29 Apr FHA Newsletter 2022-05 May
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
May 2022 Volume 41 Number 5
President’s Message
I lived in Maryland for 39 years before moving to Fearrington Village, and it probably won’t surprise you to learn that I was active in my homeowners association up there as well. I have observed that some issues seem to come up again and again. So, in the spirit of “spring cleaning,” here are a few friendly reminders and updates:
Management: Fearrington Village has been fortunate to have an on-site management representative, but the pandemic shut down The Gathering Place for long periods of time, and retaining staff has also been difficult during this period. The Board expressed concern to our management company, and I am happy to report that they have responded. We will have a new assistant manager, Judy Morang, starting May 2. She will be in the business office all day Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Our manager, Kathy Wood, will be in the office all day on Wednesday (and at other times as well). So you should be able to find someone in the office at least four days a week. Please remember that their time is valuable. They don’t work for just us; they have other communities they are responsible for as well. So come in as needed to drop off forms or ask a question, but please don’t come in just to socialize. The management company can also be reached at all hours at 919-542-1603.
- Covenants: In the first 3 months of the year, 25 new owners have moved into our Village. When you went to the closing, your attorney or realtor should have given you a set of covenants applicable to your home (and two sets if your new home lies within an area covered by a service group). Unfortunately, this does not always happen. So if you didn’t receive the covenants, please obtain them from our website (and however you get them, please read them!). Our covenants are not as restrictive as those of many newer communities, but they do require you to get approval if you are going to be making changes to the exterior of your home or yard. For example, you cannot cut down trees larger than six inches in diameter without permission. Trees are one of the Village’s greatest resources, and they are good for the environment as well. So you need to seek approval before you cut, and know that we will probably turn you down if you want to remove a tree for no reason other than that you don’t like it. Likewise, it you are thinking of repainting, putting up a fence, or building a porch or other addition, please get approval first. It will prevent a lot of headaches for all of us.
- Dues: The annual FHA dues are extremely reasonable ($188/year), and most residents mail in a check or arrange for direct payment at the beginning of the year. However, the number of people who don’t is far bigger than we would like. The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to make sure that everyone pays in a timely manner. Late fees, at $20 a month, accumulate quickly. Our management company sends out reminder letters for the first few months, but after several months of continued non-payment, we will have an attorney send out a demand letter. That automatically adds another $75 to your bill. Continued failure to pay means that a lien will be filed against your property. Now the costs are really adding up. So please make sure to pay in full and on time, and don’t ignore any follow-up letters you may receive. The Board will work with you if there is a legitimate reason why we didn’t receive your payment on time, but most people say they “just forgot.” That is not a valid reason.
- Driving in the Village: 25 miles an hour! That’s what the signs say, and we (and the N.C. Dept. of Transportation) are not just trying to be difficult. Fearrington Village is a beautiful community, and many residents like to walk or ride their bikes. Off-road paths and trails are not always available. Our population is older, and many of us have limited mobility. We may not hear or see as well as we used to. There are deer everywhere. If you are driving too fast, you may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident. Such accidents have happened, and the results can be very serious. There have even been fatalities in the past. We have ordered a new speed monitor, which you will observe soon. Please, please slow down. While it is true that delivery trucks and contractors are a significant part of the problem, we know that our own residents sometimes need reminding as well.
I will stop there. On a cheerier note, now that the days are longer and we are all starting to get out and about, I look forward to seeing many of you in the Village, at The Gathering Place, or at a club event. It’s a beautiful time of year.
-Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
Business and Hospitality Offices Closed
The Business Office and Hospitality Office in The Gathering Place will be closed for renovations from Monday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 11. They are scheduled to reopen Thursday, May 12. The Business Office will be reachable by phone at 919-542-1603. The Small Conference Room in The Gathering Place will be used for storage and unavailable to users during most of this time. The Large Room will still be available for scheduled events and should be accessed through the front door of The Gathering Place. Visitors may experience noise and odors during this period.
Aging in Place: Moving Forward While Staying Here
Many Fearrington residents are interested in “aging in place”—as indicated by the community survey conducted in late 2020 by the Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC), in which 58.9% of respondents said they planned to age in place. Responding to this community interest, the LRPC established a subcommittee on Aging in Place to assess current as well possible additional support for residents wishing to age in place.
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 Newsletter 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). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The subcommittee composed of resident volunteers began work in May 2021. They conducted research drawing on information from national organizations addressing aging in place, held discussions with experts in the field, and talked informally with friends and neighbors in the Village about their questions and issues. The subcommittee submitted its report to the LRPC in October 2021.
The report highlights current support in Fearrington Village for aging in place, including Fearrington Cares services and programs, numerous clubs that offer social and educational opportunities, the benefits of Village trails and paths, and the availability of memberships at the Duke Center for Living and at the Swim & Croquet Club. The report also explores what more might be offered to support residents in making sound decisions regarding aging in place.
After careful review and discussion of the report, the LRPC offered the following recommendations to the FHA Board for initial consideration to enhance support for aging in place:
- identify uses of technology to support health and healthcare
- complete and disseminate a resource guide on issues and resources
- hold small-group discussions to explore residents’ concerns and needs on this topic
- sponsor presentations on critical issues
- explore with Galloway Ridge the potential to offer fee-based transportation and meal service for Village residents
The Aging in Place report is now in the hands of the FHA Board. Based on the Board’s response to the recommendations, and with the ongoing guidance of the LRPC, we will facilitate and coordinate implementation of initial efforts to move forward in supporting Fearrington residents interested in aging in their homes in this community. At that time, we will determine the activities or projects for which volunteers will be needed.
—Sheila Creth and Abigail English
Co-chairs, Aging in Place Subcommittee and
Members of the FHA Long-Range Planning Committee
Good Things to Know…
Lost your keys?—Check your mail kiosk where keys may be found hanging up on the bulletin board. Also check at the Hospitality Office at The Gathering Place to check for keys that were turned in. If you need replacement keys or a new postbox lock, visit the Pittsboro Post Office. For $25, they will install a new lock and provide you with three keys.
Club payments—Mailboxes for Fearrington Clubs are found in the Swim and Croquet kiosk.
Used batteries—The receptacle at the entrance to The Gathering Place is a collection point for AA, AAA, and 9V used batteries. Disc batteries are not accepted; they need proper disposal at a recycling center.
Print cartridges (from homes, not businesses)—They cannot be recycled but can be disposed of in your household trash or at your local collection center. Staples accepts them.
One and Done
Art Lituchy is our very first “One and Done” volunteer! He responded to last month’s request and is now repairing the once-lovely bird house that stood near the back entrance of The Gathering Place. It will be returned to its original glory—and if the praise of his skills is accurate—it will look even better. We will be watching for it to be completed and will post a picture of the finished product in this publication. Thank you, Art!
If you lived here before Covid, you have undoubtedly missed the fun events held annually before Covid shut them down. Help bring them back by volunteering to help with just one of them. Choose the one that suits your interests now, and we will call you later this year or next when it is time to start preparations. Right now, we are recruiting volunteers for a Volunteer Appreciation Event to be held soon. Later this year, we will need volunteers for the 3-in-1 Green Event (May and October), National Night Out (August), Club Fair (Fall), Newcomer Welcome events (year-round), and the Annual Egg Hunt held in April 2023. And who knows what other events the FHA might dream up?! Contact Pam Bailey at community@fhaboard.org to express your interest.
Two jobs from last month are still waiting to be selected by their volunteers. Contact Judy Graham at secretary@fhaboard.com if you can help research information about how we might vote in the next FHA election electronically instead of by paper. Second, contact Mark Haslam at facilities@fhaboard.com if you can “hammer in the morning or hammer in the evening all over” the place (The Gathering Place) to remove quarter rounds from the baseboards before painting begins in the offices in a few weeks.
—Pam Bailey, community@fhaboard.org
And the Winners Are…
The very popular FHA Easter Egg Hunt returned on April 16 after a two-year absence due to Covid. There was a good turnout of excited children despite the wonky weather. The children were divided into three groups: 3 and under, 4s & 5s, 6s & 7s. Besides collecting as many candy-laden eggs as they could put in their baskets, each age group was on the hunt for THE GOLDEN EGG!
Showing off their Golden Eggs are:
Naya, 3 and under
Isla & Sis, 4s & 5s
Megan, 6s & 7s
Thanks to all the volunteers who stuffed eggs, decorated the playground, did crowd control, and all the other tasks it took to make this a successful event. Special kudos to Don Bailey, our intrepid bunny.
—Maggie Tunstall
- Pink & Sylvie Hahn. Caldwell Hahn, Photographer
- Fanny. Fanny is Warren and Barbara Ort’s English cocker spaniel. Warren Ort, Photographer
- Gracie. Gracie is a recue from Saving Grace—Ann Filipek (her mom), Photographer
- Gabby. Gabby is a rescued mini poodle with a black & tan rare phantom phenotype. Judy Thomas, Photographer
- Bruce. Monroe Wolf, Photographer
- Bubba. Bubba, a Tibetan spaniel, won his AKC championship in August 2018. His championship name is Heavy Hitter. Owner, Verity Dunphy. Ed Lallo, Photographer
- Best friends. John Grahm, Photographer
- Milo. Wendy Snodgrass & Doug Kriebel ‘s new puppy. Milo is a 13-week-old American Cocker Spaniel. Wendy Snodgrass, Photographer
- Pink. Caldwell Hahn, Photographer
- Mochi. Mochi is a 5-month-old tiny toy poodle. She fits the theme of Fearrington as she has a white stripe! Allison Gold, Photographer
- Simon. Simon is a Cavalier King Charles spaniel with a Kiss of Buddha on his forehead. Leslie Palmer, Photographer
- Andy (Baer), Kirby (Harris), and Clancy (Gonzales-Melchior). Three Musketeers. Art Gonzales, Photographer
- Rudi. Owners Linda and Leslie Smith. Leslie Smith, Photographer
- Luna in the Daffies. Christopher Ridley, Photographer
- Daisy. Sharon Derry (her mom), Photographer
- Capella. Owners Betty Akiba and Joe Strein. Steve Hurley, Photographer
Rooftop Solar for Your Fearrington Village Home
Part 2: Regulatory & Installation Process
By Larry Newlin
Last month I discussed why Lee and I chose to install our rooftop solar array, the criteria we used in selecting an installer, and some of the reasons why installing solar sooner than later made financial sense to us. In this article I discuss more about the regulatory and installation process.
We chose NC Solar Now, the larger of the three local, reputable companies that bid on our project, because of their state-of-the-art technology and their slightly lower bid. Quotes were generated remotely using our monthly utility bills to determine the size of our array, plus satellite technology to propose the number, location, and arrangement of the panels.
Roof Angles & Positions
A south-facing roof with a 30-degree angle is ideal, but west, southwest, southeast, and east can also yield significant solar energy. Angles can range from 15 to 40 degrees. Google’s Project Sunroof, an initiative combining data from Google Maps and Google Earth with 3D modeling and machine learning, estimates that a whopping 79% of all homes in America have rooftops that are “technically viable” for solar—meaning that they have adequate roof space and receive sufficient sunlight. What’s more, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that nationally, we could produce nearly 40% of all the electricity we use from solar installed on all the roofs in America.
Solar panels are designed to absorb the sun’s rays, rather than reflect them. The glare from panels is less than that from a window or a puddle of water. Panels have been designed to blend in with darker roofs and have a sleek look. A newer roof is ideal, but regardless, panels will lengthen the lifespan of the shingles underneath the array since they will no longer be exposed to the elements.
Inverters & What You Should Know
Our solar array doesn’t actually create power that our home can use. Solar panels generate direct current (DC), and an inverter converts the direct current to alternating current (AC) electricity that our house can use.
There are two types of inverters. A string inverter, also known as a central inverter, is a box that is installed near an electric panel or meter that converts the DC electricity of the strung-together solar panels to AC electricity. We chose microinverters as a newer and more productive technology. A microinverter is installed at the back of each panel, which maximizes the panel’s production. With a microinverter, shade on part of the array will not reduce the productivity of the rest of the array, as is the case with a central inverter. Microinverters have a longer warranty period than central inverters (about 25 years vs. 8-12 years). Generally, it’s easier to add panels with microinverters if you need to power an electric car charger or want to replace a gas appliance with electric.
Duke Energy Solar Rebate
The demand for solar rebates is so great that Duke Energy now uses a lottery system. Those awarded the rebate for rooftop solar may get up to $4,000. For the January 2022 round, only 23% of the applicants were awarded the rebate. Duke Energy currently has a proposal before the state utility commission to continue its rebate program but with significant changes—and a number of solar installers and advocacy groups are opposing that proposal. Visit Duke Energy’s solar rebate page for an explanation of their current program: NC Solar Rebate Program for homes (duke-energy.com). We did not receive the rebate after the January round and so delayed going live with our new system in order to be eligible for the second lottery round in June.
Net Metering & How It Works
Duke Energy applies a credit to your electric bill for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar electricity you send to the grid. When your solar panels aren’t producing electricity, you can take electricity from the grid and use the applied credit, if applicable, to cover the overall cost of your electricity bill. NC Solar Now offers this more comprehensive look at net metering: What Is Net Metering and How Does It Work? | NC SOLAR NOW.Duke Energy’s proposal to the utility commission would also alter its net metering program.
Solar in Winter
While your heating costs go up in the winter, there are also fewer sunny days. Plus, the hours of sunlight are reduced with shorter days and longer nights. What might come as a surprise is that during the hot days of summer, the heat reduces the efficiency of solar. In the winter, although there’s less sunlight, solar panels work at a higher efficiency than on hot summer days.
Cloudy Days
Photovoltaic panels are most effective in direct sunlight. However, they can also use indirect sunlight to generate power. Rainy days help to wash away pollen and dust and make panels more efficient when the sun comes back out.
The Process
NC Solar Now has a team of specialists who guided us through the regulatory, installation, and metering process. They assisted with the various forms and documents we needed to submit, as detailed below:
- First, our vendor visited our home to review and document roof details—for which they used a drone—as well as structural information, electrical equipment locations, solar access, and online monitoring setup.
- Based on their findings, they drafted a conceptual layout, which they submitted to us for approval.
- They also created a design of the proposed rooftop layout, which we reviewed and then submitted to the neighborhood homeowners association.
- An NC Solar Now engineer designed and stamped the necessary documents, including an Interconnection Request form that was submitted to Duke Energy (along with an insurance declaration and monthly power bills). They also submitted permit applications to Chatham County for approval. Simultaneously, they ordered materials for installation.
- Installation was scheduled, and our crew’s foreman, Spencer, called a day ahead of time to let us know when they would arrive. They came a few minutes early, huddled to discuss particulars, and then worked steadily and efficiently installing the panels and electrical equipment. Yes Solar (one of the vendors that had bid) recommended critter guards to keep squirrels and birds from creating havoc under the panels, so we had NC Solar Now install them around the panels. The crew was finished a bit after 5:00 pm, at which time they explained next steps, and left with everything clean as a whistle.
- An electrical inspection was scheduled within a week of installation. An NC Solar Now specialist met the Chatham County inspector at the appointed time, and we obtained approval.
After the interconnection request was resubmitted to Duke Energy, 90 days before the second round of the lottery, Duke Energy set a bilateral meter for us to switch on the net metering and begin reaping the benefits of our solar array.
For someone who is neither a solar guru nor very knowledgeable about electricity, I was amazed at how smooth the process was. Our contractor took care of almost all of the details. What seemed like a complex subject was demystified.
Yes, we recommend going solar!
Additional Resources
One thing I want to note is that Maarten Simon Thomas conducted a solar workshop for Fearringtonians a few years ago. I had heard about his expertise before starting my project, and I very much benefited from his advice as Fearrington’s solar advocate.
Also, as part of the Green Scene, Maarten is compiling a list of homes in Fearrington Village that rely on solar—please send him your name and address if you’ve already installed: simtho.fv@gmail.com. And of course, you can always reach out to me at lwnewlin@gmail.com.
Larry Newlin
Larry and Lee moved to Fearrington in 2020 from their organic farm in southern Orange County.Before that they owned garden centers in Greensboro and a garden-tour business.
More Food Trucks in May!
By Wendy Snodgrass
We are pleased to present a well-curated selection of food trucks this month. We’ve sandwiched our ever-popular lobster vendor and the unexpected delight of Irish pub fare between our two favorite Mediterranean options. We hope you’ll support and enjoy the following:
May 4 – Gussy’s Greek Truck
May 11 – Cousins Maine Lobster
May 18 – Doherty’s Paddy Wagon
May 25 – Blue Window Mediterranean Cuisine
Keep in mind that it’s often best to order online and select your pickup time. Visit our neighborhood hotspot page at www.streetfoodfinder.com/fearringtonvillage, where pre-ordering typically begins on the Monday before the food truck’s arrival. Remember that Cousins Maine Lobster is special—in many ways—and notably has its own app for preordering. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play and place your order on the day they come to visit.
Enjoy alfresco dining as summertime arrives—picnicking on your porch or gathering with neighbors—but kindly refrain from bringing food truck fare to the Village Center, as this convenient community amenity is not intended to interfere with activities there. Thanks for your support and cooperation!
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 Organizations
Fearrington Bulls & Bears Investment Club
The Fearrington Bulls and Bears Investment Club is a group that is interested in improving our investment knowledge and capabilities. We do this through managing a small portfolio of stocks, making buy-and-sell decisions, and monitoring the US stock markets and trends. We meet monthly during non-summer months and share information, insights, and ideas about investing with fellow members.
Guests are welcome to participate in a meeting or two to gauge their interest in joining the club. The next meeting will be on Friday, May 13, at 10:00 am at The Gathering Place and also via Zoom.
For more information about the Club or to join our meeting, please contact: Anna Shearer, president, at 703-217-0322 or ashearer1219@gmail.com.
Fearrington Concert Series
The Fearrington Concert Series will be concluding its 2021-2022 season with two concerts in May. The first on May 1 features the Zephyr Ensemble performing pieces by composers from the Baroque period, including Telemann, C.P.E. Bach, Pisendel, Krause, and Ignazio Sieber. The ensemble will perform using baroque instruments such as the harpsichord, oboe and recorder, viola da gamba, and violin. On May 22, pianist Solomon Eichner will be performing works by Debussy, Chopin, Liszt, Robert Schumann, and Nikolai Kapustin, as well as works by the more contemporary composer George Gershwin and Russian composers Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Please join us for these performances at 3:00 pm at The Gathering Place. Tickets may be available at the door for $20 per person if space is available. For more information, please contact Nina Alperin at 919-545-9011 or Barbara Hummel-Rossi at 516-864-4023 or Barbara.hummel.rossi@nyu.edu.
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 Democratic Club
The Fearrington Democratic Club is honored to host an event with the Democratic candidates for the NC Supreme Court, Justice Sam Ervin and Judge Lucy Inman, on Thursday, May 26, at 4 pm at The Gathering Place and on Zoom.
Attendees are asked to be vaccinated and boosted, please. Masks are currently optional in The Gathering Place. To register and get the Zoom link, please click here. Recordings of our meetings/Zoominars will also be available on the Club’s website: Fearrington Democratic Club – Welcome Page (fearringtondems.org)
Fearrington Dragons Mah Jongg
The Dragons are Ready to Play!
Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons play on the second Saturday of the month, May 14, at The Gathering Place, from 1 to 4 pm. We play under the guidelines of The Gathering Place. 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
“Years ago, there were only two acceptable excuses for not leading the suit your partner had opened: having no cards in the suit, and sudden death,” said Alfred Sheinwold. Join us for a face-to-face game every Wednesday in May. We play at 1 pm at The Gathering Place. Play the first time is free; after that, the cost is $7 to defray the costs. Questions? Please contact Dianne Hale at haledianne@gmail.com
Fearrington Film Club
FILM NIGHTS WILL RETURN but . . .
The Fearrington Film Club is eager to resume showing films, but we’re in a wait-and-see situation. Covid restrictions have relaxed, but the installation of new audio-visual equipment for showing films is still
under review. In addition, we have to deal with contract terms that allow us to show film. We’re aiming for a fall startup and will be eager to see familiar and new faces.
The Fearrington Garden Club
Garden Club’s May Field Trip
Known for her leadership with the national Foodscape movement and her lively, informative presentations, Brie Arthur is a celebrated speaker and bestselling author. She opens her Fuquay-Varina gardens to members of The Fearrington Garden Club on Monday, May 9, at 10 am. She has over two decades of experience as a professional horticulturist, propagator, and communicator. Her poppy and larkspur displays will be in full bloom! Email Anne Sanders at amsanders1@nc.rr.com to reserve a space.
Help Wanted: Leaders Who Love Flowers!
Hello, gardeners! If you are not willing to get your hands dirty, the flowers are not going to blossom. The Fearrington Garden Club is at a turning point, and we need new leadership. Without new leadership, the club will be forced to dissolve in May.
Our former leaders have a wealth of knowledge to share, we have a roster of interested members, and we even have a little money in the bank. What we don’t have is someone to take the reins and steer us forward.
If you are willing to help with organizing garden visits, securing speakers, and generally helping the Fearrington Garden Club to grow, please respond with your thoughts to Susan Biddulph at sbiddulph@mac.com or 919-533-6306.
Fearrington Genealogy Group
Meeting: Tuesday, May 10, 3:00-4:00 pm in The Gathering Place
Topic: Club member Marcie Ver Ploeg will give an illustrated slide presentation entitled Rediscovery of Edna Lewis.
In 1983, R. B. and Jenny Fitch recruited 66-year-old African-American chef and author Edna Lewis of New York City to the Fearrington House Restaurant as guest chef. Her chocolate soufflé remains on the dessert menu to this day. Marcie, a semi-retired culinary professional, will reveal some of the secrets she has unraveled about this legendary yet enigmatic grande dame of Southern cooking.
Interested members of the community are welcome to attend. Contact Linda Grimm for more information at 919-533-6296.
Fearrington Green Scene
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: SATURDAY, MAY 21, IS THE DATE FOR OUR SPRING “3-IN-1” EVENT! 9:00 am ‘til 12:00 noon is the time. The Gathering Place parking lot is the location.
Bring your accumulated personal papers to be shredded.
Bring your unused, unneeded pharmaceuticals to be disposed of by the Chatham County Sherriff’s Department.
Have your fire extinguishers checked out and/or recharged (if needed and for a nominal fee).
This event is co-sponsored by the Fearrington Homeowners Association and the Fearrington Green Scene.
Additional financial support is provided by Amy Ghiloni, resident and realtor with Re/Max United.
And join us for our regular monthly meeting at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 11, at the large room in The Gathering Place. Among other things, we will review the current plans for the upgrade that is about to take place in our village wastewater-treatment facility.
Come join us—and bring a friend!
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
Fearrington Green Scene
914-806-4852 (Cell Phone)
Fearrington Havurah
Join us on Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place for our second in-person meeting of 2022! We will socialize, meet the slate of candidates for next year’s leadership, and enjoy a program (details of which are still being finalized). We look forward to seeing you! If you have questions, please send an email to Ellen Spin, espin1@outlook.com
Fearrington Republican Club
Your Fearrington Republican Club will have our meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 7 pm at The Gathering Place. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Zach Potter, who will speak about “less government = more freedom.” Come and hear what Zach has to say. We also will have a donated piece of art that will be raffled. This will be our final meeting before taking summer hiatus. FRC will pick up in September. All Fearrington and Galloway residents are welcome.
Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club
We are excited to announce the opening of Swim & Croquet Club memberships for new and renewing members! Covid-19 precautions from the state and county will be in place for the opening on May 7. To keep up with inflation and capital improvements, we have increased the annual dues by 5%. To join, visit the FHA website, www.fearringtonfha.org, and navigate through Club Portal > Swim & Croquet Club > Membership > Click Here to Join/Renew. If you have questions, email us at fearringtonfha@gmail.com
Croquet News
On opening day, Saturday, May 7, Jan Droke will be there from 4 pm to 6 pm for croquet orientation and play. Stop by and give it a try.
Later this summer our neighbor, John May, is scheduled to share his extensive croquet experience with us by giving complimentary group lessons. Contact Jan Droke at jantomdro@gmail.com to sign up.
Dates are:
Croquet Stroke Fundamentals—Sunday, May 22, 4 pm, max 8 players
Croquet Strategy—Sunday, June 5, 4 pm, max 8 players
Fearrington Village Singers
Choral Concerts Return to Fearrington Village!
The Fearrington Village Singers will perform their spring concerts Sunday, May 8, at 3:00 pm and Tuesday, May 10, at 7:30 pm. Both concerts will be at the Chatham Community Church at 1685 Andrews Store Road (left turn at the Exxon just north of us).
Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. There are three ways to purchase tickets in advance. 1. Go to https://fearringtonvillagesingers.org, and click on the Purchase concert tickets link. 2. Go to https://fearringtonvillagesingers.org, click on Mail Order Form, complete an order form, and mail it to Suzy Shaub, 1377 Bradford Place, Pittsboro NC 27312. 3. Visit the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays.
You will be asked to provide proof of being vaccinated twice (no requirement for boosters). Masks are optional.
For those who not only like to hear music but are drawn to produce it, consider joining the Fearrington Village Singers by writing to us at fvsing@gmail.com
Women of Fearrington
Our Members’ Spring Luncheon will be at the Inn at Celebrity Dairy, following a tour of the goat farm at 11 am on Wednesday, May 18. Attire: boots and jeans! Do dress informally for this rustic setting, up-front-and-personal with goats! Deadline for fee of $30 is May 1. Please register here.
“Cinematic Conversations,” a new discussion group, will have its first meeting on Sunday, May 15, 2-4 pm, to discuss the film, Belfast, which you can stream for a fee from several sites. Email Lily Grace by May 1 for details and registration. This group is open to members of Women of Fearrington and their invited guests.
Community Agencies
Chatham Connecting
Chatham Connecting brings together those who can help with those who need help. Take a look at our website, www.chathamconnecting.org, where you can find nearly
100 Chatham County non-profits and agencies that could benefit from your donations or hands-on assistance. Has spring cleaning yielded treasures that need new homes? There’s an organization listed that is bound to benefit from your offerings. And youth volunteer opportunities as well as “work from home” options can be found with special buttons at the top of our webpage. If you prefer the outdoors this time of year, check out the Friends of the Lower Haw River, http://www.lowerhaw.org, which seeks volunteers to clean up the riverbank and participate in other environmental activities. Whatever your interest, there are organizations and neighbors that need your help. Thank you.
Community Remembrance Coalition—Chatham Community and Chatham County Western NAACP Chapters 5377 & 5388
“It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people and not be in favor of justice for all people.” The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Come join us on Saturday, May 14, from 9 to 11 am at Chatham County Agricultural Fair at 191 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Road in Pittsboro as we remember the five black Americans who were lynched in Chatham County.
To be honored are Harriet Finch, Jerry Finch, Lee Tyson, and John Pattishall, who were lynched in 1885, and Henry Jones, who was lynched in 1899.
Sheriff Mike Roberson will give the opening remarks, followed by Congressman David Price, who will give the keynote address. Details about other parts of the program can be found at https://www.crc-c.org/. The student winners of the Equal Justice Initiative Racial Justice Essay Contest will also be announced.
Friends of the Chatham Community Library
Join us for an audio-video sale of CDs, DVDs, audio books, and yes, some vinyl records, at the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro on one day only, Saturday, May 7, from 9 am to 3 pm. Most items will be $2. Friends of the Library members receive a 10% discount on purchases of $5 or more.
This year the Friends have decided to hold several small sales with selected categories for a safer shopping experience. County and library health guidelines will apply. See https://friendsccl.org/Coming-Book-Sales for more information.
Sorry, we cannot accept donations at this time.
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 |
Fearrington Cares Center Will Be Closed Memorial Day, May 30
Busy Hands Together
Tuesdays, May 3 and 17, 9:30-11:00 am at the Fearrington Cares Center
Do you enjoy handwork or have a button that needs re-attaching? Would you enjoy crafting with others? If you crochet, knit, make cards, scrapbook, needlepoint, or practice any other craft, we invite you to bring your project and join us at Fearrington Cares for a twice monthly get together on the first and third Tuesday of each month. This is an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and make progress on your favorite craft. If this sounds like something you would like to participate in, then let’s get together for crafting, conversation, and fellowship.
Living with Chronic Pain: Focus on Non-Pharmacologic Strategies
Thursday, May 12, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place (Zoom ONLY as back-up)
Chronic Pain affects over 50 million people in the US—approximately 20% of the population. The experience of pain interferes with all aspects of an individual’s life, limiting their involvement in activities of daily living, and adversely impacting quality of life. This talk will focus on ways that individuals can cope better with their chronic pain so that they may continue to do what they need and want to do in their everyday lives.
The presenter is one of our Fearrington Village residents and a member of the Fearrington Cares Education Committee, Donna Costa. Ms. Costa is a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and currently an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The program will be based on Ms. Costa’s occupational health experience assisting those with chronic pain and mental health concerns. It will focus on strategies other than medication and surgery that people can learn to increase their coping skills while living with chronic pain. This program will be presented in person in The Gathering Place unless increasing COVID infection rates dictate that we change to the Zoom format.
The Rumble and the Respite
Fridays, May 13, June 10, 10:00 am—2:00 pm at the Fearrington Cares Center
Registration required
As you might imagine in a neighborhood of more than 2,000 individuals, with an average age of 72, there are a number of caregivers in Fearrington Village. Fearrington Cares will host a pilot program, “The Rumble and the Respite,” once a month that is designed to add fun and comradery to the lives of individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living, while affording their caregivers the opportunity to take a break from their daily and continuous caregiving responsibilities. For our program, the term “caregiver” will be used to describe an unpaid family member, most often a spouse, who provides direct care for activities of daily living for a loved one. Participation in this program will benefit both the caregiver and the care recipient.
The Rumble and the Respite is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable space, along with activities, for care recipients, while giving their caregivers a break from this daily responsibility. Fearrington Cares currently provides a regular monthly Caregiver Support Group, but for many caregivers, it is impossible to attend unless care is available for the care recipient. Our new pilot program will allow Fearrington Cares to provide respite by hosting an educational and entertaining session, including lunch, for care recipients. So long as it is okay with the care recipients, we invite the caregivers to leave and do something by themselves! Caregivers can contact Karen (919-542-6877 or karen@fearringtoncares.org) for details and to register before May 6.
If you know a caregiver who may not be getting to read email as often as they might, please share this information and encourage them to call.
Crossroads Conversations
Wednesday, May 18, 1:30-3:00 pm at the Fearrington Cares Center
Registration required
Change is all around us. Join us to learn about the stages of change and how to navigate your way through each stage. Our program format combines information with time for self-reflection, guided discussion, and connecting with other Fearrington residents.
Our presenter is Fearrington resident Vicki Field, who brings expertise from 30 years of helping organizations and individuals to master change and move forward with professional and personal development. She has designed and led programs in over 300 organizations as Director of Training and Development, as an organizational consultant, and as a coach. Please call Fearrington Cares 919-542-6877 to register by 13 May.
Marvel at the Wonders of Nature in Chatham County
Thursday, May 26, 1:30 pm in Camden Park
Join naturalist Andy Upshaw as he shares his favorite local sites for birding, spotting wildlife, hiking, communing with trees, and identifying plants. This presentation offers highlights from his popular Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) course “Plants, Birds, Rocks & Things” where he leads weekly field trips to explore and offer insights on local botany, ornithology, geology, and archaeology. Discover the best places to visit, when to go, and what to look for—eagles feeding, osprey nests, migrating birds, invasive mistletoe, a mink with her kits, and more!
This education program will aptly be presented outdoors at Camden (aka Jenny’s) Park near the sheep sculptures. Please bring a lawn chair, a pen to take notes on the map provided, and any questions you may have about plants, birds, rocks, and things. In case of inclement weather, this program will be held in The Gathering Place.
Andy Upshaw is a North Carolina native and Chatham County resident since 1980. He is an Army veteran and has degrees from UNC in business and from Sandhills Community College in horticulture. As a JC Raulston Fellow, he taught Plant Identification at NC State University and conducted plant research at the JC Raulston Arboretum. He operated a nursery and landscape business for 20 years and was manager at Niche Gardens in Chapel Hill. He has been teaching horticulture and nature classes at CCCC Pittsboro since 2001 and has directed their youth enrichment summer day camp. He has participated in Audubon bird counts for 40 years. He lives in rural Chatham with his wife, a professor at the Gillings School of Public Health at UNC.
Movement Class News!
Starting in May, several classes are moving to The Gathering Place. Chair Yoga will be held at The Gathering Place every Monday at 11:30 am starting May 2. Two Otago classes have been meeting every Wednesday in the Center but beginning on May 18 there will be only one Otago class and it will meet in The Gathering Place. The last two Otago classes in the Center will be held at 11:30 am and 12:45 pm on May 4; there will be no classes on May 11; and the Otago class will be held at 11:30 am at The Gathering Place beginning on May 18. The Posture, Balance, and Cardio classes will be held at The Gathering Place every Friday at 12:45 pm during May.
We are also offering a new outdoor movement class called Walking Meditations from 9:30 am-10:45 am on May 9, 16, and 23. This outdoor mindfulness practice will integrate meditation and mindful movement with nature appreciation on the beautiful trails in Fearrington Village. We will explore three trails that offer the opportunity to connect us to ourselves, nature, and each other. The typical walking distance is 1.25 miles on varying terrain with gravel and dirt surfaces within Fearrington. This class is designed for a small group of four participants who are able to commit to attending all three sessions. Register by May 6; for more information contact Karen (919-542-6877).
Invitation and Highlight: Living with Chronic Conditions and Pain
In addition to participating in our upcoming education program, “Living with Chronic Pain: Focus on Non-Pharmacologic Strategies” on May 12, you might consider whether a regular group discussion might be just the support you need. There are a number of resources that address chronic pain, but few help with the emotional roller coaster of living with a chronic condition or illness. Our Fearrington Cares group will help you develop a support network and provide inspiration. Discussion topics have included but have not been limited to the effects of chronic illness on identity and self-concept, how to communicate with others in ways that are healthy, and fears and aspirations for the future. Find the Zoom link on the Fearrington Cares website for this group, which meets twice a month on Thursdays.
Protect Yourself with Smoke and CO Detectors
Installing and properly maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home can save your life. CO detectors are needed even in all-electric homes because CO can seep into the house from an attached garage or a backup generator that is used during a power outage.
Everyone knows that the backup batteries in smoke and CO detectors need to be replaced at least annually. However, many homeowners are not aware that both types of detectors have a limited lifetime. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years; even if the test button on the alarm sounds when pressed, the sensors inside may no longer be able to detect smoke. CO detectors have an even shorter lifespan: they should be replaced every five years.
For more information on smoke detectors and CO detectors, consult the Consumer Reports buying guide.
When It’s Time to Get Out of Dodge!
We all know our house will never catch fire; it’s always someone else that has that problem. But just in case, it’s always a good idea to plan for that event that will never happen. Two minutes invested in thought now can save your life later! Make a plan for home evacuation.
- Learn two ways out of every room in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use. A second way out can include an escape ladder for rooms on an upper level.
- Practice getting low and moving to your exits in case of smoke.
- Choose a safe meeting place a safe distance from your home.
- Have a home fire drill at least twice a year.
More detailed suggestions including what to do with children in the planning can be found at www.ready.gov/home-fire-escape-plan.
Welcome to New Residents
The following persons have been added to the Fearrington Village Directory between March 15 and April 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 |
|---|---|
| Jon D. & Stephanie C. Briggs | 676 Whitehurst |
| Muriel (Chip) & Stephen M. Gates | 30 West Camden (1129*) |
| Noa & Stephen V. (Steve) Harrel | 1390 Bradford Place |
| Susie & Tom Hatt | 191 Weatherbend |
| Laura P. (Laurie) & William R. (Bill) Johnson | 3 East Camden (1004*) |
| Laura & Sanford A. (Sandy) Key | 1308 Langdon Place |
| Kimberly Kososki | 5 Caldwell (1119*) |
| Beth Marr & Mark L. Thomson | 4603 Montgomery |
| Dolores (Dody) & Richard (Dick) Sheremeta | 925 Woodham |
| Janet L. & John A. Swanson | 4040 South McDowell |
* Post office box 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 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.
| Day/Date/Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, May 1, 3 pm | Fearrington Concert Series | Zephyr Ensemble | Nina Alperin 919-545-9011, or Barbara Hummel-Rossi 516-864-402, Barbara.hummel.rossi @nyu.edu |
| Thursday May 5,_8:30 am | Fearrington Golf Club | Spring golf tournament, Quail Ridge Golf Course, Sanford | Tad McArdle, williammcardle66 @gmail.com |
| Saturday May 7, 9 am-3 pm | Friends of the Chatham Community Library | Friends of the Library AV Sale | booksale @friendsccl.org |
| Saturday May 7, 4-6 pm | Swim & Croquet Club | Croquet orientation & play | Jan Droke, jantomdro @gmail.com |
| Monday May 9, 10 am | Fearrington Garden Club | Field trip to Brie Arthur’s poppy and larkspur garden, Fuquay-Varina | Anne Sanders, amsanders1@nc.rr.com |
| Tuesday May 10, 3-4 pm | Fearrington Genealogy Group | Rediscovering Edna Lewis, Illustrated presentation by Marci Ver Ploeg | Linda Grimm, lgrimm @oberlin.edu |
| Tuesday May 10, 7 pm | Fearrington Havurah | Meeting | Ellen Spin, espin1 @outlook.com |
| Wednesday May 11, 11 am | Fearrington Green Scene | Monthly meeting | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |
| Friday May 13, 10 am | Bulls and Bears Investment Club | Monthly meeting Gathering Place and via Zoom | Anna Shearer 703-217-0322, ashearer1219 @gmail.com |
| Saturday May 14, 1-4 pm | Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons | Mah Jongg | Robin Weinberger 919-219-5228, weinrob @msn.com , or Polly Williams 919-478-4260, pw82550 @gmail.com |
| Sunday May 15, 2-4 pm | Women of Fearrington | Cinematic Conversations: Belfast | Lily Grace, lilygrace @frontier.com |
| Wednesday May 18, 11 am | Women of Fearrington | Celebrity Dairy tour & Spring Luncheon | Mif Flaharty 808-234-0008 |
| Saturday May 21, 9 am-12 pm | Fearrington Green Scene | Spring “3-in-1” Event | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |
| Sunday May 22, 3 pm | Fearrington Concert Series | Solomon Eichner, pianist | Nina Alperin 919-545-9011, or Barbara Hummel-Rossi 516-864-402, Barbara.hummel.rossi @nyu.edu |
| Sunday May 22, 4 pm | Swim & Croquet Club | Croquet Stroke Fundamentals complementary group lesson | Jan Droke, jantomdro @gmail.com Contact to sign up. |
| Wednesday May 25, 7 pm | Fearrington Republican Club | Monthly meeting | Donna Stewart 919-533-6886 |
| Thursday May 26, 4 pm | Fearrington Democratic Club | Meet our Supreme Court Candidates | Cheri DeRosia 919-923-4506, cheri_derosia @hotmail.com |
| Meeting Multiple Days in May | |||
| Wednesdays May 4, 11, 18, & 25, 1 pm | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Weekly Duplicate Game | Dianne Hale, haledianne @gmail.com |
| Sunday May 8, 3 pm & Tuesday May 10, 7:30 pm | Fearrington Village Singers | Spring Concert | Kathryn Doster 919-353-5217, fvsings @gmail.com |
| Upcoming Events in June | |||
| Sunday June 5, 4 pm | Swim & Croquet Club | Croquet Strategy, complementary group lesson | Jan Droke, jantomdro @gmail.com: Contact to sign up. |
