FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

CONTENTS
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FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

MY DAY ON TRIANGLE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
RIDING THE CTN: ‘IT REALLY DOES WORK!’

To be certain that the accompanying data collected by the FHA Long-Range Planning Committee’s Transportation Subcommittee was accurate, our intrepid chairman, Bob Steen, set out to actually follow the directions. (Click here to see the Transportation Information.)

Here is his account of: an adventurous day in the service of our community.

Our thanks to Bob, Doris Bernlohr, Claire Levitt and Alice Maurer for true investigative reporting. – Evy Barrow, Chair, Long-Range Planning Committee.

By Bob Steen

Riding the CTN is not like riding the “A” Train, but the CTN – the Chatham Transit Network – will certainly be more useful for Fearrington residents needing transportation to key locations in the Triangle.

I faced, one rainy day in early February, my first experience with the Chatham County public transportation system. My initial nervousness that I might get soaked at a bus stop, or get left far from home without a ride, was quickly dispelled by the employees and riders I met. I was pleasantly surprised. The system really does work! It can get you easily and cheaply from your doorstep in Fearrington to many useful places, like Chatham Crossing, UNC and Duke hospitals, Southpoint and RDU airport. And it can get you back to your front door the same day.

My day started with the decision at 8 a.m. to test the system on behalf of the citizens of Fearrington. I called the CTN dispatcher in Pittsboro to learn that there was a space on the van heading from Pittsboro to Chapel Hill to arrive at 8:30. Fifteen minutes later, there was a loud honking outside. The four or five riders aboard welcomed me.

I was off on my big adventure. The first passenger was dropped off at Lowes at Chatham Crossing about 10 minutes later. The remaining passengers disembarked at either the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) or the UNC main hospital in Chapel Hill. Travel to and from Chatham Crossing or anywhere in Chapel Hill is quite simple and effective as long as your schedule matches the CTN’s. Once at the hospital complex, access to the Chapel Hill Transit system is convenient and free (and well used).

On the way into the ACC, I had noticed a bus stop sign for the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA). The driver was happy to let me off there on his way out. Although there is no rain shelter at this stop, it is otherwise the ideal place to wait for TTA bus 402 or 412 to Research Triangle Park (with access to the TTA shuttle to the airport) or 412 to Southpoint. However, this is an optional stop so any passenger wishing to use this stop must hail the bus.

I learned this the hard way by having my head in the window of a passing car, giving the driver directions to Interstate 40 while my bus passed the stop. Having failed to wave down the first TTA bus, I decided to see if there was another stop nearer to the hospital. Sure enough, there is a nice stop with a rain shelter directly in front of the main hospital. The stop is clearly marked as a Chapel Hill Transit stop, but I could not see a TTA marking. However, the TTA does stop here.

From here I took the TTA bus 402 marked “RTP via Woodcroft.” This and TTA bus 412 follow the same route to the RTP, except that 412 goes via Southpoint instead of Woodcroft. Both take about 35 minutes to get to the main TTA hub in the Triangle. I arrived there about 10:10 a.m. Had I taken the bus I missed by giving directions, I would have arrived at 9:10. Although I did not go on to the airport, I spoke to the shuttle driver who assured me that the shuttles are synchronized with the arrival of the buses from Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh so that the wait is only about 5 minutes. She assured me that I could be at any RDU terminal in 20 minutes if I had boarded her shuttle bus.

During the ride costing $1.50 (exact change), I was comfortably able to use my laptop, read the paper and work on my understanding of the TTA routes. In fact, the TTA system is fairly simple. The even-numbered 400 buses – 402 and 412 – go counterclockwise around a loop from Chapel Hill to RDU to Durham to Chapel Hill while the odd-numbered buses – 403 and 413 – go clockwise around this same route. To fully understand the loop, I decided to stay on the 402. The return trip to Chapel Hill via Durham and Duke Hospital was uneventful and got me back to Franklin Street in time to have a latte at Starbuck’s, log onto the Internet and update my transportation report. At about noon, I headed back on foot (the rain had stopped) to the ACC bus stop of the CTN where the same driver assured me that he would wait a few minutes if he knew a passenger was arriving 5 or 10 minutes late on a TTA bus from RTP or Southpoint.

The only surprise I got was the bill. I had been told that the fare was $1 for people under 13 or over 59 or disabled. When I informed Ira that I was 61 (everyone thinks I am younger, so this is normal for me), he checked with the dispatcher who told him that the age cutoff was 62. I paid the $2. Later, I confirmed with CTN that the cutoff is over 59, not 62 – so, you Fearrington residents between the ages of 60 and 62, stick to your guns!

I am back in my cozy home, typing this with full confidence that I can travel pretty much anywhere in the Triangle by public transportation without getting abandoned or soaked by rain! I encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource on your next trip to Chatham Crossing, Chapel Hill or the airport. As they say: USE IT OR LOSE IT!
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2004 DIRECTORY ON THE WAY

As I write this, the 2004 Directory has gone to the printer. It should be finished and be ready for delivery about the time you get this Newsletter. You will note two major changes this year.

First, the Camden Park listings in the “Lot and House Index” are by street number, not lot number. I’m indebted to Carol Reuss for the idea, and to Bob Hoogstoel for executing it on the computer.

Second, you will find an improved map of our entire community on facing pages, with more readable house numbers. Since Camden Park house numbers wouldn't fit, there are separate maps with Camden maps with house numbers in larger type.

My thanks go to Henry Castner, who procured the new map. We’re hoping that by next year we will have even better maps to include in the directory.

Bob Comey and Joanne Cotter did a great job of proofreading the copy.

Any errors and omissions are solely my responsibility. Please forward any corrections, additions or changes to me. I’ve provided updates in the Newsletter this month. – Mike Cotter, Editor (542-4414; joannenmike@hotmail.com)
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WALK FEARRINGTON EXPLORES POTENTIAL PATHS AND TRAILS

Saturday, January 31, was a bitterly cold, but beautiful wintry day. As planned, a small but hardy group met at the north end of the Gathering Place to explore a trail from the parking lot across to Village Way. From there we examined some of the erosion taking place on the new walk along Village Way behind the swimming pool.

We also examined the route of a possible walk from the intersection of Windstone and Village Way across to McDowell in East Camden. This route passes an old abandoned garage that could be used as a mail kiosk for Windstone and Beechmast residents whenever: 1) a new kiosk is built for Bush Creek residents, and 2) the FHA needs more space at the Gathering Place for offices or meeting rooms and considers taking over the present Gathering Place kiosk space with its adjacent parking.

The group also considered the need for a safe extension of the East Camden sidewalks into the Village Center -- on days with many cars parked around the Center, residents must walk in the streets among moving traffic in order to reach the Center.

We have received a number of suggestions for other potential routes for trails and paths. In the near future, and before the tick season begins, we would like to investigate some of these. For example, sometime in March we wish to explore the route for a potential trail from the Gathering Place area to Bush Creek. In the meantime, we would like to hear your thoughts and wishes. We continue to add new names and addresses to our mailing list. – Henry Castner, 542-1602; Lovick Miller, 542-7386
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NEW FEARRINGTON MAPS AVAILABLE IN FHA OFFICE

Copies of a new map of Fearrington Village are available in the FHA Office in 11 x 17 and 8 x 11 inch sizes. They show all lots and lot numbers, using a base map supplied by the Chatham County Geographic Information System. This black-and-white map, which costs 25 cents, will appear in the 2004 FHA Directory.

Also available for $1 is a color version of the 8_ x 11 map showing walks, paths, trails and FHA property.

These maps have been compiled and executed by Henry Castner. Any comments, corrections or additions should be directed to him or the FHA office.
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WHAT’S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

MARCH EVENTS AT MCINTYRE’S

Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., Pre-School Storytime.

Wednesday, March 3, 7 p.m., Bruce Feiler, author of Walking the Bible, will read from Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths in the Barn.

Thursday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Open Mike Night.

Saturday, March 6, 11 a.m., Author Virginia Holman will return to McIntyre’s to read from the paperback release of Rescuing Patty Hearst.

Sunday, March 14, 2 p.m., Author M. Johnson Hopkins will read from I, Amanda. Between 1845 and 1910, over 1.2 million emigrants left Sweden for America. Amanda's story is about her family’s trek across the Atlantic and the new experiences they encounter in America.

Saturday, March 20, 11 a.m., Judith Healey will discuss her historical novel, The Canterbury Papers.

Sunday, March 21, noon, Marly Youmans will read from her new young adult novel, The Curse of the Raven Mocker.

Sunday, March 28, 2 p.m., Acclaimed mystery author Cara Black will read from her new book, Murder in the Bastille.
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PALETTEERS’ WORKS REMAIN ON EXHIBIT

The Fearrington Paletteers hosted their 10th annual art exhibit on Sunday, February 8, at the Gathering Place.

Close to 200 people attended the reception and viewed 48 works of watercolor, oil, acrylic and mixed media. These works will remain on display until Tuesday, March 30.
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READ THE BOOK BEFORE YOU SEE THE MOVIE

Before you see Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ, study the original script with Dr. James M. Efird. This renowned Bible scholar will lecture on the Passion accounts in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on March 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 10 until 11:30 a.m. at the Gathering Place.

Dr. Efird is a professor of biblical interpretation at Duke Divinity School, author of several books on biblical subjects and a popular speaker nationwide. He addresses Fearringtonians periodically at the invitation of local bible study groups.

There is no charge for these lectures and reservations are not necessary. All Fearrington residents are invited to attend this enlightening preview.
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ARTS & CRAFTS TO HEAR TALK ON PRESSED GLASS

The next meeting of Art & Crafts, Etc. will be on Monday, March 1, at the Gathering Place. Our guest speaker will be Fearrington resident Helen Goldberg, Early American Glass expert. Her subject will be Pressed Glass, sometimes referred to as Pattern Glass. Helen will present a brief history and show us examples of this collectible. With many years of experience in the field, her talk will certainly be interesting and informative. The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m.

There are several announcements of new events that will occur in March, so please mark your calendars for the following:

There will be an outing on Tuesday, March 30, for a tour of the North Carolina Arts Incubator project in Siler City. Carpools will leave Fearrington at 9:15 a.m. We will meet Leon Tongret, executive director of the Arts Incubator headquarters. Mr. Tongret, who was the speaker for the Arts & Crafts meeting in September, will guide us through the historic downtown area of Siler City to see the various sites that have been renovated in a most ambitious project to attract artists to the area. Already there are sculptors, painters, potters and fabric and basket weavers who are settled into wonderful new studio spaces, as well as a new gallery devoted to showcasing the works. Signup will be at the Arts & Crafts meeting on March l. Details and a handout with map and lunch suggestions will be available. Questions: Renee Luberoff, 545-0692, or Barbara Schmidt, 542-5163.

Betsy Bullen Is Back With More Ballet

For those who missed them the first time they were offered, Betsy’s classes on the ballet are available again. Popular with husbands as well as wives, her classes are a good introduction to a popular art form, made even more popular because of the Carolina Ballet Company, which offers wonderful performances in Raleigh.

Ballet Overview covers ballet’s history, its special language, training, ballet stories and famous dancers. Liberally illustrated with video clips and demonstrations, the class will cover the training required and how it varies from country to country (and over the centuries) and yet is always the same. Famous dancers (from Pavlova to Barishnikov) and choreographers (from Petipa to Balanchine) will be covered, and there will be lots of opportunity to compare and critique them all.

Betsy studied ballet in New York City including with Alvin Ailey. She currently works in the offices of Carolina Ballet and teaches her ballet classes at DILR, the Senior Center, Governor’s Club and the Forest at Duke.

Running for five weeks, the class will meet at the Gathering Place on Thursday mornings from 10:30 .m. until noon from March 4 to April 1.

Everyone in Fearrington is welcome. To register, make a $30 check payable to Arts & Crafts, Etc. and place it in the Arts & Crafts box at the Gathering Place kiosk. If you have any questions, call Madge Briggs at 545-2960.

And finally, please save Wednesday, May 12, for the Spring Luncheon. We will meet at Squid’s Restaurant in Chapel Hill at 11:30 a.m.
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TUNISIA AND SICILY ON TRAVEL CLUB’S ITINERARY

On Wednesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place, the Travel Club will present Tunisia and Sicily, with slides and commentary by Meike and Martin Cryan. They experienced many encounters in the Western Mediterranean, crossroads and mixing bowl of ancient cultures – Greeks, Romans, Normans, Crusaders and Moslems.

All Fearringtonians interested in travel and/or photography are invited to attend. Questions? Call Sue or Don Zehl at 542-4076.
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THESPIANS TO PRESENT MOVIE

Thespians will meet Sunday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Bob Barr will appear in a movie, Box Lunch, made last summer in Boone.

Looking ahead, the first performance of Carl Granath's new play, Make Mine a Guinness, produced by Rita Spina, will be on Sunday, April 4, at 7:30 at the Gathering Place – a must-see. It will star Dale Smith, Lennie Newman, Joan Richardson, Loretta Gibson, Calista Moon, Chuck Giardino and Lovick Miller.

Questions? Call Carol Girton at 542-0992
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HAVURAH SPONSORS TALK BY DUKE HISTORY PROFESSOR

Malachi Hacohen, professor of history at Duke University, will be the featured speaker at the Fearrington Havurah meeting on Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place. He will discuss Jewish emancipation and the dilemma of multiculturalism within the context of Jacob and Esau: Jewish-Christian Relationships Over Two Millennia. Professor Hacohen is the recipient of the Victor Adler State Prize in recognition of his book, Karl Popper, the Formative Years, 1902-1945: Politics and Philosophy in Interwar Vienna, as well as a Frederick Burkhardt Fellowship from the American Council of Learned Society on his studies that led up to the March 9 presentation. Refreshments are available at 7:30 and the program begins at 8. Guests are welcome.
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COME CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Please save Saturday, March 13, for the fabulous St. Patrick’s Day party at 5 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Each year this event gets more and more popular. With good food, good friends and lots of fun, we fill up early. Get your reservations in early. Members pay $20 each, and non-members pay $22. Wine, soda and beer are included, and the heavy hors d’oeuvres are like a meal. For more information, call the Doyles at 542-0271 or drop your check in the Fearrington Catholics box at the Swim and Croquet kiosk. Hope to see you there!
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FEARRINGTON GARDEN CLUB TO HEAR EXTENSION AGENT

The Fearrington Garden Club will hold its March meeting on Tuesday, the 16th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place. The speaker will be Al Cooke, Agricultural Extension Service Agent for Chatham County. He will present a program on herb gardening, including site selection, harvesting, handling and storage. Al has been an Extension Agent with N.C. State since 1992, and has been in the Chatham County office since 2000. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in horticultural science.

Also on the evening’s agenda will be the announcement of a cooperative venture between the Garden Club and the 6th Fearrington House Tour, to be held on Saturday, May 1. In the past, it has been the Garden Club’s tradition to place flowers in various places in the Village in celebration of May Day (not the Russian version).

This year, to promote wider Village participation, the club invites all Fearrington residents to join in. To that end, the Potting Shed has agreed to offer the Garden Club’s 10% discount to all Village residents during the week preceding the House Tour (April 24-30). Additionally, during that week, Garden Clubbers will receive a 15% discount. Our goal is to have the entire Village look its best for the tour, as well as to encourage residents to walk around and enjoy a spring day augmented by floral displays at the ends of driveways, walkways and mail kiosks. (More details on page 7)

As always, our meetings are open to all residents, and membership is open throughout the year. Annual membership dues are $10.
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WOMEN’S CLUB PLANS MEETING, LUNCHEON, TRIPS

March Meeting

The Fearrington Women’s Club will sponsor a major event in March. The program, scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, at 3 p.m., will be held at the Gathering Place. It will continue the series of The Year of the UNC Woman at Work. Dr. D. Soyini Madison, associate professor of communication studies at the UNC-Chapel Hill, will be the featured speaker. Her topic is Is It a Human or Is It a Girl? Women in Ghana and Human Rights. Dr. Madison is a Fulbright Scholar and has recently completed a visiting lectureship at the University of Ghana. She has published extensively in the area of intersections between gender and critical race theory. One of her books, The Woman That I Am, an anthology of the works of women of color, has received critical acclaim. In addition, this book is used as a text in many women’s study programs. Dr. Madison’s presentation is not to be missed by anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the role of women in the world today.

All Aboard!

March 29 is the deadline for members to take advantage of one of their benefits of membership. On Wednesday, April 14, for a cost of $43, members will be able to enjoy a trip to Southern Pines to view their Home and Garden Tour. This price includes bus transportation, tour tickets and a late lunch at Squire’s Pub. The bus will depart from the Gathering Place at 9 a.m. and return by about 4:30 p.m. After March 29, tickets will be available to anyone at $50. Ticket sales close on April 9. This tour will sell out quickly, so be sure to make your check out today to the Fearrington Women’s Club and drop it off at the Women’s Club box at the Swim & Croquet kiosk. Reservations are not refundable but can be sold by you to another participant. Questions? Call Nancy Foster at 542-0407.

Looking Ahead…

Wednesday, April 21, 3 p.m., Gathering Place, monthly meeting featuring Carol Reuss, emeritus professor of journalism and associate provost, UNC-Chapel Hill, Magazines Plot to Leave No Woman Behind.
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CHAMBER PLAYERS TO PERFORM IN FEARRINGTON CONCERT SERIES

The North Carolina Chamber Players, originally scheduled to perform for the Fearrington Concert Series in November, will present a concert on Sunday, March 21, at 3 p.m. in the Gathering Place. The delay was necessitated by illness.

The quartet is led by clarinetist Don Oehler, professor of music at UNC. The other artists are Bonnie Thron, principal cellist with the North Carolina Symphony, Rebekah Binford, violin, acting assistant concertmaster of the North Carolina Symphony and pianist Jane Hawkins, a faculty member at Duke University and a distinguished graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London.

The performance by violinist Nicholas Kitchen and cellist Yessun Kim, cancelled because of the weather on January 25, has been re-scheduled for Sunday, June 20. Both artists are founders of the acclaimed Borromeo Quartet.

Non-subscribers may attend the concerts, seats available, by coming to the Gathering Place shortly before 3 p.m. The charge is $10.
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DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO HEAR PROGRAM ON POVERTY STUDY

The Fearrington Democratic Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 23, at 7:15 p.m. at the Gathering Place. We have rescheduled our program from the cancelled January session.

Our speaker will be Sorien Schmidt, a member of the staff of the North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center. The center is a privately funded, non-partisan, non-profit organization that conducts advocacy, public education, research and litigation with the goal of eliminating poverty in North Carolina.

At the 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 earning less than they need.

She will speak us about the findings of this report and the implications for our state and our nation. All Fearrington residents are welcome.

Looking ahead, on Tuesday, April 27, at 7:15 p.m., we will welcome Erskine Bowles, the North Carolina Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. You won’t want to miss hearing his views on the issues.
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FEARRINGTON UNC ALUMNI CLUB AIDS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Fearrington UNC Alumni Club is gearing up for an active spring. In March, we will make casseroles for the Ronald McDonald House, and on Sunday, March 28, we will volunteer with the UNC-TV Telethon. If you can help with one or both, please call Harriet McGraw by March 12 at 542-7342.

April 22 is the date for our tour of the Ackland Art Museum, and on Friday, May 28, the Swim and Croquet Club will be the site of our annual picnic.

If you have any questions, please call Harriet.
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GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES TO SPEAK TO REPUBLICAN CLUB

The Fearrington Republican Club is pleased to host Dan Barrett and State Sen. Fern Shubert, candidates for governor, on Wednesday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place.

Barrett, of Davie County (near Winston-Salem) and a Wake Forest University and Law School graduate, is a county commissioner, chairman of the board of Davie County Hospital and a partner in a Winston-Salem law firm. He specializes in labor law and has been recognized by his peers as one of the best employment lawyers in North Carolina. He is a strong supporter of education.

Shubert, of Union County (southeast of Charlotte), is a 1969 Duke University Phi Beta Kappa Business Administration graduate. She has worked as a CPA and began public service as a state representative in 1994. After three terms, she switched to the Senate and was elected in 2002. Her areas of interest are the state budget, job creation, good roads, illegal immigration and education. She has legislated for better schools, including charter schools.

We are sorry that we had to cancel January’s meeting due to the ice. Todd Batchelor, Howard Mason, and Robert “Whit” Whitfield, candidates for the Fourth District Congressional District nomination to replace Rep. David Price, will be here for the April 28 meeting.

We will try to bring many of the Republican candidates to you so that you may make an informed choice in the primary. The candidates will speak, followed by a question-and- answer 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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BENEFIT VILLAGE HOUSE TOUR TO HIGHLIGHT EIGHT HOMES

Excitement is building for the 6th Benefit Tour of Fearrington Homes on Saturday, May 1. Residents and their guests will visit eight outstanding homes. The tax-deductible donation of $15 per ticket will benefit the Chatham Social Health Council.

Homes have been selected that demonstrates a wide range of design and construction, and to showcase exceptional decorating ideas. Homeowners share imaginative garden techniques and their fascinating collections of art and collectibles from travels around the globe

Tour homes feature outstanding collections of art in most mediums, including sculpture. Homeowners’ unique personal collections will amuse and amaze those taking the tour. Many homes feature one-of-a-kind custom building features or materials such as mahogany and tile flooring, unique fireplaces and “top drawer” custom cabinetry. Spas, both indoor and outdoor, will be shown along with designer gardens and a detached guesthouse.

Tour participants will experience unique, decorative themes and techniques ranging from sophisticated casual to gold-plated formal that include outstanding fabrics, furniture, faux finishes and ceilings painted, tinned and papered.

In conjunction with the Fearrington Garden Club, May Day Flowers will be the theme of the tour, with club members and villagers placing baskets of flowers throughout Fearrington.

Tickets go on sale March 15 and can be purchased from Dorothy Alexander, 542-0217; Barbara Alotis, 542-5837; Pat Goetz, 542-6248; Alice Maurer, 542-0318; Carol Owen, 542-0616, and Florence Shapiro 542-4034.
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WHAT’S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION’S WEBSITE FEATURES PITTSBORO RAILROAD

The current feature on the Chatham County Historical Association’s web site describes the arrival of the Pittsboro Railroad in 1885 and how it was essential to the town’s economic growth until the first paved road came in 1925. The line was abandoned in the mid-1980s, and there is no sign of its former terminus between East Street (U.S. 64) and Salisbury Street except for a couple of rusty rails in the grass.

The current exhibit in the small museum in the Chatham County Courthouse, open Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m., features a display of old-time patent medicines and items carried in old-time doctor’s bags when doctors made house calls. A prescription pad shows the doctor’s telephone number as “2.” There’s also a display of items from Chatham Mills, once Pittsboro’s largest employer, which was described as the largest woven label mill in the world.
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CHATHAM ARTISTS EXHIBIT AT NEW PITTSBORO GALLERY

ChathamArts (Chatham County Arts Council) is sponsoring Weavers and Wood, its first exhibit of local artists at their new gallery at 115 Hillsboro St. in Pittsboro. The exhibit opened on February 14 and runs through Friday, March 12. The gallery is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a very special exhibit of local artists who weave their creative talents in many mediums. They include quilters and oil painters; creative beadwork and basketry weavers, wood turners, carvers and finishers and the magic earth totems of spirit sticks makers.
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SECOND BLOOM SHOP SCHEDULES OPEN HOUSE

Second Bloom, a non-profit, upscale thrift shop at 68 Hillsborough St. in Pittsboro, is celebrating its first anniversary on Monday, March 5, with an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. We invite everyone to join in the festivities.

The Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center of Chatham County operates Second Bloom. Your donations of clothing for all ages, excluding men’s clothing, are needed. Call the store at 545-5565 for details concerning drop-offs or call Anita Martin at 545-0095.

Volunteers are urgently needed.

The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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FRIENDS OF THE PITTSBORO LIBRARY SPONSOR SALE, SPEAKERS, EXHIBIT

Spring Book Sale

Are you ever going to re-read that old translation of The Iliad or the latest John Grisham? If not, why not donate those titles, and others on your bookshelves, to the spring book sale of the Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library? You still have a couple of weeks to bring donations to the library’s circulation desk anytime the library is open.

And then fill up the empty spaces on your shelves with books you haven’t read. The sale is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, March 25-27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Two Speakers

Sunday, March 7, 2:30 p.m., Sharon Raynor on Breaking the Silence, Healing the Soul: The Oral History of Vietnam Veterans, part of an oral history program made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council.

Tuesday, March 16, 7:30 p.m., Susan Rountree, author of Nags Headers, a history of the families who helped settle North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Art Exhibit

And in the library’s art gallery in March and April: Retrospective: Talmadge Moose. Mr. Moose was a North Carolina native and Fearrington resident. His work was exhibited in museums and shows around the country. He worked in both watercolors and oils.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PROGRAM FEATURES N.C. SECRETARY OF STATE

On Monday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Library, Elaine Marshall will be the featured speaker at the League's second annual Women’s History Month Celebration. The meeting is free and open to the public.

In 1996, Secretary Marshall became the first woman ever elected to a statewide executive branch office, and when re-elected in 2000, she became one of an unprecedented four women elected to the N.C. Council of State. Marshall, who started out as a young member of the 4-H, has been a teacher, business owner, attorney and state senator. To her, “Nothing is Impossible.”

For more information, call Dorothy Mahan, 542-7009, or Judie Burke, 542-1701.
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REALTOR TO ADDRESS NEWCOMERS GROUP

Terry Crook, a Chapel Hill Realtor, will be the guest speaker at the Men’s Luncheon of the Greater Chapel Hill Newcomers Club on Friday, March 19. He will present A Transplanted Yankee’s Perspective on Real Estate and Development in the Triangle. Terry has been active in local real estate for four years and serves on the Chapel Hill Board of Realtors and the North Carolina Certified Residential Specialist Chapter Board.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel Hill Country Club. All newcomers and alumni are welcome. Advance cost for a Soup ’n Salad buffet is $11. Please RSVP to Warren Wagner (542-6043) by March 13. Make checks payable to Warren and mail to him at 141 Fearrington Post. If you pay at the door, bring $12.
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U.N. ASSOCIATION TO HEAR TALK ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH

The health of children is critical all over the world, for themselves, for their families and for the future success of their countries. Nowhere is this more the case than in the developing world, where two-thirds of the people of the earth, most of them children, live in a poverty that blights their lives and impairs their development. More than 10 million children die each year under the age of 5, most from causes that are preventable.

Dr. James Lea is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and director of international affairs in the UNC School of Medicine, where he is leading the development of the new UNC Center for Global Health. The mission of the center is to define new approaches to major health and social development challenges. He will discuss with the U.N. Association the health of children around the world and its impact on their prospects for the future and the success (or not) of developing countries “tomorrow.”

Since joining the UNC faculty in 1973, Dr. Lea has led the design and implementation of human resources development programs for health-care providers, managers and trainers in more than 40 countries. From 1979 to 2002, he was founding director of INTRAH, the university’s worldwide health services development program.

The meeting will take place at noon on Wednesday, March 24, at the Holiday Inn in Chapel Hill. Reservations may be made by sending a $15 check payable to “UNA-West Triangle Chapter” to Barbara Berke, 595B Fearrington Post. The deadline to receive reservations is Friday, March 19. Questions? Call Barbara at 542-0319.
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FILM FESTIVAL OPENING IN DURHAM

The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will present its seventh annual festival April 1-4, at the Carolina Theatre, Durham Arts Council and Durham Armory. Full Frame is one of a handful of film festivals that focuses exclusively on documentary films. Its website, www.fullframefest.org, is a great source of additional information.

The festival is one of the most exciting cultural events in the Triangle. Full Frame will show over 100 films..

The opening film Thursday, April 1, will be Elaine Stritch at Liberty. Ms. Stritch will attend. The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at the Carolina Theatre, followed by a party at the Arts Council. At 10 p.m., Metallica: Some Kind of Monster will be screened. On Sunday, April 4, there will be a Southern barbecue and award presentation with re-screening of award-winning films.

Festival passes ($125) include all films, panels, opening-night films and party and Sunday barbecue. For more information, please call 687-4100 or Bob and Sandy Holton, 545-0810.
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APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHATHAM COUNTY SENIOR GAMES

The Chatham County Senior Games and Silver Arts competitions will be held April 23-30 at various locations. Application forms are available at the Council on the Aging in Pittsboro and are due Thursday, April 1.

The cycling competition will be held in Fearrington on Tuesday, April 27.
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HEALTH AND FITNESS

NURSE’S NOTES
From Joyce Baird

Two New Services
Fall Prevention Initiative Expands
Foot Care Clinic Scheduled

Due to the broad interest expressed during the Fearrington Cares Fall Prevention Seminar last year, we proudly announce two new services for Fearrington residents. Fearrington Cares will offer ElderFit Strong and Steady strength and balance classes twice weekly for a six-week period beginning in March. Class instructors are experienced physical therapists who specialize in treatments for senior adults. As well as offering the instructional advantage of group, instruction will also be tailored to your individual physical ability. We are negotiating for space to accommodate the classes and will notify you as soon as possible. Classes will cost $6 per session; that will cover purchase of equipment and instructors’ travel costs.

The second new service is a foot care clinic to assist those Fearrington residents who need a little assistance in caring properly for their feet, particularly those who have diabetes. If you have diabetes, have a foot condition requiring special care or are unable to care for your feet adequately due to physical limitations, please call the nursing office to make an appointment – 542-6877. Clinics will be held on the first Monday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. in our old office in the Gathering Place. The first clinic will be on Monday, March 1.

We sincerely thank Fearrington Cares volunteer nurses who took special training to assess and care for feet based on the methods used by LEAP (Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention) program. Fearrington Cares could not offer this service without these generous nurses who are donating their time and expertise.

Caregiver Support Group in Planning Stages

In October, Fearrington Cares sponsored a day-long seminar for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Attendees expressed an interest in establishing a support group for those in the community who care for loved ones with chronic conditions and illness. Fearrington Cares is exploring possibilities for starting a caregivers support group that will be held within Fearrington Village. If you have professional experience leading support groups, we would like to hear from you and get some recommendations. Please contact the Nurse Coordinator at 542-6877.

Important Lecture Scheduled

On Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m., Fearrington Cares will present a lecture on Medicare and Prescription Drug Coverage. Jonathan B. Oberlander, associate professor in the Department of Social Medicine at UNC, will address the new provisions of the bill covering prescription drugs recently passed by Congress. Dr. Oberlander will address both good news and bad news brought about by the bill. Please join us at The Gathering Place on the 24th to learn what is in store for prescription drugs

Thank You, Volunteers

A big THANK YOU to telephone answerers, drivers and office receptionists who volunteered in February:

John and Betts Karvazy, Robert Wilkins, Chuck and Liz Whaling, Paul Stiller, Julie and Phil Smith, Reg Lorant, Charles and Jane Shields, John Boswell, Barb McMullan, Julia Salsbury, Sue Steward, Edie Lange, Barbara Wilburn, Floydine Roberts, Mary Ann Tharaldsen, Marlene Conner and Elaine Alexander.

A special THANK YOU goes to the nurses who have volunteered to provide foot care at our monthly clinic – Karen Marshall, Ruth Nicholson, Mary Stuneck and Elaine Alexander. These ladies have gone beyond the call of duty and we really appreciate their generosity!
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FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR

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

Blood Pressure Clinic, Wednesday, March 3 and 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Nursing Office

ElderFit – Strong and Steady – To be announced

Foot Care Clinic, Monday, March 1, 2-4 p.m., Fearrington Cares Office, Gathering Place. You must make an appointment – 542-6877

Medication Evaluation by CVS Pharmacist, Monday, March 1, 1-2 p.m., Fearrington Cares Office, Village Center

Evening Lecture Series – Medicare and Prescription Drug Coverage, Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m., Gathering Place
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YOUR DONATION WILL HELP EASE A SERIOUS BLOOD SHORTAGE

Due to a critical blood shortage at the Red Cross Blood Bank, Fearrington Cares will sponsor an early spring blood drive at the Gathering Place on Friday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

We had a great response in November, so let’s do it again!

Please mark your calendars and call Martha Wilson at 542-0312 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but delays may be encountered.
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LEARN HOW TO BREATHE…IT’S THE KEY TO YOGA

And there’s much more. If you want to find out some secrets to a healthier and more balanced life, join us at the Gathering Place on Wednesday mornings. Our sessions are from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. A combination of relaxation, stretching, flexibility enhancements and mediation, these practices could be your introduction to Yoga or a way to learn new poses. We want to help you make the most of Yoga. For more information, please call Laura Hyer at 545-9607.
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DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE TO BE OFFERED IN APRIL

We all know that as we mature our bodies change. However, do you know how these changes can affect your driving? If you have an accident in North Carolina, the insurance companies can raise your rates up to 45%. That might be the least expense you have from an accident, compared with doctors, hospitals and most of all, your “quality of life.”

Learn what you can do to reduce your chances for an accident by attending the AARP Defensive Driving Course (formerly 55 Alive). Joe Geoghegan will present the course on Thursday, April 15, and Friday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place.

To register, call Joe at 545-0710. Then bring a check to the first session for $10, made out to AARP.
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AN UPDATE ON THE FEARRINGTON CARES COOKBOOK

Thanks again to everyone who contributed recipes for the cookbook. We collected over 600 recipes! The testing committee is busy trying them out. We are very appreciative that so many responded to our requests. It will be a difficult process to test and cull them to a manageable number, but that process has begun. Thank you!

The cookbook has a new name: The Flavors of Fearrington. This will replace that tongue twister we have been using to refer to the book for the past few months. It describes what we hope the book will be, including more than one meaning of the word "flavors." We hope the book will convey a sense of what our life in Fearrington Village is like.

May will be Cookbook Month. A major event is planned to promote the cookbook. You will be hearing more in coming weeks. We will also begin pre-publication sales in May. We are still looking for someone to assist us with setting up a website to make it available online. If you are interested, let us know.

In short, the cookbook is making great progress. Thanks for all your assistance.— The Cookbook Committee
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WEBSITE CORNER

COMPUTER COMMITTEE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

Are you knowledgeable about computers? If so, would you like to benefit the Fearrington community by serving on the FHA’s Computer/Web Site Committee?

The seven-member group, which meets at least quarterly, is looking for new members to help manage the FHA’s growing use of computers.

We’re looking for someone with PC experience to manage the FHA office computer. Duties would involve making periodic backups, updating data, checking e-mails and making sure that the system is operating properly.

The FHA Web Site is another major committee responsibility. A number of us are involved in maintaining this important Village communications tool and would welcome help from anyone familiar with Macs or PCs. We’ll train you on the software used to maintain the site.

A third area is the ongoing current development and future maintenance of a new FHA database. Again, we’ll train you.

If you are interested, please contact me at 545-0550 or jdrimmler@mindspring.com. -- John Rimmler, Chair.
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HELP US KEEP THE ONLINE DIRECTORY CURRENT

The Village and Nearby Activities section of the online directory is a key part of the FHA Web Site, an important communications tool for all Fearrington residents. But the information in that section – particularly contact persons and activities – can change from day to day. Help us keep the information current. You can submit changes to Forrest Greenslade at 545-9743 or fgreenslade@nc.rr.com

If you’re not familiar with this valuable section, you can reach it by clicking on Organizations in the blue area on the left of the cover page. – FHA Computer/Website Committee
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BOARD BRIEFINGS

FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING NOTES

President Jerry Gaudet called the February 3 FHA Board meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. He displayed a certificate of appreciation given to Fearrington Village for recent contributions to the Food Bank Neighborhood Challenge. Fearrington gave 4,612 pounds of food, or almost 20 percent of the total donated by the 15 participating groups. Jerry thanked Tom Hauck for his leadership in coordinating the effort. The certificate will be displayed in the Gathering Place.

Resident Input

Marilyn Band posed two questions:

Should the board consider posting in the Newsletter the pros and cons of incorporation?

Should we have a fund for snowstorms so that people could get out of their homes in case of emergency.?

Jerry stated that state law forbids the FHA from plowing, salting or sanding public roads. Grounds and Facilities Chair Steve Bodner added that our contracts for snow and ice removal are for FHA-owned property, which includes the Gathering Place and kiosks. The best way to approach the problem is to work on getting the law changed. Jerry asked Stan Pomeranz to head a committee to organize a campaign to change the law, allowing FHA to treat the neighborhood roads. He promised that a letter to government representatives will be written and published in the Newsletter.

On the issue of incorporation, Fran Sherwin, of the Long-Range Planning Committee, announced that the committee is studying the pros and cons and taking a careful look at the economic consequences of incorporation. No decisions have been made. The critical concern is that Fearrington might be annexed against residents’ wishes. The only way to totally avoid that reality is to incorporate. Jerry promised that before any decision is made, information regarding the pros and cons of incorporation will be presented in the FHA newsletter.

Approval of Minutes

The January 6 minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Frank Chut reported that the income and expenditures for December were as expected. For 2003, income was $4,000 below budget due to a shortfall of interest income and lower-than-expected user fees from the Gathering Place. However, expenses for the year were also below budget and should allow the transfer of about $12,000 into reserves. The motion to accept the report passed.

Committee Reports

Community Affairs – Cynthia Jones

Cynthia reported that the library at the Smokehouse kiosk is doing a brisk business. (See article)

County Liaison – Al Lebeau

Al prepared a written report, which appears on the FHA web site.(See Report)

FHA Office – Steve Ruziecki

Steve thanked the office volunteers for their good work. There is a new copier in the office.

Financial Officer – Richard Bird

Richard announced that 30 people have outstanding FHA dues to date.

Gathering Place – Lisa Stewart

Jerry thanked Lisa for the terrific job of repainting and repair work in the kitchen.

Lisa announced that the floor and ceiling tiles in the large and small meeting rooms need repair. Lisa moved that the board authorize the removal and installation of new tiles at the cost of $2,171.92 for labor and materials ($720 for labor, and $1,451.92 for materials). The motion was carried.

Stan Pomeranz asked if the ceiling lights should also be replaced. Jerry said that the board would look at that possibility.

Lisa presented information regarding the wood floors in both meeting rooms. The floors were installed 14 years ago. Over the years, the floors have been cleaned with harsh chemicals that stripped the polyurethane coating. The floors need to be sanded and given three coats of polyurethane to protect them. Lisa moved that the board authorize the refinishing of the floors in both rooms at a total cost of $3,756.00. The motion carried unanimously.

With the kind assistance of Jewel Hoogstoel and the Fearrington Quilters, Lisa has obtained expert advice on how to clean the quilt in the lobby. Arrangements will be made after the floors have been refinished.

Grounds and Facilities – Steve Bodner

Steve announced that FHA had a three-year contract for mowing FHA owned properties. This contract would have continued through 2004, but the contractor asked to be released because of a physical injury. FHA has sought a new contract and received from five contractors. The low bid is for $25,200 from 4-Ever Green Lawn Care. Steve moved that FHA accept the low bid from 4-Ever Green Care for a three-year contract to mow the sides of the state roads, the Gathering Place, the playground, and the three mail kiosk areas under FHA ownership, and to maintain the shrubs at the Gathering Place, the playground and the three kiosks. The motion carried.

Steve announced that work needs to be done on the Smokehouse kiosk gravel area. Water runoff must be diverted, potholes filled and new gravel laid. Steve is also looking into bids for paving this area.

Additional Resident Input

Dik Van Iten stated that he felt the board needs to look at a special assessment or an increase of dues to cover the maintenance of FHA properties. Jerry Gaudet said that the board has arranged for a complete inspection of the Gathering Place. Special assessments can be done as needed; the bylaws allow for a 5% increase in dues per year. The board is reviewing all long-term needs to anticipate what increases may be required.

Fran Sherwin asked how much money is in the FHA reserve fund. Frank Chut responded that there is between $65,000 and $70,000 in reserves.

Marilyn Band suggested that the FHA meeting notes be published. Jerry stated that a summary is printed in the Newsletter and complete minutes are posted on the web site. He said the board would look at other means to improve distribution.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 2. – Janet Lorant, Secretary
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SMOKEHOUSE LIBRARY A HIT

The Smokehouse Library, opened on November 1 at the suggestion of residents, is proving to be such a popular spot that we have had to expand already! We have doubled the amount of available shelving and added a chair and a small indoor-outdoor runner for your comfort.

There is an interesting selection of books and, in addition, a small selection of CDs.

We ask that no further outdated textbooks be contributed and, please, no more 2003 telephone directories.

If you have any further suggestions or requests, please contact Cynthia Jones, 545-9660, or Smokehouse Chairman Don George, 542-4609.

Thanks to our committee members, Stan Pomeranz and Jim Granger, and to all the avid readers who are participating in and enjoying this latest addition to our Village. For those of you who may not have discovered the library, it is located beside the Smokehouse kiosk at the corner of Village Way and Lassiter Lane. Come try it – you’ll like it! - Cynthia Jones, Community Affairs
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ATTENTION LAWYERS

The FHA Board is looking for a few people who have backgrounds in law to advise us in our deliberations. You need not be licensed in this state, although that would be nice. What we need is a sounding board for problems that come to us for resolution.

We would also like to have advice on Mediation if anyone has that background. These people would be part of the Legal Committee, and could remain anonymous if required.

The Legal Committee reports to the president of the FHA.

Please contact me at 545-0494. – Jerry Gaudet, President
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NEWSLETTER-CALENDAR EDITORS

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

Mary Hammond
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

Bob Comey edited this issue.
Mary Hammond will edit the April issue.

The deadline for the April issue is Monday, March 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 at the left and submit articles to that 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