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FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS
CONTENTS
FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS PROPOSAL TO THIN THE DEER HERDThe number of deer within Fearrington Village continues to grow at an alarming rate. There are many concerns, including damage or destruction of gardens and ornamental trees, ticks and Lyme disease, collisions with automobiles, and the growing threat of Chronic Wasting Disease in deer, which is similar to "mad cow" disease. "The exploding population of white tailed deer nationwide has helped drive a number of bird species onto Audubon's Watch List, a system that identifies at risk bird species before they become endangered," writes David Seideman, editor of the National Audubon Society Magazine. By defoliating underforest, deer remove bird habitat. In its March issue, under the headline "Wanted: More Hunters," Audubon magazine charged that deer were "laying waste to entire ecosystems," saying, "There is only one solution." The absence to date of any wildlife management has resulted in more deer than the land can support. Based on reported deer sightings by fellow homeowner volunteers over a two-month period and statistics provided by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, there are estimated, conservatively, to be approximately 54-72 deer within Fearrington. Of all of the alternative methods to reduce the size of the herd, the only feasible approach recommended by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is a regulated bow and arrow hunt by experienced, qualified hunters. The hunt would be conducted by selected bow-hunters of known skills and integrity and would be under the supervision of a highly respected master bowman. The hunt areas would not be in the vicinity of any homes and no more than three or four hunters would be in a given area at any one time. The time and place of the hunts would be posted in the kiosks and security guards would be located around the hunt areas. The goal will be to reduce the size of the herd by 25 percent. The meat obtained would be processed and donated to the Food Bank of North Carolina to help feed the hungry. A copy of the full plan is available in the FHA office for
review by homeowners. The FHA Board will consider the implementation of the plan at its
regular meeting on September 3.
Newcomer's Welcome Party Fearrington Village Town Meeting FHA Annual Meeting ELECTION DAY Also remember there is Absentee Voting in Pittsboro from August
22 to September 7. NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS... ...that's what it's all about. United Way makes it easy for Fearringtonians to help their neighbors in need. Your donations last year bought help for over 17,000 Chatham County residents, because UWCC responds to priority community needs through the good works of 23 local human service agencies and five statewide agencies. One example: transportation services are provided through Chatham Transit Network. Because of its rural nature, Chatham County has no public transportation system. Awhile back, some United Way agencies decided to do something about the transportation problems faced by their clients. They got together and formed Chatham Transit so that they each wouldn't have to maintain vans of their own. Now, with 24 vans stationed in Pittsboro and Siler City, this expanded agency helps people get to work, community college, Department of Social Services and doctors' appointments (as far away as Greensboro), and activities at places like the Council on Aging. Do you need a ride? Call 542-5136. The Fearrington Village United Way campaign will begin soon. Many of you may already directly support one or more of the UW member agencies. That's great! But-your gift to the United Way of Chatham County has a much broader reach. Here are a few examples of what your support says: • I will help sponsor a class on alcoholism and drug
dependence All Fearrington United Way volunteers and contributors are
invited to attend the community-wide Campaign Kickoff on September 5 from
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chatham County Arts Council, located on U.S. 64 between Pittsboro
and Siler City. Dinner tickets are $7 each. Call 542-1110 right away for a reservation. SAVE THE DATE: NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART The Fearrington Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Art invite you to join Dennis Weller, curator of the "Art in the Age of Rubens and Rembrandt" exhibit, on Thursday, October 17, to hear a lecture introducing this outstanding show. There will be four distinct exhibitions: • Jan Miense Molenaer: Painter of the Dutch Golden Age
A chartered bus will leave the Gathering Place at 12:30,
the gallery talk will be at 1:30 and the return trip will be at 4. If interested in using
this transportation for a nominal fee, please reserve a seat by calling Barbara Schmidt at
542-5163. This treat is free for members of the Museum, $5 for non-members OR join the
Museum at this time and this exciting group of Friends. More information? Call Peggy Jo
Kirby, 542-1991. It has been brought to the attention of the FHA Board that several residents within Fearrington have started to feed the deer. Feeding deer actually does more harm than good. Feeding them may seem like a kind thing to do, but to lure them away from their natural habitat is especially ill-advised. Rather than preventing damage, the numbers of feeding deer will only increase and prolong the damage. Corn or commercial pellet feeds have been put out for deer by people wishing to help them out. However, the bacteria in a deer's stomach are not compatible with this type of food and the deer get very little nutrition from it. Although the deer will eat this food eagerly, they will lose weight and may even starve. The bacteria in their stomachs change throughout the seasons. During the winter, for example, the bacteria are designed to break down woody plants, enabling deer to survive on twigs and buds. Deer that are artificially fed lose their natural wildness
and become used to human habitats. This has resulted in the deer becoming a nuisance and
destroying gardens and shrubbery. Quite often, people become somewhat possessive of
"their" deer. This can lead to conflicts when decisions must be made about
over-population. Realizing that for the deer to get to an artificial feeding site they
must cross through neighbors' property, it is suggested that all feeding of the deer
within Fearrington be stopped. This is for the good of both Fearrington and the deer.
Cooperation by all concerned will be greatly appreciated. WHAT'S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON SEPTEMBER READINGS AT MCINTYRE'S •Thursday, September 5, 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Open Mike Night at McIntyre's-C'mon out! Share and support local creative talent with friends and neighbors. For more information, call Pete at McIntyre's, 542-3030. •Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m. The Companion to Southern Literature; Themes, Genres, Places, People, Movements, and Motifs will be discussed with Editors Joseph M. Flora and Lucinda H. MacKethan. •Saturday, September 14, 11 a.m. Richard Bausch will read from his novel, Hello to the Cannibals. Poet Alan Shapiro will join Richard for this author event and will read from his new work, Song and Dance. •Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m. Margaret Maron will read from her new mystery, Slow Dollar. •Thursday, September 26, 7 p.m. Brad
Watson will read from his new novel, The Heaven of Mercury FEARRINGTON VILLAGE-UNC ALUMNI CLUB The Fearrington Village-UNC Club will be active again this
year. We plan to have two tours of UNC departments and/or schools, and are planning two
social events. You will be receiving a dues reminder and a notice of our fall activities.
