YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1978 w w w. j a m e s t o w n n e w s . c o m
WeEKLY EDITION
mar 27 - Apr 2, 2019
Vol. 41 No. 13 | 1 Section | 10 Pages
Blooms and bubbles set the scene for spring fundraiser The March 14 event had many similar elements to every other annual spring fundraiser hosted by the Sedgefield Woman’s Club – a silent auction, live auction, raffle, friends greeting one another warmly. But members of the organization decided to step the 2019 event up a bit by hosting an evening cocktail party instead of a mid-day luncheon. “We hoped to be able to give women who might not be able to attend during
the day the opportunity to participate,” said Rebecca Scheffer, who along with Janine Wagers and Sandy Soroush, coordinated the fundraiser. “The nighttime event was well received,” Wagers said. “We reached more women that work during the day and maybe even a younger crowd with daughters and friends that were able to attend.” The theme for this year’s event was “Blooms and Bubbles.” Instead of a meal, guests were treated to a variety of boutique hors (Above) Jennifer Sparks, Janine Wagers and Susan Gregory, left to right, used a skit to lead members and guests in the live auction. see spring, page 3
By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com The City of High Point has offered the Town of Jamestown a 2.78-acre piece of property at 107-15 Kingsdale Court that lies within the Cedarwood neighborhood. Since the property is unbuildable and Jamestown sewer lines run through it, High Point is giving it to Jamestown – if the Town approves, however. The Jamestown Town Council discussed the matter at its March 19 meeting. The City of High Point has no need to retain ownership of the property and would like to quitclaim it to Jamestown at no cost. There is a clause in the deed, however, that troubles Town Attorney Beth Koonce. “I do not want to make this into a bigger issue than it is,” Koonce said, “but, in reviewing that deed, [the City] started including clauses in any deed in which they are conveying property without selling it. They want to be very careful that they are not violating the Consitution by ‘giving’ something to another entity.” The “special provision” reads: “Restrictive use of land: The property is restricted to public use only. The consideration of this conveyance is the Town of Jamestown’s agreement to use this property only for ‘public’ purpose. If for any reason the property ceases to be used for a ‘public’ purpose, the property shall revert back to the City of High Point.” Koonce said “public use” is anything that the government or its citizens does, including utilities, a park or open space. Currently, the Town basically would not have to do anything with it since the town’s sewer lines run through the property. It could not be use for residential nor could it be broken up into smaller lots. “If in 50 years or so, we decided we have no use for those sewer lines and we wanted to get rid of the property, it just goes back to the City of High
In addition to bidding on the silent auction items and participating in the live auction, friends had plenty of time to talk, eat and enjoy the evening.
Council approves resolution to extend terms By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com The Jamestown Town Council approved a resolution of intent on March 19 to consider an ordinance to amend the Town’s charter to change the length of Council terms from two to four-year staggered terms. There will be a public hearing and vote on the proposal at the April 16 Council meeting. Town Attorney Beth Koonce said the resolution was the first step in changing the length of terms. “I’ve always thought there was a need for [fouryear terms],” said Councilmember Georgia Nixon. “It will be very positive for the Town,” said Town Manager Kenny Cole. There was little discussion at the March meeting, following a lengthy discussion in February. If the terms are extended, they will impact this year’s municipal election. The two candidates who receive the highest num-
ber of votes will be elected for four-year terms and the two candidates with the next highest votes will serve two-year terms. At the municipal election in 2021 and every four years from then on, two members of the Council will be elected for four-year terms. In other words, only half of the Council would be elected every two years, rather than the election of a totally new Council. “One of the key topics in the previous election was the question of staggered terms for Council members,” wrote Koonce, town attorney, in a statement. “There are some distinct advantages of having staggered terms that warrant discussion among the Council so that staff may prepare for the upcoming election cycle.” Koonce listed several reasons to change to staggered terms: • Ensures continuity of leadership. The current leadership (Council) could completely change every two years. This is disruptive
Cedarwood Garden Club
The March meeting of the Cedarwood Garden Club was held at the home of Carolyn McDaniels who shared hostess duties with Lynette Smitherman, Judy Gecinger, and Sherrie Richman. Sherrie’s daughter, Karen Willette, provided beautiful platters of sandwiches, fruit, and pasta salad for the 20 members and one guest who attended. Dennis Burnett of the NC Native Plant Society and a favorite speaker of the club presented a slide show on “How to Find and Identify Wildflowers.” Dennis focused on plants, both native and exotic, that flourish in different parts of North Carolina. The business portion of the meeting included several significant items, including the election of officers for the 2019-2020 year. The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers: President, Stacy Fogleman; First Vice-President, Becky Cooke; Second Vice-President, Bernie Walsh; Secretary, Carol Fogleman; Treasurer. Betty LaBella; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Barb Henry. The Executive Committee recom-
to staff and citizens alike. • Allows Council members a greater likelihood to see projects through from inception to completion. Projects often take more time than two years to implement. • Staggered terms reduce the power of “voting blocs” or special interest groups/ political action committees from staging a complete takeover of Council leadership in a single election. • It also reduces the possibility that voter wrath over a single controversial issue will cause a drastic shift in Council leadership. Most major municipalities in North Carolina have staggered terms. High Point used two-year terms for several years before switching back to four-year terms for the 2019 elections. Local Greensboro and WinstonSalem officials serve fouryear terms. It’s not known at this point if any current elected officials will seek re-election. The Town’s charter was last revised in 1981.
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mended that several changes be made to the Constitution and By-Laws of the garden club. Article III of the Constitution was revised to show that beginning next year dues will be increased for members. The changes to the by-laws are intended to clarify and/or extend the duties of several officers and committees. Those changes will be voted on at the meeting in May. Mailbox and Yard of the Month awards will resume in April. Lynette introduced the “Spotlight” feature, Rita Bernacchi, who gave a delightful tour of her life as she transitioned from Argentina to settle into the United States and eventually moved to Cedarwood.
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By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com
Council tables vote on free land