Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:30:23 -0400
From: lorihawkins
Subject: BBQ and brunswick stew

It’s that time of year when area churches are revving up the cookers and stew pots.  Merritt’s Chapel will be having their Fall BBQ and brunswick stew -all you can eat- this Saturday from 4-  8pm. 

Coleslaw, hushpuppies, rolls, homemade pickles,  tea(with eat in) and homemade desserts will also be served.  Our pork BBQ is slow cooked and made with a prize winning sauce and the brunswick stew is made from a hundred year old recipe that is hard to beat.  Eat in and take out line. 

Adults $9 and kids 12 and under $6.  Quarts of stew and BBQ by the pound are available for $8 while supplies last.

Merritt’s Chapel is located near Jordan Lake. 1090 Farrington Point Rd. Chapel Hill  phone 968-1184

Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:09:42 -0400
From: Gene Galin
Subject: WoodsRock III Music Festival moving indoors because of Irene

Don’t want to spend Saturday cooped up inside watching the progress of the hurricane all day long on the TV?

Come out to WoodsRock III indoor venue for a full day’s worth of live music.

The inevitable arrival of Irene has forced a change in the WoodsRock III location. We’re moving to our Woodland Grove home where we can listen to good music, eat good food, and have good fellowship with our community in the comfort of the great indoors!!!!

Family pass – $12, Individual – $5

Location: Woods Charter School is off Andrew’s Store Rd (between 15-501 and Mann’s Chapel) – 1/2 mile from Margaret Pollard Middle School

More info at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,22853.0.html

Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2011 19:58:33 -0500
From: Douglas Castleman
Subject: Youth lacrosse

The North Chatham Cardinal Youth lacrosse teams are currently looking for boys from 1st – 8th grade to play this spring. The teams will be broken up by grade and compete against teams from Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs. This is a developmental league so players at all levels are welcome.

Please check www.nccardinals.com for more information.

Thanks,

Doug Castleman
douglas.castleman@gmail.com

Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2011 10:30:00 -0500
From: Pete Jaeger
Subject: C. H. Tire – Ann’s comments!

Bless you Ann for having the courage to re-Post and say you were wrong.  Was about to post something in defense of my friends @ CH (Carrboro & Chatham County)Tire but see a number of you jumped in with POSITIVE remarks!   Good for you!

Just my 2 cents — > It is so easy to be critical these days and I fear as in politics that there are many times a “silent majority” (out there) that do not feel the same as some folks who post negative reports — and then there are others who believe the last thing they hear and will just repeat information regardless of the validity!

There are IMHO many ways for businesses to defend themselves or to “keep” clients and one way is by “bashing” competition – not saying that this was the case here – but I tend to give folks a second chance – same as restaurants!  I’ve gone to certain places to dine for many years and once (in a rare) while get a lousy meal or service -  I might even speak to the owner or manager if I think they’d like to hear about it — but I don’t necessarily “go public” via a blog or chatlist.   I don’t like eatin’ crow and in this day and age it can be easy to do once the “send” button is clicked!   Bet you all know or have heard of similar circumstances!

Mark and Bret following in Al’s, their dad’s footsteps, are I feel are doing a great job: managing their businesses; employing knowledgably technicians; staying current with automotive innovations and computer generated  programs (not all automotive repair services invest in or employ!!) – and I’d rather they tell me what they feel is wrong with my vehicles than to “skip” over any potential problem.

I don’t write often but in this case am moved to support an almost 60 year old business that has been loyal to me, my family my friends, and my business since 1973!

Pete

Pete Jaeger
Flintlock Group, LLC
Flintlock Farm Morgan Horses
4530 Mann’s Chapel Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
www.flintlockfarm.com

Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 14:19:46 -0500
From: Ann Hudak
Subject: Chapel Hill Tire

I wrote yesterday about WHAT I THOUGHT was a lie that I was told by Chapel Hill Tire. I WAS WRONG!
 
The owner of Chapel Hill Tire, Mark Pons, called me today and asked me to come in to check my car again and discuss the problem. When they put my car up on the lift, they actually showed me the 2 problems so I could see them. This was a real eyeopener for someone who knows virtually nothing about cars.
 
From the time I moved here, I had been hearing unfavorable reports about Chapel Hill Tire and went there with a preconcieved notion that they still had problems with their business. What I learned today, is that Mark and his entire company have been working very hard to change the stories that come from Chapel Hill Tire. They were not happy that Chapel Hill Tire had some difficulties with unfavorable rumors and they DO CARE about any questions or problems you have. I am really impressed with Mark’s attitude regarding his customers, community and his family.
 
I am sorry that I made the comments I did without giving Chapel Hill Tire the opportunity to answer my questions FIRST! I know some of you have emailed me to tell me your stories and it is my hope that you will give Chapel Hill Tire a new opportunity to impress you. They SURE DID impress me!!!!
 
Anne Flannery

Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 09:27:03 -0500
From: Parker Stockdale
Subject: Chapel Hill Tire in Cole Park

Hello Chatlisters:

I feel compelled to rise to the defense of CH Tire-Cole Park as in today’s Chatlist a ‘lister cast aspersions on the veracity of their advice in a recent transaction.  My experience with them over the last three years has been excellent.  They find things now and then on my car and trucks and explain them thoroughly and are very upfront about how to deal (or not deal) with items they have found. 

I always have the option to do nothing about the flaws found.  They come up with ways I can save money on the vehicles. 

Just two days ago I went in for an oil change and they gave me the car back saying they had noted leaking rear differential fluid.  So they, on their own initiative, checked service bulletins on my car and discovered that GM has had problems with the leaks and detailed the remedies needed.  When I picked up the car they gave me the service bulletin and said to take it to my dealer as they would fix it for free as it was a warranty item.  The dealer found a blocked rear axle vent and fixed it quickly at no charge. 

Little things like that mean a lot when we’re nursing our vehicles along.  CH Tire has my vote, and my business.   

Parker Stockdale.

Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:07:26 -0500
From: Karen Birbeck
Subject: Wrought Iron Gem!

I love this place.  I just found out about “The Last Unicorn”.  We were looking for something for my husband to play with in his welding class.  We also “need” lots of yard art and a new mailbox post.  This was just the place for us. 

“Architectural Antiques, specializing in wrought iron gates and fencing, stained glass and other pretties.  It was an adventure just wondering around this place.  Its almost all outdoors.  Probably more than a acre.  Some pieces are as-is.  Some have been cleaned up.  He has this really neat octagonal building with a fire pit in the middle – the Meditation Room – open to any by appointment. And Lots more.  Cool!

I really enjoyed meeting Gaines Steer, walking around his place and even coming home with a few finds.  We will return!

The Last Unicorn
536 Edwards Ridge Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

http://www.thelastunicorn.com/
info@thelastunicorn.com

Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:53:50 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Taxpayers foot 99% of the Pittsboro Express cost

Taxpayers foot 99% of the Pittsboro Express cost

Read the entire article at
http://www.chathamjournal.com/

By Donna Kelly

Pittsboro, NC – Why did the Board of Commissioners decide not to continue funding the Pittsboro Express Bus after the current contract runs out? Let’s look at some background and numbers.

We should be focusing on solutions that fit the unique conditions within Chatham County, not trying to use programs designed for different areas. If the county is going to invest in anything, it should be investing in Chatham Transit, which uses smaller buses or large vans to run a system more suited to the rural nature of Chatham County.

Chatham Transit had just started building a regular route to Chapel Hill right before the Express Bus was started. Why did we encourage an outside transportation agency to supplant the efforts of a local agency?

Let’s look at the public record < chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=457 > as recorded in the minutes of the Chatham Board of Commissioners.

The first mention I’ve found of the Pittsboro Express (PX) bus is at the 9-15-08 regular meeting. Rita Spina, on behalf of CCEC makes some comments about a DOT presentation on development of the 15-501 corridor and describes the desperate need for bus service. In response, George Lucier mentions the Pittsboro Express bus proposal that is being developed. During the commissioner reports section of the 11-17-08 regular meeting, Chairman Lucier expressed concern that there were two public meetings scheduled about the bus, but they were scheduled without coordination with the board of commissioners and both meetings conflicted with Chatham County board of commissioner events. This calls into question the claim that this is a joint project and indicates it’s a Chapel Hill Transit project.

The first official presentation of the program was during the 12-01-08 regular meeting. During that meeting Chapel Hill Transit officials explained that they heard about a grant opportunity in July and applied for it. They were awarded the grant and had been working on gathering information and developing a proposal for service. It appears  there had been very little discussion with Chatham Transit at this point. It’s also clear that this proposal was developed around the grant that had been received that would largely fund it. The grant was a federal reverse commute grant designed to help bring workers into Chapel Hill. Although it might evolve into something that would truly benefit Chatham County, the purpose of the grant that was the foundation for the whole program was to help Chapel Hill. The actual budget breakdown for the upcoming year as presented at the 7-19-10 BOC meeting by Chapel Hill Transit:

Federal $96450 50%

County $46050 24%

UNC(state) $30000 16%

Pittsboro $18000 9%

Riders $ 2400 1%

Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:31:06 -0500
From: Tom West
Subject: Step up to the plate and be an Eco Hero, Chris Garriss

Chris -

Happy to hear that you have been around for more than 60 years. Hopefully it means you are a man of some wisdom.

I am not so happy to hear that you feel that you and about two or four or six other people feel that you are entitled to ride what is essentially a 40 passenger limousine service that taxpayers had to pay $360,000 for.

If you don’t mind me asking – If you care so much about our school children, why do you think it is okay to spend $10,000 a month for magic bus when there not enough money for school buses?

http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,14262.0.html

As for your informal “survey,” how many people did you specifically survey? Did you even consider asking any of the hundreds of people who signed the online petition supporting the Pittsboro Express bus (but apparently almost none of which chose to use it)

http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php?topic=15482.0

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pch/signatures-1.html

You may feel that you have paid your fair share by handing over a $3 fare. Do you realize that based on current ridership the actual cost per rider is between $10 – $20 per trip?

Instead of what appears to be whining about saving taxpayers $360,000 let’s discuss how you are going to handle this challenge and turn yourself into an Eco Hero.

Here’s how we start -

1) Over the next several weeks you talk to some of the two or four or six people you share the 40 passenger bus with

2) You ask them what they plan to do once the Pittsboro Express service ends

3) After they voice their complaints you tell them you have a great money saving and ecologically sound alternative plan. A great solution that does not involve government.

4) You ask them if they want to save themselves money, save the earth and save taxpayers $360,000

5) When they ask you how they can do that, you tell them.

6) You tell them that since you all ride the bus together, you can all still ride together.

7) All you have to do is CARPOOL together!

Isn’t that a great plan? You and your two or four or six buddies can CARPOOL together.

If your buddies don’t understand the concept, direct them to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpool

Another good resource is http://www.erideshare.com/

If you happen to have one of those finicky economics or math types on the bus with you them you can explain the numbers to them.

If the car you share gets 20 miles per gallon and it’s about 20 miles from the Pittsboro Courthouse to UNC Hospitals you use about a gallon of gas each way.

With gas at about $3 per gallon you will spend $6 per day for gas. Divide that between 4 people and it only costs each of you $1.50 per day round trip, which is less than riding the bus!

Like the Visa commercial says:
Chris and his three buddies carpooling – $1.50 a person per day
Saving taxpayers $360,000 – Priceless

Go ahead Chris! Be a trendsetter! Don’t let the man hold you down! Take some initiative TODAY and get that carpool going!

And one last thing Chris. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a stand-up guy and stepping up to the challenge! You can be Chatham County’s own ECO-HERO!

BTW, even if you do not believe the people who have seen an empty Pittsboro Express bus, there has been at least one documented case of the Ghost bus being empty.
Check out http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,15206.0.html and you will see that there were few and no riders on the Pittsboro Express

Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:40:00 +0000
From: Karen E Crowell
Subject: public transportation & on the job training

To quote a recent chatlist post:

“Why is it my responsibility as a taxpayer to subsidize transportation for you to get to work? Should I also buy your food and pay your mortgage because your income is limited? Sorry, but I believe in personal responsibility and this belief that the nanny government is here to take care of you has gotten out of control.”

Since you are so cost-conscious when it comes to government spending, consider this. It is far cheaper to subsidize child care, transportation and job training – which are significant obstacles to many people looking for work – than it is to feed, house and pay for the health care of the unemployed when they can’t find a job and have no other source of income. People who can’t afford to live close enough to where they are likely to find work, and who don’t have enough money to pay for gas and insurance, rely heavily on public transportation. Even families who have a car sometimes have to rely on public transportation if more than one person is employed and their shifts don’t coincide or their jobs are located in opposite directions from where they live.

If you own a car and you have a job that pays enough to cover your expenses, be thankful. Not everyone does. Ignoring that fact doesn’t make you a better person either. And apart from the issue of need, public transportation is important to consider if we want to stop polluting the air we breathe.. If you don’t breathe, then don’t worry.

As for the empty bus complaints, consider the fact that people who ride the Pittsboro-Chapel Hill bus might depart much earlier than you do to get to work. It takes time to get to the bus stop in the morning, time for the bus to get to its destination, and time to walk to your office from the bus stop where you get off. Some people even take more time to catch yet another bus to get to where they work, because the bus only stops at a few locations. So while you’re out and about running errands later in the day when most businesses are open, many of these commuters have been on the job long before you headed out the door.

Even in Chapel Hill there are plenty of big, nearly empty buses on the roads. From about 10:00 to 3:00 fewer people ride, so the buses make fewer trips with far fewer passengers on board. It probably isn’t practical for them to own a fleet of smaller buses to run the same bus routes during the middle of the day, while their big buses sit idle.

So even if you think it’s wasteful for such a big bus to make the trip from Pittsboro to Chapel Hill and back, it might be the only size bus they can provide. Maybe a better solution would be investing in a smaller bus, but don’t tell me that a big bus is worse than no bus at all.

There is always more to a story than what we think or what we’re told. That is why it pays to take the time to consider things carefully and not jump to conclusions. As someone recently pointed out, the new commissioners jumped to many conclusions with the decisions they made recently. Had they taken the time to investigate more thoroughly the circumstances in which previous decisions were made, they might have come to different conclusions.

Everyone know that it takes time for most newly hired employees to learn a job, especially if they have little or no experience. It doesn’t bode well that these new commissioners already think they have all the answers. Maybe they will learn by their mistakes, but at what cost to the taxpayers?

Karen Crowell

Pittsboro