The Charlotte Observer from Charlotte, North Carolina • SS7

7SS COMMUNITYNEWS By Lauren Bailey Correspondent New state legislation will allow homeowners around Marvin to decide if they want to be annexed. The law, passed by the N.C. legislature in June, states that when an area is being involuntarily annexed, the town must send forms to each household informing them of their right to deny annexation. Homeowners can express their desire against annexation by signing the form and sending it to the board of elections. If 60 percent of the homeowners in the proposed annexation area sign and return the forms, the annexation will be terminated and the town cannot try again for three years.

Additional legislation attached to the new law allowed Marvin to apply the law retroactively. Currently, homeowners in proposed annexation area have until Nov. 30 to return petitions. The board of elections will begin the count Dec. 6.

Marvin proposed an involuntary annexation of nearly 1,500 properties in 2008. That proposal angered many residents. Those residents filed a lawsuit, and that case is now with the N.C. Court of Appeals; however, justices with the court of appeals announced Aug. 18 that they were holding off on a ruling due to the change in state law.

With 14 municipalities in Union County, the area has seen its share of forced annexation in the 42 years since North first annexation law was passed. According to the N.C. Supreme Court, the purpose of forced annexation is for municipalities to provide meaningful services to annexed areas. Those annexed, however, have often felt the services did not merit the tax increase. People who live in the area that would be annexed by Marvin say they do not want their taxes to increase when services are minimal.

Marvin offers one 40-hour-per-week deputy, some walking trails and a park expected to open next spring. Paul Schneider, a resident of Walden Pond, a neighborhood on the annexation list, has been an advocate for denying annexation. He and others erected signs, went door-to-door and supplied additional forms for those who might have misplaced theirs. they want to know why they should deny the annexation, glad to tell them, because (the town Schneider said. the ordinances they have are some of the strictest in the Marvin officials, however, say its ordinances are designed to keep builders from destroying trees and protect the village.

According to Mayor Nick Dispenziere, if the annexation went through, Marvin would be required to hire two deputies. At that point, Marvin law enforcement could join forces with Weddington in increasing coverage around the clock for the two towns. looking to build a Dispenziere said. planning services are for keeping open space and maintaining our small-town feel. Our residents want a lot of services because they want a lot of taxes.

They want a couple things that we The tax increase for being annexed into Marvin would be five cents per $100 property value. legislature has a resolution this year requiring a 60 percent approval for annexation, and I think Dispenziere said. hope they see the advantages of being part of Marvin and the community, but not looking to take people that want to be part of the Lauren Bailey is a freelance writer for South Charlotte News.Have a story idea for Lauren? Email her at lbailey.charlotteobserver@gmail.com. Marvin New N.C.law affects municipal annexations Homeowners get say in proposal Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy $25,000 Donation: Northwestern Mutual Foundation gave $25,000 to Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy, which provides critical services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. The grant is in recognition of Richard Worrell, managing director of Northwestern Financial in Charlotte, being named the Most Exceptional Volunteer in the 17th annual national Community Service Award program.

Worrell is a longtime supporter of Easter Seals UCP and has a son who has bene- fitted from the services. Visit www.easter sealsucp.com. Toyota Animal Rescue Receives Car: Toyota of North Charlotte presented a Highlander HV Limited hybrid vehicle to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue as part of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program. The nonprofit rescue group will use the Highlander to transport dogs from shelters where they were at risk to the animal rescue headquarters, vet visits and new homes. Avon Walk Fundraiser Theatre Hopes to Raise $5,000: Theatre of Charlotte will raise money for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer throughout the production of The Next by Sarah Ruhl.

Each patron who uses the code the theatre will donate $5 of each ticket purchased to the walk. The production runs through Oct. 1. For information about the show and theater, visit www.actorstheatre charlotte.org. KinderMourn Parents Helping Parents: TheKinderMourn Home, 1320 Harding Place, will offer a free program p.m.

Sept. 15 for families that are contemplating or experiencing a pregnancy after the loss of a child. For details, call 704-376-2580. Pancake Breakfast Raising Funds for The World Race: Bethany Waddell, a Charlotte nurse, will quit her job and embark on an 11-month mission trip to 11Third World countries in January, where she will serve the poor. To raise funds, at Stonecrest, 5110 Piper Station Drive, will put on a Flapjack Fundraiser a.m.

Sept. 17. For $8, patrons will get pancakes, sausages and a drink with more than $6 per meal going to World Race trip. For details about trip or to donate, visit www.BethanyWaddell.the worldrace.org. To order breakfast tickets, contact Bethany via email at Bethany.

Walk-ins are welcome. Guys With Ties Casino Night for Mito- chondrial Disease: There will be a black-tie optional casino night 8 p.m.-midnight Sept. 17 at Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh Street. There will be an open bar, hors grand prizes, dancing and a silent auction to benefit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Tickets are $75 until Sept. 16 and $90 at the door. Tickets and details available at www.guyswithties charlotte.com. AwShucks Farms Fundraiser for Sept.11: Aw Shucks Farms, 3718 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe, will host a benefit today in honor of Patriot Day 1-6 p.m. with proceeds going to the American Red Cross.

Cost is $5 per person and includes hayrides, an animal barn, kids play area, nature trail, old train car, general store and Sept. 11corn maze. Details: www.AwShucksFarms.com or 704-709-7000. Donald Haack Diamonds Food Drive: Donald Haack Diamonds will partnerwith Second Harvest Food Bank of Met- rolina on Sept. 16-17.

Customers can donate nonperishable food items at the store in SouthPark, 4611 Sharon Road. A percentage of sales will be donated to the food bank. Call 704-365-4400. Indian Trail Lions Club Memorial Golf Tournament: The Indian Trail Lions will sponsor the 11th annual Lion Fred Kirby Memorial Golf Tournament 9:30 a.m. Sept.

23 at Stonebridge Golf Club, 3500 Doster Road, Monroe. Proceeds will aid visually and hearing-impaired residents in Indian Trail, Stallings, Lake Park, Hemby Bridge and Wesley Chapel. Players and hole sponsors should contact Ira Bostic, 704-893-2079, or Al Kratzer, 704-882-3069, or email Indiantrail CBCC Sept.11Donation Requests: Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will give a commemorative T-shirt to anyone donating blood Sept. 11. To schedule an appointment or find a donations center, call 704-972-4700 or visit www.cbcc.us/donate.

Pints for Pencils: The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas and Classroom Central are joining forces for a campaign called for For each donation in September, CBCC will donate $1for school supplies to Classroom Central, which turns every dollar into more than $7 in school supplies for area students. Details: www.classroom central.org or www.cbcc.us. Giving back Furniture Interiors 811 Providence Road Myers Park 704.333.8871 Sat. www.shopcolonyfurniture.com UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE SALE SOFAS LOVESEATS CHAIRS RECLINERS TO OFF IN-STOCK AND SPECIAL ORDER, INCLUDES LEATHER 6586221.