FHA Index


FHA GENERAL
MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
NOVEMBER 13

The Barn

Voting 2-3PM
Meeting 3-5PM

Candidate
Biographies
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Bylaw Chages
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FALL CLEANUP
NOVEMBER
7  to 14

Phases I to V
Weathersfield
The Woods
Bush Creek

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The email addresses in this on-line version of the newsletter have been modified to substitute "AT" for the "@" symbol. This is done to reduce the likelihood that spammers will be able to pick up the address. When you click on one of these addresses and your mail software formats a message, you will need to modify the address field in the message by replacing the "AT" with "@."

 FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

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

Fearrington Village Community News
  A Post Office In Fearrington? Not Yet
  Board And Residents Discuss Incorporation
    Extract from Minutes
    October 4 Meeting
    October 10 Meeting
  FHA Web Site Provides Page For Your Comments

What's Going On In Fearrington
  McIntyres Activities For November
  Travel Club To Examine Van Diemens Land: The Other Australia
  Thespians To Meet
  Author/Designer To Speak At Arts & Crafts Meeting
  Dr. Nicholas Gillham To Address Havurah
  AM Book Club To Discuss Middlesex
  Great Decisions To Discuss Taiwan-China Relations
  Fearrington Writers To Meet In November
  Garden Club To Hear Talk On Winter Gardening
  Weathersfield Prepares For Annual Holiday Party
  Light A Luminary Benefits Ronald McDonald House
  Fearrington Women's Club

What's Going On Outside Fearrington
  Community Read To Begin
  Retired Diplomat To Speak
  AAUW Topic: Social Security
  U.N. Group To Discuss Global Poverty
  Timothy Tyson To Speak At Council On Aging
  Grief Awareness Week More Relevant Than Ever
  Pat Stewart, Janet Reilly Winners In Silver Arts Finals

The Music Scene
  Concert Series Will Present Quartet From Belgium
  Grits, Voices Continue A Holiday Tradition
  Holiday Recital Planned
Volunteer Corner
  Helping Hands Bring Cheer And Help By Ringing The Bells
  United Way Campaign Tops $60,000
  Fearringtonians Help Cora Feed Chatham's Hungry
  Chatham County Honors Fearrington Residents
  Joe Geohegan, Mike Cotter Receive Awards

Health And Fitness
  Nurse's Notes From Joyce Baird
  Strength And Balance Class To Disband
  Fearrington Cares Calendar
  Blood Drive More Important Than Ever
  Fearrington Cares Offers A Holiday Special
  Ophthalmologist To Speak On "The Aging Eye"
  Yoga For Beginners
  Yoga Goes On . . .
  Vegetarians To Hear Talk On Food Pharmacy

FHA Affairs
  October 10 DVD Available
  Community Watch Organizes
  New 15/501 Poses Challenges
  Summary Of The FHA Board's October 10 Meeting
  Fall Cleanup November 7 to 14

Attention, Overseas Travelers
The Virtues of Economic Patriotism

Newsletter/Directory/Calendar Editiors
A Reminder About Submissions

FEARRINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY NEWS

A POST OFFICE IN FEARRINGTON? NOT YET

The proposal to have a Contract Postal Unit in the Gathering Place has been abandoned because of restrictions on commercial operations in the Gathering Place. Another Fearrington location is being sought. R.B. Fitch has agreed to work with the FHA on finding a potential site. The FHA Board then will need to confirm that the potential site meets state regulations.
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BOARD AND RESIDENTS DISCUSS INCORPORATION

The following was prepared from minutes of the FHA Board meeting of October 4 and summaries of the October 4 and 10 meetings by Bob Comey.

EXTRACT FROM MINUTES

Note from Secretary Maggie Frantz: Additional comments were added to the minutes after the meeting to ensure that complete and correct information was disseminated to the community. In all cases, a note is included to that effect.

Documents were passed out to all attendees: a summary of the findings of the Annexation & Incorporation Committee (ANINC) (Click Here) and a Q&A sheet of most commonly asked questions about incorporation (Click Here). Bill Sommers, board member and ANINC chair, spoke about the documents and then opened it up for questions, which included:

What is R.B. Fitch's relationship and what is his opinion of incorporation?

He would have one vote. Members of the FHA Board met with him last week and he said he does not yet believe we need to incorporate yet but he has an open mind. (Tom amended this comment at the October 10 meeting: "He did not feel it was necessary but wouldnt oppose it. But after reading recent press reports, he now favors "putting it off." He "does not want to introduce a second layer of government and is against higher taxes.")

What is the population of the area outside of Fearrington and how do we communicate to them?

An FHA board member spoke with the county manager to set up a meeting at 7 p.m. on November 9 at the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro for people impacted outside Fearrington. There are approximately 150 registered voters in this area. The petition must be signed by 15% of registered voters in the area of incorporation. Residents outside of Fearrington will be notified. (Data received after the October 4 meeting indicates there are 85 residents and 64 registered voters outside Fearrington .)

Wouldn't the commercial area of Briar Chapel that is in the incorporated area pay the majority of taxes since it would have a higher tax rate?

It has not been determined what that areas tax rate would be. We cant say at this time that they would pay the majority of taxes. (Notes added after the meeting: It has not been determined what the rate would be and since nothing is currently built there, we cant get a good estimate. When fully developed, taxes would be based on the assessed valuation and the tax rate set by governing board of the new municipality.)

Have you been able to ascertain how many incorporation requests have been submitted in North Carolina and how many were approved?

About 25 have been and 14-15 were accepted. (Numbers confirmed after the meeting were from 1999-2004: 24 applications; 13approved; 11 did not pass.)

Would incorporation replace the FHA and volunteers?

No. The FHA would remain intact. The covenants by and large would remain intact. The incorporated municipality might take over some of the more public functions being done by service groups. An example might be garbage collection.

It seems the reason for incorporation is based on fear. Maybe in 10 years Chapel Hill will want to annex us. Please talk about the cons. You are only presenting the positive side.

The cons are that another layer of government would be created and it would cost the residents something. (Additional comments added after the meeting: The basic negative side is having to pay increased taxes. Many people do not want another level of government thrust upon them and would prefer to wait until there was more concrete evidence of a real problem. Many of these objections are summarized in the Final Report on page 35, item 3.)

In terms of the political process at the state level, how does it look for local positive support? Will we be successful if our senator and/or representative are against it?

If Chatham County could pass a resolution, that would have some influence. If Chapel Hill or Carrboro raised a strong opposition, we would have a difficult time. (Comments added after the meeting: And of course we need the backing of our state senator and representative. If they do not back it or have an equivocal stand, then the proposed incorporation would not survive.)

We appreciate the observation that this might look like a whitewash. The committee worked very hard to provide a Q&A sheet. Please review that very closely.

In order for this to pass, are we going to have a vote of everyone in the community?

That comes later. First, the community has to indicate in the preference poll that it would like the process to continue. Then a petition signed by 15% of the registered voters in the proposed incorporated area must accompany the petition to the Joint Commission on Municipal Incorporation. The petition would contain the legally required details. Even if the General Assembly were to approve the petition, it would also require that a referendum be held on incorporation; 51% of the registered voters who vote in the referendum must approve it. A negative vote would end the incorporation effort.

