FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

NEW ARRIVAL IN FEARRINGTON: THE FHA WEBSITE

The FHA Computer Committee is pleased to announce the arrival of the Fearrington Homeowners Association Website for the exclusive use of Fearrington residents who have access to the Internet. The website is in its infant stage but is ready for your use and enjoyment. FHA volunteers will maintain the site.

We give our gratitude to Fearrington resident Sandy Beach, who volunteered her time and expertise in the design and development of this site, starting in January of this year.

The site will include:

• The monthly Newsletter and calendar.

• A bulletin board for the posting of comments. It also will include routine messages, such as meeting announcements and reminders and lost and found notices that previously have been sent by e-mail.

• Links to frequently visited sites.

• A directory (similar to the annual printed directory) but updated on an ongoing basis.

Check out the website and see the other features. We look forward to your comments and suggestions for improving the site.

The entire site (except for the Home Page) is password protected for your privacy. Both the required password and the user ID must be accurate. As a test, we logged on to the site, entered the password, tried to obtain certain information and had no success.

We are confident that the website cannot be accessed without knowledge of the user ID and the password.

The most important component of our security system is the confidentiality of the password.

It is the responsibility of each resident to maintain the password’s confidentiality. Treat this password as you treat the PIN for your ATM card.

The online directory will contain the same information as the annual printed directory for both consistency and maintainability. If any changes to the directory are required, submit them to Norma Reardon (nardon@mindspring.com) or drop the changes off at the Gathering Place kiosk or the FHA office.

We recently notified all Fearrington residents who receive regular e-mail of the logon procedures and the password. If you have not received this information and wish to access the website, send an e-mail to fhaoffice@mindspring.com and request the information. Please do not call the FHA office for this information. Please include your name and address

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NEW FHA OFFICE MANAGERS

Two Fearrington residents have volunteered to share the management duties at the FHA Office in the Gathering Place.

Bert Crouchley and Lee Caldwell will jointly take charge of operations on May 1, replacing Don Reilly who is stepping down after over five years as office manager. Bert and Lee have worked with Don and Dik Van lten to familiarize themselves with the day-to-day operation of the office. Both co-managers are most capable of making this transition smooth.

All hours and services will remain the same and, as always, the office can use additional volunteers. Can you give us 21/2 to 5 hours a month? Meet your neighbors, have fun and assist us to serve the village in a function that continues to grow. Stop by the office, meet Bert and Lee and, hopefully, volunteer. We will train you to become proficient in all office procedures such as copying, sending and receiving faxes among other functions.                   –Don Reilly

NEW NEIGHBORS?

If you have new neighbors, please notify your block captains so that that the newcomers can be properly welcomed to the community and included in the Directory.
 –FHA Board

FHA NEEDS A HISTORIAN

The board wants to update the history of Fearrington Village. We are looking for a volunteer historian to work with our small archive, interview principals and compose a new account. Please contact Ed Farnan or any member of the board if you are interested.
–FHA Board

ATTENTION!! FEARRINGTON HOME OWNERS       

Phases I - V • Weathersfield • The Woods • Bush Creek

SPRING CLEANUP May 13 - 17

Our SPRING CLEANUP will be held beginning MONDAY, May 13 and ending FRIDAY, May 17.  Leaves, brush, and tree limbs (not over six feet in length) should be placed on the shoulder of the road to be picked up throughout this period. Residents are reminded that:

BAGS OR BUNDLES ONLY

• All leaves must be in bags.
• Brush and limbs must be tied in bundles*.
• No garbage should be included
•This service is for yard debris, not the result of major clearing efforts. Excessive amounts will not be picked up unless you contact Tom Seaton   (545-9933), who will bill you for his services.
• Residents should begin putting out debris for pickup during the previous weekend so that collections can begin on the Monday of cleanup week.

To facilitate the tying, lay two six-foot pieces of sturdy twine on the ground about 18 inches apart before you start stacking the limbs. When it becomes difficult to tie the knot, you know the pile is too big and you should start another.
Grounds and Facilities Committee: John Custer 542-1582

SAFETY REMINDERS

Purse snatchings: The FHA board reminds us that two Fearrington residents have been victims of purse snatchings at Chatham Crossing and Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro. Please be careful.

Lt. Fred Marsh of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, a Fearrington resident, advises shoppers to be alert when they exit a store. “If you suspect someone is following you, stop and let that person pass,” he says. He also recommends that people shop during daylight hours, not at dusk or after dark

Other Fearrington residents offer these tips:
• Keep a small belt-purse around your waist.
• Always throw your purse in the car first whenever or wherever you are loading packages.
• Do not shop alone.
• Carry cash in your pocket, not in a handbag
• There is a safety strap where a child would sit on the shopping carts at Lowes. Loop that strap through your pocketbook strap

Speed limit: Please remember that the Village speed limit is 25 mph. Please watch for pedestrians on the roads. Pedestrians are reminded to use sidewalks and walking paths wherever possible.

Senior Games Cycling Event: Please be aware of the cycling event to take place in Fearrington on Tuesday, April 30, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Watch for cyclists and traffic detours.


WHAT'S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

MCINTYRE'S READINGS FOR MAY

• Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m., Emily Herring Wilson, author of Two Gardeners, will read
• Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m., Jean Auel will read from her fifth novel from her Earth’s Children series, The Shelters of Stone. The purchase of The Shelters of Stone from McIntyre’s is required to attend this reading and signing.
• Saturday, May 18, 1 p.m., Jeffrey Lent, author of In the Fall, will be reading from his new novel, Lost Nation.
• Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m., Michael Morris will read from his first novel, A Place Called Wiregrass


FRIENDS OF SCANDINAVIA

People with Scandinavian roots and those who have spent extensive time in the Land of the Vikings are cordially invited to the second smorgasbord to be held at the Fearrington Pool on Friday, May 3, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Finns, Norskis, Swedes, Danes, Icelandics and all others who comprehend Ole and Lena jokes, understand Garrison Keillor’s humor involving the Catholic and Lutheran cemeteries, and those who can stomach lutefisk are invited. (Even those who cannot are still welcome since we probably won’t have cod pickled in lye.) Instead, you will have the pleasure of tasting an assortment of herring dishes, as well as Art Lebo’s lefse and Carol Vatter’s baked goodies, Vicki Martin’s rice pudding and other delicacies from the Scandinavian households of yore

Interested folks are invited to call Vicki at 542-1359 by May 1. The cost is $4 per person (to cover the cost of wine and soda) plus a tantalizing dish for all to savor. You need not be a member of the Swim Club to attend.


SWIM AND CROQUET CLUB TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE

All Fearrington residents are invited to visit the Swim and Croquet Club on Saturday, May 4, between 2 and 4 p.m. There have been exciting upgrades to the swimming pool area including a new easy entry and exit ladder in the main pool, resurfacing of all three pools, new paint and a brand new beautiful white fence for the hot tub. Come to see these and other improvements and to inquire about membership in the Swim & Croquet Club at this open house, which will be held before the official opening of the pool.


FEARRINGTON THESPIANS

The Thespians will be performing Sunday, May 5, at the Gathering Place at 7:30 p.m. Carl Granath will produce his new play, “World Wide Wanderers,” starring Carolyn Compton, Bill Cunningham, Cheryl Gallan, Irwin Levy, Ivan Remnitz and Nancy Rogerson. Visitors are welcome.

Questions? Call Carol Girton 542-0992, or Ferguson McKay 542-1873.


WONDERFUL YEAR FOR ARTS & CRAFTS

Can anyone believe it is time for the end-of-the-year activities for Arts & Crafts Etc.? It has been a wonderful year of programs, trips, and opportunities to get to know each other better. Wait until you see what is in store for next year!

Our May luncheon for Arts & Crafts members will be held on Monday, May 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Gathering Place. To reserve your place, get your check for $23 to Florence Johnson at 644 Spindlewood, or in the Arts & Crafts box at the Gathering Place mail kiosk, by Monday, April 29.

The caterer will again be the “Home on the Range” group who did the December luncheon that we all recall with pleasure. The menu will consist of a salad buffet, homemade yeast rolls, red and white wine, coffee/iced tea and a dessert tower with five luscious goodies whose detail will remain a surprise for the time being.

Get your reservation in early and plan to enjoy a lovely meal and hospitable atmosphere. This is the last event until next fall.


ENJOY THE BRIDGE EXPERIENCE

It’s the mental challenge combined with the sociability that makes the bridge experience unparalleled. Stop in on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. at the Gathering Place to find more than 30 Fearringtonians enjoying duplicate bridge.  

During May, we’ll be playing on the 8th, 15th and 22nd and welcome previous players whom we haven’t seen in a while, as well as newcomers to the Village

On the 15th, we will be conducting the Club Championships, which simply means extra master points for winners.

Please join us and boost your points. It’s bridge every Wednesday during June, July and August.

If you need a partner, contact Mary Ann Clarkson, 542-3785.


MOVIE CLUB

The next meeting of the Movie Club will be Sunday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at the Gathering Place. We will try to get Waking Ned Devine on DVD. The April movie Mediterraneo drew about 25 people including four new ones. Hopefully there will be enough interest when the rent comes due in September for next season’s meetings that we will be able to raise $144 at $5 per head.

Questions about dues and the next meeting should be addressed to Philip Cree at 545-9794.


J. SEWARD JOHNSON EXHIBIT

A collection of life-like bronze sculptures by contemporary American sculptor J. Seward Johnson Jr. will be on display in the Fearrington gardens from May 15 to August 15. Johnson’s work has been exhibited worldwide and included in the State Department’s Art in Embassies Program and selected to represent the United States at the World Expo celebration in Spain. Call 545-5704 for further information.


GARDEN CLUB WRAPS UP SEASON

The Fearrington Garden Club will hold its final meeting of the season on Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at the Gathering Place. As is the custom, this will be a Potluck Supper. However, changes have been made, and it is important that those planning to attend contact either Pat Aulik at 542-4466 or Dorothy Ajemian at 542-4983.


OTTOMAN ART LECTURE

The Fearrington Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Art invite you to attend a slide lecture at the Gathering Place on Wednesday, May 29, at 3 p.m. Speaking will be John Coffey, deputy director at the museum for curatorial affairs and programs and curator of the exhibition “Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection.”

The museum’s opening night reception in Raleigh celebrating this exhibition will be held in June at a date to be announced by the museum. The gala is your opportunity to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, meet new people and view the exhibit independently. If you are a member of NCMA, you will receive an invitation. If you plan to attend, please respond directly to the museum. Non-members are invited to attend as guests of the Fearrington Friends of the Museum. Member cost for the reception is $30; non-members, $40.

Bus transportation will be offered to those attending the reception and details will be forthcoming.

All Fearringtonians are invited to attend the slide lecture and/or the reception. If you are not a member and would like to join or obtain information, contact Claire Levitt (542-4494) or Dorothy Birnham (542-4046).

Questions related to the lecture or the reception may be directed to Lenni Newman (545-0541) or Peggy Jo Kirby (542-1991).


FEARRTINTON REPUBLICAN CLUB

On Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place, the Republican Club will host Dawn Stumpf, director of the Board of Elections in Chatham County. Miss Stumpf will bring us up to date on the attempt by the Democratic State Senate to redistrict voting areas, the state Supreme Court’s ruling on this issue and the date for the primary elections.

Miss Stumpf has had an interesting background, having received a degree from Southwest Community College in environmental science, followed by several years as a park ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and most recently, 17 years as district manager for the Sara Lee Hosiery Division.

She has held her present job since January 1, 2001. Although registered as an unaffiliated voter, she is active in Chatham County Republican matters.

We look forward to seeing many Fearrington residents, Democrats, unaffiliated and Republicans, at our meeting. All are welcome!


REACH YOUR NEIGHBORS

The Village Rambler is under way—if you’d like to place a classified or display ad in this monthly advertising services directory distributed to all Fearrington residents, give us a call or drop us an e-mail: 545-9789 or vrambler@earthlink.net. We look forward to hearing from you

–Dave Korzon & Elizabeth Oliver


GETTING RID OF HAZARDOURS WASTE

Several residents of Fearrington have requested information regarding disposal of household hazardous waste such as pesticides, antifreeze, auto batteries, paint, etc. The Chatham County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is located on Highway 64 between Pittsboro and Siler City at the old landfill across from Animal Control on County Landfill Road. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month (March-November). Call 542-5516 if you need additional information.


SABBATICAL CLOSING FOR A STONE'S THROW

After 16 years in the Village, A Stone’s Throw will close this June for a sabbatical rest! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported us over the years, and to tell you it has been a pleasure to serve you. A Stone’s Throw will reappear in some form in 2003, and I will be happy to let you know where and when at a later time.

Stay tuned and thank you!  –Beverly Iber


MUSIC NOTES


HARMONY GRITS YEAREND UPDATE

The summer break is fast approaching, and Fearrington’s men’s chorus members will relax following the last two rehearsals scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 3:45-5 p.m., and Monday, May 13, 1-3 p.m. Rehearsals resume in the fall starting Tuesday, September 10, 4:15 p.m. All rehearsals are at the Gathering Place.

The Grits have elected new Executive Committee members for the 2002-2003 season. George Hunt continues as president and David Ayres as publicity/marketing chair. Our new additions are Bob Bogle, membership; Jim Pomroy, booking; Alex Tunstall, librarian; and Allan Vesley, treasurer.

This past season has been exciting and fulfilling and it’s not over yet! The Mini-Grits performed at the Chapel Hill Garden Club Tour April 6 and again for the FHA Newcomers Reception at the Gathering Place April 11. The entire group performed for residents of Croasdaile Village in Durham on April 16 and will sing at the UNC Friday Center on May 21 for an audience of 400. That occasion is the annual volunteer recognition luncheon sponsored by the Orange County Department on Aging.

Special yearend appreciation to our talented professional leaders: our new director, Mark Graves, and accompanist, Dan Hadley. Interested male singers should call Bob Bogle at 545-3027 to learn how you can join us and enjoy the pleasure of singing with The Harmony Grits.


MUSIC IN THE AIR

Two concerts are scheduled for your pleasure. Please note the new times, bringing you after-dinner relaxation: 

Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. On the Town, a barbershop quartet singing standards and a patriotic medley.

Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. The Meredith Chamber Players performing parlor songs, duos and trios.

As always, bring your lawn chair and a donation for the performers when we pass the hat. The contact for this month is Carolyn Gelderman at music_in_the_air@hotmail.com.


VILLAGE VOICES SPRING CONCERT

All residents of Fearrington are invited to the highlight of the spring musical season—the Fearrington Women’s Chorus concert on Wednesday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in The Barn.

Under the direction of Bob Lawton and accompanist Dan Hadley, a group from the Harmony Grits Men’s Chorus will again be joining us in singing a Gershwin Portrait, including “Gershwin at the Opera” and  “A Gershwin Showstopper.” Along with many other toe-tapping numbers, it’s all guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser!

Come join us! There is no charge for admission...although donations are always welcome.


SPRING CONCERT IN CHAPEL HILL

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Chorus will present its Spring Concert on Friday, May 17, at 8 p.m. at the University United Methodist Church, 150 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill.

The program features chorus, soloists and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Sue T. Klausmeyer. Music to be performed includes Mass in E-flat Major by Franz Schubert, Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and When the Saints Go Marching In, arranged by John Rutter.

General admission is $10. Tickets may be purchased from Fearrington members of the chorus: Nina Alperin, Kinley Brauer, Philip Burke, Amelia Carew, Sue Ferguson, Bob Hoogstoel, Barbara Irwin, Annette Levine, Betty Lu Long, Rolf Lynton, Carol Robbins, Joe Salsbury, Carol Vatter, Barbara Wagner and Marci Whittaker-Manson.


FEARRINGTON CONCERT SERIES TO PRESENT VOCAL GROUP

The final concert in the 2001-2002 Fearrington Concert Series on Sunday, May 19, will feature advanced vocal students from the North Carolina School of the Arts. The four singers are part of the Fletcher Opera Company, which moved to the North Carolina School of the Arts a year ago. The group consists of a soprano, mezzo soprano, tenor and bass-baritone. They will sing arias from operas as well as Broadway show tunes.

The Fearrington Concert Series is a subscription series. Non-subscribers may take empty seats, if available, by coming to the Gathering Place shortly before 3 p.m. on May 19. The charge is $10 per person.

Subscription notices for the 2002-2003 season will be sent to current subscribers and new residents in early summer. Current subscribers will be guaranteed seats only if they respond by July 15. The charge is $40 per person.

–Anne and Larry Botto, 542-0533


WOULD YOU LIKE TO SING THIS SUMMER?

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Chorus is planning a first-ever summer session. Once-a-week rehearsals begin Tuesday, May 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill. A concert will be held Friday, July 19, at University United Methodist Church, also in Chapel Hill. The All-American program will include music by Randall Thompson and Aaron Copland.

To register online or for information: www.rtpnet.org/chccc.


WHAT'S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON


BOOK SALE COMING UP AT PITTSBORO LIBRARY

“Gather ye books while ye may!"

In fact, Friends of the Pittsboro Library hope that you will “spring” for our May book sale, May 2, 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We invite you to stock up on your summer reading, remembering that proceeds from the sale support purchase of new books and tapes for the bookmobile, as well as the library. Any questions? Call Tom Doyle, 542-0271.

While “gathering,” we think you will enjoy the artwork on display. The work of Doris Dunlap’s students from Central Carolina College will be on view until the end of May.

Both events are at the Pittsboro Library.


CHAPEL HILL NEWCOMERS MEN'S GROUP

May Luncheon

The Greater Chapel Hill Newcomers Men’s Group will meet Friday, May 17, at the Chapel Hill Country Club. The speaker will be Vin Steponaitis, Ph.D., director of the Research Laboratories of Archeology and professor of anthropology at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The written history of North Carolina goes back about 500 years, but archeologists have evidence that the human history of the area goes back about 12,000 years. Dr. Steponaitis will tell us what recent excavations in North Carolina have revealed about the first 11,500 years of our state’s history.

The Soup & Salad buffet lunch starts at 11:45 a.m. and the meeting usually ends by about 1:30 p.m.

Send your check for $10.75, per person, payable to Raoul Leuteritz, 595D Fearrington Post, by May 11 to secure your reservation. Questions? Call Raoul at 545-9519 or Terry Crook at 929-6844. New members and guests are always welcome.

“Take me out to the ball game”

As we have for the last couple of years, the Greater Chapel Hill Newcomers Men’s Group is planning to attend a Durham Bulls baseball game on Friday evening, June 7. In addition to the game, there’ll be the usual fun entertainment between innings and the evening will end with an exciting fireworks display. The group will have a block of reserved seats, so socializing with your friends will also be a big part of the evening.

Game time is set for 7 p.m., but getting there a bit early will ensure easy parking and provide an opportunity to enjoy the pre-game activity and visit with other newcomers. Tickets are $6.50 and may be obtained by sending checks to Raoul Leuteritz. If you have questions or want to make reservations, call Raoul or Terry Crook. Wives, friends and guests are welcome.


LOBSTER ORDER DEADLINE NEARS

There is still time to place your order and take part in the 2nd annual Chatham County Together Lobster Sale. Orders must be received by May 9 for pickup on May 18. The delicious prime whole Maine lobsters will be flown in on the morning of the 18th from one of the largest suppliers in the Northeast and will be available for pickup by Fearrington residents at the Gathering Place between 3 and 4 p.m. The average weight is a generous 1.33 pounds, and they can be ordered pre-cooked at $15 each, or live at $13 each.

Completed order forms and full payment must be submitted by May 9 to CCT! The sale is a significant fund-raiser for Chatham County Together!, which advocates for at-risk youth and provides programming for them and their families. For further information and order forms, call CCT! at 542-5155.


AMBASSADOR TO SPEAK

The United Nations Association “Lunch and Learn” meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 22, at noon at the Holiday Inn in Chapel Hill. Our speaker will be H.E. Shambhu Simkhada, the ambassador/permanent representative of Nepal to the UN agencies in Geneva and ambassador of Nepal to Switzerland. He is also immediate past chairman of the UN Commission on Human Rights. His subject will be “The United Nations and Human Rights.”

Reservations should be made by sending a $15 check, made out to UNA-USA West Triangle Chapter, to Dorothy Mahan, 590 Fearrington Post,  by Thursday, May 16. Questions? Call 542-7009.


‘THE CHATHAM MILE’

The Chatham County Council on Aging sponsors an annual event “Celebrate Seniors” to honor our older adult neighbors and remember their contributions. This year the council is expanding the event to include “The Chatham Mile.” 

The festival will be held June 1 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the paved one-mile “THANKS” walking trail on the grounds of Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro. It will feature a mile-long yard sale, flea market, farmers market, swap meet and carnival. The gala is for people of all ages and admission is $2. There will be food, crafts, handmade goods, an antique car show and more.

Individuals, as well as commercial businesses, clubs, church groups and other nonprofit organizations, are invited to bring their yard sale, flea market items, produce, antiques, food items or arts & crafts to sell to the public.  There is a small fee and spaces must be reserved by May 17.

For more information, call Pam King, 542-4512.


COUNCIL ON AGING PLANS TRIP

The Chatham Council on Aging is sponsoring a six-day, five-night trip to Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Wheeling, W. Va., from October 5 to October 10. The trip includes three nights in Niagara Falls and two nights in Wheeling, and guided tours of Niagara Falls and Toronto. The deadline for deposits is Friday, May 3. For more information and/or reservations, please contact Pam King at 542-4512.


HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS


FEARRINGTON CARES NEWS


COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

As promised, the results of the telephone survey of Fearrington households will be made known at a community-wide meeting at the Gathering Place on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m.  Following a presentation by Dr. Megan Lewis, UNC School of Public Health, there will be ample time for community input and discussion of next steps. Fearrington is full of talented people— are you a professional trainer? We are looking for someone with good group facilitation skills who will volunteer to help us organize this meeting. Call Kay Hunt (542-1750).

VOLUNTEER SERVICE FORMS

Volunteer coordinators Faith Reilly and Rowie Samson are still looking for returns from the volunteer forms that were mailed to all residents last April. This form is sent out bulk mail every other year. If you don’t remember receiving one, or have misplaced it, or are a new resident, you can pick one up at the Fearrington Cares office in the Gathering Place any weekday morning, 9 a.m. to noon. If you want to verify that you already returned yours and that it’s “in the system,” call Faith at 542-5541.


RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Many thanks to Betty Lou Cobb for organizing another successful blood drive on April 5. Thanks also to her committee, Ken Richardson, Jean Hjelle, Sue Ryder, Karen Marshall and Merv Shumate. The Red Cross processed 30 pints. And, of course, a special thanks to all the donors—many were giving for the first time. Watch for the date of the next semi-annual Gathering Place blood drive in October.


VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

Every week, some of your neighbors volunteer to serve as Fearrington Cares telephone call responders, schedulers and drivers. They need to be thanked more often

• 4/1 - 4/7 Joe and Gay Scannell,                    Elizabeth Price
• 4/8 - 4/14 Sam and Betty Bishop,                         Goldie and Don Marrs
• 4/15 - 4/21 Anne and Larry Botto,                Sam and Ina Gross
• 4/22 - 4/28 Grayson and Jean Clary,                 Mary and John Hammond
• 4/29 - 5/5 Bunny Shillito, Shirley                        Paull, Maggie Frantz, Barbara                                  Turkheimer
• 5/6 - 5/12 Gene and Elaine Landriau,             Peggy and Jarus Quinn


"DAILY CONNECTION SERVICE FOR SHUT-INS"

Several years ago, Fearrington Cares’ predecessor, Home Care Connection, offered a new program, “Daily Connection,” for people who live alone and are dealing with health issues that are keeping them house bound. This service has not been advertised or used for awhile, but it’s still available! When you’re not feeling well, it can be helpful to have a friendly voice call daily, at whatever time you want, just to say hello. Call 542-1930, and it can be arranged.

HELP FOR CAREGIVERS

In the March issue, you read about some valuable new services for caregivers that are available through the Chatham County Council on Aging. There is also a new organization, Project Compassion, that focuses on people who are dealing with serious illness, death and grief in Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties. Project Compassion is introducing the concept of volunteer caregiving from a team approach at a workshop at Carolina Meadows on April 30. Fearrington Cares will be represented. For more information, you may wish to call their executive director, James Brooks, at (919) 402-1844.


OTHER HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS


SLIM JANES

Slim Janes will meet at the home of Maggie Gaudet, (573 Woodbury, 545-0494) on Monday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Anna Cassilly of Windsong Retreat and Learning Center in Pittsboro. She will discuss the benefits of gentle yoga and meditation


YOGA MEETS WEDNESDAY MORNINGS

This is a great time to put the mind at rest and let the body take over. That, and a group of friendly, caring, people, can help you over the bumpy ride ahead. We meet on Wednesdays, at the Gathering Place, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m.


BOARD BRIEFINGS

April FHA Board meeting report

The FHA Board held its regular meeting on April 2. Evy Barrow, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, presented an interim draft report. The committee, which has been meeting twice a week since mid-January, includes Ed Farnan, Drew Bratton, Fran Sherwin and Dale Smith. Evy presented a mission statement, vision statement and key beliefs, including continuation of FHA involvement in recreational and services organizations, quality of life issues in Chatham County, maintaining diversity of age groups, encouraging services to keep residents in the Village and continuing present communications activities and services. A number of critical issues are under discussion, such as governance issues including a paid staff, R.B. Fitch’s successor, county growth and development, annexation, expansion and transportation. Goals and objectives are under development.

Resident George Woolfe discussed Gathering Place rules. At issue was a recent event at the Bridge Club involving visitors from outside the Village who had been invited by a non-resident to participate and were asked to leave the function. Clarification was requested, as it was felt the rules were not clear and perhaps too exclusive. Several alternative wordings were suggested and Joyce Berg, Gathering Place Board member, will combine them and present a new wording to the board permitting invited guests from outside under certain circumstances.

Treasurer Walter Koehler reported that income and expenses continue to meet our expectation. Seventy-nine percent of the dues have been collected and additional income is expected. The report was approved.

Board member Jay Olson asked that comments about deer fencing be addressed to local covenant committees. A lively discussion of deer restraints followed. Requests were made for a definition of deer restraints, and a member of a local covenant committee asked for more guidance regarding this issue and what type of fencing is restricted. Residents spoke to the need to protect vegetation to protect property values and the health benefits of vegetable gardens.