This year we hope to incorporate two new activities-one being a service day such as all
Alumni Clubs are having, and two-sponsoring a scholarship through the Alumni Association.
We welcome all interested alumni to join with us this year. If you have any questions or
suggestions, please call Philip Cree at 545-9794 or Harriet McGraw at 542-7342. The Fearrington Catholics are having their First Annual Picnic on Sunday, September 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Swim and Croquet Club. The menu will include barbecue, chicken, hush puppies, cole slaw, baked beans, wine, beer and soft drinks. We'll end with a peach cobbler and iced tea. Everyone is welcome. The cost is $15 for members and $18
for non-members. Checks should be made out to Fearrington Catholics and placed in the
Fearrington Catholics box at the Gathering Place kiosk. Any questions? Call Terrie Doyle,
542-0271. I think that I will never hold a hand that's 7 NT cold! But
then again, I might on any given Wednesday at the 1 p.m. duplicate game held at the
Gathering Place. The "welcome back from your summer travels games" will be held
on September 4, 11 and 25. The annual business meeting to elect new
officers will start at 12:45 p.m. on the 11th. Be there or you could find you have been
elected president-in absentia! Actually, administration of the Bridge Club is one of the
easiest in the Village. We extend a warm welcome to new folks who have just moved this
year to Fearrington as well as to residents who have been thinking about trying duplicate
bridge but were too shy to try. If you need a partner, contact Mary Ann Clarkson,
542-3785, and come out for a grand slam afternoon of competitive bridge. We hope you will join us for another great year of socializing with old and new friends and enjoying interesting programs, workshops and trips. No arts or crafts skills are required. Member-ship is open to everyone in Fearrington and is required for trips and social functions. Dues are $8, payable by check only. Please put your check in the Arts & Crafts box in the mail kiosk near the Gathering Place or pay at the first meeting. At the Monday, September 9, meeting (1:30 at the Gathering Place) a panel of artisans from Womancraft, the Chapel Hill gallery, will give the history of the arts and crafts cooperative, and a display of crafts will be on exhibit. In October, the program will be "A Dream Trip to Italy Becomes Vietri" presented by Frances Gravely, Vietri co-founder. In November, we will have "Women's Fashion Accessories (1800s and 1900s)" presented by Pam Smith, Beggars & Choosers Antiques. Our first trip is scheduled for Thursday, October 31 (not October 3 as previously reported). We will be going to the NC Museum of Art for the exhibit of "Art in the Age of Rubens and Rembrandt: 17th Century Dutch and Flemish Culture." Cost is $33, including bus, admission and lunch. Because we are limited to 40 for the bus and we have over 150 members now, we will have a lottery to determine the lucky ones. If you wish to go, sign a slip when you arrive at the meeting. The drawing will take place at the end of the meeting. A separate check for the trip should be given to Terrie Doyle at that time or delivered to her home (22 East Madison) no later than October 1. If not received by the deadline (and dues also paid), a new name will be drawn. Come and join in the fun-we look forward to seeing you. DUKE PROFESSOR TO DISCUSS THE MIDDLE EAST Bruce W. Jentleson, Ph.D., will discuss "The Middle East: War or Peace?" at the Tuesday, September 10, meeting of the Fearrington Havurah. The meeting will be held at the Barn this month only. Professor Jentleson is director and professor of public policy studies at Duke University and professor of political science at Sanford Institute of Public Policy. The meeting, open to all, begins at 7:30 p.m. with
"coffee and conversation," followed by the program at 8 p.m. Please note the
change in meeting place for this month only. FEARRINGTON ARTIST/WRITER TO SPEAK ON BONSAI Fearrington's own Murry Handler will share his expertise on this ancient Japanese garden art form at the Tuesday, September 17, 7:30 p.m. meeting of the Fearrington Garden Club. All Fearrington residents are welcome to attend at the Gathering Place. Murry Handler, an artist and writer, was recently featured in a Valerie Schwartz "Neighbors" article in The Chapel Hill News. He has devoted himself to bonsai for over 36 years and has a significant bonsai collection at his Fearrington home. A native of Bangor Maine, Murry studied in New York City at The Franklin Institute of Art and at Pratt Institute. A member of the Fearrington Writers Group, he has published a book of poetry, and recently finished a memoir. His work has been shown in galleries in New York, Connecticut, Florida and North Carolina and hangs in many private collections around the country. The Fearrington Garden Club meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Future Garden Club presenters include: October 15-Lauren Fitts, Carolina
Waterscapes For more information, contact Carol-Ann and Forrest
Greenslade, 545-9743 FEARRINGTON WOMEN'S CLUB KICKOFF Another exciting year for the Fearrington Women's Club will kick off with its annual Welcome Tea to be held on Wednesday, September 18, at 2 p.m. at The Gathering Place. All Fearringtonians are welcome and we encourage you to take this opportunity to become better acquainted with your neighbors and meet Fearrington newcomers. One very important aspect of the Women's Club year is its service to the community and the projects which make it possible to annually donate monies to worthy organizations in Chatham County. Last year the club gave $6,000 to charity and enjoyed every minute of the processes that made it possible to do so. The Fearrington Women's Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Many interesting and exciting projects and programs are planned for the 2002-2003 year and you won't want to miss any of it. Join us on September 18-you'll be glad you did!! 2001-2002 BRIDGE MARATHON AWARDS DINNER A reminder to all participants of the 2001-2002 bridge
marathon that the annual awards dinner will be held on Friday, September 20,
from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Gathering Place. The dinner will again be catered by Heavenly
Catering. You are welcome to bring snacks and/or adult beverages for the Friendly Hour,
which begins at 5:30. Sodas, set-ups, ice and glasses will be supplied. Reservations
deadline is Tuesday, September 10. Please join us-remember you paid for this dinner last
year when you signed up for Marathon Bridge. Questions: Cynthia Jones, 545-9660. The Fearrington Writers Group will meet at the Gathering Place on Monday, September 23, 1-3 p.m. The meeting is open to any Fearrington resident who is writing or just thinking about writing. A special feature of this meeting will be readings by May Ann Young, Louise Chut and Murry Handler, who have had recent articles published in the Urban Hiker. The meeting will also feature short readings by other members. For additional information, contact Barry L. Reece at breece@mindspring. com or Forrest Greenslade at
fgreenslade@mc.rr.com DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO HOST PRIMARY VICTORS The Fearrington Democratic Club will host the democratic
primary victors of the three races for County Commissioner and Sheriff on Tuesday, September
24, at 7:15 p.m. at the Gathering Place. All Fearrington residents are encouraged
to attend this event and meet these Democratic Party Candidates running in the November
general election. For information please call 545-2026. On Wednesday, September 25, at 5:30 p.m in the Gathering Place everyone will have the opportunity to meet, hopefully all, the Republican Primary winners plus the other Republican candidates. At 6:30 p.m. Bill Cobey, the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Committee, will report on the condition of the party and answer questions that you may have. Also, the team who will run the Republican Club, starting with the January 2003 meeting, will be introduced. Republican candidates for the primary election September 10 are: U.S. Senate: Venkat Challa, Timothy Cook, Elizabeth Dole, Dr. Ada Fisher, Dr. Jim Parker, Douglas Sellers and Jim Snyder. For Board of Education: Wayne White. Supreme Court: Bob Orr, Ed Brady and Ralph Walker. Court of Appeals: Ann Marie Calabria, Lorrie Dollar, Eric Levinson and Fritz Mercer. Soil and Conservation Committee: John W. Etchison, Dallas W. Hurley. U.S. House of Representatives: Tuen Nguyen. North Carolina Senate: Peter Morcombe. County Commissioner, District 3: Mark Teague. County Commissioner, District 4: Lindley (Lin) Blake Andrew. Chatham County Sheriff: Jim Bowden. If any Fearringtonians need a ride to the Gathering Place on Tuesday, September 10, or would like to use the "Absentee Voting privilege" in Pittsboro from August 22 to September 7 and between Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, November 2, please call Tom Hauck 542-5499 or John Milliken 545-0133 for transportation arrangements. Please vote on Tuesday, September 10, and join us for Happy
Hours at 5:30 p.m. on September 25 at the Gathering Place. Fearrington Thespians will kick off its new season on Sunday, October 6, with a medley of short plays written by women. The one acts include a revisionist look at the Garden of Eden, a haunting investigation of a murder, one woman's struggle to regain self respect, and an old lady's dash to freedom. The moods range from comic to serious. The play readings begin at 7:30 in the Gathering Place. All Fearringtonians are invited to participate in
Thespians. For those wishing to perform, the good news is that no memorization is
involved! All others are welcomed as audience members. The only requirement is a love of
theatre. FEARRINGTON WOMEN'S CLUB TO HOST ITALIAN NIGHT Save Friday, October 25, for "Italian Night" at the Gathering Place. We will have wine, dinner and an evening of wonderful music. A soprano from San Francisco and a tenor from Raleigh will sing arias and love duets from La Boheme and Tosca, as well as some Italian songs. More details later. This is a fundraising event to benefit Chatham County charities, so plan to have a wonderful evening for a worthy cause. Seating will be limited to 100. To reserve, make check for $15/person (includes wine)
payable to FWC and mail or deliver to Cathy Hummel, 594A Woodbury. Through the eyes of a child, Please come and join us as a volunteer at Silk Hope School (no experience needed, just a love of children). Call Bonnie Hobgood-Reading Teacher Intercede To Succeed
(school: 742-3911 or home: 542-0309). LUMINARIES TO BENEFIT THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE It's not too early to think about filling your neighborhood
with luminaries. Street and neighborhood coordinators are needed to distribute flyers in
November to take orders for the December lighting. Remember, all money collected goes to
support the more than 2,000 families of seriously ill or injured children who use the
Ronald McDonald House each year. Contact Anna Lees Cobb at work (545-9400) or home
(545-9773) or Bunny Shillito (542-1984) if you are able to help out. TAX ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The VITA program provides free tax assistance to lower
income and elderly taxpayers in both Orange and Chatham counties. Volunteers work at four
locations in Orange County and, in previous years, in Pittsboro. Our goal this year is to
extend the program in Chatham County to include Siler City, as well as add additional
dates in Pittsboro. We are looking for new volunteers to help fill that need and to work
at the traditional locations. Returns are prepared on computers, using a program provided
by the IRS. All volunteers receive training in January in use of computers and the
program. VITA volunteers provide assistance, usually on an appointment basis, from the
first week of February until April 15. Work schedules are flexible. This year VITA will
host an orientation session in November to explain the program to potential volunteers. If
interested, please call Michael Cotter (542-4414) or Art Lebo (542-5177) for further
information. WHAT'S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON FEARRINGTON RESIDENT TO APPEAR IN PLAY Fearrington's Bob Barr will appear in the Open Door Theatre production of Henrik Ibsen's Rosmersholm at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro September 4 through September 22. This rich, cryptic, seldom performed Ibsen play will be directed by Rob Kramer, who directed Open Door's well-received productions of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The new translation by Rick Davis and Brian Johnston, like their version of Ibsen's Ghosts used in Open Door's 1999 production, brings out the beauty and power from that which is only half-seen, half-said and half-explained so typical in Ibsen's mature works. The story pits tradition against enlightenment, haunted by the specters of the past. The strong cast, all well-known local performers, includes Michael Babbitt, Meredith Sause, Kevin Poole, Dante Walker and Lenore Field. Pay what you can previews are September 4 and 5 at 8 p.m.
Other 8 p.m. evening performances are September 6 and 7, September 12, 13 and 14,
September 19, 20 and 21. Sunday matinees are at 5 p.m. September 8, 15 and 22. Tickets are
$13, $10 for ArtsCenter Friends. For reservations call 929-2787. THE COLLECTION ANNOUNCES OPENING OF ART SHOW IN LEXINGTON The Collection, a group of six Fearrington artists who have shown their work together over the past eight years, announces the Opening and Reception of a show at Arts United for Davidson County in Lexington, North Carolina. The show will hang at Arts United August 20-October 1. You are invited to visit the artwork during this time as well as join us at the Opening Reception on Tuesday, September 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. The artists of The Collection are Vidabeth Bensen, Jacqueline Hammer, Claire Levitt, Carol Owen, Frances Bregman Schultzberg and Rita K. Spina. Each has shown her work here in Fearrington. They are participants in the Chatham County Open Studio Tour, and show and sell work from their studios and a variety of other places. The works presented at Arts United cover paintings, paper sculpture, silkscreen prints, photographs, metal/wood sculpture, jewelry, etc. Join us in this wonderful setting in downtown Lexington-a
building that was once a library, at one time a post office, and now supports the arts.
And after THE COLLECTION'S reception, enjoy the best barbeque in North Carolina. Call one
of us and we will let you know where! FALL "FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY" ACTIVITIES Opening Reception for New
York Art Show: Program on New York:
Book Donations for Library
Fundraiser: HABITAT HOME STORE AND OFFICE TO MOVE TO NEW DIGS As many Fearringtonians know, the Chatham Habitat Home Store has led a peripatetic existence for the past two years. Forced to move in February of 2001 from its old location, the Home Store has been doing business in the Exhibition Hall at the Chatham County Fairgrounds. This means that when the Chatham County Fair opens, the Habitat Home Store has to shut down. (This year, the store is closing August 22.) And naturally this cuts into the monies raised by the store to help build Habitat houses. As of mid-September, however, the Home Store will never be homeless again. Habitat will celebrate the grand opening of its new Home Store and office building located at 467 West Street in Pittsboro. (That's Business Highway 64 going west towards Siler City.) The new building will mean expanded and more efficient office space for those who process applications for Habitat housing and attend to the myriads details involved in coordinating volunteer builders. And it will mean that Home Store customers will enjoy a bright, easily accessible place to find great bargains. The grand opening will take place on Saturday, September 14, at 10:30 a.m. All Fearringtonians are invited to attend the celebration. There will be kudos for the volunteers who contributed their labor to the new building, and cookies for the entire crowd. After the ceremony, people will be encouraged to shop until they drop. Please join us on this happy day! (Oh, by the way, even
though the store is closed from August 22 to September 14, Habitat is still accepting
donations. Call the Home Store number at 542-0788 to arrange a pick-up of household
items.) NEWCOMERS CLUB OF GREATER CHAPEL HILL Fearringtonian Darlene Pomroy is serving as president of the Newcomers Club of Greater Chapel Hill, and wants other Fearrington residents to know that membership is open to them if they have moved here within the past two years. The Club hosts a general meeting, usually on the third Wednesday of each month, with the first meeting scheduled for September 18. The program will feature Norm Lowenthal, Director of Continuing Education at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Laurel Ferejohn, Director of Short Programs at Duke University, who will discuss the full range of continuing education opportunities at each University. The Club also has a wide variety of recreational activities and special interest groups, such as hiking, gardening, wine tasting, tennis, bridge, antiques, book club and gourmet dinners. All with the goal of developing new friendships and learning about your new home region and all the "riches" this wonderful area has to offer. Please call Marty Kirchner (968-0503) or Arline Henry
(942-9686) for more information regarding membership. UN ASSOCIATION RESUMES LUNCH MEETINGS The West Triangle Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA resumes its monthly "Lunch and Learn" meetings at noon on Wednesday, September 25, at the Holiday Inn on 15-501 Bypass (opposite the Eastgate shopping center). Our speaker will be David Stillman, Senior Officer in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. With long experience in the United Nations and intimate knowledge of the latest developments in the U.N.'s economic and social programs, Dr. Stillman's topic will be "The Other United Nations: The important work of the U.N. in the economic and social fields, and its relation to peace-building." Reservations should be made by sending to Penelope Easton
at 336 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro NC 27312, by Thursday, September 19, a check in the
amount of $15 made out to UNA-USA West Triangle Chapter (questions 542-0895). FEARRINGTON RESIDENT HAS FEATURED ROLE IN PLAY Fearrington resident Herbert Wolff will have a featured role in Lost in the Stars, the season's opening production of Durham-based Long Leaf Opera Company. Written by Maxwell Anderson with music by Kurt Weill, Lost in the Stars is based upon Alan Patton's classic novel of apartheid in South Africa, Cry, the Beloved Country. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1949 and played for almost 300 performances. In his New York Times review, Brooks Atkinson wrote: "Out of a memorable novel has come a memorable musical drama. It is difficult to remember anything out of (Weill's) portfolio as eloquent as this richly, orchestrated singing music." Lost in the Stars was subsequently made into a motion picture, and is now included in the repertoire of opera companies throughout the world. Heading the Long Leaf cast of over 30 actors and singers is Leonard Rowe, a star of the New York City Opera Company. Wolff was a professional actor in New York in the 1950s, and trained under the guidance of Lee Strasberg. He later moved behind the cameras and before he retired and moved to Fearrington, he wrote/directed over 300 videos for corporations, governments and educational institutions. Locally he has appeared with Playmakers Repertory Company, Theatre in the Park and Street Signs. Opening night for Lost in the Stars will be October
4 with a reception at 7:15 p.m. and curtain at 8 p.m.; the October 5 curtain is
at 8 p.m.; and the October 6 matinee is at 2 p.m. Performances are at the Carolina Theatre
in Durham. A discount for groups of 10 or more can be obtained by calling 968-9595. For
single tickets call the Carolina Theatre box office at 560-5170 beginning September 4. Please join us for the Chatham Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 20, at 2:30 p.m. in Siler City. The walk, sponsored by CORA, the Chatham County food pantry, replaces the annual CROP Walk. Each walking group will be able to choose how much money it wants to keep here in Chatham to provide badly needed groceries for neighbors in need, and how much will be sent to Church World Services to fund important projects around the world. You can participate in two ways-either by walking yourself
or by sponsoring someone who is walking. Questions? Call Marye Kloster, 542-0618, or
Barbara Stoddard, 545-9643. REDISTRICTING: REDRAWING THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE AND WHY IT MATTERS Mr. Ran Coble, Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research, will speak to the League of Women Voters in an open forum on redistricting issues. Some people think drawing new lines for Congressional and legislative districts is a political insider's game, but it's a set of decisions that affects public policy in many areas-education, the environment, health care, budget and taxes. Coble discusses the questions: what happened this year, why does it matter, and where do we go from here? And what are the pros and cons of independent redistricting commissions? The N.C. Center for Public Policy Research is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation dedicated to the goals of a better-informed public and more effective and accountable state government. Its latest studies include experiences with the lottery in 38 states; services for children with special needs; health care issues affecting minorities in North Carolina; the state's record in public school reforms; opportunities and challenges facing North Carolina, in addition to numerous publications. The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties (LWV-ODC) will hold this dinner meeting on Tuesday, September 17, at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Chapel Hill. The dinner cost is $17 for a three-course meal, including beverage, tax and gratuity. If you wish to attend the dinner-meeting, make a check payable to LWV-ODC and mail to Barbara Berke, 595B Fearrington Post, Pittsboro 27312. The deadline to receive checks in hand is Thursday, September 12. Your check guarantees your reservation. There in no admittance for speaker attendees only. Questions: Call Dorothy Mahan at 542-7009 or Barbara Berke
at 542-0319. The West Triangle Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA will commemorate the outstanding achievements of the United Nations towards global peace and well-being, recognized by the award this year of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Organization and to Kofi Annan, its Secretary-General, with a special month-long celebration, starting on September 25 and culminating on U.N. Day, October 24. One such event will be a talk titled "The Role of the UN in the World Today" to be given by Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information at the U.N. headquarters in New York. Mr. Tharoor began his U.N. career in 1978 with the High Commissioner for Refugees. He then served for many years as Special Assistant to Mr. Annan when he was Under Secretary General in charge of U.N. Peace Keeping activities. In 1997-98 Mr. Tharoor served as Executive Assistant to Secretary General Annan, and for the next three years was Director of Communications and Special Projects in Mr. Annan's Office. He has authored six books including the award winning political satire, The Great Indian Novel, and India: From Midnight to the Millennium. His latest novel, Riot, was released in 2001. He is the recipient of a Commonwealth Writer's Prize. In January 1998 Mr. Tharoor was named by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as a "Global Leader of Tomorrow." Mr. Tharoor will give his talk in the Sanctuary of the
University United Methodist Church on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill on Monday, September
30, at 7 p.m. The United Nations with its 190 Member States has provided for 57
years a unique international forum for resolving the formidable political, economic and
social challenges facing the peoples of the world. This rare and exceptional opportunity
to obtain the facts about the organization and how it relates to the major international
issues of the day from someone who is most knowledgeable should not be missed. Admission
is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free parking has been arranged in the Morehead
Planetarium parking lot. Further information can be obtained from Tom Kirkbride at
919-545-5680 or e-mail TomKirk80@aol.com. The Carolina College for Lifelong Learning, sponsored by the UNC General Alumni Association (GAA), is offering a number of award-winning programs this fall. The classes are taught primarily by UNC faculty and graduate teaching fellows and are open to the public. GAA members receive tuition discounts, but membership is open to anyone seeking close ties to UNC. Classes usually consist of three to six sessions that last 90 minutes each. Topics of classes include Psychology of Religion, Introduction to Poetry, Campaign 2002, Bess Truman's Political Partnership, On the Prowl with Sherlock Holmes, Slavery and the Coming of the Civil War, Topics in Medicine, Beginning French, Beginning Italian, Beginning Spanish, Beginning Modern Greek and Countdown to Disaster (a class related to the American Civil War). In addition, several programs that consist of a single lecture will be held. Two special programs this fall will be study trips with Civil War historian Fred Kiger, who will provide lectures related to the Civil War battlefields and the common soldier. A brochure of fall programs was mailed in early August, and
McIntyre's usually has copies of the brochure. If you need information about a program or
want to join the mailing list, call Jessica Beard at 962-0313 or e-mail: jessica_beard@unc.edu. Peer Learning is an informal series of classes geared to retirees. You can choose from conversational German or French, Current Events, Focus on Women, Creative Writing, Reading Shakespeare and more. Taught by fellow retirees, we meet at the Binkley Church in Chapel Hill. Full year's tuition is $40 for Fall Semester, Spring Semester and a four-week Bonus Session. Also included are Friday Speakers' Events, which feature lectures by prominent local experts in a wide variety of interesting topics. Enjoy many fun-filled hours while keeping your mind exercised! To register, send a $40 check to Registrar Alberta Freund,
108 Campbell Lane, Chapel Hill NC, 27514. For more information, call or e-mail Alberta at
929-5886 or Lane-Alberta@prodigy.net. HARMONY GRITS LAUNCHES 13TH SEASON The Harmony Grits, Fearrington's men's singing chorus, opens its 13th season with its first rehearsal of the fall on Monday, September 9, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Gathering Place. Rehearsals continue every Monday through May. (Some are at 2 p.m. Check the calendar.) The Grits again have highly talented, professional musical leadership. Mark Hadley, new last year, continues as our director, and Dan Hadley is our accompanist. A committee elected by the members manages the group; incoming president is Bob Kelley. The Grits perform two concerts in Fearrington-one during the winter holiday season and another in May. During the year the Grits sing for community groups in the area. Last spring, for example, they performed for an audience of 400 at the UNC Friday Center for the annual volunteer recognition luncheon sponsored by the Orange County Retired Senior Volunteer Program. The group's repertory varies from American folk tunes to
Broadway showpieces to patriotic songs. A smaller group, the Mini-Grits, directed by Bill
Briggs, feature close-harmony numbers. The Grits are actively recruiting new members. We
invite you to come by on the 9th and look us over-no audition, no obligation. For more
information, call David Ayres at 542-0587. FEARRINGTON CONCERT SERIES TO BEGIN NEW SEASON WITH CHIRUSCA TRIO The Chirusca Trio, a group of internationally known artists, will perform on Sunday, September 29, at 3 p.m. in the Gathering Place. Concert series audiences will remember violinist Hsaio-Mei Ku and cellist Leonard Zilper as having performed here with the Ciompi and Mallarme groups. They will be joined by pianist Ray Kilburn for the opening concert of the 2002-2003 Fearrington Concert Series. The Fearrington Concert Series is a subscription series. However, extra seats are usually available and non-subscribers may attend the concerts by arriving at the Gathering Place shortly before 3 p.m. The charge is $10 per person. -Anne and Larry Botto The Fall concerts on the Village Green continue through October, for your delight. The time switches to 4:30 p.m. to make sure we have enough daylight. Just bring your lawn chair and relax before dinner with Music in the Air. • Thursday, October 10, 4:30 p.m.:
returning favorites Reuben's Train. Four guys singing and playing, with great panache and
humor, songs from Ellington to the Beatles and much more. The concerts are free for all comers, they last 45-60
minutes and a hat is passed for donations to the performers. Mark your calendars now. WOMEN OF FEARRINGTON, UNITE AND SING! VILLAGE VOICES LAUNCH 12TH SEASON The first downbeat of our new season is fast approaching, so limber up those vocal cords. If you enjoy singing, making new friends, and good fellowship, come join the Village Voices. We rehearse each Monday from 3:45-5:30 beginning Monday, September 9, in the Gathering Place under the professional leadership of Bob Lawton. There is no audition and membership is open to all Fearrington Village women. In addition to our holiday concert with the Harmony Grits and the Spring concert, we sing for other events in the area. For more information, please call our president, Joan Cowan at 545-2345. In the interest of getting to know each other better, we
will run a "bio" from time to time. Who is our new secretary? A native New
Yorker, Loretta Gilson has five children and is the proud grandmother of 13 wonderful
grandchildren. She returned to college when her youngest child was in first grade. Upon
graduation, she became an elementary teacher and received a Master's degree. She retired
in 1997 from teaching in New Canaan Country School. Loretta is a storyteller and
thoroughly enjoys telling at libraries and parties. She and Bob love living in
Fearrington. Now is the time to provide an on-site Care Coordinator who will be our one-on-one advocate to help us through difficult times. Please read the attached from Dale Smith. Fearrington Cares is proposing such an advocate be in our Village one day a week. You will hear more later. Questions? Call Ken Richardson. Hospital and Skilled Nursing Home Care: Every patient needs a family advocate, as well as a doctor advocate. The patient is often not an adequate advocate for himself or herself. If you are the family advocate be prepared to stay overnight with a patient that is not clear headed; the hospital staff is not adequate to provide all the patient oversight needed in some situations. If you do stay, ask for a lounge chair in the room to avoid trying to nap in gross discomfort. Staff and doctors are caring people, but they can't think of everything, and they are involved in so many cases that keeping a grasp on the complexities of each patient is almost impossible. Fortunately, they almost universally are willing to be questioned. The patient and family advocate have a good grasp of the problem and patient history. The medical staff needs your input. Don't assume anything; ask questions. Be nice, but very persistent. Find out who is the "Attending Doctor." It is a requirement that there be one, who may or may not be the doctor advocate you need, and may not be a specialist in your area of difficulty. It is likely to be a Resident who will rely heavily on an Intern. It will not be your regular family doctor in a teaching hospital such as UNC. The Attending Doctor, and/or the Intern should be the leader of the team, sorting out the inter-specialty differences and communication difficulties, communicating with your regular doctor, and making sure you are informed. Unfortunately a Resident or Intern is learning to perform the role, and can't have the "clout" that a team leader needs. If the diagnosis is not crystal clear, ask even more questions. Tests are costly and there is reluctance in the system to do more than the minimum needed. In our case, for example, the initial MRI covered only part of the body, missing an area where there was an abscess that was probably the source of the problem. There is an impetus to move patients out of the hospital to home or a skilled nursing facility as soon as possible. You may not be told that the patient has the right to remain in the hospital until you believe all needed care is given. To avoid being discharged when you believe the patient isn't yet strong enough or until you can organize the post departure situation, gently let the hospital staff know that you may ask for a review by the North Carolina Medical Review Board. This is a useful tool for delaying the discharge, because the hospital does not want such a review. (If you actually requested a review, you would get three days' stay while the review was being conducted.) If a skilled nursing home is the next destination, talk to many people about it, including the Fearrington Cares nurse. The quality of such homes varies and there is probably greater availability of space in those less desirable. Make appointments and visit if possible. Ask about: availability of rooms in a quieter section, or single rooms, and meet the Physical Therapy and Medical Staff if possible. Time probably won't permit exhaustive study, but do the best you can. Getting into a better nursing home may be one good reason for you to delay discharge from the hospital. The hospital or nursing home is responsible for arranging and authorizing home nursing or therapy help. You can ask for specific sources of services, for example we asked the nursing home to obtain the UNC related hospital services. The home nursing and therapy people do not provide all the caregiving needed. A family member caregiver is needed, but there are also good people such as nurses aides who can be hired to help, for example in providing bathing and dressing help. Being a home caregiver is hard work, and as devoted as you may be, you will be unable to anticipate all of your patient's needs. Thereby you will learn by experience, another reason why the hospital and nursing home staffs aren't able to do it, either. -Dale M. Smith As a health care professional in an ever-changing technological environment it is a must to periodically attend health care updates. The week of July 22 I attended a National Nursing Conference to achieve this goal. Attendance at a national conference for a week afforded me the opportunity to interact with colleagues as well as get a broad update. Coming back Sunday I had an hour wait in the airplane on the runway. I took a nap and upon waking thought we had landed at RDU only to be informed by my neighbor that we had not left the ground. Despite unforeseen events the conference was well worth the trip. The theme for the conference was "Health Care Technology for the 21st Century." I had the option of picking from a menu of two-hour sessions throughout the week. I attended several sessions on geriatric health. I discovered middle age is now considered between 40-70 years of age. American are living longer but not necessarily healthier. For example diabetes and heart disease are increasing. We are a high stress society-some self-induced. We eat larger portions of food than we need. Most of the time when we eat out, half the portions should be eaten and the other half taken home for another meal. Overall, Americans are not getting enough exercise, including our children. Reports show children are increasing in average weight resulting in declining overall health. One speaker, a geriatric physician, said it is time for a revolution-declaring we must take responsibility for our health and wellness. We must eat more sensibly, drink alcohol in moderation, consume more water and exercise. She said exercise should be a part of our weekly routine just as we bathe and brush our teeth. The physician spoke of our individual power to change our quality of life as we age well. I also attended sessions on Breast Cancer, Brain Tumors, Home Glucose Testing Devices and Home Care. Overall I would give the conference an "A" for the excellent, diverse speakers and choice of topics. In addition to the knowledge I gained I also received continuing educational credits. -Bertha Williams, MBA, MSN, RN, Nurse Coordinator,
Fearrington Village The Arthritis Self Help Course will be given again at the
Chapel Hill Senior Center on Friday afternoons for six consecutive weeks, beginning
September 13. The course consists of two-hour classes designed to give people with
arthritis the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active part in their arthritis
care. There will be a course fee of $25 to cover the cost of the materials. For more
information, please contact Renee Luberoff at 545-0692. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY SUPPORT GROUP The Peripheral Neuropathy support group will meet at the
Gathering Place in the small conference room on Thursday, September 19,
at 11 a.m. This will be an informal meeting of people that want to learn more about this
disease and to get to know one another. For more information contact Vera Reece at
542-7272 or e-mail her breece@mindspring.com. Have you noticed that more and more motorists in
Fearrington are NOT making a full stop at stop signs? What can we do? Maybe use stop sign
cameras? NO! Tell them about the 55 Alive Defensive Driving Course being given at the
Gathering Place on October 3 & 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a
classroom only presentation and there are no tests. $10 covers both days and you get a
nice reference book to keep. You also may qualify for a 10 percent discount on your auto
insurance. To register, call Joe Geoghegan at 545-0710. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal detailed the ways in which yoga, a current hot fitness trend, can be beneficial in times of stress. Evidently many physicians are climbing on the yoga bandwagon and recommending it to patients with such diverse conditions as chronic back pain, asthma, cardiovascular disease and even suggest it may aide in the treatment of mental health problems. The article, by Tara Parker-Pope, can be read in its entirety at healthjournal@wsj.com. You can also obtain the results of a clinical trial related to yoga and the treatment of insomnia and multiple sclerosis at www.clinicaltrials.gov. Anyone with a specific health issue should, of course, always talk with a doctor before attempting any physical pursuit. For general well-being and just plain enjoyment, we here at
Fearrington invite you to give yoga a try by joining our diverse group led by a yoga
professional. We meet every Wednesday from 8:15-9:30 a.m. in the Gathering Place. You're
welcome to come and watch or try a class on us. For more details call Laura Hyer 545-9607.
We look forward to seeing you. HATS OFF TO GROUNDS AND FACILITIES VOLUNTEERS The fire hydrants in Fearrington Village now show their true colors, thanks to a number of volunteers from throughout the community. I want to thank them for their efforts and their enthusiasm. We hope we have not left anyone off the list, as we truly appreciate his or her work. Evy and Mort Barrow, Ed Berry, Jack Browne, Ann & Gus Chas, Phil Cree, Bill Cunningham, Carolyn & Peter Curtis, Bob Dicker, Jim Dixon, Terrie and Tom Doyle, John Gabor, Arnold Gelderman, Chuck Giardino, Bob Goetz, Carol and George Girton, Bob Holton, Selby Gration, Len Katz, Fred Levitt, Bob Martin, Bill McCulloch, Kurt Muller, Bill Newell, Don Reilly, Marilyn and Tom Sawyer, Dave Spencer, Gordon Stewart, Marv Tauriainen. Another group worked hard one hot summer morning to cut overgrowth from the rights of way along Lassiter Lane and Spindlewood, to improve safety both walking and driving. They were:Bob Comey, Steve Bodner, Bob Goetz, Henry Castner, Ed Farnan, Bill Cunningham, Tom Steward. Over the years, the trees grow into the rights of way along the Village roads, and the soil slowly moves into the ditches, disrupting drainage. Both conditions cause safety and maintenance problems. Of particular concern are the limitation of drivers' lines of sight, and the narrowing of adequate space for off-road walking. FHA mows the rights of way, and we have done some trimming with volunteer help, but the task is truly large. We have asked the Department of Highways for help, and they have started work. Several of the ditches along Village Way have been regarded and will be reseeded. A tree-trimming contractor has started work on Creekwood, and will continue on Beechmast and Spindlewood. Gravel drives look very well, and fit the country village environment here in Fearrington. However, from time to time, gravel gets thrown or pushed out into the street. There is some concern of skidding on the gravel, and walkers can have a difficult time. Therefore, if you have a gravel driveway, will you please from time to time sweep back gravel from the roadway if you think it might constitute a hazard. -John Custer, REPORT FROM THE JULY FHA BOARD MEETING Walter Koehler, Treasurer, reported expenses remain in line with our budget and a professional review of our financial records has been performed. No serious problems were identified. President Farnan reported that another education session needs to be scheduled for the fall for groups who have not complied with the requirement for training on the new audiovisual equipment in the Gathering Place. He informed the Board that Fitch Creations has requested the return of a small parcel of land (approx. 0.13 acres), located near the corner of Beechmast, behind the townhouses. As Fitch Creations gave the parcel to the FHA, Farnan's motion to return the 0.13-acre property was approved. A motion was approved to allow all Fearrington Village clubs to link their web pages to the FHA website for an annual fee of $60. President Farnan announced that the Annual Meeting of the FHA is tentatively scheduled for November 24 at 3 p.m. in the Barn. John Custer, grounds and facilities chair, reported on several issues. Estimates for three projects to improve the appearance of the grounds were obtained. These included weed treatment, cleaning and trimming of the berm behind the Gathering Place ($105), ditches near the Kiosk ($96) and clearing brush in the area of Spindlewood and Whitehurst. Up to $350 was allocated for completion of these tasks. The news boxes at the Gathering Place are to be placed on a concrete slab. The Bradford pears by the Kiosk are becoming top heavy and in danger of ice damage in the winter. We should consider having them thinned. A work crew from the FHA will begin trimming brushes blocking views at some intersections. Art Lebeau, County Liaison, emphasized several points.Toll-free telephone service began on June 7 between Fearrington and Durham, however some users have experienced difficulty in reaching some Durham exchanges. Sprint is working to resolve this problem. Sprint reports a scam in N.C. Callers claiming to be Sprint representatives are contacting customers claiming they have been paying too much for service and offering to correct the situation for which they need your account information and additional telephone numbers. Callers may also ask for bank account information under the guise of depositing the rebate into their account. Anyone receiving such calls is asked to call Sprint Security at (877) 451-1980. Resident Carol-Ann Greenslade commented that residents in the older sections are concerned about non- functioning fire hydrants. At least three hydrants do not work. The fire and the water department are aware of the problem but have not fixed them. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 3, at 7 p.m. -Mary Hammond, Secretary BRIAR CHAPEL: A LESSON LEARNED By this time everyone in Fearrington Village knows that the Chatham County Commissioners turned down the 1490-acre development, Briar Chapel, proposed by Newland Communities of California. Given the persistence of real estate developers, it should be no surprise that Newland has told us they intend to submit a new proposal as soon as the County establishes its compact community ordinance. We believe Newland Communities has purchased outright two parcels of property north of Andrew's Store Road and renewed all the property options of their first proposal. The County Commissioners have appointed a task group entitled Land Use Planning Implementation Committee (LUPIC) to draft the various options available to define a compact community. Martin Spritzer is a member of the task group and advises they plan to complete their work by March 2003. When the Briar Chapel development was first announced the FHA Board, under the leadership of Bob Eby, stated its opposition for a variety of reasons. Perhaps this was the strongest public position taken by the FHA on an issue that would certainly have a significant impact on Fearrington Village. Many members of our community contributed to the analysis of Newland's proposal and that effort proved worthwhile. Wisely, the County is taking the time to establish a comprehensive ordinance on compact communities. Any developer, whether it is Newland or someone else, will have to comply with that ordinance. When all is said and done we hope to see a quality development that will not detract from Fearrington's quality of life. I believe the Briar Chapel project provided a valuable lesson for Fearrington Village: it demonstrated that taking a position on an external issue may result in a much more acceptable neighboring development, and provide a greater benefit to Chatham County. It tells us that we need to be more proactive on county and state issues that affect Fearrington. In addition to real estate development there are a wide variety of issues that could have serious consequences for the Village, including but not limited to tax proposals, road works, zoning ordinances, transportation, schools, health care, annexation, water quality and so forth. Therefore, the FHA Board is planning to form a committee of four or five residents to analyze, monitor, report on development, and recommend action to the FHA Board on such issues as they arise. The primary objective is to enable the Board to exert the maximum amount of coordinated influence on local government organizations and their decisions. This committee, The Chatham Issues Committee (CIC), will help select the issues for analysis and report to the FHA Board through the Director of County Liaison, Al Lebeau. Currently, we have two volunteers for this Committee and would like to hear from other interested residents. If you are interested please contact Al Lebeau, Ed Farnan or any member of the Board. -Ed Farnan, President The FHA Office has updated the Vendor Book effective August 2002. Additional businesses have been added to assist the residents in selecting qualified providers of services. We ask that should residents use other providers not found in the Vendor Book that they let the FHA office know so we can add them to the next update assuming they are happy with the quality of work provided. This book is available for your use in the FHA office as well as being available for sale for $1. We strongly recommend that anyone contacting one of the
listed vendors that they ask for references here in Fearrington and to check with those
references prior to committing to have work done. The FHA office at the Gathering Place (rear door entry) is open from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. Volunteers are there to serve and aid you in the following areas: 1. Copying: Our copier uses 8x11 letter, legal and manuscript-size, as well as color paper. It also collates and staples, reduces and enlarges on one or two sides, according to your needs. Transparencies can be made on the same machine. 2. Our fax machine operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faxes can be sent and received worldwide. 3. Directories, vendor books, local area maps and information on the covenants pertaining to various Fearrington properties are available. In addition, other local reference materials are also available. 4. We maintain Emergency Registration Books, listing villagers should family contacts be required on an emergency basis. You may provide and update this data at your convenience. 5. Our office bills the various Fearrington approved groups on their monthly usage of the copy and fax machine. 6. Fees vary according the to the service provided. If you have any questions, please contact us during office hours at 542-1603 or at fhaoffice@mindspring.com. -Nancy Kern, Vice President Fitch Creations requests that residents not use their fax
or copier, but use the FHA office or CCB's copier and notary available during bank hours
for 10 cents a copy. TRAINING SESSIONS FOR FHA OFFICE VOLUNTEERS Fall training sessions for FHA Office volunteers will begin in early September. Villagers interested in volunteering to work a 9:30-12 noon shift once or twice a month at the FHA office service center operating a very smart copier, sending and receiving faxes, helping Village citizens answer questions and solve problems are urged to call Dik Van Iten at 545-0690 to schedule a training session. This is a great way to meet lots of very nice people. GATHERING PLACE KIOSK FACELIFT Thanks to Lisa Stewart, Louise Pagano and their group of volunteers for initiating the badly needed improvements at the Kiosk. The work has been underway for several weeks with needed repainting and signage. The bulletin boards should be completed soon. -FHA Board |
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E-mail news and calendar items for next month's Newsletter to Mary Hammond, prinny@mindspring.com.