Fran Sherwin, reporting for the Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC), said the group unanimously endorses the Annexation and Incorporation Committees March report and recommends proceeding with incorporation. She commended the latter committee for "a superb job." Other LRPC members are Bob DeVido, Dale Smith, Evy Barrow, Ed Farnan and Paul Ising.

If Chapel Hills population goes above 50,000, what happens?

In 2010, the new census will most likely identify that Chapel Hill has over 50,000 people and the town would be able to annex Fearrington. (Comments added after the meeting: By law an area seeking incorporation must not be within 5 miles of a municipality that has a population of 50,000 or more based on the federal census. Right now Chapel Hills official population is 48,000 plus. But if our incorporation petition were delayed until after the 2010 census when Chapel Hill will have its 50,000-plus number then an incorporation proposal from the Fearrington area would have a nearly impossible chance of going ahead.)

The pace of development is very rapid and the chance of us being annexed by someone within the next 5 years is a cinch.

Cary can't annex us because Jordan Lake is a natural barrier; if Cary tried, Chapel Hill and Chatham County would oppose it. Incorporation doesn't guarantee that Fearrington would have the autonomy to influence the areas around it. The services provided would have to be contracted and they could be at the same or an increased cost.

How long would it take to get the papers together for the next session of the legislature in 2006?

We could prepare them for the upcoming session, although once it gets there it may be held over to another session. If the community gives its OK by the November 13 annual meeting, then the ANINC committee will be able to put together the required material for the petition.

Do we have the support of our representatives?

They have been informed all along the way. It is suspected they would support it; they have not said, "Stop it." (Comments added after the meeting: They have received copies of the Final Report and will be consulted all along the way. We are working for their support.)

The terms city and municipality have been used. What is the difference?

They are interchangeable.

The ANINC committees work was commended, as was the FHA for looking forward. Has any thought been given to what will happen if incorporation is successful?

We haven't laid out a plan as yet. Our focus is getting the proper papers together for the legislature. (Comments added after the meeting: We will be working on a definite plan consistent with the legal requirements. The Final Report did consider this issue and proposes the general process. The committee will work out the detail for submission to the legislature. This more detailed proposal will be first presented at a series of public meetings prior to getting the required signatures.)

Where do we go from here?

There are preference sheets here, and they will also be delivered to each resident by the block captains. Indicate your preference to have or not have incorporation. You can return your preference sheet to the FHA office or put it in your basket for the block captain to pick up when he/she delivers your November Newsletter on October 28 or 29. The preferences will be tallied and the results announced at the November 13 annual meeting.

What would it take as a municipality in terms of people, contracts signed, money and resources? Could we see a projected income and expense plan?

We are reluctant to commit the time to this only to find out the community is really not interested in incorporation. Details will be presented before the petitions are signed.

There is a concern that not enough information is known to make an intelligent decision. Is it possible to talk to others who have incorporated to learn their experience?

The ANINC Committee visited two towns that incorporated. (Comments added after the meeting: The committee visited two towns that incorporated, while the Long-Range Planning Committee also made one or two trips to recently incorporated municipalities. The results of these trips are available. All the detailed information that FHA has is shown on the web site and if there are additional questions, members of the ANINC will be pleased to provide answers Any additional paperwork will be at the FHA office and all residents will be able to get it there.)

Many thanks to Bill Sommers and the committee. In terms of continuity, we are all used to R.B. being here. If he is not here, it seems incorporation would be a good thing.

It is a consideration that has been discussed.

Regarding law enforcement and ambulance service, could Fearrington contract with them without being incorporated?

There could be liability in doing this. (Comments added after the meeting: While the FHA or Fearrington Cares may contract with an ambulance service and hire guards, contracting with actual law enforcement support may involve the FHA in costly liability insurance protection. And all these services will have to be paid by some organization.)

Tom Hauck thanked everyone for attending and said it is up to the residents to decide.

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OCTOBER 4 MEETING

When the FHA Board announced that incorporation would be discussed at the October 4 meeting, it urged residents to attend and ask questions.

They certainly did. An overflow crowd of almost 200 residents, including 10 board members, packed the Gathering Place for the almost two-hour session.

The meeting opened with an explanation of the proposed overall Incorporation area by Bill Sommers, chairman of the Annexation and Incorporation Committee, which has been studying the possibility of incorporation for about 18 months.

The area proposed for incorporation extends beyond Fearrington and is bordered roughly by U.S. 15-501 on the west, part of Jack Bennett Road on the north and part of Mount Gilead Road on the south. The western boundary would follow property lines from Jack Bennett near Wild Ginger Trail south to Mount Gilead near Big Hole Road and then follow Mount Gilead to 15-501. The total estimated area is 2,300 acres, or about 3.6 square miles. Residents of the extended area will be invited to a meeting in November at the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro.

Bill said the wider area would give an incorporated Fearrington greater control over its surroundings. He noted that Briar Chapel owns commercially zoned property bordering Fearrington. Briar Chapels waste treatment plan includes spraying effluent throughout the development.

"We could have had a lot more control" over that situation "if we were an incorporated city," he said. "Incorporation is not a panacea, but it would give us stature and a voice."

Bill, FHA President Tom Hauck and David Monroe, a Fearrington resident and Pittsboro's town planner, downplayed annexation fears. Monroe said that annexation is not a real possibility and incorporation will be costly and will not solve all the problems.

"I don't think we will have a major voice" as an incorporated community, one resident said. "There are lots of cons," to which Bill responded. "We have pointed out in the March 16 report that annexation is not an immediate possibility. Incorporation will cost something in addition to what we are all paying now and it is by no means a cure for all our problems."

Residents asked questions on numerous topics, including police and fire protection, waste disposal, road maintenance, sewers, the roles of the FHA, service groups and covenants, comparative costs to residents under the status quo vs. incorporation.

"We are trying to get a consensus now," Bill said.

"The FHA Board is not pushing incorporation down the Fearrington community's throat. We are asking the community to decide if they wish the board to spend a lot more time and effort preparing the official petition and all the documents that go with the submission to the legislature," Tom said in conclusion.

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OCTOBER 10 MEETING

Another overflow crowd of about 200 residents came to the Gathering Place on Monday, October 10 for the FHA Boards third presentation on incorporation.

The featured speakers were board member Bill Sommers, chair of the boards Annexation and Incorporation Committee (ANINC), and David Monroe, Pittsboro's town planner and a Fearrington resident.

Bill said that the most important reason for incorporation is the rapid growth of the area near Fearrington, over which we have has little control. "North Chatham is the focus of uncoordinated planned growth," he said.

"Is incorporation free?" Bill asked. "Its not. It does cost. There is no getting around that." Property in Fearrington is assessed at roughly $385 million, he said, so a tax rate of 15 cents per $100 of assessed valuation would produce a probable operating budget of $575,000-$580,000. The state requires a minimum tax of 5 cents per $100.

David emphasized that he was not speaking as an opponent of incorporation. "We need more information to reach a rational decision," he cautioned.

