FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

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

FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

BOARD BRIEFINGS

BOARD EXPRESSES RESIDENTS' CONCERNS ABOUT COMPACT COMMUNITY ORDINANCE

Following discussions at the May 22 Town Hall Meeting, the FHA Board responded to residents' requests and the advice of the Chatham Current Issues Committee and forwarded the following letter to the Chatham County Commissioners and Planning Board for their consideration at the Planning Board meeting on June 3.

"Dear Sirs:

I am writing to you, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Fearrington Homeowners Association, to express the concerns of many of the residents of Fearrington Village about the Compact Community Ordinance that the Chatham County Planning Board and Commissioners are studying at this time. While we realize that this is a trial ordinance, that will affect only one particular tract of land at this time, we believe it is urgent that you do your utmost to "get it right" the first time. As you must realize, the effects of your decision will influence the county for years

We have several areas that we would like you to re-examine

1. Size - The county, and not the developer, should determine the size of a compact community. The size will have a lasting effect on the county's infrastructure and ultimately on its character and tax structure. Since we have two good examples of nearby compact communities - Southern Village and Meadowmont - both smaller in acreage than your proposal, you can certainly learn from their results, both positive and negative. In our opinion, to leave the size open-ended is not wise. The developer should not dictate the size of a compact community. A cap is the prudent course. Therefore, we agree with the Land Use Planning Implementation Committee (LUPIC) recommendation that the size should not exceed 1,000 acres.

2. Number or Units - In our opinion, the number of units should be restricted to 1,500 units. With careful county planning, this size should be manageable for our present and future infrastructure.

3. Commercial Development - Any commercial development on the east side of 15-501 should be limited to Professional Office use, in order not to start a trend of strip malls. This should be scrutinized with great care!

4. Waste Water and Storm Water Management - The disposal of wastewater by spraying needs to be studied very carefully as the results could affect the quality of the adjacent wells, streams, soil, plant life and ground water for years to come. In addition, any spraying of waste or storm water on any buffer zone should be prohibited. Since this area will affect the livelihood and well being of all of the Chatham County residents, please examine it carefully!

5. Buffers - There should be a minimum buffer of 200 feet between land use of small residential lots in the compact community and neighboring small residential lots; and a minimum of 400 feet between commercial land use or apartments in the compact community and neighborhood small residential lots. Chatham County Commissioners should not be allowed to reduce these limits based on community design or topography.

We thank you for looking at our ideas and request your thoughtful consideration of this matter. Your decisions should be yours and yours alone - not those of potential developers.

If you have any questions, you may reach me at 919-542-7420 or nbkern@aol.com." -- Nancy E. Kern, FHA President
(Return to the Table of Contents)

LONG-RANGE PLANNING, CURRENT ISSUES DISCUSSED AT TOWN HALL MEETING

President Nancy Kern called The Fearrington Homeowners Association Town Meeting to order on May 22. Evy Barrow presented the Long-Range Planning Committee Report. She introduced other members of the committee, including Fran Sherwin, Ed Farnan, Bob DeVido and Dale Smith. She stated the committee's charge was to evaluate the FHA's role in a changing community and to try to predict issues that might arise in the next 2-5 years and begin preliminary planning. The committee has identified six critical issues and she reviewed goals, objectives and tasks:

Governance. Facing the challenge of recruiting volunteers, can FHA continue to function without a paid staff? Other aspects of this issue include: loss of continuity with each change of FHA administration, inclusion of Galloway Ridge residents and growth of the community to the presently planned 1,610 living units and possible addition of contiguous subdivisions.

Goal: To establish a strategic direction by December 31, 2004, for governing the community that assure effective management of the fiscal, infrastructure, services and cultural affairs of the community as it grows and to issue a recommendation confirming or revising as required the bylaws, covenants, staffing, and other governing regulations of the community.

Tasks: Establish that the vice president of FHA be named a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee, monitor the administrative functions as carried out by Talis Management Group for Weathersfield Service Group and outline the tasks that would be outsourced if the FHA were to begin functioning strictly as a policymaking and administrative oversight board.

Succession. What impact will the retirement of R.B. Fitch have on the future of Fearrington?

Goal: To exert such influence as possible to maintain the character and future development of Fearrington and review periodically with Fitch Creations the strategic plans for the development of the village.

Task: This is an ongoing process between the president of FHA and R.B. Fitch.

Development. How does the growth of Chatham County impact residents?

Goal: To exert such influence as possible to maintain the character and future development of Fearrington.

Task: Review periodically with Fitch Creations the strategic plans for the development of the village. This is an ongoing process between the president of FHA and R.B. Fitch.

Annexation. How shall FHA meet the challenge of possible annexation?

Goal: To assure the long-term independence, economic value and quality of life of Fearrington Village. To report to the community by June 2004 the contingency plan necessary to deal with possible annexation.

Tasks: Outline the state and county legal requirements, processes and procedures, and action timeline necessary for annexation. Identify the various entities that could possibly annex Fearrington and prepare a contingency plan that outlines actions necessary to thwart an undesirable annexation threat. Define under what circumstances annexation might be beneficial to Fearrington and provide an estimate of the financial, legal and other resources required to implement the contingency plan.

Internal Development. What policies should the FHA develop and/or change to maintain a country village's diversity?

Goal: To create and/or modify those policies that will ensure the character and ambiance of a country village considering Fearrington's continued growth and increased diversity and provide a recommendation for FHA policy changes that will strengthen the village's community cohesiveness by January 2004

Tasks: Identify the facilities that require periodic maintenance, structural repair and renovation. Review and refine the various means of communication with special attention to emergency situations. Determine whether assessments are required in addition to increased annual dues to generate the financial resources that will be needed to meet future expenses. Develop strategies to assist in the assimilation of new Fearrington residents. Foster positive relationships with neighboring communities and work with Fitch Creations to meet our mutually beneficial objectives. Monitor and modify policies and guidelines outlined in the bylaws, articles of declaration, covenants, Gathering Place regulations, newsletter/website regulations, kiosks and directory

Transportation. How might FHA study the feasibility of transportation services to meet the needs of residents?

Goal: To determine the feasibility of some form(s) of transportation that will allow the residents of Fearrington to remain in their homes.

Tasks: Determine need, extent of the need and resources available for such a service. Survey the region for transportation services - both public and private -- currently being provided and obtain accurate, current information on the charges for the various options. Analyze the need for transportation services vs. the realistic possibilities of providing services with respect to legal consequences for the FHA

The results of the transportation survey were presented and copies were made available to the residents. About 32% responded and most favored some type of transportation, especially to the airport. A task force is needed to continue this work.

Barrow stated the long-range plan was a living document and more work is needed. Additional task forces need to be assigned and volunteers are needed. Individuals interested in specific areas should contact the committee.

Bob Eby, chair of the Chatham Current Issues Committee, discussed the proposed Compact Community Ordinance (CCO), which is before the County Commissioners. He presented a brief introduction to the history of the development of the ordinance. He described the recommendation of the Land Use Planning Implementation Committee (LUPIC) and the way the County Commissioners and Planning Board had modified it.

The commissioners have decided to do a pilot study applying the new zoning ordinance only to a 4,900-acre area north of Andrews Store Road and west to U.S. 15-501. The previously rejected Briar Chapel development is within this area. Unlike the original recommendations for the ordinance, the present document does not include a limit on the number of units. It does have storm water and wastewater limitations and limits commercial space. There are several remaining meetings of the Planning Board on June 3 and July 5. Residents can make comments from 6-7 p.m. on those days. Issues of concern are the development of the Crisp Property, which backs up on Fearrington Village, and managements of wastewater.

Eby feels that Newlands will submit a new Briar Chapel proposal once the ordinance is in place. This would be either September 15 or November 15. They are talking about 2,200-2,500 units, and they will develop property next to Fearrington. Eby encouraged resident and board action to alert the commissioners to our concerns. Bob Atwater is our commissioner and he is very interested in our thoughts. Eby recommended that the board send official comments to the commissioners. He also recommended that residents contact the CCEC (Chatham Citizens For Effective Communities) to work with them.

There were many questions from the audience. Eby responded to a question about the size of developments that Fearrington was 1,100 acres and the Newlands proposal had been 1,600 acres.

A resident asked about the previous zoning of RA40 (Residential-Agricultural). How would that change? Told that would still apply to land within the designated area, which was not part of a compact community. Another asked if the FHA Board was willing to make a statement. President Kern said that would be discussed in a meeting on May 27.

Another resident asked where new communities' water would come from as we had restrictions last year. Eby said that Newlands got a statement from the water company that there was enough water, but new pipes, etc., would be needed to draw water from Jordan Lake.

Two other issues were raised: the health risks of effluent spray and who defines the buffer between developments. Eby said the specifics would be in the ordinance.

The impact on schools was mentioned. Eby discussed the specifics and said that there would be less than one child per residence, based on Southern Village statistics.

Residents asked specifically about the buffer with the Crisp property. Eby said a 200-foot buffer would be continued and Newlands says they will still pay to widen the highway and put in a traffic light at their entrance. The board was asked to comment to the commissioners specifically on a widened buffer to protect Fearrington.

The FHA Board was asked to listen to the Village requests, to write a letter to the County Commissioners and to support wider buffers and community-wide concerns.
- Mary Hammond, FHA Secretary
(Return to the Table of Contents)

SUMMARY OF THE JUNE BOARD MEETING

President Nancy Kern called the FHA Board Meeting to order at 7 p.m. on June 3. The treasurer's report and the minutes of the May 6 board meeting and the May 22 Town Hall Meeting were approved as corrected.

Community Affairs Chair Cynthia Jones reported that she had distributed an updated list of available emergency equipment to the block captains for any upcoming emergency.

Gathering Place Director Joyce Berg reported that she had met with resident and interior designer Shirley Boychuck to discuss minor alterations in the cloakroom and kitchen to increase storage areas and work surface. The plan and estimate will be presented prior to work being done during the summer.

Grounds and Facilities Chair John Custer presented an update on ongoing projects. Tom Seaton's work crew is at work on the mowing, which had been delayed by his illness and the weather. Weathersfield has hired a new landscape contractor, so mowing between FHA and this neighborhood will no longer be coordinated. The volunteers who have been working on the Gathering Place flowerbeds were congratulated for their attractive results.

Water continues to accumulate in Windstone Park. The water company is planning to check chlorine levels to determine if a leak or a spring is the source. It is not possible to mow or clear the area because it is so boggy.

Custer has spoken to Robert Flynn about the damaged cedar tree on Village Way and the fact that the Farmer's Market signs block vision for turns onto the highway. President Kern asked about the high grass near the entrance and the debris from North Carolina DOT's clearing of trees. Custer stated they are working on cleanup. The FHA roadside Spring Cleanup is nearly complete.

Custer complimented the residents of Wintersage Close on their cleanup efforts and interest in improving their small park area. A stump will be removed and FHA will assist in the purchase of a bench. Sign painting is progressing.

Discussion then turned to the management of the Smokehouse Kiosk parking lot. Custer stated he had not obtained an estimate for partial paving, but did discover that the entrance is partially paved but covered with gravel. He will evaluate paving the exit and/or the pothole area.

Resident Murry Augenstein spoke to the comments made at the last FHA meeting regarding long-term expenses with compacting and gravel ($1,750 plus $200 a year for upkeep versus $11,500 to pave). He felt that even over 10 years the gravel would be significantly cheaper and the paving would need additional upkeep. He felt money saved by not paving could be used for projects affecting the whole community. He spoke to the poor conditions of the walking paths as an example.

Marilyn Band asked about expenses for upkeep of the paved Gathering Place and kiosk lot. The lots have had some potholes but have required minimal upkeep, according to Custer.

President Kern stated there is more traffic now at the Smokehouse then in the past and that there is runoff, which may be undermining the gravel and would affect paving as well. Some type of drainage system may be required.

County Liaison Chair Al Lebeau reported that Chatham County officials recently met with Bill Stephens of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, who is the manager of industrial recruiting for the Triangle. The meeting was to inform Stephens of Chatham County's interest in seeking industrial growth, since the county needs to diversify its tax base to prevent residential taxpayers from carrying the tax burden. Stephens said his office would do all it could to help the county, but warned that industrial recruitment is very competitive

The committee next met with state Rep. Joe Hackney to seek his support of the mental health hospital. Hackney said Chatham County had certain advantages over other counties, but he also indicated that competition is fierce. Commissioner Tommy Emerson said, "We want to go down fighting." To support Hackney's efforts, the commissioners have offered the state, at no cost, 65 acres of the county's 459-acre property near the Wal-Mart in Siler City.

The Chatham County Commissioners recently hired a lobbyist, Don Beason, for $25,000, to assist Hackney in convincing the state legislature that Chatham County should be the site for the state's new $98 million mental hospital that would bring about 1,500 new jobs to the county.

The county is considering a fiscal year 2003-04 budget of $55,474,277, which is a 0.03% decrease from 2002-03 while retaining the current 64.64 cent/$100 tax rate and maintaining the current level of county services. The proposed budget is considered a "hold-the-line/maintenance budget."

Progress Energy recently announced a possible halt, by 2005, to the shipping of spent nuclear fuel rods to the Shearon Harris plant.

Directors Jones, Chut and Lebeau discussed the recent decision by Weyerhaeuser to sell a number of forested plots around the county because taxes were too high to support forestry. All agreed this would lead to more development.

President Kern reminded the board and residents that the next open FHA Meeting will be on Tuesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. There will be no August meeting.

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

WHAT'S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

JULY AT MCINTYRE'S

Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. is Pre-School Story time.

Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. Buckner F. Melton Jr. will read from his new book, A Hanging Offense: The Strange Affair of the Warship Somers. A Hanging Offense is the true story of an attempted mutiny aboard the U.S. brig-of-war Somers in 1842, the hanging of the perpetrators and the sensational court-martial that followed. The event led to the founding of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Sunday, July 27, 2 p.m. Sharyn McCrumb will read from her newest novel, Ghost Riders. The book is set during the Civil War in North Carolina and includes Zebulon Vance, governor of North Carolina during the Civil War, as well as Keith and Malinda Blalock from the North Carolina mountains.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

FEARRINGTON CATHOLICS SPONSOR LABOR DAY FESTIVITIES

Fearrington Catholics invite all Fearringtonians to join us at our second annual Labor Day Celebration on Sunday, August 31, from 5-7 p.m. at the Swim and Croquet Club. The cost is $18 per person for members and $20 for non-members.

The meal includes barbecue pork, chicken, slaw, hush puppies, baked beans, iced tea, wine, beer and cobbler. Y'all come!!

Please contact Terrie and Tom Doyle at 542-0271 with questions. Reservations are open until Friday, August 15.

Last year's event was a great success and we're looking forward to another wonderful time, so get your reservation in early. We look forward to seeing everyone!
(Return to the Table of Contents)

ED FINK MEMORIAL FUND

Friends of Ed Fink are establishing a fund to purchase a bike rack in his memory.

R.B. Fitch has agreed to give us space near the Market where the rack will be installed.

If you care to contribute to the fund, please make your check payable to the Ed Fink Memorial Fund and drop it at the FHA Office. Questions: Fred Levitt, 542-0082, fredlev@mindspring.com.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

AHOY, FEARRINGTON SAILORS!

Mark your calendar for a great experience and fun time this fall! The Fearrington Yacht Club is sponsoring a fall outing to Lake Norman on October 1-2. The trip will feature an evening cocktail and dinner cruise with an overnight stay at a fine hotel near the lake.

All Fearringtonians are welcome to "come on board" and may do so by simply joining the club and becoming a member.

For additional information, call Phil Smith at 545-0790.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

CHATHAM COUNTY CHARITIES SHARE RECORD-BREAKING $8,000 FROM FEARRINGTON WOMEN'S CLUB

The Fearrington Women's Club ended its banner year with a luncheon at The Gathering Place where the board members prepared lunch for the membership. All who attended had a great time, and the gavel was passed from the outgoing administration to the incoming board to be led by President Cathy Hummel.

The Women's Club successes with the Book, Bake & Boutique Sale, and the lovely Fashion Show aptly named "Beauty at the Barn" allowed us to give a record-setting total of $8,000 to Chatham County charities this year. The recipients were:

Many thanks go to the committee that made the tough decisions regarding where best to give the money. That committee was headed by the vice president, Joan Zollinger, who was ably assisted by Cathy Hummel, Madge Hoyt, Barbra Carson and Dorothy Alexander.
Everyone will want to stay tuned for news about the next exciting year for the Fearrington Women's Club, which begins in September.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

MUSIC NOTES

FEARRINGTON CONCERT SERIES SUBSCRIPTIONS DUE IN JULY

Subscription notices for the 2003-2004 season of the Fearrington Concert Series have been sent to current subscribers and new residents. Current subscribers are guaranteed a seat, only if their renewal is returned by Tuesday, July 15. The cost is $40 per person. Non-renewed seats for this sold-out series will be given to new subscribers on a first-come basis.

An outstanding new season of chamber music is scheduled, featuring several world class musicians. We will welcome The Arman Trio with pianist Deniz Gelenbe, a trio of "Middle Voices" from NCG with Scott Rawls, violinist Nickolas Kitchen and Yessun Kim of Boston's Borromeo String Quartet, The North Carolina Chamber Players - a piano quartet featuring clarinetist, Don Oehler, and a program by advanced students from the North Carolina School of the Arts.

Questions to Anne and Larry Botto. 542-0533
(Return to the Table of Contents)

RALEIGH CHAMBER MUSIC GUILD OFFERS 'SIGHTS & SOUNDS'

The Raleigh Chamber Music Guild opens its fifth season of the popular Sights and Sounds on Sundays series on July 27 at 3 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Featured performers will be the Mallanne Chamber Players with African dancers in a program saluting the Accent on Africa exhibition at the museum.

African Music and Dance artists are Anna Ludwig Wilson, flute; Jonathan Kramer, cello, and Deborah Hollis, piano, with guest artists Ivy Burch and Tony Hall, African dancers, and Robert Johnson, African percussion.

The program will include instrumental music, chants and dance by African composers Kevin Volans and Ignatius Sancho, and transcriptions by Duke composer Anthony Kelley.

Season tickets for the six-concert series will be available at the door or in advance from the guild at 821-2030. Season tickets for the Masters Series, opening on October 26 with the Borromeo String Quartet and Gary Graffman, piano, are also available.

For a complete schedule of both concert series, please see the RCMG website at www.rcmg.org or call or e-mail the Guild (rcmg@juno.com) to request a season brochure.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

JAZZ PROGRAM IN SEPTEMBER

Join us for our September performance. In case of bad weather, it will be held in the Market Cafe, otherwise at our tent in the Village): Thursday, September 11, 7-7:45 p.m. Spicy Chicken Combo (jazz group from UNC).

We've already got other groups lined up for our fall series. See you then!
- Carolyn Gelderman
(Return to the Table of Contents)

HEALTH AND FITNESS

NURSE'S NOTES FROM JOYCE BAIRD

In spite of the rainy weather that was served up, the Open House on May 31 was a huge success. Many of you and your neighbors braved the wind and rain to tour our new facilities, share some snacks and meet some of our hard-working Fearrington Cares volunteers. Some of you shared your thoughts and suggestions on future services that Fearrington Cares could offer. We appreciate the community support we receive and look forward to expanding our services over the next year.

TICKS ARE OUT IN FORCE!

Tick season is here, and I have removed many ticks from Fearrington residents. As a matter of fact, some residents have been diagnosed with tick-borne illnesses; one resident required hospitalization. If you are bitten by a tick, note the date on the calendar and be mindful of any symptoms that occur within the next three weeks that may be related to either Lyme disease - bull's-eye rash (seen in 80-90% of cases), fever, chills and aches or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) - high fever, headache, muscle aches. One product that may be helpful in repelling ticks is Sawyers Clothing Tick Repellent containing Permethrin. Permethrin-containing products should not be applied to the skin, but sprayed on clothing only.

ALZHEIMER'S SEMINAR PLANNED

The Alzheimer's Association of Eastern North Carolina and Fearrington Cares will sponsor an all-day seminar/workshop 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 seminar has been scheduled for Friday, October 17 at the Gathering Place. It will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited, so if you are interested in attending you can sign up at Fearrington Cares or call Joyce Baird (542-6877). Please spread the word if you have neighbors who may be interested in or would benefit from attending.

COUCH POTATOES ARE ON THEIR WAY!

Our tri-weekly walking group is off to a great start! An average of 7-8 walking potatoes has been meeting at Fearrington Cares each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m. for a brisk walk around the Village. Our routes have been varied to keep it interesting. Members have a wide range of walking ability, so there is always someone to buddy with. Some folks decide to venture off on their own and meet us back at Fearrington Cares at the conclusion of our walk. We welcome and encourage any other couch potatoes to join us!

THERAPISTS, PHYSICIANS SOUGHT

One problem that may plague older individuals is falling, and as people become fearful of falling, they may restrict activities they once enjoyed. I would like to develop a workshop/seminar specifically targeted for those who have fallen or have a fear of falling. Topics would include fall prevention and managing the anxiety caused by the fear that they may fall. If there are physical therapists, occupational therapists or former orthopedic physicians in the community who have expertise in this area and would like to volunteer to help with putting together a seminar, please contact the nursing office at 542-6877.

DID YOU KNOW?

UNC Hospital is opening a new 8-10 bed Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit in July. Patients admitted to the unit must be over age 70 and have medical problems that are multi-disciplinary in nature. The unit will be headed by Dr. Jan Busby-Whitehead and staffed by a resident physician, two interns and rotating medical students. A fellowship program will be funding two additional Fellow positions. An open house is planned for sometime in July.

NEW HEALTH INFORMATION REGULATIONS

If you have been to the doctor or dentist recently, you have been hit with information on newly implemented privacy practices and required to sign forms acknowledging receipt of the this information. Fearrington Cares, under the direction of the Chatham County Health Department, is required to give you notice of privacy practices that describe how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you can obtain access to the health information maintained by Fearrington Cares. On your next visit to Fearrington Cares, you will be given privacy information and asked to sign a form acknowledging receipt of the document. The signed acknowledgment is subject to audit by the Health Department and will be maintained with your medical information.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR FOR JULY AND AUGUST

Wednesday, 7/2, 7/16, 8/6, 8/20, 10 a.m.
Blood Pressure Screening, Fearrington Cares Office 542-6877

Friday, 7/18 , 10 a.m.
Hospice Bereavement Support Group Gathering Place
Jan Clark, 542-5545
(Return to the Table of Contents)

FEARRINGTONIANS PROMINENT IN CHATHAM SENIOR GAMES

Eighteen Fearrington residents won medals in the ninth annual Chatham County Senior Games hosted by the Chatham County Council on Aging April 25 through May 5. The events were golf, bocce, cycling, bowling, horseshoes, tennis, track and field, swimming, badminton, basketball and archery.

Another division of the Senior Games was Silver Arts. Participants chose from visual art, heritage art, performing art, literary art and contemporary art. Entries were displayed in the council's art gallery.

More than 85 Chatham County seniors competed. Participants receiving a gold medal qualified to compete on the state level in Raleigh in October.

Fearrington medallists were:

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Badminton Singles-Gold: John Murdock

Golf-Gold: John Custer; Silver: Bud Witthaus

Swimming-
    25-yard breaststroke Gold: Art Lebo, Calista Moon;
    50-yard breaststroke-Gold: Art Lebo, Calista Moon;
   100-yard breaststroke/200-yard breaststroke-Gold: Art Lebo
    25-yard butterfly Gold: Calista Moon;
    25-yard/50-yard/100-yard/200-yard freestyle Gold: Anne Granath

Tennis-
    Singles-Gold: Janice Hunt, Joe Scannell; Silver: John Murdock;
    Doubles-Gold: Bill Cunningham, Lovick Miller, John Murdock, Vaughn Owen, Julia Salsbury, Joe Scannell, Martin Spritzer, Eugene Stuneck.
    Mixed Doubles-Gold: Eugene Stuneck, Mary Stuneck

Standing Long Jump Gold: John Murdock

SILVER ARTS

Visual Arts-Acrylics-Gold: Madeleine Masterman

Watercolor-Gold: Donald Zehl; Silver: Ethel Cunningham; Bronze: Ethel Cunningham; Honorable Mention: Donald Zehl
(Return to the Table of Contents)

AN INVITATION TO PLAY BOCCE

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)

YOGA AND AGING
(Adapted from an article by Mary-Pullig Schatz, M.D.)

There is documented evidence that many yoga students look and act much younger than their years. Almost all report feeling younger and more energetic after just a few weeks of regular practice. Although this evidence didn't address the "fun factor," those of us who regularly attend Yoga At Fearrington can assure you that part is real as well.

Dr. Schatz goes on to report that most declines in functioning associated with the aging process are due to inactivity and/or disease. Inactivity alone causes considerable deterioration in many vital body functions such as cardiac and circulatory function, muscle strength and flexibility, bone and joint integrity, immune function, glucose metabolism and brain function, to name a few. We all have at least a passing acquaintance with the problems that result from prolonged inactivity. They are conditions that adversely affect independence and quality of life, i.e., sleep disorders, constipation, osteoarthritis, an increased likelihood of failing and even depression. Yoga to the rescue.

A regular yoga practice can help curtail and even reverse some aspects of the aging process. The positive effects of a yoga practice can touch all aspects of your life from muscle strength, joint flexibility and improved neuromuscular coordination as well as help you develop your ability to move with ease and confidence. You can easily expect your strength, flexibility and sense of well being to increase.

With this as a backdrop, we suggest you find out from your physician whether the practice of yoga is suitable for you. Then we invite you to join us every Wednesday morning (8:15-9:30) at the Gathering Place so we can share the benefits. For details, please call Laura Hyer 545-8607.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

70+ FEARRINGTONIANS JOIN THE TRIANGLE RACE FOR THE CURE

More than 70 walkers, runners and phantom participants represented Fearrington Village in the Seventh Annual Komen North Carolina Triangle Race for the Cure at Meredith College in Raleigh on Saturday, June 14. The team, Galloway Gals and Guys, was the first ever from Fearrington Village. The Fearrington team joined more than 15,000 other runners and walkers, many of them survivors of breast cancer, in the race to support breast cancer awareness and research.

The Fearrington Team left by chartered bus from the Gathering Place at 6:15 a.m. A number of residents who were not racing got up early to applaud the participants and see them off. The group competed in the open 5 K (3.1 mile) race that left the starting line at Meredith at 8 a.m.

As the clock ticked down to the start, the Galloway Gals and Guys banner was held up and the team members, dressed in their specially designed T-shirts, gathered behind it. On the count of "Three, Two, One, Go," the Fearrington runners broke through the banner to begin the 3.1-mile course.

Prior to that memorable "breakthrough" and to the start of the race, a picture of all of the participating survivors among the 15,000+ people who came to Meredith College for the day's events was taken. The survivors, wearing their pink survivors' T-shirts and caps, formed a pink crossed ribbon, the symbol of breast cancer awareness. Survivors shared stories of hope, fear and love. As Brenna Crowson, the awards ceremony chairman, (running in honor of her mother who died of breast cancer four years ago) said of the day's activities, "It's a four-hanky event."

Gloria Preminger, a member of the Fearrington team, was quoted in The News & Observer as saying "It's important that they find a cure." She is a 33-year survivor of breast cancer.

Many runners wore pink "In Celebration Of" signs on the back of their race shirts to honor friends and family members who had breast cancer. Some of the most moving said simply, "My Mom" and "Gram, My Hero." To experience the sea of runners making their way along Hillsborough Street cannot be adequately described with words. It is an event that must be experienced. Along the racecourse, runners were cheered on by local residents, some accompanied by their dogs wearing pink ribbons around their necks. High fives and congratulations were the order of the day. At the finish line, the crowd cheered the racers.

On the bus ride back to Fearrington, participants used words like inspiring, emotional, gratifying and exhilarating to describe their experience. But the sentiments of the group were best described by one of the members who said, "It was a most uplifting experience. I'm looking forward to participating next year and to eventually not needing a race for the cure."

Special thanks to: R.B. Fitch and Fitch Creations for providing team T-shirts and the bus for the Fearrington Team; Phoebe Lockely-Fox of Fitch Creations for designing and fabricating the fabulous Galloway Gals and Guys T-shirt, and John Shillito for serving as team photographer.
- Gail Smith and Gloria Wilkins.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS THANKED

On behalf of the students, teachers and staff at Silk Hope School, I would like to thank the volunteers from Fearrington Village who have so freely given of their time, energy and enthusiasm to the students of Silk Hope School during the 2002-2003 school year. Your efforts have touched the lives of so many students in a very positive way! We look forward to seeing all of you in the fall. Many thanks!

If there are any other Fearrington residents interested in working with first- and second-grade students, please contact Bonnie Hobgood (Intercede to Succeed teacher) at school (742-3911) or at home (545-0309).
(Return to the Table of Contents)

BOOK DONATIONS NEEDED

In between trips to the shore, the mountains, or the pool, take a few moments to cull your book collection for the September 25-27 book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library.

Hardback and paperback books in good condition on all subjects - children's, adult fiction, mystery, art, history, hobbies and crafts, biography, travel, philosophy, etc. - as well as audio and video tapes are needed. Proceeds support book purchases and library programs.

Bring donations to the circulation desk at the library, where you may request a receipt for tax purposes. Call Bev or Jim Wiggins, 542-4478, or the library, 542-3524, for more information.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

DISPOSING OF YARD WASTE

Question: Is the ban on yard waste at the county collection centers permanent?

Answer: We "temporarily" stopped accepting yard waste at the collection centers after the ice storms, and the Board of Commissioners indefinitely suspended collection a couple of months ago. This reduction in services has not seemed to be an issue for most Chatham residents. Residents in Pittsboro and Siler City have curbside pickup for yard waste, and many county residents burn or compost their yard waste.

County residents in neighborhoods with smaller yards and private haulers (who don't handle yard waste) seem to be affected the most. We encourage those residents to try composting or grass-cycling their yard waste, and we have noticed a steady increase in our compost bin sales. We have two types available at our office for $37 - the Earth Machine and the Home Composter. This is about half the retail price.

Yard waste has always been a "luxury" service at the collection centers. Counties are not required to have a drop-off site for yard debris, but Chatham had 13: the 12 collection centers and the Waste Management Facility. With shrinking budgets and rising fuel costs, hauling yard waste from the 12 centers to our central location must have seemed a prime candidate for reduction in services.

Chatham County residents can still bring yard waste to the Waste Management Facility at 720 County Landfill Road, six miles west of Pittsboro off U.S. 64. (542-5516)      Our hours are: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (extended one hour from 3:30); Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Saturday hours are temporary)

There is no charge for residents doing the work themselves, and landscapers or anyone being paid to haul are charged $18/ton. - Nadine Perry, Waste Reduction Coordinator, Chatham County Waste Management, 542-0130
(Return to the Table of Contents)

REMINDERS ABOUT SUBMISSIONS

Newsletter submissions must be on full sheets of paper to avoid getting lost. Typed items are preferred - in upper and lower case. Please avoid caps, boldface and italics.

It is important that only one designated person submit articles for a particular organization.

Please check your copy (particularly the date and time) before submitting it and mark your submissions clearly - "Newsletter" or "Calendar."

There are two ways to submit items:

      E-mail (the preferred method). Please send in either e-mail message (prinny@mindspring.com) format or as attached documents in MS Word or Rich Text Format (RTF).

      The Newsletter box at the Gathering Place kiosk.

Please do not leave submissions at the FHA office

Please send calendar items to the Newsletter editor.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

NEWSLETTER STAFF

Newsletter-Calendar Editors
Bob Comey
542-0842; Fax: 542-0831
rcomey@mindspring.com

Mary Hammond
545-2026; Fax: Same
prinny@mindspring.com

Layout Editor
Elizabeth Oliver

Directory Editors
Print Version
Michael Cotter
542-4414
joannenmike@hotmail.com

FHA Website Version
Forrest Greenslade
545-9743; Fax: Same
fcg@forrestgreenslade.com

Leonard Kreisman
545-8930
prof3025@nc.rr.com

Mary Hammond edited this issue and will edit the September issue. The deadline for the September issue is Friday, August 15.
(Return to the Table of Contents)

FEARRINGTON MONTHLY CALENDAR

FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR