05 Apr FHA Newsletter May 2023
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
May 2023 Volume 42 Number 5
President’s Message
Sometimes I feel like a mother hen who is trying to keep all her chicks in line. Please know that I am not trying to be a nag. I am just trying to help everyone and avoid future problems.
Example one: An invoice for our 2023 dues went out last year in December. Dues were payable by the end of January. Knowing that the holidays are a busy and confusing time, the Board decided to defer late fees for two months. Although it is now April, we have only collected dues from slightly more than 80% of you. The number of residents in arrears is much greater than it was last year. Did you know that a late fee of $20 is added to the amount due every month after the two months we deferred? If you didn’t pay by April 1, you owe $197.40 plus $20.00 for March. If you don’t pay by May 1, you will owe $197.40 plus $40.00 for March and April. Once we turn an account over to an attorney for collection, the amount owed really starts to balloon. Our dues are less than 55 cents a day. If you don’t think you received a bill, or if you are unsure whether you paid for this year, please call Bridget in the office at 919-542-1603. Find out what you owe and bring a check to the business office at the Gathering Place ASAP!!! Every resident should be aware that their FHA fees are due at the beginning of each year. The Board doesn’t want to argue with you over late charges. We just want all of you to look at your bank account and make sure that you paid your dues for the year. If you live within a service group, be sure that you paid your FHA dues in addition to your service group dues. Let’s bring the number of outstanding accounts down now. Thank you for following up on this important matter.
Example two: I am 71 years old, and I still drive. Indeed, I think I am a pretty good driver, but I already recognize that I don’t see at night as well as I used to. So, I have cut back on my nighttime driving, and I am extra-careful whenever I drive. Lately, I have heard several stories that have made my hair stand up on end, and they are stories about Fearrington drivers. I heard about a driver who was turning left from Village Way to go south onto 15-501, but he/she turned into the northbound lane instead of the southbound lane, made a U-turn crossing two lines of traffic twice, and narrowly avoided getting hit by a truck that he/she apparently did not see. I have also heard many accounts of people turning left into Fearrington without waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. I have personally seen far too many near-misses caused by drivers leaving the Duke Center for Living who turn without really looking to see if the way is clear. I have also seen drivers back onto roads from their driveways without really looking, and, as our speed monitors show us, far too many people don’t obey the 25-mph speed limit (and it’s not just the delivery trucks). Please, please be careful out there. Traffic is increasing, and I don’t want any of us to be a victim of someone else’s bad driving. Let’s do all we can to avoid a tragedy.
Enough of that. On a lighter note, I want to congratulate Maggie Tunstall, who was crowned Queen Egghead in thanks for all the work she has done over the years to organize and conduct the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The weather was about as bad as it could possibly be this year, but that didn’t keep Maggie away, and several of us were there to toast her enthusiasm and persistence. Thank goodness she will be getting some future help from volunteer Wendy Snodgrass and others. I also hope many of you will come out for our first Founders Day celebration on May 5. Should be lots of fun and educational, too, since we are documenting much of the history of the Village. Also, stay tuned for updates about our shredding event that will be held on May 22, and make plans to attend the new movie nights being hosted by Fearrington Cares at The Gathering Place. As pandemic fears continue to ease, I hope to see more and more of you out and about in the Village.
—Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
FHA Open Meeting on April 17, 2023
The FHA held an open residents’ webinar meeting on April 17. We presented a brief summary of the results of the amenities survey that was conducted in March, and President Rose Krasnow discussed the progress to date of the budget analysis that the Board has been conducting. The meeting was then opened to residents’ questions. A video of the meeting is available at online, and a more complete summary of the survey responses can be found on the FHA website. Written responses to the questions from residents will also be posted on the website when available.
Fearrington Founders Festival Is HERE!
Friday, May 5, 2:00-6:00 pm at The Gathering Place Campus (rain or shine)
By Wendy Snodgrass
Come celebrate a fun-filled day of festivities honoring the founding of Fearrington Village in 1974. The festival will be held in and around The Gathering Place and will feature a special “Skywalker” entertainer, ‘70s music, an exhibit of our Village history, a Club Fair showcasing a variety of Fearrington clubs, poolside dining with a croquet demo, a reunion of former villagers, and children’s activities. Fearrington Cares will host a mocktail bar, silent auction, and “love bus” photo booth. Don’t miss the introduction to our own Fearrington Village StoryCorps project, which aims to preserve and share the stories in our community.
Food trucks will satisfy our appetites with El Chicano dishing up Mexican fare and American cookout favorites, Hugger Mugger Brewing serving specialty beer on draft, and Alsies offering ice cream treats. Complimentary bottled water and cookies will be available for all.
End the evening in style with the Fearrington Village Singers spring concert at the Galloway Ridge auditorium at 7 pm. Visit their website for details and tickets.
Note: There will only be limited parking available at The Gathering Place. Additional spots can be found at the Farmers’ Market area, the parking lanes on East and West Camden, and other nearby county roads. Passengers can be dropped off at The Gathering Place entrance. Please carpool, walk, or take the event shuttle service, which will run continuously from the Farmers’ Market and barnyard. While you wait, visit with the Belties and Farmer Bob, who will be offering barnyard Q&A from 3 to 5 pm.
Fabulous door prizes are compliments of Fitch Creations and Amy Ghiloni of Re/Max United. Be sure to thank them and our event sponsors—Log Out Tree Service, Meta Tibke Realty, and Brigitte Condoret of Century 21 Lifestyles—for contributing to our community celebration!
Photo Challenge – Flashback to the ‘70s!
Permission granted by photograph owner.
Where were you when Fearrington Village was founded in 1974? Submit a photo of yourself from the early ‘70s and you’ll be included in a special drawing to win a gift certificate for an “Afternoon Tea for Two” at the Fearrington House Restaurant.
Bring your photo to the Hospitality Office at The Gathering Place (weekdays, 9:30 am-noon) and we’ll make a copy for you there. Or scan and submit your photo to hospitality @fhaboard.org. Please include your name and location with your submission. Prizes will also be awarded for the photo with the best ‘70s style attire and for the destination farthest from Fearrington. Be sure to enter and check out the Photo Challenge display at the Fearrington Founders Festival to see if you can recognize familiar faces in photos from 50 years ago!
Hint: She serves on the FHA Board, and he has twice served as the Easter Bunny.
The Easter Bunny Celebrates Rain or Shine!
By Pam Bailey; Photo by Wendy Snodgrass
When Easter weekend brought four inches of rain and chilly temperatures, our resourceful rabbit hatched a plan for an Easter Egg Giveaway. A surprising number of excited children arrived in mittens, coats, and galoshes for this rainy-day adaptation of our annual egg hunt. Thanks to our friends at Fitch Creations, the children were able to fill their baskets under the shelter of the tent at The Belted Goat while their parents enjoyed cookies and cider. Mr. Bunny and his helpers handed out bags stuffed full of candy-filled eggs that could be hidden and hunted at home.
A toast to Maggie Tunstall (seated) surrounded by her grandniece, the Easter Bunny (aka Don Bailey), her brother, and FHA Board president Rose Krasnow.
Photo by Wendy Snodgrass
The highlight of the morning was honoring our longtime egg-hunt planner and dedicated village volunteer, Maggie Tunstall. She has been active in Fearrington Village since moving here in 1999, having served on the FHA Board as president, secretary, and community affairs director. She currently volunteers in the FHA Hospitality Office, drives for Meals on Wheels, and contributes in many other ways. As fellow volunteer extraordinaire Sharon Laner said, “Maggie is what Fearrington Village is all about today and many years past. She is not only the Egg Hunt Queen, but a leader in the community. Stay strong—be a Maggie for the Village.”
If you would like to be “a Maggie” and join our fun-loving Community Affairs team, we are always seeking volunteers to assist with planning and hosting community events. Email us at community@fhaboard.org to get involved!
Calling All Village Volunteers…
Save the date! On May 10 at 11:00, your FHA Board will honor you for the hours you have spent contributing your time and talents in ways that enhance our community. Whether you are grooming trails, creating the newsletter, maintaining the website, leading a club, welcoming volunteers, beautifying our gardens, or overseeing the affairs of our neighborhoods, we appreciate you. Drop by The Gathering Place between 11:00 am and noon and see what treats we have in store for you! More information will be forthcoming on the FHA website. Stay tuned!
—Pam Bailey, community@fhaboard.org
Scene Around Fearrington
This Month’s Photographer: Eric Munson
Eric and Annette Munson moved to their new home in the Millcreek Circle section of Fearrington in 2018 after living in Chapel Hill for thirty-eight years. In 1980, Eric assumed his position as President and CEO of the then North Carolina Memorial Hospital, now the University of North Carolina Hospitals, a position he held for 24 years. In 1987, Annette joined the faculty at the Durham Academy as a middle school teacher and then became the Chair of the English Department. In retirement, they split their time between Fearrington Village and Suttons Bay, Michigan, in Leelanau County, home of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan.
Eric’s interest in photography began when, as a fifteen-year-old Boy Scout, he embarked on a twelve-week, 1,200-mile bike trek through seven countries of Europe with five other scouts. Prior to departure, his amateur photographer father gave him a miniature Minox camera and enough film cartridges to last the summer. The hobby was born! Since then, he has enjoyed landscape, portrait, and macro photography. He and Annette walk the Camden Park daily and enjoy the many “photo ops” that the park affords. Their summer sojourns to northern, lower Michigan result in annual albums of photographs from that beautiful locale.
Eric explained his own approach to photography: “My father taught me against great odds to not take myself too seriously. There was one Lincoln, one MLK, one Theresa. We must not take ourselves too seriously! Instead, we must capture our surroundings when they are right in front of our faces and lenses.”
Three years ago, when the FHA Newsletter began to include photographs and other images, Eric was one of the first to provide photos for publication. More recently several of his pictures of ducks and turtles have appeared in The Belted Gazette. Here is a sample of other photos he has taken on his walks with Annette around Camden Park.
Click on any photo for an enlarged view
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Forthcoming Scenes Around Fearrington
♩♫ “April brings the sweet spring showers,
On and on for hours and hours.” ♩♬
Flanders and Swan, A song of the weather
Last month’s Scene Around Fearrington was devoted to photographic representations of Springtime. However, one of spring’s most prominent features, precipitation, was not included. The June issue, therefore, will be devoted to the topic of April Showers (yes, a month or so late). We invite you to submit photos of any form of precipitation you might encounter at this time of year. It could 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, such as these tips.
Please look at the guidelines for photographs in the Belted Gazette, and send your photos to Gordon Pitz (gfpitz@gmail.com). Please submit by May 15.
For the second half of 2023, here are three other topics planned for this section of the Belted Gazette. They will emphasize some different ways of recording the scenes to be observed around Fearrington.
Fearrington at Nighttime: After the sun has set, a different view of the village emerges. In the absence of natural lighting, you must rely on artificial lights, or try “light painting” with your own light source. The lights of vehicles on the road can generate fascinating images. You will probably need to use a tripod and a long exposure time to get the images you want. Here are some other ideas you might find helpful.
Sunrise and Sunset: These are special times of day when different colors and patterns emerge. These photos are so common they can border on clichés, but look for the unusual views. For example, here’s a hint from one online source: “Sometimes a beautiful photo of a sunrise or sunset doesn’t even include the sun itself”. You can find other ideas there. Because of the low light at times, the tripod may be useful.
Black and White: By eliminating color as a feature of the image, you may be able to emphasize other elements: Form and shape, texture, or the contrast of shadows and highlights. Try using a photo editing program to remove the color in some photos you like. Does this bring out features you had not noticed before? Does it offer a unique view of a familiar scene? Here are some other potentially helpful suggestions.
Let these topics inspire you to new heights of creativity in your photography. Again, please send your best efforts to Gordon Pitz (gfpitz@gmail.com).
Website Tips – More Finding Tools
By Tony Carroll, communications@fhaboard.org
In addition to the general website navigation tools that I described in last month’s Website Tips, some sections of the website have their internal navigation tools.
The “Find People” tab under the “Directory” menu heading facilitates a number of different types of searches in addition to searching by last name. For example, after meeting a new person, one might remember their first name (or nickname) and the street or area where they live and be able to find them by choosing those search criteria. (Hint – type slowly in the search box to get the best results.) On the website menu, tabs under the “Directory” heading also allow residents to locate their area and block contacts or service group leaders, while the “Online Directory & Handbook” tab brings you to a landing page with links to the various online pages that are combined to make up the paper directory.
Food Trucks for May
Food Trucks for MayBy Leigh Matthews
These food trucks are scheduled in May:
May 3: Green Onions Bistro (Asian Fusion), featuring innovative meals such as dumplings, tacos, and noodles. Menu also includes veggie sides and Banana Pudding Cup.
May 10: Doherty’s Paddy Wagon (Irish, American), serving “the best Fish & Chips in the Triangle.” Menu includes meat and vegetarian options, and don’t forget Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse.
May 17: Bulkogi Korean BBQ (Korean, BBQ, Asian Fusion), offering “authentic Korean BBQ with a yummy twist.” BBQ can be ordered with meat or tofu.
May 24: Blu Tee Spoon (Vegan, Burgers, Comfort Food) specializes in gourmet vegan burgers and mac & cheese using organic local farm ingredients. Menu also features hibiscus lemonade, loaded fries, and daily specials.
You can preorder at our hotspot page, https://streetfoodfinder.com/FearringtonVillage, or you can order at the truck. Pick-up is between 5:00 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 to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
Download the form from https://fearringtonfha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Announcement-Submission-Request_September-2022.docx
Fearrington Clubs and Organizations
AM Book Club
Join the AM Book Club to discuss Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict. The book describes the amazing turnaround by Andrew Carnegie from steel magnate to humanitarian. The oldest son of Scottish immigrants, Carnegie would become one of the richest and most prolific philanthropists in American history. We will meet at McIntyre’s Books, Wednesday, May 17, at 10:15 am. All residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge are welcome to participate. If you have questions, contact Cathy Clare, catfearr@gmail.com or Carole Yardley, peacefulathome@bellsouth.net. Masks, please.
Concert Series
The Fearrington Concert Series 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 (violinist Jennifer Curtis violinist) 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
The Fearrington Democratic Club will have a table at the Founders Festival on Friday, May 5, between 2 and 6 pm. Stop by to meet your neighbors, learn about our informative, inspiring programs, and have a snack. We’d love to see you there.
Dog Club
The Fearrington Dog Club wrapped-up our first year with our April presentation, “Living with Senior Dogs.” We now go on hiatus and plan to resume in the fall.
Our program committee will begin planning topics and speakers for the 2023–2024 club year. We’ll update our web page as needed. Watch for our kiosk flyers beginning in late August and meeting announcements resuming in the September issue of The Belted Gazette.
BTW…our club could use some help behind the scenes. If you have an interest in program planning, skills with audio visual equipment and/or basic computering, or would like to help on meeting day with greeting members, we have a role you can fill. Contact Ann Melchior (amelchior@verizon.net) to join the small group of dog enthusiasts who plan our club meetings.
Duplicate Bridge
Join us for a face-to-face game every Wednesday (3, 10, 24, 31) in May except May 17 (we will play on May 19) 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.
The Farm to Fork Picnic Returns to Fearrington Village
The Farm to Fork Picnic is organized by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS—https://cefs.ncsu.edu) at NC State to raise funds to support beginning farmer apprenticeships and food systems internships.
This popular Triangle event is returning to Fearrington Village on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 4 to 7 pm, and will take place in and around the Barn and the grounds adjacent to the Fearrington House.
Tickets are available through EventBrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farm-to-fork-picnic-triangle-2023-tickets-479488822977). For more information about the event, visit https://cefs.ncsu.edu/farmtofork/. This event typically sells out.
Fearrington for Life
Aging in place is about to get a lot easier. Fearrington for Life, a group dedicated to making aging in Fearrington as easy as possible, will soon introduce a program of three options for having meals delivered directly to your home.
The choices include delivery of either frozen or fresh meals to your front door or a visit by a trained chef who will shop for and then cook meals in your own kitchen.
Watch for the formal program announcement in the June issue of The Belted Gazette. Please share this information with your neighbors, especially if you know of someone who has trouble getting out and around. June’s announcement will include information about the three companies delivering these options; how to order online, or by phone if that is preferred; and some ideas about the kinds of food available.
If you have questions or comments about either Fearrington for Life or the food-delivery program, please contact Karenlshectman@gmail.com.
Genealogy Group
The Fearrington Genealogy Group will have its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 9, from 3 to 5 pm in the big room at The Gathering Place. Scheduled presentations will include tracing Swedish ancestors and Cane Creek Meeting ancestors. Members of the Cane Creek Meeting gave medical attention to soldiers from the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and were later involved in the Underground Railroad. Lastly, we will learn about firearms used during all these time periods. Open to all members of the Fearrington community.
Contact Michael Queen at 919-533-6550 for additional information.
Golf Club
After enjoying an active winter of golf, the Fearrington Golf Club had great plans for the rest of the year.
We don’t have our own golf course, but with the variety of courses in the area, we have a lot of happy golfers. Our golfers have a wide range of ability, and our focus is to enjoy the game of golf.
Here is our Tuesday/Thursday schedule of outings for the month of May:
May 2: Mill Creek, Mebane
May 4: Bryan Park Players, Greensboro
May 9: Forest Oaks, Greensboro
May 11: Quail Ridge, Sanford
May 16: Stoney Creek, Whitsett
May 18: Quail Ridge, Sanford
May 23: Quail Ridge, Sanford
May 25: Mill Creek, Mebane
May 30: The Challenge, Graham
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 Organizations on the FHA website: Fearrington Homeowners Association, Inc. | Information for residents of Fearrington Village (fearringtonfha.org).
Great Decisions
Can China Remake the Global Order?
Thursday, May 11, 2023
1:30-3:00 pm
The Gathering Place
China now considers itself an equal to the United States with the right to have its views recognized on all questions of global interest. As tensions between China and the United States increase, what are the prospects that China will replace the United States as the most powerful country in the world? What are American advantages and what measures can it take to manage China’s ambitions and avoid war in the process?
Ambassador (ret) W. Robert Pearson is a fellow at Duke University’s Center for International and Global Studies Rethinking Diplomacy Program, a non-resident scholar at The Middle East Institute in Washington; immediate past president of American Publishers Inc., a digital journal on American foreign policy; and a partner at Spectrum Group, a Washington consulting firm. He is a local leader for the Equal Justice Initiative in North Carolina. He and his wife, Maggie, served in Beijing, where he was a political officer, and she was a public diplomacy officer. Now Fearrington residents, they have closely followed China for the last 40 years.
Given Covid’s resurgence, we request that all attendees be vaccinated, boosted, and wear a mask. Thank you.
Green Scene & FHA/Green Scene Spring Event
Our regular, second Wednesday of the month Green Scene meeting will take place in the large room at The Gathering Place, on May 10, from 11:00 am till noon.
We’ll be finalizing the details of the Saturday, May 20, “FHA/Green Scene Spring Event,” the opportunity for all Fearrington Residents to come by The Gathering Place parking lot, anytime between 9:00 am and noon, to drop off important personal papers to be shredded (at no charge), dispose of any unneeded pharmaceuticals, and pick up some fire safety tips, compliments of the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department.
We also expect to have information on community food waste composting to build on the comprehensive presentation by Cheri DeRosia at our April meeting.
And there are some new developments to discuss, relative to the way that Duke Energy is proposing to modify the compensation system for residents who have solar panels on their homes.
These are but the highlights of what is turning out to be a very busy season of environmental activities that have the potential to affect us all in one way or another.
Come join us—and bring a friend.
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
Fearrington Green Scene
914-806-4852 (Cell Phone)
Havurah
On May 9, Fearrington Havurah proudly presents George Lankevich, a native New Yorker—he was born, raised, educated, and worked in America’s largest city. He earned his graduate degrees at Columbia University and spent most of his teaching career at units of the City University, retiring as professor emeritus of history. During his career, he wrote or edited over 30 books, including New York City: A Short History, The Chief Justices of the United States, and The Wit and Wisdom of the Talmud. George edited a nine-volume history of the Supreme Court and has never lost his awe and respect for that branch of the U.S. government.
His subject this evening will be, “A Jewish Supreme Court That Could Never Have Existed but Would Have Been Exciting.”
Tuesday, May 9, gathering and snacks at 7:00; program at 7:30, at The Gathering Place. Free to members. Guests $5. Questions?—contact Joe Labenson at jltaxtips@aol.com or Ellen Spin at espin1@outlook.com.
Republican Club
Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson is our guest speaker for the May meeting of the Fearrington Republican Club. The meeting starts at 7 pm in The Gathering Place on Wednesday, May 24. Sheriff Roberson will bring us up to date on crime and law enforcement in Chatham County. All Fearrington and Galloway residents are welcome. Our meetings run one hour, and light refreshments will follow.
Swim & Croquet Club
The 2023 Swim & Croquet season is quickly upon us, and the board has been busy preparing the Club for our members, both new and returning. Opening day is set for Saturday, May 6, and the Club will be open from 12 to 7 pm.
We are excited for members to see all of the fantastic upgrades to the facility. On the pool deck, we have new Polywood® chaise loungers with cushions, side tables, tables and dining chairs, and new umbrellas. There is new sports court flooring and a new ping pong table in the cabana, and new tables/umbrellas and stacking chairs for the croquet area.
Additionally, John May and Mary Norgren will teach an introduction to golf croquet for beginners (or for people with minimal experience) at the Club on Saturday, May 13, from 10:30 am to noon. Sign up early as the group size is limited to eight players. To reserve your spot, please email John May at: jtmay@bellsouth.net.
Tennis & Pickleball Association
Your “Gold” Medal Awaits You at the Chatham County Senior Games
As pickleball expands in the United States, its popularity grows internationally. Now in 69 countries, supporters are pushing for pickleball to be included in the 2024 Olympics in Los Angeles.
You can fulfill your gold medal dreams right here in Chatham County by competing in the senior games. They started on April 28 and will continue through the middle of May. Several FTPA members will compete in early May, and they aim to continue our winning record. Several members have won gold . . . and they are over 80!
Come on out to our free clinics. For more information, contact Betty Robie at Bettycrobie@gmail.com, or sign up right away by contacting Stokes Adams at stokesadams63@gmail.com.
May is National Tennis Month. It’s a great month to play as the weather warms. Interested in getting on the court? Contact Karen Vaca at karenallenvaca@gmail.com.
Village Singers
Fearrington Village Singers
2023 Spring Concert
Friday, May 5, 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 7, 2:30 pm
Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge
Tickets: $17.00 in advance at fearringtonvillagesingers.org
or at the Fearrington Farmers Market
Tickets not available at the door.
Questions? Email tickets@fearringtonvillagesingers.org
Women of Fearrington
Women of Fearrington, Inc., continues its focus on providing assistance to the women and children of Chatham County through its Wonderful Options grants program. We have updated our website to link with each of the nonprofits 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.
There will be a members-only luncheon on Thursday, May 18, at 12 noon at Tandem in Carrboro. Check the website for more information and registration.
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
Bringing Together Those Who Need Help with Those Who Can Help
In the month of May, it’s easy to forget about the cold, gray days of winter. We’re thinking about pleasant days ahead, vacations, and the end of school. But for some of our neighbors in Chatham County, pleasant days are rare as they deal with the daily challenges of life. If you would like to be part of the solution, please take a look at Chatham Connecting. We are an all-volunteer organization, and our website (www.chathamconnecting.org) lists just under 100 county agencies and non-profit organizations in need of volunteers and donations. This easy-to-use website provides information about each organization and its specific needs. Did your spring cleaning yield treasures that need new homes? Are you looking for an organization that might need youth volunteers? Are you interested in volunteering your time for the benefit of children? The elderly? Would you like to work from home? There are opportunities to get involved at many levels and in many ways. Your Chatham County neighbors will thank you.
League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties (LWVODC) invites the community to learn about citizen initiatives, a powerful tool of direct democracy that can enable voters to collect signatures and put a law, or even a constitutional amendment, on the ballot for citizens to vote up or down. Citizen initiatives have been critical in other states’ success in ending gerrymandering and strengthening voters’ voices.
This virtual program will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 7 pm. Registration required here or via our online calendar: https://my.lwv.org/north-carolina/orange-durham-and-chatham-counties-inc/calendar.
Featured speaker: Asher Hildebrand, associate professor of the practice, Duke University’s Sanford School for Public Policy, will discuss:
- What is a citizen initiative;
- Which states already have it and why the South does not;
- Key questions to consider in designing a citizen initiative;
- Risks and benefits of citizen initiatives for NC; and
- How we might proceed to get it adopted.
Continuing Education
School of Athens
School of AthensThe School of Athens presents a special event, “Gender-Variant Persons in History and Mythology, Cross-Culturally, and in Art,” on Saturday, May 13, 10 am to noon, at Chapel in the Pines, 314 Great Ridge Parkway, Chapel Hill. There is no cost to attend, but donations to The School of Athens will be graciously accepted to defray costs.
Join us as we journey with Odysseus and his mariners in their epic seafaring adventures in trying to return home from the Trojan War! This interactive class, “Homer’s Odyssey,” led by instructor Blaine Paxton Hall, explores this great and enduring literary work of art, which is still exciting and relevant today.
Classes convene on Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31 from 10 am to noon at Chapel in the Pines, 314 Great Ridge Pkwy., Chapel Hill. The class is limited to 10 participants, and the cost is $40.
The School of Athens is an independent, unaffiliated, nonprofit, private adult academy. http://www.theschoolofathens.net
Fearrington Cares material is edited by their staff and volunteers. Direct comments or questions to them at (919) 542-6877 or info@fearringtoncares.org. Edited this month by Pat Skiver |
Fearrington Cares CARES
…CARES that our Village will be celebrating Fearrington Founders Festival together! Mark your calendar for Friday, May 5, 2:00-6:00 pm and come to the festival grounds on Swim & Croquet.
…CARES that Fearrington Founders Festival will have local artists and collectors that are sharing their interests through a Silent Auction. Maarten Simon Thomas has donated wooden objects crafted from found wood from the Village and the banks of the Haw River; a Village resident has contributed collector paper weights; John Webster offers a 1987, first edition of “The Fearrington House Cookbook” and “Fearrington Fare, Around the Clock,” 1990 by the Arts and Crafts Club of Fearrington. Add to that Whimsical Wire and Glass items and a canvas print, “Lake Constance Morning”, from noted photographer Brad Sevaldson.
…CARES that at this festival you can create fun memories for all ages. Bring your phone/camera and stop by the Love Bus photo booth. Take as many photos as you like.
… CARES for our health and well-being. There will be mocktails available for purchase and the Fearrington Cares building will be open to offer restrooms and a cool, comfortable place to rest. Fearrington Cares CARES for you!
—Kathy Sandefur, Fearrington Cares Board
Limited Availability of Health Services
While the search committee of the Fearrington Cares Board is looking for the next Executive Director, Karen Metzguer will be in the Center two days a week supporting the organization. Please call Ellen (919-542-6877) on weekdays between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm to schedule an appointment with Karen if the need arises.
Fearrington Cares Presents Film Nite Premieres with Another 2023 Oscar Nominee
Thursday, May 4, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place
Join your neighbors for an evening of entertainment that includes complimentary popcorn, beverages, and treats. Admission to this monthly event is free, but contributions to Fearrington Cares are gratefully accepted to support this and other programs in our community.
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 flyers 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. Once you find out, please share the news in your neighborhood! Word-of-mouth is acceptable, but please don’t post anything publicly. Thanks for spreading the word and keeping this venture compliant with our movie licensing agreement.
(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 cancelling headphones or directly through Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.
What’s New in Children’s Health: A Panel Discussion
Thursday, May 11, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place
Guidance for caring for children, as with adults, changes as knowledge changes and it can be hard to keep up. Parents and grandparents may need information about pediatric care and at times, may have differences of opinion. A panel of pediatricians from North Chatham Pediatrics and Internal Medicine will discuss some of these current guidelines and concerns. These might include information about the effects of the Covid pandemic on the physical and mental health of children, infant feeding, vaccine schedules and sleep guides. The panel will include Drs. Kim Kylstra, Barbara Bergdolt and Matt Waters.
Invitation to Join the Caregiver Support Group
Are you currently a caregiver for a loved one? A long-distance caregiver? A friend of a caregiver? Please help us get the word out to anyone you think might be interested in participating in a caregiver’s group, an opportunity for caregivers to share their joys and burdens, learn from others in a similar role, and gain support from group members in a safe and confidential setting.
The group meets twice a month via Zoom; the meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays from 1-2:30 pm. You do not have to commit to a number of meetings, you are just simply welcome. Most attendees report feeling understood, relieved, and like a burden has been lifted by sharing with others. Fred and Karen Shectman are the group facilitators. For additional information call Karen Metzguer at the Fearrington Cares Center (919.542.6877) or email Karen Shectman (karenlshectman@gmail.com) for the Zoom link.
Invitation to Join the Living with Chronic Conditions Support Group
Resources can often be identified to address chronic pain, but few resources are found to help with the emotional roller coaster one experiences when living with a chronic condition or illness. If you are a resident living with a chronic illness or condition, consider attending this group to find support and inspiration. We will discuss the effects of chronic illness on identity and self-concept, communicating with others in ways that are healthy, as well as fears and aspirations for the future. This facilitated group meets via ZOOM the first and third Thursdays of each month from 1-2:30 PM. (The Zoom link is found on the Fearrington Cares website when you click on Support Groups under the services tab.)
Fearrington StoryCorps: Everyone Has a Story
Thursday, May 25, 1:30 pm at The Gathering Place
Many of us are aware of the national project, StoryCorps, which records and archives in the Library of Congress, human stories to build connections between people and create a just and more compassionate world.
Now StoryCorps is coming to Fearrington! Join our neighbor, Susan Eckblad, for an introduction to this exciting opportunity for the residents of Fearrington Village to “gift” our stories to family, friends, and humanity.
Home Modification Toolkit
A recent communication from the Community Care Corps included the following notice:
“With support from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence developed a new toolkit to promote awareness and availability of home modification resources. Created with empirically supported findings, the toolkit (found on this website: https://toolkit.homemods.org) includes a collection of materials to equip professionals with tools and resources to enhance home modification and promote aging in place for older adults and people with disabilities.”
If you are considering home modifications and plan to be in conversation with contractors, you may find the information in the new toolkit mentioned above, together with a wealth of information on the AARP website, just the resource you need!
Movement Classes | Support Groups Meeting |
Health Services Offered | 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 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 |
|---|---|
| Mary S. Camp & Kim K. Manuel | 197 Weatherbend |
| Thomas W. (Tom) & Donna L. Kundolf | 5510 Rutherford Close |
| Louise B. & Lucy B. Lancaster | 392 Lyndfield Close |
| Joseph Lopez | 502 Beechmast |
| Terri L. O’Quin | 596C Weathersfield |
| Mary & Robin Sellers | 4623 Forsyth |
| Dawn Adair & James (Jim) Shamp | 274 Quail Run |
| Ruby & Todd Whitmer | 305 Baneberry Close |
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.
May 2023 Calendar
All 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday May 3 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Green Onions Bistro | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday May 4 7 pm | League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties | Our Democracy: Do We Need the Power of Citizen Initiatives? | Anne Triulzi LWVAnne2021@gmail.com |
| Thursday May 4 7 pm | Fearrington Cares | Film Nite | FearringtonFilmNite @gmail.com |
| Friday May 5 2-6 pm | FHA, Fearrington Cares, Swim & Croquet Club, and Women of Fearrington | Fearrington Founders Festival | Tony Daniels tdanielsuk@icloud.com |
| Friday May 5 2-6 pm | Fearrington Democratic Club | Fearrington Founders Day Celebration | Cheri DeRosia cheri_derosia @hotmail.com 919-923-4506 |
| Tuesday May 9 3-5 pm | Fearrington Genealogy Group | Monthly meeting | Mike Queen 919-533-6550 |
| Tuesday May 9 7 pm | Fearrington Havurah | George Lankevich— A Jewish Supreme Court that could never have existed, but would have been exciting | Joe Labenson jltaxtips@aol.com |
| Wednesday May 10 11 am | FHA | Volunteer Appreciation Event | Pam Bailey community@fhaboard.org |
| Wednesday May 10 11 am-12pm | Green Scene | Regular meeting | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |
| Wednesday May 10 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Doherty’s Paddy Wagon | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday May 11 1:30 pm | Fearrington Great Decisions | Ambassador (ret) W. Robert Pearson— Can China Remake the Global Order? | Liz and Fred Welfel fredatty@yahoo.com 919-704-8416 |
| Thursday May 11 7 pm | Fearrington Cares | Education Program— What’s New in Children’s Health | info@fearringtoncares.org |
| Saturday May 13 10 am-12 pm Chapel in the Pines 314 Great Ridge Pkwy. Chapel Hill | The School of Athens | Special Event: Presentation— Gender-Variant Persons in History and Mythology, Cross-Culturally, and in Art | Blaine Paxton Hall bph7952@gmail.com |
| Saturday May 13 10:30 am-12 pm Swim & Croquet Club | Swim & Croquet Club | Introduction to Golf Croquet for beginners (or people with minimal experience) | John May jtmay@bellsouth.net |
| Wednesday May 17 10:15 am McIntyre’s Books | AM Book Club | Monthly book discussion— Carnegie’s Maid, by Marie Benedict | Catherine Clare catfearr@gmail.com Carole Yardley peacefulathome @bellsouth.net |
| Wednesday May 17 11 am-2 pm Governor’s Club | Chatham Literacy | Spring for Literacy Author Event— Lee Smith Silver Alert | www.chathamliteracy.org 919-742-0578 |
| Wednesday May 17 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Bulkogi Korean BBQ | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Thursday May 18 12:00 pm | Women of Fearrington | WoF Members Only Luncheon | |
| Saturday May 20 9 am-12 pm | FHA/Green Scene | Spring Event | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |
| Wednesday May 24 5-7:30 pm | Food Truck | Blu Tee Spoon | Deborah Repplier drepplier@gmail.com |
| Wednesday May 24 7 pm | Fearrington Republican Club | Meet & Greet | Ernie Clarke esclarke38@gmail.com |
| Thursday May 25 1:30 pm | Fearrington Cares | Education Program— StoryCorps: Everyone Has a Story | info@fearringtoncares.org |
| Meeting Multiple Days in May | |||
| Wednesday May 3, 10, 24, & 31 1 pm & Friday May 19 1 pm | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge | Dianne Hale haledianne@gmail.com |
| Friday May 5 7 pm & Sunday May 7 2:30 pm Chapin Auditorium at Galloway Ridge | Fearrington Village Singers | Spring Concert | Anne Hummel annedhummel@gmail.com 336-209-7024 |
| Monday May 8, 15, 22, & 29 7-9 pm | Card Knights | Poker | Bob Spillane weathersfield1@gmail.com 828-545-1152 |
| Wednesday May 17, 24, & 31 10-12 pm Chapel in the Pines 314 Great Ridge Pkwy. Chapel Hill | The School of Athens | Interactive class— Homer’s The Odyssey | Blaine Paxton Hall bph7952@gmail.com |
| Upcoming Events in June | |||
| Thursday June 8 1:30 pm | Fearrington Great Decisions | Liz and Fred Welfel fredatty@yahoo.com 919-704-8416 | |
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). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||