In response to a question, Bill said that an incorporated Fearrington would have to provide at least four municipal services chosen from a list of eight services contained in the law on municipal incorporation. ANINC has proposed water, fire service and police protection, plus zoning. The first three services are already in place and we pay both a county tax and a fire protection tax for these services. This applies to the whole of the proposed incorporated area. The ANINC recommended that we adopt our own zoning and subdivision code based on that of Chatham County but that the proposed incorporated municipality do its own zoning and planning review which would give us the fourth service.

Bill also responded to David's suggestion that a new municipality might have unforeseen expenses with water extensions and requirements for new sewers. First, all the proposed incorporated area is served by the Chatham County Water Utility and the new municipality would not need to have such a service. As to sewer or wastewater, the proposed incorporated area has two kinds of wastewater service. Most of the Fearrington Village subdivision is serviced by the Fearrington Sewer Utility, which is a private sewer system, authorized by the state Utilities Commission and which charges an annual sewer utility fee. The first three phases of Fearrington Village have approved septic systems. The residential area outside of Fearrington but within the proposed incorporated area also relies on approved septic systems. Moreover, the law on incorporation does not include sewer/waste water service as one of the eight services from which the proposed incorporated municipality must chose. Thus, the proposed incorporated municipality does not need to include either water or sewer in its service delivery plan.

A questioner asked about salaries for government officials. Bill said they had not been discussed. David noted that Pittsboro's town commissioners are paid $25 a meeting and Planning Board members are reimbursed only for travel expenses.

In his summation, David cautioned, "You need to examine the costs of services, new fees and taxes." He predicted that the state would no longer maintain Fearrington's 10+ miles of state roads and therefore state funds would not be available. However, Powell Bill funds might be available for maintenance and some administrative costs.

David also said Fearrington might want an increased police presence, either our own force or through negotiations with the sheriff. "This is something the community would have to determine," he said.

Chatham County would manage elections in Fearrington, David said, and provide ballots and other paperwork. The expenses would be nominal.

He also said the county could continue to collect motor vehicle and property taxes. "This would probably be more efficient than hiring a tax collector."

"All of these things are things we ought to examine," David concluded. "We need to gather enough information to make an informed decision and not be surprised down the road."

"What would I be getting from incorporation?" a resident asked. "Nothing but protection from annexation," David replied. "Its an insurance policy against serious consequences."

Bill responded to a number of David's comments. For example, the ANINC committee has been told by the DOT Office in Asheboro that the state would continue to maintain the 10.6 miles of road within Fearrington it now maintains. But new roads added after incorporation would be the responsibility of the municipality. However, if these roads are up to standard, then the new municipality can apply to the state for Powell funds.

The new municipality would receive the same police protection it now gets based on county taxes. If, however, the new municipality would like to add additional protection, it could a) contract for the additional service with the county sheriff or b) hire its own police personnel if it so desired. In addition, the ANINC has already discussed tax collection costs with the current county director and has received a quote from the tax administrator that her office could collect taxes for the new municipality based on a contracted price of .2% of the taxes collected.

Responding to a general question asking for more details on the proposed budget, tax rate, governmental organization, etc., Bill replied that the exact details will be developed if the community indicates through the preference voting that it would like the process to continue. If this occurs, then the ANINC will develop the full proposal required by the Joint Legislative Commission on Municipal Incorporation, which also requires that this data by submitted with the petition signed by 15% of the registered voters within the proposed incorporated area. When this full proposal is completed, the FHA will schedule another round of public meetings to review the details. The FHA could still make changes and when this process is completed, registered voters in the proposed incorporation area will be asked to sign the petition. If the 15% figure is obtained, the petition will be sent to the commission.

In his summation, Bill expressed concern that Fearrington will be affected by increased storm water because of development within and outside the Village and runoff from U.S. 15-501 construction. "Fearrington is fairly vulnerable," Bill said. "Peripheral streams are taking a terrific amount of storm water."

"There is not a master plan of storm drainage, just piecemeal development, " he continued. "We would have a greater handle on the aspects of storm water management if we were incorporated and required developers to file complete storm water management plans."

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FHA WEB SITE PROVIDES PAGE FOR YOUR COMMENTS

Since it is expected that that the incorporation question will occasion Bulletin Board postings by residents over an extended period, a separate page has been created for such comments. The link to that page from the main Bulletin Board is COMMENTS ON INCORPORATION.
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WHATS GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

MCINTYRES ACTIVITIES FOR NOVEMBER

Activities are at the store unless otherwise noted. Please check www.fearrington.com/calendar.asp for more details and additional listings.

Wednesday, November 2, 7 p.m. Authors and restaurateurs Bob and Melinda Blanchard celebrate the publication of two new books, Cook What You Love and Live What You Love. There will be a cooking demonstration and readings from Live What You Love.

Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m. (Barn). Clyde Edgerton reads from his new memoir, Solo: My Adventures in the Air.

Sunday, November 6, 2 p.m. Craig Conley reads from his new book, One-Letter Words.

Thursday, November 10, 1 p.m., Market Cafe. Editor, publisher and writer Louis Rubin Jr. reads from his latest book, Where the Southern Cross the Yellow Dog: On Writers and Writing.

Saturday, November 12, 11 a.m. Humorist and author Nan Graham reads from new book, In a Magnolia Minute: Secrets of a Late Bloomer Sunday, November 13, 2 p.m., Ann Palmer discusses her new book, Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome.

Wednesday, November 16, 7 p.m. Lynne Hinton reads from her latest novel, The Arms of God.

Saturday, November 19, 11 a.m. Chef and restaurateur Bill Smith celebrates the publication of his first cookbook, Seasoned in the South: Recipes from Crook's Corner and from Home.

Sunday, November 20, 2 p.m. (Barn). Local entrepreneur and biodiesel expert Lyle Estill marks the publication of his new book, Biodiesel Power: The Passion, the People, and the Politics of the Next Renewable Fuel.

Saturday, November 26, 11 a.m. Children's author C.M. Rubin reads from Ellie: The Perfect Dress for Me. The publisher has joined forces with the children's dress manufacturer, Bonnie Jean Dresses, to launch a national "Design Your Perfect Holiday Dream Dress" contest for kids. Come to the reading with a picture of your "perfect" dress and have a chance to win. The three national winners will have their dresses custom made and revealed on one of the network morning shows in December.

Sunday, November 27, 2 p.m. Author and journalist George Taber reads from his new book, Judgement of Paris: California v. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine.
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TRAVEL CLUB TO EXAMINE VAN DIEMEN'S LAND: THE OTHER AUSTRALIA

Tasmania, Australia's island state, shares many attributes of geography and history with its near-antipode Newfoundland. Both were former colonies of England, have distinctive mid-latitude climates and convey a feeling of happy independence from the mainland.

In this journey in slides, Henry Castner will illustrate some of the themes that define this distant island. The program will be at the Gathering Place on Wednesday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The Travel Club hopes that others will come forward to share their recent travels in illustrated ways at one of our Wednesday evening meetings. If interested call Bob DeVido at 542-1188 or Henry Castner at 542-1602.
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THESPIANS TO MEET

The next Thespians meeting will be on Sunday, November 6 at the Gathering Place at 7:30 p.m. Gene and Elaine Landriau will produce and star in "Dolorosa Sanchez" by Stanley Taikeff. All Fearringtonians and Gallowayans are welcome.
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AUTHOR/DESIGNER TO SPEAK AT ARTS & CRAFTS MEETING

Nancy Worrell, co-owner of Paisley & Co. in Southern Village, will present a program about creating exciting home accessories using paper and fabric at the Monday, November 7 Arts & Crafts. etc, meeting.

Ms. Worrell is a freelance author/designer who combines a variety of techniques and media to create unique paper, needlework and fiber art designs. Her work has appeared in books and magazines in the United States and Great Britain. She is also the author of two books: Paper Plus: Unique Projects Using Handmade Paper and Beautiful Wedding Crafts.

The bus trip to the N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh is scheduled for Tuesday, November 8. The trip includes a docent-led tour of "The Potters Eye: Art, Craft, and Design in North Carolina" exhibition and lunch at the museum. The museum is handicap friendly and wheel chairs are available. The fee for this trip will be $32, with an extra charge of $3 if you are not a member of the museum. Residents of Galloway Ridge are invited to join us. Call Laverne Troutman at 542-0534 for additional information.

It has been a tradition for members of Arts & Crafts, etc to provide presents to foster children in Chatham County during the holiday season. Last year over 50 foster children received gifts from members. Sign up will be available at the November meeting for this very worthy and rewarding activity for the coming gift-giving season.

The annual Holiday Celebration Luncheon with the Fearrington Women's Club will be held on Thursday, December 8 at the Carolina Club in Chapel Hill. The cost will be $25, and there is ample parking in the deck next to the club at $1.25 per hour.

If you sign up for the luncheon at the meeting, checks should be made out to Arts & Crafts, etc.
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DR. NICHOLAS GILLHAM TO ADDRESS HAVURAH

Dr. Nicholas W. Gillham will speak at the Fearrington Havurah meeting on Tuesday, November 8. His topic will be "Ethnicity and Genetic Diseases."

Dr. Gillham, James B. Duke Professor of Biology Emeritus, is a geneticist and former director of the Duke University Program in Genetics. He was also chairman of Dukes Department of Zoology and is past chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Type Culture Collection, a biotechnology-related company. For many years Dr. Gillham taught popular seminars at Duke on the social and ethical implications of eugenics and human genetics.

He is the author of three books and coauthor of a fourth. His most recent work is a biography of the eminent Victorian scientist and founder of the eugenics movement, Sir Francis Galton (Sir Francis Galton: From African Exploration to the Birth of Eugenics, Oxford University Press, 2001). He is currently working on a book about the relationship between eugenics and human genetics. Dr. Gillham and his wife, Carol, live in Fearrington.

The meeting will be in the Gathering Place and will begin with refreshments at 7:15 p.m., followed by the program at 8. Guests are always welcome.
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AM BOOK CLUB TO DISCUSS MIDDLESEX

The next meeting of this newly formed book club will be held on Wednesday, November 9 at 10 a.m. at the Market Caf?. We will read and discuss Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Books selected for the months of December through February are The Good Women of China, My Old True Love" and Disgrace. The club welcomes anyone who is interested in participating. Call Jane Ross at 542-3210 if you have any questions.
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GREAT DECISIONS TO DISCUSS TAIWAN-CHINA RELATIONS

Dr. Li-ling Hsiao, assistant professor of Chinese language and pre-modern literature at UNC-Chapel Hill, will speak to the Great Decisions group on Thursday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. at McIntyres. The discussion will focus on the economic and political relationship between Taiwan and China based on the article "Our Stake in Taiwan" by Arthur Waldron.

Dr. Hsiao received her bachelors and masters degrees from Taiwan University. Her doctorate is from Oxford University. This is her fourth year at UNC-CH after two years at the University of Minnesota for two years. She regularly teaches Chinese drama of the 16th and 17th centuries, but is currently on sabbatical. Although her parents are puppeteers, she will complete her discussion with a demonstration of the guzheng, which is a cross between the harp and zither.

Copies of the article can be borrowed from McIntyre's front desk. If you have any questions, please call Jean Hjelle at 545-0432.
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FEARRINGTON WRITERS TO MEET IN NOVEMBER

The Fearrington Writers Group will hold its next meeting on Monday, November 14 from 1 to 3 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 November meeting, contact Barry Reece at breeceATmindspring.com or Forrest Greenslade at fgreensladeATnc.rr.com.

To learn more about the Writers Group, click here.
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GARDEN CLUB TO HEAR TALK ON WINTER GARDENING

The Fearrington Garden Club will meet at the Gathering Place on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Joann Currier of Unique Plant, Inc. will be the speaker. Ms. Currier, a Master Gardener, opened her own business, The Unique Plant, nine years ago. Unique Plant specializes in hard-to-find woody plants, deer- and drought-resistant plants, grasses and Japanese Maples.

This evening, Ms. Currier will address how to bring interest to the winter landscape, including deck and patio plantings. Come join us and hear how we can continue our love and interest for gardening right through the winter months.

All Fearrington and Galloway Ridge residents are invited. Refreshments will be served following the program. Contact John Karvazy, president, at 542-6942 for further information.
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WEATHERSFIELD PREPARES FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

The annual Weathersfield Holiday Party will be held Friday, December 2 at the Gathering Place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please note the date on your calendars, as you will not want to miss this opportunity to gather with your friends and neighbors for this always festive and entertaining event. Watch for a flyer at your door early in November. If you have questions please call Tom or Nancy Foster at542-0407.
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LIGHT A LUMINARY BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The "Light a Luminary" fundraiser to support The Ronald McDonald House will be held in the Village again this year on Friday, December 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dody Tredinnick is forming her committee for this event and needs help. No one job is overwhelming. If you are willing to help, please call Dody at 545-2058. Your help will help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
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FEARRINGTON WOMEN'S CLUB

QUICKSAND FUNDRAISER

Come one, come all the evening of Saturday, November 5 will be a time of fun, excitement, epicurean delights, cheering for your neighborhood team and the crowning of Fearringtons 2005 Quicksand champions!

Dont miss the first playing of the exciting new quiz game by six Fearrington neighborhood teams.

The venue: the Gathering Place. The time: 7 p.m. The tickets: ($20), available from FWC board members or call Nancy Baker at 545-9884.

All proceeds go to Chatham County charitable organizations.

TRIP TO AYR MOUNT

The club is organizing a car-pool day trip to Ayr Mount, a historic plantation home in Hillsborough, on Thursday, November 10. This event will include a docent-led tour of this beautiful plantation built in 1815. Also included will be a one-mile optional scenic "Poets Walk" along the Eno River.

Luncheon will be held at the Saratoga Grill. There will be a choice of three menus. The cost of this event will be $23, including admission to Ayr Mount, luncheon and the carpool. Please meet at the Gathering Place parking lot at 9:45 a.m. Departure will be at 10 and the day is planned for return by 3:30 p.m.

Join the fun and enjoy North Carolina history. Please contact Susan Fairbrother at 542-7275 or email at fairbrothersusanLAThotmail.com to sign up or to answer questions. Pre-trip sign up is preferred.

PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH TO SPEAK

Connie Eble, professor of English at the UNC-Chapel Hill, will address the club at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16 at the Gathering Place. All women of Fearrington and Galloway Ridge are encouraged to attend Professor Ebles talk on "Creole Girls In Antebellum Louisiana."

Dr. Ebles most recent book, Slang And Sociability: In-Group Language Among College Students, brings together various strands of her research on college slang from 1979-93. It is based on more than 10,000 items contributed by UNC undergraduates. She also is editor of American Speech, a quarterly journal of the American Dialect Society.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

December 8 at 11:30 a.m. is the date and time that the FWC and Arts & Crafts, Etc. will enjoy a holiday celebration. This event will be held at the Carolina Club. Begin the holiday with Fearrington friends, music and a three course feast. The cost is $25 and reservations must be made by Friday, November 18. Return your reservation form with your payment to the Arts & Crafts box at the Gathering Place kiosk. Reservation flyers are available at each kiosk and the November meetings of each club.

If you have questions, please contact Lori Tenser at 545-3098.

STORYTIME WORKSHOP

If you ask a member of the Women's Club StoryTime project what their favorite day of the week may be, they will respond by saying "it is the day that I read to Chatham County children." Because teachers and Fearrington volunteers interact daily and weekly with the children, the academic progress that these youngsters make in one year is truly remarkable. Most children enter public school and are mainstreamed into a classroom with very few academic delays.

A StoryTime Project Reading Workshop was held on October 14. Forty-eight men and women were welcomed by Norma Berry, FWC president and Amy Rabb, executive director of Childcare Networks of Chatham County. They expressed their appreciation for the important work done by volunteers and added that other schools are requesting inclusion in the project. Barbara Irwin, founder of StoryTime, discussed its history and background. Carey Ayers delighted all participants with an interactive demonstration of finger plays. Joan Richardson and Barbara Terry explained how the groups of readers were organized to serve the seven schools. Madge Briggs read two stories as a demonstration of how to read to children.

A reception was held after the formal program. Much enthusiasm and energy were generated as informal discussion continued about StoryTime.

If you are interested in joining the StoryTime Project and would enjoy reading to children, please contact Gloria Wilkins at 542-0305 or Tina Patterson at 545-0977.

BOOK, BAKE AND BOUTIQUE SALE ITEMS WELCOME

The FWC continues to collect items for the February 2006 Book, Bake and Boutique Sale. If you have items to donate in November and December, please deliver them to Judy Cameron at 399 Lyndfield Close or telephone her at 542-6916.
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WHATS GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON

COMMUNITY READ TO BEGIN

The Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library have selected My Old True Love by Sheila Kay Adams as their Community Read in the Shannon Ravenel program. This novel of life, strife and music around the time of the Civil War was originally published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, where Ravenel was editorial director.

The first event will be a staged reading with musical excerpts on Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro. Seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations for the Pass Christian Library Fund will be accepted.

The author, a North Carolina mountain native, is also a balladeer and storyteller. Her visit is sure to include the music and stories of her Appalachian mountain ancestors as well as her reflections as author of My Old True Love.

Copies are available for loan at the library or may be purchased at Friends events, Pittsboro First Sundays and at McIntyres.
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RETIRED DIPLOMAT TO SPEAK

The Chapel Hill Newcomers Men's Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 18 from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Country Club. Our speaker will be Mike Cotter, a Fearrington resident and retired Foreign Service officer. His subject will be "Greater Central Asia Revisited: Nukes, Demonstrations and Reforms." He will talk about India's and Iran's nuclear ambitions, the demonstrations in Uzbekistan and whether reforms in Kyrgyzstan (and Ukraine) are likely to lead to real democracy.

Mike has had a long and distinguished career in the Foreign Service. He is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and holds advanced degrees from the University of Michigan Law School and Stanford University. He entered the Foreign Service in 1968 and had assignments in South Vietnam, Chile, Turkey, Zaire and Washington. He was ambassador to Turkmenistan from 1995 to 1998 and currently is vice president and associate publisher of American Diplomacy, an online journal. .

All Newcomers, alumni and guests are welcome. Advance cost is $11. Checks should be mailed to John Dopler, 834 Fearrington Post, by Sunday, November 13. If you're late, please RSVP to John at 542-2815 or Paul Troutman at 542-0534 by November 12. If you pay at the door, please bring $12.
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AAUW TOPIC: SOCIAL SECURITY

On Saturday, November 19 at 9:30 a.m., the American Association of University Women-Chapel Hill Branch will have its third meeting for the year. We welcome all members and guests who are interested in the AAUW to attend. Our speaker will be Andy Dobelstein, a professor emeritus at UNC-Chapel Hill. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Duke University and taught social welfare policy at UNC-Chapel Hill. His subject will be "Social Security." The meeting will be held at the Binkley Baptist Church on Willow Drive, off U.S. 15-501 in Chapel Hill. If you are interested in attending or wish more information, please call Kay White at 542-1138.
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U.N. GROUP TO DISCUSS GLOBAL POVERTY

Due to scheduling difficulties, the November "Lunch and Learn" meeting of the West Triangle Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA will take place on Monday, November 21 instead of the usual Wednesday. We will hear Professor Heidi Hobbs, of N.C. State University, discuss "The Challenges of Global Poverty: What Will It Take to Realize the U.N. Millennium Development Goals?" Professor Hobbs, a recognized authority in her field, is director of the Master of International Studies Program at N.C. State and member of the Associate Teaching Faculty in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. She previously served on the faculties of Florida International and Illinois State universities.

The meeting will start at noon 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. Questions? Call 542-0319.
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TIMOTHY TYSON TO SPEAK AT COUNCIL ON AGING

The Friends of the Pittsboro Memorial Library are pleased to present Timothy Tyson, North Carolina author of Blood Done Sign My Name, on Tuesday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the Chatham County Council on Aging in Pittsboro. Billed as "the haunting true story of the 1970 cold-blooded murder of Henry Marrow and a town and country that would never be the same," Blood Done Sign My Name was selected as the freshman read at UNC-Chapel Hill. If you have not heard Mr. Tyson speak, now is your chance.

Mr. Tyson was a 10-year old white child when the murder of a 23-year old black veteran created a racially charged uproar that reverberated far from the small town of Oxford. He was a professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the time he wrote this study of childhood memories and present-day struggles. He is Visiting Professor of American Christianity and Southern Culture at Duke Divinity School and Senior Scholar at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.
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GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER

This is the third year that Duke Community Bereavement Services has sponsored Grief Awareness Week. The purpose for designating this week November 1-7 is to express our solidarity with those in grief and to provide grief education in the workplace and community. This observance has grown steadily into a collaborative effort throughout the state, and we sincerely hope that you will join us in marking the significance of this week in 2005. It has perhaps never been more relevant than this year.

The Tree of Life, pictured to the right, is the product of UNC Hospitals observance of Grief Awareness Week in 2004. Nearly 200 patients, families, and staff members remembered a loved one by painting a leaf in their honor. This is just one of many creative ideas used by various organizations and groups to promote grief awareness, enhance grief support, and provide grief education.

Educational resources and information to assist you in planning events for this week are available at www.dhcc.dukehealth.org.
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PAT STEWART, JANET REILLY WINNERS IN SILVER ARTS FINALS

Pat Stewart and Janet Reilly were multiple winners in the North Carolina Senior Silver Arts finals held in Raleigh on October 1.

Both Pat and Janet, residents of West Camden, won blue first-place ribbons for their projects at local level held at the Senior Center in Chapel Hill in August.

At the statewide competition, Pat's basket weaving entry won another first-place award in that category and Janet's decorative door crown was awarded a second place in the decorative painting category.
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THE MUSIC SCENE

CONCERT SERIES WILL PRESENT QUARTET FROM BELGIUM

In a concert to be performed at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, the Fearrington Concert series will present Contrasts, a chamber music ensemble from Belgium.

The ensemble consists of four members of the faculty of the Royal Conservatories of Belgium. They have performed together throughout Europe for more than 20 years and participated at major music festivals of Fladre, Brasow and Clarfest Paris. Their initial American connection was with the University of North Carolina at whose summer workshops in Chapel Hill and Morges, Switzerland they have been the teaching faculty for 10 years. More recently, they made three American concert tours in Washington, Boston and the Spoleto Festival in South Carolina.

The quartet is made up of Katy Sebestyen, violin; Freddy Arteel, clarinet; Dana Protopopescu, piano, and Ervin Shiffer, viola.

The Fearrington Concert Series is a subscription series. Non-subscribers may attend the concerts, seats available, by coming to the Gathering Place shortly before 3 p.m. The cost is $12 per person.
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GRITS, VOICES CONTINUE A HOLIDAY TRADITION

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barn. Dont miss this wonderful celebration of the holiday season as the combined men's and women's choruses of Fearrington present their annual festival of sacred and secular music.

This year we offer selections in four languages for your enjoyment. We would like especially to welcome our new neighbors, as well as old friends from Galloway Ridge. A $5 per person donation will be collected at the door. Join us for an unforgettable evening.
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HOLIDAY RECITAL PLANNED

Gerry and Frank Stutz invite you to a Holiday Gala, a piano recital at the Gathering Place by Andrew Tyson from the Curtis Institute of Music. The date is Thursday, December 29. The time will be announced in next month's Newsletter and on the FHA Web Site. This recital is free and open to all Fearrington residents and is not connected to the Fearrington Concert Series.
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VOLUNTEER CORNER

HELPING HANDS BRING CHEER AND HELP BY RINGING THE BELLS

Helping the Salvation Army bring cheer to Chatham County residents who need our help has been a holiday tradition in Fearrington for many years. Last year, our volunteers rang the bell at Lowe's at Chatham Crossing and raised $9,700. This year we begin on Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26 and continue Tuesday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.

Time is divided into 2-hour segments, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and you can do your period alone, with a friend, standing or sitting, inside or outside, depending on the weather. Everyone agrees this is a special part of the season for us. It is satisfying to help our community, we enjoy greeting Chatham neighbors and friends, and it is heartwarming to see the children who solemnly drop their coins into our kettle.

It takes many volunteers to fill our schedule. Please call Anne or Jim Kirkhoff at 543-4390, and we will find a time (or more than one!) that is convenient for you.
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UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN TOPS $60,000

With contributions of more than $60,000 as of mid-October, Fearrington residents are making good progress toward achieving our community's goal for the United Way of Chatham County.

Thank you, thank you to those who have already given. If the United Way pledge card is still on your desk, we encourage you to think about the impact your donation would have, and get out your checkbook. We hope to reach or even exceed our target of $82,000 by the end of November.

Questions or comments? Call Fearrington Co-Chair Doug McAllister (545-9809).
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FEARRINGTONIANS HELP CORA FEED CHATHAM'S HUNGRY

The mid-September Fearrington Village food drive on behalf of the Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA), the county's food pantry, resulted in the collection of 64 bags of groceries and receipt of $2,536 in checks.

Lowe's Green Points transferred from individual accounts to CORA also "bought" 37 cases of groceries for the food pantry.

What a great result! Residents of Fearrington Village once again demonstrated their generosity and their compassion for neighbors temporarily in need of assistance.

Anyone who missed the drive but still wanting to contribute may send checks made out to Chatham Outreach Alliance to P.O. Box 1326 in Pittsboro. Another way to assist CORA is to transfer some of your Green Points to its account. Information on how to do that is posted in the villages four major kiosks.
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CHATHAM COUNTY HONORS FEARRINGTON RESIDENTS

Rosie Batcheller and Bob Hoogstoel were among 22 recipients of 2005 Chatham County Outstanding Volunteer Awards presented at a reception on September 25.

Rosie was recognized for her weekly service for three years as a volunteer office assistant for Family Violence and Rape Crisis Services. Her contributions include working with the business manager on various projects, responding to phone inquiries and helping to make the office a pleasant environment for clients. Rosie's special talents for organization and her willingness to take initiative have allowed FVRC staff to meet community needs more efficiently and effectively, her citation said.

Bob, a member of the Council on Aging's Board of Directors, has volunteered for three years in many areas. His citation said he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to working with homebound seniors in the home-delivered meals program by offering friendly visiting and nutritious meals and assistance with simple household tasks and home repairs. He is a substitute instructor in the councils wellness program.

Honorees included the Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA).

The United Way of Chatham County has coordinated the Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program since 2001.

For more information about volunteer opportunities in Chatham, contact the United Way at 542-1110 or www.nonprofitpages.com/uwcc.
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JOE GEOHEGAN, MIKE COTTER RECEIVE AWARDS

Joe Geoghegan and Mike Cotter were awarded the 2005 Orange County Key Volunteer Service Award for acting as judges for the East Chapel Hill Debate Tournament. The awards were presented by Moses Carey, chairman, Orange County Board of Commissioners on September 22.
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HEALTH AND FITNESS

NURSE'S NOTES FROM JOYCE BAIRD

SIMPLE FLU PROTECTION STEPS

Are you freaking out about the flu? Well, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself this season. Although Fearrington Cares is not able to sponsor a flu shot clinic this year, there are a number of local alternatives for getting your vaccination (see below).

You can also decrease your chances for contracting the flu (or any other viral illness, for that matter) by simply washing your hands frequently.

Try not to shake hands when you are in large gatherings but if you do, dont touch your face and make a trip to the ladies/mens room immediately after greeting your friends and neighbors.

Keep tissues readily at hand to use for coughing or sneezing.

If you do become ill, communicate with your doctor or nurse before making a trip to the office. The fewer times you expose yourself to areas where sick people gather, the better.

And, above all, drink lots of fluids to prevent the serious problem of dehydration. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of hospitalization (and subsequent complications) of elderly individuals.

If you have caretakers who come into your home to assist you, insist that they get a flu shot. I will gladly write a letter for them to present to a clinic to document that (s)he should be considered in the "high risk" category.

FLU SHOT LOCATIONS

Chatham County Health Department

Pittsboro Clinic
Call for an appointment
Phone 542-8220

Siler City Clinic
Phone 742-5641

Call the clinics for more information.

To locate more clinics, see the following web site: www.mrnc.org/fcf/

You will be prompted to enter a ZIP code to locate the closest clinic. Scroll down the page and locations, times and dates will be displayed.

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STRENGTH AND BALANCE CLASS TO DISBAND

Due to the relocation of many class members of the Strength and Balance Class, attendance has dropped to a level at which the class is unsustainable. The final class will be Wednesday, November 16. Fearrington Cares is fortunate to have had Kathryn Kubiak teach the class for the last two years. Her commitment and dedication to her students is very much appreciated. We wish her well as she continues her career in physical therapy. Fearrington Cares will continue to explore ways to bring additional classes to Fearrington residents.
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FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR

Blood Pressure Clinic, Every Wednesday in November, 10 a.m.-noon, Fearrington Cares Office, 28 Swim and Croquet

American Red Cross Blood Drive, Friday, November 4, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gathering Place. Call Mary Stuneck for an appointment, 542-9985.

Foot Clinic, Monday, November 7, 2-4 p.m., Fearrington Cares Office. You must have an appointment. Appointments are filled for November and December. You must make an appointment for the January 12 clinic. Call 542-6877 for an appointment.

Strength and Balance Class. Last class, Wednesday, November 16.

Grief Support Group, Friday, November 18, 10 a.m., Fearrington Cares Office.
 

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BLOOD DRIVE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

The American Red Cross and Fearrington Cares will hold their fall blood drive on Friday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gathering Place.

Now more than ever the Red Cross needs your help because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Please call Mary Stuneck at 542-9985 to make an appointment.
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FEARRINGTON CARES OFFERS A HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Here's something special for holiday giving: Our great Flavors of Fearrington Cookbook and a bright red Beltie apron, together for just $45 picked up at Fearrington Cares, or $50 if you want them shipped. Save $3 and help support the organization that cares for us all. The book may be purchased separately for $30. For more information, call Fearrington Cares at 542-6877 or Judy Fitzgerald at 542-0056.
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OPHTHALMOLOGIST TO SPEAK ON "THE AGING EYE"

On Wednesday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m., Fearrington Cares will host a lecture in the Gathering Place by James A. Bryan III, M.D., who will speak on "The Aging Eye."

He graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine and served his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Virginia. Dr. Bryan has been affiliated with Carolina Ophthalmology Associates in Chapel Hill since 1989. He specializes in cataract surgery and Lasik. All Fearrington residents are invited to attend.
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YOGA FOR BEGINNERS

There are openings in the Thursday morning class, which focuses on the individual needs of the student. You will learn the basic elements of Hatha Yoga practice through breath control, movement and meditation. Enhance your body and your life. Cheryl Diegel is certified in Body, Mind and Spirit, an embodied style of Hatha Yoga. No prior experience is necessary. Please call 545-0659 with your questions.
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YOGA GOES ON . . .

With your continued support, Yoga at Fearrington is held every Wednesday morning, 8:15-9:30, at the Gathering Place. We know you have other options but we encourage you to join our friendly group and learn some of the advantages of this form of exercise.

For example, the Wall Street Journal described a recent UCLA yoga research study focused on the subject of posture in the aging population, specifically "dowagers hump." The object: Stretch the muscles in the front of the body and strengthen the muscles that hold the body erect. At the end of the 12-week study period, the participants were slightly taller, could reach farther and get in and out of chairs more quickly. As we "mature," these issues become more and more important.

Although our yoga instruction is centered on flexibility, strength and stretching, we don't ignore the fun and contentment we enjoy. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday morning. Please call Laura Hyer for more details at 545-9607.
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VEGETARIANS TO HEAR TALK ON FOOD PHARMACY

"Food Pharmacy: When What We Eat Becomes Our Medicine," is the topic of a presentation by Pamela Hirsch to the Vegetarian Club on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place.

Pamela is a life coach, writer, herbalist, ritualist and artist. Having worked for over 25 years in the corporate world, she now works with people to help them create lives of balance and sustainability. She is the author of The Travelers Natural Medicine Kit and co-edited Planting the Future with Rosemary Gladstar. She had been making soap and herbal "concoctions" for 15 years; she enjoys sharing the beauty of the plant world with others through classes and workshops.

The Vegetarian Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place for a home-cooked potluck meal and to hear a speaker on a topic concerning health and well-being. Visitors and newcomers are always welcome for the supper, the speaker or both. It is not necessary for members and guests to adhere strictly to a vegetarian diet, although the meals are completely vegetarian and may include dairy items. Anyone interested in attending on November 9 is encouraged to call Anna Louise Reynolds at 542-4697 or Ellen Shanahan at 545-2230.
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FHA AFFAIRS

OCTOBER 10 DVD AVAILABLE

The October 10 meeting on incorporation is now on DVD. The two-disc set is for all those interested residents to either review the meeting or have those residents who could not attend to see this most informative document, which includes presentations For and Against Incorporation.

Some residents might find this video to be an interesting vehicle for hosting a meeting of concerned friends and neighbors at their own home to discuss and debate the issues involved. Additionally, clubs may want to play the DVD in part or completely at one of their meetings.

Copies can be borrowed and picked up at the FHA Office during regular office hours. See Pat Harkins for your copy. Drew Bratton, FHA Vice President
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COMMUNITY WATCH ORGANIZES

The slowly forming Community Watch Program in Fearrington is planning to have its first organizational meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 18 at the Gathering Place.

About 90 residents have indicated an interest in receiving more information or participating in this self-help program.

We have had a number of burglaries in Fearrington including the latest, during the week of October 10. As our community grows and as the area surrounding Fearrington becomes more populated, we should take the minor steps necessary to be more aware of possible intruders.

In addition to becoming aware of outside bad guys, we can also become more aware of our elderly and single neighbors and notice when they might need help.

If you are interested in better protecting your house and neighborhood or helping your elderly and single neighbors, come to receive information about how to do those things. The Chatham County Sheriffs Department will be involved. Art DeLuca, Chairman, FHA Emergency Response Committee
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NEW 15/501 POSES CHALLENGES

About 10 years ago, Fitch Creations developed a promotional video for prospective homebuyers. One of the Fearrington residents in the video tells us how hard it was to slow down after moving here. This is a common problem for many of us who previously lived in communities where the 25 mph speed limit was often ignored.

In the near future, every Fearrington driver will face a new challenge. U.S. 15/501 will be finished within the next few months, and the 45 mph speed limit will increase to 55. Many drivers will drive 60-65 once the highway is finished. Exiting this fast traffic pattern into Fearrington Village will require a quick resolve to slow down to 25 mph. The 25-mph speed limit will seem soooo slow after traveling at a much higher speed.

Recently, a Fearrington resident shared her strategy for slowing down: "When I drive into Fearrington from 15/501, I say to myself, Im home. I dont have to hurry anymore. I can relax and slow down. " What a wonderful way to slow down mentally as well as enhance the safety of our Village streets. FHA Road Safety Committee
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SUMMARY OF THE FHA BOARD'S OCTOBER 10 MEETING (NON-INCORPORATION MATTERS)

Complete minutes are available in the FHA office, the mail kiosks and by clicking here. All attachments referred to in the minutes may be found with the complete minutes. Information related to incorporation appears above.

Tom Hauck, FHA president, called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

The first order of business was a guest speaker from the Chatham County Water Department

Will Baker, utilities director for Chatham County, said that two contacts for Fearrington residents questions are himself (542-8270) and Roy Lowder (542-8219). Mr. Baker said he believes in informing customers of problems as quickly as possible and explaining what will be done to correct them. He will shut the plant down immediately if there is any danger to the customers. The water plant is manned 24/7 with 3 people; they are in the hiring process and are hampered by a lack of licensed and certified candidates.

Residents asked many questions. The questions regarding specific chemical content of the water will not be included. (Information was posted on the FHA Web Site the day after the meeting.)

If the water is safe, why does it taste so bad? It could be the chemicals used to treat the water to make it safe. It could also be that if the customer doesnt use a lot of water, it sits in the pipes and picks up a taste. Suggestion: Put a filter on your faucet.

Explain why there is a difference in cost between Chatham County water and Pittsboro city water? The lower cost in Pittsboro is due in part to the age of the plant; it is older and has been paid for, so the overhead costs are lower.

Regarding the problems in the recent citation (reported on the web site), would they be cleared up by filters in our homes on our water pipes, faucets and in refrigerators? Residents should check with their filter manufacturer to get the answer. Suggestion: UV filters are probably the best but they are expensive.

How long should water be boiled to make it safe? Once it is brought to a boil, it should be boiled for 4 to 5 minutes.

How often should you check a filter on your lines or on your faucet? Once a week. Sometimes filters trap harmful materials/organisms.

BYLAWS CHANGES

The board recommends that you vote for the bylaws changes at the November 13 annual meeting. Galloway Ridge residents dont own property in Fearrington, so another level of membership has been set up for them to participate in the FHA at a 75% dues rate with no voting rights. The second reason is to bring our bylaws more in line with North Carolina law.

GALLOWAY RIDGE

What benefits will there be to Fearrington residents? Will we be able to use Galloway Ridge facilities? Not unless we are invited. You can join the health club, which gives you access to a restaurant.

Treasurers Report

Bob Flower submitted 3 motions for consideration regarding 2006 Annual Dues, 2006 Provisional Budget and Reserve Fund Management. These motions passed. (The full text of the motions are included with the unedited version of the minutes or by clicking on one of the above links.)

Bob also reported that the FHA monthly income was $1,809, expenses $5,523. The balance in the checking account as of 8/31/05 was $7,372.07. Our liquid assets total $187,612.34. (The full treasurers report and attachments are filed with these minutes.) The treasurers report was approved as submitted.

BEAVER POND

Bill Sommers reported that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has taken responsibility for 30% of the silt in the pond. The next step is to go to the state Division of Water Quality to get its approval before the pond can be restored.

FORMS A, B AND C

The forms were available at the meeting. Tom Hauck spoke of a recent situation where a resident had died and it was necessary to notify the next of kin. Because Form A/B was on file, the FHA Office had the information. The door to the residence had to be broken down because no one nearby had a key.

Form C is important because it enables residents to put their talents to use in the community.

Forms A, B and C are available in the office and on the FHA Web Site (Forms A&B, Form C). A copy will also be included with the incorporation information distributed to each residence by the block captains.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

The next regular board Meeting will be Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m. in the Gathering Place. Maggie Frantz, FHA Secretary
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FALL CLEANUP NOVEMBER 7 14

Phases I to V, Weathersfield, The Woods, and Bush Creek
(The areas where the FHA contractor mows the sides of the roadway)
Also, the newer streets mowed by Fitch Creations contractor

There will be one pickup in each area, so have your yard waste out by the road by Sunday evening, NOVEMBER 6.

Leaves, brush, and tree limbs (not over six feet in length) should be placed on the shoulder of the road.

ONLY BAGS OR BUNDLES WILL BE PICKED UP

All leaves must be in paper bags.

Brush and limbs must be tied in bundles. *

No garbage should be included.

This service is for yard debris, and not the result of major clearing efforts. Excessive amounts will not be picked up, unless you contact M.J. Barber (524-6124) who will bill you for his services.

Remember, collections will start on Monday, NOVEMBER 7.

Only one pickup in your area.

* To facilitate the tying, lay two six-foot pieces of sturdy twine on the ground about 18 inches apart before you start to stack the limbs. When it becomes difficult to tie the knot, you know that the pile is too big and you should start another.

 Carol-Ann Greenslade, 545-9743, Grounds & Facilities Director:
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ATTENTION, OVERSEAS TRAVELERS

The SunTrust branch in Fearrington would like to inform its customers of the following procedure: If you are planning a trip out of the United States, please contact SunTrust so that we may activate your debit card for international transactions. To activate their debit and ATM cards for international transactions, customers can call: For ATM cards, Customer Service, 1-800-532-4343, and debit cards, Customer Service, 1-877-864-0197, Option 2.

If SunTrust is not contacted, your card may not work properly. If you would like additional information, please contact Laura Burnette or Yvette Mitchell at 542-5333. Loretta Nash, Vice President
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THE VIRTUES OF ECONOMIC PATRIOTISM

Last November the Newsletter featured an article entitled "Helping With The Energy Crises." One year later we can add a few exclamation points (!!!) to that title. At that time the prediction of $3 per gallon gasoline would have met with ridicule. Today the value of recyclable metals, paper, plastics, etc. has gone up in response to global demand for raw materials and energy. However, many people continue sending their recyclables to the landfill. Here are three ways you can increase your participation in recycling:

Participate in the Wednesday morning pickup service. The recycling procedures for Chatham Disposal customers are described on page 14 of the FHA Directory.

Take your glossy magazines and catalogs, corrugated cardboard, and mixed paper to Cole Park or Pittsboro Collection Centers.

Stop placing items from your mailbox in the plastic containers that have been placed in some kiosks. These recyclables end up in the landfill. Everything that arrives in your mailbox can be recycled.

Many Fearrington residents are actively involved in recycling, and they deserve our sincere thanks. If you have questions regarding recycling, contact Barry Reece at breeceATmindspring.com.

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NEWSLETTER-CALENDAR EDITORS

Bob Comey
542-0842; Fax: 542-0831
rcomeyATmindspring.com

Mary Hammond
545-2026 Fax: same
prinnyATmindspring.com

Layout Editor
Bill Schneerer

Directory Editors

Print Version
Michael Cotter
542-4414
joannenmikeAThotmail.com

FHA Website Version
Michael Cotter
542-4414
joannenmikeAThotmail.com

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

The deadline for that issue is Tuesday, November 15.
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REMINDERS ABOUT SUBMISSIONS

REMINDERS ABOUT SUBMISSIONS
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 above and submit articles to that months 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. 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.

Please do not leave submissions at the FHA office. Please send calendar items to the Newsletter editor.

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FEARRINGTON MONTHLY CALENDAR

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