Chatham County, NC Blogs

The Charming History of Pittsboro Parks

Paul Horne — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Did you know that Pittsboro has a long and proud tradition serving as a desirable recreation destination?

Historic Resort Destination

Pittsboro was once a resort town, providing coastal residents a respite from the brutal heat and mosquitoes of the coast in a time before air conditioning.

“Moncure once served as the western most inland port in the state, linked all the way to the coast by steamships. Those steamships often brought tourists from the coast escaping the heat and mosquitoes of summer. They often stayed in Pittsboro, which was a resort destination during this time.” - Source

Hunting Mecca

"Nothing that falls a victim to the hunter's gun throughout the entire confines of North Carolina can compare with the Chatham rabbit." -- The Industrial News of Greensboro, quoted in the Chatham Record, November 22, 1906.

Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Postcard Collection of the UNC Library System

That's right, during the early 1900’s Pittsboro and Chatham County were famous for their delectable and abundant Rabbits. Hunting provided great sport and people traveled here from throughout the Southeast to partake of the famous Chatham Rabbit. Many loved the area so much that they set down roots and became prominent members of the Pittsboro community.

Will Sexton has done some great research on the topic, so be sure to visit his wonderful Chatham Rabbit Blog.

Sports Teams

Most cotton mill villages in the late 1800s had company baseball teams. The Bynum Mill Village, originally founded in 1872 and developed through the 1890s, was no exception.

Bynum baseball team, printed in the Chatham Historical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 1, August 1989, photograph courtesy of Sally Abernathy Fowler: http://chathamhistory.org/photogallery.html

“When workers weren't in the mill they found time for well-deserved rest and recreation. Avalon had a competing baseball team--it was rare to find a cotton mill village in the South that didn't. The teams were company organized and competed against the teams of neighboring villages. For both the players and the villagers the games were big events. On Sunday afternoons workers cheered as their teams took the field. The winning team had bragging rights and stories to reiterate all week. For the company the ball teams helped boost employee morale. To this day, many textile mills still have their own ball teams.” -Source:- Ola Maie Foushee, from her 1977 book Avalon: A North Carolina Town of Joy and Tragedy (Ola Maie happens to be my relation, though I just came across this quote serendipitously. Your parks planner has roots in Pittsboro - Chapel Hill, too)

Community Get Togethers

The history and legacy of the Pittsboro Community House is long and interesting and deserves a future post of its own. But for now let me say that this depression era community center has played host to high school dances, wedding receptions, concerts and many other events in its 80 years. Like other WPA type projects, it was a public investment which continues to provide value to our society. PBS Documentary on the Civilian Conservation Corps. Many of our state and national parks were established through this program.

Preserving our Heritage, Culture & Tradition

Pittsboro has been a great place to play for a hundred years. It still is. And with new parks and programs, we're working to make it even better. With our proximity to the Haw River, Jordan Lake, our beautiful rolling landscape and unique Pittsboro Parks, with support, Pittsboro stands poised to be a recreation destination once again.

Good folks of Chatham County have told Jeff Starkweather good riddance

Chatlist Moderator — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:59:49 +0000

Date: Fri, 11 May 2012 08:33:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: madkrowt
Subject: Re: Chatham Chatlist #4345

One more time the good folks of Chatham County have told Starkweather, in no uncertain terms, to sit down and shut up! He’s not wanted, not needed, and should do something else, somewhere else. Likewise for the other 2 stooges, Hammond and Nichols. Good by! Adios! Bon voyage! However ya wanna say it!

That’s what I say!!

Chatham County Bully Prevention Task Force will host a summit on May 22 at Central Carolina Community College

Chatlist Moderator — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:55:42 +0000

Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 14:34:14 -0400
From: Cindy Lodestro
Subject: Bully Prevention Task Force Hosts Summit

The Chatham County Bully Prevention Task Force will host a summit on Tuesday, May 22 from 6:00 – 7:30 at the Central Carolina Community College Multi- Purpose Room in Pittsboro, and we invite and encourage attendance for all parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members who would like to learn more about the effects of bullying and how you can become an active participant in the effort to stop bullying in our schools and community.

The Task Force was formed in response to bullying and bullying like behaviors that were being recognized and reported throughout our schools and at all grade levels, although most incidents go unreported or are not recognized.

Bullying takes a serious physical and emotional toll on our children whether exhibited by them “acting out”, emotionally shutting down, withdrawing into themselves, drops in performance, reported illness / absenteeism from school and more,” said Cindy Lodestro, Co -chair of the Bullying Prevention Task Force.

We have met all year to develop strategies in the schools, and now want to bring the knowledge we have acquired and the strategies we have begun implementing to the community,” stated Erica Perlow, Co-chair of the Bullying Prevention Task Force.

The summit will begin with dinner generously provided by the owners of the Mediterranean Deli and 411 West. The agenda includes an introduction to the work of the task force, *continued with some Stop Action Role Plays by students in which the audience will be able to ask questions of the actors. *The evening will conclude with a keynote speech by Tyronna Hooker, North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hooker has been gracious in not only helping us plan the summit, but in volunteering to speak to us about a topic that is near and dear to her heart.

The Chatham County Bully Prevention Task force began meeting in January 2011. During the following months, five community meetings were held, with over 100 people participating in brainstorming activities that resulted in a compilation of strategies that helped develop a work plan now incorporated in to all schools.

Additional information about the summit is available by calling George Greger-Holt, 919.542.6400 or by accessing the Chatham County Schools Bully Prevention website at Chatham County Schools – Student
Services<http://student-services.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?&gid=2347474&sessionid>or by Googling Bully Prevention Task Force Chatham County.

loveislouder than any voice that brings us down or causes us pain
http://www.loveislouder.com/

Any square dancers in the area?

Chatlist Moderator — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:12:05 +0000

Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 07:22:45 -0400
From: Paperbacksplus
Subject: Any square dancers in the area?

This Third Friday, in honor of the Milo Holt Festival, we will be doing a country/western theme. I would love to have some square dancers for a demonstration/exhibition. I grew up watching square dancing with my Dad so this always brings back the best memories of my childhood and I would love for others to see how much fun this can be.

If anyone or any group out there is interested, please let me know ASAP so I can plan on the space and time needed. We are open 3 hours that night and can work around if you want to come for one demo or stay and do them thru out the night.

Come show the world how much fun they are missing and help me remember good times with my Dad.

Pat Dawson
Paperbacks Plus!
742-4033

Jeff Starkweather loses to Deb McManus in NC House 54 primary race

Chatlist Moderator — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:02:19 +0000

Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 00:13:59 -0400
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Jeffrey Starkweather loses to Deb McManus in NC House 54 race

Deb McManus defeated Jeff Starkweather by over 2,000 votes to win the Democratic nomination to succeed Joe Hackney in North Carolina’s House District 54. McManus advances to face Republican Cathy Wright in the general election.

Final numbers in Chatham County

*Deb McManus – 7,391 59%
Jeff Starkweather – 5,112 41%

Horse Farm Management Field Day at Local Farm on May 12

Chatlist Moderator — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:50:04 +0000

Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 20:21:17 -0400
From: Margaret and Graham Moore
Subject: Horse Farm Management Field Day at Local Farm

There will be a Horse Farm Field Day at a local farm this Sat, May 12 from 10 am to 2 pm. Chatham County Cooperative Extension Service will present an educational and fun event focusing on:HorseKeeping at Home and making your horses:Safer, Healthier and More Enjoyable.Visit displays and hands on learning about: Pasture Management,

Weed Control, Fencing, Farm, Barn, Tractor and Equipment Safety.County Extension Agent will present Hay Evaluation, Feeding for Body Score Condition and Hay Evaluation.Lunch will be provided, but please pre-register with the Chatham County Extension Office at: 919-542-8202.Or go on-line to register at: extensionprograms@chathamnc.org and type ‘Horse Field Day’ in the subject line.

Margaret Moore
Mobile (919) 542-9432
Home (919) 708-6927
e-mail: graham6927@msn.com

Pittsboro has ADDED a very long and costly list of stipulations AFTER granting special use permit to Haw River Christian Academy

Chatlist Moderator — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:35:20 +0000

Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 17:24:23 -0400
From: chathammatters
Subject: Haw River Christian Academy – PBO Added Stipulations

The Town of Pittsboro has ADDED a very long and costly list of stipulations to the special use permit granted to the Haw River Christian Academy AFTER the town board voted to approve.

None of these stipulations were part of the public hearings leading up to the approval of the special use permit.

It is a lengthy list, they also seem well out of the range of normal stipulations for any business permit, special use or otherwise, they seem very very unusual.

The HRCA will need to determine if they can live with them, but…

1) Is it legal to add all of these on AFTER the permit has been approved by the Town Board? And not part of the quasi-judicial hearing/approval process?

2) Who developed this list of additional stipulations? And who sent this to the Town’s lawyer to be added on?

I don’t know the answer to these questions, if someone does know, please post..

Chatham School Board meeting agenda for May 14

Chatlist Moderator — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:31:34 +0000

Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 16:56:40 -0400
From: Mia Munn
Subject: school board Monday, May 14, 2012, 6:30 pm, Northwood Media Center

http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889210&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

*CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION*

*PITTSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA*

*REGULAR SESSION*

*Northwood High Media Center*

*May 14, 2012*

*Open Session – 5:45 p.m.*

(BOE members will likely vote to adjourn to a closed session to discuss
privileged matters.)

*Closed Session*

*Open Session – 6:30 p.m.*

(The public is welcome to attend this open meeting.)

*** DRAFT ***

I. Call to Order Chair Hamm

II. Closed Session Board Members

A. Attorney/Client Discussion: 143-318.11 (a)(3)

B. Personnel: 143-318-11(a)(6)

C. Student Records: 143-318.11(a)(1)

D. Approval of April 23, 2012 Closed Minutes

III. Welcome of Visitors Chair Hamm

IV. Invocation Vice-Chair Leonard

V. Pledge of Allegiance Del Turner

VI. Adoption of Agenda Flint O’Brien

VII. Public Comments Deb McManus

VIII. Consent Agenda Board Members

A. Personnel Agenda May 14, 2012 (For Action)

B. Minutes April 23, 2012 (For Action)
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16885582&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

IX. Good News/Superintendent Announcements Robert L. Logan

A. CTE State Winners (HOSA, FLBA, FCCLA, SkillsUSA)

B. State Science Fair Winner-(Silk Hope School)

C. Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties’
Construction Trades Teacher of the Year for 2012- Garland Bray

X. New Business

A. Revised RACG Statement of Beliefs (For Information) Esther Coleman

B. Quarterly Financial Statements (For Information) Tony Messer

C. Partial Roof Replacement Awards for Silk Hope School & Pittsboro
Elementary School (For Action) David F. Moody

PES
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16885580&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

PES bid
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16885580&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

SH
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16885579&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

SH bid
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16885581&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

D. Surplus Four Mobile Units @ North Chatham School (For Action) David F.
Moody

E. Policy #7435 Classroom Teachers Responsibilities & Duties (Second
Reading) (For Action) Robert L. Logan

Draft policy
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889192&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

F. Policy #7460 Dual Roles: Bus Drivers (First Reading) (For Action)
Derrick D. Jordan
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889186&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

G. 2012-2014 Technology Plan (For Action) Keith Medlin

H. Athletic Trainers & Middle & High School Athletic Directors Salary
Adjustment & Coaching Credentials Requirements (NFHS Fundamentals of
Coaching) (For Information) Robert L. Logan
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889187&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

I. Goldston Request for Easement on Sewer Project (For Action) Robert L.
Logan
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889188&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

J. Senate Bill 795, The Excellent Public Schools Act (For Information)
Robert L. Logan

XI. Old Business

Policy #4150 Student Reassignment Policy (For Action) Robert L. Logan
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889189&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

Draft policy
http://board-of-education.chatham.k12.nc.us/modules/locker/files/get_group_file.phtml?gid=2348954&fid=16889191&sessionid=33b004ed2727519f7c28e3ae362b28ef

XII. Adjournment Chair Hamm

Religious discrimination at the Pollard Middle School talent show

Chatlist Moderator — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:27:23 +0000

Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 09:07:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: Debbie
Subject: Pollard talent show discrimination

My daughter came home from school last week to tell me of a talent show. She surprised me by telling me she would like to sing! Of course I encouraged her to. She chose a song “City on a Hill” by Casting Crowns. This week she came home with the guidelines. To my surprise it stated the music had to be secular.

I spoke to a man at work who told me at his daughters school in Wake county, there was a talen show a few weeks ago at which at least 4 kids performed Christian songs. So this sounds to me to be a case of the opinion of the persons organizing this talent show.

I’m sorry but this is not acceptable to me and it IS discrimination.

Any brothers or sisters out there who can give some legal advice if even needed on this?

Proud to say JESUS is my LORD
Debbie

” Laughter helps us overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected and outlast the unbearable.”
Billy Graham

Photo ID? Voter fraud? What are we talking about?

Chatlist Moderator — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:07:56 +0000

Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 12:05:57 -0400
From: George Horwitz
Subject: poisonous allegations of voter fraud by Northwoodgirl

Photo ID? Voter fraud? What are we talking about? If this was Philadelphia or Baltimore, you might could have a point. But I have heard no allegations of voter fraud in Chatham County. What are you saying? Do you actually know of some dead people who were fraudulently represented in our last election? I may be wrong, but I don’t think so.

You must be a pathetic ideologue, sowing fear wherever you can. Nice people don’t do that, Northwood Girl. So grow up, smell the coffee, and get you a life. All your neighbors and I will support you in that endeavor.

G D Horwitz