10 May FHA Newsletter 2023-06 June
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
June 2023 Volume 42 Number 6
President’s Message
President’s MessageAmerican poet James Russell Lowell wrote a poem entitled, What Is So Rare as a Day in June. Believe it or not, it is June already, so we’re about to find out. Lowell notwithstanding, on Friday, May 5, at the Fearrington Founders Festival, I thought to myself that nothing could be much better than that particular day in May. Everyone had been watching the weather carefully for this first-time event because we didn’t have a rain date. The initial forecasts did not look great. Yet, as so often happens around here, the day turned out to be glorious, and the event was a hit! Between 2 pm and 6 pm, more than 450 people took part in the festivities! Many of our clubs had tables full of information so that residents could learn more about the clubs’ missions. Many recruited new members or new volunteers. For the children (or grandchildren) in attendance, we had a wonderful, bubble-making “Skywalker” on stilts; balloon artists; and lots of games. We had three food trucks, with El Chicano dishing up Mexican fare (it was Cinco de Mayo, after all), Alsies offering delicious ice cream treats, and Hugger Mugger Brewing serving specialty beer on draft (can you believe that attendees went through two whole kegs?!). Inside we had a table loaded with historical documents about Fearrington in years past, and a PowerPoint presentation that many residents watched more than once (we will be posting it on our website). A shuttle bus took residents over to the Village Center, where Farmer Bob gave tours and talked about the cows, chickens, and goats. We have many people and organizations to thank for making this day a success, as outlined in greater detail under “FHA News” below.
I also want to mention that Fearrington Cares held a silent auction at the festival, and I was able to purchase a fascinating document entitled, Fearrington, A Country Journal, which was originally issued by the Fitches in 1981 to help entice buyers. The document is contained in a large, brown, three-ring notebook and features a number of interesting sections, including: I) Traditions: The whats, whys, and wherefores of our community; II) Community: Living in Fearrington. What makes it such a special community; and III) Residents: About the people who make the community of Fearrington such a wonderful place to live. It also has a section about “the product,” which talks about the people and parts that came together to build a community everyone could be proud of, and another called “Environs,” which details what you will find if you venture out of Fearrington into the surrounding areas of Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, and so forth. I wanted to purchase this because I felt it was something that the FHA should have in its historical archive. I do not know how many of these volumes may still be floating around the Village, but if you happen to have one, I urge you to pass it on to another resident or to the FHA if you move, rather than tossing it out. There are many residents who would be proud to have this in their library, and I could certainly see it ending up in the Chatham County Historical Association archive as well. The story of Fearrington is unique, and its roots should not be forgotten. That is why we hope the Founders Festival can become an annual event.
On a different note, it would be hard to miss all the major machinery that recently took over the pasture to the south of Weathersfield. As some of you may recall, when we learned that Fitch Creations had bought additional land for 43 homes intended to become the new Granville neighborhood in the Village, we asked if they could build a construction road so that all the trucks and earth movers would not have to travel down East Camden. After looking at this new worksite, I was struck by its scope, so I emailed Greg Fitch to ask if they had decided to go ahead and build the extension of West Camden from Weathersfield to Millcroft that has been in the plans from the ‘70s. Greg responded that I was correct—they are building the actual road, not a construction road. He also said that to handle the soil balancing, much of the pasture will get covered with less than a foot of topsoil. Then it will be seeded, so it should look about the same as before, except for the new road. I was delighted to hear this, since many residents enjoy walking or driving by the pasture. The agricultural aspect of the Village is something we certainly don’t want to lose.
Hope you enjoy these long, rare June days
—Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
Fearrington Founders Festival
As noted in the President’s Message and Scene Around Fearrington, our first annual Fearrington Founders Festival took place on May 5, 2023, and was a grand success, with more than 450 persons in attendance. An event like this requires a group effort, and we would like to thank the following in particular:
- Sponsors: Logout Tree Service, entertainment; Meta Tibke Realty, complimentary shuttle; Brigitte Condoret, Century 21, refreshments; IT As A Service, signage
- Door prize contributors: Fitch Creations, Inc. (two grand prizes); Amy Ghiloni/Remax; Associa/HRW Management
- Co-hosts: Fearrington Homeowners Association, Swim & Croquet Club, Fearrington Cares, Women of Fearrington
- Historical slideshow: Leslie Palmer
- Founders Festival Committee: Carl Angel, Pam Bailey, Tracy Bailey, Evy Barrow, Bo Bobbitt, Tony Daniels, Susie Eckblad, Wendy Snodgrass.
We hope that next year’s 50-year Golden Celebration will be even better. Please send an email to Tony Daniels at tdanielsuk@icloud.com if you’d like to help make that happen.
—Tony Carroll, communications@fhaboard.org
Fire at 11 Bladen
On February 3, 2023, the Kunsman residence at 11 Bladen was destroyed by fire. A number of residents have had questions and concerns about what happened. Eric Kunsman was kind enough to furnish the following update:
With the demolition of the remains of the house at 11 Bladen now behind us, we are looking forward to starting over at Galloway Ridge when an apartment becomes available. Fitch Creations has purchased the lot, and we anticipate a new home will be built there designed in keeping with the neighborhood.
We will be forever grateful to our South Camden neighbors who took us into their homes and devoted days to helping us, provided us with clothing, invited us for meals, gave us gift cards, and helped with paperwork. Friends around Fearrington offered help. Fitch Creations devoted resources to helping us with the demolition, Chatham County requirements, and sale of the lot, repeatedly sparing us more difficulties and delays.
But beyond that, all of Fearrington metaphorically reached out and hugged us and offered anything they thought might help us through the early days and weeks of recovery. There can be no finer community than this one. We thank you all.
Useful Lessons Learned from the Fire:
Make sure your smoke detectors work—ours saved our lives. And, we learned, fire boxes can save your documents and valuables. Watch your gas furnace for freezing and possible gas leaks. If you are replacing your furnace, consider a heat pump. While the cause of the fire officially remains “indeterminate,” given the extent of the damage, engineers and adjusters agree, after detailed examination, that a gas leak caught fire, exploding the furnace.
On Friday, May 5, Fearrington celebrated the founding of the Village in 1974 (see Rose Krasnow’s President’s Message). The weather was perfect, and nearly 500 visitors found fun and games, information, and entertainment in and around The Gathering Place.
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Visitors of all ages found something to enjoy. A special feature enjoyed by youngsters and adults alike was Skyler the Skywalker. Towering above the visitors, he juggled, bent double to greet the youngest visitors, or sought whatever assistance he could find to chat with people face-to-face.
There were games to amuse everyone, like the putting mat offered by the Fearrington Golf Club. The more adventurous could learn to play pickleball, or receive instruction in croquet from experienced teachers, then practice under the watchful eyes of an audience.
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Fearrington clubs and other organizations participated in the celebrations, demonstrating their activities or recruiting members. The dragon ladies of the Mah Jongg club invited visitors to try their hand. Members of the Fearrington Light Cavalry, a group of volunteers who maintain the walking trails, explained the several walking trails open to residents.
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Susie Eckblad was available to explain the Fearrington Story Corps project, in which residents are invited to tell their stories and record them. Many visitors were enthralled by a slide show that reviewed the history of Fearrington, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
Fearrington Cares offered its own displays, most popular of which seemed to be the Love Bus, a major attraction for families seeking a good photo opportunity. Past President of the FHA, Carl Angel, served as greeter and doorman for those who wanted to visit the Fearrington Cares building. Closing out the day was an evening performance by the Village Singers in the auditorium at Galloway Ridge.
Susie and Carl were but two of roughly 100 volunteers who worked hard to plan and prepare the events and staff the displays. Without their help, the event would not have been the success it was.
Forthcoming Scenes around Fearrington
The June issue was to have been devoted to the topic of April Showers. Even though a month or so late, it has been further postponed to next month (the July/August issue). We invite you to submit photos of any form of precipitation you might encounter at any time of year. Possibilities include mist or fog, lightning, downpours, floods, mud, or any other manifestation of nature’s essential and perhaps most under-appreciated feature, rain. Online you can find many ideas for photographing rain. Here’s an example. Please look at the guidelines for photographs in The Belted Gazette, and send your photos to Gordon Pitz (gfpitz@gmail.com).
We are also soliciting photographs devoted to the following topics. See the May issue for further explanations.
Fearrington at Nighttime: After the sun has set, a different view of the Village emerges.
Sunrise and Sunset: Special times of day when different colors and patterns emerge.
Black and White: Eliminate color and you can emphasize form and shape, texture, or the contrast of shadows and highlights.
Do these topics inspire you to address new challenges in your photography? Again, please send your best efforts to Gordon Pitz (gfpitz@gmail.com).
“Get Out There” Series – Part 3: Biking and Golf
Story by Tad McArdle
So this month it’s golf and biking, both excellent outdoor adventures. I know golf pretty well and play in the Fearrington Golf Club (FGC), but since I haven’t biked in a while, I contacted George Erickcek and Fran and Ann DiGiano, all three serious bikers. George is now in charge of setting up trips for Fearrington Men on Bicycles (FMOB), and Fran is a veteran member since its start in 2002. Ann is active in Women on Wheels (WOW). Fran told me FMOB would love to have new members, as several have passed away since the early days, when they had 10 members who would get together for all sort of things, including kayaking.
Now the group’s core has four or five members. Fran and George enjoy riding together, and socializing is a big part of their enjoyment. George sets up the meeting times, and they gather twice weekly at The Goat to decide the day’s route. After 5-10 minutes of discussion over coffee, they’re ready to go. As Fearrington became known as a “wonderful spot to ride from,” people from Meadowmont and Briar Chapel were happy to come and ride the beautiful and lightly traveled country roads in our vicinity. Rainy days are out, and the lowest acceptable riding temperature has risen over the years from 40 to 55 degrees.
George told me that the first time he biked with the group he was “dead” after nine miles, so another member rode back with him—FMOB is like that. Now he has no problem with the standard range (see below). As Fran observed, a route they usually do clockwise seems to exist in a completely different world if they do it counterclockwise—hills are equally tough but reversed.
Ann DiGiano reports that the local branch of WOW started about 10 years ago. While there are 22 names on their email list, only about half that number are active, four from Fearrington. They also start from The Goat, usually on Wednesday, and return there to chat over coffee. They love visiting Maple View Farm and Saxapahaw, and they observe the safety rules (see below) on the country roads.
Photo by Gordon Pitz.
As for golf, I have been a member of the FGC since 2010. If you play twice a week, you can approach 100 rounds in a year, depending on the weather (we’re not in Scotland, where they say “Nae wind, nae rain, nae golf”!). The club started as the Fearrington Golf Association in 1990. Gerry and Lillian Safferman were responsible for “clearing the way for a golf club” (quoted from History of the Club on the FGC website). The first two tournaments were held at Sanford and at Quail Ridge, in August and October of that year. As of 2023, the president is Al Sirignano, with Ken Indyk, Evelyn Paulson, Gerry Gianni, Judd Barrett, and Boyd Webb on staff. Brian Wong served as president in 2022, with Don Southworth, Gene Rogers, Jack Kowal, Frank Huisking, and yours truly on staff. We have some fine local courses, with a few a bit further away, including Chapel Ridge, The Preserve, Quail Ridge, the Challenge, and several others.
Now let’s do a few comparisons between fairway and highway.
Distance
BIKE: According to George, the average daily biking trip for FMOB members is between 30 and 40 miles. The occasional trip to Saxapahaw is an ambitious 44-mile day. It’s excellent physical exercise, in good company, and with a great lunch at the Saxapahaw General Store. Furthermore, Fran and friend Steve Foster did 80 miles last July to “ride their age” in celebration of their corresponding birthdays.
GOLF: The average length of an 18-hole course is 3.75 miles; you can walk or ride. Biking wins on physical distance, but golf distance is psychological. Let’s say you have to make a six-foot putt on hole 18 to win a tournament and live in glory the rest of your life. And let’s say the putt is downhill on a multi-slanted green. You’re facing nearly 2000 treacherous millimeters, dressed in tiny but vicious blades of grass, and things can go wrong for your dimpled darling at any point. You’re facing heaven and hell at the same time, both of which are way past Saxapahaw. You’d better not miss. Golf isn’t the quietest sport.
Risk Factors
BIKE: Falls and accidents are quite rare in the FMOB, but here’s how to stay safe. George told me he never rides alone; he’s usually with three or four bikers in a single-file line on the beautiful country roads leading out from Fearrington. Head- and taillights are recommended to alert drivers; one member who rides the most has a radar device on the rear of his bike to warn of approaching cars. He rides last, and it flashes red for fast cars, green for normal speed, yellow for slow, and there is a buzzer on his handlebars which is audible to all. Communication is always important, and there are warning phrases such as “car back” or “car up.” George finds that truck drivers are, on the whole, more considerate and careful around bikers than passenger-car drivers. According to Fran, falls are rare and usually occur when a biker runs into the biker ahead, or skids on gravel, perhaps while rounding a curve (Ann doesn’t recall that ever happening in WOW; they ride slightly slower and average 25 miles per trip).
GOLF: If your ball is headed for anyone, holler “FORE!!!” (pronounced the same as the numeral between three and five, but with a certain emphasis). Crowds at big events often see pro drives of 300+ yards veering way right or left and landing among them, or on top of them. Marshals and the pros themselves shout warnings for left or right, which almost always work. Among amateurs, it’s not uncommon to hit a “shank,” in which the mishit ball shoots quickly right or left of the player, possibly hitting another member of the foursome or a casual bystander, or maybe a goose, coyote, or groundhog. At least in the first two cases, the timing of the hitter’s holler is crucial—safety trumps embarrassment. And golf carts carry warnings such as “Don’t tip over!” Avoiding total immersion in water hazards is also recommended, depending, of course, on the quality of golf ball you hit, or whether you are about to score the best round of your life and don’t mind getting your feet (or eyebrows) wet.
Anyway, both sports are good for your health and your psyche. They are low-risk and well suited to seniors. Golf is far harder to learn; non-competitive biking comes naturally. New members are welcomed and never dropped, even on their worst days. So grab a bike or a set of clubs, and delightful roads or courses await you, just around a few corners.
Food Trucks
By Leigh Matthews
These food trucks are scheduled for Wednesdays in June:
June 7: NC Burger (Burgers, American). Beef and veggie burgers and bowls, chicken bites, cheese curds, and lots of French fries.
June 14: The Blue Window (Mediterranean). Gyros, falafel, chicken shawarma, wraps, salads, hummus, fries, roasted cauliflower, grilled zucchini, and baklava.
June 21: Chirba Dumpling (Chinese). Meat and veggie dumplings, glass noodles, and fried rice.
June 28: Cousins Maine Lobster (Seafood, TexMex) & Munchilove (Coffee, Desserts). Cousins features lobster rolls and other seafood delights (note: please use their mobile app for preordering). Munchilove provides everything you need for dessert, including brownies and espresso.
You can preorder at our hotspot page, https://streetfoodfinder.com/FearringtonVillage (except for Cousins Maine Lobster) or you can order at the truck. Pick-up is between 5 pm and 7:30 pm in The Gathering Place parking lot.
For a weekly reminder email—and a quick link to view the week’s menu—sign up at our hotspot page. Or, if you use Nextdoor, watch for our weekly announcement containing a link to the menu.
For more info, please contact Deborah Repplier at drepplier@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting our food trucks. See you there!
This Month’s Announcements
Please use the Announcement Submission Form (https://fearringtonfha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Announcement-Submission-Request_September-2022.docx) to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
Fearrington Clubs and Organizations
AM Book Club
Join the AM Book Club to discuss The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende. In 1939, as Poland falls to the Nazis, young Alma Belasco’s parents send her to live with an aunt and uncle in their opulent San Francisco mansion. There, she encounters Ichimei Fukuda, the quiet, gentle son of the family’s Japanese gardener. Unnoticed by those around them, a tender love affair begins to blossom. We will meet at McIntyre’s Books, Wednesday, June 21, at 10:15 am. All residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge are welcome to participate. Questions? Contact Cathy Clare, catfearr@gmail.com, or Carole Yardley, peacefulathome@bellsouth.net. Masks, please.
Concert Series
The Fearrington Concert Series is pleased to announce its 2023-24 season, including both solo and chamber ensemble artists, some new to the series. On September 17, 2023, Grace Ludtke (Grace Wepner Ludtke [graceludtke.com]), a member of the Guilford College music faculty who has been praised for her brilliant and stunning playing, will perform music for solo harp. Ms. Ludtke “[L]oves giving audiences a new impression of the harp and sharing its stories so its secrets can be discovered.” Pianist Fred Moyer (Fred Moyer [frederickmoyer.com]), one of Fearrington’s favorite artists, returns on October 15 to present another of his one-of-a-kind performances. Equally at home with classical or jazz, Fred’s playing is described by The New York Times as “First Class . . . clean, unmannered and full of ideas and intelligence.” On November 12, multitalented violinist Jennifer Curtis (Jennifer Curtis [jennifercurtisviolin.com]) performs in recital with piano. Improviser, composer, and educator, Jennifer has performed internationally and at Carnegie Hall and teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and at Duke.
A program of strings and winds inaugurates the new year. On January 14, a core ensemble of violin, viola, and cello, with additional wind instruments, will feature a wide range of classical works. The March 10 concert features Aurora Musicalis (Aurora Musicalis), a diverse chamber music ensemble composed of leading members of the North Carolina Symphony. Together since 2017, they are in demand throughout the Southeast for the exciting performances they bring to their audiences. By tradition, the season concludes on April 14 with a performance by talented young artists from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. This concert is always an audience favorite.
All concerts are held at The Gathering Place on Sundays at 3 pm. Season tickets are $100 per person and may be procured by dropping off a check made payable to Fearrington Concert Series in the Fearrington Concert Series box at the mail kiosk next to The Gathering Place, or by mailing to Jo Bolig at 555 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
Please direct any questions to Victor Benedict by phone at 919-601-3019 or by email at vicbassoon28@gmail.com.
Democratic Club
No further Club meetings are planned until September, but we are working on a special event with Josh Stein, Democratic candidate for governor. If that event can be arranged, we will notify the community in the mail kiosks, on the Fearrington Village section of Nextdoor, and on the Club’s website, www.FearringtonDems.org.
Dragons Mah Jongg
The Dragons are Ready to Play!! Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons play on the second Saturday of the month, June 10, 2023, at the Gathering Place from 1 to 4 pm. We play under the guidelines of The Gathering Place. As such, we must limit our number to 50, and masks are optional.
If you do not wish to continue with the Mah Jongg Dragons, please contact Mary Donna Pond so she can remove you from the mailing list. If you wish to play without joining the Dragons, you may play for $5 per Saturday that you play. Drinks and snacks will be provided! May the jokers be ever in your favor!!
Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@nc.rr.com to reserve your place. Contact Robin Weinberger at weinrob@msn.com or 919-219-5228, or Polly Williams at pw82550@gmail.com or 919-478-4260, if you have any questions. Want to learn how to play? Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@nc.rr.com.
Duplicate Bridge
Join us for a face-to-face game every Wednesday (7, 14, 21, 28) in June at 1 pm at The Gathering Place. We’re always looking to add new players. Play the first time is free; after that, the cost is $7 to defray the costs. Questions? Please contact Dianne Hale at haledianne@gmail.com.
Fearrington for Life
Aging in place is about to get a lot easier. Fearrington for Life is pleased to announce three options for having food delivered directly to your home. Starting now, you may order online or by phone for food delivery to your home or for a chef to cook your chosen foods in your home. No long-term contracts are required for any of these services.
1) Fresh food delivery by The Traveling Café, located in Pittsboro. There is a dedicated site for orders from Fearrington Village. Order by Wednesday each week for delivery on Friday. Website: https://thetravellingcafe.square.site; phone: 919-444-2840. First order accepted by May 31 for delivery June 2.
2) Frozen food that you can order the day before, for next-day delivery, from Dish to Door, in Apex. They have a few fresh orders that vary from day to day. Access from the website: www.dishtodoor.com; phone: 919-651-8309, extension 2.
3) Chefs for Seniors provides a chef trained to meet and design menus with you, do the food shopping, and prepare the meals in your home. Website: www.chefsforseniors.com\durham-chapel-hill; phone: 844-243-3477.
Please share this information with your neighbors and any friends who may have mobility issues or are shut in.
Garden Club
Happy Summer – We’ll See You in September. There will be no Garden Club meeting in June, July, or August. Watch for a member’s survey coming your way!
Please renew or begin your Garden Club membership by September. We welcome all residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge. Annual dues are $20 and run from September to August. If you are not a member and you’d like to attend a meeting, please bring $5 to the meeting. Current Garden Club members may bring a guest for $5. MEMBERSHIP FORM – Click Here to Download
Genealogy Group
Fearrington Genealogy Group is in recess during June, July, and August. Regular meetings will resume on the second Tuesday in September. Look for an announcement in the September issue.
Golf Club
Thanks to all who visited our booth during the Founders Festival. We enjoyed meeting you. Twenty-six people either sunk a putt or answered a golf trivia question to enter our gift certificate raffle. Kathy Hotelling was the winner!.
We don’t have our own golf course, but with the variety of courses in the area, we have a lot of happy golfers.
Here is our Tuesday/Thursday schedule of outings for the month of June:
6/1 Quail Ridge, Sanford
6/6 Forest Oaks, Greensboro
6/8 Talamore, Southern Pines
6/13 Bryan Park Champions, Greensboro
6/15 Quail Ridge, Sanford
6/20 The Challenge, Graham
6/22 Stoney Creek, Whitsett
6/27 Carolina Trace Lake, Sanford
6/29 Mill Creek, Mebane
7/20 “The Summer Scramble” Tournament
If you would like to join our Golf Club or try one of our outings as a guest, please contact Chris Horn, membership chair, cphorn.128@gmail.com.
Further info about the Golf Club can be found under Clubs and Other Organizations on the FHA website: Fearrington Homeowners Association, Inc. | Information for residents of Fearrington Village (fearringtonfha.org).
Great Decisions
Lectures on Current National and World Affairs
Thursday June 8, 2023, 1:30-3pm
The Gathering Place
This session will include discussion of the book, The Plea: The True Story of Young Wesley Elkins and His Struggle for Redemption, with the local authors, Patricia Bryan and Thomas Wolf. The book tells the story of an 11-year-old boy in late 19th century Iowa who murdered his abusive parents and was sentenced to life in an adult prison. The book explores the social context in which his actions occurred, the community and legal battles that ensued, and how he lived his life. A panelist, Burcu Hensely, will respond and discuss parallels to contemporary issues in achieving justice for juvenile offenders.
Panelists (left to right): Patricia Bryan, JD, LLM, Henry P. Brandis, Distinguished Professor of Law, UNC; Thomas Wolf, MFA, Free-lance author; Burcu Hensley, JD, Assistant Juvenile Defender in NC Office of the Juvenile Defender
It is not necessary to have read the book in advance of the session, though we encourage doing so. Copies are at McIntyre’s. Authors are willing to sign copies brought to the event.
Given Covid’s resurgence, we request that all attendees be vaccinated, boosted, and wear a mask. Thank you.
Questions? Contact Fred Welfel at fredatty@yahoo.com or 216-299-8241.
Green Scene
Spring has been a very busy time for the Fearrington Green Scene. We’ve had special speakers at our last two meetings. Fearrington resident Cheri Derosia spoke about community food waste recycling in April. And local enthusiastic authority on native plants and invasive plants, Jerilyn Maclean, spoke to us in May.
We also participated in the Fearrington Founders Festival on May 5 and the Matt Jones nature walk on April 27, sponsored by Fearrington Cares. Last but not least, the FHA/Green Scene spring event was held on May 20 at The Gathering Place parking lot. It featured paper shredding, unneeded medication disposal, and fire prevention information (provided by the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department).
With all that activity successfully behind us, we are taking June, July, and August off. There will be no monthly meetings for these summer months. See you in September.
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
914-806-4852 (cell phone)
PORCH
Thank you to those who visited the PORCH table during the Founders Festival event! Some of you asked a question we often hear: What is the difference between PORCH and CORA? Here’s a brief explanation:
CORA is the wonderful pantry based in Pittsboro that gets food to families in need in Chatham County. They work with various county partners (like us) to facilitate and accept their collections of food and money. PORCH is a neighborhood-based national organization started by three Chapel Hill women in 2010. PORCH Fearrington was one of their first affiliates. The premise of PORCH is that by making it easy for people to contribute, donations will increase. It has worked amazingly well! So, PORCHes everywhere collect donations in local neighborhoods and get those donations to various pantries or distribution points. Here in Fearrington, all of our donations go directly to CORA. The CORA truck comes to Fearrington to transport our collection to CORA each month, so you may see it around your neighborhood. If you are new to Fearrington and would like to participate, please visit our website, www.porchfearrington.org, to learn more. Thank you!
Swim & Croquet Club
The pool is officially open for the season, and the activities are well underway!
Yoga on the Lawn. The Club will have a Friday morning yoga class on the croquet lawn on June 2, 9, and 16. The class will start promptly at 8:30 am and last one hour. Yoga on the lawn will run for six weeks on Friday mornings.
Water Zumba. Our instructor will be Debbie Scotten, and classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays starting at 5 pm.
Water Exercise. Water aerobics led by a member will be held each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8 am.
Poolside Happy Hour. What could be more fun than the pool on a hot day? How about a weekly poolside happy hour? Bring your cheer and chat at 4 pm on Wednesdays. Extend your happy hour with dinner from the food truck. Since this is a BYOB (bring your own beverage) social, please remember that no glass containers are permitted on Club grounds.
Golf Croquet for Beginner & Intermediate Players. In June, we will offer beginning and intermediate golf croquet instruction. If you are interested, please contact John May at jtmay@bellsouth.net and indicate your preference for beginning or intermediate instruction.
We have made multiple improvements to the Club, including all new poolside and croquet court furniture, new umbrellas, new sport court flooring and ping-pong table in the cabana, freshly painted attendant’s vestibule, updates to each of the restrooms/dressing areas, refurbished grills, and a new badminton net on the upper lawn. If you are interested in joining the Club, please reach out to us (fearringtonswimcroquet@gmail.com) for a tour and complimentary one-day pass.
Tennis & Pickleball Association
Doctors tell us that social isolation is bad for your health! There’s no reason to isolate if you live in Fearrington Village. Over the last year, our Fearrington Tennis & Pickleball Association membership has grown substantially. Many of your neighbors are now members and enjoy a bit of exercise, either mild or moderate.
When not playing, we are relaxing on the benches, out of the sun, chatting with new friends—our neighbors who may live down the street but have been “hidden” from our view. Meet your Fearrington Village neighbors. Come on out and socialize!
Summer temps are on the way. Get your pickleball/tennis in early. For more information on tennis, contact Karen at khartonallen@gmail.com. For pickleball information, contact Betty at bettycrobie@gmail.com. To sign up for free pickleball clinics, contact Stokes at stokesadams63@gmail.com.
Village Singers
We thank all who attended our recent spring concert at Galloway Ridge entitled, Music Leads the Way. We hope the favorable reception we received leads to many more years of mutual enjoyment. Please plan to join us again in early December for our holiday concert.
This summer we want to invite more of our neighbors, both men and women, to become part of our group of 50 singers. We rehearse twice a week, once in The Gathering Place and once in a sectional rehearsal in someone’s home. If you enjoy singing in a group, please pick up a brochure posted in your mail kiosk and consider joining us. We have a volunteer committee of active recruiters, and we welcome your inquiry. There is no audition for signing up, and the dues are modest compared to the instructional benefits. The only requirement is that you be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Women of Fearrington
Women of Fearrington, Inc., continues to focus on providing assistance to the women and children of Chatham County through our Wonderful Options grants program. We have updated our website to link with each of the non-profits that are current grant recipients. Our website is a great place to learn about us, join, donate, or even be tempted to volunteer. To donate click here.
Join us on Tuesday, June 20, at 1:30 pm at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University for a guided tour of “Spirit of the Land,” an exhibit of artists who show us how our cultural identities and traditions are rooted in the land, and how, despite climate and environmental stress, there is hope for transformation and regeneration. Cost is $5; deadline for payment is June 12. Optional lunch at noon in the museum cafe. To register, click here.
Show your Village pride with a Village of Fearrington license plate for $20. Contact Kate West at klwest1977@gmail.com for more information.
Community Agencies
Chatham Connecting
Chatham ConnectingBringing Together Those Who Need Help with Those Who Can Help
Henry James said that “summer afternoon” were two of the most beautiful words in the English language. At chathamconnecting.org, you can find ways to do your part to make every day this summer special for your Chatham County neighbors. A variety of nonprofits and Chatham County agencies are listed on our website, so there is something for everyone. While school is out, many young people want to find ways to earn extra credit for service activities. Our portal—chathamconnecting.org—is the place to find organizations whose mission a high-school student (or an adult) would enjoy supporting. There’s even a special button that will link young persons to specific organizations looking for volunteers. Many organizations would be grateful for the help. And for adults, opportunities abound doing event planning, tutoring children and adults, serving on committees, or taking part in communication efforts such as preparing newsletters. Collecting donations of clothes and household items and delivering them to one of nearly 90 organizations listed on Chatham Connecting is another way to give back. Financial support is always welcome, too. Your Chatham County neighbors will thank you.
North Carolina MG Car Club
The North Carolina MG Car Club is ending a driving event at the Fearrington Village Farmers’ Market field, near the Village Center, on June 10 between 1 and 3 pm. There will be more than a dozen British Sports Cars dating from the ‘40’s through the ‘70’s parked there if residents want to stop by and see the cars. Drivers and navigators will be around the cars at the Farmers’ Market field and the Belted Goat during that period.
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 |
The Search Continues
“It is all about relationships,” Karen Metzguer says when she describes her job at Fearrington Cares. After ten years of leading the organization through a major building expansion and the development of innovative programs, she officially retired at the end of January. She has graciously continued working two days a week but plans to stop work at the end of May.
The Fearrington Cares Board’s search for Karen’s replacement continues. We have been advertising and interviewing for a new Nurse/Executive Director for the past five months, but have not found a perfect fit yet. Finding a nurse with all the executive skills we need is challenging. Our Nurse/Executive Director needs to be an expert on the medical resources in the area to help guide residents or adult children of Village residents when a medical need arises. He or she needs to know how to read a balance sheet, write newsletter articles, have an eagle eye for consistency, create programs that meet the needs of all ages of adults, manage volunteer programs, and fund raise.
We ask a lot from our Executive Director so that we can offer you a lot. If you know of anyone who is compassionate, and passionate about working for the health and well-being of the adults in our community, please direct them to the job description on the Fearrington Cares website homepage.
If you want to help us attract another high-quality Nurse/Executive Director in addition to spreading the word, please be sure to support us by making a contribution. We list many ways to support us on our Ways to Donate page.
—Linda Patterson, Fearrington Cares Board President
Fearrington Cares Presents Film Nite Featuring Highly Acclaimed Documentary
Thursday, June 1, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place
Join your neighbors for an evening of entertainment that will feature a newly released documentary. Admission is free, and complimentary popcorn, beverages, and treats are provided. Your contributions to Fearrington Cares are gratefully accepted to support this and other programs in our community.
Remember that due to licensing restrictions, the title of the film cannot appear in public places like our mail kiosks or this newsletter which appears on a publicly accessible part of our website. If you would like to check the title of the upcoming movie, it is posted on fliers at the Fearrington Cares Center and The Gathering Place. You can also email us at FearringtonFilmNite@gmail.com for an automated response that offers the title and a blurb about the film. Any subject line will do, as will any text in the message.
Once you find out, please share the news with your neighbors! Word-of-mouth and personal emails are acceptable and appreciated, but please don’t post anything publicly.
Note that all films will be captioned, and the AudioFetch system at The Gathering Place offers hearing assistance. Download the AudioFetch app to a smartphone and listen with noise-canceling headphones or directly through Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.
Fearrington Cares Brainiacs Memory Café
Wednesdays, 10:00 -11:00 am, at the Fearrington Cares Center
Brainiacs seated (L to R) Mike Ennis, John Kirkland; standing (L to R): Carole Breckinridge, Stephen Blank, Rebecca Kirkland. Photo by Ellen Hoosick.
Imagine a warm, friendly, welcoming group relaxing, sharing, and laughing. The Brainiacs is open to anyone who has neurodegenerative issues associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, and/or cognitive decline; partners/care partners are also welcome. Every week we get together for camaraderie and one or two activities to enhance our lives: sharing stories, chair exercises to increase communication between our right and left brains, drumming to reduce anxiety/tension, or games. Come and join the fun. Contact Fearrington Cares at (919) 542-6877 if you’re interested in participating. Let us know whether transportation is an issue, and we’ll try to help you out.
Limited Availability of Health Services
While the search committee of the Fearrington Cares Board is looking for the next Executive Director, a nurse will be in the Center a few days a week for resident appointments. Please call Ellen (919-542-6877) on weekdays between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm to schedule an appointment if the need arises.
Thank You for Sharing Your Magazines
UNC Hospitals is delighted that you are willing to bring magazines less than a year old to our Center; they have been picking them up regularly. Giving these materials a long “reuse” prior to recycling them brightens the lives of hundreds who wait in waiting rooms every month in UNC facilities!
Preventing Falls
The CDC and movement professionals recommend four things you can do to prevent falls:
- Get an annual eye exam.
- Make your home safer.
- Speak up; ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications.
- Keep moving.
Check your risk for falling with this “Stay Independent” brochure and commit with a friend to outdoor exercise, a gym routine, and/or come to the Fearrington Cares movement classes 3-5 times every week!
Light My Fire!
We’re not quite sure what The Doors had in mind in 1967 when they sang this song, but these days that could be your gas fireplace talking to you. Clearly, you don’t need a fire in Fearrington in the middle of summer; however, it is a good time to test your fireplace to make sure everything is in working order. If you discover a problem, you will have lots of time to contact a fireplace company (from the Fearrington Cares vendor list, of course) for remedial action BEFORE they get all booked up after the first cold spell. Testing your fireplace will also exercise the various valves and connections, which helps to keep them functioning better. Just don’t try to set the night on fire!
Line Dancing!
Come and join us for Line Dancing at Fearrington Cares and feel the lightness of moving to all kinds of music, not just country. Beginners are very welcome. It may take a few times to learn, but everyone is patient and nonjudgmental. Make the movements as vigorous or easy as you like. The teacher, Bruce Gillooly, has danced for many years and even offers private classes in tap and ballroom. The fun takes place every Thursday at Fearrington Cares from 11:30 am—12:30 pm.
Movement Classes at the Fearrington Cares Center(except as noted)Suggested donation of $5/class session (cash or check to Fearrington Cares).
| Support Groups Meeting in Person at the Fearrington Cares Center
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Health Services Offered at the Fearrington Cares CenterBy Appointment
| Support Groups via Zoomfearringtoncares.org > Services > Support Groups
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Welcome to Our New Residents
The following new villagers were added to the Fearrington Village Directory between April 15 and May 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 |
|---|---|
| Mary K. Barker & George & Katherine Ingham | 1311 Langdon Place |
| George F., Samantha (Sam), & Teresa T. Birchard | 111 Stone Edge |
| Annie Eagan & Dan Sprinkles | 9 Yancey (1044*) |
| Marian & Warren Glick | 398 Lyndfield Close |
| Elise A. Golsan & Reid N. Johnson | 34 Caswell (1184*) |
| Annette R. & John Alvin Kilby | 322 Sycamore Close |
| Susan E. Place | 1300 Langdon Place |
| Carolyn & Rick Rhinebarger | 4067 Harnett |
| Deborah & Douglas Sanks | 4107 The Knolls Close |
*Fearrington Post number
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.
June 2023 Calendar
June 2023 CalendarAll activities will be held at The Gathering Place unless otherwise noted.
These links will bring you to the online Combined Village Calendar, which is updated periodically from multiple sources. The Table below contains the calendar compiled by the editors from announcements that are submitted for publication.
| Day/Date/Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday June 1 7 pm | Fearrington Cares | Film Nite | FearringtonFilmNite @gmail.com |
| Wednesday June 7 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | NC Burger | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday June 8 1:30 pm | Fearrington Great Decisions | Juvenile Justice: Then, Now and Tomorrow; A PANEL DISCUSSION | Liz and Fred Welfel fredatty@yahoo.com 919-704-8416 |
| Saturday June 10 1-3 pm FV Farmers’ Market field and The Belted Goat | North Carolina MG Car Club | Endpoint of a driving event of British sports cars | Jim Fink 919-423-4363 |
| Saturday June 10 1-4 pm | Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons | Mah Jongg | Robin Weinberger weinrob@msn.com 919-219-5228 Polly Williams pw82550@gmail.com 919-478-4260 |
| Wednesday June 14 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | The Blue Window | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Tuesday June 20 1:30 pm; optional lunch at 12 pm Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University | Women of Fearrington | Road Trip: Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University— “Spirit of the Land” exhibit | Mif Flaharty mifflaharty@hotmail.com |
| Wednesday June 21 10:15 am McIntyre’s Books | AM Book Club | Monthly book discussion— The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende | Catherine Clare catfearr@gmail.com Carole Yardley peacefulathome @bellsouth.net |
| Wednesday June 21 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Chirba Dumpling | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Wednesday June 28 5-7:30 pm | Food Trucks | Cousins Maine Lobster & Munchilove | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Meeting Multiple Days in June | |||
| Monday June 5, 12, 19, & 26 7-9 pm | Card Knights | Poker | Bob Spillane weathersfield1@gmail.com 828-545-1152 |
| Wednesday June 7, 14, 21, & 28 1 pm | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge | Dianne Hale haledianne@gmail.com |
| Upcoming Events in July | |||
| Wednesday July 19 | Women of Fearrington | Road Trip: History of Pittsboro, Chatham County | Mif Flaharty peacefulathome @bellsouth.net |
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 The Belted Gazette is produced by the Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA), by and for the residents of Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC.
| Submissions The Belted Gazette contains community news, reports from the FHA Board members, items of interest to residents, and announcements of club and neighborhood activities. Content deadlines are the 15th of the previous month. All persons submitting content will receive a confirmation email. Email submissions to: editors @fearringtonfha.org. Do you have content for an upcoming newsletter? Please read the Publishing Guidelines at https://fearringtonfha.org/newsletter-guidelines-for-d-hb/. The Belted Gazette is 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). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||