21 Mar FHA Newsletter April 2023
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
April 2023 Volume 42 Number 4
Without a doubt, covenants are one of the most challenging aspects of living in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA). While some individuals say they would never buy a home if it is governed by an HOA because they don’t want anyone to tell them what they can or cannot do with their property, most people recognize that HOA covenant committees play an important role, not only in helping to keep a community looking good but also in maintaining property values.
Fearrington is even trickier than many communities because Fitch Creations, which establishes the covenants for each neighborhood, is still constructing homes after almost 50 years and is providing covenants which differ slightly from one phase to the next. In addition, many neighborhoods have their own service groups with their own covenants, which impose additional restrictions. The FHA is responsible for covenant enforcement of the Village-wide covenants for the 570 homes that have no service group, while the service groups are responsible for enforcement of both the FHA covenants and their own covenants.
Every homeowner must receive permission to make changes to the exterior of their home, whether it is a new roof, a screened-in porch or deck, a garage, etc. Permission is also needed to cut down trees measuring more than six inches in diameter. When filling out an application, residents are supposed to talk to their neighbors about the proposed project and get their signature on the form. Please note that a signature does not mean that the neighbor supports the modification; it simply indicates that they have been made aware of it. If a neighbor does not like a certain modification, they can contact the covenants committee to explain their concerns. However, as long as the modification meets the setback requirements and, in the judgment of the committee, complies with the covenants and is in keeping with the overall aesthetics of the community, it will be approved. A homeowner whose modification has been denied may appeal the ruling to the Board, triggering an established appeal process, but a neighbor who feels aggrieved because a project has been approved despite their objections does not have a right to appeal. I should add that once an application has been submitted, the committee has only 30 days to render a decision or the application is deemed approved. Further information about our covenants, including a link giving access to their full text, can be found on our website at https://fearringtonfha.org/architectural-covenants/.
One last covenant issue: our covenants state that no home can be used for commercial purposes, but a tag sale, if conducted pursuant to FHA policy, is not considered a commercial purpose. Specifically, the covenants read that “For a homeowner or heirs, tag sales are permissible on a one-time basis for the purpose of selling the contents of their home.” A tag sale can be advertised on the internet, but must comply with certain rules:
- All sales must be registered with the FHA (there is a form on our website).
- All residents within the surrounding neighborhood are to be notified of the impending sale at least one week before.
- Parking arrangements must be adequate.
- No signs will be permitted in Fearrington.
These days, many tag sales are being done by professionals. Please be sure they know the rules. The FHA has been receiving questions and wants to make everyone aware that we do have a policy in place and registration is required.
On a much lighter note: although the Fearrington Film Club did not survive the pandemic, Fearrington Cares is bringing movie nights back to the Village. They have purchased the necessary license from the motion picture industry, and their first showing will be on Thursday, April 6, at 7 pm at The Gathering Place. Admission is free!! Complimentary popcorn, candy, and beverages will be provided. Moreover, for those of you who might be hard of hearing, you can now take advantage of AudioFetch in The Gathering Place. This is a free app that you should download to your phone before arriving. Bring your own earbuds or headphones (noise cancelling ones would be best because there will be regular audio for those who are not hard of hearing). Once you get to The Gathering Place, you will need to connect to the Wi-Fi in order to use AudioFetch. You will then be able to hear the movie and control the volume from your own phone. Hooray!
Happy spring everyone!
—Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
FHA Open Meeting April 17 – Save The Date
The FHA Board will hold an open meeting with residents on Monday, April 17, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, via webinar. At the meeting, Board members will discuss the comprehensive budget review undertaken to date and thoughts about where we go from here, and address questions from residents.
Excitement Grows for Fearrington Founders Festival!
Friday, May 5, 2-6 pm at The Gathering Place Campus (Rain date Saturday, May 6)
All residents and previous residents are invited to the biggest Fearrington event in years! The Fearrington Founders Festival commemorates the founding of Fearrington Village in 1974 and will highlight our unique history with a celebration that includes a flashback to the music and fads of the ‘70s. Join in the festivities that are being organized by the FHA in conjunction with Fearrington Cares, the Swim & Croquet Club, and Women of Fearrington.
“Where Were You?” Contest
Send us a photo of you—perhaps with your family—from the early ‘70s and you will be included in a special drawing for fabulous door prizes! Entries can be dropped off at the FHA business office (and returned upon request) or emailed to tdanielsuk@icloud.com. Please include your name and where you lived along with your current address and the year that you moved to Fearrington.
Special Entertainer
Hint: He’s a different type of “Skywalker” than we knew in the ‘70s but is sure to please festival goers of all ages. This performance will set new heights for event entertainment!
Food Trucks & Refreshments
Our festival “food court” will feature three food trucks—Mexican, ice cream, and a special microbrew beer truck from Hugger Mugger Brewery! The FHA will be offering complimentary cookies and bottled water. The Swim & Croquet Club will offer seating for diners along with a playlist of musical hits from the ‘70s. Note that ‘70s attire and dance moves are optional!
History Exhibit, Fun Facts, & Resident Reunion
A special display in The Gathering Place will present a timeline of Fearrington history along with fun facts from 1974. We are inviting previous residents to meet up here and share their memories of Fearrington Village.
Activities Galore!
- Interactive crafts and activities area for children will be hosted by Women of Fearrington.
- StoryCorps introduction and more will be shared at Fearrington Cares.
- Special croquet demonstration will be offered on the Swim & Croquet lawn.
- Additional activities and history will be presented by a host of Fearrington clubs.
- Evening ticketed concert at Galloway Ridge will feature our Fearrington Village Singers.
“Comedy Bus” Shuttle Service
Stay tuned for more information on parking options and a uniquely entertaining shuttle bus service provided by Bull City Laughs. This service offers an opportunity to share time with Farmer Bob and our belted friends in the barnyard.
Additional volunteers are needed to assist with this event! Please contact Tony Daniels tdanielsuk@icloud.com to offer your time or share your thoughts.
—Tony Carroll, communications@fhaboard.org
Friendly Reminder from the Director of Grounds & Landscaping
We remind residents that the paths and trails in the Village are reserved for pedestrians. Bicycles are not permitted on them. Cyclists should use Village roads and obey traffic laws.
—Pat McGahan, grounds@fhaboard.org
Fearrington Celebrates Springtime with Annual Easter Egg Hunt
As we welcome spring, it’s time again for a classic Fearrington tradition—the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the FHA in partnership with the Easter Bunny. All Fearrington children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and young friends are invited!
This special event for children (ages 7 and under) is planned for Saturday, April 8, at 11 am at the playground at the top of Benchmark. The rain date is Sunday, April 9, at noon.
Over 1500 candy-filled eggs will be hidden by the Easter Bunny and his helpers, and designated areas will be set up for 3 age groups—3 years and under, 4- to 5-year-olds, and 6- to 7-year-olds. The youngest group will search their area first, and then the other groups will follow in turn to explore their respective areas and find their eggs. In each area, a Golden Egg will be hidden among the other colorful ones, and whoever finds these eggs will be awarded a special prize!
The Easter Bunny will be available for photo-ops, and he loves taking selfies with his fans. He reminds all youngsters to bring a basket to collect eggs and suggests not eating all candy at once. Complimentary snacks and water will be served.
Older children and other helpers are invited to come early to hide eggs and decorate the playground with multicolored streamers everywhere! Volunteers are also needed to fill 1500 eggs and wear a bunny suit. If you would like to help, please email Maggie Tunstall at metunstall@nc.rr.com or Wendy Snodgrass at wendyatfv@gmail.com.
Scene Around Fearrington
Springtime in Fearrington
Welcome to springtime, the season of new beginnings, of rebirth and awakening. Plants and animals enjoy the warmer weather and longer days, and photographers create images that reflect their interpretation of the season.
Before leaves appear on deciduous trees, flowers signal the onset of spring. They attract the pollinators on which plants depend for reproduction. Flowering cherries, magnolias, and redbuds (“the tonic that propels spring into orbit,” according to Michael Dirr, a noted botanist) bring color to their gray surroundings. Wildflowers spring suddenly from the cold earth. The blooming of daffodils and other bulbs brings cheer to the Village. And gardeners are inspired to dig in the soil, anticipating the fresh vegetables they will later enjoy.
In the animal kingdom, we see rebirth all around. Birds build nests, the wrens deserving awards for the most interesting locations. Mother ducks keep an eye on their rafts of ducklings. Reptiles emerge from brumation—that’s a form of hibernation for cold-blooded species. Young snapping turtles explore their surroundings, and turtles threaten to overturn Sophie’s house as they struggle for a place in the sun. You can see why a collection of turtles is called a “bale.” Although newborn Belties may appear at almost any time of year, April and May are the months for new kids to make themselves known in the goat pen.
Here then is a sampling of what you may see as you take advantage of the good weather.
—Gordon Pitz
You can see an enlarged version of an image by clicking on the photo.
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Future Scenes
Do you have any suggestions for possible topics in future Scene Around Fearrington articles? Do you have photographs you would like to submit? Can you suggest a local photographer whose work you would like to see featured? Please take a look at the guidelines for photographs in the Belted Gazette, and send your ideas to Gordon Pitz (gfpitz@gmail.com).
Greg Fitch on Jenny’s Park Enhancements
By Diane Frazier
New plantings. Photo by Gordon Pitz.
Villagers may have noticed that Jenny’s Park received a delightful refresh in recent weeks. Garden Club members and Camdens residents offered their services to Greg Fitch and were pointed to the wildflower garden. On March 5, these volunteers pitched in to give the garden a thorough clean-out. Also, according to Greg, “in the past two weeks the entire grounds and garden crew came out to install 120 shrubs in the park—by the footbridge, but mainly by the entrances—species recommended for the park by its landscape designer, Chip Calloway, for design integrity and toughness. The gravel paths were also top-coated. Next, unwanted tree and brush regrowth will be removed. The park is going to look good for spring.”
Greg offered further insights into his approach to caring for the park.
The Belted Gazette: Beyond the plantings at the entrances, are there plans for plantings in other areas?
Greg Fitch: Beefing up plantings had been on the radar for a while. Then, in January, a student at a nearby horticultural program began interning with us for the semester, so we felt we had the capacity to help get this project off the ground. We put her skills to good use here. The plantings at the entrances were phase one. Next, we’ll beef up the interior beds; the timing is dependent on weather and resources. Some shrubs and trees planted in 1996 were short-lived and died, others are diseased and need to come out. These all leave gaps that need to be addressed. Last month, we walked through the park with the park’s designer, Chip Calloway, to get his input. Mom passed away around the time the park was being created, but fortunately Chip recalls the types of shrubs she favored. These include hydrangeas, native fringe trees, viburnums, quince, deciduous magnolias, and winter-interest shrubs like witch hazels, winterberries, and possumhaws. These are some pretty amazing species for our area, so for all sorts of reasons, look for more of these. The goal isn’t to replant with the same species as specified in the original plan, though. There are so many great plant introductions today that weren’t around then—some bloom longer, offer more seasonal interest, are more drought resistant, etc. So, within this framework, it makes sense to use the best of what’s out there when possible. Also, some parts of the original site design proved challenging to maintain, were changed to lawn, and will likely stay that way.
TBG: What is the plan/philosophy for the wildflower garden?
Wildflower garden. Photo by Diane Frazier.
GF: It was an experiment in a reasonably contained area, with it being hemmed in by paths and the creek, to introduce more pollinator activity and showcase native perennials to the park. The North Carolina Botanical Garden staff helped us pick that site. We’re still assessing how it’s contributing to the park and the amount of effort it takes to maintain it.
TBG: What overall philosophy guides your plan for Jenny’s Park?
GF: My parents and Chip created a wonderful site design in 1995. Chip was thrilled with how well it had matured when we walked it recently. It’s obvious it has become sort of a mini-Central Park for the community. There’s no plan to alter that vision. As mentioned, there will be selective replantings. Also, the site was a wide-open farm field a few decades ago, but all those shade trees installed over 25 years ago have thrived, so there’s a lot more shade now and that also impacts the mix of plants chosen. And then there’re practical considerations like safety, labor, resources, the absence of a landscape irrigation system, and various plants and animals that find their way to the park and like it there. So, in general there’s no big plan in the works—just ongoing efforts to keep the park looking good.
Website How-Tos—Update To “Finding Things”
By Tony Carroll, Communications Director
I wanted to let users of our website—fearringtonfha.org—know about some refinements we’ve made to our website search function and also to discuss how that function fits among the many features of the website that help users find things. Please note that this article will refer to the top and left-hand menus of the website, which you would see if you access it by computer or tablet; for mobile phones, both menus are combined and accessed by choosing the “hamburger menu” of three horizontal lines at the top right corner of your screen.
If you think of the website as a reference book with a great deal of information in it, the left-hand menu functions as its table of contents. Clicking on the main left-hand menu headings brings up sub-menus, and in some cases sub-sub-menus, with topic categories that navigate to the underlying information. If you use particular sections of the website regularly, it’s useful to get familiar with the menu items leading to it, since that is often the quickest way to get there.
Like a book, the website also has an index, accessed using the “Index and Help” tab on the top menu. (In general, top-menu headings relate to functional items, as opposed to subject headings on the left menu.) The index is a good place to search for information relating to a particular topic or category of data, such as “budgets.” If you think an additional index entry should be added, please email us at managers@fearringtonfha.org.
As its name implies, the “Word/Phrase Search” tab on the top menu brings up a word or phrase search function. If you type a phrase, it first searches for an exact match, and failing that, for a “fuzzy match” showing results that match one (or more) of the words in the phrase entered. Because it is a word or phrase search, it brings up everything on the website that includes that word or phrase, including archived HTML newsletter articles. So, searching for a generic term such as “budget” can result in “too much information.” If you click on the down arrow/caret mark (“˅”) next to the search box, there are tools enabling you to exclude certain categories of information (such as newsletters) from your search or to limit your search to certain categories or to a specified date range. Those tools are further explained on the search landing page. Even with those tools, the word or phrase search function is better suited to finding particular items of information, such as the newsletter issue with photographs by a particular artist, rather than as your primary navigation tool. In particular, aside from certain categories such as newsletters, the category system at this point is in need of an overhaul and streamlining. We will try to accomplish those tasks in the coming months.
Other sections of the website have their own internal search functions—for example, I wrote about the search features of the calendars in the October 2022 issue of The Belted Gazette, and about the search function for clubs and groups in my original “Finding Things” article in the September 2022 issue. In a future article, I will discuss other more specialized finding tools under particular menu categories, such as the online directory, the online newsletter archive, and the covenants section. Additional helpful tips can be found on the website under “Navigating This Website” on the left-hand menu and Website FAQ, a link to which can also be found in the “Navigating” post.
Food Trucks for April
By Leigh Matthews
These food trucks are scheduled in April:
April 5: Ta Contento Max Fresh features local, authentic Mexican food.
April 12: The Blue Window serves delicious Mediterranean fare.
April 19: Chirba Dumpling brings us delicious Chinese-style dumplings.
April 26: Cousins Maine Lobster prepares authentic Maine lobster, shrimp, seafood soups. Remember, you’ll need to download Cousins Maine Lobster’s app from Google Play or Apple Store to place your order in advance.
You can preorder on our hotspot page https://streetfoodfinder.com/FearringtonVillage (except for Cousins Maine Lobster) or you can order at the truck. Pickup is between 5:00 and 7:30 pm in The Gathering Place parking lot.
For a weekly reminder email—and a quick link to view the week’s menu and preorder—sign up at our hotspot page. We also send out a weekly reminder of which food truck is coming to our neighbors on Nextdoor.
For more info, please contact Deborah Repplier at drepplier@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting our food trucks. See you there!
This Month’s Announcements
Please use the Announcement Submission Form to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
Fearrington Clubs and Organizations
AM Book Club
AM Book ClubJoin the AM Book Club to discuss The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer. Berlin, 1930—when a radical political party is swept to power, Sofie’s academic husband benefits from the ambitions of its newly elected chancellor. Twenty years later, America offers him a pardon to come work for its fledgling space program. When scandalous rumors spread among Sophie’s new neighbors about her family’s affiliation with Hitler’s regime, idle gossip turns to rage. We will meet at McIntyre’s Bookstore, Wednesday, March 15, at 10:15 am. All residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge are welcome to participate. If you have questions, contact Cathy Clare, catfearr@gmail.com, or Carole Yardley, peacefulathome@bellsouth.net. Masks please.
Concert Series
The Fearrington Concert Series presents the final concert of the 2022-23 season on Sunday, April 16, at 3 pm at The Gathering Place. Back by popular demand, this program by young artists from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts will showcase their exceptional talents and is sure to delight our audience.
Individual tickets may be purchased on a space-available basis at The Gathering Place before the concert begins at 3 pm. Tickets are $25 per person and may be paid for in cash or by check made payable to the Fearrington Concert Series. No credit cards.
We continue to encourage attendees to be fully vaccinated and “boosted.” For more information, please contact Judy Morris at jwmsings@gmail.com. Galloway Ridge subscribers or Galloway Ridge residents should contact Nina Alperin at 919-704-8796.
Democratic Club
Democratic ClubStay tuned! Our April speaker cancelled. We don’t know what the program will be yet, but members will be notified as soon as our plans are firmed up. The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 pm in The Gathering Place.
This event is open to all Fearrington and Galloway Ridge residents. Because of the ongoing risk of new Covid variants, we request that all attendees be vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask. We encourage those not comfortable wearing a mask to consider joining the event on Zoom. To request the Zoom registration link, please use the contact form on the Club’s website: Contact Us (fearringtondems.org) by 5 pm on April 25.
Dog Club
Dog ClubThe next meeting of the Fearrington Dog Club will be at 1 pm on Thursday, April 20, at The Gathering Place.
This month, Sarah Lane, of our Program Committee, has prepared a slideshow presentation about living with senior dogs.
Starting with “What exactly is a senior dog?” Sarah’s talk will cover a wide range of issues, including “How do dogs age?” and “What special health needs do older dogs have?” Sarah will also touch on enrichment and special equipment available for senior dogs. Sarah’s comprehensive talk will help you plan for and provide the best and longest life possible for your dog.
Whether you have a puppy, oldie-but-goodie, or anything in-between, this talk is for you. Join us for this interesting presentation.
Dragons Mah Jongg
Dragons Mah JonggThe Dragons Are Ready to Play!!
Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons play on the second Saturday of the month, April 8, at the Gathering Place, from 1 to 4 pm.
We play under the guidelines of the Gathering Place. As such, we must limit our number to 50, and masks are optional.
If you do not wish to continue with the Mah Jongg Dragons, please contact Mary Donna Pond so she can remove you from the mailing list.
If you would like to play on Saturdays, but do not wish to join the Dragons, you may play for $5.00 per Saturday.
Hopefully everyone will have their new cards, and we can play with them!
Drinks and snacks will be provided!
May the jokers be ever in your favor!!
Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@gmail.com to reserve your place.
Contact Robin Weinberger at weinrob@msn.com or 919-219-5228 or Polly Williams at pw82550@gmail.com or 919-478-4260 if you have any questions.
Want to learn how to play? Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@nc.rr.com.
Duplicate Bridge Club
Duplicate Bridge ClubJoin us for a face-to-face game every Wednesday in April (5, 12, 26) except April 19. We will play on April 21 of that week. We play at 1 pm at The Gathering Place. We’re always looking to add new players. Play the first time is free; after that, the cost is $7 to defray the costs. Questions, please contact Dianne Hale at haledianne@gmail.com.
Garden Club
Garden ClubAct quickly!
Join us for a guided tour of Sarah P. Duke Gardens, located at 420 Anderson St. in Durham, on Tuesday, April 4, from 1 to 2 pm. Everyone is welcome.
To register, email Debbie Liebtag today—dliebtag50@gmail.com.
Bring $15 to the event in cash or a check made out to The Fearrington Garden Club.
We’ll meet on the terrace in front of the Duke Gardens Visitor Center.
The Fearrington Garden Club’s April meeting will feature Jerilyn Maclean, a native plant and pollinator expert. She’s a local gardener who is passionate about cultivating native plants.
Garden Club members and their guests are welcome to join us on Tuesday, April 18, 1:30 to 2:30 at The Gathering Place.
There is no fee.
(Note: This is one hour earlier than our normal meeting time.)
Great Decisions
Great DecisionsContemporary Issues Involving Police Use of Force
and the Disparate Treatment of African Americans:
Truth or Fiction
Dr. Harvey L. McMurray
Professor of Criminal Justice
Executive Director, Institute for Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Department of Criminal Justice
North Carolina Central University
Thursday, April 13, @ 1:30 pm at The Gathering Place
Dr. McMurray, a former police officer with the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department, will share his perspective on police use of force, making a distinction between necessary force and justifiable force as well as legal precedents. Historical considerations will provide a framework for understanding America’s administration of justice or the lack thereof, depending on one’s perspective. This meeting will explore principles that are intended to reinforce the arc of justice in America. Dr. McMurray fully expects that attendees will be active participants in the discussion.
Green Scene
Green SceneSpring has arrived! At our next meeting, 11 am-noon, Wednesday, April 12, at The Gathering Place, we will be diving into some of our regular activities—as well as exploring some possible new ones.
We’ll prepare for the FHA/Green Scene spring event, to take place on Saturday, May 20, in The Gathering Place parking lot. That day, from 9 am to noon, we will be offering (free) paper shredding, excess pharmaceutical disposal, household fire extinguisher checks by the Pittsboro Fire Department, and fire-safety information.
At our meeting, we will consider adding some additional services to this event, continue the conversation about composting, and begin our examination of invasive plants in our community.
Bring your questions on these and other topics, as well as subjects that you feel might deserve our attention.
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
Fearrington Green Scene
914-806-4852
Swim & Croquet Club
Swim & Croquet ClubThere are a few preseason projects which will be completed before the opening weekend in early May. In March, a fabulous new sports-court flooring was installed in our cabana. The new floor surface is a composition rubber fitness floor, which provides a safer, more slip-resistant and ergonomic surface while also improving acoustics in the room. The ping pong table, which was broken during the 2022 season, will also be replaced.
We will send out an announcement once the membership portal is officially open so that members may renew their 2023 Swim & Croquet membership.
Tennis & Pickleball Association
Tennis & Pickleball AssociationFTPA members, please come to our first FTPA Tennis and Pickleball Social, April 26 at 5 pm, at Swim and Croquet Club.
FTPA will provide soft drinks, ice, and paper goods. Order ahead from the food truck in The Gathering Place parking lot. Bring your beverage of choice. We look forward to seeing you there!
While some pickleball members are gearing up for the Chatham County Senior games, others enjoy playing as a joyful respite of fun and laughter. All find a welcoming and friendly place for outdoor exercise.