Lee Caldwell reviewed problems with the audiovisual equipment in the Gathering Place. He pointed out the need to speak directly into the top of the hand-held mike, not the side, and to use only one microphone at a time. He pointed out that we have a single-channel system and should use only one mike to prevent feedback. Discussion occurred regarding obtaining a two-channel system, Walter Koehler moved that the board authorize up to $350 to purchase the necessary components. The motion was seconded and passed.

Mary Clare Edwards of the Garden Club asked if further instruction was available to educate clubs in the use of the AV equipment. Joyce Berg stated that Lee had volunteered for this purpose and she was requiring that every group who uses the system must send a representative to a training session. Letters with dates and times will be sent out to the groups soon.

President Farnan reported on his meeting with R.B. The Duke Clinic is scheduled to open in June. R.B. was asked about a walking path from Bush Creek to the Gathering Place kiosk but was not in favor unless there was a ground swell of interest, as paths are expensive to maintain and not highly utilized.

Community Affairs Chair Cynthia Jones reported on the Easter egg hunt, which was moved to the Barn because of the weather. She said 600 eggs were hidden and all those attending had a good time. Jay Olson proposed the board thank her for her effort and stated his grandchildren had a great time.

Gathering Place chair Joyce Berg, reporting on heavy use, stated that there are no physical plant problems. A cabinet has been purchased and will be installed next week. The fire inspection will be this month.

John Custer, chair of Grounds and Facilities, moved that the board approve up to $1,000 for placement of reflectors the full length of Spindlewood and Swim & Croquet/ Weathersfield from Village Way to West Camden. The work would be accomplished by formal contract, (including prepayment) with the Department of Transportation. The motion was approved unanimously. Paint has been bought for the fire hydrants. Jim Dixon reported he has the paint for Country House V and is ready to start.

Beaver Pond is still discolored and the water draining from the DOT construction is cloudy. It will take up to a year to settle out.

John Custer reported that residents are still concerned about speeders and there is talk of obtaining speed-monitoring signs. A reminder will be placed in the newsletter.

The trash container in the Gathering Place kiosk goes to regular trash, not to recycle. Several individuals commented on the appearance of that kiosk

County Liaison Al Lebeau reported that on June 7 we can begin calling Durham without a toll.

There is discussion of a new mental hospital in Chatham County, which would bring in new jobs. The Planning Board discussed 75 acres near the U.S. 64 bypass and requested a site plan. The Planning Board continues to review Briar Chapel and the wastewater treatment plant in particular. The county budget is in the red and the county may have to turn to reserves. There is the possibility of a 1/2 percent sales tax hike in July 2003 but this would require a public hearing.

The next FHA Board meeting is Thursday, May 9. 

–Mary G. Hammond, Secretary


GATHERING PLACE RESERVATIONS

Gathering Place calendar request forms will be distributed to all Fearrington organizations in late August or early September. It will be helpful if the head of each group will confirm who should receive the form and at what address. I’ll be glad to mail to a summer address if you’re away.          –Connie Eby, 542-5485; cteby@mindspring.com


GATHERING PLACE KIOSK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The FHA is looking for two volunteers to review the appearance of the Gathering Place kiosk and make recommendations regarding bulletin board space, trash removal and general cleanliness. Soliciting the opinions of fellow residents and evaluation of the other kiosks are necessary. Please contact Ed Farnan, president, or John Custer, Grounds and Facilities, if you are interested.   –FHA Board


SPEAKER ON DEER PROBLEM

Mr. George Strader, Chatham County representative from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, will be our guest speaker at the next FHA meeting, which is to be held Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m. in the Gathering Place. Mr. Strader will discuss deer problems in general and the options available to help reduce the problem.

The FHA Board is still soliciting comments regarding the moratorium on deer restraints. Comments are to be in writing and forwarded through individual neighborhood covenant committees. All comments will be given careful consideration in developing the policy.

-Jay Olson, FHA Board

FEARRINGTON MONTHLY CALENDAR

FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR