September Parkwood Press FINAL

SEPTEMBER 2019
The Parkwood Association Neighborhood Newsletter

SummerFest 2019 Highlights

First Day of School Pictures

Wishing everyone a
GREAT start to the new

School Year!

Meet our Parkwood Elementary Principal:

Mrs. Anna Rusconi

Mrs. Rusconi joined the school in February of 2018.

Tell us a bit about yourself. every morning at 5am; they bring me so much joy.
I am a proud native North Carolinian. I grew up in
Pittsboro, North Carolina when it was a lot smaller than it is What would you like for community members to know
now! I am a big Carolina fan; I went there for my bachelor’s about Parkwood Elementary? What does the school
degree as well as my master’s degree. I do have a twin and its staff offer the community? What is your
sister who went to N.C. State, so I can tolerate Wolfpack favorite thing about Parkwood?
fans pretty well. ☺ I have two wonderful children – Will One of the best things about the learning community at
who is a year old and Lydia who is almost 4. Parkwood Elementary is that our village is a diverse group
of learners arriving by car, bike, bus, and walking to
What motivated you to pursue a background in school. Because we believe that our students truly are the
education? best, we make sure that they get the best, academically
When I was in Ms. White’s third grade class (She was an and socially. We use small group instruction every day to
amazing teacher!), I decided that I wanted to be a teacher make sure that instruction is appropriate to each individual
so that I could write on the chalkboard every day, just like student and their learning style. Finally, our most important
she did. As I grew and matured, my desire to be in priority is ensuring that Parkwood is a joyful place to learn
education never waned, but it did evolve far beyond and teach. We cultivate meaningful relationships between
wanting to write on the chalkboard. When I was in high students, staff and families in order to make sure that all of
school, I led an after-school tutoring center for middle our children have a whole tribe of adults who advocate and
school students and I knew from that authentic experience care for them. We instill and grow a love of the Parkwood
that I always wanted to work with children and families in community and we make sure that each day our students,
order to make sure they received the absolute best possible staff and families know and see that Parkwood Panthers
education. show PRIDE!

Describe your background in education. What questions should parents/guardians be asking
I began my teaching career in Durham Public Schools. I when taking tours of elementary schools?
was a sixth grade language arts teacher at Carrington Parents/guardians are the true experts on their children; no
Middle School and I still have that Cougar Pride! After five one knows them better. As a parent, I know the question
years of teaching, I wanted to transition to leading a school that I ask myself whenever I’m touring a place where my
and so I went back to UNC-Chapel Hill where I got my child might be is – “Will Lydia and Will be happy here? Is
Masters of School Administration. I then went on to be an this a place where they can learn and thrive as little
assistant principal at Githens Middle School and Culbreth people?” In terms of asking staff members things when
Middle School in Chapel Hill. I had an opportunity to lead touring schools, I think a good question to ask is how the
Greenway Park Elementary in Charlotte and so my family learning needs and social emotional needs of each
moved there in 2014. When I was offered the opportunity to individual learner are met each day.
return to Durham, I was ecstatic to take it. Durham Public
Schools is home for me. What are you goals for Parkwood elementary,
specifically for the 2019-2020 year but also for the
How did you come to be principal at Parkwood future?
Elementary? What motivated you to join our One of my goals for Parkwood is to build on our strong
community? foundation of teaching and learning. We will continue to
When I was offered the opportunity to become the principal focus on making sure that each student grows in their
at Parkwood, I did not have to think twice about the proficiency while also fostering a true love of school. I also
decision! I was drawn to Parkwood because of the great want every single person, child or adult, to feel joy and
community that literally surrounds the school. The staff, success each time they come onto Parkwood’s campus.
families and students really are my reason for getting up

To participate, two steps are needed:
Please complete the form
at https://tinyurl.com/PkwdTutorSignup to tell us of your
interest and availability.

Interested in helping kids? We could use your assistance! All volunteers also have to register with the Durham
Public Schools every two years which includes having a
Parkwood Elementary School has a number of children background check. There is more information
that need one-on-one work with a tutor. at https://tinyurl.com/PkwdVolLetter2019-02. This takes a
few weeks.

After we have heard from you via the first form, we will start
talking with you more about actual tutoring opportunities.

Tutoring will take place at If you have any trouble with the links, please call the number
given below. Also, feel free to email to the address below if
Parkwood Elementary School you have any questions.
5207 Revere Rd, Durham, NC 27713
Thank you,
919-560-3962 Cathy Starkweather & Dan Oldman, volunteer tutor
Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 AM and 1 PM. coordinators
Sessions will typically run for 25-30 minutes per child. Anna Rusconi, Principal

If you would like to help, we ask that you commit to one or Parkwood Elementary Volunteer Tutor Coordinator
two sessions per week, but we understand there may be 919-813-0902 (text or call)
reasons for occasional absences. [email protected]

Join us for our Annual A Cappella Event on
Saturday Sept. 28th

to Celebrate and SupportNC District Champions Heart
of Carolina A Cappella (HCA)!

HCA will be representing our NC District atBHS
International Competition in L.A. in 2020.

This is your chance to hear beautiful harmony and
support our local choruses!

My Piano Teacher’s Eyes

By Peggy Hoover Newhall

For Dr. Joanne Haroutounian

This month, I turn the Music Man column over to my sister. She has celebrated 89 birthdays and continues to
teach twenty or so piano students and to take advanced piano lessons for her own pleasure. I share it
especially for all you piano teachers and students.

I. III.
I look at all those notes “Try a scratch staccato there.
Across the page they dance away Keep the tempo steady, too
I see the stems and flags ‘Caramel’ legato now
The accents, dots and slurs hold sway. Make the melody sing through
The notes prance up, then down Use a gentle brush stroke here.
And sometimes jump across the keys. Shape the notes beneath that slur
“I can play this piece To make the phrase more clear.
And make some sounds that please. Place that chord,
”But then my eyes resist This one shove or toss
To heed each pesky sharp and flat. Right on that line
“I thought I could,” I said, Where your hands are meant to cross.”
“Oh, well, so much for that”
IV.
II. Then comes such joy to my surprise
“I know what I will do; The music really comes alive.
I’ll take the piece to her Just by seeing it
When my lesson time comes round. Through my piano teacher’s eyes.
Maybe she can see
Ways to make a better sound.”



Parkwood's White Ash Tree

At last month's board meeting we voted to treat our White Ash Tree for the Emerald Ash Borer, we
thought we'd resurrect some information on the tree and share it in this month's Parkwood Press

Information taken from https://bit.ly/2MxpfdF

Article written by Wendy Diaz in 2016

A White Ash tree in Parkwood is the 2015 Durham’s Finest Trees¹ winner in the
‘large category’ for its species. On March 6, 2016, four Durham trees located across
the city and county were recognized for their size and significance during Durham’s
Arbor Day ceremony at the Museum of Life and Science. The White Ash (Fraxinus
Americana) is located near the corner of Timmons Drive and McCormick Road in the
Parkwood Neighborhood of South Durham.

Description
It has a trunk circumference of 123 inches and it is at least 90 feet in height with an
average canopy spread of 85 feet. The white ash dominates the overstory of this
small woodland and towers over understory hardwoods that surround it in this dense
forest situated along a small tributary to Northeast Creek. In fact, the height of the
Parkwood Ash is close to the current North Carolina Champion Tree of the same
species located in Forsyth County (height 100 feet, circumference 206 inches and
102 feet crown spread)¹.

The White Ash is the only southeast native of
four ash species that is not a wetland species:
Green Ash-Fraxinus pennsylvanica; Carolina Ash- F. caroliniana; Pumpkin Ash-F.
profunda². A noteworthy characteristic of mature White Ash trees is the diamond-
shaped ridging of the gray bark³. On the west side of the Parkwood White Ash trunk
is an area of the ridging that has been worn smooth; most probably from a large
animal rubbing on the bark of the lower tree trunk who needed a good scratch. An
interesting bit of trivia for the Durham baseball fans out there—White Ash wood is
used for the Louisville Slugger baseball bats. Ash trees also support at least 150
pollinator species of moths and butterflies including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail².

History
The tree is located in the undeveloped natural area of the Parkwood subdivision,
which up until its development in the early 1960’s was a very remote wooded area of
Durham County. The first home was occupied in August, 1960 and the grand opening
of the nearby Parkwood Shopping Center occurred on December 11, 1962. The
award-winning Parkwood neighborhood was linked to the development of the
Research Triangle Park (RTP) to provide housing for RTP employees and Parkwood
HOA was one of the first homeowners associations formed in North Carolina on
September 25th, 1960.

Please visit the link for references and to learn of the threats the tree faces.

Volunteer http://bit.ly/VolunteerPW
with us!

Unsure of how you can contribute to
your community?

Fill out the volunteer form and we
can match you with the needs of the

neighborhood.

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Parktown Food Hub

Thank you to everyone who has been following our Facebook posts and sharing your good wishes! On
Saturday, August 10 twenty-six members of the Hillside High School Class of 1989 came to the hub as
part of their 30th reunion festivities. In a little over an hour they packed about 60 emergency bags that
will be available to people who have a need between regular food distributions. Thanks to the Hornets for
their enthusiastic, quick work and your generous contribution of easy to eat cans and packages of
protein-rich foods.

On Monday, August 12 we hosted our first full distribution. 17 families were able to pick from the items on
our shelves. Two volunteers walked with guests and helped them box up selections. Two volunteers
helped wheel the selections out to peoples’ cars, and two handled intake and hospitality. If you would like
to join us – because seriously y’all, it’s fun and festive – let us know. Some of our volunteers will not be
able to join us in our next distributions because of work schedules so if you are wondering if you would
like it, come on over and give it a try.

We are also starting our Adopt-A-Shelf program now that we have started food distribution. Currently the
dried bean shelf could use some loving attention, as well as the boxed dinner shelf (e.g. Hamburger
Helper, Rice-A-Roni). We also have shelves dedicated to gluten-free products and are open to
identifying other special needs that we can serve. With over 40 different shelves we can certainly find
one that would be just right for your group to sponsor.

We are working on making the Parktown Food Hub materials completely bilingual. If you speak Spanish
we would be particularly happy if you could volunteer, especially since we have started sharing news of
the Hub in the Spanish-language community.

Watch the Parktown Food Hub facebook page or this space for notifications of more community events
coming up, including speakers, workshops, and fun food events.

If you, your family, or your social group wants to participate in any way, please contact Sharon Schulze,
Coordinator, at [email protected].

The Parktown Food Hub does not discriminate against anyone. If you are hungry, come see us and we
will help you. For more details, download FAQs at https://soduco.org/parktown-food-hub

Upcoming distributions: The following Mondays from 4:30-7:30 pm:

September 9 October 28 December 9

September 23 November 11 December 16

October 14 November 25

The Parktown Food Hub
is located at

5123 Revere Road,
Durham

200th Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb

Please join us for a celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb
Forerunner and Herald of the Baha’i Faith

At B.N. Duke Auditorium

www.parkwodnc.org

On the Campus of North Carolina Central University
On Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 3 - 5 p.m.

“Let your vision be world embracing.”

Loving invitation from the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Durham

Summary of Minutes for August 8, 2019 Board Meeting
Welcome Guests likely be part of 2020 budget) An oil drum has been sitting
Michael Brooks, on behalf of Parkland Planning Committee under the covered portion of the back of the building for months
(PPC), proposes information to report to the board about and months -- this is not ok!
Environmental Enhancement Grants available from NC
Attorney General’s office. Suggests to solicit these grants to PASSED MOTION: install 2 flood lights along the back of
improve the stream lands and creeks that run through the HOA building, at a cost not to exceed $100
Parkwood.
Finance Council (FC)- E. Mitchell
New Business Parkwood HOA Aging Accounts - Status Report – July
Marsha Brooks asks that the Board of Directors (BOD) reviewed
research protocol for when a motion is failed 6:6, as well as Parkwood HOA Financial Reports – July reviewed
whether or not committee meetings (i.e. finance, executive Operating Income report:
meetings) should/can be “closed” meetings. Office & Equipment Rental: rental fees received is
$326.43 less than budgeted for the period, $635.18
Unfinished Business less than budget for 2019.
J. Meehan suggested the meeting etiquette packet to be read Legal Collections: $910.36 under budget for the
and discussed this month. Discussion is tabled in her absence. period, $5077.05 under budget for the 2019 year
Operating Expense report:
Committee Reports Administration Expenses: Mileage Expense: $68.26
Executive Committee (EC) - H. Hiles over budget for the period, $43.26 over budget for the
2019 year
PPC: The EC has developed a priorities matrix that we Audit/Tax Preparation: $254 over budget for the
would like to see the PPC use for their planning and period, $44 over budget for the 2019 year
recommendations purposes; it contains only suggestions Insurance: $1972 over budget for the period, $363
that were submitted by Stewart. The suggestion to install remaining in 2019 budget
doggie bag stations in Parkwood appears 11 times. Building Maintenance expenses: $2701.85 under
budget for the period, $5619.96 remaining in the 2019
PASSED MOTION: Ask the PPC to investigate costs to budget
have a dog trash bag stations installed per Stewart’s Communications:Communications: $760.98 over
recommendations. budget for the period, $5291.69 remaining in 2019
budget
Rescue Lawn Care (RLC): Garbage collection is a serious Grounds: Grounds: $24k below budget for the period,
issue in Parkwood; Per RLC’s contract, as part of Routine $84636.48 remaining in 2019
Services Remove large pieces of trash from the common Community Activities: the following line items are over
areas. The EC would like this addressed immediately budget for the period and under budget for the year –
HOA Building: We have asked T, Parker to seek quotes for Ball Field Capital Improvements
replacing carpet in building with hardwood/laminate (this will Garden

Ball Field Maintenance abelia, and day lilies at a cost not to exceed $4,835.00.
Office Expense: $1164.48 over budget for the period,
$1401.33 remaining in 2019 budget Plant Bed at Clermont Lake: Butterfly bushes, glossy Abelia,
Other Business Annual Meeting: FC to schedule and Spirea could be added at beds at the sides of the bank
meetings in August to create FC presentation & or docs to attract butterflies and pollinators, at a cost of $36.00 per
for annual meeting. 2020 Budget Planning October 2019 plant (approx. 14 plants) at a cost not to exceed $500.00
– schedule 1st internal FC meetings with new or returning
FC chair, members MOTION DID NOT PASS (Votes 5:5 - > back to
Reserve Study Analysis - Status: working with EPRpc to committee): The PL & BF committee recommends
get everything submitted. Next steps: EPRpc reviews adding plants (butterfly bushes, abelia, spirea) to
documents & financials, information from site visit, enhance the beauty and attract butterflies in 2
generates component list for review by PW HOA. landscaped beds at the Lake bank on Clermont, for a
cost not to exceed $500.00
Events Committee - I. Bowditch
Did not meet The committee confirmed that RLC will remove saplings
from Travis Circle common. RLC also recommended
National Night Out - due to an inadequate number of covering exposed concrete foundations at Hidden Park and
volunteer signups event had to be canceled. Ball Field playgrounds. RLC confirmed the need to have a
Beginning discussions to assist with Annual Meeting gate installed at the Tot Lot that would allow 6 ft of clearance
Opening volunteer signup sheet for Halloween event soon. for their lawn equipment. C. Classen is submitting an
Minimum for 5 volunteers will be needed before event will be application to obtain 50 free azaleas.
formally scheduled. Ball field projects update: J. Beidler : The committee
Parks, Lawns, Ball Field (PL&BF)- L. Hutchison discussed the need to recruit a volunteer to head the PL &
Special Infrastructure Projects: Dam Inspection: Emergency BF position, and agreed to provide a summary of
Action Plan (EAP) update and hazard categorization; EAP responsibilities and to post additional ads in upcoming
bids: S. Berkowitz provided an update on progress for newsletters.
securing multiple bids. Euclid Pond /Goodyear Drainage
Repair Update: The project is projected to begin mid to late Parkwood Board
August. Flyers to notify homeowners adjacent to the
construction site will be forthcoming. Hannah Hiles, President, Dist. 7
NC Forest Service: Forest Stewardship Plan: The committee
discussed the recommendations identified by the report, Irene Hui-Bowditch, VP, Dist. 4
identified projects that were already underway, and
confirmed initial priorities. Jenny Edwards, Secretary, Dist. 2
RLC Projects Proposal and update on Meeting: Aug. 2,
2019: The committee discussed a recent special projects Elizabeth Mitchell, Treasurer, Dist. 3
proposal submitted by RLC per previous discussion with
representatives of PL & BF, identifying specific landscaping Leigh Hutchison, Dist. 1 Deniz Chin, Dist. 6
improvements needed: Euclid Pond erosion and parking lot. Chris Classen, Dist. 2 Dawn Dampier, Dist. 6
Extreme erosion of the pond bank near parking area Jenna Meehan, Dist. 4 Marsha Brooks, Dist. 7
requires installation of coir logs to bolster the bank, and fill Don Bryson, Dist. 5
dirt to cover exposed tree roots at a cost of $625.00. The Olga Rodriguez, Dist. 5 Marie Dean, Dist. 8
parking area requires additional gravel to cover bare area at Summer Anderson, Dist. 8
a cost of $280.00.
Tamarea Parker, Office Admin.
PASSED MOTION: The PL & BF committee recommends
hiring RLC for 2 special projects: to stabilize Euclid Parkwood Office
pond bank in order to correct severe erosion, and to add Phone: (919) 544-2161
gravel to bare spot in parking area near Euclid bank, for Email: [email protected]
a total cost of not more than $905.00.
www.parkwoodnc.org
Custer Circle: Removal of extremely overgrown junipers Office Hours
and installation of 2 new beds to include butterfly bushes,
abelia, and daylilies (see graphic); enhance beauty and Mon: 1:30pm - 6:30pm
reduce maintenance with drought tolerant plantings for Tue-Fri: 10am-3pm
pollinators. Sat & Sun: Closed

FAILED MOTION: The PL & BF committee recommends
replacing the old, overgrown juniper beds on Custer
Circle with 2 new beds containing butterfly bushes,

Previous Business Updates: FEMA Projects update Prioritizing Projects: The committee agreed on the
forthcoming Riparian buffer zone plantings: researching importance of identifying strategies and next steps including
sources Travis and Sinnot Circle pipe repair update Signage Wayfinding Plan, Parkwood Lake Loop, Sedwick
forthcoming Park improvement, Pathways network expansion, additional
Tree issues (B. Mitchell) – No additional trees removed trail routes, include the Old Growth Forest area, the
since the previous meeting; White Ash treatment confirmed Parkwood Lake loop, and Ace hardware trail.
that the ash was last treated in April 2018, and it should be Signage: Complete initial signage goals (remainder of
treated every 12 – 18 months. It is due for a treatment, to mapped trails)
prevent damage from the Emerald Ash Borer, which would Developing a Database of Grantee Resources
cost $400.00.
PASSED MOTION: To have the HOA President sign the
PASSED MOTION: The PL & BF committee recommends letter of intent and to have Michael Brooks submit a
providing another treatment for the White Ash Tree this proposal for grant funding under the Attorney General’s
summer, (to prevent damage by the Emerald Ash Borer) 2019 Environmental Enhancement Construction,
at the cost of $400.00. Remediation and Restoration Grants.

New Business: The committee discussed some of the recent New Business: Committee members discussed potential
suggestions provided by a homeowner regarding additional options for soliciting homeowner input and feedback.
projects for park lands. Environmental Enhancement Grant
possibility: M. Brooks provided an update on grant Program Annual Meeting
and schedule. Discuss timeline, nominations and mailings

Garden Committee - C. Classen To read the full board meeting
We now have cucumbers, tomatoes, string beans, carrots, minutes please visit:
green peppers, hot peppers and banana peppers available www.parkwoodnc.org
as well as our herbs.
We had a visit from Durham Soil and Water Conservation and click BOD Minutes
8/5 to discuss what to do with our “pond” that was created to
take the runoff from the drainage pipes D & D Gutter and Roofing

Communications - J. Edwards Hi def & Arch. Shingles
Did not meet w/ Stain Guard

Parkwood Press Subcommittee - O. Rodriguez 5v & Ribbed Metal Roofing
Deadline for the September issue is Friday, August 16th.
5" & 6" Seamless Aluminum
Playgrounds - J. Beidler Gutters
Discussed condition of ballfield playground equipment.
Action Items: Get estimate on equipment removal and partial Copper Gutter 5", 6", & 1/2
replacement of equipment.Item Round
Discussed status of Tot Lot playground. Surface has been
graded, plantings in place. Replaced chain on one swing. Leaf Shelter & Leaf Off Gutter
Needs installation and repair of gates and fencing. Guards
Discussed immediate equipment needs and
installation.Action Items: Get estimate for rockers and slide 919.493.2476 Joe Devlin
to install.

Parkland Planning Committee (PPC), M. Brooks
R. Shoaf moved to approve the mission statement; all
members present approved and the mission statement was
adopted.
S. Berkowitz moved that the PPC inform the HOA Board of
the PPC Mission Statement
Master Plan reprints for wider distribution and use: PPC
members discussed the importance of continuing to use the
Stewart Master Plan. M. Brooks moved to approve up to
$300.00 from the PPC budget to print 8 hard copies of the
Stewart Plan for wider use; members unanimously approved
and passed the motion.

Contact the Committees & Board

All Board Members: [email protected] Communications Committee: [email protected]
President & Officers: [email protected] Meets 1st Monday, 7pm
District Reps: [email protected]
(be sure to use your district number) Events Committee: [email protected]
Report Standards: [email protected] Meetings vary

Did you know? Finance Committee: [email protected]
Garden Committee: [email protected]
You can host your own
Meets Sundays at 10am, Garden
neighborhood or private event, too! Parkland Planning Committee: [email protected]

It's FREE to host a community event (must be open and free to the Meets 3rd Tuesday, 7pm
public) and only $5 for residents to rent out the Community Center for Parks, Lawn & Ballfield: [email protected]
private events! Contact the HOA office to add your next event to our
Meets Monday before Board meeting, 7pm
calendar.

August Monthly
Calendar

All events take place in the community center at 1417 Seaton Rd *Visit www.parkwoodnc.org to view the up to date
Community Calendar and Association News before
Don't forget:
Annual Meeting will be on attending an event!
Tuesday, September 10th
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