Cameron Wood News
Posted on June 1, 2020 2:29 PM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
Categories: General
Cameron Wood Neighborhood Watch Program
 
We are seeking volunteers that wish to get involved with keeping Cameron Wood safe by forming the
Cameron Wood Neighborhood Watch.
 
The goal is to have a network of residents looking out for other residents in Cameron Wood and making
our community safer and stronger. To be clear, there haven’t been any major issues or concerns that are
sparking this program; this program was a suggestion at the annual board meeting.
 
If you wish to learn more details and get involved, please reach out to Cameron Wood VP Mike O’Kelly
at 704.576.5194 or email at mkokelly@gmail.com.
 
Congrats to Graduating Seniors! 
 
 
Thank you to the residents of Cameron Wood and the following families that helped offset some of the cost of the senior banners with their donations: Berkey, Case, Custance, Davis, Haas, Ivy, Kupreanik, Lewyn, Magnani, Menhart, Moore, Siefken, Swistak, Watkins.
 
 
Cameron Wood Photography Contest 
 
Calling all photographers: We are really proud of our neighborhood and are updating our website with photos of the unique and beautiful elements that make Cameron Wood so special. During the month of June, Cameron Wood will be running a photo contest, the winning photographer and junior photographer will each receive a $50 Visa gift card. 
 
Please submit photos to Chris Zweier (gertengirl@gmail.com) and Jeremy Selan (selan.jeremy@gmail.com) prior to July 1st and include your name and if you're are a junior photographer (under 18) or not. Any photographs sent could be used in the future on the Cameron Wood website. The winner will be announced in July's e-blast and the summer newsletter.
 
Snakes Around Cameron Wood
 
Many of us are spending more time outdoors now that the temperatures are rising, so you may
encounter some other creatures sharing our paths and trails – snakes. Snakes are most active during
the spring and summer, so if you are interested in familiarizing yourself with the various types of snakes
we have in Cameron Wood, here are two articles you can check out:
 
Update on Inspections
 
During the past few months, this has been a difficult time for everyone in our community in some way,
shape or form. The Cameron Wood HOA board made the decision in Mid-March to suspend inspections
and violations, except for public safety issues, due to the uncertainty of what was going to happen due
to Covid-19. Some residents may have received notifications after that date, but those were for
inspections that happened weeks before the pandemic hit Charlotte.
 
We fully understand on the heels of the tornado that ripped through our neighborhood, Covid-19 put a
stress on some of our neighbors and made it difficult to maintain their yards and homes and fix what
was needed to be fixed. That is why there was a hiatus on rules and regulations for almost 10 weeks.
During that time, many residents got the opportunity to complete DIY projects and to repair some of the
damage done by the tornado. It also appears some have not had an opportunity to do so.
 
We ask that if neighbors see that something needs to be done, please reach out and offer a helping
hand. Someone could be working the frontlines at a hospital and not have the time or energy to perform 
that repair at this time.
 
It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors.
 
With that said, our property management company CAM (Community Association Management) has
restarted their monthly inspections of the neighborhood and will be sending out reminder letters to
anything that sits outside of the neighborhood guidelines.
 
If you are thinking of upgrading a deck, repairing a fence, or any other home improvement and you
are unsure if it falls in the community guidelines, please reference the Cameron Wood website and
submit an ARC request so we may assist you thru the process. All projects need to be documented and
approved before completion.
 
Please feel free to reach out to the board with any questions. We are all going thru this pandemic
together and may be able to assist.
 
Mike O’Kelly - Architecture Compliance (ACC) - 704.576.5194 or email at mkokelly@gmail.com
Chris Zweier– Architecture Review (ARC) – email at gertengirl@gmail.com
 
Mecklenburg County to Resume Regular Yard Waste and Bulk Pickup on 6/1
 
As of 6/1, Mecklenburg County will resume regular yard waste and bulk pickup. Please remember to check the county's size restrictions here https://charlottenc.gov/SWS/ResidentServices/Pages/Yard-Waste-Collection.aspx and to schedule large pickups ahead of time here https://servicerequest.charlottenc.gov/service/BULKITEM
 
Please remember that you are responsible for the disposal of anything not taken by the county. In addition, make sure that the roadway and curbside is raked or swept after trash has been taken as this debris has been blocking drainage when it remains in the roadway. 
Posted on April 8, 2020 8:11 PM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
While we can't have our traditional Egg Hunt this year, we CAN still have some fun with the kids! Similar to the "shamrock" hunt we did for St.  Patrick's Day, we are going to do a window-themed "Egg Hunt" for Easter. Here's how it's going to go: 
 
  1. Print one or more of the Easter egg printable pages
  2. Color, paint, or decorate as many "eggs" as you'd like
  3. Post the eggs in the windows of your home by Friday, April 10th
  4. Print an "Easter egg hunt" page for each family member
  5. Walk around the neighborhood looking for "eggs" in windows
  6. Each time you find an egg color it on your egg hunt page
 
>>>> Grab your printable here: EASTER EGG HUNT PRINTABLE <<<<
 
Have fun with this! Thanks so much to CW resident Stefanie Jacobs for finding this, and for Ashley Swistak for helping pull it together! 
 
 
Posted on February 28, 2020 10:32 AM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
Categories: Neighborhood News
In late 2019, Austin attended a CW HOA meeting and presented an idea to build outdoor exercise equipment as an amenity that would enhance the neighborhood and promote fitness. After careful review of his plans, the board granted Austin approval. Over several weekends in January, he led a group of scouts, friends, and family in completing his project. It entailed selecting a site, clearing it, digging 2.5 ft holes, setting 6 X 6 support posts in concrete, and then building two pull up bars, a flat bench, and an inclined bench. Austin and the team then added a perimeter and filled with gravel. 
 
Today it can be used to perform many different exercises, some of which have been illustrated on signs Austin designed and posted on the equipment. Austin would like to thank the Cameron Wood HOA for providing a good portion of the money to support this project. He would also like to thank Lowe’s of Pineville for providing heavily discounted materials and tools, and to Home Depot for providing a free jackhammer rental. Lastly, he would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated their time to assist him; this wouldn’t have gotten done without your help. The next time you are out for a walk, take a lap around the pond and put the neighborhood’s new exercise equipment to use!  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Posted on September 26, 2019 10:57 AM by Alessandra Macaluso, CW Webmaster
Categories: Food and Recipes
Fall is interesting here in Charlotte: you want to bust out the layered clothing in the morning and light the fire pit at night, but in the middle of the day, you’re sweating through your new fall boots. Here is a healthy, tasty, seasonal recipe to get you through that mid-day sweat-fest! It’s creamy and cool, with the perfect taste of fall. 
 
Place 1 cup organic pumpkin puree, 1 large ripe banana, 1 cup almond milk (or other milk), ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 5 ice cubes into a blender and blend until smooth. Makes two servings. Enjoy on your porch! (Recipe courtesy of CW Editor Ali Macaluso: www.alessandramacaluso.com.http://www.alessandramacaluso.com)
Posted on September 26, 2019 10:54 AM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
Categories: Gardening
Written by: LeAnn Swieczkowski, Eighteen-years happily gardening in Cameron Wood 
 
Why is fall tree planting season? Because the October through December moderate N.C. temperatures allow the tree roots to become established before the ground freezes (if it does freeze at all here).  
 
I’m recommending if you have cut down some trees in your Cameron Wood yard, consider replacing a few with trees that are native to this area and are fast growers, averaging about 30 feet tall, and give spectacular fall color. 
 
Several trees that Dr. Larry Mellichamp, the recently retired director of the North Carolina Charlotte Botanical Gardens and author of Native Plants of the Southeast, recommends for our area are the Southern Sugar Maple (Acer barbatum), the Chalk Maple (Acer leucoderme), the Red Maple (Acer rubrum), and the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). If you want even smaller, fast growing maples, go to the website of North Carolina’s premiere Japanese Maple growers, mrmaple.com. I have four of their maple trees. They are relatively inexpensive, are shipped well-packed, and are mostly deer resistant. Happy planting!
 
 
Posted on September 26, 2019 10:51 AM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
Categories: CMPD
Back to school is an important time for families to discuss safety with their children, review safety tips and be aware of threats to their children at home and school. The more informed we are as parents, the safer our children and the community will be. Please use the following tips for safety:
 
·       Map out a safe way to walk to school or to the bus stop. Avoid crossing busy roads and intersections, if possible. Do a trial run with your kids so you can discuss areas to avoid along the way, such as vacant lots, construction areas, and parks where there aren’t many people. Encourage kids to walk to school or to the bus stop with a sibling or friend, and wait at bus stops with other children. 
 
·       Snap a photo of your child and enter up-to-date descriptions in case it is needed. 
 
·       Ask about the safety and emergency plans for your children’s school. How is local law enforcement involved? How are students and parents involved? What emergencies have been considered and planned for?
 
·       Talk to your children about their day. Ask your children if they see anyone bullied, or if anything makes them feel uncomfortable. Look for signs of bullying, like a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, or torn clothing. 
 
·       If you see something suspicious, report it to local law enforcement. 
 
·       Teach children to resolve problems without fighting. Talk to them about other ways they can work out a problem, such as talking it out, waking away, sticking with friends, or telling a trusted adult. 
 
·       Keep an eye on your children’s Internet use. Talk to your children about what they do online: what sites they visit, who they email, and who they chat with. Encourage them to speak up if something makes them uncomfortable, or if they witness forms of cyberbullying, such as threats or harassment. 
 
Posted on September 1, 2019 8:24 AM by Alessandra Macaluso, CW Webmaster
CW residents Stephanie Robnett and Amanda Gertig are heading up Smithfield’s “Backpack Program” this year, packing food for the weekend for children who are in need. We saw how big CW showed up for last year’s food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank, organized by the Women’s Group, and we’re hoping we can do it again to help fill these backpacks!
 
WHAT WE NEED: This is not a typical food drive. We need very specific items as some of these children’s families do not have access to full stoves and ovens, and we need it easy and ready-made to eat.
 
Items needed are: 
 
  • Canned chicken
  • Canned tuna
  • Vienna Sausage
  • Beef Stew
  • Chili
  • Mini Ravioli, Spaghetti Meatballs, Spaghetti-Os
  • Hearty Soups, Noodle Soups, Soup
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Beans (all kinds)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Veggies (carrots, corn, green beans, mixed veggies,
  • potatoes, peas, etc.) — we need LOTS of veggies!
  • Pasta (anything boxed, noodles)
  • Rice-a-Roni
  • Rice (ready bags)
  • Mashed potatoes (packets)
  • Scalloped potatoes (boxed)
  • Macaroni and Cheese (boxed or individual)
  • Flour Tortillas
  • Ramen Noodle packs
  • Microwave Popcorn
  • Oatmeal (individual packets) — we need LOTS of oatmeal packets!
  • Cracker packs (peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, etc.)
  • Granola bars
  • Fruit and grain bars
  • Applesauce cups — we need a LOT of fruit/applesauce cups!
  • Fruit cups
  • Individually wrapped popcorn bags — we go through a LOT of these
  • Snacks (individual packs)
 
You can drop off food items by Stephanie’s house (3134 Old Chapel Lane) or Amanda’s house (10210 Summerhouse Court) anytime through the end of September.
If you have questions, feel free to text Stephanie at 864.354.0343. We are so thankful for this community and the way we support one another!
Posted on February 27, 2019 8:37 PM by LeAnn Swieczkowski
Categories: Gardening
Writte by LeAnn Swieczkowski, 17-year CW Resident and Gardener Hobbyist
 
 
It’s spring and you are beginning to plan for the rebirth of your landscape. There is a cost to implementing your landscape plans and one of the greatest costs is mulch. So why not spread the right kind of organic mulch for your plantings?
 
You want to get mulch that will provide added nutrients and help maintain moisture, control soil erosion, inhibit weeds, and reduce fluctuation in the soil temperature. A 2-3-inch layer of mulch is desired (not 4-6 inches). You must allow for water and air to penetrate the soil easily, and thickly laid mulch prohibits this. Also, mulch placed too thickly may provide habitat for voles and moles, cause plant rot, and attract pests.
 
A rule of thumb before applying new mulch is to remove the old mulch. Old mulch may contain weed seeds, mold, or other non-beneficial materials. There are many kinds of mulch to choose from...so what type should you use? Here are
some options: 
 
  • pine-bark nuggets (size matters - don’t get the largest because it will float away during a heavy rain)
  • shredded hardwood (decomposes quickly and must be reapplied often)
  • grass clippings (use only dry grass and beware of using it if you had your grass treated with herbicides or you have more weeds then grass in your clippings)
  • pine needles (great on slopes but can stunt plant growth and is highly flammable).
 
If you are buying at a big box store, I recommend Cypress mulch because it can be effective in resisting insects and
fungus, is weed-seed free, and generally does not float away.
 
Another mulch source is Mecklenburg County’s Compost Central located at 140 Valleydale Road in Charlotte. The county recommends compost on its website saying it “is beneficial for the land,” is a “soil conditioner, a fertilizer” and “a natural pesticide for soil.” Their stock is tested regularly to ensure it is “weed seed and pathogen free.” For more county information visit www.mecknc.gov or call 311. They deliver for a fee and offer several options for pickup – see their website for details on pricing.
 
Finally, never allow your mulch to mound up to tree trunks. This will prevent bark decay and insects from attacking the tree. Keep mulch 6-12 inches from the trunk and place 2-3-inch depth of pebbles in that area or leave it uncovered.
Posted on August 21, 2018 4:24 PM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
Categories: School News
It's just about that time of year again! Here is a friendly reminder about Bus Stop Safety, provided by the CMPD: 
 
 
Bus Stop Safety
 
?  Walk your young child to the bus stop and have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
?  Practice good pedestrian behavior. Your children should walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, they should stay out of the street. If they must walk in the street, they should walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as they can.
?  Tell your child to stop and look left, right and then left again if they must cross the street.
?  They should do the same thing at driveways and alleys. Exaggerate your head turns and
?  Narrate your actions so your child knows you are looking left, right and left.
 
Waiting at the Bus Stop
 
?  Don't let your child play running games or push and shove at the bus stop. It is dangerous near traffic.
?  Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic. Have younger children practice taking 5 giant steps to become familiar with 10 feet.
 
Getting On and Off the Bus
 
?  Warn children that if they drop something, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver's instructions. If they bend over to pick up a dropped object, they might not be seen by the driver and could be hurt if the driver pulls away from the stop.
?  Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus. Drivers in a hurry sometimes try to sneak by busses on the right.
?  Teach your children to secure loose drawstrings and other objects that may get caught in the handrail or door of the bus as they are exiting.
?  Give your child a note or follow the school's procedures if you would like for the child to get off at a stop other than the one they are assigned. The driver isn't allowed to let a child off at another stop without written permission.
?  If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street. Children can be so excited at seeing you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.
Posted on August 20, 2018 9:40 PM by The Cameron Wood Communications Team
Categories: Neighborhood News
Our Community Fall Yard Sale will take place on Saturday, September 8th RAIN OR SHINE from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.
 
***IMPORTANT! Mecklenburg County requires a permit for residents who plan to have a yard/garage/attic sale. This license is five dollars ($5.00) per day per household and must be available for inspection at all times during the sale.
 
Details can be found here: https://www.mecknc.gov/TaxCollections/BusinessTaxes/Pages/YardSaleLicense.aspx
 
The permit can be applied for online here: https://biztax.mecklenburgcountync.gov/yardsale/Default.aspx
 
If you have questions, please contact Al Smith.
 
 
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