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ervinjo Member
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By creating an Arboretum there. It would beautify the downtown, and provide privacy to those homes who now look out on HWY 158! |
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zippitydoodah Member
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I'm sorry. I don't know where you're talking about. |
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ervinjo Member
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I'm betting it was an old railroad bed. It is right across from the Bi-Rite running down to the Fire Dept. |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member 
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Very good, Ervinjo! You are absolutely correct. The train ran right through town.... I don't remember when the tracks were taken up, maybe about 20 years ago? There has been much talk about what to do with that strip.... Perhaps you could talk with Town Clerk Carolyn Joyner at Town Hall, or contact one of the Town Council members, and talk with them about your ideas. You are right, it would be nice to make that a nice area downtown. Town Planner Les Eger has talked about ideas he has for that area, but it's just so hard to get EVERYTHING done!!! |
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zippitydoodah Member
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ervinjo wrote: I'm betting it was an old railroad bed. It is right across from the Bi-Rite running down to the Fire Dept. OK, now I understand. Thanks for clarifying. That could be a interesting idea you have. Vickie, do I remember something about this being made into a trail one of these days? |
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DToney Member 
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I would love to see a trail of some sort.... I need to start back walking! Are there any nearby besides the one at Veteran's Park? I'd walk around the neighborhood, but one of my neighbors has 4 dogs and they seem to like to chase me & mine everytime I attempt to walk past there.... |
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Starcatchr Member 
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Stop by Summerfield on the way home. There's a parking area on Strawberry Road and the trail goes both directions. |
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macca Member 
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DToney wrote:I would love to see a trail of some sort.... I need to start back walking! Are there any nearby besides the one at Veteran's Park? I'd walk around the neighborhood, but one of my neighbors has 4 dogs and they seem to like to chase me & mine everytime I attempt to walk past there.... There's a track behind the gym at the school.... My neighbor walks every day and I see him carrying a big stick to ward off any of the dogs in our neighborhood.....♥♥♥ |
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DToney Member
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which school?  |
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macca Member
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Stokesdale Elementary |
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DToney Member
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ervinjo Member
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A "trail" can be easily incorporated in an Arboretum design. Plus the trees will make it all the better on hot summer days. |
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DToney Member
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That would be nice... a lot better than wide open walking trails where there is no shade. |
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Scott L Member 
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I'm not sure who owns the railroad bed. I believe I remember that the adjoining property owner's property was extended into the bed when the railroad abandoned it but I'm not sure. I think an effort to make this bed useful and attractive would be best accomplished with the support and involvement of the adjoining property owners. Would someone be willing to come to the Town Council meeting and inquire about this? |
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Lacka Member 
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WOW Guys, that is a great idea, and the perfect place. I am sure the neighbors would love to see that area become useful, and pretty to look at. I am from SF, but venture over now and then to go to Sadies, if I want a really great cut of meat, I hit the Bi-rite, or to get my taxes done (oh there goes that sick feeling in my stomach again). Might have a few nay-sayers that might not want to look at people walking by, but we have nay-sayers in every town. Keep the rest of us updated on how the idea goes over at the TC meeting. BTW there is a track at Summerfield school where people walk everyday. There are even people walking latein the day. It has very fine rock that is easy to walk on and is a little easier on the legs. I see dogs now and then, but they are always on a leash. The track is in front of the the school, and SF Road is pretty busy so you do not feel like you are secluded. Good Luck SD!!!!! |
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macca Member
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LACKA!!!♥♥♥ You can come on over to SD any time!!!!!Glad you enjoy all the fine things our town has to offer! Sadie's smells good even as you just walk past, even when it's closed! ♥♥♥ I think we could really make our downtown area lovely with a nice arboretum!!! ♥♥♥ |
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Lacka Member
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Going today as a matter of fact Macca. One of the Little Lackas went to Charleston last week, and left his acne soap at the hotel. Sadie's has some terrific soap, that really clears up the acne fast!!!! Thanks for the open invite. |
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ervinjo Member
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I would be willing, but I live over the county line in Rock. County off Ellisboro Rd. I don't know if my idea would hold water with the board due to my residence. |
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ervinjo Member
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Scott L wrote: I'm not sure who owns the railroad bed. I believe I remember that the adjoining property owner's property was extended into the bed when the railroad abandoned it but I'm not sure. I think an effort to make this bed useful and attractive would be best accomplished with the support and involvement of the adjoining property owners. Would someone be willing to come to the Town Council meeting and inquire about this?See previous post :-) |
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ff12 Member 
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i see where someone "planted" a tree in the railroad bed between the service center and the old house under repair. As those houses are being renovated it is nice to see as you travel main street. Last edited on Jul 6th, 2006 02:25 pm by ff12 |
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ervinjo Member
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ff12 wrote: i see where someone "planted" a tree in the railroad bed between the service center and the old house under repair. As those houses are being renovated it is nice to see as you travel main street.Yes, I am hoping this is just a fluke...If this idea is approached without professional planning, it will look like it, and will end up being an eye-sore, not beautification. |
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ff12 Member
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Just a little history. When the railroad pulled up tracks, the FD wanted the land where it is now located. It only took close to 10 years to get a clear deed from the railroad . Hopefully this kind of situation has been resolved and it won't take as long for others. How about rows of cherry trees mixed with azalaes and mulched so no one has to mow.Get the citizens together and make a plan , we do not always need professional services to plan every thing. Maybe someone at NCSU would want to make a plan for us , maybe they need it for a class . |
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DToney Member
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ff12 wrote: i see where someone "planted" a tree in the railroad bed between the service center and the old house under repair. As those houses are being renovated it is nice to see as you travel main street. The "planted" tree was removed & a BUNCH of trees have now taken its place! I mean about a dozen are there now! |
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ervinjo Member
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I was very surprised to see the planting happen in the hottest part of the year. But I applaude the efforts. I hope the trees remain watered. REMEMBER... The idea was first seen here!!! |
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DToney Member
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Yaaaaaay! & it looks good too!  Last edited on Jul 30th, 2006 12:30 pm by DToney |
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ervinjo Member
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I'm very surprised to even admit this, but I started several of the topic forums for Stokeydale, even the idea that led to the tree planting down town,,,, and alas I've no manna. I just don't get it. |
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DToney Member
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ervinjo Member
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Thanks D! |
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DToney Member
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no problem... I thought the same thing for a while... us stokesdale folks gotta stick together! |
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Cracker Jax Member 
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ervinjo wrote: I've no manna. I just don't get it. I feel your pain ervinjo...... I shared what little I have with you! |
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macca Member
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Oh! Were y'all those guys I saw sweating like crazy plantin' trees and diggin' holes this week??? It's gonna look great!! ♥♥♥ |
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DToney Member
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weren't me out there sweatin up the storm! But someone sure did & it does look good! |
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DToney Member
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looks like they're bout ready to plant another 2 doz or so trees... now I know what you mean about "arboretum" |
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ff12 Member
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Ah yes, community involvement at its best. What little i know is that the trees were donated as was equipment to dig the holes. Thanks to those planting the trees providing the hard labor. If anyone knows who stole 2 of the purple leaf trees........... |
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DToney Member
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dang thieves! I swear.. folks should ride around & look for anyone in the area that has 2 new ones...
Last edited on Jul 30th, 2006 12:31 pm by DToney |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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Actually, I think there were 4 stolen over the course of a couple of days. The thing is, these guys would've given them the trees -- they didn't have to steal them. This is a great story! Some folks offered the trees to a local resident b/c they knew of his interest in planting, and he decided that the downtown area would be a great place for them if it was okay with the donors. (He lives along Highway 68, not in the downtown area.) Folks along Stokesdale Street gave permission for them to be planted, so a very small group (none of whom live in the downtown area) has taken on this whole project. Basically 4 men have done all the work you see! They measured the area, located the underground utilities, marked where trees should go and then dug the holes. The man who donated the trees also brought his Bobcat down, fitted with an auger, and he dug all the holes. Then they mulched and watered the trees. There are approximately 2 dozen in the area nearest the fire station and will be another 5 dozen or so in the area between there and the light at Bi-Rite. While this isn't the best time to be planting trees, it must be done because the donor had an Aug. 1 deadline to move them. The trick now will be making sure they have enough water to make sure they survive. Neighbors along Stokesdale Street will help, but this group is hoping others will join in, since it will benefit the whole town. They will be planting again Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so I'm sure they'd welcome any help. Folks are driving by and waving, some even stopping to thank them, but even though we've had folks say what a great idea it would be, no one else has stopped by to give them a hand. I've talked with most folks involved, have a few more to contact and have lots of pictures, so there will be more about it in an upcoming issue of the Northwest Observer. |
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DToney Member
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rather than "wishing" for help... communication would have GOTTEN some help. an article in the NWO would have gotten all of the help needed and then some! ya gotta let folks know or all they'll do is wave....... |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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Sorry... I guess I left a piece out of the story. This has all taken place over the last two weeks, so there really was no way to get the word out.... Just time to get to work and get it done. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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DToney wrote: rather than "wishing" for help... communication would have GOTTEN some help. an article in the NWO would have gotten all of the help needed and then some! ya gotta let folks know or all they'll do is wave....... I gotta take up for the NWO staff just a little bit here DToney. I know you probably didn't mean that post to sound the way it did (or the way I took it anyway) It's up to the folks who need help with various projects to get the info to the NWO staff via community notes or letters or even the forum, and then as Vicki stated, sometimes the "help needed time frame" and the paper deadlines just don't line up.....
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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Thanks, Cracker Jax. I guess I was just making note of a thought by these hard-working gentlemen but I just didn't express it very well. It would be nice if they could get some help as they're out there working during the next few days. Scott (my husband) stopped and offered to help with spraying for bugs, and the neighbor of one of the men brought him some ice water while I was there Friday. Again, this whole thing fell together VERY quickly... Just within the past 2 weeks. The trees needed to be moved from their current location and planted right away. These guys could've just given them to family and friends, but they decided to give them to the residents of the town. They have spent HOURS (their estimate is an average of 5 man-hours per tree) doing this. They called on people they knew to pitch in, and would welcome help from anyone who'd like to help. |
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DToney Member
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I wasn't implying any fault in the NWO staff for not getting the word out... just thinking that a post on the Bi-Rite Bulletin Board or someone getting the word to NWO would have produced a little aid... |
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macca Member
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Well, NOW it's been posted here, so I guess we'll see some more follks out there helping this week!!! ♥♥♥ |
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DToney Member
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there you go! |
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DToney Member
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is the new arboretum area town land? If so.. could the town council possibly enhance the area with some additional mulch and maybe a park bench? (or two...) Just an idea.... sounded good |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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This area is where the railroad bed was. While it is separated from the adjacent properties by Stokesdale Street and U.S. Highway 158, it belongs to property owners along there. The town had talked with these landowners in the past about turning over rights to the property to the town but that process was evidently incomplete. Part of the process the men who have been working on this project went through was getting permission from all of the property owners to plant the trees. |
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DToney Member
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thanks for the "scoop" Vicki! too bad it is not the town's land... |
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macca Member
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Hey! Has everybody seen how nice that downtown area looks now with all the trees in? Here's hoping this is the beginning of an area that we can all be proud of! Wonder if the folks who live along there want to get some help with it, since it beongs to them but benefits the whole town???? ♥♥♥ |
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DToney Member
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ervinjo wrote: A "trail" can be easily incorporated in an Arboretum design. Plus the trees will make it all the better on hot summer days.so... since the trees have been planted... and we know that the land belongs to individuals... where do we go from here to get the best out of this idea? A walking trail with park benches would be wonderful! but from the town's perspective, I cannot see them putting forth money when it is not their land. |
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macca Member
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Hey! Did y'all see? The Stokesdale tree planting story is on the NW Observer home page!♥♥♥ |
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FatPappy Member 
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Lookin' good, Stokesdale! I bet y'all are gonna enjoy them trees! |
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Vicki White-Lawrence Member
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We are hearing from folks who want to know how they can volunteer to help with the tree planting (now caring for the trees) in downtown Stokesdale. I have contacted Jim Flynt, who says his small group welcomes the help! He will let me know when they've determined the most efficient way to help facilitate that. One group has already expressed an interest in donating a bench.... These men have still been spending days watering and pruning the trees, mowing and picking up trash. Our town is indeed fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers! |
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S. Smith Moderator
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I thought this was a great story, and I hope that after all their hard work, at least a majority of the trees make it. Thanks to all the volunteers who worked on this, and those I hope will work on it in the future to keep this idea alive. Congratulations, Stokesdale! |
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DToney Member
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looks like the good Lord has helped with watering the trees today!
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macca Member
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Hey, Did y'all see that those guys are going to plant some flowers and stuff down near the Bi-Rite this morning? According to the NW Observer, they also have some offers for help in making that arboretum area even nicer. They listed the name and phone number of one of the guys. When I get a chance I'll try to remember to look it up and post it here, in case y'all missed it! ♥♥♥ They also had an editorial that talks about how the town might be able to help with watering those trees. They've been hauling water from Jim Flynt's house! I don't know where that is, but they're doing it 200 gallons at a time, they've got 81 trees, and each tree needs 50 gallons a week!  |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:08 am by Jim Flynt |
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FatPappy Member
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It's been plumb awe-inspirin' to watch what's goin' on with this project. I'm proud that y'all are able to accomplish such a good thang for Stokesdale an' such a good example fer other towns. Thanks fer sharin' the story. We'll be a-watchin' fer more posts on it. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:09 am by Jim Flynt |
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FatPappy Member
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Jim Flynt wrote:An interesting topic for a discussion under a new thread might be an examination of why so many people want to run to or turn to government first instead of turning to government either as a last resort or in situations where government has use of tools (such as eminent domain, tax abatement or planning/zoning waivers) which are unavailable to the private sector. Have we really abdicated personal responsibility over to government? Hoo wee! That would be a interestin' topic. I reckon like so many other subjects you'd find fanatics who want no part o' the other side 'cause their side is the only way o' thinkin' to them, then you'd have a large bunch that don't feel like it has anythang to do with their world, an' then a few in the middle. I further reckon whichever way you look at it, it depends on the situation to a great degree. But more than that, it depends on the people involved. There have always been, an' I hope there will always be, a certain group o' motivated volunteers (in goverment an' in the private sector) who work away faithfully an' steadily no matter what. I reckon so many of us have come to depend on them an' take advantage o' their dedication, knowin' if we don't do it, they surely will. No, that blindin' flash o' light ain't the sun goin' supernova on us, that's just Pappy's shiny scalp as I take my hat off to those who care enough to make somethin' good happen fer ever'body! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:09 am by Jim Flynt |
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FatPappy Member
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Yee Haw! Good deal, Mr Jim! |
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S. Smith Moderator
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I'm looking forward to more good things happening as a result of this. I'm glad someone has been willing to take the ball and run with it. |
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ff12 Member
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Mr. Jim could you contact the National Arbor Day Found. and get some help from them ie: fertilizer spikes and such? |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Hey Jim, What's going on with the tree-planting project? Somebody told me that more trees and shrubs are being planted in Stokesdale? |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:10 am by Jim Flynt |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Hey Jim, how did those trees that you planted back in the summer fare? I know you guys spent a lot of time watering them. Did any of them make it? |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:10 am by Jim Flynt |
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FatPappy Member
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Glad to hear it, Mr Jim! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:11 am by Jim Flynt |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:11 am by Jim Flynt |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:12 am by Jim Flynt |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Great idea, Jim, but we were ahead of you on this one. This info is in this week's edition in our community calendar. You can also get inexpensive trees from the Arbor Day Foundation. We get notices from them from time to time, and although the trees are very small, they'll grow! My husband has done this several times. Right now, they're featuring 10 flowering trees for anyone who joins during January. For a contribution of $10, they will send you 2 dogwoods, 2 crabapples, 2 Washington hawthorns, 2 American redbuds and 2 Goldenraintrees. They are also guaranteed! To join and receive the 10 trees, send a $10 contribution to Ten Free Flowering Trees, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410 by Jan. 31, or visit http://www.arborday.org. Last edited on Jan 6th, 2007 01:28 pm by S. Smith |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:12 am by Jim Flynt |
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Scott L Member
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Hi Jim, I would be interested in serving on the Stokesdale Beautiful Planning Committee if you need anymore participants. Just let me know when and where you are getting together if you are interested. Thanks, Scott |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edit. Last edited on Feb 28th, 2007 02:13 am by Jim Flynt |
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Scott L Member
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Jim, Thanks, let me know when you are meeting at the diner. Scott |
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ff12 Member
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Mr. Jim , you sure have cut down a lot of your own trees, is that so you can plant more or are you going to develop your land? |
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Jim Flynt Member
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To answer one of your questions: YES. Last edited on Apr 30th, 2007 12:14 pm by Jim Flynt |
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ff12 Member
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On the other end of main street USA across from the state of the art USPS, a lot of tree cutting and brush clearing going on. Any idea whats up there? The trees and brush was a good sound barrier when the parking lot in front of BJ's was a hangout(long time ago) and there was a game room where BJ's is now. |
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bama80 Member 
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^ you lost me. not all of us are familiar with Main St. USA or where BJs used to be.. sorry. Maybe it is painfully obvoius and I am just slow. haha. it is Monday btw. |
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ff12 Member
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across the road from suntrust bank. slow your trans am down and observe your surrondings.(having young kids impairs your ability to focus on other things, no time) |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edited by Poster. Last edited on Aug 5th, 2007 02:31 am by Jim Flynt |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Double Post. Last edited on Mar 31st, 2007 10:07 pm by Jim Flynt |
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bama80 Member
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ahh I shoulda recognized BJ's. I ate there once. I think the area looks nicer already. Dunno bout a sound barrier. When I drive by, all I can hear is veggie tales and Elmo singing in the minivan. |
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ff12 Member
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Maybe the rc aircraft club can use the area between the trees as their runway. |
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macca Member
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ff12 -- you are so funny!!! Hee hee! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Edited by Poster. Last edited on Aug 5th, 2007 02:30 am by Jim Flynt |
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Give this guy some manna!