales that require certification to participa=
te in those sales and other markets will become available to those producer=
s who are certified.  The new training program will not only allow you to e=
arn your certification, but will also provide you with some excellent resou=
rce materials to use in your operation.

               There will be North Carolina Beef Quality Assurance Program =
training held in Chatham County on Tuesday March 23, 2010, at Carolina Stoc=
kyards, Inc. in Siler City.  The training program will last for 2 hours.  F=
ollowing the training producers who wish to be certified will be required t=
o take a 20 question test from material covered in the training.  Producers=
 will be required to pass the test with a minimum of 80%.  The cost of memb=
ership in the program will be $15.00 for a three year period of time if you=
 are a member of the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association.  If you are no=
t a member of the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association the cost of member=
ship in the BQA program will be $40.00.  Every three years a certified memb=
er of the BQA program will be required to take a recertification training t=
o keep their membership active.

               The Tuesday March 23, 2010, training at Carolina Stockyards,=
 Inc. in Siler City will begin at 6:45 p.m.  Training should end by 9:15 p.=
m.  Preregistration required by Friday March 19, 2010.  In order to have th=
e training materials on hand that is needed, please call the Chatham County=
 Center at 919.542.8202 or e-mail jane_tripp@ncsu.edu.  We are tentatively =
planning a Value-added, Beef Quality Assurance Graded Feeder Calf Sale for =
Carolina Stockyards on September 1, 2010.    Even though this program is co=
mpletely voluntary, to participate in the Value-added BQA sales you will ne=
ed to be certified producer.

               North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State=
 University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunit=
y regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, di=
sability, or veteran’s status. In addition, the two Universities welcome al=
l person without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State Univers=
ity, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, a=
nd local governments cooperating.

Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may =
request accommodations to participate by contacting Carolyn Langley, Interi=
m County Extension Director, at 919.542.8202 or carolyn_langley@ncsu.edu, o=
r in person at the County Extension Office at least 5 days prior to the event.

Samuel E. Groce
Extension Agent
Livestock & Forages, Field Crops, Pesticide Education
Chatham County Center
North Carolina State University
Post Office Box 279
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Telephone:  919.542.8202  FAX:  919.542.8246
Homepage:  http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/
e-mail:  sam_groce@ncsu.edu

Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:28:59 -0500
From: Kachergis
Subject: Chatham County Democratic Party Precinct Meetings

For a county that takes its politics seriously.  The Chatham County  Democratic Party invites all registered Democrats to participate in  the first rites of Spring — annual Chatham County Democratic Party  precinct meetings!  Learn about candidates, sign up for the  convention, meet your neighbors.  Bring your resolutions and your  resolve.

Thanks for the Chatlist Gene,

Karl G. Kachergis
Chair, Chatham County Democratic Party
919-542-3458  919-444-1346 

Albright Precinct will meet Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the voting  place, Silk Hope Fire Station, 5226 Silk Hope Liberty Rd., west of  Crutchfields X Road.

Bonlee Precinct will meet Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the voting  place, Bonlee Fire Department, 185 Bonlee Bennett Rd. in Bonlee. 

Bynum Precinct will meet on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the voting  place, Bynum Ruritan Club, 28 Charlie Fields Rd. in Bynum.

Goldston Precinct will meet on Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the  voting place, Goldston Fire Department, 486 Church St. in Goldston.

Hadley Precinct will meet on Tuesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the voting  place, Brown’s Chapel Church, 355 Chicken Bridge Rd. off Hwy 87 N.  A  Potluck Supper will begin at 6 p.m.

Harper’s Crossroads Precinct will meet on Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m.  at the voting place, Harper’s Crossroads Community Center, 20079 Hwy.  902 at Harper’s Crossroads.

Mann’s Chapel Precinct will meet on Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at  Kathy Seaton’s house, 3269 Chicken Bridge Rd., Pittsboro.

New Hope Precinct will meet on Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the  voting place, Holland Chapel AME Zion Church, 360 Burgess Rd.

Oakland Precinct will meet on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the  Agriculture Building in Pittsboro. Refreshments will be served.

Pittsboro Precinct will meet on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the  Chatham County Democratic Party Office, 45 West St., 2nd floor in  Pittsboro.

East Siler City and West Siler City Precincts will both meet on Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Earl B. Fitts Community Center, 111  South Third Ave. in Siler City.

Three Rivers Precinct will meet on Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the  voting place, Liberty Chapel Church, 1855 Old US Hwy 1 in Moncure.

East Williams Precinct will meet on Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at  the voting place, New Hope Church, 581 New Hope Church Rd. in Apex.

North Williams Precinct will meet on Saturday, February 27 at 10 a.m.  in the Carolina Meadows Activities Conference Room, Carolina Meadows  Retirement Community, Chapel Hill.

West Williams Precinct will meet on Monday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at The  Gathering Place, off Villageway in Fearrington Village.

Meetings are free and open to any registered Democrat residing in the precinct.

For more information go to the Chatham County Democratic Party website  <http://chathamdemsnc.com/>  or contact Karl G. Kachergis at 542-3458  and gek@mindspring.com

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:07:23 -0500
From: Robert Britson
Subject: etiquette

Cecilia Grimes in Siler City, former English teacher, author of “What It Means to be Southern” and other southern gift books, is an etiquette consultant.  She was trained at the Washington School of Protocol and does a wonderful with small group settings with children onto prestigious university and corporate settings.

Her website is ceceliabuddgrimes.com

Janice Britson

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:15:19 -0500
From: Michael E. Burke
Subject: re: Survey of Chatham Taxpayers

i greatly appreciate the effort behind the survey,  though i did find some of the yes/no type questions at the end rather difficult to answer mainly because the issue presented is much more complex than just a yes/no reply…

the blanket statement of increased spending by our local government, well that comes down to what you see as the role of government in our lives.  to me it is basic, to provide those services necessary to ensure the general health and safety for the people of the county.  so a couple of questions come to mind…how much of this spending was “catch up” due
to the county’s changing dynamics?  how much of this spending was to ensure these services would continue into the future as they are now or better? how much of this spending was brought about by having to comply to federal and state mandates?

i did find the proposal of the last question did have merit, yet to hamstring the commissioners in such a fashion has the potential to diminish the services i expect from my government to provide for my general health and safety.  i have the faith that the commissioners are working for the good of the people and are being diligent in their duties, including the responsible spending of our tax dollars. i wouldn’t be at all surprised if they didn’t incorporate a similar type of a reduction as presented in their future budgets.

as i said, it comes down to what you expect of your government and for sure there are those who don’t trust it and find it intrusive.  i can say there have been times i have been of such a mind, but in the balance of things, the good far outweighs the bad and to me that equates to a better quality of life for all the people of the county

meburke

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:40:02 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
From: laura
Subject: It’s not just the General Store!

Yes, the service at the General Store is still very inconsistent but it is the same at the City Tap and the Carolina Brewery.

These eateries hire “food runners” instead of training waiters. They lack training and many of them are kids with bad attitudes who expect big tips even if you just buy a beer. Between the high prices and the poor service, I sometimes go to Cary and Chapel Hill where the service standard is much higher and the prices are pretty much the same. The service and prices in Pittsboro have taught to enjoy dining at home.

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:05:33 -0500
From: Trace Ramsey
Subject: Chatham Crop Mob event featured in New York Times Magazine

The Crop Mob event at Okfuskee Farm in Silk Hope will be featured in this Sunday’s New York Times Magazine.  You can also view the article online now – http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/magazine/28food-t-000.html

For more information on Crop Mob, please visit http://www.cropmob.org

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:53:06 -0500
From: Victor D’Amato
Subject: Re: Chatham Chatlist #3662

What organization or government entity is coordinating this survey and  what will it be used for?  Despite your claims of non-partisanship, it  sure sounds like you are interested in a specific outcome, which will  quite undermine the validity of the survey results.  Reeks of junk  science and political spin.

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:46:41 -0500
From: Janet Place
Subject: Survey of Chatham Taxpayers

While I applaud anyone who asks for accountability in government, I have to comment on Tom Glendinning’s survey. I took the survey, and found it to be very one sided, especially the last question. An unbiased survey would have included more boxes for “need more information”.

I am hard pressed to rate all the services listed, though I recognize that they all are important. I feel well qualified to comment on health and human services. They are are excellent given how little funding they really get and how understaffed they are. Do most people know that the health department is responsible for restaurant inspections, water
quality, well and septic inspection, community and school health and many other programs that happen outside of the “clinic”. There is plenty of research to show that most people have no clue as to all the services provided by the health department. The fact that health and social services were lumped together in your survey proves that and even
reinforces that the health department is a social service. It is not.

In a recent national project to determine county health status by state, Chatham Co ranked number 4 out of the 100 NC counties. This was not due to the availability of primary care providers. There we ranked 49 out 100. The ranking was due to community health initiatives.

Nobody likes paying taxes, but it is a fact of life if we want to have a livable infrastructure. Yes, we always need to make sure that our taxes are being used appropriately, but public opinion should not be based on an unscientific survey.

Janet Place

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:35:56 -0500 (EST)
From: Robin Luker
Subject: irony

Hi Ms. Shook,

   I see those dogs every day going to work. It drives me crazy to see the same dogs running loose everyday.  I am not sure what is ironic about the “Volunteer Coordinator part though?” Could you elaborate? The title was given to me to help collect volunteers for the group.  Do you know what the Coalition to Unchain Dogs is about? Have you gone to the website www.unchaindogs.org to check it out? Do you know we build fences for dogs? These fences are built by volunteers who take time out of thier schedules to help a dog in need. Some folk volunteer materials and other things such as dog houses, collars and toys. I understand not everyone will agree with the group and we all have our own opinions on it. But for me I would like to understand the other opinions. So please let me know.

Thanks, Robin

Considering the absolutely *preposterous* amount of Chatham folks who lose track of their dearly beloved dogs on what seems to be a weekly basis, I find it incredibly ironic that we now have a “Volunteer Cordinator” for the Chatham Chapter of Coalition to Unchain Dogs.

Southern Energy Management (SEM), the company that audits homes built in Briar Chapel to determine if they meet or exceed a minimum Bronze rating in the GHBT Certification Program, has been named a 2010 National Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SEM is being honored for its work in qualifying new homes to earn Energy Star certification, including those built in Briar Chapel. The company also received the award in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and joins just three other companies in the U.S. that have received this award four times.

SEM recently certified its 5,000th Energy Star home, and serves more than 300 builders across the state. In fact, there are just over 10,000 Energy Star qualified homes in North Carolina, and SEM has verified almost half of those. Since SEM began inspecting and verifying Energy Star new homes, the company has helped offset about 1.9 million pounds of carbon emissions through its Energy Star services alone, saving North Carolina homeowners a total of $2.2 million on utility bills.

SEM will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010. To hear the team react to news of the award, watch the following video:

Southern Energy Management (SEM), the company that audits homes built in Briar Chapel to determine if they meet or exceed a minimum Bronze rating in the GHBT Certification Program, has been named a 2010 National Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SEM is being honored for its work in qualifying new homes to earn Energy Star certification, including those built in Briar Chapel. The company also received the award in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and joins just three other companies in the U.S. that have received this award four times.

SEM recently certified its 5,000th Energy Star home, and serves more than 300 builders across the state. In fact, there are just over 10,000 Energy Star qualified homes in North Carolina, and SEM has verified almost half of those. Since SEM began inspecting and verifying Energy Star new homes, the company has helped offset about 1.9 million pounds of carbon emissions through its Energy Star services alone, saving North Carolina homeowners a total of $2.2 million on utility bills.

SEM will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010. To hear the team react to news of the award, watch the following video:

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:42:51 -0500 (EST)
From: Denise Dunn
Subject: SSM-JAM

We would like to thank everyone for their support with the SSM-JAM (Sharpe Store Music – Junior Appalachian Education Program), we have many excited kids and teachers.  We do have a need for some instruments for loaners for some of our students.  If you have a guitar, banjo, or fiddle gathering dust, or maybe you have too many of them we would love to have you donate the instrument to the SSM-JAM it would be a tax deductible contribution.  You can also donate monetary gifts – for more information you can call Denise Dunn at 919-548-3458 or 919-548-9477.

Denise Dunn
Realtor, Buyers Agent
Selling homes in the Chatham County and Surrounding Areas
919-548-3458 or 919-548-9477