Get Your Motor Running... Head Out On The Highway

He made me an offer I couldn't refuse. What is..... what are, pop culture references to movies from the late 60's and early 70's Alex?

No, your 'Tis blogger was not born to be wild nor am I promoting NetFlix. Hardly. The movie references are just a cheap attempt at holding your attention. Worked, didn't it?

DH didn't have to ask twice if I wanted to tag along for the annual Ride for Kids to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Created in the mid 80s by a couple wanting to help a colleague's child, the Ride for Kids has raised over $44 million for childhood brain tumor research and family support programs. Just last year, the PBTF awarded a $6 million research grant to Duke. And they go a step further. In addition to providing funding, the organization also builds public awareness for childhood brain tumor disorders, their diagnoses and treatments.

Want to help out? Make a donation here. Or register and join us for the May 3rd ride.



Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window. ~Author Unknown

This Old House

(click photo for larger image)

Author and historian Ernest Dollar rightly refers to the Pugh House, pictured above, as "Morrisville's most visible landmark." At present, our most visible landmark, relocated in January 2008 to make way for improvements to the intersection that was it's former home, is in need of significant repair.

(click photos for larger images)

"Significant" in this case equates to $270,000 for scraping, painting, wood repair, window replacement, landscaping, roof & gutter repair and interior work. Even in times of plenty, that's a lot of tax payer dollars. Your 'Tis blogger has an idea and is organizing a volunteer led effort, with support from Morrisville staff, to begin the work of restoring the Pugh House to landmark status. We'll do what can safely be done by volunteers..... some wood repair, some painting, some landscaping. We'll seek donations of materials and funds and generally do what we can to keep the town's shrinking coffers intact. Interested in helping? Stay tuned. Especially needed are those with experience in carpentry, woodworking, landscaping and painting. But there will be opportunities for all who are interested.

And a note: in researching recent Pugh House history, I ran across a Cary News article from last June. Sadly, four months after the article was published, Billy Hartness, 40 year resident of the Pugh house prior to it's relocation, passed away on October 14, 2008.

So You Think You Can Dance... from Morrisville to Memphis

The journey of Morrisville resident Bela Watson was recently shared by N&O staff writer Luciana Chavez. You'll want to read A Dance of Grace. Enjoy!

“A budget tells us what we can't afford,

but it doesn't keep us from buying it.” Aint that the truth.

By now you likely know that Morrisville's $23M budget has a $2.8M hole. No surprise, really. Times are tough all over and all but a handful of Morrisville's approved projects have stalled. Revenue from development is down, surplus property expected to be sold wasn't, interest income is off. What's surprising..... it's March. April 1st begins the town's fiscal year 4th quarter. A bit late in the year to plug a 12% hole. But staff has a budget reduction plan that was briefed to the council on 3/10. It's a good starting point.

Oddly enough.... on that same night, council was to discuss creating a philanthropic community foundation, spending an unbudgeted $270k to renovate the historic Pugh house and doling out $110k for a Main St consultant. Makes your 'Tis blogger wonder about the logic..... and the timing.

A decision is likely on the budget reduction on 3/24. Here's hoping our elected officials will cut where necessary and keep what's essential, including the $4,000 budgeted for employee recognition. Return less to the general fund if need be on that line item.

And at the risk of rubbing salt in a wound.... fix the broken reporting mechanism that kept the revenue shortfall obscured until now. And for heaven's sake - apply some common sense before considering new spending proposals.