Ah, the last day of 2009. Time to make New Year’s resolutions to begin tomorrow morning. And don’t forget the black-eyed peas with dinner tomorrow to bring good luck throughout 2010.

This week Around Davidson features special guest writers from The Pines Retirement Community whose holiday essays were featured in the December issue of The Pinepost newsletter. Today, for Installment Two, we offer memories of a sled ride that could have had a much different ending, and some thoughts about Santa appearances.  Enjoy the work of guest writers  Ron Zerkle and Nyra Brannan.  Read the full story

Nancy Lammers (at left) and Adrienne Pedersen, both of The Pines, share their Christmas memories.

Christmas Day 2009 is but a fond memory now. So this week Around Davidson is “piggy backing” on thoughts of the season from others.

Thanks to the gracious residents of The Pines Retirement Community who wrote holiday essays for their residents newsletter, The Pine Post, and who are allowing their thoughts to appear on Davidsonnews.net. Today we hear from Adrienne Pedersen and Nancy Lammers. Read the full story

Pat and Dave McCord

As is the custom for Around Davidson at this time of year, your correspondent is taking time off during the holidays to be with family. Each year, we ask someone who has lived in our community for many years to share Christmas memories. Today we introduce you to Pat and Dave McCord, of The Pines at Davidson, and their memories of 1930s Christmases on the farm, through a DavidsonNews.net audio interview.

GO TO THE INTERVIEW BELOW> Read the full story

Stever Miller, customer service manager for Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities, explains how a meter works. (Alex Gregor photo)

By ALEX GREGOR
DavidsonNews.net

CORNELIUS - Residents of Davidson, Cornelius, and other parts of north Mecklenburg County gathered at Cornelius Town Hall Wednesday in hopes that representatives of Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities (CMU) could answer questions about unusually high water bills and erratic water meter readings. CMU officials offered no general explanations, but pledged to continue working with homeowners to resolve any problems. Read the full story

One South Street resident saw a big leap in November. (See comment below)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Some homeowners across north Mecklenburg have been surprised by unexpectedly high water bills in recent months, and they’re looking for answers. A group of Cornelius property owners has invited representatives of Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities to a public meeting Wednesday in Cornelius in hopes of getting an explanation. Read the full story

A Charlotte Mecklenburg police officer who faces charges after a fatal crash that killed a Davidson woman in March has resigned. Martray Proctor resigned Monday, McClatchy Newspapers reported Thursday. The 24-year-old officer was charged with involuntary manslaughter after his speeding police cruiser slammed into a car driven by 20-year-old Shatona Robinson of Davidson at a north Charlotte intersection. Read the full story

Kids pose with the snapping turtle they found on Patrick Johnston Lane, near the end of Pine Road, on Sunday. (Lisa Combs photo)

Greg and Meg O’Brien, and their children Maggie and Oliver, were on their way home from the Concert on the Green Sunday night when they came across an unusual sight – a large snapping turtle.

The turtle, about 15 to 18 inches in diameter, was strolling down Patrick Johnston Lane at the end of Pine Road. Read the full story