23 Nov FHA Newsletter 2022-12 December
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
December 2022 Volume 41 Number 11
President’s Message
As Thanksgiving recedes and I begin my second term as president of the FHA, I want to thank the many people who have stopped me to say “thank you” for my service when they have seen me in the Village. Despite the issues that we deal with on a daily basis, I think our entire Board feels good that we are helping to make our community an even better place to live. I know that I continue to be thankful that my husband and I made the decision to move here three-and-one-half years ago, and I am still struck by how much pleasure I receive when I turn onto Village Way and see the bucolic fields with our Beltie cows, the white fences and silo, and often a lovely Carolina blue sky.
I hope that many of you were able to log on for our Annual Meeting, where we welcomed two new Board members: Steve Gambino—treasurer—and Steve Stewart—director of Health, Safety, & Security. We also said goodbye to two dedicated Board members: Tony Daniels and Warren Ort. Both made outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life in Fearrington. During the meeting, we presented a new approach to the question of what to do with Beechmast Pond. While recognizing that dredging the pond is a large expenditure that could become even more costly in the future, the Board felt that there were still too many unanswered questions related to the Kris Bass proposal to turn the pond back into a stream. For example, how much would it cost to bring in enough dirt to fill the area that had been the pond and make it into a community amenity by installing a bridge over the new creek for walkers and putting in a gazebo or picnic tables for all to enjoy? Would this reclaimed land become rapidly overgrown with invasive species? What if we were unable to get a grant to pay for up to 50% of the cost of the stream restoration?
Given all these questions, the Board has decided to adopt a “Go Slow” approach. We spoke with an ecologist who suggested if we didn’t dredge the pond as frequently or if we stopped the dredging altogether, the pond would slowly fill up with silt on its own, and the creek could then reestablish itself, although he thought this would take 20 to 40 years. The advantage of the Go Slow approach is that we can change our mind and go after grants that would let us do a more extensive restoration project if any problems arise in the years ahead.
Also at the meeting, we announced that our 2023 dues will go up by 5% to $197.40, or 54 cents a day. However, the Board informed residents that we are going to do a deep dive into our budget in the months ahead to determine if we are as financially sound as we need to be, given factors such as inflation, the growing amount of property that we must maintain, and the age of our infrastructure. The 5% cap on dues increases allowed by our covenants does not give us much maneuverability. The Board may decide that we should raise our base dues in 2024, recognizing that this can only be done through a vote of our homeowners. We very much want community involvement in our decision-making process, so we will present our findings in open meetings and newsletter articles over the next several months, so we can get your input.
Let me conclude by welcoming all the new residents in the Village (almost 100 homes turned over this year) and wishing all of you a very happy and healthy holiday season.
—Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
| This Month’s News |
| It’s Directory Time |
| FHA Annual Meeting News |
| Now HEAR This! |
FHA Board Members 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? Email us at the above address and we will send you the Publishing Guidelines. 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). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
It’s Directory Time
The annual printed Directory & Handbook (D&H) for 2023 will be sent to the printer in December and distributed to residents in early January. The D&H is printed directly from our website, fearringtonfha.org, so residents should make sure that their information in the online directory is up to date. You can edit your information directly online by choosing “Edit My Directory Info” under the “Directory” tab or send an email to directory @fearringtonfha.org. In addition, clubs and groups should be sure that their descriptions and contact details reflected on the website are current; any changes or updates should be sent to admin @fearringtonfha.org. All changes must be made by December 7 in order to be certain of inclusion in the 2023 D&H.
—Tony Carroll, Communications Director communications @fearringtonfha.org
FHA Annual Meeting News
In connection with the annual meeting of the FHA on November 20, 2022, Fearrington Village residents elected four FHA Board members: Steve Gambino, treasurer; Judy Graham, secretary; Pam Bailey, director of community affairs; and Steve Stewart, director of health, safety, & security. Tony Daniels and Warren Ort are stepping down from the Board, with our heartfelt thanks for their service. A list of all of the current Board and Nominating Committee members can be found HERE, and a description of the directors’ responsibilities can be found HERE.
Also elected were three new members of the Nominating Committee: Tony Daniels, Christina Graybard, and Cathy Morehead. The Nominating Committee is charged with identifying and recruiting future members of the Board.
At the meeting, the outgoing treasurer, Tony Daniels, presented a financial overview of 2022 and the budget for 2023; Director of Grounds and Landscaping Pat McGahan discussed the FHA’s policy concerning accepting certain common parcels from Fitch Creations and the Board’s current approach to Beechmast Pond; and President Rose Krasnow previewed some of the challenges faced by the Village and the FHA going forward. The meeting was then opened to questions from residents. A recording of the meeting will be available for approximately 30 days HERE. Written responses to those questions will be posted on the FHA website with the minutes to the meeting.
—Judy Graham, FHA Secretary secretary@fhaboard.org
NOW HEAR THIS… NOW HEAR THIS…
The FHA Board has installed NEW TECHNOLOGY to enhance your hearing capability at The Gathering Place (TGP)!!!
AudioFetch has been installed to deliver any program at TGP to your Bluetooth hearing aids OR to your headphones or earphones.
Here’s how to do it:
- Download the AudioFetch application (App) from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to your smart device (iPhone, iPad, iPod, or any Android phone or tablet).
- Once at TGP, sign on to The Gathering Place-Guest Network (see WiFi instructions posted on the wall at the front of the Large Room).
- Open Audio Fetch. It will automatically connect to the AudioFetch system.
- Use your headphones, earphones, or Bluetooth/advanced hearing aids and listen to the presentation.
** Make sure to charge your device’s batteries before coming to TGP. **
If your smart device does not deliver phone calls and music directly to your hearing aids, we suggest that you use noise-canceling headphones, earphones, or AirPods because they will be able to block out unwanted room noise.
The Board is excited to bring this upgrade to TGP and trusts you will enjoy the added hearing capabilities.
We welcome any comments or questions; send to AV-Support@fearringtonfha.org.
—Preston Thomas, Head, The Gathering Place Improvement Committee
Scene Around Fearrington
By Tony Daniels
Humankind has learned to coexist with nature over the centuries. When nature thrives, we flourish. Animals and plants through the seasons can delight us and make us feel better about ourselves. Fearrington is like living in a state park. Its roads, paths and trails provide us access to the natural setting. The images I take attempt to share the splendor of the village and hopefully have both a restorative feeling and fascination of nature’s many facets.
From top left: Stag in velvet, Web of funnel-web spider, Carolina wren, Maple leaves
Yellow-crowned heron, Tobacco hornworm, Great blue heron, Red-tailed hawk
Red fox, Red polypore fungus, Chipmunk
Click on a label to see an enlarged version of the photo.
Tony Daniels’ photographs have appeared several times in the FHA newsletter, from before it became The Belted Gazette, to as recently as last month.
We are in the process of planning topics for the Scene Around Fearrington articles for next year. If you have suggestions for potential topics or can suggest any local photographers (including yourself) whose work you would like to see featured, please send your ideas to Gordon Pitz (gfpitz@gmail.com).
For January, we have in mind an article devoted to winter—it seems appropriate. If you have any photos of winter in Fearrington you think would be suitable, send a copy of the photo to gfpitz@gmail.com. To conserve space, please keep the largest dimension (width or height) to less than 1,000 pixels. If you are not sure how to do that, please contact me. Send me your photos by December 12.
Fearrington Residents Reflect on the Rewards of Being an Election Worker
By Jackie Walters, Features Editor
On every election day, thousands of citizens across our country wake in darkness and ready themselves for a 15–18-hour day working at the polls. Before dawn, they are completing the required protocols to ready the site and its equipment for voters in line when the polls open. Across age, gender, racial, religious, and party lines, veteran and new poll workers alike form teams committed to one purpose: welcoming their fellow citizens and helping them exercise their most fundamental right—voting.
At least eight Fearrington Village residents volunteered to work for the Chatham County Board of Elections during early voting and on November 8. Recently, five of them gathered to share stories of their experiences and why they plan to serve again. For brevity and clarity, responses to questions are presented in bulleted segments.
TBG: What motivated you to become a poll worker?
- People who work the polls know firsthand how fail-safe the parameters are to ensure every vote is counted, fairly and legally.
- A shortage of poll workers during Covid made me realize I am healthy, competent, and interested, and I have the time, so why not volunteer. I love it!
- In my previous job, I knew a lot of local government workers who felt conducting elections was their most important job, and their commitment inspired me.
- I wanted to uphold the integrity of the system in light of conversations about potential fraud.
- I appreciated the $15/hour compensation and wish more young people and underemployed workers realized what a great opportunity this is to learn something valuable, contribute to their community, and get paid for it.
TBG: Why will you do it again?
- It’s a joy to see—and celebrate—first-time voters, especially newly naturalized citizens and young people who registered when they were still in high school.
- Most voters are polite, kind, and appreciative.
- Our Chatham County Board of Elections team is professional, experienced, and knowledgeable. They are committed to following North Carolina law and to ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote safely and securely. They do a great job of training, and they are always available on election days with help and support.
- The diversity among Chatham County residents provides a great perspective on our community.
- You meet really great people.
TBG: What stands out for you from being a poll worker?
- All the children who came with their parents. It was fun to encourage children to make sure their parents colored within the lines, just like they do in first grade.
- Loved seeing children who came with one parent come back with the other one so they could get more “I voted” stickers.
- At the ballot station, it was great to see parents let their children put their ballot into the machine and to hand out “I voted” stickers to the kids.
- I was touched to see how many young parents included their children.
- It was inspiring to observe some family units who had a lot to manage with very small children, infants-in-arms, or elderly or disabled members who needed assistance and to see their determination to vote.
- The diversity and firmness of purpose among curbside voters and their drivers. I was touched by the two 99-year-olds (one of whom was the driver!) who came out to vote.
- Watching long lines of people have quiet, polite conversations while they waited patiently to vote.
- Our Chief Judge singing “All is well” and dancing through the gymnasium, rewarding voters’ patience during our on-the-hour reconciliation with some lighthearted humor.
- Realizing voting is the great equalizer: every citizen has the opportunity to vote and to have their vote count.
TBG: What would you say to motivate a prospective volunteer?
- All of the above.
TBG: Thanks to Don Bailey, Adrienne and Ed Lallo, Leigh Matthews, Liz Swaringen, Lynda Thomsen, and Jim and Jackie Walters for giving their time at the polls this election year and to Mark Haslam, FHA’s infrastructure & facilities director, who helped ready The Gathering Place, West Williams precinct’s polling place, on primary election day and for the general election. If you are interested in joining Chatham County’s team, you can apply here to become a poll worker: https://airtable.com/shremJld5aKfC96cr.
Jackie and her husband, Jim, worked both the primary and general election in 2022. They enjoy working with their teams of poll workers and sharing their positive experiences with others.
The 30th Annual Chatham Artists Guild Studio Tour
By Leslie Palmer
The Chatham Artists Guild Studio Tour offers an ideal opportunity to take a relaxing drive through Chatham County’s rolling hills and pastoral farmlands to visit 54 artists in 39 studios that dot the Chatham countryside. The tour is held the first two weekends in December: Saturdays, December 3 and 10, from 10 am to 5pm, and Sundays, December 4 and 11, from noon to 5pm.
Meet the artists, learn about their process and artistic vision, and browse affordable original works of art. For more information or to download the brochure, visit ChathamStudioTour.org.
Fearrington Artists Opening Their Studios:
Lee Kazanas: Stoneware and porcelain pottery, plus garden sculptures. Studio #19 at 57 Stone Ledge, 518-524-1323, ChathamArtistsGuild.org/artists/Lee-Kazanas.
Darcy Szeremi: Handcrafted sterling silver jewelry depicting themes from pictorial to whimsical. Studio #19 at 57 Stone Ledge, 919-597-0504, DarcySzeremi.com.
Forrest C. Greenslade, PhD: Nature-inspired paintings and sculpture. Studio #21 at 149 Tinderwood, 919-545-9743, www.OrganicForrestry.com.
Daphne Boder: Soft pastel landscapes in vibrant colors depicting beautiful natural settings. Studio #22 at 190 Weatherbend, 304-444-2124, DaphneBoder.com.
Lee Kazanas Darcy Szeremi Forest Greenslade Daphne Boder
Click on name above to enlarge the artist’s image.
Jim Aiken: Acrylic paintings, both abstract and light-in-nature impressionism. Studio #23 at 300 Village Way, 970-471-3066, https://chathamartistsguild.org/artists/jim-aiken/.
Eric Saunders: Outdoor photography, urban and natural, some digital enhancement. Studio #24 at 485 Beechmast, 919-533-3030, HillsboroughGallery.com/Eric-Saunders.
Vidabeth Bensen: Original hand-printed cards, t-shirts, framed and unframed prints, and calendars. Studio #25 at 601 Stoneview, 804-833-1401, www.HouseOfLifePrints.com.
Minnie C. Gallman: Photography and notecards depicting nature and eclectic subjects. Minnie’s photographs may be viewed at Vidabeth Bensen’s, Studio #25 at 601 Stoneview, 919-533-6616, https://minnie-gallman.pixels.com/.
Leslie Palmer: Watercolors, acrylic abstracts, and graphite drawings to inspire peaceful contemplation. Leslie’s drawings and paintings may be viewed at Vidabeth Bensen’s, Studio #25 at 601 Stoneview, LesliePalmerFineArt.com. Studio visits and classes by appointment, 919-929-9268.
Jim Aiken Eric Saunders Vidabeth Bensen Minnie Gallman Leslie Palmer
Click on name above to enlarge the artist’s image.
A Holiday Wish from Your Volunteer Food Truck Team
By Wendy Snodgrass
We wish our neighbors a happy holiday season and hope that our visiting food trucks listed below offer respite and simple meals on nights when you may be busy preparing for the holidays.
December 7 – Blue Window Mediterranean
December 14 – Cousins Maine Lobster
December 21 – Chirba Chirba Dumpling
December 28 – Ta Contento Mexicano
You can preorder through our hotspot page for all vendors except Cousins Maine Lobster, which has its own app for ordering (found in the App Store or Google Play). Pick up between 5:00 and 7:30 pm in The Gathering Place parking lot.
In this season of miracles and generosity, we have a holiday wish that we hope can be fulfilled…
We desperately need food truck greeters so we can continue to welcome these mobile dining options to Fearrington in the new year. If you recall the time when a food truck parked in the wrong place, you know how critical this job is! Those who placed preorders couldn’t find the food truck, and it was blocking traffic flow to the mail kiosk. Chaos and calamity ensued! Help us bring calmness and order to the new year. If only four volunteers would each commit to one hour each month, we would be covered. Please email drepplier@gmail.com for details.
On that note, I bid you adieu, as a new food truck promoter will be taking over my role. As we roll into the new year, be assured that you haven’t heard the last from me. I will be promoting other events that bring our community together. Until then…Happy New Year everyone!
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
Please use the Announcement Submission Form to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
Bocce Club
There is mixed men’s and women’s open play on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm. Newcomers are welcome! A great way to enjoy the outdoors! The bocce pitches are at the end of Benchmark in the Historic District. For more information, contact Jim Rudbeck at 919-444-3117 or jprudbeck40@gmail.com.
Democratic Club
At our next meeting on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place, our intriguing post-election topic is: “Fast-growing North Carolina Faces an Identity Crisis.” Our speaker is Jim Buie, Fearrington resident, journalist, educator, and writer on varied topics, including history, global culture, politics, and the sociology of religion. He grew up in Scotland County, currently the county with the highest unemployment in the state, and now lives just 75 miles away in Chatham County, which currently has the lowest unemployment in the state.
This event is open to all Fearrington and Galloway Ridge residents. Vaccinated and boosted to attend in person, please—masks are recommended in The Gathering Place. To request Zoom registration, use the contact form on the Club’s website: https://www.fearringtondems.org/our-club/contact-us.
Dog Club
The Dog Club is taking December off, but the program committee will be working behind the scenes on meeting topics for 2023. We’ll publicize our next meeting in the January issue of The Belted Gazette.
In the meantime, if you have been meaning to join our club, visit the Dog Club’s page on the FHA web site for our membership application, as well as the most up-to-the-minute information on future meetings.
Happy holidays to our two- and four-legged friends!
Dragons Mah Jongg Club
The Dragons are Ready to Play!!
Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons play on the second Saturday of the month, December 10, 2022, 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.
Fearrington Dragons places a group order for new Mah Jongg cards each year, which results in a donation to CORA from the National Mah Jongg League. Last year, we raised $190 just by placing the group order.
The 2023 cards can be ordered now (they will be mailed directly to you in the spring). Standard cards are $14; large-print are $15. If you want to order your card through the Dragons, submit your request to Mary Donna Pond. If paying by check, make payable to Mary Donna Pond; if paying in cash, put the exact amount in an envelope with your mailing address and email address. Mail or deliver to Mary Donna (1333 Langdon Place/1333 Fearrington Post). Deadline for ordering is January 15, 2023.
If you do not wish to continue with the Mah Jongg Dragons, please contact Mary Donna, so she can remove you from the mailing list.
Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@gmail.com to reserve your place.
Drinks and snacks will be provided! May the jokers be ever in your favor!!
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
A bad day at the bridge table is still better than cleaning the house! Join us for a face-to-face game every Wednesday in December (7, 14, 21, 28). We play at 1 pm at The Gathering Place.
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
Poinsettia Sale
These beautiful poinsettias have been grown by the students at Chatham Central High School. They are 18-20” tall, grown in 8” pots with three plants per pot, and are wrapped in burlap with a bow. The price for each pot is $20, and 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the Chatham Central High School Horticulture Program.
Order forms are available in all mail kiosks and on the Garden Club group portal at
https://fearringtonfha.org/fearrington-garden-club-home-and-news/. Forms and checks should be deposited in the Garden Club box in the Swim & Croquet mail kiosk. Order deadline: Thursday, December 1.
Pick-up day is Tuesday, December 6, between 9 am and noon at The Gathering Place. Some varietal poinsettias will also be available for sale in The Gathering Place that day, while supplies last. And while you are there, you can fill your pantry with scrumptious baked goods offered at the Women of Fearrington’s Holiday Market.
Holiday Wreath-Making Class
Join friends and neighbors to make a festive holiday wreath on Friday, December 2, from 9 am to noon at The Gathering Place. The class fee is $20, which covers all materials. Registration is limited. To register, email dliebtag50@gmail.com. All Fearrington residents are welcome.
Genealogy Group
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Place: The Gathering Place, large room
Time: 3-5 pm
Event: Illustrated lecture by club member Dr. Marcia Herman-Giddens: “Genealogy Lessons Learned: the journey into my family’s slave owning past across the South.” The research Marcia will describe forms the basis for her new book, Unloose My Heart, which the University of Alabama Press will debut in January 2023.
Fearrington Genealogy Group meetings are open to all members of our community. Contact Linda T. Grimm at 919-533-6296 for additional information.
Green Scene
At the FHA/Green Scene October 15 “2-in-1” event at The Gathering Place parking lot, we collected 55.1 pounds of medications and shredded 3,240 pounds of paper. That paper was sent to a Georgia Pacific Company toilet tissue factory in Georgia for recycling.
One of our scientifically informed Green Scene members, Jon Darling, shared the following information: each ton (2,000 pounds) of recycled paper can save approximately 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of electricity, and 7000 gallons of water.
We will be holding our spring “2-in-1” event on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Hope to see you there.
Also, there will be no Green Scene meeting in December. Our next meeting is 11 am at The Gathering Place on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Come along and bring a friend.
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
Fearrington Green Scene
914-806-4852 (Cell Phone)
Havurah
Magnolia Klezmer Band Tuesday, December 13, at 7 pm
Please join Fearrington Havurah on Tuesday, December 13, at 7 pm at The Gathering Place for a festive Hanukkah celebration with the Magnolia Klezmer Band. They have been performing for 27 years throughout the Triangle. They will bring their unique mingling of traditional eastern European Jewish music, jazz, and brass with Yiddish theater tunes. It will be a special celebration, complete with latkes and other goodies. Masks are recommended.
PORCH Fearrington
A huge thank-you to everyone who participated in our turkey-breast drive! We collected 91 turkey breasts/turkeys for families in need. The overall November PORCH collection was impressive—4,784 pounds of food—our largest collection ever! Our Fearrington community is amazingly generous.
The next collection will be on December 19. If you are new to PORCH and would like to participate, you can find contact information for your neighborhood coordinator on our website: www.porchfearrington.org. Thank you!
Social Bridge Club
Want to play bridge with friends in a casual game once a month? The Social Bridge Club offers that opportunity but is in need of a coordinator to get things running again. If you might be interested, please call or email Catherine Garland: cgar613178@gmail.com or 301-466-0622.
Swim & Croquet Club
The FSCC Board of Directors is sorry to lose several outstanding Board members at the end of 2022, due to their expiring terms. On the positive side, our recruitment efforts have produced great candidates for the next Board. Members, watch for an email at the end of 2022 with information about these candidates as well as ballots to be completed before the Annual Meeting in January. At this meeting, we will reflect on a very successful 2022 season and our 2023 plans.
The annual Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club Tournament was held November 1, 2022. Ten members competed in a round-robin doubles tournament beginning at 10:30 am. After a break for lunch, play continued until the finals later in the afternoon. Our tournament director, John May, kept us organized and tabulated results. The competition was close, ending in a tie-breaker! Congratulations to our winners and to the many members who participated in making the day a success: first place—Edith Seno and Mary Norgren; runner-up—Karin Ritter and Mariana Fiorentino.
Tennis & Pickleball Association
Welcome Galloway Ridge!
Did you know that Galloway Ridge residents play pickleball on the courts on Benchmark?
During the first week in November, 10 Galloway Ridge residents picked up pickleball paddles for the first time.
FTPA volunteers introduced our Fearrington Village neighbors to laughter and fun, the only rules that matter in the fastest-growing sport in America.
All Fearrington residents are welcome to join us for an “Introduction to Pickleball” clinic offered at 11 am every Sunday in December except for Christmas Day.
Happy Holidays from the FTPA!
Village Carolina Club
Galloway Ridge Bus Service for Carolina Men’s Basketball Fans
Galloway Ridge will run a bus to all UNC Men’s Basketball home games this season. The bus will run from the main entrance of Galloway Ridge to the Smith Center. Arrive at the lobby to check in 1 hour and 30 minutes before tipoff. Several seats will be available for Fearrington Village Carolina Club members, as well as nonmember Fearrington Village Residents and their guests. The cost is $5/person round trip, payable by check made out to Galloway Ridge and given to the driver.
You must provide your own ticket for the game. These are available from the Athletic Department Ticket Office (800-722-4335) or StubHub.com.
Preregistration is required for this bus service. To preregister, please call or email the Club’s community outreach coordinator for this service at least two days during the workweek before the game. The coordinator is:
Jennifer Watson
919-545-2671
jwatson@gallowayridge.com
Village Singers
Friday, December 9, at 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 11, at 2:30 pm
Galloway Ridge, Chapin Auditorium
Tickets: $17.00 in advance
Online at fearringtonvillagesingers.org or
at the Fearrington Farmers Market on Tuesdays.
Not available at the door.
’Tis the Season to come and celebrate with us!
Women of Fearrington
December is still a great time to join in the fun, help others, and make a difference in our community. We look forward to sharing meaningful experiences with you! Please take a moment to renew your 2022-2023 membership, if you haven’t done so already. We always appreciate your support. Click here for a membership form.
While some events are also fundraising opportunities, Wonderful Options Fund donations are the main source of funding for our grants that support the women and children of Chatham County. Make your contribution now! Large or small, any amount will help. Women of Fearrington is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To donate, click here.
Preparations are ongoing for this year’s Holiday Bakery & Market to be held at The Gathering Place on Tuesday, December 6, 9 am to 1 pm. There will again be a variety of baked goods and handcrafted cards for sale. This year we are hoping to offer more gluten-free items as well as a new feature of “production baking,” where small loaves of bread will be freshly baked on site the day of the event and available hot (almost!) from the oven. As in years past, shoppers will “build” their own bags of 13 cookies (baker’s dozen), and these will be packaged in attractive cellophane bags and finished with ribbon and tags for our customers’ pleasure or to be given as gifts. This event has become a well-loved and enthusiastically supported Women of Fearrington tradition, so join in the fun and have your holiday spirit ignited! Cookie bakers are still needed. For more information, contact Jo Bolig, jobolig@gmail.com.
Community Agencies
Chatham Connecting
Bringing Together Those Who Need Help with Those Who Can Help
It’s December and winter is nearly here. With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are thinking about travel, gift-giving, and the needs of our Chatham County neighbors. You can make a positive difference in an elderly person’s or a child’s holiday experience by donating to one of the Chatham County agencies or nonprofits that support our neighbors with special programs during the holiday season. Below are listed three organizations in need of your help. For more information about these and many other nonprofits, please visit chathamconnecting.org.
“Christmas Wishes,” a program of Chatham County Department of Social Services (DSS), provides holiday gifts for children in foster care and/or receiving services through the child welfare system. Each year community donors volunteer to fulfill three specific “wishes” for each child enrolled in the program. Sponsors also may choose to give a financial contribution. All sizes of sponsorship are graciously welcomed. Contributions may be sent by check payable to Chatham County DSS Foster Children’s Fund at PO Box 489, Pittsboro, NC 27312. For more information: 919-726-6270 or donate2christmaswishes@gmail.com.
“Christmas Dreams” provides Christmas gifts for needy adult clients. Donors can choose to send a monetary donation or gift certificate for a specific retailer to the Chatham County DSS Adult Services Fund at the Pittsboro address above. Additionally, donations of personal goods, such as toiletry items, personal care items, and new or gently used clothing, are always welcomed. For more information, call 919-642-6958.
“Angel Tree” is a program of the Chatham County Council on Aging to help seniors during the holidays. The Chatham Country Council on Aging promotes and encourages independent living and physical and mental wellness among the population over 60 years of age via a broad variety of agency activities. For more information, call 919-542-4512.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Salvation Army
Bell Ringers Awake!
For over 30 years, Fearrington and Galloway residents have rung the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas time. We will again be at Lowes Foods at Chatham Crossing and at Walmart. This year, we are adding the new Food Lion in Briar Chapel (in “The District” on 15-501) and Tuesdays at the Farmer’s Market right here in Fearrington Village. We need your help.
Before the pandemic, Fearrington and Galloway Ridge volunteers collected over $20,000 each year. Our hope is to beat that number this year! The Salvation Army Chatham County Service Unit has set an overall Kettle Campaign goal of $65,000 to help individuals and families who continue to struggle to make ends meet. We have already received an anonymous donation of $5,000 to kick off the campaign. All the money collected stays in Chatham County.
We still have primetime slots available. We started on Monday, November 14, and we will ring until Christmas Eve. Please call Tom Roswick at 336-693-8407 to sign up to help The Salvation Army keep “Doing the Most Good” in Chatham County.
Continuing Education
OLLI: Osher Lifelong-Learning Institute at Duke University
OLLI is a year-round educational community based on the Duke campus, with classes also offered at other venues, including Galloway Ridge. Courses cover history, literature, natural or social sciences, art, music, drama, and current events. Courses are held on Zoom or in person. Catalogs will be available online in mid-December. Winter registration is January 10 and 11; the winter term begins January 30 and ends April 6. For more information visit learnmore.duke.edu/olli.
If you have any questions, call Warren Ort, 919-533-6597.
Shared Learning Association of Chapel Hill
Take Advantage
Shared Learning Association of Chapel Hill (www.sharedlearning.us) is offering to the general public its winter semester of 20 noncredit courses via Zoom and on-site from mid-January to mid–April. Since 1979, Shared Learning has sponsored high-quality continuing education courses over three semesters, led by eager volunteers and valued by lifelong learners. On-site meetings are held in rooms of our host, the Church of Reconciliation (110 N. Elliott Road, Chapel Hill). The public may register for a yearly membership and enrollment in daytime courses from December 12 to mid-January. With a $70 membership fee per person, members can enroll in an unlimited number of courses each semester. The catalog and registration information are posted on www.sharedlearning.us. To receive a paper copy of the catalog, email welcome@sharedlearning.us.
The School of Athens
Introducing The School of Athens, a new, independent, unaffiliated, nonprofit adult academy. Watch the website, and this newsletter, for developing details about upcoming course offerings and/or events. 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 |
Happy Holidays!
The Fearrington Cares Center Will Be Closed December 19 and Reopen on January 2
The Center may be closed for the holidays, but our volunteers will be busy providing transportation and Handyperson services. If you need assistance with either of these areas, call the Center at 919-542-6877 and leave a voicemail message in the appropriate mailbox; a volunteer will be in touch with you. Messages left in the general mailbox or for Karen Metzguer will be retrieved on January 2.
Reflections from the Director
As the Director of Fearrington Cares I have the privilege of working with wonderful staff and more than 100 generous volunteers. I see our staff and volunteers give 110% with open hearts and ready hands in the service of this organization.
Please remember Fearrington Cares when you plan your end-of-year giving this Holiday Season. We exist to help all Fearrington residents enjoy better, less stressful lives. To do this we depend on your generous (and tax deductible) donations. We know that you have many important causes to choose from during this philanthropic season and greatly appreciate whatever you are able to contribute.
You may be surprised to learn the multiple ways we are able to receive financial support in addition to a mailed or delivered check or a donation by credit card on our web site:
- ♥ Donation of appreciated stock.
- ♥ Donation of proceeds from a vehicle sale.
- ♥ Matching donation from an employer/previous employer.
- ♥ Donation in honor of a service provided by one of our volunteers.
- ♥ Donation in memory of a friend or family member who has died.
- ♥ Donation of the proceeds of an estate sale.
- ♥ Donation at the time of death through a will.
- ♥ Donation through a Trust Fund or Foundation.
Visit the Fearrington Cares website (fearringtoncares.org) and learn how your donations are put to work supporting programs to help Villagers thrive in Fearrington. Any donations at this time of year will help position us for a terrific year of continued service in 2023. For those who have contributed this year we hope you know that you have our deep appreciation. Best wishes to all for happy and safe celebrations.
Blood Drive (Again!)
Monday, December 5, 9:00 am—1:30 pm at The Barn
After the great successes of both our January and July blood drives, Fearrington Cares and Fitch Creations are giving you another chance to bleed without the benefit of leeches. These donations are critical to the supply of blood products needed in the Triangle and are more difficult to get in December as we all plan for the holidays. Call 800-733-2767 to schedule your life-saving appointment or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Fearrington. Thank you!
Tips to Trim Holiday Stress
December 8, 7:00—8:00 pm via Zoom
Feeling a bit uneasy about the upcoming holiday season? Not sure how family members will interact? Need a few tips to stay balanced and handle stress during this busy time of the year?
Join us for a special, interactive Zoom program that offers specific techniques to:
- Use the power of “want” vs. “should” to stay holiday-balanced.
- Diffuse or stop a difficult conversation at those holiday gatherings.
- Handle criticism with care and tact—both receiving and giving.
The program will be led by a favorite Fearrington presenter, Vicki Field. Vicki has led workshops on Stress Management and Creative Communications with a wide range of audiences for decades. She shares knowledge gained through 30 years as a coach, consultant, and director of learning and development for several major corporations.
Movement Classes at the Fearrington Cares Center (except as noted)Suggested donation of $5/class session(cash or check to Fearrington Cares)Mondays, 11:30 am—Chair Yoga (at The Gathering Place.) (No class December 19, 26) Wednesdays, 11:30 am—Otago Fall-Prevention Exercises (No class December 21, 28) Thursdays, 10:00 am—Chair Tap Dance (No class December 22, 29) Thursdays, 11:30 am—Line Dancing (No class December 22, 29) Thursdays, 2:30 pm—Intermediate Yoga (No class December 22, 29) Fridays, 11:30 am—Light Cardio (No class Dec 23, 30) | Support Groups Meeting in Person at the Fearrington Cares CenterAlcoholics Anonymous: Mondays, 10:00 am (No meeting December 19, 26) Parkinson’s Group: Tuesday, December 6, 1:30-3:30 pm Brainiacs Memory Café: Wednesdays, 10:00 am (No meeting December 21, 28) Meditation: Fridays, 10:00 am (No sessions December 23, 30) |
Health Services Offered at the Fearrington Cares CenterBy Appointment 9am-12pm, Mon-FridayNurse Consultation Triage Clinic: Call 919-542-6877. Same day appointments available. Foot Clinic: Thursday, December 8; call 919-542-6877 to register. | Support Groups via Zoomfearringtoncares.org > Services > Support Groups Caregiver Support Group: Wednesdays, December 7; 1:00 pm Living with Chronic Conditions: Thursdays, December 1, 15; 1:00 pm |
Photo: Carol Leatherman
Flu Shot Clinic Success!
Fearrington Cares is so grateful to 501 Pharmacy, Han Su, and Drive-thru Flu Clinic coordinator, Terry Lucas, for another successful day of service to the community. More than 80 residents received their flu shot on October 25; 17 others were planning to participate but got the immunization in a doctor’s office visit after registering. Be sure to thank Han and everyone at 501 Pharmacy for helping us make this available again here in the community.
Donate Items to Help Others
We have so much for which to be grateful and sharing with others makes our gratitude come alive! Until mid-December, Fearrington Cares will receive donations for the Chatham Department of Social Services. Toiletries, pajamas for adults and children, warm hats and gloves are all accepted. Please drop them off at the Fearrington Cares Center from 9:00 am—1:00 pm, Monday—Friday before Friday, December 9.
Pandemic Burnout and Renewal of Hope
Think back to when we were innocent and did not really care about the rumors of a new disease on our horizon: little did we know that it would still be lurking around these MANY years later. Everyone is ready for a return to our previous lives. Burnout is to be expected as we get tired of our new normal.
One way to adjust to the new normal is to realize that we are slowly (but so surely) creeping back to our old normal. Recognize how far humanity has come from those early days when there was no clear treatment for COVID-19 and governments were stockpiling ventilators, tent hospitals were being erected, and refrigerated trucks were being used as morgues. All we could do to avoid disease was mask, wash our hands, and isolate from each other.
Now we have vaccines produced with amazing rapidity (keep funding that basic science!) that have lowered hospitalizations and deaths. We have treatments for the disease that have been proven in clinical trials (keep funding that applied science!). The start of winter can be dreary, with dark days and cold nights. Maybe you are finding hope in song, in nature, or in a poem. Consider checking in with friends for mutual support; this December we can all benefit from sharing our hopes with others.
Welcome to Our New Residents
The following new villagers were added to the Fearrington Village Directory between October 15 and November 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 |
|---|---|
Nina Alperin |
F-303 F Wing** |
Angela & Latta Baucom |
35 West Madison (1175*) |
Reed & Sue Dallmann |
1305 Langdon Place |
Tate & Terry Hamlet |
114 Stone Edge |
Carole Klein |
238 Greystone |
Martin L. Levin & Wanda Rushing |
4072 Lenoir |
Jill McDonald |
23 Yancey (1078*) |
*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.
| Day/Date/ Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday December 1 | Fearrington Garden Club | Order deadline – Annual Poinsettia Sale | Marilyn Boyle maboyle17e@gmail.com |
| Friday December 2 9 am-12 pm | Fearrington Garden Club | Holiday Wreath-Making Class | Debbie Liebtag 919-619-6615 dliebtag50@gmail.com |
| Monday December 5 9 am-1:30 pm The Fearrington Barn | Fearrington Cares | Blood Drive | American Red Cross 800-733-2767 |
| Tuesday December 6 9 am-1 pm | Women of Fearrington | Holiday Bakery & Market | Jo Bolig jobolig@gmail.com |
| Tuesday December 6 7 pm | Fearrington Democratic Club | Fast-growing North Carolina Faces an Identity Crisis | Cheri DeRosia 919-923-4506 cheri_derosia@hotmail.com |
| Wednesday December 7 5-7:30 pm The Gathering Place | Food truck | Blue Window Mediterranean | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday December 8 7 pm via Zoom (www.FearringtonCares.org for Zoom link) | Fearrington Cares | Education Program: Tips to Trim Holiday Stress | Fearrington Cares 919-542-6877 |
| Saturday December 10 1-4 pm | Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons | Mah Jongg | Robin Weinberger 919-219-5228 weinrob@msn.com Polly Williams 919-478-4260 pw82550@gmail.com |
| Tuesday December 13 3-5 pm | Fearrington Genealogy Group | Illustrated lecture by club member Dr. Marcia Herman-Giddens: “Genealogy Lessons Learned: the journey into my family’s slave-owning past across the South” | Linda T. Grimm 919-533-6296 |
| Tuesday December 13 7 pm | Fearrington Havurah | Hanukkah celebration with the Magnolia Klezmer Band | Eleanor Cornog ecornog@gmail.com |
| Wednesday December 14 5-7:30 pm The Gathering Place | Food truck | Cousins Maine Lobster | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Wednesday December 21 10:15 am McIntyre’s Bookstore | AM Book Group | Monthly book group discussion | Catherine Clare 919-704-8806 catfearr@gmail.com |
| Wednesday December 21 5-7:30 pm The Gathering Place | Food truck | Chirba Chirba Dumpling | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Wednesday December 28 5-7:30 pm The Gathering Place | Food truck | Ta Contento Mexicano | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Meeting Multiple Days in December | |||
| Sunday December 4, 11, & 18 11 am Benchmark courts | Fearrington Tennis and Pickleball Association | “Introduction to Pickleball” Clinic | Betty Robie bettycrobie@gmail.com |
| Wednesday December 7, 14, 21, & 28 1 pm | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Duplicate Bridge | Dianne Hale haledianne@gmail.com |
| Friday December 9 7 pm & Sunday December 11 2:30 pm Chapin Auditorium, Galloway Ridge | Fearrington Village Singers | ‘Tis the Season Concert | Anne Hummel 336-209-7024 annedhummel@gmail.com |
| Upcoming Event in January | |||
| Wednesday January 11 11 am | Fearrington Green Scene | Meeting | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |