Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:24:58 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Chatham Online Bulletin Board Topics

1. Liberal Progressive Pittsboro NC Town Council Denies Children’s Christian Academy  (Read 8800 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24900.0.html

2. Who is this woman ripping down signs for Haw River Christian School in Pittsboro  (Read 7764 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24985.0.html

3. Team Pittsboro: Another Randolph Voller scam to get credit for others’ efforts  (Read 6543 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,23786.0.html

4. Pittsboro General Store Cafe status?  (Read 3444 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25016.0.html

5. Preston’s plans for 7,000 acres in Chatham  (Read 3300 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25029.0.html

6. N&O – Artsy Pittsboro cafe closes  (Read 2393 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25035.0.html

7. 70 Pittsboro businesses butt heads with 4 anti-business town officials  (Read 2210 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24993.0.html

8. Mayor responds to Christian School concerns  (Read 1195 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25033.0.html

9. Stop Using Voller as a Scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in Pittsboro  (Read 1107 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25082.0.html

10. Don’t be afraid of change! Do it for the children  (Read 829 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25018.0.html

11. Chatham County Schools budget survey  (Read 828 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25104.0.html

12. Mayors Randy Voller & Charles Johnson want to raise your taxes  (Read 785 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25081.0.html

13. New Park on Big Woods Road  (Read 741 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25048.0.html

14. Whinning  (Read 685 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24981.0.html

15. Should tax cheats be able to govern in Chatham County?  (Read 650 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25058.0.html

16. NC Main Street Program supports the new downtown Pittsboro school project  (Read 417 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25092.0.html

17. Once again Ms. Black speaks out  (Read 273 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25076.0.html

18. Joe Hackney Announces Retirement  (Read 252 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25097.0.html

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:18:46 -0500 (EST)
From: rita587
Subject: Things will work out they always do!

I have been seeing so much dissension going on this chatlist that I had to share a quotation that we all should heed.  I hope that whatever the outcome of the situation of opening the school is we should just accept and then we all have to move on.  I am sure things will work out in the end what is best for the children. 

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it hardly behooves any of us
To talk about the rest of us.

Edward Wallis Hoch (1849 – 1925)

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:47:41 -0800 (PST)
From: Betty Black
Subject: Non-Pittsboro Citizens Speaking out . .

Like it or not, many of the folks that have shown their concerns on the Chatlist regarding the approval of Christian School- do not live within the voting boundries of Pittsboro. But many of us call Pittsboro our home.  Our mailing address is Pittsboro and that is where we go to shop. Many of us own businesses there.  And like it or not, many of us non residents know more about what goes on there than the “city limit” residents.
 
So you don’t like it that we voice our opinions about how the approval of the school is being handled by the town board? That’s tough.
 
And for those of you who think that I might have a child or children of school age or that I am in some way connected with the proposed school-  it is not true. Just speaking out against what appears to me (and many others) that the application for the school is being bamboozled by fans of the City Tap. They follow a well worn path. Eat, drink and be wary.
 
Folks, worry from others about the future of the City Tap is behind this whole probable veto of the application for the school.  I have no doubts that the City Tap will win out. They won out on the loud “music?”  problem a while back.  Mayor Voller also stood by the City Tap- allowing that he was an amature musician himself-
 
Get yor fiddle out Mr. Mayor, start practicing yor Victory tune! How About “The Beer that Made Milwaukee Famous– Made Pittsboro Drunk”?
 
Betty Black

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:25:29 -0500
From: Gene
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Chatham Online Bulletin Board Topics

1. Liberal Progressive Pittsboro NC Town Council Denies Childrens Christian Academy (Read 7665 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24900.0.html

2. Educator joins Beer Parlor to Block Children’s’ School In Pittsboro (Read 7133 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,23749.0.html

3. Who is this woman ripping down signs for Haw River Christian School in Pittsboro (Read 5031 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24985.0.html

4. Preston’s plans for 7,000 acres in Chatham (Read 2284 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25029.0.html

5. Pittsboro General Store Cafe status?  (Read 2067 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25016.0.html

6. 70 Pittsboro businesses butt heads with 4 anti-business town officials  (Read 1640 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24993.0.html

7. CJ – Time to put Chatham County government on a diet  (Read 1557 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,19219.0.html

8. New Thread to discuss picture ID for voters  (Read 1440 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24746.0.html

9. N&O – Artsy Pittsboro cafe closes  (Read 1366 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25035.0.html

10. Great Update on the Small Business Incubator!  (Read 992 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24800.0.html

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:57:31 -0500
From: Tom Glendinning
Subject: Haw River Christian Academy

I want to raise two points about the proposed school in Pittsboro and add some comments.