Please join us Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons for free pickleball clinics and see for yourself what the whole country is raving about.
Contact Betty Robie at bettycrobie@gmail.com for more info, or Stokes Adams at stokesadams63@gmail.com to sign up for a free pickleball clinic. Contact Karen Vaca at khartonallen@gmail.com for information about a free tennis session.
Village Singers
Village SingersThe Fearrington Village Singers, numbering more than 50 singers who are now celebrating our Silver Jubilee, invite you to join us for our spring concert featuring popular songs by Sting, Joni Mitchell, and others.
Fearrington Village Singers
2023 Spring Concert
Friday May 5, 7:00 pm
Sunday May 7, 2:30 pm
Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge
Tickets: $17.00 in advance at fearringtonvillagesingers.org
or at the Fearrington Farmers Market
Tickets not available at the door
Questions? Email tickets@fearringtonvillagesingers.org
FVS Silver Jubilee 1998 – 2023
Celebrating 25 Years of Song
Women of Fearrington
Women of FearringtonWomen of Fearrington, Inc., continues to focus on providing assistance to the women and children of Chatham County through our Wonderful Options grants program. We have updated our website. Our updated website is a great place to link with the nonprofits that are current grant recipients and to learn about us, join, donate, or even be tempted to volunteer.
Upcoming events include:
April road trip, “Parallel Lives,” a 60-90-minute walking tour exploring the myths, facts, and realities of Chapel Hill from both a black and white perspective. The tour will begin outside the Post Office on E. Franklin Street, downtown Chapel Hill, on Wednesday, April 12, 2:30 pm. Cost: $10. Send cash or check made out to Women of Fearrington by mail to Women of Fearrington or drop in the Women of Fearrington box at the Swim and Croquet mail kiosk by April 7. Space is limited to 20 persons. Before the tour, there will be an optional lunch at 1:00 pm at Top of the Hill.
Spring Stroll (formerly Paws for a Cause) will be on Saturday, April 15, 9 am to 12 pm, with a rain date of Saturday, April 22, in the parking lot behind The Gathering Place. This FUNdraiser event supports the women and children of Chatham County through our Wonderful Options grants program. Grab a friend or family member, 2-legged or 4-legged, and come out to see spring flowers, breathe fresh air, and meet neighbors. A $25 donation is requested. Deposit your check in the WoF mailbox at the Swim & Croquet mail kiosk.
April Small Group Gathering is a luncheon (limited to six guests) on Monday, April 17, at 12 noon. Hostess and location to be announced on Friday, April 14. New members especially welcomed. Must be a member of WoF; fully vaccinated and boosted. Masks optional.
April General Meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 1:30-3:00 pm in The Gathering Place. Bill Horner III, publisher and editor of the award-winning weekly, Chatham News & Record, is a third-generation newspaperman who had his first byline in The Sanford Herald at age 13. For better or worse, the internet has transformed the way we access news and entertainment. Bill will talk about the disruptors that took down an entire industry and what resourceful editors are doing to restore readership.
The April Meet & Greet will be on Thursday, April 20, 3:30 to 5:00 pm at The Belted Goat tent. These are fun outdoor small gatherings for any members who would like to join us. It’s a great way to welcome our new members and form new friendships. Come and enjoy a glass of wine, cheese, tasty snacks, and fun conversation.
Membership: It is still a great time to join in the fun, help others, and make a difference in our community. It’s the perfect way to meet others and to get involved in our community. Click here for a membership form. To donate click here.
For all of the above events, check the website for more information and registration.
Community Agencies
Chatham Connecting
Chatham ConnectingBringing Together Those Who Need Help with Those Who Can Help
Ah, spring. It’s a lovely season in the neighborhood, a perfect time to look outward and think about fresh starts for yourself—and others. Please consider volunteering with one of the nearly 100 non-profit organizations and agencies that together serve those in need in Chatham County. It’s easy to find a match with your interests if you check out chathamconnecting.org. It is possible to volunteer as a family or as a neighborhood group. You can volunteer from home or on-site. Skills needed by non-profits range from serving on committees or boards, fundraising and event planning, to helping organizations in need of tutors for children and adults. If you have a pile of things to donate, you can find non-profits that could use your items. Financial donations are always welcome as well. You can’t go wrong by doing right, and your neighbors will be grateful.
Famed Southern Writer Lee Smith to Headline Chatham Literacy Spring Event
Famed Southern Writer Lee Smith to Headline Chatham Literacy Spring EventSouthern author Lee Smith will headline Chatham Literacy’s Spring for Literacy luncheon at Governor’s Club on Wednesday, May 17, from 11 am to 2 pm. Smith will discuss her newly released novel, Silver Alert.
Tickets are $100/person; tables of 10 are available.
Register today at www.chathamliteracy.org or call 919-742-0578.
League of Women Voters
League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties (LWVODC) invites the community to join us for an online discussion, “How the Court System Works: Hear from Local Judges.” Hear firsthand from local judges about how the courts work, the kinds of cases they hear, how cases may have changed over the years, and more. This program will be on Wednesday, April 19, at 6:30 pm, via Zoom.
Three distinguished guests will be joining us:
- Judge Allen Baddour of the Chatham and Orange counties Superior Court
- Judge Samantha Cabe of the Chatham and Orange counties District Court
- Judge Shamieka Rhinehart of the Durham Superior Court
The judges will discuss the basics of the court system, how cases come to them, how changing laws affect cases, obstacles to obtaining justice, and what happens once a ruling is handed down. This online event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Please register here or via our online calendar: https://my.lwv.org/north-carolina/orange-durham-and-chatham-counties-inc/calendar.
Questions? Contact Anne Triulzi at LWVAnne2021@gmail.com.
Continuing Education
OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning
A year-round educational community for retired and not-so-retired folks, OLLI courses cover history, literature, natural and social sciences, art, music, drama, and current events. For the spring term, classes will be held via Zoom or in classroom settings. Course offerings will be listed online. Registration occurs on Tuesday, April 11, beginning at 9 am and on Wednesday, April 12, beginning at 9 am.
Spring term starts May 1 and runs through June 9. Log on to learnmore.duke.edu for class listings and registration information. If you have any questions, please email Warren Ort at warrensailo@aol.com.
The School of Athens
The School of Athens will present a special event, Gender-Variant Persons in History and Mythology, Cross-Culturally, and in Art, May 13, 10 am-noon, at Chapel in the Pines, 314 Great Ridge Pkwy., Chapel Hill. There is no cost to attend, but donations to The School of Athens are graciously accepted to defray costs.
This event, a collaboration with the “More Light” Committee at Chapel in the Pines, will provide a non-medical, non-political overview of gender-variant persons in ancient & modern history and mythology, cross-culturally, and in art.
The speaker, Blaine Paxton Hall, has researched the topic of gender-variant persons since 1982. The founder of the Duke Adult Gender Medicine Clinic, Mr. Hall has authored and lectured extensively on this topic including for Grand Rounds at Duke Regional and Duke Main hospitals, at WFU School of Medicine, Maryville College, and National Kidney Foundation Clinical Conference. Mr. Hall recently presented this lecture for a Duke OLLI Symposium. Although Mr. Hall has extensive and unique medical experience on this topic, this will be a non-medical presentation.
The School of Athens is an independent, unaffiliated, nonprofit, private adult academy. http://www.theschoolofathens.net
Fearrington Cares material is edited by their staff and volunteers. Direct comments or questions to them at (919) 542-6877 or info@fearringtoncares.org. Edited this month by Carolyn & John Boyle |
Celebrate Volunteers!
While the Nation formally celebrates volunteers during the third week of April, Fearrington Cares celebrates our volunteers every day! This is a time to honor, recognize and celebrate the selfless individuals who volunteer their time and energy to help others and create a well-connected community. Please make a special effort to thank our drivers, support group leaders, committee members, and handypersons you encounter this month: it is our volunteers who make Fearrington Cares the Heart of the Village!
Limited Availability of Health Services
While the search committee of the Fearrington Cares Board is looking for the next Executive Director, Karen Metzguer will be in the Center two days a week supporting the organization. Please call Ellen (919-542-6877) on weekdays between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm to schedule an appointment with Karen if the need arises.
Poetry for Healing Workshop
Wednesdays in April (April 5, 12, 19, and 26), 1:00–2:30 pm at the Fearrington Cares Center
(Limited to 6-8 participants.)
Poetry can be very healing. If you have experienced a loss of a friend or family member or suffered from a traumatic change in your personal life/health, we are offering a 90-minute per week, four-week-long workshop, to read poems and share poems you have written with the group. Two Fearrington poets will lead the group and they will suggest ways to create your own poems and share them with the group each week. No prior experience writing poetry is needed to participate. We ask that you commit for all four weeks. For questions or to register, please email Jan Doolin at jan@janetdoolin.com.
Fearrington Cares Film Nite Premieres with Academy Award–Nominated Film
Thursday, April 6, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place
All Fearrington residents are invited to enjoy a movie close to home and in the company of friends and neighbors. Complimentary popcorn, beverages, and treats will be provided, and admission is free! Donations will be accepted at the door, and we welcome your support as a volunteer to help bring our community together for an evening of camaraderie and entertainment.
Due to licensing restrictions, the film title can be only announced in three ways:
- Flyers posted at Fearrington Cares and The Gathering Place—visit and check them out!
- Email us at FearringtonFilmNite@gmail.com to learn the title of the upcoming movie.
- Word of mouth—spread the word in your neighborhood and come with your friends!
This program is made possible and funded by Fearrington Cares. Your support and contributions are welcome so that this monthly event can continue to bring our community together for an evening of entertainment. Stay tuned for a lineup of current blockbusters, classic movies, documentaries, or foreign films presented on the first Thursday of each month.
Numbness and Tingling…Could It Be Neuropathy?
Thursday, April 13, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place and via Zoom
Peripheral neuropathy can result from diabetes, infections, inherited causes, and exposure to medications and toxins. Symptoms of numbness, burning, tingling, and pain in the feet, legs and hands are hallmarks of the condition. Dr. Rebecca Traub, Associate Professor and Program Director of the Neuromuscular Fellowship at UNC School of Medicine will discuss evaluation for this condition and possible treatment. Please join us in person at The Gathering Place or virtually by Zoom.
If you plan to attend via Zoom, please choose Education Programs under “Services” from the Fearrington Cares website and join the meeting at least five minutes before the program begins.
Updates on Hearing Tech
Tuesday, April 18, 1:30 pm via Zoom ONLY
Hearing loss as a medical condition has been gaining widespread attention in recent years. Untreated hearing loss has been identified as the most modifiable risk factor in middle-adulthood for developing cognitive decline later in life. With all the attention on hearing loss, coupled with the explosion of nanotechnology, hearing aid technology has become a rapidly evolving field within the healthcare sector. With the addition of OTC hearing aids to the consumer marketplace, understanding where to start with hearing care can be confusing. This presentation by Dr. Caitlyn Whitson, UNC Hearing and Communication Center, will review the current state of prescription-based and OTC hearing aids, their available features, and other technology to improve hearing accessibility. (Note that this is a repeat of Dr. Whitson’s February 23 presentation.)
You can request a copy of Dr. Whitson’s slide presentation by emailing info@fearringtoncare.org. She has also provided a link to the UNC Audiology YouTube education site: www.youtube.com/@UNCHCC/videos.
If you plan to attend via Zoom, please choose Education Programs under “Services” from the Fearrington Cares website and join the meeting at least five minutes before the program begins.
