25 Jun FHA Newsletter July 2022
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
July/August 2022 Volume 41 Number 7
President’s Message
In June, my husband Steve and I celebrated the third anniversary of our move to Fearrington Village from Maryland. Our timing was propitious; we arrived eight months before the pandemic shut everything down, so we had an opportunity to see Fearrington at its best and to make a lot of new friends. We were able to attend happy hours in the Grove (a small, wooded area in Weathersfield where we live). We went to movie nights and Sunday concerts at The Gathering Place. I participated in the book group that met at McIntyre’s. I joined the Duke Center for Living and made new acquaintances in my aquatics classes. Even though Covid is still around, activities are picking up again, and I hope many of you will get involved in one of the many Fearrington boards or clubs to enhance your life here.
I’ve said this before, but Fearrington is a unique community. However, I realize a little more every day that our uniqueness also poses certain challenges. It’s important to remember that the Village was conceived when the Fitches bought the Fearrington farm back in 1974 (my husband and I were in graduate school at UNC at that time). That means that Fearrington is almost 50 years old, but, in fact, only parts of it are that old. The Fitches have built different neighborhoods in different decades. Phases I–IV are called the Historic District because they contained the first lots to be developed and sold, but then Fitch Creations built the Woods (Spindlewood and its offshoots) before switching to townhouses (Countryhouse and Weathersfield) and homes with zero lot lines (the Camdens and Bradford Place). In the last twenty years, they have primarily built more traditional single-family detached homes, and, in a departure, they let another builder develop Henderson Place. They have not been in a hurry to complete all 1602 homes covered by their original planned unit development (PUD) approval, but they have tried to respond to “the market” or what people want at different points in time. Presumably that is why they recently bought another 51.8 acres of land, just south of the Village’s newest streets (Richmond, Montgomery, Forsyth, and Halifax). According to R.B. Fitch, buyers looking at property in the Village kept saying they wanted more acreage than what he was offering, so Fitch Creations purchased land that was already zoned for one-acre lots.
I think it’s fair to say that this latest purchase was a surprise to all of us. Because it lies outside of the boundaries of the original PUD, this new development, known as Granville, will have to go through the Chatham County planning process, which could take a while. The county requires the Fitches to hold a public meeting to present their plans and to obtain input. That meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, at The Barn. While this letter had to be written before that date, this is what we know so far. The Fitches are proposing to build 41 single-family houses in two phases. The average lot size will be .83 acres, and 13.43 acres will be “open-space.” (Note: This plan meets the zoning requirement for one-acre lots. Because they are required to provide the open space, the Fitches can average their density across all 53 acres.) If approved, the homes will become part of the Village, with wastewater treatment provided by Fitch Utilities (yes, there is plenty of capacity). They will be accessed off a new street, to be called Granville, that will connect to Millcroft and will have a wider right-of-way than many Fearrington streets. The Granville homes will also be over and above the 1602 previously approved PUD units, meaning the Village will be bigger than we anticipated.
This development raises several areas of concern for the Board. Will Fitch Creations provide some new recreational amenities, such as pickleball courts, given the number of residents who are now interested in that sport? Very few new amenities have been added to the Village as the number of homes has continued to grow. How many more acres of “common ground” will be turned over to the FHA as a result of this new development? Our resources are already stretched thin by all that we have to care for now, and our covenants restrict us to an annual dues increase of no more than 5% without the approval of two-thirds of our homeowners. Will we need to redo our reserve-fund analysis and reprioritize certain projects to absorb this new area?
We recognize that the Fitches saw a good business opportunity in a market that continues to be very hot. (According to a June 7 article in the Triangle Business Journal, the Raleigh metro area had the second-most single-family building permits per capita in the nation in the first quarter of 2022, trailing only Austin, Texas.) Nevertheless, we hope that Fitch Creations will work closely with us to address the concerns of both residents and the FHA to ensure that the Village will remain the very special place we all call home.
—Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
| This Month’s News |
|---|
| National Night Out |
| FHA Money News |
| New FHA Board Member |
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). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Save the Date: August 2, 2022, for Fearrington’s Second National Night Out
National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The goal is to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places by enhancing the relationship between neighbors and first responders.
The Chatham Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and the Community Emergency Response Team have agreed to attend to meet and greet residents. We may also have wildlife and forest rangers.
Bring the kids and grandchildren; fur babies are welcome, too. Music and food will be available to the first 200 attendees.
We thank Associa/HRW, our FHA management company, for supporting this event.
Join your neighbors on Tuesday, August 2, 4-7 pm, rain or shine, at The Gathering Place.
—Warren Ort, healthsafetysecurity@fhaboard.org
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FHA Money News from the Desk of Tony Daniels, FHA Treasurer. . .
As we are now into June and most of us have thoughts of escape to cooler climes as our summer heats up, I thought it appropriate to share with you where we are with the 2022 budget YTD. Here are the raw numbers based on May 31st financials. Remember these numbers change daily as there are always some funds in transition. We appear to be in a sound position so far this year.
| Operating Accounts: | $217,497.26 |
| Operating PPB Bank #3008 | $55,074.91 |
| Operating Enterprise MM #3427 | $120,039.29 |
| Operating CD Live Oak (3/24/23) | $15,340.26 |
| North State Bank #9939 | $27,042.80 |
YTD 2022 OPERATING EXPENSE BUDGET: Annual: $314,600 (inc $74,305 to Reserve Funds)
| OPERATING INCOME: | YTD BUDGET: $278,633 | ACTUAL: $277,606.03 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | YTD BUDGET: $131,742 | ACTUAL: $173,405.19 |
In the operating budget—Landscaping is over budget by a total of $1,754. Insurance is over budget by $4,067, but that is due to switching to paying annually rather than quarterly in order to save money. The operating budget is largely over budget by $43,345 due to the early transfer of our operating reserve requirements to the reserve MM account. This transfer allows us to invest that money now in CDs for interest income. As the Federal Reserve (Fed) raises interest rates, our latest CD purchase was at 2%. We also have an interesting dilemma in that we earned over $14,000 in interest income last year, on which we now owe over $4,279 in unbudgeted taxes. (At least we are $10,000 better off!)
| Reserve Accounts: | $795,108.73 |
| Union (Pacific Western Bank) Reserve MM #2943 | $429,791.98 |
| CDs Live Oak | $204,977.59 |
| CD CFBank (3/14/23) | $40,000.00 |
| CD First Internet (6/18/22) | $70,112.62 |
| CIT Bank (9/26/22) | $50,226.54 |
The preceding reserve numbers may sound like a lot, but I can assure you they’re not, as these funds are all earmarked as itemized in the reserve studies. They include such things as the Creekwood Kiosk, Beechmast Pond, upgrades to The Gathering Place, and expansion of our paths and trails—all priorities. That is not to say there aren’t some gathering clouds concerning infrastructure and aging and limited recreational facilities as we continue to make our Village as welcoming and safe as possible for all.
TOTAL ALL ACCOUNTS: $1,012,605.99 Accrual method
Questions? Email treasurer@fhaboard.org
New FHA Board Member
New FHA Board MemberWe are pleased to welcome Patrick McGahan to the FHA Board as our new Director of Grounds and Landscaping. Patrick and his wife, Laura, moved to Fearrington Village in late 2019 after spending the better part of the previous 20 years in Chapel Hill. Patrick recently retired from a 35-year career in technology sales. He is a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee, and he headed up the Paths and Trails Sub-Committee prior to joining the FHA Board. Patrick is an avid runner—you may have seen him on his daily runs around the Village. His Board email is grounds@fhaboard.org.
Scene Around Fearrington
Scene Around Fearrington presents work by professional photographers as well as images shared by amateur photographers. Photographers are invited to send 6-8 photos that present scenes of Fearrington Village. This may be images of our beautiful gardens, wildlife, our neighbors—in short, anything that reflects life in the Village. Throughout the year we will announce “Calls for Photos” on specific themes such as the “Fearrington Best Friends” collage, in which 16 dog-loving Fearringtonians shared their pet photos. For July/August we are presenting “Fearrington Felines.” Please enjoy.
If you would like to be considered as a featured photographer, please contact Leslie Palmer at LesPalmerartstudio@gmail.com or call 919-929-9268.
Fearrington Felines
- Arlo, “Arlo at Christmas.” Jenny Walker, owner and photographer.
- Avery and Caswell, “Too bad these alley cats don’t know how to relax!” Gail Alexander, owner and photographer.
- Max and Jake. Parents Karen West and Herb Schottland, photographed by Karen West.
- Sammi and Bella (Bella is #8), “Litter mates.” Owners Mary and Jim LaVelle, photographed by Mary.
- Sanjeevani (grey) and Pretoria. Nathalie Condoret, owner and photographer.
- Chester, “Chester in a Bucket.” David McKee, owner and photographer.
- Billy and Hoover, “Two Buds in a Box.” Terry Glazier, owner and photographer.
- Bella. See #4.
- George and Gracie (Gracie is #10), named for George Burns & Gracie Allen, vintage comedy couple. Owners Tracy Bailey and Stephen Gambino, photographed by Stephen Gambino.
- Gracie. See #9.
- Leo. Owners Mark & Ann Filipek, photographed by Mark Filipek.
- Jackie (Cochran), Wilbur (Wright), and Lindy (Lindbergh), named for famous pilots. Jan Doolin and Mark Kolber, “We are blessed to have 3 wonderful cats,” photographed by Mark Kolber, who is a pilot.
Website Tips—Signing In
This is the first of what we hope will be a regular series of articles about using the FHA website, https://fearringtonfha.org. We encourage everyone to log in to the website because it contains a wealth of information available only to registered and logged-in residents, including the online resident directory, access to Board minutes and budgets, covenant information, and more.
The “Log in/Register” link is located on the menu at the top right of each website page, except on smaller mobile devices, where users would need to choose the “hamburger menu” of three horizontal lines at the top right of the screen and then scroll down to the end to choose “Log in/Register.” We encourage you to click the “Keep me signed in” box to make reconnecting easier, although after a time the site may require you to log in again for security reasons.
Website registration is limited to residents and property owners of Fearrington Village, so if you have not joined the online directory (see the “New Residents” link under “Directory,” https://fearringtonfha.org/new-residents/), you may be asked to do so or otherwise verify your eligibility before we can complete your website registration.
We are aware that some of our residents have encountered “gremlins” from time to time that have prevented their logging in, typically resulting in an “invalid password” message. Frankly, we don’t always know why this occurs, and we don’t want folks to get frustrated and turned off to the website. We’ve added trouble-shooting suggestions to our login-in link, https://fearringtonfha.org/login-2/. But please feel free at any time to send an email to admin@fearringtonfha.org and describe your problem to us. Our priority is to get you connected and using the website.
—Tony Carroll, communications@fhaboard.org
Keeping Our Village Safe by Preventing Home Fires
By Warren Ort, Health, Safety, & Security Director
Unlike the Atlantic hurricane season, there is no official start date for fire season in the US. Fire season declarations vary by state and can change from year to year. In 2022, with devastating fires in some western states throughout the winter and into the spring, officials in some states are looking at a “fire year.” Increasingly, communities across the country, from rural areas to suburbs, have learned how vulnerable they can be to wildfires caused by any number of reasons, not just drought, lightning and climate change. The danger from home fires started by factors other than nature exists year-round. Although we in Fearrington are fortunate that over the years there have been only one or two home fires that have caused significant damage to a home, summer seems a good time to remind residents of simple, affordable safety tips to prevent a fire from starting. One significant reason for taking precautions before our state declares drought situations or issues fire-danger warnings is the wood-frame construction of most Fearrington homes. Even with the North Chatham fire station located across the street from the Village entrance, if a fire started, it could spread rapidly.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests these steps to keep your home safe:
- Develop a home fire escape plan for your family, and practice it every six months.
- Test your smoke alarms regularly. For the best protection, install inter-connected smoke alarms in each bedroom and throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
- Do not leave stoves unattended—stay in the kitchen when frying or broiling food.
- Keep your stovetop clean—no grease, no spills, no clutter.
- When you cook, turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Make sure the tripping points of your fuses or breakers match the capacity of the circuits they protect. According to the NFPA, faulty wiring caused over 13% of house fires between the years 2012 and 2016 [osHomeElectricalFires.pdf (nfpa.org)]. If you are experiencing problems with the circuit breakers in your home tripping or fuses blowing, you may want to call an electrician and/or consult an easy-to-understand explanation on a website like thespruce.com: 4 Reasons Why Circuit Breakers Trip and Fuses Blow (thespruce.com).
- Make sure bathroom and kitchen wall outlets are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Store paints, gasoline, and other flammable liquids away from sources of flames and sparks.
- Clear the clothes dryer’s lint trap after every load, and keep the outside vent clean.
- Ask yourself: Are your home fire extinguishers fully charged and do you know how to use them? The NFPA offers a four-step procedure for operating a fire extinguisher based on the acronym PASS: NFPA – Fire extinguishers. The simplest way to check whether your fire extinguisher is fully charged is to lift it up and feel the weight—does it feel full or not? Also, check the pressure gauge; the needle should be in the green. There are many resources on the Internet to help homeowners keep their fire extinguishers in good working order. If you’re uncertain or feel overwhelmed, call our local fire department. They are dedicated to helping homeowners maintain fire-safety equipment and to be prepared to use equipment properly.
- Barbecue grills left unattended on a wooden deck or near the exterior walls of a home can be a source of fire. Check their location and move them if necessary.
- Never turn on the microwave oven when it is empty. When microwaves have no destination like liquids or food, they bounce off each other and are reabsorbed into the oven, which can cause a fire.
- Fire Pits—While the use of fire pits is not banned in the Village, check with your local homeowners association, if you live in a service area, about its policies. Then check with the Chatham County Fire Marshal (Fire Marshal’s Office | Chatham County, NC (chathamcountync.gov) to learn if open burning is allowed. Pit safety starts with making sure the pit sits on level ground and placing it at least 10 to 20 feet away from plants and buildings. Do not place fire pits on wooden decks! If your pit has a screen, use it. When burning your pit, have a bucket of sand and a dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby. On gas fire pits, turn off the gas before attempting to extinguish a fire.
Fire Pits—While the use of fire pits is not banned in the Village, check with your local homeowners association, if you live in a service area, about its policies. Then check with the Chatham County Fire Marshal (Finally: Have you checked your fire insurance policy recently? Do the covered values for your home reflect today’s replacement costs?
As Smokey Bear says, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires.” Smokey’s official site (Home | Smokey Bear) reminds us that fire safety and preventing fires is an important way for each of us to care for the world around us.
Resources:
- The Chatham County Fire Marshal’s Office has several resources on fire safety and prevention, smoke alarms and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and how to use them, and protecting your home from wildfires. There is also a kids’ page and a downloadable burn-permit form.
- NFPA has several resources on its Public Education page: Public education – NFPA. Included are colorful, downloadable, and printable tip sheets on creating a fire-escape plan, smoke-alarm safety, preparedness and planning, and activities for children.
- For current information on the nation’s fire situation, the National Interagency Fire Center publishes a weekly report on fires and weather around the country: National Fire News | National Interagency Fire Center (nifc.gov).
Getting to Know Your FHA Board Volunteers—Judy Graham and Warren Ort
By Jackie Walters, Features Editor
Judy Graham – Personal Photo
Warren Ort – Personal Photo
At the suggestion of one of our readers, The Belted Gazette (“TBG”) is inaugurating a series of interviews with members of the FHA Board designed to help residents get to know “the amazing volunteers that help make our lives easier in FV.” In July/August, please meet Judy Graham, Board secretary, and Warren Ort, director, Health, Safety, and Security.
TBG: What was it about Fearrington that interested you in moving here?
Judy: Living in a condo in northern Virginia and thinking about retiring from a demanding career with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 15 years ago, Judy was looking for community, not just a house in a neighborhood. She had worked at EPA here for over 30 years and still had a number of long-time friends in the area. Wanting to custom-build, her test question for a developer was, “Can I choose the chandelier?” When Fitch gave an affirmative answer, Judy worked with the team to build her home on Sampson. There she’s found what she was looking for: friendly people and neighbors with similar interests and easy to get to know. When she needed help after several surgeries, her neighbors pitched in to support her recoveries at home.
Warren: Avid sailors and boat owners, Warren and his wife, Barbara, were looking for somewhere with water and lower taxes than Oyster Bay, L.I., when he retired 12 years ago. Although Warren never dreamt he’d be living in North Carolina, when he read about Fearrington in the Chapel Hill section of 100 Best Places to Retire in the U.S., he and Barbara came for a visit. Fearrington met all of their requirements: convenient access to good hospitals, educational opportunities, and a major airport. When he and Barbara went to The Goat, Warren said he looked out at the patio and said, “This is where we want to live.”
TBG: What motivated you to take a position on the FHA Board?
Judy: “Rose called and asked me.” Experienced working with a variety of groups and teams, Judy likes knowing what is going on. At the first meeting, she discovered “everyone is pleasant; people have a sense of humor, and there is camaraderie.”
Warren: After describing multiple leadership positions he’s held in Fearrington, Warren summed up his motivation by saying he likes to be involved and finds it rewarding. He feels the current board has “great people” who form a “very cohesive” group.
TBG: What about your Board position really engages your interest and brings satisfaction?
Judy: “Being part of the management of Fearrington Village and the whole gestalt. Each member has a role, but together they engage in a holistic effort, moving the community forward—change is happening.”
Warren: Agreeing that “change is happening,” Warren believes that in his role as director of Health, Safety, and Security, building “great working relationships with state and county government” officials is a key to obtaining prompt responses to residents’ concerns and successfully managing change that affects Fearrington. Determined to get to know the people in these offices, Warren bought coffee and doughnuts and went by to get acquainted. He feels his relationships with the Sheriff’s department, the state and county transportation departments, and the county health department prove local and state officials are “very responsive when they are treated well.”
TBG: Besides serving on the FHA board, what other interests do you have in our community and what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
Judy: Judy stays “really busy,” especially in election years, doing “a lot of volunteer work for the Democratic Party at the county and precinct level.” Pre-Covid, Judy regularly met with other area EPA retirees for lunch. She’s a member of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and, with all the meetings and classes she attends, she is a self-described, “Zoom queen.” Judy participates in two book groups and plays canasta weekly. She confesses to being a “news junkie,” regularly watching a variety of news programs.
Warren: Praising the great educational opportunities in the area, Warren is a member of Shared Learning and is also very active in OLLI. He is “pretty active” in the Fearrington Men’s Club and very much enjoys the Thursday-morning kaffeeklatsch that meets at The Belted Goat. For several years, he was a UNC hospital volunteer, and he currently serves on the institutional review board (IRB) for Duke Medical School. Judy and Warren agreed that human research in medicine is of “bedrock importance,” and Judy added that IRBs play an essential role in conducting that research. The community member of the IRB, Warren reviews drug facts, consent forms, and other material as a lay person to ensure that a research subject understands the language in order to consent to participating in a study. He describes his commitment as “fascinating but [an] amazing amount of work.”
TBG: What final words do you have for your neighbors about volunteering here in Fearrington and encouraging them to get involved?
Judy: Ask yourself, “What am I going to do when I retire?” Making connections and staying busy is a key. While a purpose may be “hard to find, when you feel like you are contributing, you are valued, and you will feel valued.”
Warren: Agreeing with Judy that getting involved and meeting people is important, Warren added “get to know Chatham County—it has a lot to offer.” He specifically mentioned the “excellent” museum on the County’s history in the courthouse in Pittsboro as well as locally owned restaurants that are long-time community gathering places.
Thanks to Food Truck Fans and Volunteers!
By Wendy Snodgrass
The continued success of food trucks in Fearrington Village is thanks to a dedicated and growing following of residents. Many have come to appreciate the diverse and delicious dining options that these local vendors conveniently bring to our community. In July, we are pleased to welcome the following:
July 6 – Gussy’s Greek Truck
July 13 – Cousins Maine Lobster
July 14 – DubzGrub Comfort Food – A bonus visit from a new truck!
July 20 – Ta Contento Mexican
July 27 – Presti Pizza
Our hotspot page at www.streetfoodfinder.com/fearringtonvillage displays vendors’ menus and offers an opportunity to sign up for a weekly reminder of the upcoming food truck. Please check there for the August schedule, which will also be posted on the FHA website and in your neighborhood mail kiosk.
For most vendors, you can preorder online 2-3 days in advance through the hotspot page. There are two notable exceptions:
– Cousins Maine Lobster has its own special app (available from the App Store or Google Play), where preordering begins at 1 pm on the day of their arrival.
– Presti Pizza only accepts online orders through its website at www.prestipizzaNC.com.
If you are a food truck fan, do you have a few hours that you could spare to help ensure the ongoing success of our food trucks? We are looking for truck greeters to alternate with our existing volunteers. A shout out to Don Bailey, Art Gonzales, and Steve Krasnow in gratitude for all they do to keep the trucks rolling in! They block off parking spaces in the morning and return around 4 pm to greet the truck. If you can help with this simple but important task, please email Deborah Repplier at drepplier@gmail.com. She deserves an extra helping of gratitude for tastefully coordinating our food truck schedule and small team of volunteers!
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 Groups and Organization | |
|---|---|
| AM Book Club | Cinematic Conversations |
| Cooking Club to Begin! | Dragons Mah Jongg |
| Duplicate Bridge | Fearrington Families |
| Green Scene | Village Singers |
| Women of Fearrington | |
| Community Agencies | |
| Chatham Connecting | |
| Community Remembrance Coalition—Chatham and NAACP | |
| Continuing Education | |
| OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning | |
Fearrington Clubs and Organizations
Please use the Announcement Submission Form to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
AM Book Club
On Wednesday, July 20, at 10:15 am, join the AM Book Club to discuss Milk Fed, by Melissa Broder. Pairing superlative emotional insight with unabashed vivid fantasy, the author tells a tale of appetites: physical hunger, sexual desire, spiritual longing, and the ways that we as humans can compartmentalize these so often interdependent instincts. Milk Fed is a tender and riotously funny meditation.
On Wednesday, August 17, at 10:15 am, we will discuss The Splendid and the Vile, by Erik Larsen. It’s an intimate story of Churchill, his family, and his cabinet over a single year during the Battle of Britain in WWII. A long but terrific read.
We meet at McIntyre’s Books. All residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge are welcome to participate. If you have questions, contact Barbara Thompson, barbzid@gmail.com, 919-444-1836.Please wear a mask.
Cinematic Conversations
Join us for Cinematic Conversations, a new discussion group that meets monthly for film discussion and analysis. Think of it like a book group, only for films instead. If you love movies, this group of kindred spirits is the one for you!
Email Lily Grace for details and registration at lilygrace@frontier.com or 919-623-2421.
Fearrington Cooking Club to Begin!
Cook, eat, laugh! Friends who cook together, stay together. If you’re tired of cooking for one and eating alone, join us for a hands-on, participation cooking club. If interested, please contact Lily Grace at lilygrace@frontier.com or Ronnie Coleshill at ronnie.coleshill@gmail.com.
Fearrington Dragons Mah Jongg
The Dragons are Ready to Play!!
Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons play on the second Saturday of the month, July 9 and August 13, at The Gathering Place, from 1 to 4 pm, provided that The Gathering Place is open to Fearrington groups. We will contact all members if we do not play on those dates. Since we play under the guidelines of The Gathering Place, we must limit our number to 50, and masks are optional. Because of this limitation, it is important to cancel if you discover you are not able to play, so someone else can take your spot.
Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@nc.rr.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.
Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club
“Life is like a game of bridge—only a dummy puts all her cards on the table.” Join us for a face-to-face game every Wednesday in July at 1 pm at The Gathering Place. Playing the first time is free; after that, the cost is $7 to defray expenses. Questions? Please contact Dianne Hale at haledianne@gmail.com.
Fearrington Families
Connect with us on Facebook!
Do you have young children who live in the Village or visit the Village often?
Join our Fearrington Families Facebook Group (facebook.com/groups/fearringtonfamilies) to connect with one another, organize activities, and share resources.
Fearrington Green Scene
On May 21, about 140 vehicles passed though The Gathering Place parking lot, participating in the semi-annual FHA-sponsored “3-in-1” event. Fearrington residents brought no-longer-needed personal documents to be shredded, no-longer-needed pharmaceuticals to be safely disposed of, and home fire extinguishers to be checked and/or repaired. In addition to a major contribution from the FHA budget, additional financial support for the event was underwritten by Amy Ghiloni and her ReMax United Real Estate office. And about a dozen Green Scene volunteers lent their time and talents to see that the event ran smoothly.
We collected 14.4 pounds of unneeded pharmaceuticals and shredded 3,540 pounds of documents. And a significant number of Fearrington residents are sleeping better at night, knowing that their fire extinguishers are in working order should they need them.
The next “3-in-1” event will take place on the third Saturday in October. So, circle October 15 on your calendar and start setting aside any documents that you may wish to dispose of safely.
The Green Scene will resume our normal monthly meetings at The Gathering Place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 14. In the meantime, have a safe and healthy and enjoyable Summer!
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
Fearrington Green Scene
914-806-4852 (cell phone)
Fearrington Village Singers
Choral music has returned to the Village after two years! Thanks to all the folks who attended our May concerts. We are so fortunate to be singing together again, and we welcome new singers.
You already know that each one of us thrives in CONNECTION with others. But did you know?
- CONNECTION with others makes us more resilient to stress;
- CONNECTION through singing imparts feelings of camaraderie and bonding;
- CONNECTION through singing can sooth nerves, elevate spirits, improve respiration, provide aerobic benefits, release endorphins and oxytocin, enhance memory, and boost the immune system;
- CONNECTION through choral singing blends us in harmony together.
CONNECT with us:
- Contact our membership chair, Donna Corgnati, at donnacorgnati@gmail.com or 919-695-7353.
- Visit our website, www.fearringtonvillagesingers.org/.
- Invite a neighbor to join you at one of our concerts in early December (dates and times to be announced).
SING! Fall season rehearsals begin Thursday, September 8, for men, and Monday, September 12, for women. Both events begin at 3:45 pm in The Gathering Place.
Women of Fearrington
Jo Bolig and Adrienne Lallo, who thanked outgoing co-chairs Kathleen Angel and Barbara Gilbert at Women of Fearrington’s annual spring luncheon, will co-chair WoF for the year that begins July 1, 2022. Other officers include Vice Co-chair Kathy Tyrell and Treasurer Barbara Cleveland.
A summer road trip is being planned for Wednesday, July 13, especially for newcomers to Fearrington Village. We will go to the historic Chatham County Court House for an “Introduction to Pittsboro: Past, Present, and Future.” Speakers include a local historian, a Chatham Park planner, and the mayor of Pittsboro. Optional lunch follows at The Mod in downtown Pittsboro. Register here.
Our next General Meeting will be held at The Gathering Place on Wednesday, September 21, at
1:30 pm.
Interested in knowing more about the Women of Fearrington? Find out at www.womenoffearrington.org.
Community Agencies
Chatham Connecting—Bringing Together Those Who Need Help with Those Who Can Help
Summertime and the living is easy, or at least less hectic. But not for the non-profits and Chatham County agencies that are listed at the Chatham Connecting website, chathamconnecting.org. If you are looking for a meaningful way to engage with our county neighbors, you will find organizations that promote literacy, work with children or the elderly, offer outdoor opportunities, or are in need of donations. There is a special link to organizations that are looking for youth volunteers. Please take a look and lend a hand. Whatever your interest, there is an organization that would be grateful for your help.
Community Remembrance Coalition—Chatham and Chatham County Western NAACP Chapters 5377 & 5388
Community Remembrance Coalition—Chatham and Chatham County Western NAACP Chapters 5377 & 5388Please join us on Thursday, July 14, at 7 pm via Zoom for the program “Empowering Black Entrepreneurs in Chatham County.” The panel members are three Webb Squared entrepreneurs: Ebony Flores, who owns a construction and home repair company; Murvin Headen, who owns a multimedia video production company that provides services to churches; and Amber Ross, a 14-year-old entrepreneur who has an art business serving organizations, and her mother, Shavaughn Ross. To register for the event and receive the Zoom link, please visit crc-c.org.
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 fall term, classes will be held via Zoom or in classroom settings. Course offerings will be listed online, with registration occurring on August 23 beginning at 9 am and on Wednesday August 24 at 9 am. The fall term starts on September 12 and runs through November 18. Log on to learnmore.duke.edu for class and registration information. If you have any questions, please email Warren Ort at warrensailo@aol.com.
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 Emily Henderson |
Fearrington Cares Center is Closed July 4—8
The Center may be closed for the holiday but our volunteers will be busy providing medical transportation and handyperson services. If you need assistance with either of these areas of service, call the center at 919- 542-6877 and leave a message in the appropriate voicemail mailbox; a volunteer will be in touch with you.
Fearrington Cares Board of Directors
Below is a list of the board members for the year beginning September 1, 2022. Please join us in offering a warm welcome to the newly elected directors who have so kindly volunteered their expertise. Additionally, a hearty “Thank you!” to the 2021-2022 directors, both continuing and retiring, for giving so generously of your time and leadership. We appreciate you!
| Continuing Directors: | Retiring Directors: | New Directors: |
| Linda Patterson | Barbara Hummel-Rossi | Jamie Burnett |
| Mark Asman | Janine Griffin | Jodi Allen |
| Carol Kurtz | Cathy Somer | Kathy Sandefur |
| JoAnn Pitz | Anne Henkels | |
| Terry Lucas | ||
| Carl Angel | ||
| Gillian Rogers |
Blood Drive
Monday, July 11, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at The Barn
After the great success of our January blood drive, Fearrington Cares and Fitch Creations are giving you another chance to bleed without the benefit of leeches. Call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule your life-saving appointment or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Fearrington. The need continues to be critical, please donate if you are able.
New Care Circle for Women
Thursdays, July 14, 21 and 28, 2:00 pm at the Fearrington Cares Center
If your spouse or partner has died in the last three years, we know it has been more difficult to get the support you need for this life changing transition. Fearrington Cares invites you to come to the Center in July to meet other women on this path and design our newest support group. If you are interested but unable to participate, please call Karen (919-542-6877) to discuss.
Volunteers Make Fearrington Cares Shine!
As the chairperson of the Fearrington Cares Education Committee, I want to acknowledge several people for making this year a wonderful success. Mindful of the ongoing risks of living in a vulnerable world, education programs, for most of the past year, continued via Zoom. I want to first acknowledge all of you who tuned in to our varied sessions which were well attended. In May and June, our sessions were in person and we certainly hope that will continue.
Saying “thank you” to Karen Metzguer, Executive Director, seems so insignificant for all that she does every day for Fearrington Cares. The Education Committee considers her our guiding north star! She has the wonderful finesse of providing requested advice yet encouraging the Committee to make its own decisions and explore new avenues. Thank you, Karen.
Heartfelt gratitude to the talented, hard-working group of volunteers that make up our committee: Suzanne Burke; Donna Costa; Carol Leatherman; Lorraine Melton; Gillian Rogers; Wendy Snodgrass; and lastly Liz Welfel who will be leaving this year after many years of sharing her time and expertise with this committee.
Per previous practice, the Committee will be on hiatus July and August but, still working on educational offerings for the upcoming Fall session; many programs are already confirmed. Thank you, Fearrington Villagers, for supporting us; we always welcome new volunteers, suggestions for programs to explore as well as critiques of programs you may have attended. Have a great summer, let me know if you would like to join our committee!
—Terry Lucas, Chair
Crossroads Conversations: Hard Choices for Loving People
Wednesday, July 13, repeated Wednesday, August 10, 1:30 pm at the Fearrington Cares Center
Registration required
This program, provided by Karen Metzguer, RN, reviews and discusses information in a book she regularly recommends to families faced with difficult decisions when a loved one is critically ill. When do medical treatments prolong death rather than promote recovery? A format to help answer the question will be explored after first establishing the goal of medical care and describing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and artificial nutrition and hydration. Participants will receive information about both DNR and MOST forms and a copy of the book, Hard Choices for Loving People. Please preregister for the class of your choice. Please call the Center and preregister for the class of your choice: 919-542-6877.
Crossroads Conversations: Aging in Community
Wednesday, July 27, repeated Wednesday, August 24, 1:30 pm at the Fearrington Cares Center
Registration required
This program, provided by Karen Metzguer, RN, reviews and discusses a framework for planning to age in community for as long as you are able. Many desire to stay in their own home and yet, often as we age, our homes become more difficult to safely manage. It’s more than “shower bars” and begins with the recognition that “all important decisions are made on the basis of insufficient data.” Rather than be paralyzed by confusion about where and how to get started; join a small group of neighbors for a lively discussion! Please call the Center and preregister for the class of your choice: 919-542-6877.
Special Request
We are fortunate to have excellent, consistent and regular coverage at the front desk to provide assistance and support when you visit or call. We are calling for a group of individuals who may be willing to cover the front desk on the occasion that staff are not available. If you are interested in learning about this volunteer opportunity, please call and register to come to the Center on July 20 at 1:30 p.m. for an information session. Thank you for considering this request.
Summer Break for Several Activities which will not meet in July or August:
Busy Hands
Walking Meditation
Posture Balance and Cardio
Intermediate Yoga (Was Yoga for EVERY Body)
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Education Classes
Ongoing activities:
Movement ClassesSuggested donation of $2/class session (cash or check to Fearrington Cares)
| Support Groups Meeting in Person
|
Health Services Offeredat the Fearrington Cares Center(9:00 am—12:00 pm, Monday—Friday)
| Support Groups via Zoomfearringtoncares.org > Services > Support Groups
|
Welcome to New Residents
The following new villagers were added to the Fearrington Village Directory between May 15 and June 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).
Insert Table:
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Harold J. (Hal) & Mary Boone Bernsen | B-104 B Wing** |
| Susan D. (Suzy) Cowles | 533 Weathersfield |
| Sydney Decker & Jennifer Larrimore | 126 Creekwood |
| Luis & Pat Dominguez | 831 Langdon |
| Alisun W. & John F. (Jack) Donovan | 17 Caldwell (1165*) |
| Jeffery Todd & Lisa A. Edwards | 16 Caswell (1156*) |
| David L. & Mala C. Elam | 709 Spindlewood |
| K. Hitt | 4118 The Knolls Close |
| Jane Hollen | 27 Caldwell (1206*) |
| Zac Johnson & Martha E. Martin | 452 Crossvine Close |
| Peter W. Kachergis & Amy Munice | 638 Spindlewood |
| Donald P. & Julia Hardie Kaczvinsky | 4316 Millcreek Circle |
| Anne M. & Frank Kissel | 4605 Montgomery |
| Robert (Bob) & Ruth Kreiner | 23 East Camden (1026*) |
| Patricia (Trish) & Steven Lombardo | 437 Crossvine Close |
| Karen F. Martin | 479 Beechmast |
| Kay A. Merrill | 294 Stoneview |
| Carol & Cort Pedersen | 1319 Langdon Place |
| Bethany & Rodney Petersen & Becky Sommer-Petersen | 1321 Langdon Place |
| Richard Rosen & Rebecca Slifkin | 21 East Camden (1019*) |
| Rex N., Jr. & Suzanne Maddox White | 415 Wintercrest East |
* 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 Resident. 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. At the login page, click the Register button. There, enter in 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 can use the same email address. Notices 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.
Insert Table:
| Day/Date/ Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday July 9 1-3 pm | Chatham Community Library | Chess Club & Clinic, Teens & Adults; Lakritz Storytime Room Chatham County Public Libraries | Amy Clement amy.clement@ chathamlibraries.org 919-545-8084 |
Saturday July 9 1-4 pm | Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons | Mah Jongg | Robin Weinberger weinrob@msn.com 919-219-5228 Polly Williams 919-478-4260 |
Wednesday July 13 11 am | Women of Fearrington | Road trip: Introduction to Pittsboro | Mif Flaherty 808-234-0008 |
Wednesday July 20 10:15 am | AM Book Group | Monthly book group discussion—Milk Fed, by Melissa Broder; McIntyre’s Bookstore | Catherine Clare catfearr@gmail.com 919-704-8806 |
Saturday August 13 1-4 pm | Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons | Mah Jongg | Robin Weinberger weinrob@msn.com 919-219-5228 Polly Williams 919-478-4260 |
Wednesday August 17 10:15 am | AM Book Group | Monthly book group discussion— The Splendid and the Vile, by Erik Larsen; McIntyre’s Books | Catherine Clare catfearr@gmail.com 919-704-8806 |
| Meeting Multiple Days in July | |||
Wednesdays July 6, 13, 20, & 27 | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Weekly Duplicate Game | Dianne Hale haledianne@gmail.com |
| Upcoming Events in September | |||
Thursday September 8 3:45 pm | Fearrington Village Singers | Fall season rehearsals for men | Kathryn Doster kathryn.j.doster@gmail.com 919-353-5217 |
Monday September 12 3:45 pm | Fearrington Village Singers | Fall season rehearsals for women | Kathryn Doster kathryn.j.doster@gmail.com 919-353-5217 |