Mayor`s Musings Managers` Notebook
Transcription
Mayor`s Musings Managers` Notebook
Davidson Elected Officials Mayor John Woods Commissioners Brian Jenest Bill Johnson Laurie Venzon Evan Webster Margo Williams Mayor’s Musings Town The Message Can We Talk? Do you remember wacky comedienne Joan Rivers, popular in the1960’s - ‘70’s and currently appearing in a humorous insurance advertisement? Her zany and often outlandish routines were Mayor John Woods trademarked with the piteous plea, “Can we talk?” Serving as your mayor, one of my top priorities is assuring that effective communications exist between Town government and all citizens. Communications, of course, implies that both sides of the message get it right. The messenger creates an efficient, clear announcement and the receiver actually accepts the message and understands it! It sounds so simple. Effective communication creates many benefits for us all, especially allaying the old rumor mill. Your community has made great strides in recent years in the communications effort. We have utilized email and web-based programs to immediately notify citizens of meetings, news, and other events. Citizens can sign up for ten individual categories of the eCrier system covering such diverse subjects as trash collections, news releases, parks & recreation, planning, town board, etc. Sign-up is accomplished on the town’s website. Hundreds of households are signed up for the various eCcrier messages. The Town’s interactive website www. ci.davidson.nc.us is a great source of information about the Town’s activities, committees, initiatives and meetings. We are expanding this quarterly Town Message to allow for more program information. We are about to launch a phone system where we can send telephone messages to the entire town or one News from the Town of Davidson, NC Fall 2008 Davidson Cornelius All-Stars represented the East Zone at the PONY-13 Baseball World Series in Ontario, California. Way to go team! Managers' Notebook The town does not currently have a Comprehensive Plan, but has created several visionary statements, small area, transportation and open space plans which need to be coordinated into an overall vision. The town is interviewing consultant teams to work with staff and stakeholders to develop its first Comprehensive Plan. Over the past year, a committee of residents and Planning Board members has been working with staff to discuss Davidson’s specific needs for a comprehensive plan. "A comprehensive plan is essential in planning for the future of the Town and its jurisdictional area," said Fred Bryant, chair of the comprehensive plan committee. "Not only will it include guidance for land use, transportation and similar issues, but it will provide a road map for the organizational structure of the Town in meeting the needs of the citizens. By projecting the future demographics of the population, such needs as police, fire, recreation, utilities, schools and other services can be planned for." The Davidson Comprehensive Plan will reflect on previous planning efforts, create a unified vision for growth, design strategies for responsive and efficient administration By Leamon Brice & Dawn Blobaum of local policies, and describe effective communications and partnership opportunities with regional stakeholders. What is a Comprehensive Plan? Comprehensive plans cover a broad spectrum of subjects, and the contents will vary greatly depending on what the Town of Davidson expects: “a document, or series of documents, that serves as a guide for making land use changes, preparation of capital improvement programs, and the rate, timing, and location of future growth….based upon establishing longterm goals and objectives to guide the future growth of a city.” (http://www.ci.austin. tx.us/zoning/glossary.htm). Whereas most comprehensive plans focus on future land uses, the Davidson Comprehensive Plan will target innovative models for economic development, needs of an aging population, public art, environmental sustainability, and local governance. Davidson’s Comprehensive Plan will include numerous opportunities for public input and will require significant research and data collection. The following is an example of considerations for the planning process: continued on page 17 continued on page 2 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us 1 Mayor's Musings continued from page 1 specific area to notify citizens of street closures, planned power outages, missing kids, break-ins, etc. Local media coverage has always been a challenge with no daily newspaper, radio, or television focusing on Davidson. Now with davidsonnews.net, we have an excellent daily commentary of Davidson news events…and interactive comments from readers. Ben and Jerry’s Scoops and Downtown Davidson Inc. also play a great role in communicating to the public. And, of course, there’s nothing like face-to-face contact! We continue our popular Civics 101 class with day and night classes to accommodate a broad range of citizens wanting to know more about how our Town works. The next class begins in early 2009. I have met with several groups and offer to meet with HOA’s and any other Davidson-related groups to communicate the very active life of our community. Let me know when and I will be there! I continue to look for other ways to help us all keep in touch. If you have a idea that will help us continue our increased, positive communication, please send me an email (jwoods@ ci.davidson.nc.us) and I will pass it along! We hope to keep people informed. So, can we talk? Looking for the Latest Town News? The eCrier is an email sent out by the Town of Davidson with news from various departments. If you want to know about the latest news, meeting agendas, street repairs, special events etc., sign up to receive notices right to your inbox. Visit the town's website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us. 2 Police Department News by Chief Jeanne A. Miller On July 26, 2008 the Davidson Police Department received formal Recognition Status with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). This is a high achievement for our police agency. It means we have met 110 standards regarding officer and citizen safety that address “best practice” in the profession of law enforcement. Currently there are 81 agencies accredited through CALEA with 24 or less personnel. This is 0.6% of the 13,214 agencies nationwide. The DPD (19 sworn positions) joins that elite group of .06% percent of small agencies to be involved in the accreditation process. Det. Steve Ingram, Chief Jeanne Miller, Sgt. Barney Poole and CALEA commission chair James O'Dell proudly smile at the CALEA ceremony in late July. Please take a moment to congratulate any Davidson police officer you see, as we all worked hard to make this happen. Our next goal is to begin the work towards full accreditation. This means we will be required to meet all of the 448 best practice standards that apply to the DPD. This process pushes all Davidson police officers to provide the highest level of service and exert their most professional efforts in policing and keeping Davidson a safe community in which to live, work and raise a family. Emergency and non emergency numbers. The DPD has recently re-configured its telephone system to improve our service. Davidson residents are provided 9-1-1 and police dispatch service through Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Communications. When you dial the DPD at 704 892-5131 during non-business hours you will get a recording that says the following: You have reached the Davidson Police Department. If this is an emergency, hang up, and dial 9-1-1. If this is not an emergency, and you would like an officer dispatched, press 1 now. If you would like to speak to the on-duty supervisor (a sergeant), press 2 now. If you would like the staff directory, Press 3 now. When you request to have an officer dispatched, the call is forwarded automatically to the CMPD Communications. The dispatcher assigns a tracking number to your call for service. If you request to speak to the on-duty Davidson police sergeant, your call will be forwarded to their cell phone. Our sergeants are out on patrol. If they are busy, the call will go to voice mail. The sergeant will get back to you as soon as possible. If, while speaking with you, the sergeant determines that it is not an emergency, and an officer needs to be dispatched, you will be told to hang up, dial 704 892-5131 again, and “press 1” when directed to do so. Land line phones versus cell phones. When you dial from a phone that is a “land line” your address is displayed on a computer screen, along with the police, fire and medical service assigned to your location. The 9-1-1 system is not currently able to display your location when you dial from a cell phone. The cell phone towers are configured in Mecklenburg County (generally) to forward 9-1-1 cell phone calls to the CMPD Communication Center. When using a cell phone, be sure to tell the 9-1-1 operator your location (address) and that you are in the Town of Davidson. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Downtown Davidson Inc. News My first 90 days as Downtown Davidson, Inc.’s executive director has been nonstop energy and no other word to describe it…FUN! I have managed to meet most all property and business owners. Those that I have missed please help me out and contact me this month! I have not left anyone out intentionally. Thank you for welcoming me into your community. We are very fortunate to have such visionary Town leadership that engages the community in the process. This coupled with our cohesive blend of quality businesses and responsible property owners, results in a vibrant and healthy economic downtown district. Everyone I meet in Davidson matches my enthusiasm for the future of our downtown economic business districts, Davidson Commons, Main Street and South Main Square. In just 90 days there have been numerous new businesses that opened...Toast Cafe, Lollipop Decor, Davidson Chocolate, PostNet, Homewood Suites and Campagnia. This is proof of a strong Davidson economy. South Main Square has experienced a major face lift and new construction provides additional retail and residential opportunities. Davidson Commons complex is filling up quickly with more new construction on the way. Many of you have attended the recent public charrettes related to the Metrolina Warehouse development near Main Street. This is a happening little town and I feel privileged to be here! DDI Events Events in Davidson are stronger than ever. Our 10th Anniversary of Concerts on the Green series has experienced record numbers in attendance including quality musicians and very generous sponsors. We have battled storms, torrential rains, sweltering heat, and tornado warnings with only one cancellation. The concert series is not over yet with several more concerts scheduled, so please come join us! You may view the COG schedule on our website, www. downtowndavidson.org. The Davidson Farmer’s Market continues to be a smashing first year success. The Market is held each Saturday morning near Summit Coffee and Town Hall. Abbey Road performs at a summer Concert on the Green to an enthusiastic crowd. Last, but not least, Christmas in Davidson will be on December 4 - 6 from 6:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. each evening. The Opening Ceremonies begin Thursday at 5:30 on the Village Green. The CID committee members have begun meeting and are recruiting volunteers and committee chairs now. Please contact us right away if you are interested in helping us organize and implement our 2008 Christmas in Davidson. Davidson College Students Return Let’s remember that Davidson is the host Town to hundreds of Davidson College students soon to reappear in Town. Please join me in welcoming them and their families back. I urge you to check out the College’s fall calendar of events, including fall sports, art, musical and theatrical performances as well as upcoming guest lecturers. We can all reach out in some way to help the students feel at home in Davidson and especially on Main Street! Sponsorship Update Downtown Davidson, Inc. will be presenting a new yearlong sponsorship package in September. This will allow us to dedicate more time in the execution of our quality events and less time “fundraising” throughout the year. DDI Website I want to urge you to visit DDI’s new website. www.downtowndavidson.org www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Thanks to Tim Dreffer for his time and talent in designing our website. You will find detailed information on our events, residential real estate opportunities, available commercial space, current developments, shopping and dining opportunities with links to many businesses and other organizations. Please note the tabs on left of screen. Our Shop Davidson, Hip & Historic shopping promotion is underway with the Loyalty Cards currently in distribution. Volunteer Recruitment Downtown Davidson, Inc. has many committees that are in need of volunteers to fulfill committee work, serve as chairs or co-chairs. The committees are Events Committee, Finance Committee, Development Committee and Merchant Committee. We would be interested in talking with anyone interested in serving on our Board of Directors as well. If you have specific skills and interests where you feel you can contribute, please consider becoming more involved through DDI. You can email me at sandy@downtowndavidson.org. It is a great day to be in Davidson! Sandy Lemons, Executive Director The mission of Downtown Davidson, Inc. is to improve, preserve and promote downtown Davidson as a commercial, cultural and social center. 3 Parks & Recreation News by Steve Fraher "Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence." George Will I believe all participants in our organized sports programs are winners in their own life, because they are choosing to be involved in an activity they enjoy or want to learn more about. The Parks & Recreation Department aims to provide quality programs that teach children valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship. Our youth sports programs and co-sponsored programs have seen their levels of success increase over the last eleven years. This begins with the quality of our volunteer coaches, parents and our partners in offering these programs and leagues. Did you know all youth sport coaches are required to attend training sessions, pass a national background check, and sign a code of ethics for behavior? The youth in our community are experiencing a surge of success in numerous sports programs offered by the Parks & Recreation Department. Most recently, the Davidson-Cornelius PONY-13 All Star team won the East Zone tournament hosted in Davidson to qualify for the PONY-13 World Series held in Chino Hills, CA. This is the first time in over 50 years a team from this area qualified for World Series competition. Our boys were one run short of qualifying for the final round of play falling 6-5 to the team from Mexico. Certainly this experience will remain with these young men for many years. Congratulations to head coach Joe Pearn and the rest of team for a tremendous effort and for representing Davidson so admirably. Other notable achievements recently by a former youth athlete who participated in our leagues include Brendan McKillop, a member of the Davidson College basketball team and their exciting run to the Elite Eight this past spring. Remember four years ago when North Meck High School won the NC State High School basketball championship? Approximately half of the squad got their start in the Cornelius-Davidson Youth Basketball League. Team sports offer more than just a chance to run around and exercise. There are life lessons, friendships and skills learned on and off the court and field. I encourage you to check out the many programs we have to offer. 4 fun in the sun - Davidson summer activities Kids from the therapeutic recreation baseball program celebrate a win. Practicing at Pre-Piano Presto camp. Teens visit Stone Mountain State Park. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Parks and Recreation Programs - Fall 2008 All programs are held at the Parks and Recreation office, 416 Armour Street, unless otherwise noted. New: All trips will depart from the Parks and Recreation office. Programs with low registration will be cancelled. Please register early to prevent course cancellation. Adult Trips Cherokee - Harrah’s Casino Bar Code: 2528 From brand-new games and slots to dazzling favorites like Digital Blackjack and Baccarito, they’ve got it! No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at the Cherokee! Join us for a day of gaming! Each person will receive $10.00 upon arrival for gaming. Day: Thursday Time: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Date: September 18 Fee: $25.00 A Day in Pompeii - Discovery Place/Rock Bottom Brewery Bar Code: 2526 “A Day in Pompeii has only appeared in three U.S. cities with Charlotte being the fourth and final destination. Journey back in time to experience everyday life in Pompeii the day before it vanished and marvel at precious and authentic pieces of ancient life.” Day: Tuesday Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Date: September 23 Fee: $30.00 Charlotte Symphony - Open Rehearsal Bar Code: 2527 Get the behind the scenes look at a Charlotte Symphony Rehearsal Schumann Piano Concerto. We will have lunch in the city after the concert! Day: Friday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Date: October 3 Fee: $25.00 Chicago - Belk Theater Bar Code: 2529 “This razzle dazzle hit is a tale of sin and celebrity set to a jazz score and features the never to be forgotten Roxy Hart and her sisters in crime, the sexy, sinful ladies of Murderous Row.” Grant Tier Seating. Day: Thursday Time: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Date: November 13 Fee: $70.00 Biltmore Estate - Candlelight Tour Bar Code: 2530 Experience a firelight and a candlelight house filled with a warm glow of delicate ornaments and priceless treasures for the holiday season. We stop at TGIFriday’s for dinner before enjoying the self-guided tour of the house. Day: Thursday Time: 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Date: November 20 Fee: $60.00 Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Bar Code: 2715 With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across valleys and through gorges in this spectacular region. Day: Thursday Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Date: October 16 Fee: $75.00 Tropical Costa Rica Join us for our excursion to tropical Costa Rica. Highlights include: San Jose, Poas Volcano, Cano Negro Refuge, Arenal Volcano Hot Springs and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Fees are per person and include roundtrip airfare from Charlotte, hotel, air taxes and fees/surcharges and hotel transfers. Contact Sharon Williams for complete itinerary. Date: February 27, 2009 - March 7, 2009 Fee: Single $2,859.00, Double $2,309.00, Triple $2,279.00 Davidson Dinner Group Bar Code: 2716 Join this fun group for a trip to South Charlotte to dine at the Village Tavern! Day: Tuesday Time: 4:40 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Date: October 21 Fee: $75.00 Grove Park Inn/Asheville Bar Code: 2714 Get ready for the holiday season! We will travel to Asheville to visit the gingerbread display, see the holiday decorations, and dine at the Grove Park Inn. We will then visit downtown for an afternoon of shopping at the General Store and local shops. Day: Friday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Date: December 12 Fee: $20.00 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us McAdenville/Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Bar Code: 2717 Enjoy an evening having dinner with friends, viewing holiday lights at the garden and traveling through Christmastown, USA! Day: Tuesday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Date: December 9 Fee: $20.00 Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights Bar Code: 2718 Tour the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park. Day: Tuesday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Date: December 16 Fee: $15.00 Adult Activities 50+ Coffee Club Come and spend your Wednesday mornings in this great relaxing and social environment! Meet old and new friends. Coffee, games, newspapers, and pastries provided. No registration required, just show up! Day: Wednesday Time: Between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Date: Ongoing program beginning September 10 Fee: Free Age: 50 and up Healthy Cooking with Norma Stewart Bar Code: 2719, 2720, 2721 These promise to be fun classes! Norma has been teaching about healthy cooking for 18 years. Classes will consist of discussions, demonstrations, recipes, and samples. Each class will feature a minimum of four recipes including: main dish meals, grains and legumes, veggies, soups, salads, and even desserts! Day: Thursday, Tuesday, or Monday Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Date: September 25, October 28, or November 10 Fee: $15.00 5 Adult Lectures Davidson Senior Scholars The Davidson Senior Scholars provides programs that stimulate intellectual and cultural growth. The general format of the meetings is a lecture followed by question and answer. The speakers are experts in their fields and include Davidson college professors and physicians. Programs are free. Monthly meetings take place from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Parks and Recreation office. Check www.dRecs.org for an updated listing of our speakers. Belle Banks Book Review Bar Code: 2532 Day: Tuesday Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Date: October 21 Location: Davidson Town Hall Fun in the North Carolina sun. Health and Fitness KICK UP YOUR HEELS and your fitness training results with Davidson Parks & Rec this Fall! We've got hot new additions to our fitness and wellness offerings along with your favorite returning classes. Turbo Training "Power Hours" Kick, punch and jam with us in a hip hop, high energy cardio party. These intense, one hour classes are the anecdote to ordinary workout blues, and are guaranteed to bust through work out or weight loss plateau. With the latest moves and music, Turbo Training is an hour of powerful exercise to make you look great! Day: Monday - Turbo Kick w/ H.A.B.I.T. (Hips, Abs, Butt & Incredible Thighs) Wednesday - Turbo Kick w/ F.U.N.K. (Fun, Urban, Not yo mama's Kardio) Friday - Turbo Kick w/ C.U.T. (Cool Upper body Toning) Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Date: September 8 - October 3, October 6 - 31, November 3 - December 5 ; (no class the week of Thanksgiving) Instructors: Jane Elizabeth Huff and Kristin Skidmore-Ratnofsky Budokon Budokon (Bu-do-kon), or "Way of the Spiritual Warrior", combines elements of yoga, martial arts conditioning and meditation. The mind/body training choice for Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston and Olympic Athletes. Master Budokon instructor Pam Hansen (R.N. and Wellness Counselor) balances the intelligence and intensity behind Budokon practice with her approachable style to present a challenging and fulfilling class that will define your body and redefine your soul. Day: Tuesday Time: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: September 9 - 30, October 7 - 28, November 4 - 25 Instructor: Pam Hansen Pilates with Pilates at the Lake Pilates Studio at the Lake is offering a beginner Mat Pilates class. Learn how to engage your abs and work every muscle in your body, safely. You will feel better, look better, and truly enjoy every minute of your workout! Day: Tuesday, Thursday or both Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. Date: September 2 - 25, September 30 - October 2, October 28 - November 20 Yoga with Jane Allen Fundamental yoga poses with an emphasis on alignment and breathwork. A moderate level class appropriate for beginning and continuing students. Lots of modifications and variations will be offered. Day: Tuesday, Thursday, or both Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Date: September 2 - 25, September 30 - October 2, October 28 - November 20 Princesses in training practice the cha cha slide. 6 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Easy Does It Yoga for the 50+ with Jane Allen Fundamental yoga poses with an emphasis on alignment and breathwork. A moderate level class appropriate for beginning and continuing students that are aged 50+. Lots of modifications and variations will be offered. Day: Wednesday Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: September 3 - 24, October 1 - 22, October 29 - November 19 Try one class type or all of them! A 10% discount will be given to all signing up for more than one type of class. Student discount resident financial assistance is available. No classes the week of Thanksgiving. Fee: Choose any one training class per week for $40/month ($45.00 non-resident) Or get the "Turbo Pass" and get all of these Turbo Traning "Power Hours" for $100/month ($115 non-resident) The Health Walk and Talk with Dr. Matt Zimmerman Did you know that 65% of all Americans are overweight and 13% of that group is obese. So what do these numbers clearly tells us? We don’t understand health at all! Optimize your time and get in a healthy aerobic activity while receiving a stimulating and entertaining lecture about different health topics. Topics will include: stress management, basic nutrition tips, exercise/body motion, sleep habits, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Day: Tuesday Time: 10:00 a.m. Date: September 23 - October 28 Students prepare to catch some bugs with Ms. Jane. Fee: Age: Location: $20.00 will be donated to the Davidson Lands Conservancy Any Randall R. Kincaid Greenway Martial Arts with Joe Martin Family Kung Fu Bar Code: 2578, 2581 Think of the advantages of learning dutiful respect, proper discipline and appropriate selfconfidence where size is not a limiting factor in performance or achievement. Nothing enhances the character of our children better than teaching by example, and there is no better example than those displayed by us, the parent. Parents learn along side their children in a class setting that is designed especially for the child. Day: Time: Date: Fee: Age: Location: Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. September 9 - October 16, October 28 - December 4 $68.00 8 and up Armour Street Gym Adult Kung Fu Bar Code: 2579, 2582 Kung Fu has been praised for centuries for its ability to develop people of all ages to gain a better understanding of their potential as their true abilities surface through the time-tested methods of self-awareness and self-defense. Day: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Date: September 9 - October 16, October 28 - December 4 Fee: $68.00 Location: Armour Street Gym Tai Chi Fundamentals Bar Code: 2580, 2583 Tai Chi is a centuries old Chinese discipline for health, relaxation, balance, flexibility, strength, meditation, self-defense and self-cultivation. It improves circulation, balance, coordination, and helps relax and strengthen the muscular and nervous systems. The stretching movements make the body limber, tone up muscles, and help release tension. As a meditation, Tai Chi is a way of harmonizing body, mind and spirit, dynamically. Day: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Date: September 9 - October 16, October 28 - December 4 Fee: $80.00 Lunch at Dan Nicholas Park. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us 7 Desktop Yoga Workshop Bar Code: 2700 Short routines to practice during your lunch hour or coffee break using a wall, a desk, and a chair. Learn how to relieve stress and physical discomfort with simple stretches, breathing, and meditation techniques. Day: Saturday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Date: October 11 Fee: $20.00 Family Activities Fencing students practice their stance. Adult Art Classes Wellness Workshops Watercolor with Jim Kerr Bar Code: 2597, 2598, 2600, 2601 The goal of this course is to provide students with a roadmap to successful watercolor painting which will include: landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits. Learn various techniques and applications. Day: Thursday or Saturday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: September 4 - 27, October 2 - 25, October 30 - November 22 Fee: $75.00 Zzzzzzzz’s Bar Code: 2614 Are you one of the millions of people who have trouble sleeping? This workshop is for you! EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique, is light fingertip tapping on acupuncture points on your face and body and is a proven technique to achieve a peaceful night’s sleep. How would it feel to be able to sleep without medication? Day: Wednesday Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Date: September 17 Fee: $20.00 Athletic Field Reservation Use of the Town of Davidson athletic facilities requires reservations. Priority will be given to all Parks and Recreation sponsored programs. All use of fields requires a reservation. Field reservations will be on a first come, first serve basis. For reservations, call 704 940-9641. Ikebana Flower Arranging with Carol Cook Bar Code: 2604, 2605, 2606 Learn the art of Ikebana, Japanese Flower Arranging. Day: Monday Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: September 8 - 29, October 6 - 27, November 3 - 24 Fee: $45.00 8 Are You Feeding Your Hunger or Your Emotions? Bar Code: 2615 With Thanksgiving soon upon us, is it time to break the cycle of overeating? Why don’t diets work? Because it is not about the food! Learn to address the emotional issues that cause us to overeat. EFT is a light fingertip tapping, or emotional acupuncture, that can help you reverse the patterns that keep you unhappily overweight. Day: Tuesday Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Date: October 14 and 21 Fee: $40.00 Ayurveda: Yoga’s Sister Science Workshop Bar Code: 2699 This is the 5,000 year old system of natural health care in India that evolved with yoga. Following an introduction to Ayurveda you will determine your “dosha” and learn how to maintain health and well being with diet and lifestyle practices that follow the rhythms of nature. Day: Saturday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Date: September 20 Fee: $20.00 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Back to School Party and Fund Raising Event at Monkey Joe’s Celebrate the new school year with your friends and families by playing and eating at Monkey Joe’s. 20% of all play and concession sales will go to our tri-town Therapeutic Recreation Program. $2.00 pizza slices and nachos and tons of giveaways. Don’t miss out on the fun! Day: Friday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Date: September 5 Fee: $5.00 per child Age: All Location: 20310 Sefton Park Rd., Cornelius (Exit 28 at I-77) Contradance Davidson Parks and Recreation and Contradance Carolina are proud to offer dance classes for the whole family.Contradance features live music and is a welcoming high energy, non-competitive dance form. No partner or experience needed. Adult partner required for minor participants. All children must have parental supervision. Day: Friday Time: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Date: September 5, October 3, November 7, and December 5 Fee: $5.00 students, $7.00 adults Age: 12+ Location: Davidson IB Middle School Gym Family CSI Bar Code: 2620 Let your entire family become CSI’s. Families will be free to independently explore a mock crime scene to search for (but not collect) clues and evidence. Once families have investigated the crime scene, they will put their heads together and determine what evidence they observed. Day: Saturday Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: November 8 Fee: $35.00/family Age: 8 and up Dog Training Class - Basic Home Manners with Elaine Allman Bar Code: 2612 This class will teach Basic Manners every dog should know such as: attention, sit, down, and stay. All dogs welcome. Dogs must be current on all vaccinations and rabies vaccinations. Please bring vaccination records. Day: Tuesday Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Date: September 16 - October 21 Fee: $80.00 Age: Puppies to adult dogs Location: Fisher Farm Park Athletics Adult Co-Ed Fall Golf League Join us for our weekly Co-ed Golf League. Day: Tuesday Time: 6:00 p.m. Date: September 9 - October 28 Fee: $85.00 greens fee, $125.00 greens fee and cart Location: Town of Mooresville Golf Course Foil Fencing with Jeff Kallio of the Charlotte Fencing Academy Students who participate in this beginner class will be fencing foil. During the course, students will perform warm-up exercises, games, footwork, basic technique skills, sport etiquette, and bouting. Equipment is provided. Day: Monday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 7-12 years old or 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - 13+ years Date: September 15 - October 13 Fee: $110.00 Residents Location: Armour Street Gym Youth Basketball Registration Co-sponsored with Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department. This league is for boys and girls age 5-17. Registration October 6 - November 2. Participants may register in person at the Davidson or Cornelius Parks & Recreation Office, or online at the Cornelius Parks & Recreation at http://www.corneliuspr.org. Youth Activities Irish Step Dance with Sarah Fischer Bar Code: 2619 This is an introductory Irish dance class to teach the basic steps of the Irish jig. In the class tidbits of Irish dance history and culture will be introduced. The instructor is a local teen with over 11 year’s experience who would like to share her love of Irish dance to children. Day: Monday Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Date: October 20 - November 10 Fee: $20.00 Age: 7 - 12 School Day Out Programs Iron Chef Challenge with Stacy Wackerman A real hands on experience as each student will need to slice, dice mix, measure, bake and complete a scrumptious dish! Day: Tuesday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Date: September 30 Fee: $45.00 Age: 8 - 14 Location: Calvary Presbyterian Church Exploring Fall with Jane Ellithorpe and Tabitha Lindsay It’s a great time to explore fall and the spectacular colors it brings. Enjoy the magnificence of fall and its way of letting us know it’s time to pack away for the winter. Take pleasure in the acorns, striking leaves, squirrels, and pumpkins. We may have to make a print of everything we find on our walk. On Tuesday, we will enjoy a trip to Patterson Farms to experience fall on the farm. Bring a bag lunch both days. Day: Monday and Tuesday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Date: November 3 - 4 Fee: $50.00 Age: 6 - 12 After School Programs Gypsy Soup Hands on Cooking Class with Stacey Wackerman Bar Code: 2621 Our four sessions will include: Pizza Puzzles, Now We’re Jammin, Brunch, and Snack Attack. Day: Thursday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Date: September 4 - 25 Fee: $45.00 Age: 6 - 12 Tastes from Around the World with Stacey Wackerman Bar Code: 2623 Your child will experience tastes from around the world; Italy, Mediterranean, Spain, China and America. Day: Monday - Friday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Winners in each age group will compete at the sectional competition in October for a chance to advance to the team championships at Bank of America Stadium during a Charlotte Panthers home game. Day: Saturday Time: 9:00 a.m. Date: September 6 Fee: Free Age: 8 - 15 Location: Smithville Park, Cornelius Youth Wrestling Bar Code: 1111 Individuals will develop stamina, strength, selfconfidence and self control. This program is designed for children age 5 - 14. For information or register, call Ed Stokes at 704 895-2424 or 704 574-8174. Teens pose in a waterfall at a summer camp. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us 9 Date: Fee: Age: October 13 - 17 $50.00 6 - 12 Treats No Tricks! Make sure your children join us for making Popcorn Balls, Witches Brew, Things That Go Gooey and a Halloween Costume Party. Day: Monday - Friday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Date: October 27 - 31 Fee: $50.00 Age: 6 - 12 Lunch Box Blues Not your typical PB&J lunch. Be creative and learn to pack your own unique lunch. Day: Thursday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Date: November 6 - 20 Fee: $35.00 Age: 6 - 12 Holiday Goodies! Join us to make a Gingerbread House and holiday cookies! Day: Thursday or Saturday Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Date: December 11 or 13 Fee: $35.00 Age: 6 - 12 Forensics 101- After School Bar Code: 2629 Immerse your child in our hands-on forensic FUN science learning classes. Each class is uniquely designed to engage your child in practical science education, taught by an actual scientist. Day: Tuesday Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Date: September 2 - October 21 Fee: $95.00 Age: 8 - 14 Preschool Activities StartSmart Soccer Enjoy time with your child as they learn the basics of this incredibly popular sport. Parents are required to participate. Includes two soccer balls & shin guards. Day: Monday, Time: 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Date: September 15 - October 13 Fee: $55.00 Age: 3-4 Location: River Run Soccer Field Pre-Piano Presto Music Bar Code: 2638, 2639 A complete musical adventure designed to enrich children through singing, finger-songs, hand puppets, tonal development, movement, rhythmic development, playing simple percussion instruments and much more! Day: Monday or Thursday Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: September 15 - October 13, September 18 - October 16 Fee: $95.00 Age: 4 - 5 Location: Lessons on the Lake Gypsy Soup Hands on Cooking Class Bar Code: 2634 Our four sessions will include: Pizza Puzzles, Now We’re Jammin, Brunch, and Snack Attack. Day: Tuesday Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Date: September 2-23 Fee: $45.00 Age: 4-5 Treats No Tricks! Bar Code: 2640 Make sure your children join us for making Popcorn Balls, Witches Brew, Things That Go Gooey and a Halloween Costume Party. Day: Thursday Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Date: October 2 - 30 Fee: $45.00 Age: 4-5 Holiday Goodies! Bar Code: 2641, 2723 Join us to make a Gingerbread House and holiday cookies! Day: Monday, December 15, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $35.00/class Age: 4-5 Terrific Tuesdays with Tabitha Lindsay Bar Code: 2632 Stimulate your preschooler and our weekly adventure on Tuesdays. Your preschooler will create arts, crafts, and games based on a weekly theme! Day: Tuesday Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Date: October 7 - 28 Fee: $40.00 Age: 4-5 Terrific Tuesdays with Tabitha Lindsay Bar Code: 2633 Enjoy this toddler adventure on Tuesdays. Each week they will create gifts for the holiday season! Day: Tuesday Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Date: December 2 - 16 Fee: $30.00 Age: 4-5 Teen Activities Cooking for Teens! with Norma Stewart Bar Code: 2627, 2628 Have fun in this hands on class! Learn to create dishes that are healthy and delicious! Teens will come home with fun and easy recipes to make for the family! Kids enjoy storytime during Arts, Crafts & Games camp. 10 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Day: Time: Date: Tuesday 7:00 p.m. September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9 Home School Activities Three or more registrations per family will receive a 10% discount. Check out the cool hand-painted T-shirt from summer camp. Day: Time: Date: Fee: Age: Monday 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. October 20 or November 10 $15.00 12 - 16 School Day Out - US National Whitewater Center Bar Code: 2647 Join us for a trip down to the whitewater center to go rafting! Please bring additional spending money for lunch and concessions. Day: Tuesday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Date: September 30 Fee: $55.00 Age: 12 - 18 Lake Norman Teen Council Want to meet new friends or have something fun to do that looks great on your college application? Join our LKN Teen Council for middle and high school students. This organization provides service projects, workshops, campus cruises, and the opportunity to go on teen trips! This season we will be working on a haunted trail, holiday festivals, service projects, teen trips, and more! You may come to the meetings to join the council or just come to check us out! All committed members will receive a council t-shirt. Please check our website www.d-Recs.org for more up to date information on our activities! This council is supported by the Parks and Recreation Departments of Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville. Council Meetings: Archery Bar Code: 2648 This four week outdoor session will provide basic instruction and hands on skills in the sport of archery. Different types of bows, shooting styles, and history of archery will be covered. Equipment is provided. Day: Wednesday Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Date: September 3 - 24 Fee: $25.00 Age: 8 - 14 Location: Fisher Farm Park Home School PE Take part in a variety of sports ranging from volleyball, basketball, flag football, kickball, etc. Day: Monday Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: October 6 - November 17 (No class on Nov. 3) Fee: $3.00/session (six sessions) Age: 5 - 12 Location: Waymer Center Gym, Huntersville Forensics 101 Bar Code: 2649 Immerse your child in our hands-on forensic FUN science learning classes. Each class is uniquely designed to engage your child in practical science education, taught by an actual scientist. Day: Tuesday Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Date: September 2 - October 21 Fee: $95.00 Age: 10 - 15 Lego/Builders Group with JoAnna Bennetti Socialize while you create your work of genius. All items will be provided; no one has to bring anything but their kids and the kids’ imagination. There is a little something for everybody, boys and girls, builders and creators. Centers include: Lego, duplo, knex, bionicle, craft station, and "mommy area”. Day: Wednesday Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Date: October 1- November 19 (no class on Oct. 22) Fee: $5.00/session (seven sessions) Age: K - 5th Grade Location: Waymer Center Gym, Huntersville Biltmore Estate - Homeschool Festival Bar Code: 2659 This year’s festival will include a self-guided visit in the house, conservatory, winery, and guided tour at River Bend Farm. Bring a bag lunch. Day: Thursday Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Date: September 25 Fee: $35.00/person Age: 5 and up Kids play during a camp outing to a local park. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us 11 Chimney Rock Park - Homeschool Series Bar Code: 2660 Tracks and Traces - Many people don’t ever get to see bobcats and skunks, but they are common animals that are all around us. Learn how to identify animals by the signs they leave behind and create your own animal tracking guide to take home. Bring a bag lunch. Day: Monday Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Date: November 10 Fee: $27.00/adult ticket, $24.00/child Age: 5 and up Special Events BBQ, Blanket, and Bluegrass Bring the family for a toe tappin’, knee slappin’ hand clappin’ good time. Enjoy the best BBQ around these parts and entertainment provided by Kent Dowell & Friends. Inflatables are provided for the children. We promise you will leave happy. Day: Friday Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Date: September 19 Fee: Dinner plate $8.00, Sandwich plate $6.00, Sandwich $4.00 Location: Beaver Dam Historic House Spooktacular A Halloween ‘Spooktacular’ featuring a free costume contest. This event provides a low cost, fun way to enjoy Halloween in an environment that is safe for families and kids of all ages. Activities include carnival games, prizes, hay ride, storytellers, face painting and much more. Lunch at Ray's Splash Planet. Day: Time: Date: Location: Saturday 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. October 25 North Mecklenburg Park Downtown Halloween March Costumed characters of all ages are invited to march down Main Street and receive treats from Davidson merchants. All ghosts and goblins should line up in front of the Town Hall, 216 S. Main. To minimize congestion we ask those walking from North Main to use the sidewalk behind the merchants to reach the start of the march. Day: Friday Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Date: October 31 Location: Davidson Town Hall Veteran’s Day Observance Please join us as we honor the brave men and women who have defended our liberty and freedom over the years. Day: Tuesday Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: November 11 Location: Davidson Town Green 26th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade The 26th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Davidson Fire Department, Cornelius-Lemley Volunteer Fire Department, and the Davidson Lion’s Club, will be on Saturday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. Parade route closing will begin at 12:30 p.m. and continue until the parade ends at approximately 3:00 p.m. All connecting roads along NC115 from North Main St. at Beatty St. in Davidson to South Main St. at Washam Potts Rd. in Cornelius will be closed. Thank you for your patience during the parade and contributing to a safe event. For registration, additional information and road closing information, please visit our website at www.ci.davidson. nc.us. Bring your favorite ghost or goblin to the annual Halloween March beginning at Town Hall. 12 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Co-Sponsored Events Run For Green 5K/Half-Marathon Saturday, September 20, 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. To register and for further information please visit www.davidsonlands.org Lake Norman Baby Fair Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on the Village Green. The Davidson Garden Club Saturday, September 27, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. on the Village Green. The Children’s Schoolhouse Carnival Saturday, October 4, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the Village Green. Ride For Hope and Housing Saturday, October 4, 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Youth Therapeutic Recreation Time: Date: Fee: Age: Location: 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. November 1 - 22 $40.00 per child 5 - 16 King Tiger TKD, 16525 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville School Day Out Party at Monkey Joe’s At this indoor, inflatable playground, children can jump, slide, climb, roll, and bounce. Attractions include two inflatable slides, two moon bounces, and two inflatable playgrounds. At 11:30 a.m., we will be invited to our own, private party room, where two slices of pizza and a drink will be served to each child. Feel free to pack a lunch, if pizza is not preferred (pay only $6). Socks, signed waiver, and adult on the premises, is required. Day: Tuesday Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Date: November 4 Fee: $8.50 to be paid at the door Age: All Location: Monkey Joe’s, 20310 Sefton Park Rd. Registration Deadline: October 31 The Towns of Davidson, Cornelius PARC and Huntersville Parks and Recreation Departments have teamed up to offer a variety of Therapeutic Recreation Programs. Therapeutic Recreation uses treatment, leisure education and recreation participation to help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life. Financial assistance is available to Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville residents. Go-Kart Track Rides and Miniature Golf You are invited to ride go-carts and play miniature golf. A double seated car will allow adults to drive their children safely around the Grand Prix race track. Day: Saturday Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Date: November 15 Fee: $7.00 to be paid at the door Age: 3 and up Location: Extreme Toys Speed Park, 20310 Sexton Park Rd. Youth Programs Therapeutic Programs Baseball Children will be given the opportunity to socialize with teammates, learn basic baseball skills; and practice catching, throwing, fielding and hitting with peers and staff. Let’s play ball! Day: Saturday Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Date: September 13 - Oct. 25 (no baseball October 4) Fee: $35.00 (includes t-shirt and trophy) Age: 5 - 16 Location: Torrence Chapel Park, Cornelius Grant Funded Program King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit! These are the tenets of Tae Kwon Do. Most occupational therapists agree that Tae Kwon Do is helpful for children with motor planning & sequencing difficulties. These therapeutic benefits are delivered in the context of a fun activity. This is a 4-week introduction to Martial Arts. Day: Saturday Dance and Movement Class Based on the BrainDance theory, which incorporates exercises that stimulate the body through movement. This program is being offered FREE of charge and was made possible, in part, through a Cultural Project Grant from the state agency Arts and Science Council and the Grassroots Program of the North Carolina Arts Council. The YMCA is also a sponsor in this event. Day: Friday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Date: September 5 - October 24 Fee: Free Age: 6 - 16 To register or for more information, contact Jenny Griffey at 704 716-6780. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us T. R. ADULT PROGRAMS This program is designed to provide the opportunity to eliminate social isolation, improve self-esteem and spend time with peers in an environment that encourages positive social exchange. The second Monday of each month will be your night out! We invite you to join us for a different activity each month. Bring your friends or come alone and meet new ones. Day: Monday Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Dates: September 8 Go-Kart rides, mini golf & pizza Extreme Toys SpeedPark, 20310 Sefton Park Rd., Cornelius October 13 Game Night: Bingo, Uno, Pool, Ping Pong & Foosball Davidson Parks & Recreation, 416 Armour St. Davidson November 10 Baking Night: We will bake goodies and deliver them to a group in need of some sweet treats.Bethel Presbyterian Church, 19920 Bethel Church Rd. Cornelius December 8 Music Night Huntersville Arts & Cultural Center, 109 S. Old Statesville Rd. Huntersville January 12 Creative Art Night: Explore your creative side as we paint and color by number, draw with markers, paint and design with clay. Fee: $7.00 for September 8 program only. All other programs are $5.00. Age: 16 and up Registration deadline: One week prior to event. To register for programs, trips and other activities, visit www.d-Recs.org. 13 DavidsonReads Book Selection Has People Talking...and Reading! DavidsonReads is a partnership between the Town of Davidson Parks & Recreation Department, the Davidson Public Library, Main Street Books and several avid readers. This year the committee selected One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash. Registration is required for some events and event information is posted on the town website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us. To register for events visit www.d-recs.org. For more information contact Sharon Williams at 704 8923349. EVENTS Family Day at the Duke Energy Explorium in Huntersville, 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23. Meet at Explorium on Hwy 73 at 2:00 p.m. Explore the Explorium, take a hike on the nature trail by the lake. Book discussions: Davidson Public Library, led by Susan Lawson, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. and at The Pines, led by Tony Abbott, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. Lecture on Native Americans by a Carol Higham, adjunct professor at Davidson College, Thursday, October 2, 7:00 p.m., Davidson Public Library Community Room. Meet author Ron Rash, who will speak on Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. Davidson Public Library Community Room. Book signing with Ron Rash at Main Street Books, Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Lecture by Amy Naylor, naturopathic doctor, Friday, November 7, 10:00 a.m., Davidson Public Library Community Room. Finale: Davidson Historical Society presentation on Lake Norman, Sunday, November 16 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Thanks for answering the phone In August, the Town of Davidson conducted a telephone survey of 300 residents to ask their opinions on a variety of town-related issues. “This information will assist the board in their decision-making this fall and we thank all residents will participated and shared their opinions, “ said Leamon Brice, town manager. Results will be published online in September at www.ci.davidson.nc.us. Missng Fido or Fluffy? Have your lost your pet? Check out the town's missing pet page. From time to time, lost cats, dogs and even birds are reported to the police department. The lost pets are photographed and the photo and a description of the animal is posted online and a message is sent via email to subscribers of the eCrier. If a pet is missing, the system works the same way. Owners may email a description and photo to the department and that information is posted online and sent out via the eCrier. For more information contat the police department at 704 892-5131 or visit the town's website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us. Click on services and the animal control button. 14 www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Griffith Street Signal Lights Installed The town recently installed signal lights at the intersection of Griffith and Beatty Street. Initially the lights will be on a timed sequence. Once all the street improvements are complete, the lights will remain green for Griffith Street traffic until traffic approaches the intersection from Beatty or Sloan and the lights will change accordingly to direct traffic. These lights were previously located at the Griffith and Jetton Street intersection and were removed and saved for later use. This is one step in a series of pedestrian and infrastructure improvements to Griffith Street in the coming months as part of the resurfacing project. Other features will include new pavement, crosswalk and sidewalk improvements and painted bike lanes. This estimated $417,000 project is a joint venture between the town, NCDOT and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. Town Board Meetings Now Set for 6:00 p.m. Starting in September, the Davidson Board of Commissioners will meet at 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m. The change will allow more business to be conducted and meetings to conclude at an earlier hour. The Board of Commissioners meet twice a month. The monthly board meeting is held on the second Tuesday of each month and a work session is held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. From now until January 2009, both meetings will be held in the Town Hall Board Room at 6:00 p.m. In January the board will determine if the meeting times will remain the same or change. To review agendas or meeting minutes visit the town website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Employee of the Quarter Officer David Houk has been with the Police Department since November 2005. Besides being a fine officer, he is a talented graphic designer, responsible for the new logo on all police vehicles and working as part of the new website design team. He also serves as a sketch artist, working with crime victims to create sketches of suspects. David is constantly showing up to work with a smile and is sincere, cheerful and kind. His co-workers describe him as a “pleasant person to be around” and “very respectful of his job and professional when out in the community.” We thank Officer Houk for his positive work ethic, dedication to public service and outstanding demeanor. Congratulations on a job well done! The Davidson Farmer's Market is located next to Town Hall between Main and Jackson Streets. The DFM operates every Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon, until the end of October and features certified organic, naturally and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, pastured pork, eggs from free-range chickens, fresh baked goods, and plants. To view an event schedule, learn more about the market or to volunteer, visit www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. 15 Update from the Public Art Task Force In 2007, the Public Art Task Force (PATF) was charged to choose an artist for Davidson’s first piece of public art and engage the artist in a public discussion; establish by-laws, policies, and funding for the future Public Art Commission (PAC); and recommend specific sites for future public art. Andrew Dunnill, an associate professor of sculpture at UNCGreensboro known for his monumental cast iron and steel sculptures, visited 10 sites in Davidson are suitable for public art, including the Randall R. Kincaid Greenway, the courtyard at the post office, and various parks. He selected the area in front of the post office, and produced sketches and concepts for an artwork there. The PATF applied for two grants to fund the work. The ASC awarded $5500 for the project, and a North Carolina Arts Council grant will be announced later in September. On August 12, the Board of Commissioners voted to establish the PAC and approved the nominees for commission positions. Five members of the PATF will continue their work on the PAC: Matt Churchill, Karen Donnelly, Pamela Mahony, Rob Richardson, and Cort Savage. Two additional Davidson citizens, Jane Avinger and Shaw Smith, will complete the roster. Margo Williams will be an ex-officio member representing the Board of Commissioners. Many thanks to these talented individuals for giving their time and energy to making public art a reality in Davidson. 16 Looking for information about Lake Davidson? The towns of Davidson and Mooresville are working together on issues that affect the future of Lake Davidson. A working group has been created and a web page developed with facts and information about Lake Davidson. There you will find a timeline, meeting minutes, fact sheet and photos as well as an area map. Visit the town website at www.ci.davidson.nc.us, click on community and select the Lake Davidson button. Would you also like to have your voice heard with your opinion of the future of the lake? A meeting will be held to hear citizen's opinions and comments on September 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville. Check the website for additional information. Leaf Collection Tips Here are some tips to assist with leaf collection efforts. Bagged Leaves Allied Waste will collect bagged leaves when picking up yard debris. Using brown biodegradable trash bags you help crews work more efficiently and easily identify your bags as leaves. During the fall months, the Public Works Department will be collecting leaves to clear roads and streets. Unbagged Leaves The Public Works Department collects leaves every day in the fall. The intended collection route is as follows: Monday – West Davidson Tuesday & Wednesday – South of Concord Road, east of Main Street to Crescent Drive. Thursday & Friday – River Run, McConnell, St. Alban’s neighborhood and Cabin Creek. This schedule may change due to the amount of leaves in each area or due to inclement weather. • Wet, heavy leaves will slow down collection; however, the department aims to collect leaves in each neighborhood at least once a week. • Piles of unbagged leaves must be placed at the curb line and free of limbs, gravel or branches. • These items damage the machine and delay pick up times. • If a week passes and your leaves have not been collected, please contact Town Hall. This may be due to bad weather, heavy concentration of leaves in a particular area or damaged equipment. • If you would like leaves delivered to your home for composting, call Town Hall to see if delivery can be arranged. Call 704 892-7591 for more information. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us What’s new with DavidsonWalks? We are bigger, better and more bicycle-friendly! Getting your child ready to go back to school? Have their new lunchbox, backpack and number two pencil? Don’t forget to get some walking shoes or check that bicycle helmet to make sure your family can take part in the now town-wide DavidsonWalks & Rolls program. “Last year more than 500 children took part each month in the DavidsonWalks program at Davidson Elementary School,” said John Woods, Mayor of Davidson. “This year we are thrilled to announce that Davidson Day School, Davidson IB School and the Children’s Community School are all taking part in our Walking Wednesday program. Every Wednesday will be a Walking Wednesday for children at a school in Davidson." Mayor Woods also announced the group had changed its name. “We are now DavidsonWalks & Rolls to include the parents and children who use our bike trails, greenways and bikepaths to get to school. We are town wide and pedestrian and bicycle friendly and we ask motorists to pay special attention to the children who will be bicycling and walking to school." The mission of DavidsonWalks & Rolls is to make it easier and safer for children to walk and bike to school. The group, made up of parents, community leaders and town staff, provides education, training and assistance to those who would like to learn more about how to walk or bike safely from their neighborhoods to local schools. This includes training parents how to lead walking school buses or bicycle trains, outfitting leaders with stop signs and crossing guard vests, providing educational literature to teachers and schools and providing education and incentives to kids. New this year Last year students received a backpack tag and signed in each month outside their school. This year, tags will also serve as permission slips to walk or participate in a bus ‘n walk or drop ‘n walk programs. Parents who wish to have their children participate must sign a permission slip, and turn it in to their school. They will then receive the backpack tag for their child. Instead of signing in on the playground, children will sign in with their teachers, who will turn in numbers to the school office for official tallying. DavidsonWalks & Rolls committee member Eileen O’Flaherty is the Davidson Elementary School liaison and the following people are points of contact for the other schools in town: Kristin Harris, Children’s Community School; Kristen Weber, Davidson Day School; and Margaret Goode, Davidson IB School. Each school will have suggested routes, downloadable maps, education resources and contact information on the www.davidsonwalks.org webpage. If you would like to join the DavidsonWalks & Rolls committee, wish to find out how to set up a walking school bus or bicycle train or need more information for your school or neighborhood, contact slevine@ci.davidson.nc.us. Managers' Notebook continued from page 1 Information Gathering Review of other studies, mission statements, plans, and regional initiatives is imperative to the coordinated success of the Davidson Comprehensive Plan. The consultant will interview department heads, elected officials, citizen leaders, Davidson College faculty and administrators, regional partners, neighboring jurisdictions, and representatives of various local and outside agencies and interest groups. Socioeconomic data research and projections will set benchmarks for service needs and growth potential. Plan Development Based on research and interviews, elements for planning will need to be identified that respond to Davidson’s specific needs today and in a final build-out scenario. Public Involvement and Adoption A technical committee composed primarily of staff, Planning Board members, elected officials and key stakeholders will meet with consultants on a regular basis to steer the plan process and help design means of collecting public input. A larger committee of stakeholders will also be formed to provide specific feedback at key milestones during the process. Once draft plan documents are available, presentations will be made to the Planning Board and Town Board of Commissioners. The Town Board will be asked at the end of the process to adopt the plan, and specific policy amendments proposed in the Comprehensive Plan will be brought to the public hearing process by staff at a later date. The Comprehensive Plan process will likely take 24 months to complete including final report presentations and adoption. Funding has been identified for the first twelve month period and is expected to be matched in fiscal year 2009/2010. Consultants will be selected by the end of September 2008, the stakeholder committee will be organized Fall 2008, and public workshops will begin late 2008. If you are interested in serving on the stakeholder committee for the Comprehensive Plan, please contact Lauren Blackburn, Town Planner (lblackburn@ ci.davidson.nc.us or 704 940-9621). G. Jackson Burney Community Service Award Ceremony and Breakfast The winner of the Jack Burney Community Service Award will be announced later this fall, but mark your calendars now for the Community Breakfast, held each year the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving at Town Hall. This year the breakfast will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. Check the town website for information at www.ci.davidson.nc.us. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us 17 Planning News by Kris Krider What is a charrette? and why is it so important? The Planning Department has three principle duties; enforcing planning ordinance code provisions, leading planning projects such as small area plans, and managing development projects. New development projects can be located on undeveloped or “greenfield” sites, primarily in our extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), infill sites adjacent to some existing developed land uses and rarely, “brownfield” sites. Brownfields are underutilized parcels of land previously used for industrial purposes or certain commercial uses that may be contaminated by low concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution and has the potential to be reused once it is cleaned up. For each new development project there is a “charrette” or design workshop which kicks off the master site planning process. With planning staff support, the developer and their land planning consultant lead an interactive community dialogue about the project. They come armed with an environmental inventory, base map survey, a flip chart, markers and trace paper. Depending on the size of the project, we spend anywhere from four hours to four days in a charrette. Each adjacent property owner and anyone within a quarter mile radius is notified in writing by the developer. Planning staff places announcements on our web page and posts a sign on the subject site. Utility providers, Mecklenburg County, Town department heads and interested stakeholders such as Davidson Lands Conservancy or Davidson Housing Coalition are also invited. A site walk with the Planning Director and any interested residents/stakeholders must precede any charrette to familiarize participants with the surroundings, begin to discover opportunities and identify constraints. Intentionally loose to encourage the free flow of ideas, the purpose of the charrette is threefold. One is for planning staff to share site and zoning information; for example, what the planning area requirements are, how the planning process will lead to approval and what additional steps the developer must go through before a project begins construction. The second purpose is for the land planning consultant to develop concept 18 Residents take part in a July charrette at Linden Mill, also know as the Metrolina Warehouse. plans through a dynamic design process the third and most important purpose of a charrette is a forum to listen and learn from the experts, the people who live nearby. A great example is the July charrette for the Linden Mill, more recently known as Metrolina Warehouse. Linden Mill is located downtown behind the post office and adjacent to the future commuter rail station. It is surrounded on the other three sides by an older residential neighborhood. This underutilized industrial warehouse site has influenced the west side of Davidson since its inception in 1890 as a cotton mill. During the course of the two-day charrette we learned why it is important to memorialize the men who worked in the old asbestos mill who come home from work caked in dust, and that many gravel driveways throughout Davidson were made of broken up asbestos tiles. One resounding message: be very, very careful removing (abating) the asbestos that has been encapsulated underground. We also heard what nearby residents hope to see instead of the old warehouse. Some of the key suggestions: more affordable housing, a selection of affordable retail shops and salons and a place to take adult classes. Citizens are concerned about the narrow streets and the number of children who live on Eden Street. Like most charrettes, there were issues with increased traffic and the impact on adjacent land values. All of these www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us are valid and the developer is required to respond in writing in a charrette report to all who attended. Staff uses many of the charrette discussion topics to frame the staff analysis before the project is presented to the Planning Board and Town Board. I find charrettes the most important, demanding and fascinating part of the master plan approval process. The sky is the limit, yet neighbors ask for definitive answers and the developer is only just beginning to describe what they intend to do with the property. Please join us next time we have a charrette. Davidson is the only town in the region and maybe the state that starts each development plan with a charrette. It is democracy in action. Davidson Town Staff Town Manager Leamon Brice Assistant Town Manager Dawn Blobaum Project/Public Works Manager Doug Wright Finance Officer/ Town Clerk Peggy Smith Receptionist Charlotte Redmond Parks & Recreation Director Steve Fraher Planning Director Kris Krider Communications Director Sara-Lynne Levine Police Chief Jeanne A. Miller Fire Chief Bo Fitzgerald ph: 704 892-7591 fx: 704 892-3971 In the Pipeline Development Projects Linden Mill (aka Metrolina Warehouse) Greenhawk Partners is planning this 5.52-acre warehouse site. A design workshop was held in July. The developer hired former Davidson planner Tim Keane of Keane & Co. Refined sketches will be presented at a joint session of the Town Board and the Planning Board followed by a public review process anticipated to be completed by December 2008. Davidson IB School Addition & Renovation The Town and CMS are proposing jointly planning a community center and the renovation of the existing Davidson IB School on South Street. The project includes several renovations and a proposed community center. The Town Board is scheduled to consider voting on the proposed joint effort in September, and if approved a design charrette will take place soon after. Abersham II A minor subdivision application has been submitted by Frank Jacobus for a six-unit residential development on an 84.62–acre parcel located at 21401 Shearer Road. A design charrette is scheduled on-site for September. Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center The six story, 227-room, full-service hotel, with 10,000 square feet of convention space and a restaurant was expected to break ground in August 2008 and open in Summer 2009. One Harbour Place The majority of tenants have approved permits. The tenants include: Sabi, an Asian restaurant, Snap Fitness Center, Anti-Aging Laser Center of Lake Norman, a dry cleaner, Subway restaurant, Bank of America Financial Services, Telesource and Sparqware. Brownstone Condominiums The construction of the buildings is 90% completed. This project should be completed soon. Davidson Commons The two-story structure is filling with tenants including Signature Cleaners, Lollipop Decor (children’s clothing), Monkee’s (women’s apparel), PostNet and Great Clips. Soon to open are Davidson Chocolate, Ming’s Bistro (Chinese restaurant, Donatos Pizza and Just Fresh, Davidson Eye Care and Dr. Seese's dental office. Davidson Gateway Commercial Office Building The construction of these 10,000 square-foot commercial buildings have been completed and up-fit of tenant spaces will begin soon. Rusher Oil Gas Station The site construction on this two-story gas station/convenience store began in June 2008. Building construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Stowe Building Site work for this three story retail/office building is expected to begin this fall. South Main Square Condominiums The construction of this three-story mixeduse development is almost complete. The first level of the three new structures consists of retail/office and the top two levels are residential condominiums accessed from Cotton Gin Alley. Villages of South Park on South Main Site work for this development is on-going. The interior road construction is complete and the foundation walls for the townhomes have been constructed. Framing for two of the townhouse clusters will begin this fall. Davidson Commons East The preliminary plat is being finalized by the Town of Davidson and Mecklenburg County. The development includes two, three-story mixed-use structures and 16 detached singlefamily homes. Davidson Bay Phase II The preliminary plat for this mixed-use development is currently being reviewed by the Town and Mecklenburg County. The project will include 231 residential units, 8,000 square-feet mixed-use/retail and 36,000 square-foot mixed-use/commercial space. www. ci . dav i dson. nc. us Planning Projects Bicycle Master Plan The draft plan was presented to the Town Board at their August meeting. The plan recommends over 50 miles of on-road bicycle improvements (such as striped bike lanes and signage), off road neighborhood connectors, and rural greenway trails. Staff expects to receive NCDOT comments in September and will then ask the Town Board to take action. Davidson Concord Road – NC 73 Development Small Area Plan The Town Board approved the small area plan in August. Ongoing refinement will take place in the coming months, followed by re-zonings as appropriate. Natural Assets Inventory (Greenprint) and Tree Canopy Inventory Staff and committee members completed a draft report in August 2008. Staff has been working on ordinance amendments to follow the recommendations of the report. The committee holds their final meeting on September 11 to discuss the report and next steps. Comprehensive Plan Over a dozen teams from across the country submitted qualifications submittals for consideration. The committee and staff will select a team to lead the project by mid-September. Look online for information regarding public meetings and ways to get involved in the plan. Griffith Street Laurel Holtzapple of Groundworks Studio has designed a streetscape vision for the roundabouts and median area and will be presenting a plan to the Town Board this fall. Davidson College is considering improvements to their Main Entrance in the Griffith Street and N. Main St. area. Planning Ordinance The Planning Ordinance Committee is working on revisions to Section 14 on signage. Staff is also considering revisions to the tree ordinance and open space requirements in the Rural Planning Area. 19 C a l e September September 1 Town Hall Closed for Labor Day September 2 Recreation Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. September 9 Town Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. September 10 Design Review Board 7:00 p.m. September 16 Greenway, Trails & Bikeways Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. September 23 Town Board Work Session 6:00 p.m. September 29 Planning Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. All department meetings, advisory board meetings and charettes are listed on our website. n d a r o f E v October e n t s November October 7 Recreation Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. November 4 Recreation Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. October 8 Design Review Board 7:00 p.m. November 11 Town Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. October 14 Town Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. November 12 Design Review Board 7:00 p.m. October 21 Greenway, Trails & Bikeways Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. November 18 Greenway, Trails & Bikeways Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. October 27 Planning Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 24 Planning Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. October 28 Town Board Work Session 6:00 p.m. November 25 Town Board Work Session 6:00 p.m. November 27 - 28 Town Hall Closed for Thanksgiving DDI monthly meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the McIntosh Law Firm Board Room. All meetings are held at Town Hall unless otherwise specified. RESIDENT / BOXHOLDER DAVIDSON, NC 28036 http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us Town of Davidson P.O. Box 579 Davidson, NC 28036 Town Message The BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID DAVIDSON, NC PERMIT NO. 22