A Walk in the Woods
Thursday, April 27, 1:30 pm, Meet at North Langdon Trailhead
Join us for this follow-up to Matt Jones’s March presentation on Fearrington Forests as we identify and examine the spring greenery of this conservation area. We will learn about botanical tools and resources that we can use to promote the health of our Fearrington woodlands.
Wear comfortable and supportive shoes and be aware that the trail surface is uneven and may be wet and slippery. Please be at the trailhead by 1:30 pm sharp; look for a blue trailhead marker on Millcroft across from The Knolls Close. Parking is limited: we encourage alternate modes of transport and carpooling. Parking is permitted on the shoulders of Millcroft and the beginning of The Knolls Close, but cars must remain completely off the road pavement.
Movement Classes | Support Groups Meeting |
Health Services Offered at the Fearrington Cares Center By Appointment
Nurse Consultation Triage Clinic: Call 919-542-6877. Same day appointments available. | Support Groups via Zoomfearringtoncares.org > Services > Support Groups Caregiver Support Group: Wednesdays, April 5, 19; 1:00 pm Living with Chronic Conditions: Thursdays, April 6, 20; 1:00 pm |
Concierge Service: Healthy Feet!
A new service, Routine Foot Care, provided by Pedi Cure, is now available (for a fee) in the Center. The new service will provide comprehensive foot care by a professional licensed with the state of NC. Appointments are made through Fearrington Cares when the Center is open (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am—1:00 pm). A resident will contract with the provider and pay directly for these services. More details can be found at fearringtoncares.org/staying-healthy/concierge-services/.
Aegis “Short Visit” Supportive Care Services
These services represent an innovation in home care services by eliminating the four-hour minimum shift that is usually required. Care can be scheduled for short periods of time, as little as 15 minutes. This program is not available for immediate, urgent, or emergency needs.
This program offers normal home care services such as assistance with compression hose, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders, as well as transportation to non-medical locations. The “Short Visit” option allows for one or more customized, short visits per day without having to schedule and pay for hours that may not be necessary. Services are provided by an Aegis nursing assistant.
“Short Visit” appointments will be available from 8:00 am—noon seven days a week. If there is enough demand, this program could be expanded to include some evening hours. If you call early in the day, same-day service requests may be accommodated although advance request is preferred.
Fees are billed in 15-minute increments when you’re enrolled in the program; you only pay for what you need. You may call Aegis directly for more information or to request enrollment (919-442-5252) or speak with Fearrington Cares staff (919-542-6877) on weekdays between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Welcome to Our New Residents
The following new villagers were added to the Fearrington Village Directory between February 15 and March 14. Want to reach out to your new neighbor? You will find their contact information on our community web page. Go to: FearringtonFHA.org (click Find People under the Directory tab).
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Gillian Ann Aylward & Mark Stafford Smith | 288 Stoneview |
| Alex & Betty Epanchin | 654 Spindlewood |
| S. Maggiore | C-203 C Wing** |
| Deborah (Debbie) Montague | 1396 Bradford Place |
| Tom Pelier & Linda Rice | 3 McDowell (1007*) |
| Don & Marcie Ver Ploeg | 34 Caldwell (1211*) |
*Fearrington Post number
**Galloway Ridge
Are you a new resident? To register your information in the Directory, please visit the FHA website at https://fearringtonfha.org. From the left menu (top right on a mobile device) choose Directory, then select New Residents. To confirm you are not a spambot, answer the two questions (answers: Cow and Fitch), and select Check answers. This should take you to the new resident directory registration page.
To obtain full access to website features, you must also create a website account (available only to residents or non-resident owners). You can do this by selecting the Login/Register link in the top menu. Enter your information and select Register . Once your status as a resident or non-resident owner is confirmed by the Website Resource Team, you will receive an account activation email.
Are you an existing resident whose contact information has changed? Don’t forget to update your listing on the http://www.fearringtonfha.org website. Use the Login/Register link in the top menu if you aren’t logged in yet. Then, click the Directory tab on the left menu (top right on a mobile device), then select Edit My Directory Info. Directory updates can also be sent to directory@fearringtonfha.org. When you update your contact information online, the updates will be included in the Fearrington Village Directory & Handbook printed in January of each year. Stay in touch with your fellow residents by keeping your contact information current.
Death Notices: Residents may sign up to receive email notices of the deaths of current and former Village residents by emailing notices@fearringtonfha.org. Survivors wishing to submit a notice or obituary can use the same email address. Notices or obituaries should include the name of deceased, survivors (optional), date (and optionally cause) of death, particulars about funeral or memorial service, and any donations in memoriam.
April 2023 Calendar
April 2023 CalendarAll activities will be held at The Gathering Place unless otherwise noted.
View Online Calendar as a List
These links will bring you to the online Combined Village Calendar, which is updated periodically from multiple sources. The Table below contains the calendar compiled by the editors from announcements that are submitted for publication.
::
| Day/Date/Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday April 4 1-2 pm Sarah P. Duke Gardens 420 Anderson St. Durham | Fearrington Garden Club | Tour of Sarah P. Duke Gardens | Debbie Liebtag dliebtag50@gmail.com 919-619-6245 |
| Wednesday April 5 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Ta Contento Mex Fresh | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday April 6 10 am-12 pm The Old Lystra Inn 1164 Old Lystra Road Chapel Hill | School of Athens | Ekphrastic Poetry class Instructor: Blaine Paxton Hall | Blaine Paxton Hall bph7952@gmail.com |
| Thursday April 6 7 pm | Film Nite | Fearrington Cares | FearringtonFilmNite @gmail.com |
| Saturday April 8 11 am Fearrington Playground on Benchmark | FHA | Easter Egg Hunt | Maggie Tunstall metunstall@nc.rr.com |
| Saturday April 8 1-4 pm | Mah Jongg Dragons | Mah Jongg | Polly Williams pw82550@gmail.com 919-478-4260 |
| Wednesday April 12 11 am-12 pm | Fearrington Green Scene | Meeting | Jason Welsch janemcw@aol.com 914-806-4852 |
| Wednesday April 12 2:30 pm Optional lunch 1 pm Top of the Hill Tour begins outside the Post Office, E. Franklin Street downtown Chapel Hill | Women of Fearrington | April road trip— Parallel Lives of Chapel Hill | Carol Leatherman leathermancarol @gmail.com |
| Wednesday April 12 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | The Blue Window | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday April 13 1:30 pm | Fearrington Great Decisions | Dr. Harvey L. McMurray Professor of Criminal Justice, Executive Director, Institute for Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Department of Criminal Justice, North Carolina Central University— Contemporary Issues Involving Police Use of Force and the Disparate Treatment of African Americans: Truth or Fiction | Liz and Fred Welfel fredatty@yahoo.com 919-704-8416 |
| Thursday April 13 7 pm | Fearrington Cares | Education Program: Could it be Neuropathy? | info@fearringtoncares.org |
| Saturday April 15 9 am-12 pm Rain Date: Saturday April 22 | Women of Fearrington | Spring Stroll (formerly Paws for a Cause) | Barbara Gilbert bekgilbert@aol.com |
| Sunday April 16 3 pm | Fearrington Concert Series | Students from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts | Judy Morris jwmsings@gmail.com Nina Alperin 919-704-8796 |
| Monday April 17 12 pm Location TBA | Women of Fearrington | Small Group Gathering | Carol Wade wade-a@sbcglobal.net |
| Tuesday April 18 1:30-2:30 pm | Fearrington Garden Club | April Meeting | Debbie Liebtag dliebtag50@gmail.com 919-619-6245 |
| Wednesday April 19 10:15 am McIntyre’s Books | AM Book Club | Monthly book discussion— The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer | Catherine Clare catfearr@gmail.com CaroleYardley peacefulathome @bellsouth.net |
| Wednesday April 19 1:30 pm | Women of Fearrington | General Meeting Bill Horner III— For better or worse, the internet has transformed the way we access news and entertainment. | |
| Wednesday April 19 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Chirba Dumpling | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Wednesday April 19 6:30 pm via Zoom | League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties | How the Court System Works: Hear from Local Judges | Anne Triulzi LWVAnne2021 @gmail.com |
| Thursday April 20 1-2:30 pm | Fearrington Dog Club | Monthly Meeting— Living with Senior Dogs | Ann Melchior amelchior@verizon.net |
| Thursday April 20 3:30-5 pm Belted Goat tent | Women of Fearrington | Meet & Greet | Mary Ann Petruska member.wof@gmail.com |
| Tuesday April 25 7 pm | Fearrington Democratic Club | Speaker TBA | Cheri DeRosia cheri_derosia @hotmail.com 919-923-4506 |
| Wednesday April 26 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Cousins Maine Lobster | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Wednesday April 26 5 pm Swim and Croquet Club | Fearrington Tennis and Pickleball Association | Tennis and Pickleball Social | Betty Robie bettycrobie@gmail.com |
| Thursday April 27 1:30 pm North Langdon Trail on Millcroft | Fearrington Cares | Education Program: A Walk in the Woods | info@fearringtoncares.org |
| Meeting Multiple Days in April | |||
| Monday April 3, 10, 17, & 24 7-9 pm | Card Knights | Poker | Bob Spillane weathersfield1 @gmail.com 828-545-1152 |
| Wednesday April 5, 12, & 26 1 pm Friday April 21 1 pm | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge | Dianne Hale haledianne@gmail.com |
| Upcoming Events in May | |||
| Friday May 5 2-6 pm | FHA, Fearrington Cares, Swim & Croquet Club, and Women of Fearrington | Fearrington Founders Festival | Tony Daniels tdanielsuk@icloud.com |
| Friday May 5 7:00 pm Sunday May 7 2:30 pm Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge | Fearrington Village Singers | 2023 Spring Concert | Anne Hummel annedhummel@gmail.com 336-209-7024 |
| Saturday May 13 10 am-12 pm Chapel in the Pines 314 Great Ridge Pkwy. Chapel Hill | The School of Athens | Special Event: Presentation—Gender-Variant Persons in History and Mythology, Cross-Culturally, and in Art | Blaine Paxton Hall bph7952@gmail.com |
| Wednesday May 17 11 am-2 pm Governor’s Club | Chatham Literacy | Spring for Literacy Author Event— Lee Smith Silver Alert | Oscar Manzanarez oscar@chathamliteracy.org 919-742-0578 |
| Saturday May 20 9 am-12 pm | Fearrington Green Scene | FHA/Green Scene Spring Event | Jason Welsch janemcw@aol.com 914-806-4852 |
Our Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the health, safety, and welfare of residents. In addition to fostering resident participation, the FHA is responsible for maintenance of common property and covenant enforcement. For additional details, including job descriptions, visit the FHA tab on our webpage, fearringtonfha.org.
| The Belted Gazette
| Submissions Content deadlines are the 15th of the previous month. All persons submitting content will receive a confirmation email. Email submissions to: editors @fearringtonfha.org. Do you have content for an upcoming newsletter? Please read the Publishing Guidelines at https://fearringtonfha.org/newsletter-guidelines-for-d-hb/. The Belted Gazette is produced by the Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA), by and for the residents of Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC. The Belted Gazette contains community news, reports from the FHA Board members, items of interest to residents, and announcements of club and neighborhood activities. The Belted Gazette is published electronically 11 times a year (July/August is a combined issue). A link to the current issue is emailed to all residents who have an email address in the FHA Directory. A PDF copy of the current issue and back issues can be found on the FHA website (fearringtonfha.org). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||