24 Sep FHA Newsletter, March 2021
HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
March 2021 Volume 40 Number 3
Contents
President’s Message
Hare and Usness
I think I saw the March Hare bounding through the woods, telling us that Spring is just ahead. Plants and trees will be blooming, which always gives us a spirit of renewal. As FHA faces the challenges of 2021 and beyond, we hope that this spirit will inspire more of us to offer to help in some way. We all depend on what I call “Usness.”
Spring, Usness, and renewal will, I hope include thoughts such as: What have our lives been like for the last 12 months? What can we change to make things better? What do I value most in the village? What can I do to promote those values?
Fearrington Village is much more than a village; it’s the size of a small town. But it retains one essential character of a village—we all care about our neighbors. To preserve the features we love, there are tasks that need to be accomplished, some of them highly skilled, some quite routine. Large towns have paid staff to do most of this, but we do not. We rely on the old-fashioned idea of doing for ourselves.
Like many residents, an important part of moving to Fearrington Village for my wife Kathleen and I was what we saw as a chance to be in a neighborhood where people shared common goals and faced the issues of “aging in place” together, i.e., Usness. A personal example of that in action this past year came when my wife broke her ankle. Word spread quickly across our neighborhood, and our friends volunteered to form a roster to bring food to us. They were genuinely concerned about Kathleen’s well-being (and I suspect held concerns about my skills as a caregiver).
The FHA Board is simply a group of residents who volunteer to represent all of us. Terms of our directors are limited and subject to elections so that there is some rotation among us. This ensures we stay grounded in addressing what we genuinely want to have done. You have seen that spirit recently in the Community Survey, which helped to inform our board about what residents want. The FHA board depends on the many volunteers who help get things accomplished. This improved newsletter, for example, would not be possible without volunteers, and our progress on Wastewater Management was achieved because of the talented people who joined our vice president to form a task force.
Many of you know that we have been searching for someone to take the role of Secretary to our Board. It is not an easy role to fill, and the term itself may be misleading; this person is a member of our executive committee who does much more than take minutes and maintain files. As an example of residents taking on volunteer roles, Pam Bailey has stepped forward to fill much of that role while we search for a person to fill the position on a longer-term basis. Even then, Pam wants to stay involved in a volunteer role.
You will see often in this newsletter that we are searching for volunteers for different purposes. We plan to bring more structure into recruiting and assigning volunteers from the rich talent bank in our village, and Pam Bailey hopes to become very active in this effort. Please consider volunteering. It is “us helping us.” Chris Jaeger, Director of Community Affairs, is preparing a list of roles that need to be filled, some requiring certain talents or interests, some that just need some of your time and energy. Some would be long-term commitments; some would be occasional jobs that need doing. I think you might find a slot that you think would be satisfying and fulfilling for you and a great help to others.
I once saw a comment about volunteering: “Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals.” Those of us involved in preserving our village are not professionals at it. It does mean, though, that these may be the only jobs you can find where you are guaranteed a 50% pay raise every year.
Fearrington Homeowners’
Association Newsletter
The Newsletter is the official publication of our Fearrington Homeowners’ Association (FHA), produced by and for residents of Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC. The Newsletter contains community news, reports from FHA Board members, items of interest to residents, and announcements of club and neighborhood activities.
The Newsletter is published electronically eleven times a year (July/August is a combined issue). A PDF copy of the current issue can be found on the FHA website: fearringtonfha.org.
Submissions
Content deadlines are the 15th of the previous month. Send submissions to: editors@fearringtonfha.org. All persons submitting content will receive a confirmation email.
Do you have content for an upcoming newsletter? Email us at the above address and we will send you the “Newsletter Guidelines” and “Style Sheet”.
Newsletter Staff: | |
| Jan Kowal | Ann Melchior |
| Leslie Palmer | Deborah Repplier |
| Jackie Walters | |
Printing and Distribution: | |
| Carol Kurtz | Barbara Amago |
Fearrington Homeowners’ Association
Board Members
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 Board is responsible for maintenance of common property and covenant enforcement. For additional details, including job descriptions, click on the “FHA” tab on the FHA webpage (fearringtonfha.org).
| Officers | |
| President: | Carl Angel |
| Vice President: | Rose Krasnow |
| Interim Secretary: | Pam Bailey |
| Treasurer: | Tony Daniels |
| Directors | |
| Communications: | Gordon Pitz |
| Community Affairs: | Chris Jaeger |
| Covenants: | Eric Frank |
| Grounds and Landscaping: | Jesse Fearrington |
| Health, Safety and Security: | Warren Ort |
| Infrastructure and Facilities: | Mark Haslam |
From the Editors
Newsletter Naming Contest Result—We Have Our New Name
Last fall, we announced a contest to rebrand our forty-year-old FHA newsletter. Soon thereafter, readers submitted 51 names for consideration. In January, we invited the community to vote for their favorite among our five finalists, which were: The Fearrington Villager, The Fearrington Post, The Belted Gazette, The Fearrington Times, and The Fearrington Chronicle.
And the number one choice? Receiving 30% of the 447 votes cast, the winner is The Belted Gazette.
Our team is gratified the winning name will allow us to feature a Beltie as our newsletter mascot. Even better, John Webster, the resident submitting the winning name, is a genuine fan of the Belted Galloway cow.
Since we conceived of this contest last summer, I’ve learned it takes time, work, and patience to find just the right name and design the perfect new look to go with it. For now, we are doing the housework necessary to launch a new name and look later this spring. April is our goal, but we want to get it right, not fast.
A shout-out to resident Steve Stewart for his help with our poll on Survey Monkey, the FHA’s online survey tool that helped us find our winning name.
We will feature an article about contest winner, John Webster, when we roll out our new name and look in an upcoming issue.
—Ann Melchior, Manager
From Our FHA Board
FHA Open Meeting: Survey Responses and Beechmast Pond
An open meeting for residents was held via a webinar on Tuesday, February 16. The meeting was attended by 210 registered residents. This is probably an underestimate of the number of viewers, since several couples may have watched together with only one person signing in.
FHA President Carl Angel gave an introductory address in which he described the difficulties we have encountered as Associa/HRW took over management responsibilities from Towne Properties and steps the company has taken to make sure operations run smoothly from now on.
Steve Stewart, a member of the Lifestyle Subcommittee, summarized the results of the recent community assessment survey. A 53% return rate for the survey suggests that the results give an accurate picture of what residents value most about living here and what concerns them. Most appreciated are the attractiveness of the village, the neighbors, the walking trails, neighborhood safety, and Fearrington Cares. Of most concern are wastewater issues, the future of the community after the developer leaves, the Village Center, and infrastructure issues.
Tony Daniels, FHA Treasurer, discussed the implications of the survey for future action. He pointed out that some concerns, e.g., the Village Center, are not under control of the FHA. He noted that most residents say they are willing to help in addressing their major concerns, and he discussed how important it is that residents step forward to volunteer their services. The Board hopes to match the skills and abilities of those who would be willing to help with the needs the committees have to find volunteers.
Jesse Fearrington, Director, Grounds and Lanscaping, discussed the issues involved in maintaining Beechmast Pond. Maintaining the pond is one of the larger expense items in the FHA budget, and the cost is increasing every year. Erosion in the watershed generates sediment that is gradually filling the pond. Regular dredging is expensive and cannot maintain an adequate water depth. There is a distinct possibility that future developments will make the situation worse.
Last year the Board commissioned a study by Kris Bass Engineering (KBE) to see if there might be a more cost-effective way to deal with these problems. Based on their study, KBE presented three different approaches to developing a long-range solution. The October issue of the Newsletter contains an article describing the three alternatives. The solutions were described, along with the costs of implementing each. The Board’s preference is for removing the pond and restoring the stream to its natural flow. This option is the most expensive initially, but long-term costs would be the lowest, especially if construction costs increase.
Tony Daniels then discussed funding issues raised by the Beechmast Pond options. He summarized the existing capital expense improvement plan, which addresses needs that might arise in the next 20 years. He explained how an investment in Beechmast Pond might be covered with some reallocation of funds, e.g., from a planned expansion of The Gathering Place. He also emphasized how factors beyond our control make the need for an early decision critical.
One more open meeting is planned for April, in which residents will have a chance to discuss the issue further. A survey of residents is planned for early May, with a decision about the direction to be taken being made by the end of May.
Residents attending the webinar were able to ask questions of the panel. Over 50 questions were submitted, some dealing with the two main topics, others addressing issues not discussed in the presentations. The panel provided answers to some of the questions, primarily those dealing with Beechmast Pond. Answers to all the questions were provided afterwards and are available on the FHA website. If the answers are not available when this issue of the newsletter first becomes available, they will be provided as soon as possible. A recording of the webinar is also available for a limited period of time and can be accessed from the same site.
—Gordon Pitz, Director, Communications (communications@fhaboard.org)
Accessing the FHA Website
Last month I tried to explain how easy it is to access the FHA website from the Newsletter. In fact, if you are reading the newsletter online, you are already looking at the website. The menu is at the top of your screen window and tapping the small panel with the sketch of the Beltie will take you to the home page. (Please don’t do that yet unless you know how to use the back button on your browser to get back here).
You do not need to be logged in to the website in order to access a lot of useful information, but one or two important features do require you to have an account and to log in. This month I’ll explain how to create an account and log in. As with many online operations, it’s not difficult if you know what to look for.
You can find a good description of what to do at the following link:
https://www.fearringtonfha.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=1019
An abbreviated version is provided here. It will be helpful if you have a way to read this, or what is provided at the link given above, while separately entering data into a second web page. Otherwise, you may need to take notes on what follows.
If you are not logged in, you will see a warning at the top of the page (left).
If you already have an account, go to the home page and enter your username and password where indicated in the column on the left (you do remember your username and password, right?). However, if you do not have an account, you should click on “Create an account” (outlined here in red).
This will bring up a form for you to fill in. Only Fearrington residents may have accounts, so a manager will check your name and email address. Under “Name,” provide both first and last name. Provide a username or user ID, which must be unique, and an email address, which must also be different from any other user’s.
Finally, you will need to pass a test to prove that you are not a robot (you’re not, are you?). Don’t worry—the test is not hard, and if you do get it wrong, you can try again.
There is one more step in the verification process. As soon as your form is submitted, an email will be sent to you. If you think you did not get one, check your spam folder. The email will contain a verification link that you should tap. When you do this, website managers will be able to confirm that you are a resident. This may take several hours, but you will then receive another email confirming your registration. You may now log in, and begin further exploration of the website.
Next month I’ll point out some of the features you can access, both with and without an account.
Happy browsing.
Features
This Month’s Features
Introducing Fearrington Book Groups
Part 1 of a 2-part series
By Katie Baer and Maggie Pearson
Typically, reading is a solitary pleasure.
But that pleasure can be amplified if others share in discussing the book.
At least, that’s the experience of dozens of people who live in Fearrington and participate in book groups. They are among the estimated 5 million people in this country who are members of a book group/reading group. The basic template is similar for most of the groups: people select a book, all members read it, and they gather to discuss it.
However, the variations are endless: some groups are composed only of women, some of men only, and a few are coed. The groups vary by how they select the books, how they organize discussion, and whether they focus on fiction or nonfiction.
But what all groups have in common is the pleasure of sharing thoughts about a book with friends.
We talked to members of several book groups in Fearrington to find out how they operate and why they are successful. Here are a few of the things we learned:
- The benefits are great and wide-ranging. Members enjoy developing a sense of camaraderie and neighborhood community as well as intellectual stimulation—“reading outside my comfort zone” was a familiar phrase.
- The books that the members read tend to be substantive fiction, especially “literary fiction,” but nonfiction and poetry are sometimes included.
- To encourage maximum discussion, the groups typically limit membership to 6 to 12 members.
- Covid-19 hasn’t shut down book groups—only changed them from in-person meetings to a virtual experience via Zoom or another platform. Before the pandemic when people met in members’ homes, food and drink were sometimes part of the event.
Although the groups we profile are not currently accepting new members, we hope readers will use the information to open conversations, make connections and perhaps start a group of their own. (We offer suggestions on starting a book group at the end of this article.)
The Roundtable, started more than 20 years ago, is the oldest women’s book group in Fearrington Village. Several of the 11 current members have been part of The Roundtable for years, continuing even after moving from Fearrington. Meetings continue via ZOOM but will resume in members’ homes once the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. According to one member, “The group is limited both by the size of people’s living rooms and the goal of giving everyone time to participate in the discussion.”
In the spring, members vote on the next season’s books by choosing one title from 2-3 suggested by each member. The person who suggested a book becomes the facilitator. The Roundtable reads current fiction and, occasionally, classics.
One member noted, “We appreciate good literature and look for books that will extend members’ ecology and community. Our members are well-read and well-prepared, and we don’t get too far afield in our discussions,” said one member. “We are tolerant of different opinions and that has opened my mind to new literature and ideas. I have encountered books I probably never would have read otherwise.”
A few titles the group has liked: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and The Overstory by Richard Powers
The Fearrington Havurah Book Club was started seven years ago by a woman new to Fearrington Village. Rita Dunkin said she missed the stimulation and fellowship of her group in Virginia and believed that other women might enjoy getting together to read good literature. Havurah means “friendship” in Hebrew, and broadening book club members’ social and intellectual engagement is the glue that helps hold the group together.
Only women who are members of the Fearrington Havurah Club may join the book club. Rita said women have joined Havurah “just so they could then be a member of the book group.” Currently, there are 11 members, and the group meets at The Gathering Place. Generally, the club reads books with Jewish themes or by Jewish authors, but they occasionally choose a book like Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, for example, because its issues resonate with the club’s membership.
Members suggest and vote on books for the next season in the spring. Usually, the person who suggested the book becomes the facilitator. One member said she especially liked the shared responsibility for leading the discussions.
Rita noted that The Fearrington Havurah Book Club’s success came from the close communication among group members. “To sustain interest in the Havurah Book Club, or any book club,” said Rita, “people have to feel that they belong and are appreciated. Members of the Fearrington Havurah Book Club have diverse points of view on everything from politics to religion to social trends but having a common background and common goal for the club keeps us going.”
Two recent reads: Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning and The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
The Eclectics—the name says it all! The Eclectics is a group of women who read widely, mostly contemporary fiction, some classics, occasionally nonfiction. When they started in January 2002, the all-women’s group wanted to concentrate on well-written books that were thought-provoking.
From the beginning, the group has maintained a steady commitment to reading good books and facilitating discussion that focuses on a book’s literary style, structure, and character development. The group’s method of selecting books assures that all members are engaged: each month, a different member chooses a book and leads the discussion. In pre-Covid-19 times, that member also hosted the group at her house. Since last spring, the meetings have transitioned to Zoom.
One member commented, “I think there’s a tremendous level of respect and trust in the group, shown by the fact that we do not vote on books, but leave the choice to the member whose turn it is to lead the discussion.” Typically, the facilitator brings insights from various reviews and interviews of the author.
Almost two decades of reading history—book, author, host—are captured in a master list. Two of the group’s recent favorites: Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes and Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat
Profiles of other book groups will appear in next month’s issue along with suggestions on how to start your own book group.
Sophie Gets a New Home, But Keeps Her Name
By Gordon Pitz (communications@fhaboard.org)
Ducks of various kinds are often seen in Fearrington. Mallards come and go on the Camden ponds. Wood Duck boxes have been installed near ponds and open water, and recently two pairs of Mergansers settled on Beechmast pond.
Mallard duck and duckling
Photo by Gordon Pitz
Mergansers taking off
Photo by Alan Ziegler
One day in spring of 2018, a large black duck with an elaborately calloused face arrived on the lower Camden pond. This caused something of a stir among human residents of Fearrington village, and probably among the avian population of Camden ponds as well.
Dave Reynolds, who is not a Fearrington resident but lives nearby, often walks his dog Princeton in Camden Park. Dave owns several domestic ducks and recognized that this was a Muskovy. Once he realized the duck was going to remain in Camden Park, he started to feed it on a daily basis, and christened her Sophie.
There are several Fearrington residents who also keep an eye on Sophie. Abigail English walks her dog Ginger by the pond and helps to feed her. Doug Zabor, his wife Magda, and their dog Karee befriended Dave. A small group of friends help pay towards food. Please note, Dave and others ensure that Sophie receives the appropriate amount and type of food. Please, if visiting, do not feed Sophie or any of the ducks. Although Dave does say that if someone wants to take kids and grandkids to “feed the ducks,” a few thawed out frozen English peas are a nice treat.
Sophie the Muscovy Duck Photo by Gordon Pitz
Sophie is a domestic duck. Probably her owner did not want to keep her anymore, so left her at the Camden pond. Her wings had been clipped before she arrived. She can flap for short distances but doesn’t really fly. She loves company, swims with the Mallards, greets the Blue Heron, and will waddle from lower to upper pond when her Mallard or Heron friends fly from one pond to the other.
Last winter Dave, who does a lot of carpentry, considered building a shelter for Sophie that would keep her safe from predators. He planned it for over a year and designed one that could float but remain anchored. Doug Zabor put Dave in touch with Greg Fitch. They discussed the design, the paint color, and possible placement. They agreed that the house would mirror the gazebos in Camden Park and they settled on the current location in the lower pond.
Dave Reynolds about to install the house
Photo by Doug Zabor
The lid of the duck house is hinged. Inside is a wire mesh that allows waste to drop through to the pond. He built the house large enough to accommodate several ducks at a time. Dave has agreed to maintain the shelter and keep the straw fresh.
To keep the house afloat, Dave used 4-inch PVC pipe he sealed under the platform. To test the platform, Dave and his brother Daniel launched it at Jordan Lake, and sat on it to make sure it would hold the weight of the house.
Sophie’s house, in place
Photo by Gordon Pitz
On a bitterly cold day, Dave donned a wet suit and screwed two long anchors into the lakebed. A few days later, Dave and Daniel installed the house. They floated it from the dam, then pushed it into its final location.
Doug Zabor has created an account of the installation, using photographs that he and Abigail English took, together with a video. The story can be seen here on Google Photos.
There has been some concern whether Sophie is able to get up onto the platform. The Mallards have no problems (see Dan Freehling’s photo). Sophie can mount the metal overflow ring in the upper pond, as seen in one of the photos in the illustrated story of the installation, so we hope she’s able to enter her own house.
Sophie and friends explore the new house
Photo by Dan Freehling
There was one more mystery about Sophie. When she first appeared in Fearrington, I was able to identify her as a Muskovy, based on the size and the face. Incidentally, the breed has nothing to do with Moscow (or Russia). They originated in South America and may have been named after the company that transported them to Europe.
They are often said not to be true ducks; they may be closer to Geese than other breeds. It is not easy to tell whether a single bird is male or female, unlike the Mallards. However, based on the caruncles (the red wattles), I concluded it was a male, so christened it Musky (the breed’s origins notwithstanding).
I assumed Dave Reynolds knew more about ducks than I did, but perhaps even he was not sure. He sent photos and a description to the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR). Is it really Sophie? Maybe it’s Musky. It didn’t matter. She, or he, is a welcome addition to the village.
Well, as it turns out, CWR determined that, in spite of the pointed tail and proclivity to care for ducklings, Sophie is in fact a handsome male. His formal name is Sophocles, after the great Greek playwright. His familiar name can still be Sophie, or Soph.
With many thanks to Dave Reynolds and Doug Zabor for their help in preparing this article.
Scene Around Fearrington
A Red Shouldered Hawk lends an eye to our Neighborhood Watch. Both photos by Tony Daniels
Announcements
Fearrington Groups and Organizations
Chatham County Agencies
Fearrington Groups and Organizations
Fearrington Bulls & Bears
The Fearrington Bulls & Bears Investment Club is a group of Fearrington residents who are interested in improving their investment knowledge and capabilities. We meet monthly during non-summer months and communicate regularly through an email exchange group to share information, insights, and ideas about investing.
Guests are welcome to participate in a meeting or in our email exchange group to gauge their interest in joining the Club. The next meeting will be held by Zoom on March 12, at 9:30 am.
For more information about the Club, meetings, or the exchange, please contact:
Anna Shearer, President, at 703-217-0322 or ashearer1219@gmail.com
Fearrington Democratic Club
The Democratic Club’s March speaker will be NC State Senator Jeff Jackson, candidate for the US Senate in 2022. Senator Jackson is an Afghanistan veteran, former assistant district attorney, and current captain in the Army National Guard. First elected to the NC Senate in 2014, he has made statewide and national news for his commitment to ending HB2 (the ‘bathroom bill’), gerrymandering, and the ‘consent loophole’ in connection with sexual assault.
For the Zoom link, use the contact form on the Club’s website (FearringtonDems.org/contact-us). Please register soon to reserve a place; if your plans change, please cancel your registration through the Zoom link. We hope to see you on Tuesday, March 23, at 7:00 pm.
Fearrington Genealogy Group
Tuesday, March 9, 3:00 pm, Zoom Teleconference
Program details will be emailed to members around March 1. We have been holding Zoom sessions since September and have enjoyed interesting and diverse presentations by our club members. It has been great to be in touch with one another during the past six months.
Newcomers are welcome. Contact Linda Grimm at 919-533-6296 for details on participating.
Fearrington Havurah
Please join us for our next Webinar on Tuesday, March 2, at 7 pm when Havurah member Jan Doolin discusses mindfulness and meditation.
This presentation will focus on what is meditation and the nine forms of meditation, with emphasis on mindfulness meditation. We will briefly explore meditation practices in the five major religions and the many benefits of meditation. Jan has identified six skills for practicing mindfulness, and we will together do short, guided meditations: the “One Breath Meditation” and “The Loving Kindness Meditation.”
Jan is a retired attorney and is now a registered yoga teacher, teaching yoga, Pilates, and meditation, with 20 years of teaching experience. She teaches privately and conducts meditation classes throughout the year in her home studio. She also offers a weekly meditation circle here in Fearrington and on Zoom.
To register in advance for this webinar, use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MtHlUkzGS_SPgVr_gWWmgQ
Fearrington Republican Club
The Fearrington Republican Club anticipates meeting again when The Gathering Place re-opens, and we are in a safer time. We hope that many have received or are in the queue to receive their vaccines soon.
In the meantime, the Chatham County Republicans welcome us to their annual CC GOP Convention on March 20. The program includes local speakers and party elections. It is currently planned as a virtual event. Any registered Republican voter can sign up at the website: chathamncgop.com.
Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club
Summer will be here soon, and it will be time to start enjoying the Swim & Croquet Club pools and activities! Planning is underway to ensure we have another successful season, taking into consideration county and state regulations and CDC guidelines.
The opening date for the pools is planned for early May. When this date is finalized and more information is available about any changes in requirements related to protecting against Covid-19, additional information will be provided.
Residents will be able to join the Club or renew their membership beginning in mid-March. Look for additional information then.
You can learn more about the Club now by visiting the Swim and Croquet page under the Group Section of the FHA website: www.fearringtofha.org. You may also email questions to fearringtonswimcroquet@gmail.com
Fearrington Village Singers
Julie Taymor Presentation
Thursday, March 25, 4 pm
Theatre, opera, and film lovers, get ready! Fearrington Village Singers’ own Mike Hardy will feature The World of Julie Taymor: The Lion King, The Magic Flute, Spider-Man, and more. Mike will introduce this massively important theatre director, show her TED talk, and close with a Q & A based on his forty years in the theatre world. Good-bye Rodgers and Hammerstein. Hello Taymor and beyond. One of a number of tradition-breaking and making directors from the past 30 years, Taymor’s distinctive style moved from her experimental work to Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, and cinema.
Zoom link available on fearringtonvillagesingers.org homepage.
Fearrington Yacht Club
Ahoy, Mates! It looks like we may be able to get out of the doldrums of the Covid-19 virus by the fall. On that optimistic note, we should start to plan for a fall trip and the annual FYC meeting/chowder dinner. Please contact Maggie Tunstall if you have ideas, suggestions, or would just like to help to get the Yacht Club up and sailing again. FYC Membership is open to residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge. NO YACHT REQUIRED! Members who paid dues for 2020 are automatically enrolled for 2021 at no additional cost. For event information and a membership
form, log onto the FYC page at: https://dev.fearringtonfha.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=155&Itemid=1197
For general membership questions, contact Treasurer Sally Muncy, 919-619-8817. For club activities, or to volunteer with events, contact Commodore Maggie Tunstall at 919-542-0031.
Women of Fearrington
Come on a socially distanced road trip on March 11, at 11 am to the studio of Paperhand Puppet Intervention in Saxapahaw to learn how they use puppetry and performance to promote justice, equality, and peace by making merry with myth and memory. Cost of the tour is $20, with optional lunch at Eddy Pub.
Another road trip will be Wednesday, March 31, at 11 am to Cape Fear Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, followed by optional lunch at the Garden Café and then an optional extended hike through the Gardens.
Plan now to join us April 17 for “Paws for a Cause,” a spring stroll with a friend, two-legged or four-legged, to benefit women and children in need in Chatham County.
Paula De Pano, Beverage Director of Fearrington House Restaurant, will speak at the General Meeting webinar Wednesday, March 17, 1:30 pm.
Register for any road trips or webinars at WomenOfFearrington.org.
Chatham County Agencies
Chatham Connecting
The season is changing, spring is nearly here, the daffodils are heading, and it is time for fresh starts. Thinking of how to get involved with the wider Chatham Community? This is a good time to check out Chatham Connecting www.chathamconnecting.org, an online resource that lists the volunteer and donation needs of 100+ nonprofit service agencies. The site installed a “Volunteer from Home” button to help locate opportunities during the pandemic. For example, Second Bloom is looking for volunteers with its domestic violence help line; CORA offers opportunities for individuals, youth, and groups to join in the fight against hunger; and the Chatham County Historical Association needs fundraisers. By clicking the Youth Volunteers button, older teens can find opportunities especially for them. Chatham Connecting brings together those in need with those who can help. Why wait?
This Month’s Announcements
Dealing with the Risks of Phone and Computer Fraud, Spam, and Phishing Attacks
Thursday, March 25, 1:30 pm, via Zoom
Playing and working in the expanding fast lanes of the internet highways and byways have created many challenges and risks for such travelers and visitors in recent years. Online digital realms offer an enormous range of benefits for those who use computers, cell phones, and internet-based (VoIP) phones. Along with these benefits, using the internet has produced an increasing exposure to ever-more sophisticated hidden risks of threats and thefts of personal information, passwords, financial records, bank account contents, etc. We’ll consider some key tips to defend yourself from such high-risk digital threats.
Jon Darling, Emeritus Professor of Sociology and former Acting Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, will help us prepare our digital defenses. Jon’s specialties include social psychology, sociology of family, and sociology of community, and he has focused on digital community networking since 1997. After retiring, Jon became a designated Maryland Legacy Leader on Public Policy and worked as a full-time legislative aide for constituent and policy matters in the Maryland General Assembly before moving to Fearrington in 2010. Jon has served the community in many capacities and is currently the Fearrington Cares webmaster.
Dealing with Mental Health
May is Mental Health Month, but we can always use a little early assistance either with or without a pandemic.
Hope4NC Helpline (855-587-3463)
Hope4NC connects North Carolinians to mental health resources that help them cope and build resilience during times of crisis. The helpline is staffed 24/7 and provides free and confidential emotional support, counseling referrals, and community resources. As part of the state’s recent hurricane recovery efforts, it served over 4,400 people in the most impacted counties; now it is being made available to everyone in North Carolina’s 100 counties during the Covid-19 crisis. For more information, go to www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-abuse/hope4nc.
NCBAM Hope Line for Older Adults (866-578-4673 or 866-578-HOPE)
The North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry’s toll-free statewide Hope Line was established for older adults experiencing isolation. Trained staff and volunteers receive calls daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm to encourage callers with a friendly voice and a listening ear. For more information, go to ncbam.org/ministry-outreaches.html.
Cardinal Innovations Mental Health Crisis Line (800-939-5911)
Licensed clinicians are available on the Crisis Line 24/7 for anyone looking for services for mental health, substance use, or intellectual and developmental disabilities (www.cardinalinnovations.org/Mental-Health-Crisis-Line). Cardinal Innovations also provides a free and anonymous online mental health screening for anyone to complete. Find it on their website at www.cardinalinnovations.org/Resources/Mental-Health-Screening.
Rhythm—Without the Blues: A New ONLINE Movement Class for a Healthy Body
Friday, March 12, 19, and 26, 11:30 am—12:15 pm via Zoom
This ONLINE series is designed to help you move with greater ease and less pain. Anyone can join and learn within the safety of his or her own home. Veteran teacher Glenna Batson will guide you through simple, rhythmic movement sequences that you can do sitting or standing—whatever best fits your needs and abilities. Glenna will show how these movements relate to everyday activities, so you can keep a rhythmic liveliness going throughout your day.
The class builds on sound principles for range of motion, weight shifting, and balance. So, whether your goal is to ‘get moving,’ find freedom of movement, or simply enjoy yourself, you’ll uncover the FUNdamentals of maintaining healthy muscles and joints.
Glenna Batson, PT, ScD, MA is a former physical therapy professor and dance educator. She believes in the expressive power of mindful movement as a way of keeping the bloom of life going at any age and stage of life. She has lived in Fearrington since 2007.
Zoom Movement Classes, Support Groups, and Education Programs Links Are on Our Website www.fearringtoncares.org
Occasionally Zoom program IDs and passwords will change; if you have saved a link it may eventually become inactive. Use the links on our website for a quick, current connection to all Zoom programs. If you would like to practice a Zoom connection and meeting, email info@fearringtoncares.org and we will set that up. Please note: One-time registration is now required for participation in Classes and Support Groups through May, 2021.
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Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings Resume
The Alcoholics Anonymous Support Group has resumed in-person meetings. Please contact Karen Metzguer (karen@fearringtoncares.org) for information.
UPDATE: Donate Over-the-Counter and Prescription Meds
Updated March 18, 2021 by Fearrington Cares
The Chatham Cares Community Pharmacy (CCCP) in Siler City is a great place to donate medical items you no longer want or need. CCCP is a non-profit local organization providing quality pharmacy services to uninsured and underinsured residents of the county. They accept medical equipment that has been cleansed thoroughly or never used by a patient. They also accept supplies of all kinds (anything you can buy at a drugstore or medical supply store) and personal care items (soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, waterproof or disposable bed pads, adult underwear, urinals, disposable gloves, compression socks, bed risers, etc.).
The CCCP accepts unopened OTC (over-the-counter) medications of all kinds. They also accept ALL CURRENT prescription medications (except controlled substances) that are unopened and still sealed. If the medication was dispensed in a blister pack, unused pills that are still in the blister pack are also accepted. Their licensed pharmacists will take your leftovers and add them to others to make a supply for our less-fortunate neighbors in Chatham County. Instead of turning these (sometimes very expensive) items into a pharmacy or the police for destruction, please take them to the CCCP. For office hours and location, go to www.chathamcares.com/1.html or call 919-663-0177.
Covid-19 and Vaccine Information
Fearrington Cares maintains a website with county, state, and national information about the pandemic and the virus: fearringtoncares.org/resources/covid-19-coronavirus-current-information/. Vaccine information is changing frequently, so check the links on the website for the most current information.
Information on finding an appointment to receive the Covid-19 vaccine can be found at fearringtoncares.org/about-finding-an-appointment-for-the-covid-vaccine. Our site includes phone numbers and web links for several health care providers. Once you are added to their waiting lists, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment as they become available.
Specific details on the Chatham County Public Health Department (CCPHD) vaccine roll out are online at www.chathamnc.org/services/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccine. You can join CCPHD’s waitlist by clicking the Covid-19 Vaccine Interest Tool in the center of the page. In addition, there is information on free transportation to vaccine appointments, which is provided by Chatham Transit (chathamtransit.org/category/news/).
Fearrington Directory Changes
Welcome to Our New Residents!
The following persons have been added to the Fearrington Village Directory between January 15 and February 14:
| Name | Address | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Jay W. BRILL and Russell D. DAVIS | 29 Benchmark | Jay’s Email: jaywbrill@gmail.com Russell’s Email: russ.davis83@gmail.com Jay’s Cell: 919-259-2198 Russell’s Cell: 919-360-6994 |
| Rich COX and Jim MAY | 38 Speyside Circle | Rich’s Email: richcox4569@gmail.com Jim’s Email: mayjim506@gmail.com Home: 919-542-3599 |
| Lisa M. HALL | 5 Matchwood | Lisa’s Email: lisk8er@gmail.com Lisa’s Cell: 415-203-0627 |
| David L. (Dave) and Dremea L. HILL | 1356 Bradford Place | Dave’s Email: dlh25130@aol.com Dremea’s Email: dremeahill@gmail.com Dave’s Cell: 304-784-0214 Dremea’s Cell: 304-784-7877 |
| Lee KAZANAS and Michele ZEMBOW | 57 Stone Ledge | Lee’s Email: kazanas.lee@gmail.com Michele’s Email: mzembow@gmail.com Lee’s Cell: 518-524-1323 Michele’s Cell: 973-202-6449 |
| Betsy and Chester KYLSTRA | 730 Spindlewood (626) | Betsy’s Email: betsy2849@gmail.com Chester’s Email: chester2849@gmail.com |
| Wendell LAWRENCE | 42 Benchmark | Wendell’s Email: wendell.k.lawrence@gmail.com Wendell’s Cell: 919-620-7639 |
| Claire J. OLIVER Roberta J. (Sara) and Steven R. WEXLER | 630 Spindlewood | Sara’s Email: asarawexler@gmail.com Steven’s Email: swexler@nc.rr.com Sara’s Cell: 919-533-0170 Steven’s Cell: 919-533-6234 |
| Christopher Anders and Margaret A. (Maggie) RANGE | 712 Spindlewood (608) | Home: magrange@me.com Home: 202-363-9860 |
| Barry and Patricia RUSSINOF | 571 Woodbury | Home: autobarry@msn.com Home: 305-812-5595 |
Are you a new resident? Be sure to register on our FHA community website. Doing so will give you full access to website features and allow you to be added to our resident directory. Log on to FearringtonFHA.org and on the top menu click on “Directory.” Then, in the drop-down menus click first on “New Resident” then “List Me in the Directory.”
Are you an existing resident whose contact information has changed? Don’t forget to update your listing on the FearringtonFHA.org web site. On the landing page, click on the Directory tab on the top menu and then on Update Preferences on the drop-down menu. When you update your contact information online, the updates will be included in the FHA Directory & Handbook printed in January each year. Stay in touch with your fellow residents by keeping your contact information current.
Calendar for March 2021
Fearrington Village clubs and groups will be meeting on these dates. Events are usually held at The Gathering Place unless stated otherwise. However, The Gathering Place is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Therefore, if you have questions, be sure to check with the person or web page listed in the “Contact” column for the most up-to-date information.
| Day/Date/Time | Organization | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday March 2 7 pm | Havurah | Zoom Webinar | Beryl Sherman 919-704-8018 |
| Thursday March 9 3 pm | Genealogy Group | Zoom Teleconference | Linda Grimm 919-533-6296 |
| Tuesday March 11 11 am | Women of Fearrington | Trip to Paperhand Puppets | Mif Flaharty (808) 234-0008 |
| Friday March 12 9:30 am | Bulls & Bear Investment Club | Club Meeting via Zoom | Anna Shearer 703-217-0322 ashearer1219@gmail.com |
| Wednesday March 17 7 pm | Women of Fearrington | Webinar: Beverage Director, Fearrington House Restaurant | Tracy Bailey (302) 561-1298 |
| Tuesday March 23 1:30 pm | Fearrington Democratic Club | Zoom Mtg Speaker: NC Senator Jeff Jackson | Vickie Shea 919-545-0024 |
| Wednesday March 31 11 am | Women of Fearrington | Trip to Cape Fear Botanical Garden | Mif Flaharty (808) 234-0008 |
| Coming in April: | |||
| Saturday April 17 9 am to 12 noon (Rain date April 24) | Women of Fearrington | Paws for a Cause | Barbara Gilbert (919) 533-6597 |