23 Sep FHA Newsletter 2022-10 October
FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
October 2022 Volume 41 Number 9
President’s Message
I want to begin this month by giving a shout-out to Warren Ort, the Board’s Director of Health, Safety and Security. While serving in this capacity, Warren has built up an excellent relationship with the State Department of Transportation. Although I suspect that several people may have contacted the Department to express their concern about the high number of accidents at Lystra Road and 15-501, it appeared to me that the State actually started to pay attention after Warren weighed in. Thank goodness they have changed the signal at that intersection so there is no more blinking yellow for vehicles traveling south on 15-501 who want to turn left on Lystra! Like many Fearrington residents, I had become more and more concerned that I would be involved in a terrible accident. Thank you, Warren!
While I am at it, I again want to recognize the many amazing and talented individuals who not only live in Fearrington but who are willing to use their skills, developed over a lifetime of professional work, to help us all. We wouldn’t have this great newsletter if several writers and graphic artists didn’t agree to take on this project. We wouldn’t have our great slate of candidates for the upcoming FHA Board election without our Nominating Committee volunteers. We wouldn’t have our trail system without the team of volunteers who have built and managed our trails, added benches, and kept an eye out for ways to protect our natural environment. We wouldn’t have our food trucks without the volunteers who get them all scheduled, make sure we have the right insurance documents on file, notify our residents about the schedule, and get the cones set up in the parking lot. Volunteers maintain our website and keep its directory, calendars, and club listings up to date. Volunteers staff the hospitality office and help residents book events at The Gathering Place. The list is endless. And yet, we always need more people to step up. As the Village continues to grow, our Board, our service groups, and our many clubs are often short when it comes to filling several positions. So let us know if you want to volunteer. It’s a great way to get involved in your community and make new friends.
On a different note, I am often asked what is going to be built across the street from the new Food Lion. Well, I am now aware of at least one use that is planned. The NC Department of Health and Human Services recently put out an announcement about a change of scope to a proposal by Liberty Healthcare Properties of Chatham County regarding a certificate of need application for a care facility. The notice actually said this facility, which would be licensed for 105 nursing facility beds and 36 adult care-home beds, would be in Fearrington! I called the project analyst to find out more. The site is not in Fearrington but is just north of it on 15-501. The facility was approved back in 2019, but the pandemic kept it from moving forward. So, Liberty already has their certificate of need, but now they are seeking to modify it to add more beds. A public hearing will be held on October 19 at 10:00 am in the Holmes Meeting Room at the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro. Written comments concerning this proposal can be emailed to DHSR.CON.Comments@dhhs.nc.gov, but must be received no later than 5 pm on October 3.
Finally, I want to remind residents that our Fearrington Village Directory & Handbook, both online and in paper form, contains a great deal of information about the Village and its residents, including their names, street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. We never sell the information in our directory, and we have always made it clear that no resident of the Village should use information from the directory to send out any sort of commercial solicitation. Unfortunately, a resident violated this rule recently, to the concern of me and others who received the solicitation. It is so important that people feel comfortable putting their information in the directory so that they can keep in touch with others in our community. Please, please do not use that information in a way that was never intended.
—Rose Krasnow, president@fhaboard.org
FHA Board Members Our Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the health, safety, and welfare of residents. In addition to fostering resident participation, the FHA is responsible for maintenance of common property and covenant enforcement. For additional details, including job descriptions, visit the FHA tab on our webpage fearringtonfha.org.
The Belted Gazette
Submissions Content deadlines are the 15th of the previous month. All persons submitting content will receive a confirmation email. Email submissions to: editors @fearringtonfha.org. Do you have content for an upcoming newsletter? Email us at the above address and we will send you the Publishing Guidelines. The Belted Gazette is produced by the Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA), by and for the residents of Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC. The Belted Gazette contains community news, reports from the FHA Board members, items of interest to residents, and announcements of club and neighborhood activities. The Belted Gazette is published electronically 11 times a year (July/August is a combined issue). A link to the current issue is emailed to all residents who have an email address in the FHA Directory. A PDF copy of the current issue and back issues can be found on the FHA website (fearringtonfha.org). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Safe Drivers Contribute to Safe Roads
A frequent topic of discussion among Village residents is safety on Village roads and on 15/501 and elsewhere in the area. An aspect of road safety seldom discussed is how age affects the ability of individuals to drive safely.
A recent study by the Rand Corporation noted that drivers 65 or older are only 16 percent likelier than adult drivers (25-64 years old) to cause an accident, and they pose a much lower risk than drivers under 25. Older adults are capable of driving safely into their 70s and 80s. There is no definitive age by which a person should cease to drive. People age differently, and their ability to see, hear, and make quick decisions varies.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a list of warning signs that may indicate it is time to curtail one’s driving or hang up the keys altogether. The list includes: drastically reduced peripheral vision; struggling to drive at high speeds; erratic driving, such as abruptly braking, accelerating, or changing lanes; failing to use turn signals or keeping them on without turning or changing lanes; drifting into other lanes; and impaired night vision.
The NIH suggests people talk to their doctor about their medications and overall health in relation to their ability to drive safely.
Self-assessment tools also are available for individuals to evaluate whether age may be affecting their driving skills. These resources (provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the American Automobile Association) can be found in the draft Resources Guide prepared by the FHA Aging in Place Team, found at https://fearringtonfha.org/reports/, on pages 7 and 8.
Giving up driving is a difficult decision because doing so feels like a loss of independence. That is why it is important to be familiar with alternative means of transportation before needing those services. We are fortunate in the Village to have the Fearrington Cares Volunteer Driver program. The drivers (Fearrington residents) provide rides to residents for medical appointments and similar needs. Residents need only call Fearrington Cares (919-542-6877) or check its website: Fearrington Cares – The heart of Fearrington Village.
Other options include asking family and friends and using taxi and car services. The costs for those services are offset by the savings accrued when expenses related to owning a car are no longer part of one’s budget.
Drivers with diminished abilities can be hazardous to themselves and other residents who are driving, walking, or biking. Older drivers should be willing to evaluate their driving skills periodically and adjust their driving habits when age is affecting their capabilities.
—Warren Ort, Director, Health, Safety, & Security
Sheila Creth, FHA Aging in Place Team
FHA Board Elections, 2022
The FHA’s 2022 Annual Meeting will be held by Zoom on Sunday, November 20, from 4 to 6 pm. Information on participating in the Zoom meeting will be sent out via email closer to the date. At the meeting, the president and other Board members will report on their activities over the past year, and the treasurer will present the 2023 budget. Four members of the Board and three members of the Nominating Committee will be up for election or reelection, as further described below.
Volunteer Block Contacts will deliver a printed ballot to you mid-November. Those owners not living in the Village will receive the ballot by mail. As in previous years, the covenants allow only one vote per lot owned. Owners may return ballots by depositing them in a box outside the back door of The Gathering Place or by mailing them to The Gathering Place, 599 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Ballots must be received by Friday, November 18, so they may be counted and results announced at the Annual Meeting.
For those of you who are new to the community, the FHA Board consists of 10 members who serve staggered, two-year terms. Our Nominating Committee has met several times to put together an excellent slate of candidates for election. The candidate biographies are given below. Residents may also propose candidates for the open positions. According to our bylaws, they may do so by getting the written approval of a candidate and having 20 residents sign a petition for nomination. These, along with a brief biography, must be sent to president@fhaboard.org (or mailed or hand-delivered to The Gathering Place) and must be received by October 21 so that a final ballot may be created and distributed by October 31.
The FHA Board supports the candidates listed on the preliminary slate and believes they will make great additions to our Board. Your vote is important! Please vote so we may obtain a quorum and add these volunteer candidates to our vacant positions on the Board and the Nominating Committee.
Individuals currently filling the FHA positions of president, vice-president, director of communications, director of landscaping and grounds, director of facilities, and director of covenants will continue in the second year of their terms.
Biographies Of Board Candidates
Treasurer: Steve Gambino
Steve was born and raised in southern New Jersey and worked in the Philadelphia area retail music industry, including five years as a business owner. In 1985, he moved to western Massachusetts and began a 35-year career in operations and management accounting, including in the construction, manufacturing, and public arenas. Steve and his wife, Tracy Bailey, have been married for 37 years. They also lived in New Castle, Delaware, before retiring to the Historic District of Fearrington Village in 2018, where they currently live, trying to keep up with two cats and their “mature” house. Steve has a lifelong passion for music and has served on the Finance and Nominating committees of the FHA.
Secretary: Judy Graham
Judy moved to Fearrington Village (4056 Sampson, Millcroft Close) about 15 years ago. In July 2021, the FHA Board selected her to finish out the term of the then-secretary, who resigned. Judy served the Millcroft Homeowners Association as president during the 2011-2012 cycle and during the three cycles from 2016 through 2019. During that time, she gained a lot of experience (e.g., governance policies, major covenants revision, bylaws revisions, budgeting, Village/FHA operations). She also has significant experience with a wide range of volunteer groups, serving on executive committees for several scientific societies while working and currently with local political organizations. Judy is retired. She has a Ph.D. in physiology and pharmacology from Duke University and is an emeritus fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences. Her career centered on the Environmental Protection Agency.
Director, Community Affairs: Pam Bailey
Pam is currently the director of community affairs. Previously, she served temporarily as secretary for several months. After that, she was asked to assume the vacant seat on the FHA Board as the director of community affairs. She has enjoyed her work with the Hospitality Office, the area and block contact program, The Gathering Place Task Force, and assisting with other functions of the FHA.
Director, Health, Safety & Security: Steve Stewart
Steve and wife, Donna, moved to Fearrington Village in 2011 to be near their grandchildren. Before that, Steve and Donna had been living in Virginia, where they were both employed. They also bred and sold thoroughbred racehorses as an avocation on their farm. Steve, who holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in public health from the University of Oklahoma, taught epidemiology and served as a department head at James Madison University (JMU). During this period, he served as a consultant to various US government and international agencies. He completed his professional career as an associate dean of the College of Integrated Science and Technology at JMU. Since retirement, Steve has remained active both in Fearrington Village and in Chatham County. He serves on two committees for the Chatham County Department of Public Health and has served as president of Fearrington Cares. He currently serves as chair of the FHA Long-Range Planning Committee and as a member of the FHA Nominating Committee.
Biographies of Nominating Committee Candidates (Vote for 3)
Tony Daniels
Linda and Tony moved to Fearrington Village nearly 10 years ago to be closer to extended family. Tony had a 28-year career with the American Automobile Association in its Travel Publishing Department. His career included a lot of travel, committees, budgets, and production oversight. After moving to Fearrington Village, he joined the Countryhouse board and was its treasurer for three years. He became part of the FHA board in 2019 and has been its treasurer for the past four years. Tony is part of the Long-Range Planning Committee and participated in the recent community survey. He is a strong team player and makes every effort to see fair play and that your assessments are used judiciously. Tony enjoys the trails, wildlife, photography, and the natural setting of the Village.
Christina Graybard
Christina welcomes the opportunity to continue to serve her community. For several years, she has had the pleasure of serving on the boards of the Fearrington Democratic Club (as secretary and now as treasurer) and Women of Fearrington (as a member and then leader of the Publicity team and now as assistant grants coordinator). She also volunteered as a reading tutor at Virginia Cross Elementary in Siler City pre-Covid. Before Christina and Nick moved here in late 2015, Christina had served on their residential coop board in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, for about six years and was on the board of a New York City arts organization called Dancing in the Streets for about four years. She also had been a volunteer at Gay Men’s Health Crisis for about 10 years.
Cathy Morehead
Cathy has been a resident of Fearrington Village since March 2016. She and her husband, Ray, moved from Bridgeport, WV, to retire, after a wonderful career as a physician assistant (PA) in family practice. Cathy has been block captain since 2018. She is also Treasurer of the Social Bridge Club. In 2019, she joined the Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club Board as Secretary and has held the position of President from 2019-2022. She loves Fearrington Village, meeting new people, and learning new things.
—Judy Graham, FHA Secretary
Aging In Place: Preparing Your Plan—Follow Up Discussion
As a follow-up to the recent FHA webinar on Planning for Aging in Place, Abigail English and Sheila Creth will lead a discussion with the speaker, Ken Updegrave, on Thursday, October 20, from 10 to 11:30 am, in the large room at The Gathering Place.
This meeting will give residents an opportunity to discuss the issues of greatest interest to them with one another and with Mr. Updegrave, a leading expert on this topic.
Abigail and Sheila, the facilitators of this meeting, were co-chairs of the Aging in Place team appointed by the FHA Long-Range Planning Committee.
Sign Up: So that we can plan for sufficient seating, please sign up for the meeting by sending an email to sheilasignup1020@gmail.com. Include your name, email address, and the number of persons who will attend with you, if any. Feel free to include any questions or issues of importance to you. Those questions, and the questions submitted during and following the September 28 FHA Open Meeting, will be used to identify the top issues for this follow-up discussion.
PLEASE NOTE: For those who were not able to attend the FHA Open Meeting on September 28, a recording will be posted on the FHA website and will be available for approximately one month after the meeting.
Back by Request—Orientation and Training for Area and Block Contacts
Area and block contacts (ABCs) are essential to our neighborhoods. By welcoming new neighbors and personally delivering vital information, they help keep community spirit alive in Fearrington Village.
Last spring, the FHA launched a new initiative to strengthen this program and expand its reach. As villagers were getting a shot in the arm to prevent the worst effects of Covid, a needs assessment showed that this program also needed a shot in the arm! So, an orientation was developed and rolled out last spring, attended by almost 80 ABCs. Both new and seasoned ABCs told us they had learned a lot and urged us to repeat this event at least yearly for new—and experienced—ABCs.
So, we are back! If you are an area coordinator, a block contact, or one of their alternates, you are invited to choose among several dates in October and November to join us for this in-depth orientation to your role. We will be rolling out our new “Quick Start to Fearrington Village” and will have lots of other helpful information for you. We will be offering sessions on October 28 at 12:30 pm and on November 2, 3, and 7 at 9:30 am. Many of you will receive a personal invitation to sign up, but if you do not get one, please send an email to Community@fhaboard.org and ask to be included.
—Pam Bailey, Director, Community Affairs
No Newcomer Left Behind
Fearrington Village is an incredibly friendly place, but as hard as we try to welcome every new face, we sometimes miss someone. Our block contacts try to greet each new Village resident with a package of helpful information about the Village within two weeks of arrival, but sometimes we just don’t find out that someone has moved in. If you learn of a newcomer, please send that person’s name, address, and any contact info you may have to our newcomer registrar at abcregistrar@fearringtonfha.org, or speak directly to your block contact. Thanks!
—Pam Bailey, Director, Community Affairs
Scene Around Fearrington
Scene Around Fearrington will return next month with “Our Favorite Belties.” Send images of your favorite belted animal to Lespalmerartstudio@gmail.com by October 10 to have your photos included.
November Election Quick Guide for New & Returning Chatham County Voters
By Jackie Walters and Vickie Shea
Where & When Can I Vote? 
Early Voting: October 20 – November 5
Tip: Vote in person at any polling place in Chatham County; new voters can register and vote on the same day. The early voting site closest to Fearrington Village is just two miles north on Route 15-501, in the Central Carolina Community College Health Sciences building behind the new District development – the street address is 75 Ballentrae Court, Pittsboro.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 8
Tip: Vote at your assigned polling place. For Fearrington Village residents, that is The Gathering Place.
Not Registered Yet? Get your questions answered about changing residency, changing address, eligibility to vote, and where and how you can register by visiting any one of several sites found at this link: Voter Tools and Forms | NCSBE
Current Law in North Carolina
- Is a photo ID required to vote? No.
- Are voters required to provide a reason for requesting an absentee ballot? No.
- Are accommodations available for voters with disabilities and/or who want to vote in person at a polling place but who are unable to stand in line?
- Is there guidance for unaffiliated (independent) voters in North Carolina? Yes.
For further information on these and other questions as well as forms and procedures, including deadlines for having absentee/mail-in votes counted, visit: Home Page | NCSBE and/or Board of Elections Office | Chatham County, NC (chathamcountync.gov)
Candidate Information
- org is a non-partisan, comprehensive resource offered by the Education Fund of the League of Women Voters: VOTE411.
- Chatham County political party websites:
- Democratic: Chatham County Democratic Party | CCDP-NC (ccdpnc.org)
- Republican: Chatham County Republican Party > Home (chathamncgop.com)
- Chatham Co Libertarian: Libertarian Party of Chatham County, NC | Facebook
- Sample Ballots: Check the above resources and the state & county boards of elections sites.
Information Just for You—For your registration status, voting history and what jurisdictions (precinct, district) you are in, check out Voter Search (ncsbe.gov), and enter the requested information. For information on how to volunteer to be a poll worker and/or to support your party’s election efforts, check out the state and county boards of elections and/or your party’s websites.
Resource Recap
North Carolina State Board of Elections: Home Page | NCSBE
Chatham County Board of Elections: Board of Elections Office | Chatham County, NC (chathamcountync.gov)
League of Women Voters Education Fund–Vote411.org: VOTE411
North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: Official NCDMV: Voter Registration Application (ncdot.gov)—Register online and update your address or party affiliation.
Website Tips—Getting the Most from the Calendars
By Tony Carroll, communications@fhaboard.org
If you are interested in up-to-date information about events that are taking place in the Village, we encourage you to bookmark and regularly visit the FHA website: https://fearringtonfha.org. It offers multiple calendar options to keep you informed, and you can click or tap on any event to get more details about how to attend or get involved. To get the most out of this article, you may want to go to the website and try out the different options discussed as you read along.
On the home page, the “Upcoming Events” section displays a list of all events that will take place over the next several days. If you are looking for a particular event and don’t see it on the list, we suggest that you select the magnifying-glass icon at the top right and type in a key word such as the name of the club offering the event or its subject matter. For example, searching “Truck” would bring up a list of the upcoming food trucks.
This section also offers the following options, to the right of the date range:
- a dropdown arrow to choose a different date range
- a calendar icon to view events by the day, week, or month
Please note that if you use the magnifying glass/search function with any view other than “List,” the search will only show results for the date range selected.
The Calendars tab on the left-hand menu (on smaller mobile devices, accessible from the “hamburger menu” of three horizontal lines at the top right) allows you to select from three calendars: Gathering Place, Fearrington Cares (FC), and a Combined Village calendar. Note that the FC calendar is imported from their website and thus is different in format and functionality. The Combined Village calendar includes events from The Gathering Place along with virtual events and Village events at other venues. It also includes a selection of key events from the FC calendar. This combined calendar—which presents the most complete information on Village events—is what populates the “Upcoming Events” feed on the home page.
When you select either The Gathering Place or Combined Village calendar, you again have options—to choose a different date range and to select your preferred view (monthly is the default, but day, week, or list are available). You can also use the search bar at the top to find events by entering a key word, but unless you are in “List” view, the search results will be limited to the week or month that you are viewing.
The FC calendar, which is supplied by FC, shows a one-month view of FC events. Menus at the top of all three calendars allow different weeks or months to be selected.
All event information for our calendars is entered by a small team of dedicated website volunteers. When The Gathering Place is reserved for an event, the event is posted on the website calendars. When event details are submitted to The Belted Gazette, they are added to the website calendars.
Information on reserving The Gathering Place is detailed under “Scheduling” in the calendar dropdown menu. There you will find guidelines, procedures, and rental fees. You can check availability of the large room or small room by clicking on their calendars under “Scheduling.”
- To inquire about reserving The Gathering Place for an event, send an email to gp@fearringtonfha.org.
- To include additional event information on the website calendars, send an email to villagecalendar@fearringtonfha.org.
Getting to Know Your FHA Board Volunteers—Pam Bailey
By Deborah Repplier
This article is the second in a series of interviews with members of the FHA Board designed to help residents get to know “the amazing volunteers that help make our lives easier in FV.” In October, please meet Pam Bailey, director of community affairs.
TBG: As the director of community affairs, what are the most challenging aspects of the work you do on the Board?
PB: Although most people would like to be a part of some aspect of service to the Village, it takes some courage to raise your hand and volunteer. Folks are busy, and there is a valid fear that saying, “yes,” might expand to more effort than someone really wants to give. It’s true that’s often the case, so I am trying to parse some jobs into smaller chunks that can be easily managed within a limited amount of time. There’s a volunteer opportunity for everyone, no matter what their interests are or how much time they are able to give. For example, there are a number of small repairs that need to be done around the Village. Art Lituchy volunteered to repair one of our bird feeders, a job that was completed after the feeder was repaired. It looks beautiful. Come and see it near the back entrance to The Gathering Place.
TBG: What about rewarding aspects?
PB: Working with and alongside volunteers is rewarding. I had a similar job during my career. Both then and now, I work with people who are eager to give of themselves, and they are such a pleasure. I like organizing things and working within a team of people who share common goals. I have so much respect for the volunteers who now, and from the very beginning, make this village what it is.
TBG: How long have you been in your current role?
PB: Since 2020. I stepped in to fill the vacant position of FHA secretary, which was not meant to be a long-term commitment. A volunteer for the position of secretary, Judy Graham, stepped up, and shortly thereafter, the position of community affairs director became vacant. Since it was a good fit for me and I had enjoyed working with the leadership of the FHA, I volunteered to take it on.
TBG: When you took on the role of director of community affairs, what goals did you have and how would you describe your progress toward those goals?
PB: The first task I took on was to revitalize the area and block contacts program. This is a program central to the Village’s operations, and when working as planned, it’s an essential element of glue that holds the residents of this community together. It had suffered during Covid, so the program wasn’t reaching its potential. The biggest task is welcoming newcomers, but block contacts weren’t routinely notified when newcomers moved into their area. After we did a thorough needs-assessment, three major goals became clear. The first goal was to create a new role, a “newcomer registrar.” This person (Jo Anne Rosenfeld) actively seeks newcomers by reaching out to local realtors, researching courthouse property-exchange records, and keeping in touch with residents who are often the first to know when a property has changed hands. When newcomers are identified, the newcomer registrar reaches out to the appropriate block contact, who then makes a home visit and delivers a Newcomer Welcome Packet.
The second goal was to revise the Newcomer Welcome Packet. With the help of many members of the community, we developed a “Quick Start Guide to Fearrington Village,” a quick-and-dirty guide of what to know, where to go, etc. It directs people to locate the relevant info on the FHA website and/or the Directory & Handbook.
The third major goal was the development of a training program for block contacts. Our first sessions were held in early 2022 and were quite successful. We’re currently working towards this year’s training, which will be held in November and will also include training for our area coordinators. So, if anyone is interested in becoming an area or block contact, please reach out to me!
While continuing work on the three major goals this year, we have added a fourth. In 2023, we will host a combined newcomer’s event and club expo. This has been done in the past, but not since before Covid. Wendy Snodgrass is heading up this activity, so it’s sure to be great fun.
Everything is a collaborative effort—I don’t do anything fun alone, honestly! I get others to help out and share their ideas, their expertise. The collective wisdom shows up in the way things turn out.
TBG: Regarding newcomers, is it challenging that newcomers include people who rent from existing homeowners, as well as people who purchase through Fitch Creations and through outside realtors?
PB: Yes, but Jo Anne is doing a fantastic job. It would help if owners let us know if they are renting their property and to whom. Since renters can do everything owners can do except vote for or serve on the FHA Board, we want to reach out to them in the same way we reach out to owners. We welcome renters to volunteer in any way that interests them and to become members of clubs.
TBG: Besides serving on the FHA Board, what other interests do you have in our community and what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
PB: I have two daughters and three young grandkids who live nearby in Chapel Hill. I spend a lot of time with them and go to their school events. I also enjoy sewing and quilting. My husband, Don, and I travel a lot, sometimes just locally to a place at the beach, but also to the other side of the country and internationally. He is not retired, so most of our travel is connected to his work. I also try to make time for reading and a little bit of gardening.
TBG: What final words do you have for your neighbors about volunteering here in Fearrington, about encouraging them to get involved?
PB: Well, apart from the gratification of contributing to the well-being of the larger community, volunteering gets you fresh local strawberries in May—our way of saying thank you! Last year I was buying strawberries locally from the Buchanan Farms woman who had her truck on 15/501. Those strawberries were so delicious, and I had the idea that thanking volunteers with locally grown strawberries is what I wanted to do. We had a table set up to talk about volunteering and then another table to pick up fresh strawberries. It was definitely a win-win!
Next year there are a number of upcoming events and projects that need volunteers. We all work together, and that’s the fun of it! People can let me know what their interests are and the level of time commitment they can make by emailing me at community@fhaboard.org. And, of course, check out The Belted Gazette for notices of volunteer opportunities.
Originally from Massachusetts, Deborah Repplier moved to Chatham County in 2007—for the past 4+ years, she’s called the Historic District of Fearrington Village home. She is the food truck coordinator and an occasional contributing writer for The Belted Gazette. You can often find her walking the trails with her dogs.
Women of Fearrington Awards a Record Number of Grants to Chatham County Organizations
By Tina Graybard & Jo Bolig
Women of Fearrington (WoF), the only Village club that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, awarded more than $42,000 in grants—a record high—to 15 organizations to benefit women and children in Chatham County in 2022. The grants are made possible by generous donors and through year-long fundraising activities, including an October 23 benefit concert featuring Bluegrass Battleship. A list of grantees can be found here.
WoF grantees provide:
- healthy food and snacks to kids who depend on free meals during the school year but have little or no replacement for this nutrition during the summer
- school- and community-based visual and performing arts enrichment to engage children and build community across diverse groups
- scholarships so children with autism can afford a specialized summer camp where they practice new skills, try new activities, and make new friends, and where youngsters of working parents can attend afterschool care in a safe and nurturing environment
- books, books, and more books to brighten the dog days of summer and encourage the habit of reading, and to support literacy programs for all ages, from pre-school to adult
- support for teens to prepare for post-secondary education
- a safety net for adults and children fleeing domestic abuse
- the chance for girls to build confidence and learn teamwork and leadership skills while practicing basketball
- and more!
Fundraising activities throughout the year include the December Holiday Bakery & Market, the spring Paws for a Cause walk, the sale of Beltie license plates and watches, and an annual appeal for financial donations to the WoF Wonderful Options Fund. As part of its mission to “Learn, Laugh, and Lead,” WoF members “are a determined and fun-loving corps of women” who bake, walk, volunteer time and talents, and donate generously to make an immense difference in the lives of many of our neighbors.
Fearrington villagers generously support these endeavors with donations and participation in events. For example, the six-piece band Bluegrass Battleship (The Bluegrass Battleship | Home) takes the floor at The Gathering Place on Sunday, October 23, from 3 to 5 pm to provide an afternoon of toe-tapping, foot-stomping delight. These artists play bass, dobro, mandolin, guitar, clawhammer banjo, and fiddle and lift their voices—sweet, clear, and sometimes husky—in a repertoire that includes show tunes to ragtime, Beethoven to Simon & Garfunkel, and much more. Net proceeds from this benefit concert will be added to the WoF “Wonderful Options Fund” and distributed as grants in 2023.
For more information and instructions on how to purchase tickets, visit the WoF announcement in this issue and the WoF website: Concert Registration (womenoffearrington.org).
Jo Bolig and Tina Graybard are long-time leaders in Women of Fearrington. Jo currently serves as co-chair of the organization’s Executive Committee and as the team lead for the Holiday Bakery and Market. After serving as WoF’s Publicity lead, Tina is now the assistant grants coordinator.
Food Truck Volunteers Needed
By Deborah Repplier
Please consider supporting our Fearrington Village food trucks. We need truck greeters—such an easy yet vital job requiring 1-2 hours a month. What’s involved? On your dedicated Wednesday, pop over to The Gathering Place in the am and put out cones to secure parking spaces. Then, same day, return about 4:10 pm to greet the truck, assist them with parking, and return the cones. It’s that simple! Many, many thanks to Steve Krasnow, Art Gonzales, and Don Bailey, who’ve been keeping us covered for the past year+. Please reach out to Deborah Repplier at drepplier@gmail.com to volunteer. THANK YOU!
Upcoming Food Trucks in Fearrington
By Wendy Snodgrass
Whatever your tastes, there’s a food truck for you. Do you prefer Mexican or Mediterranean? Northern delicacies or southern fusion? All are on the menu this month as we welcome the following:
October 5 – Ta Contento Mexican
October 12 – Cousins Maine Lobster
October 19 – Blue Window Mediterranean
October 26 – Succotash Southern Fusion
All food trucks park at The Gathering Place and serve dinners-to-go from 5 to 7:30 pm. They offer online ordering for your convenience, and most begin accepting pre-orders 48 hours in advance. You can preview menus and place your order through our hotspot page (https://streetfoodfinder.com/fearringtonvillage).
There is one notable exception, Cousins Maine Lobster, which requires the use of their special app (available through the Apple Store and Google Play) and typically accepts pre-orders around noontime on the day of their arrival.
Food truck fare is not permitted in the Village Center, so please pick up your meal and enjoy it at home—perhaps planning a fall picnic on your porch or patio.
This Month’s Announcements
Please use the Announcement Submission Form to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
Fearrington Clubs and Organizations
Please use the Announcement Submission Form to submit club and organization announcements, and email the form to editors@fearringtonfha.org.
Adopt-a-Highway
The Fearrington Village Adopt-a-Highway program has been policing the roadway fronting our village since 2006. Most recently, the NC Department of Transportation has altered our two-mile route to include the highway in front of the village and continuing along Morris Road to Parker Herndon Road. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who meet on the last Saturday of a given month. Drivers and villagers can see them wearing their orange safety vests, carrying bags and pickers (courtesy of the FHA). New members are welcomed. For additional information, please contact Eugene Rogers at generogers4101@gmail.com.
AM Book Club
Join the AM Book Club at McIntyre’s Bookstore, Wednesday, October 19, at 10:15 am to discuss Call the Darkness Light by Nancy Zaroulis. Set in Massachusetts during the two decades before the Civil War, the novel is an epic story of a young woman’s passionate struggle for independence. Sabra Palfrey—a Lowell “mill girl”—along with her sister weavers and spinners, was among the first generation of American women who worked and lived apart from their families and homes. All residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge are welcome to participate. Questions? Contact Barbara Thompson, barbzid@gmail.com, 919-444-1836. Please wear a mask.
Artist Studios at Fearrington Village
Artist Studios at Fearrington Village is a community of visual artists who have come together to support one another, promote our art, open our studios, and share our vision of Fearrington Village as an arts destination. If you live in Fearrington Village and you create original visual art, we hope you will join us. We represent the full range of artistic experience, from those who have made art their lifetime career to newcomers exploring the diversity and breadth of their visual talents. Our “Celebrate Fearrington Artists” event will be held in November. Please watch for details at your kiosk and in the November issue of The Belted Gazette. For more information or to join, contact Leslie Palmer at lespalmerartstudio@gmail.com or call 919-929-9268.
Cinematic Conversations
Join us for Cinematic Conversations, a new discussion group that meets monthly for film discussion and analysis. Think of it like a book group, only for films instead. If you love movies, this group of kindred spirits is the one for you!
Email Lily Grace for details and registration at lilygrace@frontier.com or 919-623-2421.
Concert Series
The Fearrington Concert Series continues its fine tradition of offering a variety of genres performed by superlative musicians on Sunday, October 16, at 3 pm at The Gathering Place. Anatoly Larkin, pianist, will perform 17th century works by Poglietti and 21st century works by John Starosta as well as his own arrangement of Wagner’s Tristan Prelude. Mr. Larkin currently maintains a robust performance schedule while teaching music courses at NC State University. After earning his doctorate at the University of Minnesota, he was a member of the new music ensemble, Zeitgeist, where he was able to promote interest in contemporary and avant-garde music.
This is the second of six concerts for the season. A full subscription is available for $100 per person. Individual tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased at the door on the afternoon of a concert on a space-available basis.
Noting continuing concerns with Covid, we hope that all attendees will be fully vaccinated and “boosted.”
For more information, please contact Barbara Hummel-Rossi at 516-864-4023 or barbara.hummel.rossi@nyu.edu or Judy Morris at jwmsings@gmail.com. Galloway Ridge subscribers or potential new subscribers living at Galloway Ridge should contact Nina Alperin at 919-704-8796.
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.
Democratic Club
“Down Home Chatham County Candidates,” on Tuesday, October 18, at 7 pm in The Gathering Place, is an enthusiastic pre-election rally to get better acquainted with our local Democratic candidates for the Board of County Commissioners, NC Senate and House, Board of Education, sheriff, and local judges and other officials. Early voting begins on October 20; sample Democratic ballots and early voting information will be available.
The event is open to all Fearrington and Galloway Ridge residents. To attend in person, please be vaccinated and boosted; masks are currently recommended in The Gathering Place. To register for the Zoom, please use this address: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nqjf8DV4RxS1jjzUCKnqwA.
Dog Club
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a professional dog walker? Heat, cold, rain, ice—it’s tough out there. Because many villagers have used the services of professional dog walkers, we thought this topic would make an interesting discussion. So, we have invited Jean Kirby, Barbara Hatcher, and Steve Hurley, three in-demand Village canine caregivers, to tell us all about it in a panel discussion at our October meeting. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 19, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place for our club’s next meeting, which we are calling “Walkin’ the Dog.”
While masks are currently “recommended” at The Gathering Place, be sure to check the FHA web page for any changes. Maybe bring a mask regardless? Also, only service dogs are allowed in The Gathering Place.
Dragons Mah Jongg
The Dragons are Ready to Play!!
Fearrington Mah Jongg Dragons play on the second Saturday of the month, October 8, at The Gathering Place, from 1 to 4 pm, provided that The Gathering Place is open to Fearrington groups. We will contact all members if we do not play on that date. We play under the guidelines of The Gathering Place, meaning we must limit our number of players to 50, and masks are requested.
This is a great time to join our monthly games. Dues for the new year are $25, payable in cash (with accompanying name and email address), or by check payable to Robin Weinberger (153 Fearrington Post, 153 Turtle Run Road).
Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@gmail.com to reserve your place. If you do not wish to continue with the Mah Jongg Dragons, please contact Mary Donna Pond so she can remove you from the mailing list.
Drinks and snacks will be provided!
May the jokers be ever in your favor!!
Contact Robin Weinberger at weinrob@msn.com or 919-219-5228 or Polly Williams at pw82550@gmail.com or 919-478-4260 if you have any questions.
Want to learn how to play? Contact Mary Donna Pond at mdpond@nc.rr.com.
Duplicate Bridge Club
Duplicate bridge—a game in which agreeable partners can disagree. Join us for a face-to-face game on Wednesday, October 5, 12, & 26 at 1 pm at The Gathering Place. The October 21st game will be played online. Playing the first time is free; after that, the cost is $7 to defray costs. Questions? Please contact Dianne Hale at haledianne@gmail.com.
Garden Club
Master Gardener Kit Flynn of Durham presents, “Bulbs: Beyond Tulips and Daffodils,” on Tuesday, September 20, at 2:30 pm at The Gathering Place. A member of the Durham County Extension Master Gardeners for 13 years, she now holds emeritus status and writes for local publications, including The Triangle Gardener. Bring your questions about ordering spring bulbs! Annual membership: $20. Nonmembers: $5. Membership Form
Join Garden Club members in a hands-on gardening service project. We’ll be helping plant berry bushes and distributing mulch at North Chatham Elementary at 3380 Lystra Road, in Chapel Hill, on September 13 during Day of Service 2022 | United Way of Chatham County.
We look forward to a new year of activities! Please wear a mask for our meeting.
Great Decisions
David McLennan, Ph.D., professor of political science at Meredith College, will present, “Red Wave or Blue Resurgence: Fundamental Dynamics Affecting the 2033 Midterm Elections,” Thursday, October 13 at 1:30 pm in The Gathering Place.
Dr. McLennan describes his talk as follows: “Historically, midterm elections hurt the political party that controls the White House. Many experts forecast Democrats to easily lose control over Congress. However, little in the last six years has been predictable. With the uncertainties of COVID, the economy, and the war in Europe looming large as the 2022 midterms approach, I will examine the major factors shaping control of Congress in 2023. In addition, I will offer my forecast of what is likely to happen and what this means for the country going forward.”
Given Covid’s resurgence, we ask that all attendees be vaccinated and boosted and wear a mask. Thank you.
Green Scene
On Saturday, October 15, we will host our semi-annual “2-in-1” paper shredding and pharmaceutical disposal event from 9 am until noon in The Gathering Place parking lot. As most of you are aware, this event has for many years been known as the “3-in-1” event—with the third element being a home fire extinguisher company offering inspection and recharging services. With the evolution in the marketplace toward the increased availability of very affordable single-use extinguishers, we have decided to step away from paying a vendor to come and provide a service of dwindling interest.
This event is again co-sponsored by the Fearrington Homeowners Association providing financial support and the Fearrington Green Scene providing the dedicated volunteers who do the physical work. We are also grateful for the financial support of Fearrington resident Amy Ghiloni of ReMax United Real Estate of Chapel Hill.
With summer rapidly winding down, the Green Scene is resuming our second Wednesday of the month regular meetings beginning on Wednesday, October 12, at 11:00 am until noon in the large room at The Gathering Place. Using the Large Room allows for social distancing to do what we can to keep everyone healthy and Covid-free. There are many environmental developments to discuss, both locally and beyond. All are invited. Feel free to bring a friend.
—Jason Welsch, Moderator
914-806-4852 (Cell Phone)
Havurah
As a free public service to all Fearringtonians, Havurah is hosting Dr. Stuart Altman on, “How the Medicare Recent Changes May Effect You,” on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm at The Gathering Place. Dr. Altman is an authority on public health and an economist who has worked with five presidential administrations, including President Clinton’s Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare. He will share his thoughts on recent legislative changes and their effects on Medicare and the availability of health insurance to all Americans. Masks are recommended.
Republican Club
Early voting begins on Thursday, October 20; the general election is on Tuesday, November 8. The closest early-voting site for Fearrington and Galloway Ridge residents is the Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) Health Sciences Center behind the new Food Lion.
The Fearrington Republican Club will meet during early voting on Wednesday, October 26, at 7 pm at The Gathering Place. Our program will feature a speaker from the North Carolina GOP Election Integrity Team (EIT). Please join us to learn about “free and secure” elections, including poll observers and how the EI Team’s system works from top to bottom.
Come hear the latest, ask questions, and get answers! All Fearrington and Galloway Ridge residents are welcome to attend.
Swim & Croquet Club
The Swim & Croquet Board is looking for a few new board members to fill expiring terms. We have been a cohesive group and now welcome others who love our terrific facility to volunteer. We know you’re out there! Contact us if you’re interested at fearringtonswimcroquet@gmail.com.
Croquet Lessons by Jeff and Eileen Soo
Tuesday, October 4, and Tuesday, October 25
Some of you are already on the list for lessons, so if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time!
Players can share the cost of the $80/hr. fee with one, two, or three others.
Jeff and Eileen travel to croquet events nationally and internationally both to participate and direct tournaments. We’re very happy to have them here!
About Jeff Soo: “Jeff has won twelve U.S. Croquet Association national championship titles and has been selected for the United States Croquet Team ten times, three times as Team Captain. As a tournament director, Jeff has managed events at the club, state, regional, national, and world level. As a coach, he has given clinics and private lessons throughout the southeast and as part of the USCA Schools program.”
Contact Jan Droke at jantomdro@gmail.com to sign up for lessons.
Tennis & Pickleball Association
Hear! Hear! Fearrington Village residents—Free pickleball orientation and demonstration, 31 Benchmark at the Tennis and Pickleball Courts on Saturday, October 1, from 1 to 3 and from 3 to 5 pm. Pickleball players and coaches will be on hand to hit the ball with you.
All Fearrington residents are invited to come and try their hand at the fastest growing sport in America. Please wear comfortable, unmarking footwear. We will supply paddles and balls.
Get to know your neighbors in a safe and friendly environment.
Village Singers
The Fearrington Village Singers have added strength in numbers!
♬ Over the 30 years we’ve been making music in the Village, our concerts in December and May have become a village tradiition.
♬ Our fall 2022 season is off to a terrific start, thanks to the active recruitment efforts of Donna Corgnati and her Membership Committee, who knocked on the doors of new neighbors during the summer.
Exciting Announcement about the Dale Eyerly Colson Riser Fund Challenge!
♬ We have just launched a $12,500 fundraising campaign to replace our old unsteady risers! Almost half of this sum has already been pledged to match a $5,000 challenge grant offered by Bob Colson, including an additional $2,500 from his employer! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Fearrington Village Singers, 2010 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Your generous support will be felt quickly, lifting up our singers in body and spirit!
Women of Fearrington
Join in the fun and help others. Membership is open to women of all ages who live in Fearrington and Galloway Ridge. Please take a moment and renew or join us for the 2022-2023 year. Connect with friends at monthly gatherings, road trips, and more, while making a difference in our community. Click here for a membership form.
An Outdoor Wine & Cheese gathering for new members is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 3:30-5:30 pm at The Belted Goat. For registration please click here.
October General Meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 1:30 pm, in The Gathering Place. Featured speaker is author and Fearrington resident, Dixie Swanson, who will present “Once Upon a War: Women in War.”
The Bluegrass Battleship (The Bluegrass Battleship — Home) will present a benefit concert at The Gathering Place on Sunday, October 23, 3-5 pm. Proceeds support Women of Fearrington’s Wonderful Options Fund, which helps women and children in Chatham County. Starting September 1, reserve a seat by registering at Concert Registration (womenoffearrington.org). Space is limited so reserve a seat early. Cost is $20 per person. Pay by check made out to Women of Fearrington with “Bluegrass Battleship” on the memo line and place your payment in the Women of Fearrington box at the Swim & Croquet mail kiosk. Although seats are reserved, they are not assigned, so come early to choose your own. You may purchase additional seats at the door on a space-available basis. Check current mask policy at The Gathering Place at Fearrington Homeowners Association, Inc. | Gathering Place Mask Policy (fearringtonfha.org).
For more information, please contact Jo Bolig, jobolig@gmail.com.
Come join us on Friday, October 28 at 10:00 am for a 3.5-mile hike on the Fan Branch Trail starting in Southern Village followed by an optional lunch. This is an out and back walk on a fully paved path with one steep uphill section. This is a great opportunity to get outside and breath some fresh fall air while chatting with your fellow Women of Fearrington friends. Registration at Registration (womenoffearrington.org).
Volunteers are needed for the WoF December Holiday Bakery & Market December 5th-6th. Contact Jo Bolig, jobolig@gmail.com.
Register for any events at Welcome (womenoffearrington.org).
Community Agencies
Chatham Connecting
Bringing Together Those Who Need Help with Those Who Can Help
Chatham County is glorious in the autumn; how lucky we are to live surrounded by the woods and meadows of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge. Autumn is a good time to think about your neighbors who may not be so fortunate no matter the season. Chatham Connecting, chathamconnecting.org, lists nearly 100 non-profits and government agencies serving the county, supporting those in the community who struggle to put food on the table, educate their children, and care for the aged. The organizations and their needs are diverse, and the ways you can help include volunteering, donating goods, or providing financial support. For example, CORA and Chatham County Schools seek to feed all students this school year, and this effort needs volunteers. Register your interest at www.corafoodpantry.org. Educational non-profits such as Chatham Literacy, Communities in Schools, and The Learning Trail need donations. The Chatham County Council on Aging seeks activity books, such as large-print crossword puzzles, and other supplies for seniors who cannot easily get out. Many of the volunteer jobs can be done from home or are good opportunities for youth wishing to get involved. To learn more, check the Chatham Connecting website for information about the non-profit of your choice. Your time or donations will better the lives of our neighbors and our community.
Community Remembrance Coalition—Chatham and NAACP Branches 5377 & 5378
Community Remembrance Coalition-Chatham and local branches 5377 and 5378 of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will sponsor a discussion of Fragile Democracy: The Struggle over Race and Voting Rights in North Carolina, with authors James L. Leloudis and Robert R. Korstad on Thursday, October 13, from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro. James Leloudis is a professor of history at UNC-CH, and Robert Korstad is professor emeritus of public policy and history at Duke University. Local voting information will be provided following the book discussion. The program will also be available via Zoom. To register, go to crc-c.org.
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 |
Connections Between Nutrition, Hydration, Brain Health, and Well-Being
Thursday, October 13, 7:00 pm at The Gathering Place
Have you ever wondered how a healthy diet and good hydration affect your brain health? Are you concerned about a loved one’s ability to stay well-nourished? Are you the primary caregiver for a parent or spouse with Parkinson’s, dementia, or other chronic conditions? Join us as your concerns are addressed by Dr. Serena Wong, Senior Fellow of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development (Duke University School of Medicine) and her colleague, Elizabeth Brown, Speech Language Pathologist (Duke Regional Hospital).
Dr. Wong is interested in patient and family education. She strives to help her patients make informed decisions about every aspect of care, taking into account their personal preferences and priorities. She and Ms Brown have partnered for years to educate patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, and to improve the nutrition and hydration of older adults.
The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Pickleball
Thursday, October 27, 1:30 pm at The Gathering Place
Art Gonzales, a 76-year-old resident of Fearrington Village, has been enjoying pickleball for the last six years. He, along with others, is responsible for growing the pickleball membership in Fearrington to over 100 residents! Art will help us appreciate the benefits of pickleball through videos, presentation of published articles, and hands-on experience.
His topics will include:
- Growth of the sport in the over-50 age group.
- Specific physical and mental health benefits.
- Comparison to other sports like tennis, ping pong, and racquet ball.
- Testimonials from several Fearrington Village residents.
Busy Hands Together
Tuesdays, October 4 and 18, November 1, 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.
Come Try a Movement Class
We hope you are taking pleasure in getting outside and enjoying bocce, tennis, pickleball, hiking, or walking as we celebrate cooler temperatures! In addition, we hope you will take advantage of our movement classes for you to improve your posture, balance, and strength. Consider coming to four in a row as a trial. After a month most people say they can begin to feel a positive difference. Our classes each address aspects of fall prevention and our offerings include the following:
Chair Tap Dance: a seated program, excellent for your memory as you translate verbal instructions to lower extremity movements. Try it before you knock it!
Intermediate Floor Yoga: an excellent complement to outdoor activity that improves health, strength, and balance.
Light Cardio: music and movement to get your heart rate up; you will stand taller and leave with a smile on your face!
Otago: a method developed to help reduce falls and proven with research to improve strength and balance. We work up to using ankle weights in this class; you won’t be sorry you tried it!
Chair Yoga: Regular stretching and strengthening positively improves posture and balance. Our longest running movement class!
Line Dancing: low impact light cardio, excellent for balance, heart health, and posture. Music makes the world go round!
Movement Classesat the Fearrington Cares Center(except as noted)Suggested donation of $5/class session(cash or check to Fearrington Cares)
| Support Groups Meeting in Personat the Fearrington Cares Center
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Health Services Offeredat the Fearrington Cares Center(9:00 am—12:00 pm, Monday—Friday)
| Support Groups via Zoomfearringtoncares.org > Services > Support Groups
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2022 “Drive Through” Flu Shot Clinic
Tuesday, October 25, FHA/Fearrington Cares parking lot
Pharmacist Han Su and Fearrington Cares will provide a flu shot clinic (flu shots only) on October 25. Participation requires pre-registration by calling the Fearrington Cares Center, 919-542-6877. Leave your request for morning or afternoon in the general mailbox. We will return your call and collect demographic and insurance information. Han will determine whether your insurance will cover the administration of the 2022 flu vaccine. (If insurance is declined, out of pocket cost is $65 and must be paid by check before receiving the vaccine.) Registration closes at noon on Thursday, October 20.
988 Is the New Mental Health Hotline Number!
Mental Health is health. That’s not just a phrase; it’s the truth. In recognition of this fact and the fact that mental health emergencies are different from 911 emergencies, a new hotline is now active in North Carolina and nation-wide. This number will connect you to a call center staffed 24/7 by crisis counselors who are trained to de-escalate situations and, if necessary, direct callers to additional health support. North Carolina has been particularly pro-active with this issue: you can even text this number or do an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
COVID has certainly increased anxiety, stress, and depression, but mental health issues have always been with us. Individuals, families, and society have had difficulty accepting this, but we are now recognizing that mental health is part of overall health. Eating disorders, addictive behavior, anger, mood swings all represent imbalances and can be addressed. If you need help, or need to talk, or are around someone who needs help, CALL 988!
Confessions of a Fearrington Cares Handyperson
By Anonymous
Our Handyperson volunteers love helping people! However, we do tend to collect stories about the “interesting” jobs we sometimes get asked to do. Many of these revolve around smoke detectors. Fearrington has homes that are brand new, ones that date from 1974, and all ages in between. Unfortunately, some homes also have smoke detectors that belong in the Smithsonian. We have seen just about every make and model of detector. We have preached to people that while the battery may be good, the detector part is not going to be effective past ten years. We replace a lot of smoke detectors! And we replace a lot of smoke detector batteries. Everyone has had that battery that just pines for attention at 2:00 am; it emits that plaintiff chirp and ruins your sleep for the rest of the night. We try to expedite service for those people who are being driven crazy by the intermittent and seemingly random (but REALLY) aggravating noise.
Sometimes replacing the battery is not enough. We’ll climb up on our ladders, replace that battery, and still we hear the chirp a few minutes later. Okay—there is a capacitor that needs discharging in the unit. We climb up the ladder again, remove the battery, discharge the capacitor. And that piece of junk still chirps! But wait. Isn’t that chirp coming from a slightly different direction? Have you ever tried to locate a single chirp? Climb the ladder, take the detector completely down, remove the battery. And still a chirp taunts us from somewhere. And that somewhere turns out to be a carbon monoxide detector lurking nearby! This has happened enough times that it becomes automatic to look for a CO detector whenever we replace batteries. And we continue our preaching mode by telling people that the CO detector is actually only good for five years.
This confession could go on for many paragraphs but we must stop because we are getting another call about a smoke detector. We just hope this one is not WAAAY up on some wall in a room with a cathedral ceiling.
And we can always use more volunteers. Think of the stories you could tell!
Welcome to New Residents
The following new villagers were added to the Fearrington Village Directory between August 15 and September 14. Want to reach out to your new neighbor? You will find their contact information on our community web page. Go to: FearringtonFHA.org and click Find People under the Directory tab.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Albert P. (Al) & Mary M. Burkhardt | 11 Yancey (1043*) |
| Sarah Collins | 656 Spindlewood |
| Nicole Condoret | 230 Greystone |
| Mary (Terry) & William J. (Bill) Fitzgibbon | J-208 J Wing** |
| Yvonne Higgins | 16 McDowell (1051*) |
| Lucy Leyland & Matthew (Matt) Lieber | 4115 The Knolls Close |
| Sarah T. Peterson | 330 Whisperwood Close |
| Cynthia Adams Quant | 1300 Langdon Place |
| Andrew R. (Andy) & Brooke E. Wilson | 175 Wintersage |
*Fearrington Post number
**Galloway Ridge
Are you a new resident? To register your information in the Directory, please visit the FHA website at https://fearringtonfha.org. From the left menu (top right on a mobile device) choose Directory, then select New Resident. To confirm you are not a spambot, answer the two questions (answers: Cow and Fitch) and select Check answers. This should take you to the new resident directory registration page.
To obtain full access to website features, you must also create a website account (available only to residents or non-resident owners). You can do this by selecting the Login/Register link in the top menu. At the login page, click the Register button. There, enter in your information and select Register. Once your status as a resident or non-resident owner is confirmed by the Website Resource Team, you will receive an account activation email.
Are you an existing resident whose contact information has changed? Don’t forget to update your listing on the http://www.fearringtonfha.org website. Use the Login/Register link in the top menu if you aren’t logged in yet. Then, click the Directory tab on the left menu (top right on a mobile device), then select Edit My Directory Info. Directory updates can also be sent to directory@fearringtonfha.org. When you update your contact information online, the updates will be included in the Fearrington Village Directory & Handbook printed in January of each year. Stay in touch with your fellow residents by keeping your contact information current.
Death Notices: Residents may sign up to receive email notices of the deaths of current and former Village residents by emailing notices@fearringtonfha.org. Survivors wishing to submit a notice can use the same email address. Notices should include the name of deceased, survivors (optional), date (and optionally cause) of death, particulars about funeral or memorial service, and any donations in memoriam.
| Day/Date/Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday October 1 1-3 pm & 3-5 pm 31 Benchmark at the Tennis & Pickleball Courts | Fearrington Tennis & Pickleball Association | Free pickleball orientation and demonstration | Art Gonzales artgon@verizon.net 301-807-5074 cell |
| Wednesday October 5 5-7:30 pm | Food truck | Ta Contento Mex Fresh Food Mexican | |
| Thursday October 6 3:30-5:30 pm The Belted Goat | Women of Fearrington | Outdoor wine & cheese gathering for new members | Mary Ann Petruska mabpetruska@gmail.com |
| Saturday October 8 1-4 pm | Fearrington Dragons Mah Jongg | Mah Jongg | Robin Weinberger weinrob@msn.com 919-219-5228 Polly Williams pw82550@gmail.com 919-478-4260 |
| Tuesday October 11 7 pm | Havurah | Dr. Stuart Altman “How the Medicare Recent Changes May Affect You” | Joe Labenson 516-647-7807 |
| Wednesday October 12 11 am-12 pm | Fearrington Green Scene | Monthly meeting | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |
| Wednesday October 12 5-7:30 pm | Food truck | Cousins Maine Lobster Seafood, Tex-Mex, Sandwiches | |
| Thursday October 13 1:30 pm | Great Decisions | David McLennan, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, Meredith College “Red Wave or Blue Resurgence: Fundamental Dynamics Affecting the 2022 Midterm Elections” | Liz & Fred Welfel 919-704-8416 fredatty@yahoo.com |
| Saturday October 15 9 am-12 pm | Fearrington Green Scene | “2-in-1” event—paper shredding and pharmaceuticals disposal | Jason Welsch 914-806-4852 |
| Sunday October 16 3 pm | Fearrington Concert Series | Anatoly Larkin, solo pianist | Vic Benedict vicbassoon28@gmail.com |
| Tuesday October 18 2:30 pm | Fearrington Village Garden Club | Arborist to Gardener: Thoughts about Trees | Anne Morris anne.morris.rcc@gmail.com |
| Tuesday October 18 7 pm | Fearrington Democratic Club | Down Home ChathamCounty Candidates, in person and via Zoom | Cheri DeRosia cheri_derosia@hotmail.com 919-923-4506 |
| Wednesday October 19 10:15 am McIntyre’s | AMBook Group | Monthly book group discussion | Catherine Clare catfearr@gmail.com 919-704-8806 |
| Wednesday October 19 1:30 pm | Women of Fearrington | October General Meeting Dixie Swanson “Once Upon a War: Women in War” | Adrienne Lallo 512-619-1365 |
| Wednesday October 19 5-7:30 pm | Food truck | The Blue Window Mediterranean | |
| Wednesday October 19 7-8:30 pm | Fearrington Dog Club | Monthly meeting | Ann Melchior amelchior@verizon.net |
| Sunday October 23 3 pm | Women of Fearrington | The Bluegrass Battleship Benefit Concert | Jo Bolig jobolig@gmail.com |
| Wednesday October 26 5-7:30 pm | Food truck | Succotash Durham Cajun/Creole, Southern, Sandwiches | |
| Wednesday October 26 7 pm | Fearrington Republican Club | Election Integrity | Donna Stewart 919-533-6886 |
| Friday October 28 10 am Starting in Southern Village | Women of Fearrington | Fan Branch Trail hike; optional lunch | Michelle Massa mmassa1983@gmail.com Mif Flaharty mifflaharty@hotmail.com |
| Meeting Multiple Days in October | |||
| Wednesday October 5, 12, & 26 1 pm | Fearrington Duplicate Bridge Club | Weekly Duplicate Game | Dianne Hale haledianne@gmail.com |
| Upcoming Event in November | |||
| Saturday November 5 11 am-2 pm ChathamCounty Agriculture & Conference Center | ChathamLiteracy | Fall for Literacy Luncheon Jason Mott, speaker | Kayla McCline kayla@chathamliteracy.org 919-742-0578 |