FHA Index

WEATHERSFIELD ANNUAL SPRING FLING
Hold the date
Friday, April 30
5:00 p.m.
At the Grove
Details to be circulated via flyer
Rain date Monday, May 3

 FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

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

Fearrington Village Community News
  FHA Easter Egg Hunt
  FHA Board’s Position On Compact Communities Ordinance
  Preparing For Major Emergencies - What We Need To Do
  Traffic Abatement Program
  Interim Report On The Long-Range Planning
  Triangle Land Conservancy

What’s Going On In Fearrington
  Music In The Air
  April Readings At McIntyres
  5th Annual Art In The Garden Show
  Antiques Shop
  Thespians
  Arts & Crafts, Etc
  Tiptoeing Across The Atlantic
  Walk Fearrington Meeting
  Havurah Meeting
  Vegetarians Discuss Homeopathy
  Fearrington Women’s Club Sponsors ‘Getting Sentimental’
  Fearrington Writers Meet In April
  Fearrington Garden Club
  Fearrington Women’s Club
  Fearrington Democratic Club
  Fearrington Republican Club
  Swim Club Open House
  Take Me Out To The Ballgame
  Tickets Now On Sale For 6th Fearrington Tour Of Homes
  A Gala Event For The Cookbook!
  Ahoy, Fearrington Sailors!
 
Events Outside Of Fearrington
  Friends Of The Pittsboro Memorial Library
  Chapel Hill Newcomers Men’s Lunch
  The Gardens Of Franklin Street History In Bloom
  Join The COA Travelers In Bermuda!
  The Sunshine Boys
UN Association To Discuss Global Impact Of U.S. Economy
  Second Bloom Needs Volunteers
  AARP Cell Phone Drive
  Senior Center Hosts Festival
  Participate In Senior Games
  ALS Association Benefit

Health And Fitness
  Fearrington Cares Board Of Directors 2004
  Nurses Notes From Joyce Baird
  Acupuncture And Western- Style Medicine
  Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
  Fearrington Yoga Will Teach You Many Things!
  Thanks To All The Blood Donors

Board Briefings
  Fearrington Homeowners Association March 2 Board Meeting
  FHA Alternative Secretary Position


Newsletter-Calendar Editors
A Note About Submissions

FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

FHA EASTER EGG HUNT

The annual FHA Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Sunday, April 11, at the playground at 1:30 p.m. All children 8 years old or younger are invited to bring their baskets and hunt for Easter eggs. All children and students over the age of 8 are invited to come to the playground at 12:30 p.m. to assist in hiding the Easter eggs. All parents and grandparents are welcome as well. Refreshments will be served, and Mr. Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet all the guests. In case of inclement weather, the hunt will be held at the Barn. Questions? Call Cynthia Jones, 545-9660.
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FHA BOARD’S POSITION ON COMPACT COMMUNITIES ORDINANCE

As we are going to press, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing on March 23 to consider the proposed Compact Communities Ordinance. This ordinance, which is about to be enacted by the Commissioners, has been a matter of great public interest as it evolved over the course of the last two years. Since it will set the standards for the development of land immediately adjacent to Fearrington Village, the Board of Directors of the FHA wrote the following letter to the Commissioners stating its position on the proposed legislation. The letter, together with oral comments, is to be presented as testimony at the hearing.

Dear Commissioners:

I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Fearrington Homeowners Association to express our views concerning the March 1, 2004 draft of the Compact Communities Ordinance that you will consider at your public hearing on March 23, 2004.
We want to commend you in particular for a number of features in this draft ordinance and urge you to assure that they are all included in the final version that you approve.

First, the separation of the compact community from neighboring properties - particularly the separation of its commercial use from adjoining residential properties by 200 feet, as provided for in Section 9.2 of the proposed ordinance — is absolutely essential. While we recognize that the developer and the occupants of commercial properties within the compact community will want to maximize the return on their investment, you must also protect the investment that the neighbors in residential areas have also made in their properties. In fact, where the proposed ordinance provides that the County may allow a reduction in the perimeter buffer width of up to fifty percent if it determines the impact of the development is adequately mitigated by community design or topography, we would urge you to add an additional condition for a deviation. Any reduction in the buffer zone must, we believe, also have the consent of at least seventy-five percent of the adjoining property owners. In this way you will assure that you are not forcing these property owners to suffer an unwilling loss by administrative fiat.

We also want to applaud you for assuring that vegetative buffers are permanently protected along streams as stated in Section 9.1. These requirements should in no way be diminished. The water resources our community needs are constantly threatened as we seek more space for homes and places of business. If a mistake is made, if governing bodies allow land to be developed in such a way as to endanger and contaminate water resources, there is no way to turn back the process and undo the harm that has been done.

You are also to be commended for the inclusion of the requirement, in Section 11.1, that the developer will pay for a peer review of his impact assessment by a consultant selected by the county. When the time comes for the County to approve the development of a compact community, it faces a substantial risk. Will this proposed development increase the taxes on the rest of the citizens to pay for its infrastructure and public services? Will it create transportation nightmares? Will it endanger sensitive environments? If the answers to these questions turns out to be “yes,” the quality of life in the county as a whole will be diminished. It is essential that you assure the County selects its own independent authority to review the answers to these questions. In that way you reduce the risk to the rest of the citizens. Do not allow this provision to be watered down. If you do, the citizens of Chatham County will be paying for the mistake for years to come.

It is only reasonable and fair that when a concentrated community of homes is built, the community should be built in such a way that it has as little adverse effect as possible on its neighbors. Two of the ways you are accomplishing this in the draft ordinance are by confining the wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure within the compact community (Section 7.2) and by requiring that it shall not discharge the storm water it receives during and after development at a rate or volume greater than before (Section 8). We are pleased to see these provisions and urge that they not be curtailed in any way.

If Chatham County is to grow as vibrant and harmonious whole in a way that this ordinance envisions, it must have the foresight and will to assure that its citizens have a sense of being part of a shared community. It must strive to avoid the accusation that there are “two Chathams.” You have demonstrated such foresight. Your requirement that these communities include low and moderate-income households (Section 12.3) assures not only that the housing needs of all Chatham citizens are being met, but also that none of its citizens are denied the benefits of living in a compact community. If, for example, you allowed a developer to place low and moderate income housing outside the compact community, you would bar the residents of such housing from the obtaining the advantages inherent in living in a compact community. The ordinance must not contemplate such discrimination.

For all the above reasons the draft ordinance is a remarkable and praiseworthy document. It should serve Chatham County well. But, as mentioned above, there are two provisions that will render all of the foregoing meaningless, unless you make changes to the draft before you adopt it.

The first of these matters concerns the insertion of Section 15, “Waiver.” This section allows the requirements of any of the other sections of the ordinance, including those which we discussed above, to be “adjusted, modified, reduced or waived upon the absence of any reasonable relationship or nexus between the impact of the compact community development and the inclusionary or other requirements” contained in the ordinance. If there is a problem with an ordinance, the proper and fitting way to correct the situation is to amend the ordinance, following the appropriate procedures to do so. Such procedures require an open and public discussion of what the problem is and why and how it needs to be corrected. If any change is to be made to the ordinance then a rationale that the Commissioners have for doing so must be open to public scrutiny.

On the other hand, if this Section 15 is left in the ordinance when you adopt it, the requirements of the ordinance may then be amended by some unnamed official, albeit with the “approval of the Board of Commissioners,” whenever he or she might decide that there is no reasonable relationship between the impact of the development and a requirement of the ordinance. We believe that allowing someone to make the decision of whether or not a “reasonable relationship” exists between an “impact” and a “requirement,” opens the door to subverting the intent of any of the provisions of the ordinance. You must delete Section 15 when you adopt the Compact Communities Ordinance.

The second matter we find of great concern is the compact community’s maximum size of 2,500 dwelling units specified in Section 6.2. This is not a number that is reasonable given the size of the county and the stated purpose of this ordinance to protect the county’s rural nature. Placing a community of that density and size - one that would end up with a larger population than any existing county municipality - in a rural landscape is so disproportionately out of scale that it defeats the intent of maintaining a small town atmosphere in a country setting. We believe that there should be a limit of 1,500 dwelling units in each compact community and the communities should be widely spaced to protect the rural nature of the county and to minimize the impact of traffic and congestion on country roads.

We are for the most part pleased with the ordinance as it has been drafted to date. We urge you to adopt it with the changes we have suggested. We believe that it will ensure the growth of Chatham County in a manner that will preserve and protect the way of life here that we all enjoy so much. It should make us the envy of our neighbors in the surrounding counties.

Sincerely,

Jerry Gaudet, President, Fearrington Homeowners Association
cc: Mr. Charlie Horne, County Manager
 

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PREPARING FOR MAJOR EMERGENCIES - WHAT WE NEED TO DO

What if we suffered a major natural emergency such as an ice storm or hurricane with a lot more damage than we had two years ago? What about an anthrax or other terrorism attack? Calling 911 would probably not be a rapid solution if the problem was countywide or if Chapel Hill received major damage.

The combined Boards of Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA) and Fearrington Cares (FC) met on March 8 with Mr. Bill Lail of Chatham Medical Reserve Corps and a Chatham County leader of the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Program.

Both Fearrington Boards recognize the potential disaster problems and have determined to help prepare our Fearrington residents. We will be among the first in this area to actively prepare as a community "neighbor -- helping -- neighbor" until professional help can arrive. CERT training was developed for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and is being funded by the Department of Homeland Security. Training will be given on a schedule we set, by local professional Emergency First Responders. Training is for lay people, strength is not a requirement and the training is free.

The preparation is two phased:

1) Completing a household survey similar to the one prepared by the Creekwood residents. It is very well done and will be expanded to the entire community.

2) Training, particularly the 20 hour CERT program, for those who wish to help themselves and their neighbors. The course will be given at a convenient location and time. The CERT training, available for all Fearrington residents, includes preparation of your self, your home, and your neighborhood. Fire safety, including using a fire extinguisher, emergency medical situations and first aid treatment, light search and rescue are some of the subjects.

Please contact Tom Hauck, coordinator of this phase of our Fearrington preparation, to sign up or ask questions. His Email is thauck3775@aol.com, phone is 542-5499 and address is 605 Stoneview. He will be out of town until April 4 but you are welcome to leave a message. He will get back to you. -Tom Hauck
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TRAFFIC ABATEMENT PROGRAM

The board has had many complaints about the continuing speeding problems inside Fearrington.. We are doing a few things we hope may alert the speeders to reconsider their patterns while inside Fearrington:

1. Carl Granath will prepare 2 graphic presentations about the speeding problem in each issue. They will be placed at the top of 2 pages of the Newsletter. Hopefully this will serve to educate the speeders.

2. We have contacted the Sheriffs' office and he will provide us the devices used to show you the speed your vehicle is doing as you come to the device. We will have the use of this for a few months, and will place it at different places in the community.

3. The Sheriff will speak to us at our May Town meeting. He will focus on the speeding issues, and will be open for questions at the end of his address.

4. We will try to identify all the vendors in Fearrington, and request they comply with the speed limits.

Should any of you have any ideas that we might use, please send them to us. Jerry Gaudet, FHA President
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INTERIM REPORT ON THE LONG-RANGE PLANNING

The Long-Range Planning Committee is studying the pros and cons of incorporation/annexation of Fearrington. We consulted David Lawrence, William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor, School of Government, and a member of the Institute of Government at UNC. Based on advice from him, we have been in touch with officials of four communities in North Carolina, all incorporated in the last five years. We traveled to one of these communities, Advance, N.C., just west of Winston Salem, to see Bermuda Run, a village very similar to ours, which was incorporated in 1999. We spent two hours with Beth Dirks, the Town Manager of Bermuda Run, a savvy, knowledgeable woman, who shared her extensive experience in municipal government in North Carolina and provided considerable relevant information.

We also met with our state representatives, Ellie Kinnard and Joe Hackney, both of whom encouraged our pursuit of information regarding these issues now. We continue to keep R.B. Fitch informed.

John Wait, a long-time resident of Fearrington, has agreed to chair a task force to evaluate the information, recommend a course of action based on the committee’s analysis of the data, and prepare a proposal for the community to consider. We welcome him.

As of April 2004, we see four alternatives:

1. We can adopt an attitude of “watchful waiting” and be as aware as possible of what is happening around us.

2. We can try to find a more favorable community if involuntary annexation by another municipality appears likely.

3. We can try to get an exemption from annexation from the State Legislature.

4. We can seek to incorporate Fearrington Village to enable us to have the greatest possible control over our own destiny.

At the May 20 Town Hall meeting it is our intention to present all of our findings. Evy Barrow , Long-Range Planning Committee
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TRIANGLE LAND CONSERVANCY

We live in an area blessed with wonderful land, water and natural beauty. Unfortunately these resources are threatened with the likes of Briar Chapel and other developments. To protect these resources takes a lot of Tender Loving Care. Fortunately, the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), a 501(c)(3) 6 County Conservation Organization is dedicated to preserving and protecting our natural resources, while also supporting appropriate development.

If you want to influence the future landscape of our area , TLC provides opportunities for gifts and volunteer efforts as an antidote to the inevitable development. In Chatham County alone, the TLC has preserved, in perpetuity, the "White Pines", a pristine 250 acre ice age relic forest south of Pittsboro, the Endor Furnace, a pre-Civil War Iron Furnace along the Deep River, a canoe landing on the Deep, a connection between the Deep, Rocky and Jordan Lake and the Haw below the 15-501 Bridge.

TLC is planning a major fund-raising campaign to balance development. Obtaining funds and land gifts from State and local governments, corporations, and private citizens, TLC acts to mobilize citizens to conserve and protect farms, forests, waterways, endangered species and historical sites before they disappear or become too expensive to acquire. We will keep the Village informed of TLC's work and how you can help. For more detail, consult TLC's Website (www.tlc-nc.org), call the TLC office in Raleigh (833-3662) or visit the office at 1101 Haynes Street, suite 205, Raleigh 27604. We welcome your participation. Lovick Miller 542-7386; lovickmill@mindspring.com.
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WHAT’S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

MUSIC IN THE AIR

There is music in the air once more and it includes more than the songs provided by our feathered friends. The open-air concert series will start at the end of April. Note the following dates. Further information can be found on the kiosk bulletin boards, our website, and local publications. For details or suggestions, call Carolyn Gelderman 545-0742

Thursday, April 29, 4:30, NC School of the Arts

Thursday, May 13, 4:30, Jazz Group

Thursday, May 27, 7:00, Durham Savoyards ( Gilbert and Sullivan)

Thursday, June 10, 7:00, Brass on the Slide (trombone quintet)
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APRIL READINGS AT MCINTYRES

Pre-School Storytime at McIntyre's every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call Sarah at (919) 542-3030.

Thursday, April 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Open Mike Night at McIntyre's

Sunday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. Author Lynn York will read from her first novel, The Piano Teacher

Saturday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. Author Caroline Kettlewell will talk about her book Electric Dreams: How a Group of Forgotten High School Kids Built the Car of the Future. Electric Dreams is a true story of how a group of underprivileged kids, in NASCAR country North Carolina, won the first contest ever to build an electric car.

Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. Author Kaye Gibbons will be reading from & signing her new book Divining Women.

Saturday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. Local author John Dalton will read from his debut novel Heaven Lake.

Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. North Carolina author Penelope Niven will read from her new book Swimming Lessons.
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5th ANNUAL ART IN THE GARDEN SHOW

Exterior artwork will be showcased throughout the Fearrington Gardens from Saturday, April 3 through Sunday, April 25 . Some of the artists to be included in the show include Gary Caldwell, Tamera Mulanix, Lyle Estill, Lewis Torres, Zen Palkoski, Tuesday Fletcher, Michael Oakley, Kathy Hopwood, Sarah Craige and Terry Tripp.

The works featured are free standing through the use of support rods and in some cases can be placed on the ground or mounted on walls. Prices for these pieces range from $50 to $12,000. This event is free and open to the public.

The Potting Shed is located in the Fearrington Village Center, just eight miles south of Chapel Hill on U.S. 15-501. The Potting Shed is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, call 542-4000.
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ANTIQUES SHOP

Whitehall at the Villa opens a shop in Fearrington on April 9. Natalie Gould

THESPIANS

The premiere of Carl Granath's new play "Make mine a Guiness" will be on Sunday, April 4 at 7:30. Rita Spina is the producer and is starring Loretta Gilson, Lenni Newman, Calista Moon, Joan Richardson, Chuck Giardino, Lovick Miller and Dale Smith. All Fearringtonians welcome. Questions? Call Carol Girton 542-0992
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ARTS & CRAFTS, ETC

The April meeting of Arts & Crafts, Etc, will be on Monday, April 5 at 1:30 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Fearrington resident, Pat Jackson. Her subject will be "The Art of Rug Hooking". When Pat and her husband, Norman, moved to the village 12 years ago, she renewed her high school interest in rug hooking. Fellow resident Edith Gerver, a hooking teacher, was on hand to help her out. Today, Pat is a certified McGown rug hooking teacher and conducts hooking lessons in her home. In addition to discussing rug hooking, Pat will have samples of work she has done and pieces created by her students.

The luncheon to celebrate Spring will be on Wednesday, May 12 at 11:30 a.m. The location will be Squid's Restaurant on 15-501 in Chapel Hill where there is ample parking. A three-course luncheon, with choice of salmon or chicken, and cash bar is planned. The entertainment for the occasion will by provided by The Faulkner School of Dance. Cost is $19. Please make checks payable to Arts & Crafts, Etc. and place in the Arts & Crafts, Etc. box at the Gathering Place kiosk. We have a deadline for reservations of April 28. We hope to see you there.
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TIPTOEING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

On Wednesday April 7 at 7:30 p.m., in the Gathering Place, the Travel Club presents "Tiptoeing Across the Atlantic", a slide presentation and discussion by Henry Castner. A four thousand miles ocean voyage to six legendary islands between Sevilla, Spain and Salvador, Brazil following the ways of Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, James Cook, Charles Darwin and others. Visit Madeira, the Canaries, and Cape Verdes Islands. A special stop was made at the Peter and Paul Rocks in deference to King Neptune.

All Fearringtonians interested in travel and/or photography are invited to attend. Any questions, call Sue or Don Zehl at 542-4076.
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WALK FEARRINGTON MEETING

All those interested in improving the walking conditions in Fearrington are invited to an informal meeting on Thursday evening, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the large room at the Gathering Place. An informal agenda will include a report on activities during the past months, resident feedback, and a discussion of goals for Walk Fearrington in terms of activities, information, and organization. For further information, contact the organizers Henry Castner or Lovick Miller.
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HAVURAH MEETING

Dr. Esther Cohen, Professor of Medieval History at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, will be the featured speaker at the Fearrington Havurah meeting on Tuesday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place. She will speak on "Medieval Jewish Women and Intercommunal Contacts," addressing the role of Jewish urban women during medieval times in forming contacts with the surrounding Christian society, i.e. social, religious and economic interactions. Professor Cohen obtained her undergraduate degree at Hebrew University and did her graduate studies at Brown University. She has written extensively on the history of medieval crime, popular culture and the history of law. Refreshments are available at 7:30 and the program begins at 8:00 p.m. Guests are welcome.
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VEGETARIANS DISCUSS HOMEOPATHY

Valerie Nix, N.D. will present a program on homeopathy, a centuries-old system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like” to the Fearrington Vegetarian Club on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 at the Gathering Place. All are welcome. If you would like to attend, please call Margaret George 542-4609 or Maggie Gaudet 545-0494.
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FEARRINGTON WOMEN’S CLUB SPONSORS ‘GETTING SENTIMENTAL’

Before RAP there was ROCK ‘N’ ROLL . . . and before ROCK ‘N’ ROLL there was SWING . . . and SWING meant BIG BANDS, amazing songwriters, great songs, and marvelous musicians and vocalists. The late 30’s and most of the 40’s were truly the Golden Age of pop music. The Fearrington Women’s Club is delighted to present a cabaret program devoted to the memorable songs of that era.

If you like songs like “These Foolish Things” and “Time After Time,” you’ll love hearing them, and others, sung by FWC’s own Sherry Harris, sounding just as she did when singing with the big band of the great Tommy Dorsey, the legendary “Sentimental Gentleman of Swing.” Sherry will be accompanied by Yuri Broze. Yuri, a UNC student majoring in Biochemistry and Music, is a remarkable young musician who has played with the St. Louis Original Knights of Swing. He is the music director for the UNC Achordants, an all-male a cappella group, and plays piano in the Jazz Lab Band and in various combos.

An evening of Getting Sentimental will be held at the Gathering Place, Friday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. This is FWC’s last fund raising event of the year. All proceeds will benefit Chatham County charities. The cost of $25 per person covers dinner (including wine) and entertainment - a bargain for a worthy cause and for a memorable evening.

All Fearringtonians and their guests are welcome, so make plans to attend now, as seating is limited to the first 100 reservations. There will be assigned seating, so if you want to sit with special friends and neighbors, please register together and provide the names of those in your group. Please make your check payable to FWC and drop it in the Women’s Club box at the Gathering Place mail kiosk. Questions? Call Kaye Zinsmeyer (542-7042).
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FEARRINGTON WRITERS MEET IN APRIL

The Fearrington Writers Group will hold its next meeting on Monday, April 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Gathering Place. Meetings are open to any Fearrington resident who is currently writing or just thinking about writing. If you would like to read a short story, poem, or something else at the April meeting, contact Barry Reece at breece@mindspring.com or Forrest Greenslade at fgreenslade@nc.rr.com. To learn more about the Writers Group, visit the FHA Website and click on "organizations."
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FEARRINGTON GARDEN CLUB

The Fearrington Garden Club is pleased to have Karen Suberman from Barefoot Paths Nursery lecture on Four Seasons in the Southern Garden for our April 20 meeting. Karen was scheduled to speak last fall when she broke both her wrists in an accident. We hope you will join us for her much awaited presentation on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Barefoot Paths Nursery is located on Henley Road just off Jack Bennett Road.

The May 18 meeting will be the Garden Club's year-end banquet. Reservations will be required for the dinner; current members will dine free of charge and non-member guests can join them for an additional fee. Response forms will be available at this month's meeting.

Reminder to all village residents in honor of the 6th Fearrington House Tour there will be a 10% discount at the Potting Shed during the week of April 24 thru the 30th. Current Garden Club members will receive an additional 5% off to decorate your May baskets for the event.

If you are interested in a safe and effective systemic treatment to keep your plants from feeding the deer, rabbits, voles, and gophers log onto the FHA website and check out the Garden Club link for more information.
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FEARRINGTON WOMEN’S CLUB

The Fearrington Women’s Club plans a program by Barbara Harris and a trip to the Pinehurst Home and Garden Tour, and celebrates a successful fund raising event.

April Program. The much anticipated program, “Their Brilliant Careers: English Aristocratic Women” by Barbara Harris, Professor of History and Director of Women’s Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 21. The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Gathering Place, and all Fearrington women are invited to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to learn more about the role of women in English society. This will be the final lecture in the series arranged by Beverly Long, The Year of the UNC Woman at Work.

Pinehurst Trip. April 14 is the day of the FWC trip to Pinehurst for the Home and Garden Show. Under the able leadership of Nancy Foster, plans have been made for a bus trip departing the Gathering Place at 9:00 a.m. and returning at approximately 4:30 p.m.. The cost of the trip after March 29 is $50 and at that time reservations are open to non-members of the FWC. The price of the trip includes bus transportation, tickets for the Home and Garden Tour and lunch at Squire’s Pub. Reservations close on April 9. To check on the availability of reservations, please call Nancy at 542-0407 or Barbra Carson at 542-0782.

Kudos to Kaye Zinsmeyer, Madge Hoyt, Carol Vatter, Debbie DiSabatino, and the countless others who worked so hard to make the 2004 FWC Book, Bake and Boutique Sale the most successful ever. Treasurer Barbra Carson reports that $5000 was raised to support various Chatham County charities.

Looking Ahead Wednesday, May 19, Tea Cup Catered Luncheon Event, 12:00 Noon at the Gathering Place.
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FEARRINGTON DEMOCRATIC CLUB

The Fearrington Democratic Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:15 p.m. in The Gathering Place. We will begin our “election year coverage” with a visit from Erskine Bowles, Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s United States Senate seat currently held by Sen. Edwards. We are excited about our election prospects for 2004 and we look forward to hearing from

Erskine about his views and positions on the issues. All Fearrington residents are welcome.

Looking ahead, on Tuesday, May 25 at 7:15 p.m., we are planning a candidate forum for Democratic candidates running for County and other offices in the July primary. You won’t want to miss hearing from these candidates.
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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, April 28, at 7:30 at the Gathering Place. All are candidates in the Republican primary for the North Carolina Fourth District Congressional seat held by Representative David Price.

The three candidates were scheduled to appear in January but were cancelled because of the ice and snow. They invite you to visit their websites.

Todd Batchelor, a Navy veteran, is a bid administrator with Bob Barker Company. He will vote for making President Bush's tax cuts permanent and is against wasteful spending, including the Light Rail system that Rep. Price favors. (www.batchelorforcongress.com).

Howard Mason is on the board of Citizens for an Alternative Tax System, an organization that wants to eliminate the Internal Revenue Service and replace it with a national sales tax. He ran for Congress in 1994 in Ohio and moved here in 1997. (www.masonforcongress.com).

" Whit" Whitfield, a Navy veteran and Hillsborough lawyer, ran for District Court judge in the late 1980s. “Whit” is dedicated to the field of education and favors allowing a person to privately invest a portion of their Social Security deduction. (www.whitforcongress.com).

Each candidate will speak, followed by a question and answer period and refreshments. Listening and asking questions will help you choose your favorite. All Fearrington residents are invited. For more information or a ride to the meeting, please call Tom Hauck (542-5499) or John Milliken (545-0133).
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SWIM CLUB OPEN HOUSE

May 1 is open house at the Fearrington Swim and Croquet club and all residents are invited to come and learn about membership benefits. Hours are from 1 to 3 p.m. and any resident interested in membership is invited to stop by. Benefits include many social events, lap swimming, water aerobics classes, croquet play and lessons, a hot tub, and a wonderful baby pool for visiting Grand kids. Call Margaret Geoghegan at 542-7134 for further information.
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TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Fearrington Catholics are again sponsoring a visit to see the Durham Bulls face the Pawtucket Red Sox on Wednesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Please drop off a check in the amount of $6.00 per person to Jack Browne at 431 Wintercrest East before April 20. Hope to see you there! For questions, call Jack at 542-3780.
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TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR 6TH FEARRINGTON TOUR OF HOMES

The 6th Fearrington tour of Homes, a benefit for the Chatham Social Health Council will be held Saturday, May 1, 12 to 5 p.m. Visit 8 Fearrington homes that showcase unusual architectural techniques, superb custom finishing materials, outstanding faux finishes wonderful art, sublime furniture and decorating; and innovative landscaping and gardening.

Vietri ceramics has donated a door prize and registration will be at one of the tour homes, each ticket holder is entitled to an entry. It is very meaningful that the Fearrington community continues its support of the Chatham Social Health Council through this Tour of Homes, where people open their doors to give their neighbors and friends a glimpse into their homes and hearts, all for a wonderful cause that has a deep connection to and history with Fearrington Village.

For tickets call: Dorothy Alexander 542-0217, Barbara Alotis 542-5837, Pat Goetz 542-6248, Alice Maurer 542-0318, Carol Owen 542-0616 or Florence Shapiro 542-4034.
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A GALA EVENT FOR THE COOKBOOK!

May is Cookbook month. The Fearrington Cooks for Fearrington Cares Cookbook Project invites you to participate in a gala event on May 12 at 5:00 p.m. in the Fearrington Barn. An Affair to Remember will feature an opening hour of waiter passed free champagne and hors d’oeuvres with live harp music followed by an elegant Dinner Buffet, catered by the Fearrington House Restaurant and a lively Auction. A cash bar will be available. Proceeds will be used to print and bind the cookbook making it possible to give all money from cookbook sales directly to Fearrington Cares.

A sampling of auction items: A Vacation week at a delightful country home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Dinner for 8 by Fearrington resident chef, John Webster, A Scrumptious Dessert Each Month for a year, and An Elegant, Professionally Catered Cocktail Party for 20 served on a beautiful deck with a dramatic view of Bush Creek; includes live piano music.

May will also be the time when you can subscribe for your own copies of the cookbook, slated for distribution in early November 2004. Reserve your copies now for holiday giving. Come to the Village Center and participate in pre-publication sales on Saturday, May 15 and May 22, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Remember that this book is filled with information about Fearrington past and present, the history of the Fearrington family land and farm, color pictures of the village, the cows and goats, the park and woodlands and a wonderful section on Culinary and Landscape Herbs and Edible Flowers. You will be able to say to your friends and family, “Here is a book that shows you where I live” as well as having a book filled with delicious recipes to tempt the most avid cook.

We need you to reserve your tickets for the May 12 event. We have dining tables of 10 available so get your friends together for an evening of fun. Reservations are $35 per person.

We need you to help us with the Auction by donating an auction item or asking someone else to do so. Goods and services are all welcome. Donations are tax deductible.

To reserve your place at an Affair to Remember Ginny Mellencamp 545-0967 , ginnymell@mailstation.com

To donate auction items Vera Graye, 542-9888 or e-mail alexandvera@hotmail.com

Julie Snyder, 545-0194 or e-mail snyderjl@earthlink.net

Remember - Fearrington Cares Benefits You!
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AHOY, FEARRINGTON SAILORS!

Save May 14 for the Annual Spring Fling to be held at the Swim & Croquet Club beginning at 5 p.m. Mary Clare Edwards will be our hostess and will be asking members to bring a hors d’oeuvre to pass. The Yacht Club will provide wine, beer, mixers and soda. This is always a fun event not to be missed. Fearrington residents who are not members may join by simply placing a check payable to FYC of $10 per person in the Club box at the GP kiosk.
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EVENTS OUTSIDE OF FEARRINGTON

FRIENDS OF THE PITTSBORO MEMORIAL LIBRARY

April is filled with events sponsored by the Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library. All programs will be held at the library.

The public is invited to a reception honoring the artist Talmadge Moose on Sunday, April 4, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pittsboro Memorial Library. A small retrospective selection of his artwork can be seen in the Reeves Auditorium of the library through April. Talmadge Moose was a renowned illustrator and a Fearrington resident until his death in August 2003. He had the first one-man show in the Russell Rotunda in the US Senate. His work was included in shows in the High Museum in Atlanta, SECCA and other places.

Also on Sunday, April 4 -- Ella Joyce Stewart will speak at 2:30 p.m. on "Forgotten Rural Black Women: What Happens When the Farms and Men are Gone?"

Monday, April 5 -- The Book Discussion Club will meet at 7:00 p.m. to talk about Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King.

Tuesday, April 6 -- Dr. William Ferris' presentation on "Memory and Sense of Place in the American South" will be held at 7:30 p.m. The election of Friends officers will also take place at this meeting.

Sunday, April 18 -- At 2:30 p.m. James Leloudis will talk about "Honest, Hard Working People: An Oral History of Family, Work and Community in Piedmont Cotton Mill Villages, 1880-1940."
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CHAPEL HILL NEWCOMERS MEN’S LUNCH

Our speaker for April will be Dr. Peter Beckman, a member of Newcomers. Peter taught political science for 30 years at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, specializing in international relations and American foreign policy.

Peter developed an undergraduate course on the impact of individuals on their society. He incorrectly assumed that in selecting Jesus, he and his students could easily trace that impact. He will discuss the problems in assessing Jesus as a historical figure.

The Newcomers Men’s Luncheon group meets on Friday, April 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the lower meeting room of the Chapel Hill Country Club on Lancaster Road in the Oaks. All newcomers and alumni are welcome. Advance cost for buffet and an interesting speaker is only $11.00. Please RSVP to Warren Wagner (542-6043) by April 10. Check payable to Warren should be mailed to him at, 141 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC, 27312 If you pay at the door, bring $12!!!
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THE GARDENS OF FRANKLIN STREET HISTORY IN BLOOM

The Chapel Hill Spring Garden Tour features eight distinctive gardens along historic Franklin Street adjacent to the University of North Carolina. Guests will be enchanted by the blending of the history of these gracious homes with their charming landscape designs. Southern favorites such as perennials, roses, camellias, azaleas, dogwoods as well as unique birdhouses and statuary await discovery in each beautiful garden.

“The Gardens of Franklin Street”: Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Tickets: $15 in advance and $20 on the Tour day

Ticket and General information: Call the North Carolina Botanical Garden at 919-962-0522 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays or visit the Tour website at: chapelhillgardentour.org

The biennial Tour is presented by the Chapel Hill Garden Club and benefits the North Carolina Botanical Garden and educational and community projects of the Chapel Hill Garden Club.
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JOIN THE COA TRAVELERS IN BERMUDA!

Join the Council on Aging’s travelers club on a 7-day, 6-night excursion to Bermuda. The trip is scheduled for October 17 through October 23. Sail on Celebrity Cruise Lines, “Horizon” to Hamilton and St. George. Inside cabins start at $899 per person including motor-coach transportation to and from Norfolk, cabin, shipboard meals, shipboard amenities, port charges and taxes. A $200 deposit is due by Monday, May 17. For more information, please contact Pam King at 742-3975.
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THE SUNSHINE BOYS

Bob Barr will appear as Al Lewis in the Temple Theater production of Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys, which opens on April 22 and runs through May 9.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Thursday matinee at 1:30 and Thursday evening at 7, Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

The Sunshine Boys is arguably Simon's funniest play-the story of a famous two-man vaudeville team (Lewis and Clark) who parted bitterly years before and are now being asked to do their old act for a coast-to-coast live TV show. Their feud leads to some of the most hysterical moments in the modern American theater. Temple's production will also star John Murphy and be directed by Martin Thompson. For tickets and reservations, call 774-4155.
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UN ASSOCIATION TO DISCUSS GLOBAL IMPACT OF U.S.ECONOMY

A recent New York Times article reported on the IMF's concern that the U.S. budget deficit and the ballooning trade imbalance constitute a threat to the world economy. With an American economy of some $10 trillion out of a global total of some $30 trillion, it is easy to understand the world monetary agency’s anxiety. For with one-third of the world’s economic output, the health of the U.S. economy, the world’s largest is critical to global stability which in turn is essential to American prosperity.

Professor Reid Click, Associate Professor of International Business and International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington, DC. will discuss the implications of all this in his talk on The U.S. Impact on the World Economy and Implications for Individual Americans. An expert on international financial risk and risk management, Professor Click has been a consultant for several international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme , and the U.S. Agency for International Development , and for research and educational institutions in Japan, Poland and Italy.

The meeting will take place at noon on Wednesday, April 28 at the Holiday Inn on 15-501 Bypass in Chapel Hill . Reservations may be made by sending a check in the amount of $15 payable to "UNA-West Triangle Chapter" to Barbara Walburn, 247 Carolina Meadows Villa, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. The deadline for reservations is April 23. Questions to Barbara at 967-6853.
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SECOND BLOOM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The “Second Bloom" an upscale thrift shop operated by The Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center of Chatham County is grateful for your response to our appeal for clothing donations.

Our volunteer base needs more willing workers. The shop is located in downtown Pittsboro at 68 Hillsborough Street and the hours are Tuesday -Saturday for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information please call "Second Bloom" at 545-5565 or call Anita Martin at 545-0095.
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AARP CELL PHONE DRIVE

The Chatham County AARP Chapter is collecting used cell phones to distribute to those in need across the county. Cell phones, even without a service provider, can be used to call 911. To help provide a safety measure to isolated persons of all ages around the county, bring a phone and charger to the Council on Aging Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.. Cell phones must have a charger.

Another project is the “The Best of Chatham County Cooks; Retired and Still Hot in the Kitchen,” now on sale for $8.00. Proceeds will be used to purchase a heart defibrillator for the senior centers in Pittsboro and Siler City.

The Chatham County AARP meets the third Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Council on Aging senior center located on 365 Highway 87 North in Pittsboro. Visitors and potential members are welcome at all meetings. For more information , call Phyllis Reid at 542-4512.
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SENIOR CENTER HOSTS FESTIVAL

The Chatham County Council on Aging will hold “Chatham Mile,” on Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. along the one-mile “THANKS” walking trail on the campus of Central Carolina Community College in Pittsboro.

This year’s event will also include a 75-mile motorcycle “Poker Run” through Chatham County. For those not riding motorcycles, there will be a three-mile walking “Poker Run.” Participants will go to pre-selected businesses to pick up a playing card. After collecting five cards, the participants will return to the festival. The best hand for each event wins $200.

The festival will feature food, crafts, music and activities for children. Rent a vendor space for $35. Professional vendors, church groups, civic groups, neighborhoods, non-profits and individuals are welcome. All proceeds benefit the Council on Aging and the older adults of Chatham County. For more information, call the Council on Aging 542-4512.
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PARTICIPATE IN SENIOR GAMES

The Council on Aging is hosting the tenth annual Chatham County Senior Games from Friday, April 23 through Saturday, May 1. Anyone over the age of 55 may participate. The events offered are golf, bocce, cycling, bowling, horseshoes, table tennis, track and field, badminton, swimming, tennis, shuffleboard, archery, basketball and the fun walk.

In the Silver Arts Division, participants may choose from visual art, heritage art, performing art, literary art and contemporary art. Entries are displayed in the Council’s new Art Gallery.

Applications are now available at the Council on Aging in Pittsboro. To have one mailed to you, call Kelly Gordon at the Council at 542-4512. Registration forms and a $10 entrance fee are due by Monday, April 12. All entrants will receive an official Chatham County Senior Games tee-shirt and a participant gift filled with items from area businesses.

Winning competitors will go on to compete at the state finals, which will be held in Raleigh in October. Last year, 70% of Chatham’s participants in the state finals won a medal.

Please join participants and supporters at the Opening Ceremonies at the Council on Aging on Friday, April 23 at 4:00. The event will feature the Fun Walk, the Silver Arts display, performing arts, entertainment, special guest speakers and refreshments. Opening Ceremonies are open to the public and is free of charge.

Senior Games provides an opportunity for friendly competition, socialization and personal achievement. Join the Council on Aging in celebrating the spirit and energy of older adult athletes and artists. Contact Dina Reynolds, 542-4512
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ALS ASSOCIATION BENEFIT

You are cordially invited to attend a Benefit Cocktail party on Thursday, May 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Carolina Club for the “Catfish” Hunter Chapter, ALS Association. The party will be hosted by the friends of Judy & Paul Ising.

There will be a cash bar with proceeds going to ALSA. Hor’s D’oeuvres will be served. There will be a short presentation by the “Catfish” Hunter Chapter of ALSA. Materials on the “Walk to D’Feet ALS” in September will be available. Walkers and sponsors are needed..

Please mark your calendar. Email your R.S.V.P to Judy Ising at judyising@nc.rr.com or call Sandy Holton at 545-0810.
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HEALTH AND FITNESS

FEARRINGTON CARES BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004

President
  (term 2/05)

Merwin H. Shumate 542-0610 mshumate1@nc.rr.com
Vice President
  (term 2/05)
Martin Spritzer 542-1936  
Treasurer
  (term 2/05)
Ruth Williams 543-6772 Ruthellen6@aol.com
Secretary
  (term 2/07)
Orv Conner 545-9115 mconner2@nc.rr.com
Newsletter/PR
  (term 2/07)
Sallie Comey 542-0842 slsc@mindspring.com
Data Base
  (term 2/06)
Mary Stuneck 542-9985 mstuneck@juno.com
Volunteer Coordinator
  (term 2/07)
Peg Perlman 545-9951 theperlmans@nc.rr.com
Special Projects
  (term 2/05)
Marvin Tauriainen 545-8836 MTZ@nc.rr.com
Health Resources
  (term 2/06)
Don Lucey 545-0638 lucey@earthlink.net
Nurse Coordinator Joyce Baird 542-6877 fearringtoncares@earthlink.com
Past Presidents Phil Penberthy
Joe Geoghegan
Ken Richardson
Marvin Tauriainen
 
   

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NURSES NOTES FROM JOYCE BAIRD

Winter is about gone and the green is beginning to peek out and around in The Village. I don’t know about you, but I’m darn glad to see it! Our morning walks are pure pleasure, but we don’t get as much exercise since we frequently stop to admire the beauty exploding around us. The birds have returned in record numbers (including the crows) and I’m getting ready to mix up the hummingbird food.

If you look at our calendar for April, you will see how the programs at Fearrington Cares have also “exploded”. There is something for everyone and I hope you will take the advantage of the opportunities to maintain the healthy lifestyle so unique to Fearrington residents. The Strength and Balance classes seem to be a big hit and we still have some foot care appointments available in April. So, shake off the snow, put on your “tennie-pumps” and get going!

STRENGTH AND BALANCE CLASSES SCHEDULED

Beginning Wednesday March 24 and continuing for six-weeks, Fearrington Cares will offer ElderFit Strong and Steady strength and balance classes. If course attendance is adequate, we will extend the classes indefinitely. Classes will be held twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday in the Gathering Place from 11 a.m.-12 Noon. Class instructors are experienced physical therapists who specialize in treatments for senior adults. As well as offering the instructional advantage of group sessions, instruction will also be tailored to your individual physical ability. Classes will cost $6 per session that will cover purchase of equipment, room rental and instructors’ travel costs. Classes are open to all Fearrington residents. Registration is not required; simply show up ready to go! See you there.

FOOT CARE CLINIC A HUGE SUCCESS!

Foot problems seem to be a big problem in the Village as confirmed by our first monthly foot care clinic. We scheduled foot care appointments for 10 Fearrington residents – two more than we had room and nurses for. In addition, we had to turn three folks away from the March clinic and schedule them for April 5. Additional clinics will be held May 3, June 7 and July 12. Dates following July will be announced. In anticipation of continuing interest in the clinic, we need to recruit additional nurses to meet the need for these services. If you are a retired nurse and could volunteer two hours every two or three months, please give the nursing office a call.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP IN PLANNING STAGES - UPDATE

Karen Marshall, a retired registered nurse and Fearrington Resident, and I attended a caregivers support group that meets monthly at the Chatham Council on Aging. The group is composed of 10-15 members who serve as care givers in a number of ways – as hands-on caregivers, as family members of a caregiver or as paid caregiver. Our purpose in attending the meeting was to learn how the support group operates, hear how members cope with the care-giving role, and explore how Fearrington Cares could start and structure a group within our community. We are developing a short questionnaire for those in Fearrington who are in care giving roles to determine interest in joining a group and what types of issues they would like to see addressed if a group is formed. If you receive a questionnaire, please take a few minutes to complete the form and return it to Fearrington Cares. Depending upon input received, we will schedule an initial meeting to charter a Caregiver Support Group. If you are a caregiver and do not receive a questionnaire, please contact the Fearrington Cares office (542-6877) so we can send one to you.

FEARRINGTON CARES CHOSEN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH ACCREDITATION SITE REVIEW

As of 2005, all public health departments in North Carolina must be accredited by the Institute of Public Health. Chatham County Public Health Department was chosen to be one of six counties in the pilot program for the accreditation review process. As an outlying community health clinic, Fearrington Cares was chosen for an inspection by the site review team from the Public Health Accreditation Review Board. On February 25 a team consisting of a Health Director and Nursing director from neighboring county met at Fearrington Cares offices and Dorothy Cilenti, Director, Chatham County Health Department, Jean Vukoson, Nursing Supervisor, Chatham County Health Department, Merv Shumate, President, and Joyce Baird, Nurse Coordinator, Fearrington Cares. Fearrington Cares was able to showcase its unique model for delivering health promotion and disease prevention programs and nursing services to the Fearrington community. Team members were impressed with the services we are offering to residents and, particularly, with the level of volunteer activity in our organization. Comments about our community and the services being provided were both complimentary and positive. Fearrington Cares can be proud of their organization and the support they give to their neighbors. The final results of the accreditation visit are expected in late March.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO…

Armin Hagin for working so diligently over the past year to arrange donation of a videotape library to Fearrington Cares containing 73 medically related titles. Armin worked for over a year with Elaine Smith at UNC Hospitals to select and review all of the tapes being donated. The FC Board is currently discussing ways to use the tapes and how to best to make them available to the community. More on this topic in a later edition.

TOP 10 HEALTH MISTAKES

How many mistakes are you making when it comes to your health? The Institute of Healthcare Advancement interviewed 500 seniors about errors they make in caring for themselves. Here are the top 10 mistakes they found:

1. Driving when it’s no longer safe

2. Fighting the aging process and its appearance

3. Reluctance to talk about problems with doctors

4. Not understanding what the doctor says

5. Disregarding the serious risk of a fall

6. Failing to have a plan for managing medication

7. Not having a single primary care physician who oversees your treatment

8. Not seeking medical help after early warning signs

9. Failing to participate in prevention programs

10. Not asking loved ones for help

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS

A big THANK YOU to telephone answerers, drivers, office receptionists and nurses who volunteered in March: Elaine Alexander, Mary Heaton, Mary Stuneck, Julia Salisbury, Sue Steward, Edie Lange, Barbara Wilburn, Floydine Roberts, Mary Ann Tharaldsen, Elaine Alexander, Marlene Conner, Uzal and Jun Martz, Guy and Ingrid Baird, John and Kay Combest, Shirley and Bill Schneerer, Virginia Childress, Marilyn Brand, Jim and Marg Granger, Paul and Laverne Troutman, Walter and Stacy Koehler, Sidney and Lilyan Levine, Bob and Susanne Hotte, Gene and Elaine Landriau, Norman and Nancy Johnson, Jeanne and Frank Galick - If I missed anyone, my apologies….there are so many of you!!!!

FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR

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

Blood Pressure Clinic-Wednesday, April 7 and 21, 10a.m.-Noon, Nursing Office

ElderFit - Strong and Steady - on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-Noon - Gathering Place

Foot Care Clinic-Monday, April 5, 2-4 p.m. - FC Office - Gathering Place - You must make and appointment -542-6877

Medication Evaluation/Consultation by CVS Pharmacist - Monday, April 5 -1-2 p.m. - Fearrington Cares Office - Village Center
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ACUPUNCTURE AND WESTERN- STYLE MEDICINE: A dual approach

A mixture of traditional Western-style medicine and Eastern-style medicine (acupuncture) - a dual approach to healthcare, is the title of the next Fearrington Cares health education seminar. Dr. Remy Coeytaus, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine, UNC, and Dr. Wunian Chen, who practices at the Family Practice Center, and also holds an appointment at the UNC School of Medicine, will be the speakers. Come and join us Wednesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place and find out more about acupuncture, and if it is right for you.
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PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY SUPPORT GROUP

The Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group will meet at the Gathering Place on Friday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Caroline Kline from UNC Neurology Department , a specialist in Peripheral Neuropathy, will be our speaker. If you have any questions please call Vera Reece at 542-7272 or e-mail to breece@mindspring.com.
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FEARRINGTON YOGA WILL TEACH YOU MANY THINGS!

You can learn the stretches, balancing poses, breathing techniques and stress-reducing relaxation in the company of our small congenial group and under the guidance of our skilled instructor. We meet every Wednesday 8:15-9:30 a.m. and would love to have you join us. For details please call Laura Hyer at 545-9607.
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THANKS TO ALL THE BLOOD DONORS

Thanks to all the blood donors who willingly gave their "gift of life" to the Red Cross Blood Bank March 5 at the Gathering Place. Fearrington again exceeded its assigned goal of 30 units and we should all be proud of those who were able to help attain that goal. Thanks to all for making the time and effort. Martha J. Wilson (coordinator)
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BOARD BRIEFINGS

FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MARCH 2 BOARD MEETING

President Gaudet called the meeting to order and turned the meeting over to Vice-President, Steve Ruziecki who called for Resident input. Ruth Kreisman remarked how good the kitchen in the Gathering Place looked after recent improvements and thanked Lisa Stewart for her good work in upgrading the building.

Carol Ann Greenslade posed two questions: 1) She has been notified by the Camden Service Group to remove a window hanging; could the board clarify the rules and regulations on the use of window hangings? 2) What is the penalty for not complying with requests from Camden? Steve Ruziecki referred her to the Camden Service Group officers and said he would check on the penalty. Jerry Gaudet added that there are problems with interpretations of the covenants and that Ann Bigelowe would be working with all the Fearrington service groups to gain clarity and consensus on standards.

Joy Metelits, representing twenty-six Fearrington residents who border the recently sold Crist property, requested that the board continue to monitor the County Compact Community Ordinance legislation and be a voice for the residents regarding the outcome. In particular, the group is concerned that a waver clause has been put back into the proposed ordinance. She requested that the board take a stand on this issue. Jerry Gaudet promised the board would do so after study of the issues involved.

Treasurer’s Report. Frank Chut reported that expenses for January were understated due to the transition in grounds vendors. The treasury has $30,000 more this month than it did last year at this time. The report was approved .

Committee Reports : Community affairs – Cynthia Jones announced that the Easter Bunny will be arriving in Fearrington on April 11 at 1:30 at the playground. The Smokehouse library space has increased and is being well used. The recent contribution of CDs has resulted in their immediate use.

Covenant Issues – Anne Bigelow announced that on March 17 at 1 p.m. members of the Fearrington covenants groups will meet to review the covenants, and find commonalities or variances. Their goal will be to reach consensus on interpretations of the covenants and standardize the resulting actions. FHA board members are invited to attend.

County Liaison (Click here for full report) –Al Lebeau reported that there will be a public hearing on the Compact Community Ordinance held by the county commissioners on March 23. He also announced that there are two commissioner seats open for election this July; the seats open are those presently held by Bob Atwater from District 1 and Margaret Pollard from District 2.

The Chatham County Planning Board recently requested additional information from the Jordan Lake LLC regarding the proposed Homestead development before making zoning change recommendations to the Commissioners. The project proposes constructing 475 homes on 577 acres of land on Big Woods Road, south of The Preserve. The proposed density is four times greater than currently allowed. The Planning Board is seeking information on the effect of the project on Jordan Lake and the cost to the county schools.

Al also reported that the commissioners have approved an expenditure for $184,000 as the first phase of upgrades and modifications of the county’s Jordan Lake water treatment plant. Besides improving the effectiveness of the water system, the upgrades are expected to allow for increased capacity in the future. The board also approved $49,650 to purchase new water meter reading equipment that will allow county employees to read meters via radio.

FHA office – Steve Ruziecki announced that the 2004 FHA directories have been distributed. He asked residents to alert the FHA office if mistakes are found. He also acknowledged the good work and efforts that are being made by the Long Range Planning Committee highlighting the recent insert about transportation information in the March issue of the FHA newsletter.

Gathering Place – Lisa Stewart thanked Frank Chut for his great work done recently as part of his FHA Treasurer’s duties. Lisa reported that a survey was done of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems at the Gathering Place. Although no major problems were found there are some areas that need to be addressed and this will be done over the next couple of months. Using the responses to her request about lighting and sound needs of Fearrington groups who meet at the Gathering Place, Lisa presented a list of needs to three lighting experts and sought their advice on how to proceed with the changes. These recommendations will be made to the board at a later date. The refurbishing work on the Gathering Place is continuing working around scheduled events and meetings.

Grounds and facilities - Steve Bodner announced that there were some minor repairs needed at the Fearrington playground, that he made one temporary repair, but is having trouble contacting the vendor to make the permanent repairs. Steve said that he was concerned about the erosion on the hillside behind the Gathering Place, and moved that the board approve $500 for new plants. The motion was carried. Steve also moved that the board approve $500 to remove overgrown bushes and improve the appearance at the front entrance of the Gathering Place. The motion was carried.

Other Reports. Jerry Gaudet announced that Fitch Inc. will be putting sewer lines into Bush Creek and that FHA is working with Fitch to construct walkways in that area. Jerry added that the former barn along Village Way by the pool is being remodeled and FHA is working with Fitch to improve the nearby walking area there. Jerry Gaudet informed the board that in response to his request for Fearrington lawyers for assistance, three residents have responded and will be available to advise the board on issues upon request.

Additional Resident Input. Ruth Kreisman asked when the board will arrange repair of the potholes on the streets near the intersections of Langdon and Camden. President Gaudet informed her that this street is owned by Fitch Inc. Local residents should request that Fitch do these repairs. Bob Oram asked when spring cleanup will occur. Steve Bodner said he had no date as yet to announce but would set a date and put it in the newsletter.

The next meeting will be on April 6, 2004.

Submitted by Janet Lorant, Secretary
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FHA ALTERNATIVE SECRETARY POSITION

The Fearrington Homeowners Association is seeking interested candidates to serve as alternate secretary for the remainder of 2004-2005. The purpose of the appointed position is to have someone available to substitute for the elected secretary in her occasional absence. The alternate secretary would be asked to take notes at a monthly FHA meeting, and prepare the minutes. Skills needed include: word processing and ability to send and receive attachments electronically. Interested parties should contact Janet Lorant at 542-5760.
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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

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

The deadline for the May issue is Thursday, April 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