The area or market served will be the county, not the town, and areas outside Chatham also, just as all the businesses in town.

The neighbors of the Academy are businesses, not residents.

I am familiar with quasi-judicial processes, sitting on the county planning board and attending BOC meetings for forty years.  The rules are no hurdle or blockage for such a use.  The process may change the use, as in CUP or SUP in a lacking set of rules.  The exception may be that there is a prejudice against a religious or Christian establishment.  A liberal agenda is supposed to include all law abiding religions, beliefs, practices. Or is that too American?

To protect the community from “certain uses which could have detrimental effects.”  Such as a school?  Yes, we have too much education in Pittsboro and Chatham.  Lord knows what the peons will do when they are educated. 

Traffic has no bearing on the issue.  At one time, everyone who had a PO box or mailed postal items went to the post office across the street.  Further, Piggly Wiggly occupied the building proposed for the new school.  There was never a traffic jam or too much traffic when these two businesses were on West Salisbury Street.  My memory recalls much more than one hundred cars going to those locations each day.  Why should cars from fifty parents dropping off students cause a problem?

The school would use 100% of the building.  The parking lot is large enough.  The property is privately owned and taxes are paid on it.  Why not consider the preference of the owner in the consideration of the issue instead of hiding it behind legal and planning jargon?  I do appreciate Mayor Voller’s explanation of the process.  Now, if the newly elected board will only approve a substantial improvement to our community, the argument can be put to bed.

Tom Glendinning

Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:38:14 -0500
From: Kathy Zinn
Subject: Haw River Christian Academy

I am writing in support of the Haw River Christian Academy’s  being allowed to lease and occupy the empty building on Salisbury Street in Pittsboro. It is true, I am prejudiced in this case:  my granddaughter attends the 3rd grade at the present school, and has benefited greatly from her first year there.   It is also true that I have not,  in the past,  been an advocate for private or religious schools.  I have experienced both, as have many of my siblings, and I have preferred to send my own children, including Ellie’s father, to public schools.

However,  I have witnessed how this caring and committed group of parents and teachers have met my dear  grandchild where she is, taught her Latin, which she loves, and introduced her to both scientific concepts,  and  the Greek gods and goddesses,  all in a religious and spiritual context,  with very small classes.  .

I think the school is a “good fit ” for downtown Pittsboro, and apparently at least 70 businesses agree!  I am puzzled and disturbed at the the  inconsistencies that I have heard from Mayor Voller (for whom I voted) and some commissioners, in their objections to HRCA coming into town.  I ask that they be clearer about their objections, all of which seem to have been discounted by the pertinent approving agencies, such as the fire department.  What are people afraid of?  People who may believe differently  from others?  3rd graders speaking Latin?  I have always considered myself a “Liberal Progressive”.  A large part of that political stance is a belief in equal opportunity, as well as tolerance of others who only want to pursue their own path.  I cannot believe the town will not also benefit, economically , from the presence of the school. 

Please, Mr. Mayor and others who object to Haw River Christian Academy’s  occupying  an in-town building left vacant after repeated business failures:  Be clearer with us. 

Be honest.  Be fair.

Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:42:12 -0500 (EST)
From: lacooper
Subject: Haw River Christian Academy

I am completely amazed at the statements and attitude of the folks campaigning for the school to open in the old Piggly Wiggly building.  The remarks are full of hate and immediate anger whenever anyone questions their motivation or does not agree with them.  What happened to constructive critisim and discussion? 

I really haven’t thought much about the school pro or con until the recent postings on the chat list and on facebook.  I have been caught up in an ongoing life & death family crisis and, frankly, just haven’t had the time or energy to care about anything else lately.  But, the name calling and labeling is very sad and more than a little scary.  The school advocates need to stop and think about the impression they are making.  At present – based on the reactions I have seen so far – my impression of the school advocates is very bad.  They appear to be Intolerant Bullies who intend to push their agenda down the throats of anyone who disagrees with them while highlighting the fact that they are Christian – which automatically seems to mean everyone who disagrees with them is not.

Stop and ask yourselves:  why would someone just “tuning in” to the topic be interested in joining your cause when you appear to be so hateful?  As a resident of Pittsboro, why would I want a business run by you in “my” town? 

Tone it down!!  Stop the name calling and bullying!!!  Have a reasonable and constructive discussion with the Town Commissioners and I bet you will have better results.  You will certainly attract more positive attention and possibly more advocates that way. 

And before you start jumping up and down calling me names and giving me labels – read my statement carefully.  I have not given a single clue about my politics and/or religious preference – so consider that before you start slinging mud.  You have no idea if I want the school to succeed in opening in the old Pig or not.  Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.  I just want the bullying to stop!!!

Linda Allred Cooper

Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:45:21 -0800 (PST)
From: Sherry Beck
Subject: Don’t be afraid of change!

I have been a reader of the Chatlist for about eight years. I also own a small business here in Pittsboro. I don’t understand why some people are so afraid of anything changing in town.

When the Piggly Wiggly opened after Lowe’s Foods left, many people seemed to believe that life was coming to an end. Life didn’t end, and I love the Piggly Wiggly and the friendly staff there. When the McDonald’s opened, some folks predicted that the entire population of Pittsboro was going to die of massive heart attacks and obesity.  We can’t force people to make the same food choices we might make, and I don’t believe there has been an increase in cheeseburger-related illnesses. 

Now people are fearful of having the empty former Thrift Shop building being filled by the Haw River Christian Academy.  The personal attacks are becoming vicious.

It would seem to make more sense to have that empty building filled with a positive activity and children learning. Has there been a line of other businesses waiting to lease that building?  I haven’t heard of any businesses trying to get into Pittsboro in that location. Why not have a private school occupy the building and bring more people into town once or twice a day? It might be good for the local businesses!  Don’t be afraid!

In any case, please stop with the personal attacks. If you want Pittsboro to be a nice little town, let’s stop being so mean and vindictive.  Can’t we all just get along?

Sherry Beck

Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:02 -0500
From: Karinda ROEBUCK
Subject: Pittsboro Elementary Environmental Workday

ENVIRONMENTAL WORDAY FOR NATURE CLASSROOM AT PITTSBORO ELEMENTARY

This Saturday, January 28th from 10 am – 3pm (Rain Date: Saturday, February 4th)

Pittsboro Elementary PTA Environment Committee has joined forces with Pittsboro Parks to build the beginnings of an outdoor nature classroom and to widen and clear the existing trail between Pittsboro Elementary School campus and Town Lake Park.  We will be clearing invasive plant species, digging holes and installing the seating for our new outdoor amphitheater. 

Some clearing tools provided, but we need post hole diggers and pry bars to have a successful day.  Even if you are unable to attend, please consider lending us some of these tools! 

Bring your work gloves, digging and clearing tools, and can-do attitude!

Northwood High students, we have a town representative there to sign off on your required community service hours.  Get them done!

Meet by the soccer fields behind the faculty/ school bus parking lot this Saturday, January 28th from 10 am – 3pm.

Email me with questions.

Karinda Roebuck

Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:32:43 -0500
From: Phyllis Smith
Subject: ServSafe Classes

Chatham County Center – NC Cooperative Extension and Chatham County Division of Environment Health will be sponsoring a ServSafe Food Safety course from Wednesday, February 1st to Friday, February 3rd.  Class times are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.  The cost of the course is $100.00 per person.  Classes will be held in the Chatham Community Library located behind Central Carolina Community College off of NC Hwy 87 N.  ServSafe(r) is a 14-hour Food Safety Certification Course developed by the Education Foundation of the National Restaurant Association.  This is a program for all food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, and other food service establishments.  Certification will be provided by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association.  A certificate will be awarded to all who successfully complete the course and the written examination.  For any additional information, contact Chatham County Cooperative Extension, 919-542-8202.

Phyllis Smith, RD, LDN
Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Science
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
PO Box 279, Pittsboro, NC  27312
(919) 542-8202 / 8247
phyllis.smith@chathamnc.org
http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu