FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

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

FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE ISSUES INTERIM REPORT

The Long Range Planning Committee was appointed by the FHA Board in December 2001. Since then we have met twice a month and now present an interim report of our findings. This is a summary; the document in its entirety is available in the FHA office.

We are trying to anticipate the FHA's role, as the community grows and changes. What is FHA involved in now that will continue to be important two years-five years hence? What issues might arise that compete for attention, or demand to be considered immediately?

We have identified a number of critical issues and areas of concern such as Governance, County Development, Internal Development (Community Cohesiveness) and Transportation. The next step is further study in each area, resulting in appropriate action.

An example is County Development. We questioned how the growth of Chatham County impacts our residents' lives, e.g., water resources, public education, environment, taxes, etc. We hope to minimize the negative impact and influence, in a positive way, the long-term development of the county. We need to identify the most appropriate and effective means for Fearrington Village and the FHA to contribute to constructive changes in Chatham County, particularly during the current growth phase of its northern segment.

The Chatham Current Issues Committee, chaired by Bob Eby, is now exploring this topic in depth, in preparation for making recommendations to the FHA Board.

Other task forces have begun, or will be appointed, to study each area of concern.

We look upon this interim report as a living document that reflects growth and knowledge and hopefully, a dollop of clairvoyance.

-Evy Barrow, Chair; Ed Farnan, Fran Sherwin,
Bob DeVido and Dale Smith
(Return to the Table of Contents)

TRANSPORTATION SURVEY: AIRPORT SERVICE RANKS FIRST

The FHA's Long-Range Planning Committee conducted a brief pilot study to get a sense of the amount of interest there might be in some form(s) of transportation in Fearrington Village other than private vehicles.

Although almost one-third of the households responded to the questionnaire. The respondents were self-selected, and therefore we cannot conclude that the responses represent the will of the entire community. Having said that, it certainly seems safe to say that the overwhelming need expressed is for transportation to the airport. There was also serious interest in transportation to events at night in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

A little more than one-fifth of the respondents were interested in shopping trips to Chatham Crossing and the Streets at South Point. One quarter indicated an interest in a bus or van for medical or dental appointments. Fewer than 10 percent expressed an interest in help getting to events within Fearrington. The percentages of respondents willing to pay the suggested fees for the listed destinations were far lower than the percentages indicating an interest in the destinations themselves.

The questionnaire offered respondents an opportunity to make comments, and did we ever get them! Some people even thanked us for asking about their needs for transportation, and some acknowledged that some form of transportation would allow them to remain in their own homes when and if they could no longer drive. A frequent comment was that although transportation was not needed at present, respondents realized that it might be at some later time. A few people felt that if you could not drive, you should not live in Fearrington.

The most frequent comment was that the suggested prices listed on the questionnaire were too high. Many respondents asked whether the prices were for round trips or one way or whether they were for a family (couple), a group, or an individual. (These points were not clear on the questionnaire.) Several respondents suggested that a book of tickets be sold at a discount, or that a flat rate be charged for use of the system that would be lower than the fee per trip.

Respondents suggested as destinations, in addition to those listed on the questionnaire, Carrboro and the Carrboro Farmers Market on Saturday, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Temple Theatre, Crabtree Valley Mall, Greensboro, Southern Village, the Lumina movie theater, the UNC campus, as well as specific malls in Chapel Hill. Another suggestion was that this could also be used as a delivery service for the drug store or cleaners. A question was raised about how to handle perishables if the destination were a supermarket.

We also received suggestions to work in conjunction with other providers of transportation, such as the Chapel Hill Transit service connecting at Southern Village, Chatham County Council on Aging vans (Chatham Transit-possibly subsidizing it), and transportation that ultimately will be provided by Galloway Ridge.

Several respondents pointed out that Fearrington Cares provides volunteers to drive people to appointments. Somewhat related to this point was the assumption by one respondent that the committee was thinking in terms of owning a fleet of vehicles and hiring a team of drivers. As an alternative, he suggested a volunteer service; he offered to take people with him if he happened to be going to the same place they wanted to go. He suggested that those who needed a ride and those who were offering a ride put the information on the FHA website.

The next step for the Long-Range Planning Committee is to study in depth the availability and costs of existing services. We will keep you posted!

-Fran Sherwin for the Long Range Planning Committee
(Return to the Table of Contents)

'OH, DEER' UPDATE AND GARDENING ADVISORY

The review of the Deer Committee Resident Input Questionnaire has been completed. This data should be very helpful in helping solve our deer-related gardening problems. The sub-group on Gardens and Landscape Management (members: Guy Baird, Mary Claire Edwards, Frances Leroy, Andrew Upshaw, Caroline Novello and Jack Traywick) are particularly anxious to analyze your answers to several of the questions.

We are also playing a key role in visiting and studying several residents' gardens scattered around the Village. We have prepared an outline for a Fearrington Gardener's Manual. As soon as sufficient information has been gathered, the manual will be completed and made available to all gardeners and newcomers. Hopefully it will be useful to other communities as well.

By cooperating with several of you gardeners, we can learn a lot from testing combinations of deer-resistant plants, repellants and other control measures. Since there are experienced gardeners on the committee, and since we have already collected useful data, contact the FHA office if you would like a copy of the informative "Living With Deer" brochure, have specific gardening questions or would like resource references. A common sense approach to gardening in this rural setting is to use "non-preferred' plants.

Deer are mostly nocturnal, selective feeders, creatures of habit (aren't we all?). Their taste buds vary seasonally, and their feeding habits depend on plant palatability, weather conditions and availability of preferred plants. Generally they prefer lush foliage on highly fertilized plants. When their naturally preferred foods become scarce, there are relatively few plant species that hungry deer won't nibble on.

With community cooperation, we can continually improve on appropriate management practices and correct actions to take. Happy gardening!
(Return to the Table of Contents)

PLEASE RETURN YOUR DEER QUESTIONNAIRE

The FHA Board and the Deer Committee request your help in completing and returning the deer questionnaire distributed with the May Newsletter. This information is badly needed so that adequate data and representative opinions are available to develop the committee's recommendations. If you have lost your questionnaire, please obtain another in the FHA Office.

-Mary Hammond, FHA Secretary
(Return to the Table of Contents)

WHAT'S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

MCINTYRE'S JUNE EVENTS

• Sunday, June 1, 2 p.m. Dr. Katherine Leslie will read from When A Stranger Calls You Mom: A Child Development and Relationship Perspective on Why Traumatized Children Think, Feel, and Act The Way They Do. Dr. Leslie is an expert in child development and parent-child relationships.

• Thursday, June 5, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Open Mike Literary Night. Share and support local creative talent with friends and neighbors. For more information, call 542-3030.

• Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. Join Brian Shawver for a reading and signing of The Cuban Prospect.

• Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. Joseph Mills and Danielle Tarmey will read from their new book, A Guide to North Carolina's Wineries.

• Tuesday, June 24, 7 p.m. Melinda Haynes, author of Mother of Pearl and Chalktown, will read from her new novel, Willem's Field.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

GARDENING DEMONSTRATION

On Sunday, June 1, the Fearrington Gardeners will give a demonstration on how to organically remove bugs from your garden. This demonstration is free and open to the public and will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. under the Pine Trees behind the Potting Shed. Call 542-1239 for further details.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

DEMOCRATS TO PICNIC AT JORDAN LAKE

The Fearrington Democratic Club will hold its 11th Annual Picnic on Saturday, June 7, beginning at noon at the Seaforth Pavilion, Jordan Lake. Come join friends and local officials for fun and Red, Hot & Blue barbeque. Price is $7.50 per person for paid-up club members.

Send your check for reservation to Sidney Levine, 652 Spindlewood. Contact Gayle Ruedi (542-6448) for more information.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

CHAVERA TO HEAR TALK ON CHAGALL

Vivian Jacobson, past president of the Chagall Biblical Message Museum in Nice, France, and chair of the Friends of Chagall Tapestry, is the featured speaker at the Tuesday, June 10, meeting of the Fearrington Chavera.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place; the program, at 8.

Mrs. Jacobson returns for a second visit to Fearrington to talk about one of the crowning achievements in Marc Chagall's life: the 12 stained windows that he designed in 1959-61 for the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem.

Each of the windows, representing a tribe of Israel, is replete with an assemblage of animals, heavenly bodies, and other ornamental elements.

Mrs. Jacobson worked with Chagall on major international projects during the last 11 years of his life.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

VEGETARIAN CLUB SPONSORS MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM

Latifa Lipton of the Body Therapy Institute will present a program to the Fearrington Vegetarian Club on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Ms. Lipton will explain and demonstrate different types of massage therapy.

