FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

CONTENTS
(Click on a headline to go directly to the article.)

FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

BRIAR CHAPEL UPDATE

At the request of Newland Communities management (Briar Chapel), Ed Farnan, Nancy Kern and Bob Eby met with them on December 4. Newland wanted to bring us up to date on their latest thinking and ask for our thoughts on issues of major concern regarding Briar Chapel.

Clearly reflecting the change in the political environment in Chatham County, Newland announced that they are proceeding to develop a revised proposal for Briar Chapel-before the new compact community guidelines have been adopted by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners! Newland indicated that since there is no near-term completion target for the compact community ordinance; they would proceed with a new proposal as early as February. Newland representatives said they would make an attempt to be consistent with the guidelines as they develop.

Newland had met with all the commissioners except Bunkey Morgan. Don Whyte, Newland's regional president, indicated that the commissioners' most pressing issues were:

• A need for jobs in Chatham County.
• Contribution to schools and low-income housing from Briar Chapel.
• An increase in retail business for sales tax revenues.

The following aspects for Briar Chapel were discussed:

• As approximately 100 acres have been added to the project and they "now have better knowledge of the landscape of the whole tract." John R. McAdams, the engineering consultants, will draft a new proposal.
• Some housing units will be located on the new 100 acres.
• The amount of retail/commercial space and its location will be re-examined.
• All the road and intersection improvements shown in the last proposal will be retained.
• The wastewater treatment plant will be a conventional tertiary treatment plant, not the Living Machines design previously proposed. Spray irrigation will be used to dispose of the treated water.
• Buffering from residential areas and route U.S. 15/501 will be no less than previously proposed.
Newland was noncommittal on the number of housing units, the total amount of commercial and retail space and development details bordering Fearrington.

We indicated that our major concerns remained the land buffer along the Fearrington Village border and other developments along 15/501; the details of what will be located near Fearrington; the total number of housing units; the amount of retail/commercial space to be included, and the reliability of the proposed wastewater spray irrigation system.

Clearly, Newland believes that the political climate for developers in the county has shifted dramatically in their favor.
-Ed Farnan, Nancy Kern and Bob Eby
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THE ICE STORM COMETH

On Wednesday, December 4, the predicted storm arrived with a vengeance. That night, as the ice-laden trees and branches snapped giving the impression of a battle, we were harshly reminded how dependent we are on electric power. The Woods, Country House V and Bush Creek were among those areas without power for three days.

The first day wasn't too bad, but when the temperature of our house leveled off at 44 degrees, we readily accepted an invitation to stay with friends in Camden who still had power and heat. Many owe a debt of thanks to the residents who actively sought out those in need and took them into warm homes, and to R.B. Fitch for turning McIntyre's into a warm shelter.

Although the FHA Board had met to review emergency plans for the storm, including spreading salt in crucial areas, listing 4-wheel drive volunteers, activating the emergency cell phone, we did not envision the extended damage caused by the ice. A local Pittsboro native stated, "This is the worst I have ever seen."

The first people through the Village the next morning were the North Chatham firemen, who cleared a single path for emergency vehicles. The extent of the damage became clear as we joined other volunteers trimming fallen trees and dragging debris off the roads to make them safer and more passable. Trees lying on houses, holes punched through roofs and broken skylights were common. Yes, deep snow is bad, but ice and the resulting loss of power are infinitely worse.

Reflecting on the crisis, the situation could have been improved. Communication was clearly an issue. For example, many people were late in hearing that others needed shelter, and that R.B. had opened McIntyre's. When the telephones and the e-mail system were not working, we needed messengers going door-to-door to be sure everyone was accounted for, and to report back to a central location. In the future we must make better use of the block captains or their stand-ins, service group officers, and telephone trees to gather critical information.

Since the Gathering Place is our obvious communication center and shelter, we will investigate the purchase of a backup generator, and staffing the FHA Office full time until the emergency is past.

Our Village showed considerable strength and compassion during this most difficult time. Your comments and suggestions are welcome as we review and enhance the emergency response plan; please send them directly to the FHA office. While we are intent on improving, we sincerely hope new president, Nancy Kern, doesn't get another such challenge.
-Ed Farnan, Past President
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STORM CLEANUP PLANS CHANGED

A resident has pointed out to me that the Chatham County website reported that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) will pick up all storm debris on state road rights-of-way. The DOT maintenance chief had told me this shortly after the storm, but at that time he had to be pessimistic about their schedule. He thought it could be a number of months.

I checked with him again. He is more optimistic and believes that they can complete the cleanup work in the county by early February. He confirmed that they will dispose of all storm-related debris placed on their rights-of-way.

On the basis of this information, the FHA has stopped our cleanup effort. Tom Seaton has cleaned Village Way, from the entrance to the Smokehouse kiosk, a good portion of Creekwood and the areas around the kiosks.

FHA will clean rights of way along roads turned over to us by Fitch Creations but not yet designated as state roads. Specific schedules for this work will be determined later. We will reassess the situation in late January.

Meanwhile, we want to get the information on the DOT cleanup plans to all residents and to assist those who need help in moving debris from their property to the right of way.

Please:

• Talk with your neighbors to make sure they know of this change of plans, and that they know they must place (only storm-related) debris at the roadside.
• If you or your neighbors need assistance moving the debris, please contact the FHA office at 542-1603.
• If you are able and willing, will you please volunteer to help your neighbors with this task? Again, let us know at the FHA office. We will organize volunteer work parties as needed.

Remember: we do not know when the DOT will clean up Fearrington, so we have to have the branches and debris in place as soon as possible.
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ART MUSEUM FRIENDS SPONSOR TALK ON EGYPTIAN ART

The first of the 2003 Art happenings sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Art will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 2 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Dr. Mary Ellen Soles, curator of ancient art, will talk about the museum's outstanding collection of Egyptian art.

The charge for Museum members, for the year's programs, is $10; for non-members, $20. Hope to see you there.
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ICE STORM REFLECTIONS

As I thaw out and watch the debris being cleaned up, I realize that there are many things to reflect upon as to what happened to our Village. In spite of the hardships and losses experienced by so many of us, I feel that we have many things to be thankful for. Personally, I am grateful for the following:

1. R.B. Fitch and Robert Flynn (and his men) for their successful efforts in clearing the roads, which enabled our electricity to be restored. This was particularly obvious when we saw how many areas remained in the dark and cold much longer than we did.

2. McIntyre's for providing a warm haven for residents in need.

3. The many residents who provided rooms and food for those who needed it, in spite of the fact that many of them were strangers.

4. The members of the Village Voices and Harmony Grits for continuing their practices throughout the ordeal, so they could present their holiday concert to be enjoyed by all. After all, good music does warm the heart!

5. People, both residents and strangers, who helped someone in need.

6. How surprised and awed I was, on the day after the storm, to see the ice sculptures that were bestowed upon the landscapes in the Village.

7. My husband Bill, who had the foresight to stack a four-day supply of firewood on our screen porch and fill the kerosene can for our lamps.

8. Finally, our dog Morgan, who showed us the meaning of the phrase "two dog night," by sleeping under our covers between us for three nights, sharing her warm back with us.

In spite of our losses and inconveniences, I think we all have many things to be grateful for in this holiday season. May you enjoy it to the fullest and God Bless You!
-Nancy Kern, FHA President
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WHAT'S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

MCINTYRE'S JANUARY EVENTS

• Saturday, January 11, 11 a.m., Robert Bausch will read from his new novel, The Gypsy Man.
• Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m., Michael Chitwood will read from his new collection of poetry, Gospel Road Going.
• Saturday, January 25, 11 a.m., Join Adam Braver, author of Mr. Lincoln's Wars, a collection of stories, for a reading.
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ARTS & CRAFTS PLANS TWO EVENTS TALK ON CHATHAM'S MUSICAL HISTORY

On Monday, January 6, at 1:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place, Tommy Edwards, a Siler City resident since 1946, will be the featured guest. He has played with the well-known string band, "The Bluegrass Experience," for over 31 years. Tommy will present an anecdotal history of Chatham County's musical activity over the past four decades.

TRIP TO CAPITOL
Arts & Crafts, Etc. will sponsor a day trip on Thursday, January 23. At 9:30 a.m., we will meet in the Gathering Place parking lot and carpool to Raleigh to visit our State Capitol building. The free public tour begins at 11 a.m. Have lunch on your own in the cafeteria and then enjoy either the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science or the North Carolina Museum of History, also free.
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WOMEN'S CLUB TO HEAR TALK ON NUTRITION

2003 is officially here-can you believe how quickly the time comes and goes? Many aspects of 2002 are worthy of our fond memories-some are otherwise.

Remember the delightful Women's Club/Arts & Crafts combined Holiday Luncheon on December 11 at the Carolina Club in Chapel Hill. This was a wonderful occasion and the Carolina Club had a bevy of beautiful Christmas trees decorating all the major rooms. The camaraderie, the food, the jazz trio entertainment and the lovely decorations were enjoyed by all.

Plan to attend our January 15 meeting at 2 p.m. at the Gathering Place. The meeting will feature Karen Erickson, whose presentation is entitled "Nutrition for Women: Have Your Cake, Eat It Too, and Live to Tell." Karen is the managing director of the UNC Clinical Nutrition Research Center. The center provides services and coordination for nutrition research to investigators across this campus and at other universities. Karen holds a master's in Public Health from UNC. She will address issues concerning weight, HRT and other confusions arising with today's health decisions.

February 22 is nearly upon us! This is the date of the Women's Club Annual Book, Bake & Boutique Sale. We need items in each category, so please check out your homes and bring donations of boutique items to Carol Vatter (586 Woodbury) and books to Madge Hoyt (729 Barnsley), and volunteer at the January meeting to bring baked goods. All proceeds to benefit local charities, so let's make it a rousing success again this year.
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GARDEN CLUB TO LEARN TIPS FOR DRY SHADE

Matthew Arnsberger, a member of the Niche Gardens Landscape Designers Guild, will speak at the January 21 Garden Club meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place. He will cover a variety of dry shade gardening topics, including:

• Gardening under the native canopy of mature deciduous trees.
• Enabling shrubs and perennials to thrive rather than languor in dry shade.
• Spring ephemerals and great summer foliage plants in dry shade.

Arnsberger designs and installs residential landscapes in the Chapel Hill area as Piedmont Environmental Planning and Design. He notes, "My goal is to apply ecological principles to residential landscapes. I specialize in developing natural landscapes, including shade gardens and minimizing the impact of deer in your yard." He has been working with plants and soils in the Piedmont since the early 1970s. His undergraduate degree is in horticulture and agronomy, and his master's degree is in landscape design. He is a Permaculture instructor at Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro.

All Fearrington residents are welcome to attend.
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TRAVEL CLUB PRESENTS PROGRAM ON CUBA

On Wednesday, January 22, at 7:30 p.m. at in the Gathering Place, the Fearrington Travel Club will present a slide show and discussion by Henry Castner - "Visions of Cuba," images that reveal life, and insights into history, religion and culture of an island so close and yet so far. As a trip sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, March 2002, there will be no pictures of beaches where all the "other" tourists can be found! Travel from Vinales in the east to Santiago in the western end of the island.

All Fearringtonians interested in travel and/or photography are invited to attend. Any questions, call Sue or Don Zehl at 542-4076.
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REPUBLICANS TO HEAR LOCKE FOUNDATION V.P.

The Fearrington Republican Club is very pleased to host Don Carrington, vice president of the John Locke Foundation and associate publisher of the Carolina Journal, on Wednesday, January 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place.

Carrington will give insider details about the upcoming battles over the North Carolina state budget. Will the newly elected Republican majority in the House be able to overcome the Democratic majority Senate and governor for spending reductions? Will the Senate and governor be able to overcome the House to raise your taxes? The legislators will have just begun their terms, and this will be the perfect time to get information about the upcoming session.

The John Locke Foundation (www.johnlocke.org) is a North Carolina independent, nonprofit think tank created in 1990 to work for truth, freedom and the future of North Carolina. Carrington joined the foundation in 1994 and his duties include investigative reporting and research. In 1995, he co-authored Changing Course, Locke's first proposal for rightsizing state government and cutting taxes.

All Fearrington residents are invited to attend. If you would like more information or a ride to the meeting, please call Tom Hauck (542-5499) or John Milliken (545-0133).
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PALETTEERS HOLD RECEPTION TO BEGIN ANNUAL EXHIBIT

The Fearrington Paletteers cordially invite all to attend the reception inaugurating their annual exhibit in the Gathering Place.

Wine and refreshments will be served from 3 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 9.
Come and see what we have accomplished during the past year!
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WHAT'S NEW FROM R.B.
(Adapted from his mid-December e-mail message to residents)

I hope the worst is over for this winter and that everyone can settle down and have a wonderful holiday. Times like these make you really appreciate electricity and the men and women that make it possible.

A couple of year end updates:

Folk Art Show
Thanks to the efforts of Peggy Jo Kirby, Phoebe Lockley-Fox, and Kelley Fitch, Fearrington Village will host a spectacular Folk Art Festival in the Barn on February 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 35 folk artists from the Southeast will participate. Local musician Captain Luke will perform. The show is free and open to the public. Please call 545-5704 for further information or visit www.fearrington.com.

Fowler's at Fearrington
Sheetrock is hung, final trim under way, hope to paint before the holiday break, refrigeration cases arriving around the 1st.and hopefully opening with take place late January or early February... Keep your fingers crossed.

Galloway Ridge
There are over 135 deposits to date...only a couple of dozen to go. Stan (Finch) says that prospect interest is stronger than ever and feels confident that the number necessary to start construction will be reached by early in the 2nd quarter of 2003.

U.S. 15-501
A couple of weeks ago, Robert (Flynn) and I visited with the contractor regarding the status of construction...he felt reasonably good about having most of the work finished by the end of 2003...depending on weather...but he was quite positive.

Rework Island in Village Center
I have always wanted to lessen the amount of asphalt in the Village Center. Plan to put a brick walk from Fowler's to McIntyre's and make one big island in the center, allowing for a more controlled traffic flow. The older I get, the less directions I want to look when I back up...this should make it easier and safer.

A Stone's Throw
Bev Iber has had her break and is ready to get back to work. but on a more limited basis...We will provide the upstairs gallery of Dovecote for her to reopen in April on a somewhat smaller but more manageable scale.

Have a great holiday,
R.B.
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WEBSITE CORNER
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FHA WEBSITE

This is the first article in a series discussing the various components of the FHA website at www.fhafearrington.org. This article will address the Home Page and its content. In subsequent months, we will address other components of the site.

Content of the site and a way to view it

On the left side of our homepage is a blue box containing a Table of Contents for the site. From here you can access a variety of information, including a calendar of Fearrington events; a directory with the most updated list of resident addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses; the online version of the FHA Newsletter; and the bulletin board, where residents can post and read community announcements. Simply pass the cursor (in the form of an arrow) over the subject of interest in the blue box. When the arrow turns into a hand, click once, and you will arrive at the web page related to the subject you selected. Watch out! Some of the pages (for example, the directory and the bulletin board) require a user name and a password, both of which are available by e-mailing fhaoffice@mindspring.com .

Hints: When the box pops up demanding these two bits of information, type in the user name and password exactly as they were given to you (i.e., don't use capital letters unless they are called for) and then check the box next to "Save this password in your password list" to avoid having to type in this information every time. You can also bookmark the website address in Internet Explorer by clicking once on "Favorites" at the top of the screen and then selecting "Add to Favorites" from the dropdown menu. In Netscape Navigator, it's "Add Bookmark."

Also in the blue box, below John Shillito's great Fearrington photos, are boxes with the current weather information and the latest headlines, both courtesy of WRAL. Placing the cursor on either box and clicking once will lead you to pages containing further details on the weather and the latest local news, respectively. You can get back to the FHA website from these pages by clicking on the "back" arrow at the top left of your screen.

"What's New" and frequently used telephone numbers

For the most recent Fearrington news, check out the "What's New" column just to the right of the blue box on our home page. Each brief announcement is accompanied by an underlined link to a page with more details, which can be reached by clicking once on the link. Please note again that you may need to supply the FHA user name and password to reach the page with more detailed information. FHA news topics for the month of December included the storm cleanup, the new U.S. Postal Service mail storage policy, the Fearrington artists participating in the annual Open Studio Tour, the FHA dues via debit form, and a Briar Chapel update. The "What's New" column also contains links to the most recent FHA Board meeting minutes and FHA Newsletter.

Finally, you will find a very useful list of contacts on the right-hand side of the FHA home page, including phone numbers for the UNC and Duke hospital emergency rooms, the Poison Control Center, the FHA Office and the various utility companies. It is a useful list to print out and have handy, in the event of an emergency...

Site designer Sandy Beach and FHA volunteers got our website off to a wonderful start. Consider starting this New Year with a visit to www.fearrington.org. Frequent visits and constructive critics are welcome (as are volunteer "webmasters").
-Debbie Granger,
FHA Computer Committee
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DUES REMINDERS

Your 2003 FHA annual dues of $84 are due on January 1. If the dues are not postmarked or received by January 31, you will be assessed a $20 late charge and a 6 percent per annum interest charge. So, please mail your check today to avoid any late charges.

If you have enrolled in the debit system, you are all set. Your dues will be deducted from your checking account on or after January 6. If you were on the Debit system in 2002 or enrolled during this year, you do not need to sign up again. You are set!

Please take note that the Country House Service Group V's monthly dues have been increased to $175 as of January. We would also like to encourage homeowners who do not use the easy payment system of debiting their dues to consider signing up at this time. Please contact Edith Lange, treasurer of CHSGV at 542-2166 and she will drop off the form for you to sign-no more writing monthly checks and mailing them!

MUSIC NOTES
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HARMONY GRITS NEWS

December was a very busy month for the Grits, Fearrington's men's singing chorus. We rehearsed with our new director, Matt Fry, and on December 9 we appeared at the barn with the Village Voices for the annual Holiday Concert. Bob Lawton directed the Voices and Dan Hadley returned as our outstanding accompanist. The evening has become a Village tradition and was well attended.

We also sang at Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City for its annual Arts Gala night. We performed "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "What Child is This?" and "Here Comes Santa Claus." The audience loved the Grits and gave us a strong round of applause. Matt, who teaches at Jordan-Matthews, told the audience that working with the Grits has been a wonderful experience. We feel the same way. Matt has brought a level of exuberance and talent that is certain to make the coming year our best ever.

Our Carolina House concert was canceled due to the storm, but we performed at Shepherd House to an appreciate audience.

The mini Grits performed three times during December and continue their tradition of singing close harmony in the barbershop style. Both groups will perform at the Alterra Wynwood Assisted Living Center in Durham and we have five additional concerts planned for 2003.

We welcome new members. No tryouts, music reading not required. Call Bob Bogle at 545-3027 or stop by the Gathering Place any Thursday at 4:15 p.m.
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HEART OF CAROLINA JAZZ ORCHESTRA TO PLAY AT TEMPLE THEATRE

The Heart of Carolina Jazz Society will present the second concert in its three-concert series at the Temple Theatre in Sanford on Friday, January 10, at 8 p.m. Featured will be the 18-piece Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra, directed by Gregg Gelb, playing the music of the Big Band era. In addition, there will be performances by two nationally recognized guest artists: Herman Burney, "one of the finest bassists on the music scene," and Rene Marie, a young woman critically acclaimed as one of the brightest stars in jazz today.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by phone from the Temple Theatre box office (774-4155) beginning January 6. For more information contact Paul Irvine at 542-6111 or pirvine@mindspring.com.
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PRITCHARD-MCCALLUM DUO TO PLAY FOR CONCERT SERIES

Eric Pritchard (violin) and Gregory McCallum (piano) are well known to Fearrington audiences, as they have played here together and with other musical groups. They perform a wide range of major works from the violin and piano repertoire that they intersperse with shorter works, adding variety and interest. Both Pritchard and McCallum lead very active individual careers, and audiences delight to hear the musical interaction of these two highly acclaimed artists. This duo will play Sunday, February 2, at 3 p.m at the Gathering Place.

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.
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SYMPHONY PERFORMS IN SANFORD

The North Carolina Symphony will present its annual Lee County Concert at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford on Friday, February 7, at 8 p.m. William Henry Curry will conduct beautiful compositions by Mozart, Sibelius and Elgar. Ticket prices are: Adults: $15, and Students: $7.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at The Enrichment Center, Almond's Music Center and the Temple Theatre. Questions? Please call Martha Oldham at 775-5031.
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THANK YOU!

ARTS & CRAFTS

The generosity of members of Arts & Crafts, Etc., and residents of the entire Village of Fearrington made it possible to fill the holiday wishes of Chatham County patients at John Umstead Hospital in Butner. Many of those wishes were basic needs for clothing and personal hygiene items, but by careful shopping, 13 members of Arts & Crafts managed to add some special cheer with a game or a Walkman with extra batteries or cosmetics to each bag of packages.

In addition, Eleanor Peterson filled a box with beautiful, delicious hand dipped chocolates for each patient. This is the 13th year Eleanor has prepared these luxurious candies and the staff at Butner reports that the patients remember and look forward to the treats. Thanks to everyone-to the donors who made it possible, to the shoppers who gave time and care to the gift selection, and to Eleanor.

Arts & Crafts members brought holiday joy to 54 foster children this year. Elizabeth Cassedy, foster care social worker in Chatham County, picked up 10 Santa Claus-sized bags filled with packages and one large box that didn't fit in a bag. She was delighted by the number of brightly wrapped gifts that would bring smiles to so many young faces. Thank you to all of you who gave time and funds to provide toys for these children.
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LUMINARY SALE NETS ALMOST $4,000

Thanks to all who worked hard to make the Luminary Sale a success, and to all of you who took the time to light up Fearrington. More than 650 kits of 8 candles each were sold, and thanks also to some extra donations, close to $4,000 have been turned over to the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill.
-Anna Lees Cobb and Bunny Shillito
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HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS

FEARRINGTON CARES NEWS

    HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET

The Hospice Growing Through Grief Support Group will meet on Friday, January 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Fearrington Cares office at the Gathering Place. For additional information, please contact Jan Clark at 542-5545.

    AN INVITATION TO ALL HEALTH PROFRSSIONALS

Fearrington residents benefit from the assistance of Fearrington Cares when faced with illness. This help takes the form of driving residents to medical appointments, learning how to use the health care system, educational programs and visits from the nurse, etc.
Fearrington Cares now invites the help of the village health professionals with their expertise and experience (doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, health educators, etc.) to join an advisory committee to assist the Fearrington Cares board. Please call Louise Chut, 542-8181, or e-mail your interest in joining this committee to her at lcchut@mindspring.com.
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    CAN YOU AFFORD TO SPEED?

We all know that speeding is a major cause of deaths and injuries in car crashes. Someone is killed or injured in a speed related crash every 22.2 minutes.

However, there are other costs we may have to pay. Speeding under 15 mph over the posted speed limit will cost up to a $25 fine, $90 court costs, 2 driver license points and 3 insurance points.

Speeding over 15 mph over the posted speed limit will cost up to a $200 fine, $90 court costs and possible license suspension.

Also, the vehicle is harder to control and the driver's ability to steer around curves and objects in the road is reduced. The stopping distance is increased. The effectiveness of air bags and seat belts is reduced.

Ask yourself, "Am I always in a hurry?"

Can you afford to speed??
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YOGA FOR STRESS RELIEF...

A simple and unique way to assist you in de-stressing, particularly after a hectic holiday season. Yoga can help you learn to take life's demands in stride. Please join us every Wednesday, 8:15-9:30 a.m., at the Gathering Place. For more information, call Laura Hyer, 545-9607.
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VOLUNTEERS

COMPUTER HELP NEEDED

The Pittsboro Memorial Library is seeking computer-savvy volunteers to help give computer instruction to library patrons. We would like to offer this service at the library, beginning in February on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon. If this is something that interests you, please contact Anne Granath here in Fearrington (933-7664) or Pat Rounds at the library (542-3524).
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GIRLS GROUP NEEDS HELPERS

Fearrington's Rocquel Erman is an eighth-grade Language Arts teacher at Perry Harrison School in Chatham County. She has developed a Girls Group for eighth-grade girls not involved in sports. This group meets twice a month to experience various cultural events, activities or places around the area. It additionally serves as a means to mentor and encourage young women to become independent, intelligent, cultured individuals. Some activities have included touring the UNC Botanical Garden, disc golf and yoga.

If any Fearringtonians are able to enhance the quality of these sessions, your help is greatly appreciated. Since there is no funding for this endeavor, help in terms of donations of money, tickets (to movies, plays, etc.) or time (could you teach them how to paint?) would have a positive impact.

This program is only four months old, yet is already showing promise.

Please e-mail Rocquel Erman at rerman@email.unc.edu, write her at 50 Fearrington Post or call 542-0827 if you have any questions, suggestions or a willingness to help. Thanks so much.
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WHAT'S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON

NEWCOMERS TO HEAR FORMER UNC CHANCELLOR

Fearringtonian Darlene Pomroy, president of the Newcomers Club of Greater Chapel Hill, wants other residents to know that membership is open to them if they have moved here within the past two years.

The club holds a general meeting/ program the third Wednesday of each month, temporarily relocated to the Christ United Methodist Church in Southern Village. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, and the program features Dr. Paul Hardin, UNC-Chapel Hill's chancellor from 1988-1995. He will speak at 10 a.m. on "Current Issues," including North Carolina politics, higher education, athletics, etc. Coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m.

The club also offers a wide variety of activities for newcomers to develop new friendships and learn about our new home region and all the wonderful riches it has to offer us. Please call Marty Kirchner (968-0503) or Arline Henry (942-9686) if you are interested.
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U.N. ASSOCIATION TO HEAR ABOUT LAW, U.S.-U.N.-RELATIONS

America's new national security strategy makes it official doctrine to use unilateral anticipatory (preventive) self-defense whenever it perceives a threat to its interests, quite apart from the provisions of the United Nations Charter, which seeks to restrict the use of force and requires an actual attack before the right of self-defense arises. Indeed, the charter is not mentioned or even alluded to in the doctrine. Does this suggest that the United States considers the charter, and the U.N. Security Council, which under it has "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security," irrelevant? What are the implications for the United Nations and world order?

Professor Scott Silliman, executive director of Duke University Law School's Center on Law, Ethics and National Security, will address these issues at our Lunch and Learn meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at noon at the Holiday Inn in Chapel Hill.

Reservations can be made by sending a $15 check, payable to UNA-West Triangle Chapter, to Betsy Hankin, 111 W. Seeman St., Durham 27701. The deadline to receive reservations is Friday, January 17. Questions? Call Betsy at 688-4017.
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MUSEUM BENEFIT SCHEDULED

The Temple Theatre's opening night production of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men on January 23 will be a benefit for the Railroad House Historical Association Museum in Sanford. A wine and cheese reception will be held at the theater at 6:30 p.m. and the play will begin at 7:30. Tickets are available at the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce, 143 Charlotte Ave., 775-7341.
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AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT PITTSBORO LIBRARY

Mark your calendar for the February 27 program of Emily Wilson, who edited the correspondence of Elizabeth Lawrence, noted Southern gardener and horticulturist, and Katherine White, garden editor of The New York Times and wife of author E.B. White. Ms. Wilson's book, Two Gardeners: Katherine S. White and Elizabeth Lawrence-A Friendship in Letters, will be available for purchase during the evening of her library talk. Emily Wilson is also a co-author of North Carolina Women: Making History. The program will be held at 7:30 p.m., February 27, in the library's Reeves Auditorium.
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POSTAL SERVICE CHANGES POLICY ON MAIL STORAGE

Resident Lisa Stewart spoke to the Pittsboro Postmaster regarding U.S. Postal Service policy regarding holding mail for vacationing residents. She shared this information with the FHA Board for distribution.

If you are going to be out of town for several days, please request that your mail be placed on "hold" by calling 1-800-275-8777, or complete a Hold Card, available from your carrier or the post office. Place the card in the outgoing mail slot after writing Pittsboro, NC 27312 on the address side of the card. Your carrier will pick up hold notices in the outgoing mail. The Post Office can hold your mail for a minimum of three but not more than 30 days.

Your carrier will no longer place your excess mail in a parcel locker awaiting your return. If you do not request your mail be held and your box overflows, your carrier will hold your mail until you request redelivery by calling 1-800-275-8777 and selecting Option 3.

The maximum period for holding your mail is 30 days. Mail not picked up or requested to be redelivered within 30 days will be returned to sender as unclaimed.

You may request your mail be temporarily forwarded if you will be away more than 30 days or you may take advantage of the Postal Service's "Snow Bird Service" by purchasing Priority Stamps, affixing those stamps to Priority Envelopes (available from the post office or your carrier on request). Address the envelopes to the address where you will be and leave them at the Post Office along with the frequency you would like them sent. Your carrier will place your mail in the envelopes and mail them to you at your requested frequency if you have provided the envelopes.

Your carrier is required to carry an adequate supply of stamps, Hold Cards, change-of-address forms and other supplies.
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BOARD BRIEFINGS

THE 2002 FHA ANNUAL MEETING

The Fearrington Homeowners' Association's Annual Meeting was held at the Barn on Sunday, November 24. President Edward Farnan opened the meeting by welcoming the attendees and introducing the board members. He thanked R.B. Fitch for the use of the Barn.
Treasurer Walter Koehler reviewed this year's major income and expenditures. He noted that the Budget for 2003 is included in the Annual Report. The new budget is based on the new $84 annual fee.

President Farnan discussed the future costs to keep up the FHA buildings and grounds, the status of Briar Chapel, the creation of the new Chatham Current Issues Committee, which will be chaired by Bob Eby, the possible need for professional management in the future and the community response to the deer problem.

President Farnan called upon each board member to give a brief report on his or her activities for the year. Peg Perlman, financial officer, requested that homeowners utilize the automatic debit program for paying their dues.

Nancy Kern, vice president, emphasized the importance of volunteers to the operation of the FHA Office and commended the new office managers-Bert Crouchley and Lee Caldwell-for their efforts. She also stated that the board planned to present a gift to Don Reilly in recognition of his years as manager of the FHA Office, but he was not in attendance.

John Custer, Buildings and Grounds, discussed activities involved in the upkeep of state roads in Fearrington, including placing cat-eyes and repainting signs and fire hydrants. He also thanked the many volunteers,

Cynthia Jones, Community Affairs, highlighted the work of the 80 block captains and the Easter Egg Hunt. She thanked residents for their generosity to the Howard family, whose child was killed in an accident last winter on U.S. 15-501. Mary Hammond, secretary, reviewed her work for the year as reported in the annual report.

Joyce Berg, Gathering Place, enumerated the many activities that take place in the Gathering Place and thanked Jeanette Chambers for her assistance. Al Lebeau presented his report emphasizing the elimination of toll charges for Durham phone calls and the objectives of the new Chatham Current Issues Committee.

Ed Farnan thanked Bob Comey for his many contributions to the community and presented a gift from the Board.

Ed reported that the slate of officers for 2003 had been elected as presented. Volunteers from the nominating committee counted 134 ballots. He introduced the new board members: President Nancy Kern, Vice President Jerry Gaudet, Treasurer Frank Chut, Financial Officer Richard Bird and County Liaison Director Alfred Lebeau.

The Nominating Committee candidates were all elected, Ed announced. He introduced the new members: Marylou Anderson, Mary Barbara Bickell and Jack Zollinger.

Ed recognized the services of the departing board members: Walter Koehler and Peg Perlman and Nominating Committee members: Ed Anderson, Jim Dixon, Loyse Hurley and Bill Kern.

The meeting was then opened to questions or comments from the floor. There were several questions about accounting for the income for the Gathering Place. A resident asked about the board's response to the proposed increase in sewer charges. Ed stated that the FHA Utilities Committee had reviewed the request and deferred to the State Utilities Commission decision.

Mike Cotter, directory editor, asked residents to notify him of address changes and in January to review a draft copy of the print directory in the FHA office for corrections.
-Mary Hammond, FHA Secretary
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FHA ASSETS INCREASE; DEER COMMITTEE NAMED

Vice President Nancy Kern called the FHA Board meeting to order on December 3.

Treasurer Walter Koehler presented his report. Year-to-date assets of $119, 000 exceeded those of 2001 at this time, when assets equaled $89, 000.

Nancy reported that Dik van Iten had been selected to head the new deer management committee and was working with the committee to develop a plan.

Work on the Creekwood Kiosk is progressing. The parking lot guardrail is complete and the roof is well along. The work should be completed by the end of December.

John Custer reported there were barrels of sand in the kiosks and Neil Flynn and Tom Seaton had contracted to clear snow or ice. John said that the UNC Alumni group has completed a project to clear litter from Fearrington Village and the street signs are completed at Lassiter and Village Way
County Liaison Director Al Lebeau presented his report. The Pittsboro Planning Board has completed work on Powell Place. The project has moved on to the Town Council for approval. The sheriff's office is undergoing some major personnel changes with the new sheriff. Parks and recreation has continued to work on property acquisition for a new park.
-Mary Hammond, Secretary
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DON REILLY HONORED

At the December 3 FHA Board meeting, the board honored Don Reilly for his long and continuing service to Fearrington. Don served as manager in the FHA office for five years and continues to volunteer there whenever needed. In addition, he provided help to all of the board members whenever called upon.

This board as well as past boards wanted to show their appreciation to Don for his dedicated service to Fearrington and for a job well done. Therefore, they presented him with an original hand-painted Beltie plate for his past and continued dedicated service to the Village.
-Nancy Kern, FHA President
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SECOND NOTICE - NEW DIRECTORY COMING - UPDATES NEEDED!

A reminder: Please make certain that all directory updates are in place for the bound 2003 Directory that will come out in late February. Check the directory on the FHA website (www.fhafearrington.org) to see current listings. Updates can be done by completing an information sheet at the FHA office, by leaving a note for me in the Directory box at the Gathering Place kiosk, by sending me an e-mail at: joannenmike@hotmail.com, or by calling me at the number below.
A proof of the listings will be available in the FHA office from January 10 until early February and residents are welcome to stop by during office hours (weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to noon) to check the listings.
Thanks for your assistance.                             
-Mike Cotter, Directory Editor (542-4414)
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FEARRINGTON MONTHLY CALENDAR

FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR