FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

Happy New Year

CONTENTS
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FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

THE GATHERING PLACE QUILT: A FEARRINGTON TREASURE

“The idea of creating a picture of the Gathering Place, surrounded by typical Fearrington scenes and representatives of the people since they are really what makes Fearrington not only pretty unique, but make IT tick as well."  This is how Nan Michaels (a former resident of Fearrington Village) described the designing of the Gathering Place quilt in her talk to a meeting of Arts & Crafts in November 1996.

The following is based upon Nan’s comments to Arts and Crafts. The story begins not with the Gathering Place quilt, but in 1985 with a notice in the two Village mail kiosks at the time – one in its present location on Creekwood and one in what is now the front yard of McIntyre’s Book Store. The notice offered to teach a class in beginning quilting. Six students expressed interest in learning how to quilt, so in September teachers Ruth Fiesel and Doris Hyatt “launched us on our quilting careers and to bring organized quilting in Fearrington as well.”

At the end of the eight-week course, it was suggested the group might want to continue. Thus on January 14, 1986, the first meeting of the Fearrington Quilters was held with eight members.

About this time, plans were afoot for an Arts & Crafts show to take place in the Barn in May. The Barn in those days was definitely a barn with a dirt floor, not the pleasant meeting place we know today. The show was held and considered a big success and lots of fun: ”a real eye opener to see all the varied talents here at Fearrington.”

In 1987, emboldened by their earlier success. the Fearrington Quilters were ready to tackle a major project. About this time the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill was trying to get established and in need of much support from many sources. Feeling the need to “...do something for others outside our circle..." the Quilters, 12 in number by this time, committed to making a queen-size quilt to be raffled and the proceeds to go to the Ronald McDonald house. It was a big undertaking for the relatively inexperienced group. “But it was mostly fun, and we cleared $1,500 and were proud of ourselves as well."

Moving along, we come to 1989. By this time membership was up to 16, a large group for meeting in homes with all their materials and many newcomers to Fearrington interested in joining the group. Thus, three members of the original group became the nucleus to form a second quilting club, and the Village Quilters was the result. Both clubs continue to be active today.

In September 1989 Nancy Rogerson and Jackie Nouveau received a proposal from then-FHA President John Wait. Would the group be willing to make a large quilted wall hanging for the entrance of the newly built Gathering Place?

"The wall hanging idea really took off. We didn't have a clue as to what we wanted to do, but a design committee of a half-dozen of our most experienced and/or creative members undertook to each present some kind of an original design to the club." From this came the idea of creating a picture of the Gathering Place surrounded by symbols of Fearrington. When the design was pretty much finalized, "...our original mentors, Ruth Fiesel and Doris Hyatt took over to produce the needed templets to make the quilt happen. Templets are patterns of the little pieces that sewn together make the quilt.

 “Producing a large quilt of totally original design such as this is truly a frighteningly large project." Teams were assigned specific areas to do trial pieces from the templets to see if they would fit. Other committees considered colors and fabrics needed for the final production. Many of the little pieces of fabric were donated from personal supplies and there were meetings where the entire time was spent discussing the best fabrics for 2-inch squares. “So all of 1990 was spent in assembling the quilt top.” The newly formed Village Quilters cut and quilted all the paper doll figures surrounding the main picture.

Unfortunately, the quilt was not ready for presentation at the celebration of the first anniversary of the Gathering Place in February 1991, but on April 28 a special meeting was held when the Gathering Place Quilt was formally presented to the Fearrington community. Even after its presentation there were still problems to solve, a way to successfully hang it on the wall. Everett Howell designed the case in which it now hangs – the Plexiglas cover, an expensive project insuring it to hang safely and able to “breathe.”

R.B. Fitch's generous contribution helped make this possible. There is not space to list all the many people who worked long and hard to make this quilt a reality. There is a document on the back of the quilt case that lists them all. Also, the two groups (Fearrington Quilters and Village Quilters) have the list.

How do we show our appreciation for this wonderful gift given to our Village from a group of dedicated quilters? When you go into the Gathering Place stop, look closely, and marvel at “...the many, many tiny individual pieces that comprise, for example, the sky and grass.” – Betty Lu Long

Editor’s note: This article by Betty Lu Long appeared in the July-August 1999 issue of the Newsletter.  A second article by Nancy Lee Rogerson will be reprinted in the February newsletter. The articles are being reprinted in reponse to a number of inquiries about the history of the quilt.
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RESULTS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD BANK CHALLENGE

We are very pleased to announce that during the 19-day contest, which ended December 12, Fearringtonians generously gave:

The Food Bank will not be able to post the results of all the Neighborhoods until after the due date for submitting articles to this Newsletter. We will give the final results on the FHA Electronic Bulletin Board and in the February Newsletter.
 
Particular thanks are due to all the people who donated food, money and Greenpoints. Others who helped greatly were the FHA Board, the Gathering Place office volunteers, the CCB branch office staff, the Market & Cafe staff as well as the Fearrington Cares' nurse and staff. Thank you all very much. -Tom Hauck
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WHAT’S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

ATTENTION: FEARRINGTON FOODIES: RECIPES REQUESTED —LAST CALL

Now that the holidays are behind us and we have time to breathe again, how about sitting down and looking through your cache of recipes to find one that you are willing to share with your friends and neighbors.  Send it in to one of our neighborhood contact persons and we will add it to the 150 we have already received for the Fearrington Cares Cookbook.  Deadline for receiving recipes
Is January 31.  Contact persons are:

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JANUARY READINGS AT MCINTYRES

Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m., Tony Abbot will read from Leaving Maggie Hope, which won the 2003 Novello Literary Award. Tony is the former chairman of the Department of English at Davidson College
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Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. Alan Cutler will read from and sign his new work, The Seashell on the Mountaintop.

Sunday, January 18 , 2:00 p.m, Elizabeth Buchan, author of the best-selling Revenge of the Middle-Aged Women, will be reading from her new novel The Good Wife Strikes Back, 

Sunday, January 25, 2:00 pm, Blaine Paxton Hall will read from his memoir, Hestia's House,

Saturday, January 31, 11:00 am, The fair and very talented Haven Kimmel will read from her new novel, Something Rising :Light and Swift
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AN INVITATION TO FEARRINGTON WIDOWERS

There is a group of widowers in Fearrington that meet weekly for fellowship. It starts with a social hour with drinks and snacks followed by carpooling to dinner.

The meetings are held on Wednesday evenings starting at 5:30 p.m.  The host for the evening picks the restaurant for the night.  It is all very informal, no dues, no rules.  If you would like to learn more about this group, we would like very much to hear from you.  Please contact Stephen Hudak 542-3757 or Joe Prendergast 542-6275.
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DUPLICATE BRIDGE

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Holiday and will enter the new year with renewed pep and vigor.  Duplicate Bridge is a great outlet for all of this new energy.  It will brighten up a gray January Wednesday, and just think of all the fun you'll have too.  Please join us on most Wednesdays for a satisfying afternoon of bridge.  We're friendly, fun and fabulous and we welcome everyone who is interested in a little bridge competition.  Newcomers, its a great way to meet new people too. Contact Dorothy Samitz,  542-6811.
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ARTS & CRAFTS, ETC

What a wonderful holiday spirit the joint Christmas luncheon with the Women's Club spread to all who attended.  Many, many thanks to those from both clubs who planned so diligently to make it such a successful event.
 
We would also like to say thanks for the generosity of Arts & Crafts, Etc. members and residents of the Fearrington community.  The holiday wishes of the patients from Chatham County at John Umstead Hospital were met with an abundance of beautiful, brightly wrapped gifts.  And for the 14th consecutive year, Eleanor Peterson, the "chocolate lady," with assistance from Shirley Griffin, prepared a box of elegant and delicious hand-dipped chocolates as an added special treat for each of the patients. 
 
The Foster Children's Gift project was also generously supported by club members and deeply appreciated by the recipients.
 
Our first meeting for the new year will be on Monday, January 5 at 1:30 PM.  Wendy and Jacques DuFour who own French Connections in Pittsboro will be guest speakers.   The eclectic shop deals in French antiques and African arts & crafts.  They will talk about the how and why of French Connections settling in Pittsboro and Chatham County. Wendy will also share with us her special interest in quilting. 

Save the Date- Thursday April 15th, 2004 for a trip to Winston Salem featuring a visit to the N.C. School of the Arts, Lunch and a visit to the Downtown Arts District and the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery & Shop.
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WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB SPECIAL MEETING

The Wednesday afternoon Book Club will hold the January 10 meeting at the Barn for the author’s reading from “The Secret Life of Bees”. The reading is at 11 AM right after an auction at 10 AM.  Following the reading, Book Club members will have lunch together at the Market.  We need to know who will attend the lunch so our reservation will be correct.  Please call Ginny Mellencamp at 545-0967 by January 5 if you will join us.
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FEARRINGTON CATHOLICS ANNUAL MEETING

Fearrington Catholics will hold an annual meeting on Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 1:00PM at the Gathering Place.  Please join us to discover activities and exchange ideas.  Wine and cheese will be served.  Loretta Gilson
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FEARRINGTON SWIM AND CROQUET CLUB ANNUAL MEETING

The Fearrington Swim and Croquet Club will hold the annual meeting on January 11 at 2 PM in the Gathering Place. All members are invited to come and to vote for new nominees for our board. Those who cannot attend the meeting are invited to drop their ballots on the porch at the Salsbury's at 495 Beechmast.
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ISSUES OF AGEING AMONG FRIENDS

James Tulsky MD will be the speaker for the Fearrington Havurah meeting scheduled for January 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place.  Dr. Tulsky is Director of the Program on the Medical Encounter and Palliative Care at the Durham VA Medical Center, Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Director of the Institute on Care at the End of Life at Duke University.  This is a return visit for Dr. Tulsky, and he will present the second of his dynamic and insightful lectures on the Issues of Ageing Among Friends.  Guests are welcome. 
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ACUPUNCTURE

 Makil Lawrence will present a program on traditional Chinese acupuncture to the Fearrington Vegetarian Club on Wednesday, January 14 at 6:30 at the Gathering Place. All are welcome. Please call Margaret George 542-4609 or Maggie Gaudet 545-0494 if you would like to attend.
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FEARRINGTON GARDEN CLUB

The Fearrington Garden Club will meet on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place.  Pat Michenfelder, owner of Miche Gardens will speak about proper Fall & Winter pruning and trimming of  shrubs.  Pat will also discuss Winter & Spring garden preparation.  There will be time for Q & A following the presentation.

Miche Gardens has been in business for 13 years, the last 2 of which have been at it's present location at 86 Beaver Creek Rd. in Apex, just off Hwy. 64.  Besides a nursery and gift shop, Miche Gardens does landscaping, including some properties here in Fearrington.

We hope to see all of our members, and of course all Fearrington  residents are invited to attend.  Refreshments will follow the meeting.
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FEARRINGTON WOMEN’S CLUB TO HEAR UNC CHAMBER SINGERS

On Wednesday, January 21 at 2:00 PM at the Gathering Place, the Fearrington Women’s Club will hold its first meeting of 2004.  The program will continue as the second in a series of programs, “The Year Of The UNC Woman At Work. “

Susan Klebanow, Professor of Music, Associate Chair of Applied Studies, and Chair of Choral Activities at UNC-Chapel Hill, will be featured.  Ms. Klebanow received UNC’s Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 1998 and a Chapman Fellowship at the Institute of the Arts and Humanities in 2003.  An accomplished soprano, she has performed extensively in North America.

Professor Klebanow conducts the Carolina Choir and the UNC Chamber Singers.  She will conduct a performance of the UNC Chamber Singers at the FWC’s January meeting.

Looking Ahead … Wednesday, February 18 – “Their Brilliant Careers: English Aristocratic Woman” presented by Barbara Harris, Professor of History and Director of Women’s Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Saturday, February 28 – Book, Bake & Boutique Sale, at the Gathering Place, 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
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FEARRINGTON FRIENDS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART

The Fearrington Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Art are pleased to announce our first program for 2004. On Friday January 23, at 3 pm at the Gathering Place, our guest speaker will be Ashley Weinard, Assistant Director of Education at the museum. He will share with us the many ways of looking at art. A Wine and Cheese reception will follow. This is a fine time to renew your yearly membership in The Fearrington Friends or join for $10. Questions? Please call Peggy Jo Kirby at 542- 1991.
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FEARRINGTON DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

The Fearrington Democratic Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:15 p.m. in the Gathering Place. Our speaker will be Sorien Schmidt, a member of the staff of the North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center. Ms. Schmidt is an advocate, policy analyst, researcher, and resource person on living income, living wages, welfare reform and other public assistance issues. She is the author of the Center’s acclaimed report Working Hard Is Still Not Enough (May 2003). This research found that, on average, North Carolina families with children need more than double the federal poverty level to survive and that nearly 60% of these families are earnng less than they need. She will speak with us about the findings of this report and implications for our state and our nation. All Fearrington residents are welcome.

On Tuesday, February 24 at 7:15 p.m., we will talk about the Democratic presidential candidates (still standing!!) and hold a straw vote to determine our candidate of choice at that point.
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FEARRINGTON REPUBLICAN CLUB

The Fearrington Republican Club is pleased to host Todd Batchelor, Howard Mason, and Robert "Whit" Whitfield on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:30 at the Gathering Place. All are candidates in the Republican primary for the North Carolina Fourth District Congressional seat, currently held by Representative David Price. 

Batchelor, a Navy veteran, is a bid administrator with Bob Barker Company.  He is for making President Bush's tax cuts permanent and is against wasteful spending.  Mason is on the board of Citizens for an Alternative Tax System, an organization that wants to eliminate the IRS and replace it with a national sales tax. He ran for Congress in Ohio and moved here in 1997. Whitfield, a Navy veteran and Hillsborough lawyer, ran for District Court judge in the late 1980s. Whit favors allowing a person to privately invest a portion of their Social Security deduction.

We will try to bring the Republican candidates to you so that you may make an informed choice in the primary. Each candidate will speak, followed by a Q&A period and refreshments. More candidates will come if there is a large turnout among Fearrington's 400 Republicans.

All Fearrington residents are invited. 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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DONATIONS NEEDED FOR BOOK, BAKE & BOUTIQUE SALE

Mark your calendar now!  The Fearrington Women’s Club Annual Book, Bake & Boutique Sale will be held at the Gathering Place on Saturday, February 28 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  Now is the time to start planning your donations for this fundraiser that benefits Chatham County charities.

Books, CD’s, and audio taped books should be taken to Madge Hoyt’s garage at 729 Barnsley.  The garage door will be left open from 9 Am until 5 PM.  Just drop your donations off there.

Carol Vatter will be collecting the boutique items.  Any time after January 1 you can leave your donations on her front porch at 586 Woodbury.  New or gently used items in good conditions such as artwork, glass, jewelry, table linens, kitchen items, lamps, and knick-knacks are needed.

Deborah Disabatino (542-2438) will coordinate items for the bake sale.  Your homemade baked goods, soups, and casseroles along with any gourmet food you might receive and not use would be welcome donations. Debbie will also run a café during the sale so plan to come, browse, shop and enjoy lunch with your friends and guests. 
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TRASH AND RECYCLE SCHEDULES: JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2004

A concerned resident has requested that the newsletter publish a copy of the Holiday trash pickup schedule for 2004.  The schedule will appear in the February Issue.  There will be no change in the usual pickups New Years Week. The Editor
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LUMINARIES

Through the generous support of Fearrington Residents who donated :to the luminary display and your additional donations, this year we collected just under $4000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. With the tireless volunteer help and your generosity, families of children diagnosed with cancer and other devastating conditions will be sheltered, fed, and nurtured during the coming year at this home-away-from-home while their children are treated at area hospitals. Many thanks for your loving gifts and help with this project.  Bunny Shillito and Anna Lees Cobb.
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NEWS FROM R.B. FITCH

Grand Champion - 20 years ago we brought Belted Galloways to Fearrington and for the last 10 Robert and Bob have been hard at work trying to win a Grand Championship at the NC State Fair. This was the year. Temptation won Grand Champion Female and Fearrington Sancho won Reserve Grand Champion Male... Congratulations. Their hard work paid off and they continue in their efforts to improve the breed.

Fearrington Grocery Co. - Dan, Jen, Laura, and now Hilary are committed to making Fearrington Grocery Co. (FGC) the best little grocery store anywhere. Hilary has joined FGC from the Fearrington House where she trained as Assistant Sommelier and Fromagier. New ideas and merchandise emerge almost daily. Your suggestions of items to carry are always appreciated.

New Kids on the Block- Things are happening in the  goat arena. With winter shelter is in place and underbrush disappearing. Things are good in the barn yard.

Crocodile Creek is a great addition to the village center. Owner Steve Brown and Manager Stephanie Helsman have done wonders with the space.

Galloway Ridge is off and running and is going to be a great addition to Fearrington. Stan plans to be completely sold out by the time the facility opens... They plan to start pouring the footings for the commons building this week with completion is 18 to 24 months.
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NO DUMPING PLEASE

Some Fearrington residents have been dumping garden refuse and trash in Bush Creek near the junction of East Camden and Millcroft. The dumping of this trash is unsightly and shows a lack of regard for your neighbors.   Please respect your neighbors who enjoy walking in the area and help keep Fearrington beautiful by using a proper receptacle for all your trash.
-Jane Palkoski
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HEALTH AND FITNESS

FEARRINGTON CARES NEWS

Nurse’s Notes. I hope all of you Fearringtonians survived the holiday season and arrived home from your travels safe and sound.  Now we must work hard to stay fit healthy until spring arrives and we can again get outside to play.  For those hardy souls out there, we will continue our three times weekly morning walks beginning at 8AM.  However, if it is simply too painful to get out of bed on cold mornings, I won’t hold it against you.  You can always join us when the weather is more tolerable.

Survey of Younger Residents – Update. In mid-November we distributed a survey to residents who are younger than 50 years old and may (or may not) have children living at home.  The survey was distributed to about 65 residents who were identified as being in this age group.  The response rate has been very poor with only one (count them, ONE) survey returned as of this writing.  Based on the low response rate, should we assume that Fearrington Cares services and programs do not appeal to the younger resident, or that this group is unable to use our services?  We’d rather not assume, but would rather receive some data upon which to base our decisions about developing other health programs.  If you received a survey, please take a minute to complete it and send back to us at 2020 Fearrington Post or drop it by our offices in the Village at 304 Parkview.

Foot Care Clinic Planned. Did you know that 80% of individuals 65 years and older have a type of foot dysfunction that can impair mobility?  Foot problems can cause loss of independence, severe alterations of lifestyle and can further effect the aging process by increasing the likelihood of falls.  Fearrington Cares will begin offering a monthly Foot Care Clinic for residents who have problems with their feet, particularly diabetics, and for those who need some professional help in caring for their feet.  However, in order to make the clinic a success and be able to offer the service to a larger audience, we need 5-7 volunteer nurses!  If you are a current (or retired) RN or LPN, WE NEED YOU!  Training will be provided including initial physical assessment and care for feet and toenails.  The clinic will be held once monthly for a 2-hour period.  Please contact Joyce Baird, Nurse Coordinator at Fearrington Cares if you can help us provide this service to residents.  If we are able to gather enough nursing resource, we hope to have the clinic operational by March 2004.

Check Out Our New Website – REPEAT PERFORMANCE. Fearrington Cares has a new (and much improved) website.  The website can be accessed through the FHA website by clicking first on Organizations, and then clicking on Fearrington Cares; or you can go directly to the website by typing fhafearrington.org/fearringtoncares/.  The website will be updated regularly so you won’t have any excuse for missing important news or health programs.  A big “THANK YOU” goes to Merv Shumate for shepherding the development of the new website.

Handy-person Services. As you know, Fearrington Cares offers a volunteer Handy Person service. These volunteers are available to assist you with light tasks such as changing light bulbs that are difficult to reach, repairing a broken lamp, retrieving an item from the attic, charging a dead car battery and repairing a scale. However, they should not be considered substitutes for carpenters, plumbers, electricians or painters. A list of people, recommended by residents, performing those services is available in the FHA office. Fearrington Cares has given the Handy person volunteers the responsibility of deciding whether or not they can perform a requested service, thus protecting them from physical injury as well as preventing the service from being inappropriately used. The Handy Person co-chairs should be considered consultants; if they can not complete the task themselves, they will advise a suitable alternative solution in a helpful manner

Student Nurse News. Due to the success of our first experience with hosting a UNC nursing student, we will be hosting a second student beginning on January 15.   If you have an idea for a special health related project that the student could tackle, or would like to work with Fearrington Cares and the student on a particular issue, we’d love to hear from you.
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FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR

Walking Group – Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8 a.m., Nursing Office

Blood Pressure Clinic – Wednesday, January 7 and 21, 10 a.m. – Noon, Nursing Office

Grief Support – Friday, January 23, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Small Conference Room – Gathering Place
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REMINDER AND TIPS FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN WINTER

With the recent change to Standard Time, it’s worthwhile mentioning a few reminders to ensure we all enjoy a safe winter walking and running in Fearrington Village.  In the United States, a pedestrian is killed every six minutes by a motor vehicle.  Over 5,000 are killed and 85,000 injured each year.  750 bicyclists are killed and 51,000 injured annually by motor vehicles.

With it becoming darker earlier, there will be an increased prevalence of walkers, joggers, and cyclists on Fearrington Village streets after dark.  Motorists should be aware of their speed and their individual reaction times to ensure they have time to avoid roadside walkers and runners.  When approaching a walker or runner, turn off high beam headlamps, reduce speed, and if no oncoming traffic is present, move to the center of the road to allow ample space between the vehicle and pedestrian.  Special care should be taken around turns and curves in the road, and when exiting driveways.  Always slow down, and be sure there are no pedestrians in your path.  Remember, in a collision with a pedestrian, the motor vehicle always wins! 

Please show patience and consideration for your neighbors when driving through the Village at night.

Pedestrians can help contribute to safety, too.  When walking or jogging at night, wear a headlamp or carry a flashlight.  Wear bright or reflective clothing, and always run or walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.  When possible, use the footpath or sidewalk.  Never assume that an oncoming vehicle can see you, even when wearing reflective clothing.  Always keep dogs on a leash, and use lighted or reflective collars when possible.

SAFETY TIPS FOR  DRIVERS:

Obey Village speed limit at all times
Slow down around curves
Exercise caution when exiting driveways
Low beams once pedestrians are sighted
Move to center of road to allow ample room to pass if it is safe to do so
If there is oncoming traffic, slow down, wait to pass

SAFETY TIPS FOR  RUNNERS AND WALKERS:

Always carry a light after dark
Walk or run facing traffic
Wear reflective or bright colored clothing
Carry identification or make sure someone knows your route
Keep pets on a leash and children close by
Use footpaths and sidewalks when possible
Report unsafe motorists     -Dr. David Johnston
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE A HUGE SUCCESS

The November Red Cross blood drive sponsored by Fearrington Cares at the Gathering Place was a huge success! Forty-two productive units were collected and the Red Cross is very appreciative of Fearrington's efforts. We exceeded our quota of 30  units and all those who donated are to be congratulated! Many thanks to all and thanks also to Betty Cobb and Mary Stuneck for their help in making things go smoothly. Hopefully another drive will be held early next spring. Please watch the newsletter for the notice. Martha J. Wilson
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WHAT’S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON

FRIENDS OF THE PITTSBORO MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library activities related to "A Community Read:  The Secret Life of Bees:"

Community Read Artists' Challenge for works inspired by the images in the book.  There will be a preview and reception at 7:30 PM on Friday, January 9, in the library's Reeve's auditorium.  The works will be offered at silent auction on Saturday, January 10, in the Barn, 10:00-11:00 AM.

The culmination of the Community Read will be a talk by the author, Sue Monk Kidd, on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 AM in the Barn.
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OPHTHALMOLOGIST TO ADDRESS MEN’S NEWCOMERS GROUP

Fellow newcomer Dr. John Wright, who practices pediatric ophthalmology at the UNC Medical Center, will be the guest speaker at the January Men’s Luncheon of the Greater Chapel Hill Newcomers Club. John worked for five weeks in pediatric ophthalmology at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the early ’80s. John will be sharing his experiences and observations, summarized, as “It was the longest five weeks I’ve spent in the medical field. Some interesting things happened.”

The luncheon will be held Friday, January 16, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel Hill Country Club. All Fearrington newcomers and alumni are welcome.  Advance cost for a Soup ’n Salad buffet is $11. Please RSVP to Warren Wagner (542-6043) by January 10.   Checks should be payable and mailed to Warren at 141 Fearrington Post. Please remit by January 10. If you pay at the door, bring $12.
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UN ASSOCIATION TO DISCUSS PREEMPTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE UN CHARTER

Although the United States has always reserved the right to act unilaterally to preempt perceived threats to its national security, the policy was unspoken. The U.S.’s adherence to the United Nations Charter had presumably ruled out unilateral action in favor of an international security system collectively maintained by all nations. Thus, the Bush Administration’s announcement of a doctrine of preemption shocked the world while putting America at odds with old allies in the UN.

The U.N. Association’s "Lunch and Learn" meeting on January 28 will hear Dr. Jerry Pubantz, Professor of Political Science at Salem College, discuss the implications of the doctrine of preemption in his talk on "American Empire and the United Nations: What Next?"

Dr. Pubantz is Professor of Political Science at Salem College. He has written and spoken extensively about the United Nations, U.S. - Russian Relations, the Middle East, and American Foreign Policy. Dr. Pubantz appears regularly on North Carolina television to discuss American politics and international affairs and he has lectured at universities across the nation and abroad.

The meeting will take place at noon on Wednesday, January 28, at the Holiday Inn on 15-501 Bypass in Chapel Hill. For reservations send a $15 check payable to "UNA-West Triangle Chapter" to Barbara Walburn, 247 Carolina Meadows Villa, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, January 22. Questions to Barbara at 967-6853
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CHATHAM COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING

All interested Chatham residents are cordially invited to the Chatham County Historical Association's annual meeting on Thursday, January 29, to hear Murray Andrew trace the development of the Quaker Religion, starting in England and ending in Chatham County. 

The meeting will be held at the Chatham County Community College, General Purpose Room starting at 7 p.m.  Mr. Andrew is a Siler City Resident, and a former principal of Jordan Matthews High School.
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THEATRE OR* TO PRESENT THE CHOSEN  IN DURHAM AND RALEIGH

Theatre Or, a new, non-profit theatre company, will present its debut production, The Chosen, based on the beloved novel by Chaim Potok, at Judea Reform Congregation in Durham on January 31- Feb 8, 2004, and at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh on February 14-15.  “Our mission is to produce professional, provocative, theatre with Jewish perspective and universal appeal,” according to co-founder and Producing Director, Diane Gilboa, a local independent producer and current Vice President of the Triangle Network of Theatres.
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MUSICAL NOTES

RALEIGH CHAMBER MUSIC GUILD PRESENTS TWO CONCERTS IN JANUARY

On Sunday January 11 at 3 p.m., the CIOMPI QUARTET will perform at the North Carolina Museum of Art.  This RCMG concert is in conjunction with the Museum’s anniversary flight exhibition “Gravity’s Pull.”  For those who have never attended any of these “Sights and Sounds” concerts at the N.C. Museum, may I suggest that you can dine, view art and hear a wonderful concert all in one glorious afternoon?

On Sunday January 25 at 3 p.m., the Pacifica String Quartet will be performing at the beautiful Fletcher Opera Theater in the BTI Center in Raleigh.  Since they were formed in 1994, the Pacifica Quartet has been winning prizes at top music competitions.  For this concert, they will be joined by cellist Paul Katz who has been a member of the Cleveland Quartet.

Both concerts are part of subscription series but single ticket buyers are welcome. Call the Raleigh Chamber Music Guild for tickets to either performance at 919-821-2030 or get in touch with me, Carol Feuer, at 542-2626 for further information about the concerts, carpools, directions, etc.
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LIKE TO SING?  COME TO CHCC'S "OPEN" REHEARSALS IN JANUARY

The Chapel Hill Community Chorus begins its spring semester with "open" rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, January 13, 20 and 27.  Open rehearsals are an opportunity for prospective members to participate in the chorus without making a commitment to join.  While auditions are not requested, vocal placement with the director is required.

The chorus, led by Dr. Sue T. Klausmeyer, will present its spring concert on the evening of Friday, May 14.  The spring program features "A German Requiem" by Johannes Brahms.  Other works on the program are by Edwin Fissinger, Morten Lauridsen and Thomas
Tallis.

The chorus meets every Tuesday, 7:30 PM, at the Olin T. Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. Registration begins at 7PM on January 13. Registration fee is $40 plus the cost of music.  Additional information and on-line registration are available at:  www.chapelhillcommunitychorus.org.
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FOUNDING MEMBERS  OF BORROMEO STRING QUARTET TO PLAY

In their first performance in Fearrington Village, two of the founding members of the acclaimed Borromeo String Quartet will perform for the Fearrington Concert Series on January 25. Nicholas Kitchen, violinist, is widely known for his spectacular technique and musical expression. He has performed in Opera Bastille in Paris, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Carnegie Hall in New York. He received the Presidential Scholar In The Arts Award and the Albert Schweitzer Medallion for Artistry. He is artistic director of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival and on the Faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music

Yessun Kim, cellist, enjoys worldwide acclaim for her performances in more than 20 countries including her native Korea. A much sought after musician, Ms Kim has performed at such music festivals as Spoleto in the U.S and Italy, Marlboro and in Santa Fe. She is active with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and on the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music

The concert will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 3 p.m. in the Gathering Place.  Non-subscribers may take empty seats, if available, in the Gathering Place shortly before 3 p.m. The charge is $10.
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BOARD BRIEFINGS

NOMINATING COMMITTEE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR 2005 BOARD POSITIONS 

Since its inception approximately 25 years ago, the affairs of the Fearrington Homeowners Association has been managed by a staff of resident volunteers.   However, continued success is very much dependent on recruiting capable volunteers willing to give freely of their time.

If you wish to be considered for one of the following FHA Board positions for a two year term starting in January 2005, would you please contact Ken Richardson, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, 542-2313.
 
The primary job would be to serve as a member on the FHA Board of Directors.  The following information would be a portion of the responsibilities for each FHA Director.
 
l. VICE - PRESIDENT - Chair several committees and be readily available take on responsibilities in the absence of the FHA President. 

2.  TREASURER - Responsible for financial affairs of the FHA including disbursements and investments. 

3.  FINANCIAL OFFICER - Maintains the bank account database that permits the drafting of annual dues and performs the procedures required to draft the funds. 

4.  DIRECTOR COUNTY LIAISON - Follows the meetings of the Chatham County Commissioners, the Planning Board and other Governmental Bodies, keeping in mind the interests of Fearrington Village residents. 

5. NOMINATING COMMITTEE - The Nominating Committee shall prepare a single slate of nominees to fill the expiring terms of officers on the FHA Board and members of the Nominating Committee.
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DECEMBER FHA BOARD REPORT

President Kern called the meeting to order on 12/2/03. Treasurer Chut reported that when outstanding bills are processed we will have between $7-9,000 to transfer to reserves. This is less than budgeted but an improvement over last year.

Community Affairs Director Jones reported a carpenter repaired the tin roof on the Smokehouse Library and added bookshelves.  Don George noted that two additional shelves would be added as the library expands.  He asked that donations be placed in the old smokehouse and not the kiosk.  No old phonebooks please.
Grounds and facilities – Nancy Kern forwarded John Custer’s thanks for all the help he has received from residents these last four year.  She commended John for an excellent job, responding quickly to all problems with good humor and efficiency.  She welcomed Steve Bodner, the new director. Evy Barrow asked about the progress on grading and repair of the Smokehouse parking lot.  Bodner stated he would follow-up on the parking lot project, which has been budgeted.

Covenant Concerns Director Olsen stated that the Bush Creek covenant committee had requested two alternates to guarantee a 3-person panel to discuss issues.  Olsen proposed extending this option to all committees.  The motion was approved.

The volunteers have been nursing the Gathering Place Office copy machine for some time.  The Board discussed requesting a new machine from the vendor, upgrading our contract and raising charges per copy.

County Liaison Chair Al Lebeau discussed recent land use issues in the county.  After meeting with county residents, the Chatham Downs developer revised the 28 acres site plan for a 184,000 square foot retail center at the intersection of 15/501 and Lystra Roads.  Meanwhile more than 1,025 individuals have signed a petition objecting to the project.

Last spring Duke University announced its intention to sell land along the Haw River in Chatham County.  The land straddles both sides of the Haw River, between US routes 15/501 and 64, from Bynum to about four miles down river toward Jordan Lake.  NC Division of Parks and Recreation now has an option to buy the forested land for $2.5 million.  They intend to make the land available to the public for canoeing, hiking and fishing. Chatham County has expressed interest in 25 acres of the property, which the commissioners believe holds economic development potential in the future.  

(Click here for complete County Liaison Report)

Financial officer Richard Bird stated that the annual dues statements will be mailed next week.  He asks residents to please sign up to pay by debit.

Evy Barrow asked for follow-up on the visit of the postmaster last month, specifically what had been decided about a request to delete Fearrington Village and Fearrington from the zip code database to simplify mailing. President Kern reported that ballots are in the December newsletter to determine resident opinion.  The votes will be tallied and the result reported at the January FHA meeting.  The Board will follow the simple majority opinion.

The next meeting is January 6, 2004.
Submitted by Mary Hammond, FHA Secretary
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GATHERING PLACE INFORMATION FOR 2004

For assistance or questions call Lisa Stewart, Gathering Place Director (545-0606)

Gathering Place Scheduler: To schedule use of the Gathering Place for ANY function please call Clairbeth Lehn at 542-3003 or e-mail her at clehn@unc.edu.

Key People -If you need someone to let you have access to the Gathering Place for a reserved function please call the following women. They have keys and can let you in.
 

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DEER CENSUS RESULTS

The FHA Deer Committee extends its thanks to the thirty-five public-spirited Fearringtonians who assisted with the deer census the afternoon of December 7th. With the entire Village well covered during a two-hour period that day, the census takers spotted 131 deer. That number is more than half again the deer population estimated during the summer census, which used a different method and only half as many spotters.

The December census validates this summer's estimate of about forty deer moving about in the area between Creekwood Drive and Beechmast. With more spotters providing more complete coverage, the census more than doubles, to forty, the number of deer estimated to live in the Woods. With twenty-one observed in Bush Creek and the East Camden-Millcroft route connecting it to Camden Park, that area seems to be the third deer hot spot. The numbers for other parts of the Village ranged from three to nine each.

The results of the census will become part of the report submitted to the new FHA Board by the Deer Committee.

The day before the census Fearrington had its first (?) deer-vehicle collision of the current mating season, making this a good time to advise residents that should they hit a deer or find a dead one on their property the Chatham County office of the Highway Department is the agency to call (742-3431) to arrange for its removal.
Dik van Iten
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2004 DIRECTORY PROOF IS IN THE FHA OFFICE

There won't be any directory updates in this month's newsletter.  A proof copy of the 2004 directory is now in the FHA office and will be there the rest of this month.  I encourage residents who are new, or who aren't certain if their listing is correct to stop by the office and check it out. I particularly ask service groups and Fearrington organizations to check their listings and update as necessary. As usual, corrections or additions can be left on a sheet of paper in my slot at the office, or sent to me by email or phone.  Michael Cotter, Directory Editor (542-4414)
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NEWSLETTER/CALENDAR EDITORS

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

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

Layout Editor
Bill Schneerer

Directory Editors

Print Version

Michael Cotter
542-4414
joannenmike@hotmail.com

FHA Website Version
John Rimmler
545-0550; Fax 545-0532
jdrimmler@mindspring.com

Mary Hammond edited this issue.
Mary Hammond will edit the  February  issue.

The deadline for February is Thursday, January 15.
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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, not caps. And please avoid using caps, boldface and italics in the text.

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). Both editors have e-mail and can easily redirect items if necessary, but it is best to check the box at  the left and submit articles to the current month’s editor. Please send in either e-mail message 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.
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FEARRINGTON MONTHLY CALENDAR