Please call Maggie Gaudet at 545-0494 or Margaret George at 542-4609 if you would like to attend. All are welcome.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

DOCTOR TO ADDRESS SUPPORT GROUP

The next Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group meeting will be Wednesday, June 18, at 11 a.m. in the Gathering Place. The speaker will be Dr. Joel Morgenlander, a neurologist from the Duke Medical Center. Members should bring questions that you would like to have answered.

This will be the last meeting until September. You can reach me by phone 542-7272 or e-mail me at breece@mindspring.com.
-Vera Reece
(Return to the Table of Contents)

BOCCE CLUB INVITES PLAYERS

There is a common expression associated with the game of bocce. It goes something like this: "I'll take up bocce when I'm too old to do anything else." Well, for your information, besides being fun, challenging and competitive, playing bocce does exercise many muscle groups-granted most of them are used to operate the jaws-but lifting a two-pound ball and light walking are key activities.

Nevertheless, Fearrington Village does have an active Bocce Club, which accommodates play for men, women and couples. It makes no difference whether you are a retired pro or have never played before; if you aren't playing now, the club would welcome your participation.

The cost is negligible-$15 one-time initiation fee, $5 annual dues, plus a very good price on a very good meal at the annual banquet, i.e., if you choose to attend.

For more information, contact Club President Madeleine Masterman (542-6773), Treasurer Martin Cryan (932-5563) or Secretary Bill Chestnutt (542-4754). Give 'em a call.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

AHOY, FEARRINGTON! NOW HEAR THIS! NOW HEAR THIS!

The Fearrington Yacht Club will be hosting an Elderhostel river cruise April 23 to May 5, 2004-"The Netherlands: Navigating Dutch Waterways" (trip #6061). Fly to Amsterdam from Dulles, Atlanta or JFK. Coach to Aardenburg for three nights with trips to Bruges and Ghent and excursions along the Leie River; five nights aboard M/S Switzerland (328 feet-115 passengers, private bath and shower, air conditioning, indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and sun deck) visiting 11 cities; ending in Amsterdam for three nights with several field trips and boating on the canals. All this for approximately $3,500 per person, which includes airfare, hotels, meals, tour guides. What a deal! Single supplement: +$275.

The program is now open for registration and catalogues will available shortly. Those interested must act quickly! To sign up, please do the following:

• Call Don Zehl at 542-4076 and let him know of your interest-Don is acting as the Elderhostel contact person.
• Join Elderhostel. Each traveler must be a member of Elderhostel. One may join by calling 1-877-426-8056 or online at www.elderhostel.org. Membership is free for all over 55. You will be given a household number and a student ID number-both are necessary for the trip. Don will require both numbers to facilitate registering all travelers as a group.
• Make a deposit. A minimum deposit of $250 per person is due at the time of registration with Elderhostel. The balance will be due 6-8 weeks prior to the trip.
• When registering, be sure to request their catalogue for "Adventures Afloat," which will explain the cancellation policy and other fees that may be a reasonable alternative to trip insurance.

While this will be of interest primarily to FYC members, any Fearringtonians who want to "get on board" may do so by joining the club. Dues are only $10 annually per person. To do so, call Phil Smith, 545-0790.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

WHAT'S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON

CHAMBER MUSIC IN RALEIGH

On Sunday, June 1, East Carolina University Professor Elliot Frank, guitar, will present the last concert of this season's Sights and Sounds on Sundays series: Classical Guitar Music for Children of all Ages. The concert, sponsored by the Raleigh Chamber Music Guild, begins at 3 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. Tickets: $8, general public; $6, NCMA members, or by season ticket.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2003-04 concert season.

If you wish to he added to the mailing list, please notify the Guild at 821-2030 or rcmg@juno.com.
Masters Series concerts include the Borromeo String Quartet with Clary Graffman, piano; Triple Helix; the Pacifica String Quartet with Paul Katz, cello; the Czech Nonet, and the New Century Saxophone Quartet.

The Sights And Sounds On Sundays series includes the Mallarme Chamber Players and Chuck Davis Dance Company; Montage; Seraphim Musica; the Ciompi Quartet; Susan Dunn and David Heid, and the Carolina Piano Trio.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

IT'S BARBERSHOP HARMONY TIME

The Research Triangle Park (RTP) Chapter of SPEBSQSA (the Barbershoppers Society) is having its spring shows on Friday, June 20, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 21, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. These will take place at the BTI Center (Memorial Auditorium) in Raleigh in Fletcher Theater.

In addition to the RTP Chorus, the 2001 Dixie District Chorus Champs, the main feature on each show will be the current 2003 International Quartet Champion "Four Voices" from right here in the Dixie District. And to supplement that, there will be several chapter quartets including the 2001 Dixie District Seniors Quartet Champs "Joint Venture," which includes Fearrington resident John Adams.

If you like a cappella barbershop harmony music, you will love this entertaining event, especially since the reigning international quartet champs will be here. You will be in for a real treat!

Ticket prices for the evening shows are $20 for reserved seats and $15 for unreserved. The Saturday Matinee Special is reduced to $15 for reserved and $10 for unreserved. Buy your tickets in advance, because it will cost $5 more when purchased at the door. Call John at 545-9101 or send an e-mail to jjadams2 @msn.com for tickets or any questions.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

CHATHAM COUNTY TO ESTABLISH CITIZEN CORPS

Chatham County hopes to receive federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a volunteer citizens group, which would be called on to help in times of disaster.

The Citizen Corps would consist of members from the community (county) who would volunteer their services year- round. Some of the services they could provide would be as bilingual volunteers, ministers, medical doctors, dentists and veterinarians.

The goal of the Citizen Corps is to make the county a safer place in which to live, work and play and provide the opportunity for all people to participate. The Corps would focus on homeland security, disaster management, personal safety and public health issues.

The program contains four modules:

• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
• Neighborhood Watch Programs (NWP)
• Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
• Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).

The funding provided by FEMA would be divided between CERT and the Citizen Corps Councils. Seventy-five percent of the funding would go to CERT training, and the remaining 25 percent toward the Citizen Corps Council.

Chatham County's Human Service Planner, Bill Lail, has registered Chatham County with the Corps, and the next step is to create a council of community members. It is an opportunity for citizens and residents of the county to become involved in the disaster needs of the county.

-Al Lebeau, County Liaison
(Return to the Table of Contents)

WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN RESEARCH STUDIES?

Healthy adults, 60 years or older, are needed for one appointment by the Psychology Department at UNC-Chapel Hill for studies involving thinking and problem solving. The appointment lasts 1-2 hours. Participants meet individually with an experimenter and are asked to take a number of different tests that involve words, shapes, or colors and answering questions about them.

At the end of the session, the experimenter explains what the department's ideas are and what it expects to find. Parking is free, and the participant receives $10 to $20 for the session.

Please call 962-2124 or 962-6729 for more information.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

WOMEN ASKED TO VOLUNTEER FOR UNC HEALTH STUDY

The UNC Department of Psychiatry's Stress and Health Research Program needs post-menopausal women as paid volunteers.

If you are age 45-69, have not had a menstrual period for 12 months (must be post-menopausal due to hysterectomy or natural menopause), have no personal history of breast cancer, are not borderline hypertensive (blood pressure above 140/90), are not currently taking estrogen or any heart medications (for the past 12 months), you may qualify for a seven-month study investigating the cardiovascular benefits of hormone replacement treatment and exercise.

Qualified participants will receive:

• $750 for completion of the study
• Free gynecological evaluation
• Free mammogram
• Free echocardiogram
• Free hormone replacement treatment for six months
• Free cholesterol and blood pressure profiles
• Free health and fitness education

By volunteering, you can make a difference in furthering our understanding of women's health.
For more information, contact Amanda at 843-2483.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

BOARD BRIEFINGS

BOARD DISCUSSES PAVING OF SMOKEHOUSE KIOSK LOT AND DEER QUESTIONNAIRE

President Nancy Kern called the May 6 FHA Board meeting to order and welcomed guests.

Treasurer Frank Chut presented his monthly report. With 25 percent of the year completed, receipts are consistent with expectations with the exception of interest income, which is reduced. The 19-month CD at CCB was not rolled over, since income would have been only a little over 1 percent. Instead the funds were put into a 90-day CD yielding a little less than 1 percent with the hope that interest rates would increase soon. Expenses for March are also consistent with budget expectations. The one big exception was that printing expense for the Directory was about $1,000 below budget, thanks to Editor Mike Cotter who obtained a lower bid from the printer. Federal taxes were about $500 below budget because of sharply lower interest income.

Grounds and Facilities Chair John Custer reported on the progress of sign painting. He needs more volunteers. Four volunteers signed up for maintenance of the Gathering Place flower beds, and he will be contacting them soon. Bush Creek roadsides have been aerated and fertilizer will be spread soon.

He then presented a motion to regrade the Smokehouse Kiosk parking lot. The driveway and parking area at the Smokehouse Kiosk are gravel. At the time the site was conveyed to FHA by Fitch Creations, the board asked that Fitch blacktop the area. R.B. Fitch declined the request and the board accepted the transfer without prior paving.

In response to requests to pave the area, FHA ran a short, informal survey earlier this spring. We posted a questionnaire in the kiosk asking people's opinions. About a fifth of the kiosk users responded and the majority of them favored paving. Nevertheless, there is a significant group of kiosk users who favor the gravel parking area.

The gravel has been replaced a number of times, but in a superficial way. Now, potholes and ruts occur with considerable frequency. Traffic patterns are circular rather than straight. This geometry, coupled with the stopping and starting of cars, exacerbates the situation.
John got preliminary prices for two courses of action:

  • Perform a major upgrade of the gravel structure by scraping, replacing and recompacting the base and then placing aggregate. This would cost $1,750. The contractor estimates that an annual maintenance, at a cost of approximately $200, would keep the area in good shape.
  • Pave the area: Fine grade the existing stone base; add two inches of stone base; place and compact two inches of asphalt surface course and lay out and paint pavement markings. The cost would be $11,500.

At this time, John favors upgrading the gravel rather than paving. There is not a convincing groundswell for the paving, and the expense would reduce our reserves. He believes that future budgets should include a significant amount for work of this type.

The motion was discussed in detail. Marilyn Band stated that potholes usually recur within weeks of repairs. How would this plan be better? John said more extensive grading is planned and aggregate rock will be used instead of gravel. Carol-Ann Greenslade commented that the worst potholes are at the exit. Could about 10 feet of the driveway near the road be paved?

The point was made that although only 25 percent responded to the survey, the majority did want it paved. Frank Chut asked which would be cheaper in the long run, one paving or many repairs to the gravel? John said long-term paving might be cheaper. He said he needed to pursue the cost of partial paving as an option and withdrew his motion.

County Liaison Chair Al Lebeau presented his report. He drew special attention to Chatham County's request for federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to create a volunteer citizens group, which would be called on to help in times of disaster. (See article in this Newsletter for more details.)

The Chatham County Commissioners are soliciting the support of other county commissioners in their effort to obtain the state's new mental health hospital for Chatham County. Rep. Joe Hackney recently introduced a bill into the state House of Representatives to construct the new hospital in Chatham County. The commissioners offered the state a portion of the county-owned 459-acre property near the Wal-Mart in Siler City at no cost to the state.

The commissioners, in a 4-1 vote, rejected a request by Triangle Brick to waive a $17,523.39 late tax penalty, citing poor health of an employee. While the county's tax administrator, Kim Horton, reported the company was a model taxpayer and had never been late in prior year payments, the commissioners decided not to set a precedent.

John Custer thanked Jim Granger and the Creekwood neighborhood for the invitation to the board to attend the recent celebration of their new kiosk renovation. He commented on how well the neighborhood had worked together on several issues.

Jim reported on the progress of the Deer Committee and the response to the deer questionnaire that was distributed in the May newsletter. About 200 questionnaires have been returned. The committee would really like more so they can get a more representative sample and identify more resource persons. They hope to report by early June. (See article on page 2 of this Newsletter for more details.)

The next open FHA Board meeting is Tuesday, June 3.

-Mary Hammond, Secretary
(Return to the Table of Contents)

HEALTH NEWS

GIVE YOGA A TRY

If you've ever thought you might like to try yoga, here's your chance. Join our lively group led by a congenial instructor. We meet every Wednesday at 8 a.m. for a class that runs from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. in the Gathering Place.

Questions? Please call Laura Hyer, 545-9607.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

NEWS FROM FEARRINGTON CARES

    NURSE'S NOTES FROM JOYCE BAIRD

Many thanks for the warm welcome extended me since joining Fearrington Cares. I have met many residents and look forward to meeting more of you during the next few months. Although I'm not yet retirement age, I have met many role models for "aging with style" and plan to follow your lead. Be on the lookout around the Village for health news, health reminders and health related activities sponsored by Fearrington Cares. Together we can "age with style."
(Return to the Table of Contents)

    WE'VE MOVED

Fearrington Cares is now located at 304 Parkview in the heart of the Village across from Fitch Creations. If you can't attend our Open House on May 31, stop by and take a look at our new and improved facilities. A big thank you goes to R.B. Fitch for allowing us to use these facilities for the next two years. When you come to visit, please enter the red door at the end of the building closest to the Farmers Market.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

    ARE YOU A COUCH POTATO?

Take a walk with the Nurse!

Beginning Monday, June 2, at 8 a.m. and continuing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the summer, I will be leading "Trek Around Fearrington." Anyone who would like to begin a walking program is welcome to join me for a 45-minute walk. We will meet at Fearrington Cares, stretch for 10 minutes and take a brisk walk around our picturesque community. Routes will vary so if you have a favorite, we will add it to our planned routes. We will continue in the fall if there is enough interest. I'll see all you couch potatoes bright and early on June 2.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

    ALZHEIMER'S SEMINAR

Elaine Alexander and I recently attended a workshop presented by the Alzheimer's Association of Eastern North Carolina at the Council on Aging in Pittsboro. The all-day seminar was developed specifically for family members, caretakers and community members who are giving assistance to or caring for those suffering from dementing diseases such as Alzheimer's. The workshop was interesting and insightful and provided relevant information and tips for those caring for family members with Alzheimer's. Fearrington Cares would like to sponsor this program in the fall (October or November) if there is sufficient interest in the community. Please contact me if you are interested in attending.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC

Blood pressures are routinely taken on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. In June, blood pressures will be taken on the 4th and 18th. Since Fearrington Cares has volunteer nurses available to help with blood pressures on these dates, I encourage you to come for blood pressures on the scheduled dates so you can be served more quickly.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

A REMINDER ABOUT MAIL STORAGE

Editor's note: The following originally appeared in the January Newsletter. We are repeating the article since many Fearringtonians will be leaving soon for extended periods.

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.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

POST OFFICES CUT OFF LOCAL PHONE NUMBERS

The News & Observer reported on May 13 that the U.S. Postal Service, as part of a nationwide program, no longer lists local phone numbers for post offices in phone books. Customers are now asked to call a toll-free number (1-800-275-8777) instead.

Customer service representatives based in Colorado and Missouri should be able to answer most questions about postal rates, ZIP codes and hours of operation, Postal Service spokesman Bob Anderson said.

The representatives can still give callers a local phone number for their post office, although that number is not listed in the phone book, Anderson said.

P.S. The number of the Pittsboro post office is 642-0128.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

MUSIC NOTES

MUSIC IN THE AIR

Join us for the last two performances before the summer break (In the case of bad weather, in the Market Cafe, otherwise at our tent in the Village):

• Thursday, May 29, 7-7:45 p.m. Terry Rhodes, vocalist from the Music Department at UNC, performing musical hits.

• Thursday, June 12, 7-7:45 p.m. Fearrington Talent Night. Four talented "acts" will perform: The Fearrington Folk (performing folk music), an interview with Hernando Cortes (performed by Irwin Levy and Snuffy Howe), Lance Buhl (tenor) and Loretta Gilson (storyteller). Come and support these courageous people!

• Thursday, September 11, 7-7:45 p.m. Spicey Chicken Combo (jazz group from UNC). We've already got groups lined up for our fall series. See you then!

-Carolyn Gelderman
(Return to the Table of Contents)

VILLAGE VOICES END YEAR ON HIGH NOTE

Village Voices presented its spring concert on Wednesday, April 30, at the Barn. In addition to the choral numbers, Dan Hadley, accompanist to the Voices and outstanding performer, played some solo jazz selections. The audience responded enthusiastically and the members of Village Voices enjoyed singing the program. The chorus wishes to thank both the community for its support and R.B. Fitch for allowing us the use of the Barn.

Rehearsals will start again in September. We hope old and new residents will consider joining us then for the pleasure of making music. No tryouts, no formal training necessary-just come for the joy of singing together.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

FEARRINGTON MONTHLY CALENDAR

FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR