The Town Commissioners approved these seven residents as members of the Transportation Advisory Board for 2010: Del Arrendale, Linda Daley, Marilynn Lester, Kurt Naas, Louis Raymond, David Vieser and Woody Washam.
Rumor needs a rest
Police have not been able to substantiate a woman’s claim that two boys, while walking or playing their dog on Feb. 26 in a development along Knox Road, were approached by a man in a vehicle who wanted them to go with him to see his puppies. The story is spreading via email and raising concerns about a possible child abduction attempt. Police have not been able to do substantiate the incident; there is nothing for police to investigate at this point.
Signs, banners
Cornelius Town Commissioner Lynette Rinker will lead a three-month effort to revamp the town's sign ordinance. Meanwhile, the banner issue will be put on hold. Approval to go ahead with an RFP for design assistance in developing a comprehensive approach to gateway and wayfinding signs was approved Monday night. Commissioner David Gilroy voted against the motion because it was not clear how much would be spent on the assistance.
The Cornelius Police Department and Proshred Security will hold a free Shred-a-Thon 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., March 20 behind Town Hall. Residents may bring any paper documents to be safely destroyed. The goal is to help protect residents against identity theft by shredding personal documents such as obsolete tax documents, bank statements/cancelled checks, financial statements, insurance documents and business records.
The Men of the Church group at Cornelius Presbyterian Church is accepting orders for its Spring Pine Needle sale. The cost is $4.95 per bale for high quality, clean, fresh long-needle Florida pine needles for delivery Sat., March 13. Reservations are necessary; quantities are limited. Free delivery to Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mt. Mourne. A 5% discount applied to orders of 50 bales or more. Orders may be submitted by calling the office of Cornelius Presbyterian Church at 704-892-5577 or via e-mail: corneliuspresbyt@bellsouth.net.
Woman's Club scholarships
The North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club is offering four $2,000 education scholarships to women age 21 and older who are currently enrolled at, or looking to enter or return to, a North Carolina college at the undergraduate level.
Applicants must reside in Mecklenburg, Iredell or Lincoln counties, and factors that will be considered include financial need, dedication to service in the community, and predicted success in their chosen field. Applications can be obtained at local churches and at the Ada Jenkins Center, the Davidson-Cornelius Day Care Center, Central Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte. Deadline: postmarked by March 20. Details: Denise Linerode 704-948-6544.
Rotary Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Lake Norman/Huntersville will award one $1,500 college scholarship to a Lake Norman area high school senior in recognition of his/her community service efforts and achievements. High school principals or scholarship coordinators may nominate two students to apply, and the Lake Norman Rotary Club-Huntersville will select the scholarship recipient from among these applicants. To be eligible a student must be a high school senior graduating in spring semester 2010 with a B average or higher from NorthMecklenburgHigh School, Davidson Day, HopewellHigh School or the SouthlakeChristianAcademy. The applicant must enroll in an accredited college or technical/vocational school for the 2010-11 academic year. Interested high school seniors should inquire about the scholarship and application requirements with their school principal or scholarship coordinator.
Animal licensing required
All dogs, cats and ferrets in Cornelius over 4 months old are required to be licensed as of Jan. 1.The annual license fee for sterile animals is $20, or $50 for a three-year license. All fertile animals are licensed at $50 per year. Residents 65 and older may license sterile pets without fee. Any disabled owner of a spayed or neutered dog that is used for seeing or hearing purposes may obtain a dog license free of charge.
To license an animal, owners should complete a license application available online at www.CorneliusPD.org or www.PetData.com, and mail to the address listed on the form, along with payment, pet’s rabies vaccination certificate, and proof of spay/neuter if not indicated on rabies certificate. Details: 877-730-6348 or www.petdata.com.
Health-field scholarships
The Volunteer Auxiliary of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville is taking applications for eight $2,000 academic/ need-based scholarships to be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the hospital’s service area. Applications available through local school guidance counselors or email ScholarsLNRMC@aol.com. Candidates must complete application and provide documentation of acceptance into accredited healthcare education program. Deadline is April 1.
Open house at The Nook
The Nook will celebrate its first birthday with an open house 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., March 13 with free chair massage, reflexology, holistic nutritional guidance, feng shui/interior design tips, qi gong and more. The Nook, 19621 W. Catawba Ave., is owned and operated Elizabeth Reavis and Marsha Cook.
Senior softball tournament
The Cornelius and Huntersville Parks and Recreation Departments will offer Senior Softball in the Lake Norman area again this spring for adults age 50 and better. The Ralph Lambert Senior Softball League of Lake Norman games will be played on Wednesday nights and will consist of a 10-game regular season with an end of the season tournament. Registration is through March 12, with a Skills Day 9 a.m. March 13 at Torrence Chapel Park in Cornelius. A Players Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 10 at the Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department, 12600 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. The cost is $30 for residents; $45 for non-residents. Registration, details: 704-896-2460 ext. 160.
Hospital junior volunteers
Applications are available for the summer junior volunteer program with the Volunteer Auxiliary of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville. The program is for high school students in grades 9-11. Applications may be obtained 8 a.m.-4 p.m. from the Visitor Desk at the hospital’s main Visitor Entrance or online at www.LNRMC.com (go to careers; volunteer opportunities; junior volunteer application) and at high school guidance departments. Application deadline is March 29; interviews will be held in April. Details: Bette Weese, 704-528-1737 or Amico Colaianni, 704-660-3574.
Four Cannon School seniors have advanced to the final round of the National Merit Scholarship competition. Camille Davis of Cornelius, Matt Sarett and Katie Sumner of Huntersville, and Will Carter of the University City area were selected for showing exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Don’t you love to tell stories? What fun we have as families, friends and neighbors telling stories. Some stories poke fun at others. Some stories may stretch the truth. Some stories are downright lies. Some are helpful; some are not. Some help us dig deep into the depths of our souls. There are poignant ones, beautiful ones, silly ones, thoughtful ones. Some are melancholy, ugly, historical or hysterical. Others are spiritual, secular or sorrowful. Some have no point at all, others help us to learn, to teach us about our ancestors, help us to grasp our roots, give us wings to fly or keep us grounded.
The last issue of Silver Threads asked the question “What is your truth” and began the explanation of how to embark upon a journey of frank and honest discovery. This issue will focus on something called “Core Beliefs.” When you can tap into your core beliefs you will easily locate your truth. What is a core belief?
The Town of Cornelius is moving ahead with plans to erect a Veterans Memorial that could be standing proud by the end of the year.
A design competition like the one held for the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. is being planned to solicit design ideas from students, firms and citizens. The competition should be kicked off in the next few months. Construction could begin this summer with the permanent monument completed by fall or the end of the year.
State Farm Insurance agents presented a $10,000 matching grant to youth at the Youth United house in Cornelius on Feb. 27. The Youth United group is associated with Our Towns Habitat for Humanity. (Left to right): Robert Jones, John Hu, Stephanie Schauder, Alex Schober, Kate Jetton, Jason Colvin, Howard Culbreth, Butch English and Josh Martin.
My, what big recycling bins you have
Cindy Johnston (left) and Shawnna Newburn, both financial assistants for the Town of Cornelius, check out the new, bigger and blue recycling roll-out recycling containers that residents will start using in July. On top, for size comparison, is the current green bin and a one-liter soda bottle. The town switched garbage collection providers to Allied Waste Services, starting July 1. Waste Management garbage and recycling containers will be picked up on collection days in early July and new containers left for residents.
RJ Gators closes, other restaurants open in Cornelius
Closed signs were posted at RJ Gators at 19707 Liverpool Parkway, just days after Choplin’s Restaurant at 19700 One Norman Blvd. opened just around the corner for lunch and dinner.
The phone at RJ Gators rang unanswered over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Choplin’s promises “New American” cuisine from all regions with special emphasis on the “Soul Warming” South.
