NOVANT HOSPITAL UPDATE--as I reported earlier, we are still asking for additional letters of support due to the fact that the state has extended the due dates. Forms can be obtained at Town Hall, go online at www.myhollyspringshospital.org. send a fax to 704-316-9649, or mail to Holly Springs Hospital c/o Novant Public Relations, PO Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233. The N&O in today's edition (Sat. 23rd) wrote that "3 hospital projects vie for approval". Further, they stated that "cost, ease of access and quality of care will be important. As will community support". I did find it "interesting" that they quoted two residents who weren't supportive, one worried about traffic and another "because she feels that a community hospital won't be able to provide the services the town really needs". With respect, I am much more concerned about ease of access and saving lives than traffic and this hospital will take care of approximately 92% of everyone who walks or is transported into the facility. However, the article didn't quote any of the over 13,000 citizens who wrote letters of support for the Holly Springs Community Hospital--surprised? No local firms or businesses have been hired by Novant to assist in this project--it is strictly a grass-root and volunteer effort by Novant, the Town, and its citizens. Hasn't southwest Wake and southern Wake gotten the short end of the straw long enough?
KUDOS--to Warren and Judi Alvis for being the first two to ask for seats on the busses to transport us to the Certificate of Need hearings. Please send me emails or phone messages if you would like to participate! Time and place TBD but we want at least 2 bus loads. Thanks. Also, kudos to the Holly Springs Futbol Club (HSFC) U12 CRUSH Girls who won the SCSA Charlotte Invitational Soccer Tournament. What a great accomplishment and as Rick Clark stated, "couldn't have done it without the Town's help".
WATER RESTRICTIONS--were eased effective Aug. 22nd. Sprinklers and irrigation systems can now be used 3 times a week by schedule and car washing and power washing are no longer restricted. As Amy Moore, our Water Quality Director reports, "we appreciate everyone's patience and adherence to restrictions". The pumps at the Cape Fear have been repaired and we match their restriction levels. Obviously, we still encourage conversation practices.
PAST EVENTS--the Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheons at the High School were a tremendous success. Thanks to all the many sponsors for their support and we all thank the teachers and staff at all our schools for their continued efforts on behalf of our kids. August 14th was the first "Back to School Blast at Sunset Commons" and thanks to David McGee from Smoothie King and others for organizing this fun event complete with bands, food, refreshments, and more. David tells me there will be more and bigger events to come.
HSCC UPCOMING EVENTS--remember HollyFest on Saturday, October 25th, the Business Expo from 10am to 4pm at Womble Park, and the Farmers Market at the Town Hall Parking Lot on Saturdays from 8 am to noon, through October, to mention a few. Also, the Cultural Arts Center continues to roll with Jeff Allen, "the world's funniest, most inspiring comedian on Friday, September 5th, at 7 and 9 pm. More information is available at www.etix.com or at 569-4000 (919). The free outdoor concerts offer Georgia Beck, Blues, Alternate Folk on August 22nd and Shotgun Romance, Americana, Bluegrass and Rock on September 12th.
In summary, please don't speed, obey the crosswalks, don't tailgate, and don't rip up or destroy political candidate signs on citizen's yards--it's their right and not yours to do so. Have a great week!