At Jetton Village down the road off West Catawba Avenue, Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails at 19918 North Cove Road opened in February for dinner only seven days a week. The location is the previous home of Charleston Chops and Mia Famiglia.
In Davidson, Flatiron Kitchen & Tap House is expected to open by summer in the new Stowe’s Corner building downtown.
Cornelius taxes: Is a rebate on real estate taxes a good or bad idea?
GILROY
A proposal from Commissioner Dave Gilroy for a tax rebate in the middle of the worst recession since the Depression is highlighting a split in personalities and methodologies on the Cornelius Town Board.
The proposal, which Gilroy outlined in a letter to constituents, would take an undertermined chunk of the town's fund balance and rebate it to homeowners.
It’s a proposal that at first sounds both brilliant and helpful, given the current economic climate and an $11 million savings account that the town has accumulated. But what a tax rebate would do over time—and to the town’s financial position—is the subject of much discussion.
Some commissioners are concerned about a possible decrease in assessed valuations, and therefore income from property taxes, because of the economy. When Mecklenburg County re-evaluates properties next year, there may be a significant decrease in values because of the residential real estate bubble, which popped here more than a year ago. Values in The Peninsula, which represent a large portion of the town’s tax revenue, are down 20 percent to 40 percent. The commission will be hammering out the new budget during the next couple of months, so the notion of a tax roll-back or rebate will be discussed during public meetings.
What do the other Cornelius commissioners say about Dave Gilroy’s tax rebate? Each was asked if he or she supports his proposal.
BENSMAN
Jim Bensman
“No. It can't be legally done. This has been talked about at least a half a dozen times and Dave knows it. It is irresponsible at this point in the budget process to suggest this. We have had two meetings and there are 3 months left before the budget is adopted. The only way you can change property taxes is by adjusting the tax rate for the next fiscal year. However, based on what I know now, I very much doubt there will be any change. We have to reserve against a probable reduction in our assessed valuations because of the recession. Much of what Dave said is factually incorrect. He is just trying to inflame the public. The true facts will come out over time.”
RINKER
Lynette Rinker
“I am waiting to get legal clarification on this, but it is my current understanding that a rebate as Dave describes it is not possible under the General Statutes. It is my understanding (again waiting for legal advice) that the only mechanism we have at our disposal is to lower the tax rate for FY11 and then take the necessary funds out of the fund balance to present a balanced budget as required by statute. I can say with great certainty that the fund balance that has been created through prudent management by staff and prior Boards is serving us well during this recession and will continue to do so as we hit the turbulent, unknown waters of revaluation next year (effective in FY12). In addition, it provides us with the resources to address infrastructure needs that will and do impact our citizens' lives every day in a substantive way—things that we will have to do through indebtedness (and pay interest on thereby increasing the cost) or with a future tax increase in the future if we don't manage our finances carefully.”
TRAVIS
Chuck Travis
“It is an interesting idea; however, I have a few concerns to discuss with the Board before I will commit to refunding part of the fund balance. At our budget retreat, I asked the percentage of Town Staff that makes less than $50,000 per year. To my surprise, we have over 67 percent of our Town Staff making less than $40,000 per year. We need to seriously evaluate the pay level of our staff, especially one that is obviously very effective and has proven to perform at a very high level of efficiency for our tax dollars. In addition, do our residents prefer to have enough money to buy ‘a few tanks of gas or a birthday present,’ or use the money to make improvements to our town that will equate to a higher quality of living?”
Retail establishments may have their problems along West Catawba Avenue, but the banking business is another story. Total deposits at government-insured financial institutions reached the $590 million level in 2009, a whopping increase from $414 million in 2008.
The increase is exaggerated by the addition of Wachovia’s local deposits in 2009, which were not counted in 2008. But Wachovia’s total Cornelius deposits, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., were $95.7 million, which accounts for only about half the increase between 2008 and 2009.
Trey Woody, a seventh grader at Lake Norman Charter School, came in fifth place overall at the Southern Alpine Racing Association championships in Timberline, WV Feb. 26-28. The USSA event was made up of 3 Giant Slalom races and 3 Slalom races for the combined championship. This now qualifies Trey for the US Junior Olympics March 21-23 in Waterville Valley, NH. Trey is the son of Cornelius residents Norris and Patricia Woody.
Bob Kunkleman, local legend in real estate, dies
Long-time realtor and businessman in town Bob Kunkleman, 84, passed away Sunday after an illness.
Kunkleman’s real estate office was the brick house in The Kunkleman Business Center. He worked in the same office building for 31 years, until June 15. And then he took business calls at home until last week. The Kunklemans also are partners in two storage facilities here.
Before moving to Cornelius in 1986, the Kunklemans lived in the Charlotte area, where they’d settled in 1952 when Kunkleman gave up his traveling sales job in cosmetics and got his real estate license. He has one of the oldest licenses, with just four digits, in North Carolina.
Robert E. Kunkleman is survived by his wife, Kathryn Kunkleman and their children Deborah, Greg and Dan.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wed., March 3 at Raymer Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville.
Navigating Cornelius—for the next 20 years
The Town of Cornelius is asking for residents to help develop a growth blueprint, or comprehensive plan, that will help navigate planning, economic development and land use decisions during the next 20 years. Called “Navigate Cornelius,” the 16-month project will require extensive community involvement, according to Mayor Jeff Tarte. The town will send out requests for proposals to firms that can help develop such a plan, which is expected to cost on the order of $150,000. “We are setting up the steering committee now and will announce the schedule and more details soon,” said Town Commissioner Jim Bensman. The town will kick off the project in April. It will be discussed at the commission meeting March 1.
Cornelius town meeting Monday features open discussion
The Cornelius Town Board will hold an open meeting with citizens Monday at Town Hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting March 1. The floor is wide open at this type of a meeting which is less formal than the traditional board meeting which starts at 7 p.m. The format at 6 p.m. allows residents to discuss any topic. Board and town staff will be available to answer questions.The Public Comments section of the regular 7 p.m. meetings typically limit discussion.
Radio Shack, Wolf Camera, Scardaci Construction Design Center, Crave, Norman's Grill. Those are a few of the businesses that have closed in Cornelius in the past few months.
On the other hand, a new fresh ingredients restaurant called Alton's has opened in the old Mia Famiglia space in Jetton Village. And Jennifer Cox and Melissa Prevost have opened the Brow Lounge and Hip Chixx Closet in Jetton Village. A combination full-service waxing studio and upscale ladies boutique, the 1,400 square foot shop caters to an upscale demographic.
While it's hard to immediately visualize how a diverging diamond overpass works, people in the Show Me State have seen their way clear to start building the nation's second such traffic management system.
Cornelius officials are considering a diverging diamond to improve traffic across the Interstate 77 overpass at Exit 28. The cost is considerably less than a traditional intersection between a state road and an interstate.
Librarian/historian Tom Cole discusses Charlotte during the 1930s as part of the Cornelius Library's 10th anniversary celebration on Thursday Feb. 11. Observations included special programs for teens as well as a formal presentation with town, school and library officials on Thursday evening.
We all love Valentine’s Day and love to show the love. How does your house of worship honor marriage and what advice do you give to young people who are dating?
William Frazier, a 17-year-old junior at Charlotte Country Day, has his heart set on a Ford Mustang for his first car.
“My parents told me I can't get anything with a big engine, says William of parents Brad and Kay Frazier of Westward Reach in The Peninsula community. “Dad said I needed to earn my money.”
So far, William has earned about half his goal of $3,000 to go towards the car, and hopes to earn the rest by the summer deadline by continuing to make and sell Eastern Bluebird birdhouses from his home.
“I've never thought about failing,” says William. “I'm sure I'm going to make it.”
The Emerald Troupe from Rhythm in Effect Dance Studio won the talent show with their tap dance routine Saturday at the North Mecklenburg Rotary Club's Annual Pancake Breakfast. They took home $300 in prize money.
Marla Brown hopes this year is when her fledgling performing arts center, The Warehouse, comes into its own as a venue for local performers.
“This will be a neighbor's living room where we come and watch art … local art happenings, the whole 1960s John Cage thing,” says Brown of the 3,500 square foot space at 9216-A Westmoreland Road near the Highway 21 intersection.
Some organizers have been trying unsuccessfully to get Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville to support a joint performing arts center. The Davidson Community Players are so entrenched that there's no appeal to move, Brown notes. She hopes to eventually launch a joint project with a group such as the Cornelius Arts Exchange.
Come celebrate the anniversary of the reopening of the Cornelius Branch Library. When the branch was reopened Feb. 11, 2000, then-Mayor Jan Beasley proclaimed Feb. 11 as Cornelius Library Day. The new building is at 21105 Catawba Ave.
A bear wandered down Bethel Church Road a few years ago. And lucky residents near the Peninsula golf course saw a young red fox hidden in pine straw observing the world go by this past summer, its mother presumably keeping a watchful eye on her cub.
Cornelius is full of wild fauna, some it uncomfortably comfortable with human neighbors. Deer, fox and even coyotes can be found anywhere near open fields, such as those along Westmoreland and Highway 115.
The Rotary Clubs of Mooresville and Troutman will host their second annual charity chili cook off 11.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Sept. 25 at Mooresville Town Square. Proceeds from the event will benefit Our Towns Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Mooresville Christian Mission, Mooresville Soup Kitchen, Health Reach and other non-profit organizations. Chili cookers from around the area are invited to vie for the best chili recipe in town. In addition to the chili cook off and tasting, there will be music, games, demonstrations, booths and displays. Details: tcox@ourtownshabitat.org.
Habitat Car Show
The third annual Habitat for Humanity Car Show hosted by Our Towns Habitat for Humanity will be held 2-6 p.m. Sun., April 18 in the Habitat ReStore parking lot, 20414 N. Main St., Cornelius. Proceeds from the event will benefit Our Towns Habitat for Humanity’s Youth United group. Youth United fully funds and builds a new home every other year. They currently are building their fourth home, which should be completed by May. Admission is free; raffle tickets, $5. Show entry fees are $20 for early registration; $25 on the day of the event. The event will include food, raffle prizes, a DJ and entertainment. Details: 704-896-8957 ext. 1120 or kate@ourtownshabitat.org.
Concert, mission fair at Mt. Zion
Mick and the Ultras will perform 1 p.m. Sun., May 16 on the front lawn of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in conjunction with the Mt. Zion Mission Fair. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the fellowship and classic rock and blues music. Free; freewill offering will be taken.
LKN Kiwanis pancake breakfast is March 13
The Lake Norman Kiwanis will hold their annual pancake breakfast Saturday March 13 starting at 8 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Huntersville. Tickets to the annual charity event, which includes a full breakfast, raffle and silent auction, are $6. Proceeds benefit the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. The church is at 119 Old Statesville Road. For more info: arcieroa@bellsouth.net or tim@callmaestro.com
Raise the Roof
A benefit will be held 7-10 p.m. Sat., March 20 at the home of Ron & Amie Carroll, 171 Washam Rd., Mooresville to raise money for repairs to the roof of the HealthReach Community in Mooresville. The clinic is the only free clinic in Iredell County that provides health services to residents of Mooresville, Troutman and Mt. Mourne who do not qualify for public assistance and have no other healthcare options. Tickets are $100 per person and remittance or donations can be made to HealthReach Community Clinic, PO Box 1265, Mooresville, NC 28115.
Free Session on Bankruptcy
United Family Services, with an office in Cornelius, is holding a free discussion on “Bankruptcy Myths and Realities” on Mon., April 19. The 90-minute session starts at 6:30 p.m. at the North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane in Huntersville. The speaker is Beth Carter, a bankruptcy attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm in Davidson. Carter will provide explanations on what to expect if you file for bankruptcy, when someone should consider bankruptcy, and other options to explore. Details: Kathryn Firmin-Sellers at: 704-655-8745.
Fundraiser at grand opening
Brow Lounge – in celebration of its grand opening 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., March 13 – will gift 50 percent of its service proceeds to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and to Focused on a Cure, a charity focused on Breast Cancer. Three licensed estheticians – owner Jennifer Cox, Jennifer Kisner-Militello and Lisa Scott – offer eyebrow and specialty skincare services at 19825-C North Cove Rd., Cornelius. All Brow Lounge gift certificates purchased and all prepaid, pre-booked appointments on March 13 will be part of the fundraising event.
The fourth annual Lake Norman Senior Fun and Fitness Day will be held Tuesday April 20 starting at 10 a.m. Adults 55 and older are invited to walk around Jetton Park and also participate in special activities at 15 pre-arranged stations, including basketball free throw, football toss and golf chipping.
The second Annual Guns & Hoses Charity Softball Game will be held 1 p.m. Sat., April 10 at Torrence Chapel Park, 21309 Torrence Chapel Rd. Proceeds will benefit the Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark Memorial Parks. Sponsorships available and all donations accepted. Bring the family for food, fun and a good cause. Details: Cale Ervin, 704-728-9587 or Sgt. George Brinzey, 704-892-1363.
Miss Race City USA
The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce will hold the third annual Miss Race City USA Scholarship Pageant 7 p.m. May 15 in the Roland R. Morgan Auditorium at MooresvilleSenior High School. Winners will be selected in two categories: Between the ages of 13-16 years, Race Teen Princess; and between the ages of 17- 24 years, Miss Race CityUSA. Applications are available at the MSI Chamber of Commerce, 149 E. Iredell Ave., Mooresville or by emailing missracecityusa@yahoo.com or calling 704-664-3898. All applications must be received by April 15. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students, children under 3 no charge. The pageant is held on the same day as the Race City Festival, an outdoor street fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in downtown Mooresville.
Marina/Boating Safety Day
The second annual Marina/Boating Safety Day at the Peninsula Yacht Club will be held 1-5 p.m. Sat., May 15. The event – with demonstrations, children’s activities, boating displays and opportunities to speak with representatives from organizations – is open to the public. The organizations include: Mecklenburg County Lake Patrol, Sea Tow of Lake Norman, Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Sail and Power Squadron, Cornelius Fire Department, Light House Marine Service and Sea Ray of Lake Norman. Details: 704-895-8996, ext. 28.
Sponsors sought
Southlake Christian Academy is hosting its Annual Athletic Department Golf Tournament Fundraiser and seeking additional sponsors. Bob Evans Restaurant already has signed on as a sponsor for the March 19 tournament at the Verdict Ridge Country Club in Denver. Door prizes, goody bags, food and beverages, trophies and silent auction items are also needed. All funds raised will be used to fund the growth and expansion of the Huntersville school’s Athletic Department.
For Dana Peterson, the new Loaded Baked Potato Chowder recipe from The Pampered Chef hits the spot. Peterson is a sales director for The Pampered Chef, and joined the company shortly after moving Cornelius in the mid-1990s. “I always thought I was a pretty good cook,” she says, and having a flexible schedule was ideal for the mother of three young boys.
Those in favor were Robert E. and Kathryn Kunkleman and children Deborah, who is now a teacher in Union County; Greg, a real estate lawyer in Charlotte; and Dan, who has worked with his parents since 1985.
Boxed wine, instead of bottled, is becoming all the rage for environmental reasons.
With more and more wineries offering organic varieties to lower their eco-footprint, it's no surprise that they're looking at the environmental impacts of their packaging as well. The making of conventional glass bottles (and the corks that cap them) uses significant quantities of natural resources and generates considerable pollution.
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