FEARRINGTON HOMEOWNERS 
NEWSLETTER 

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

COMMUNITY NEWS

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN IN FINAL STRETCH

As this year’s Chatham County United Way Campaign in Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge passes midpoint, 361 residents have pledged $86,032.00 or 75% of this year’s $115,000.00 goal.  While many folks have joined our effort this fall, many more will be needed if we are to reach our goal.  Monies raised in our two communities will remain in Chatham County to fund programs of 22 or more agencies which not only help our county’s residents in need but also help them in ways which can make them self-sufficient.  Remember that each pledge, regardless of the amount, is important – important to that hungry child, important to that battered woman, important to that student in need of extra help or mentoring, important to those who cannot afford proper legal guidance, important to those who need to learn English so that they can get a job, important to that senior citizen who needs a helping hand, and important to those who struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs.  Recently, you may have received a second solicitation letter asking you to consider pledging.  If you have not already done so, please consider mailing your contribution today and joining your neighbors who have pledged to help in these difficult times.  To those who have mailed your contributions, thank you on behalf of the many in Chatham County who will benefit directly from your gift.  If you have any questions regarding our campaign, please phone Doug McAllister, 545-9809.
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DOG PARK COMING TO FEARRINGTON

Thanks to the generosity of R.B. Fitch and the co-operation of Galloway Ridge, a park where the dogs of Fearrington and their owners can meet and mingle is in the advanced planning stages. In the coming months, there will be further announcements concerning the composition of the club that will be formed by residents of Fearrington and Galloway Ridge to enable this wonderful facility to be built and maintained for the enjoyment of humans and canines alike!
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WHAT’S GOING ON IN FEARRINGTON

WOMEN OF FEARRINGTON

Before you know it, the holidays will be over and the Book, Bake, and Boutique Sale will be upon us.  The date is Saturday, February 21.  Are you baking for the holidays?  Perhaps you could make extra and freeze to donate to the sale.   We are looking for cakes, cookies, muffins, breads, scones, crumb cakes, cupcakes (fresh or frozen), potluck specialties, soup and chili, spaghetti sauce, casseroles and stews, quiche, hors d’oeuvres, jam and jelly.

Are you clearing out books?  We’ll accept gently used books and books on tape, but no textbooks please.

Are you parting with boutique items?  We’ll take mirrors, lamps, paintings and prints, glassware, dishes, serving pieces, jewelry, table linens, decorative pillows, garden items, and other home accessories in good condition.

Call Duffy Holland at 542-6350 to arrange for drop off of books and boutique items during December and January.

The annual Book, Bake, and Boutique Sale is the Women of Fearrington’s major fund- raiser to support Chatham County agencies.

Save the Date:  January 21 for the next meeting Growing Old Gracefully.  Connie Rende will have Fearrington license plates available for sale.
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Garden Club Reminder

There will be no meeting of the club in December. The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 20, at 3:00 p.m. Our speaker will be Frank Hyman: Not under the Tuscan Sun. How to grow Mediterranean plants in the Piedmont.  Meanwhile, look on the FHA website, under Garden Club, for Clippings (articles and info).  If you have any questions, contact Ruth Bierhoff  at 533-0124.
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VEGETARIAN CLUB

The Vegetarian Club will meet on Wednesday, December 10, at 5:15 p.m. at the Gathering Place  (Please note the time changein order to accomodate those attending the Fearrington Holiday Concert in the Barn). Our fun program will be on Maple View Farm with a sampling ofgreat products.

The Vegetarian Club meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Gathering Place with appetizers, wine and/or punch, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner(hosted by members on a rotating basis) and a short program. You do not have to be a strict vegetarian to attend but dishes for the potluck dinner should containmeat, fowl, seafood or gelatin. Eggs and dairy products are acceptable. Please remember to bring your own place settings and any additional wine or drinks to go with your meal.

Dues are payable to Maggie Gaudet. Guests are always welcome but should contact Sandy Gapin at 542-3076 prior to attending.
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AM BOOK CLUB

Join us at the AM Book Club to discuss Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. We will meet on Wednesday, December 17, at 10:00 a.m. in McIntyre’s Book Store. All residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge are welcome to participate. Please contact Barbara Thompson at 542-6021 with any questions.
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GREAT DECISIONS

Do you have Charity Burnout?  Most of us know that the world of foreign aid is changing. We all remember when foreign aid was a government responsibility. But today, we are more and more aware that private efforts are garnering headlines. Think of private foundations, Melinda and Bill Gates, star power like Princess Diana and we begin to see the philanthropic world differently. One such private player is Habitat International and if we think we know all about Habitat, think again.

Great Decisions welcomes Mary Ellen Taylor, Director, U.S. Learning and Organizational Development for Habitat for Humanity International. She will speak with us on December 11, at the Gathering Place at 1:30 p.m. We will learn about challenges and rewards of working in the global village. This meeting is free and available to all interested folk. Bring your friends.  You might be interested in preparing for our meeting by reading the Great Decisions article about philanthropy available at McIntyres Book store. Just ask at the desk. Questions can be directed to Caroline Talbot at 542-9986 or kctalboyATaol.com.

Looking Ahead: In January we will welcome Mr. Cortland Barnes to Fearrington Great Decisions. His talk, Hostage – a personal view will relate his ordeal as a captive when the US Embassy in Tehran was overtaken in 1979.The meeting will be held in The Gathering Place at 1:30 on Thursday, January 8. event is free.  For questions, call Ken Heisig at 533-3006.
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DEMOCRATIC CLUB

The Fearrington Democratic  Club invites residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge to the attend the December meeting at the Gathering Place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 2. (note date change). There will be a business meeting for the election of officers who will assume office on January 1, 2009, and a discussion of the general election victory at the county, state and national levels. Please come and join us and share your election experiences with the club membership. Refreshments will be provided.
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HAVURAH

On Tuesday, December 9, at 8:00 p.m. at the Gathering Place, Professor Kalman P. Bland of the Duke Department of Religion, will present a program entitled Imagination and Secularism in Medieval Hebrew Poetry for the Fearrington Havurah. is considered one of the more eminent speakers on Jewish matters in the Triangle area. Professor Bland will provide an introduction to the fantastically rich treasury of medieval Hebrew poetry, focusing on lyrical love poetry and poems with nature as their theme. material illustrates pre-modern Judaism's cultural debt to Islamic culture, particularly that of Spain, both by  way of imitation and competition.

Kalman Bland has degrees from Columbia University, Jewish Theological Seminary and Brandeis University. major fields of research and teaching are medieval and modern Jewish intellectual history. recently won a Templeton Foundation Award supporting a new course, Religion and Science.

This event will commence with refreshments at 7:15 p.m. and the program will follow at 8:00 p.m. questions, contact Bob Glass at bobglass8Atgmail.com or 542-1426.
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CAROLINA ALUMNI CLUB

The Fearrington Village Carolina Club will hold its annual holiday party on Sunday, January 4, 2009, in the Gathering Place. Please mark your calendars. Details will be announced by email and postcard. If you need information call Liz Swaringen at 545-9460 or Philip Cree at 545-9794.
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FEARRINGTON HOLIDAY CONCERT

There's no better way to enjoy this festive holiday time of year than to come and hear the Holiday Concert presented by the Village Voices and the Harmony Grits. On Wednesday evening, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Barn, the combined voices of these two popular groups will sing a varied program of songs guaranteed to lift your spirits.  Under the direction of Matt Fry, and accompanied by Dan Hadley, the ninety-voice choir will perform not only some old standards, but also a few lesser-known tunes which will have your toe tapping and your voice humming. They'll sing songs of joy, songs of peace, songs of excitement and mystery and songs of illumination. As we march through this busy season, we hope you'll pause, sit back and listen to wonderful seasonal music that will put you in the best of holiday moods.

To defray the cost of music, rental and tuning of the piano, there is a small charge of $5 per person. The concert is always popular and most often a standing-room-only performance. Therefore, you might want to come early to ensure that you get a good seat.
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LUMINARIES AT FEARRINGTON

On Friday, December 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. please join us to celebrate the season with the Lighting of Luminaries along the winding paths of the Village Center. Fearrington will be decked out with traditional English Holiday decorations and there will be special music and snacks provided. Light-A-Luminary project supports the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill in providing a “home away from home” for children and their families who are receiving health care at area hospitals during this holiday season. consider making a special donation to the House to support their services and join us on the 19th to celebrate the season.
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THE FEARRINGTON HOLIDAY MARKET

Sunday, December 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. visitors to Fearrington Village can wrap up their gift lists with a relaxing afternoon of holiday shopping at the third annual Fearrington Holiday Market. Inspired by the delightful European Christmas Markets, The Fearrington Holiday Market will feature North Carolina artists alongside some of our favorite vendors scattered throughout the shops and restaurants of the Village Center. This year's roster will include Rosie's Beads, Jane Palkoski, Helen Kaminski Hats, Loren Hope Jewelry, Jennifer Strickland and more! There will be holiday cookie decorating for the kids, and shoppers can savor roasted chestnuts and mulled wine while browsing. There will also be a cappella music from Fearrington choirs, followed by a concert from the accomplished Bronze Voices Hand Bell Choir from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA) will be at McIntyre's Fine Books collecting canned food for the local food pantry, as well. We hope you'll join us for this festive event!
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ARTS AND CRAFTS ETC.

Celebrate the holidays at the annual combined luncheon of Arts and Crafts Etc. and Women of Fearrington on Wednesday, December 3.   The festivities will be held at the Carolina Club on the University of North Carolina campus.  A cash bar will open at 11:30 a.m.  The Northwood High School Chorus, conducted by Fearrington resident Marilyn Shugart, will entertain.  Call Judy Olson (542-4142) or Judi Fiorini (533-7166) for more information.

Get your wrapped holiday gift for a Chatham County foster child to Nancy Keadey, 651 Spindelwood right away.  Call Nancy Keadey at 542-7365 with any questions.
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FEARRINGTON FILM CLUB PRESENTS . . .

BIG NIGHT (from 1996, 107 minutes, romance/drama/comedy) on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place. Fearrington's own Debbie DiSabatino, chef extraordinaire, was food stylist for this movie and she presented a feast that makes you dream in Italian. Debbie will tell us of the fun, foibles and frantic work involved in presenting food for a movie. In the 1950s two Italian brothers try to live the American dream by establishing their own restaurant in New Jersey. One is an artist in the kitchen, the other handles the business details. Bankruptcy is edging in on them. The prospect of famed bandleader Louis Prima coming to their restaurant could rescue them. A fabulous authentic Italian dinner is planned and friends are invited to the big night. You'll have to come to the movie to see what happens.  Contacts are Juergen Goldhagen (545-0598) or Carol Kurtz (542-3582).
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TRAVEL CLUB

To All Residents of Fearrington Village and Galloway Ridge, have you produced slides , developed a DVD, or video following your vacation trips? Would you welcome an attentive, interested audience that shares your enthusiasm in travel. The Travel Club invites you to present a program about your adventures. Please contact Henry Castner, 542-1602, or Bob De Vido, 542-1188,  for additional details.
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FEARRINGTON ARTISTS IN DECEMBER STUDIO TOUR

The Chatham County Artists Guild will be conducting its 16th Annual Studio Tour on December 6, 7 and 13, 14.  Of the 60 participating artists throughout Chatham County, 9 are located in Fearrington Village and one in Galloway Ridge.  The tour offers a spectacular opportunity to view a wide variety of art work and makes possible the purchase of original art from practicing artists.  The Fearrington participants are:

Carol Owen, 54 Trestle Leaf
Rita Spina, 12 Matchwood
Leslie Palmer, 110 Creekwood
Forrest Greenslade, 149 Tinderwood
Vidabeth Bensen, 601 Stoneview
Anne Bigelow, 726 Barnsley
Eamon Kennedy, 687 Spindelwood
Joan Sommers, 29 East Madison
Jane Bruce, 23 Caldwell
Roy Lindholm, 3 Speyside Circle (Galloway Ridge).

Maps and information on the tour artists are available by calling 545-2397
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EVENTS AT MCINTYRE’S

Saturday, December 13, at 11:00 a.m.  McIntyre's welcomes back author Joseph M. Flora to read from his book  Reading Hemingway's Men Without Women which guides readers toward understanding how Hemingway tested old ideas of family, gender, race, ethnicity and manhood.

Saturday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m.  Holiday Storytelling with Donald Davis  Donald has been visiting Fearrington to spin his tales for over 17 years and is one of the foremost storytellers in the country. Instead of an admission fee, we ask that our guests donate cans of food which will be given to Chatham County's CORA group (Chatham Outreach Alliance).

For further information please contact Sarah Matista at (919) 542-4000 ext. 270.
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WHAT’S GOING ON OUTSIDE FEARRINGTON

SENIOR OLYMPICS RESULTS

Several Fearringtonians won Medals at the State Finals Seniors Games in Raleigh.  They are: Stephen Barrett,, Mickey Gerringer, Anne Granath, Janice Hunt, Catherine Miescier, Kenneth Samuelson, and Gene Stuneck.

Other Fearingtonians who won Medals at the Senior Games this year for Chatham County are: Donna Fehrenbach, Martin Cryan, Elbert Tremblay, Paul Fehrenbach, Dorothy Voyta, Ann Smirl, Sally Earnest, Karen Graham, Viki Driscoll, Soll Berl,  Patricia Leary,  Ned Cooper,  Suzanne McNulty, Margaret Reeves-Woolsey, Ruta Schuller, Mary-Ellen Fanning, and Connie Olson. Thank you for participating in the various events and making the games a success. We look forward to seeing you all again as well as many others in next year’s games, which will be held April 22 thru April29, 2009.

Janice Hunt
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THE NEWCOMERS CLUB OF GREATER CHAPEL HILL

There are many opportunities to make new friends and learn more about the Triangle Area community through The Newcomers Club of Chapel Hill.  This non-profit organization sponsors a variety of social activities and interest groups, and promotes involvement I cultural and community service programs. New and prospective members can learn about Newcomers on the first Monday of every month at Spice Street Restaurant in University Mall from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Please feel free to drop in. For further information contact Fearrington resident Sydnie Kunin at 533-3129 or sgskuninATnc.rr.com or you can check out the website: www.newcomersofchapelhill.org.
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2008 CHATHAM HUNGER WALK RAISES $41,000 FOR CORA

To Fearrington and Galloway neighbors, we thank you very much for your generous support of the 2008 Chatham Hunger Walk on November 2.  You helped us raise more than $41,000 this year – by far the most ever for this annual event and our community contributed nearly $6,000 of that total. 

Proceeds will be used by CORA Food Pantry to provide emergency food support to families throughout Chatham County.  The demand for food assistance continues to grow as families struggle to cope with living expenses in the sliding economy.  Between July 1 and October 31 of this year CORA provided weekly grocery allotments for more than 4,800 individuals. Your continued donations of money and volunteer time helped to make that possible. On behalf of the many Chatham residents who rely on CORA’s support, THANK YOU!

Marci Whittaker, Executive Director
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SALVATION ARMY 2008 

This our last request for volunteers to support The Salvation Army of Chatham County.

The response has been excellent but we do have many openings for opportunities to ring the bell at Lowes Foods at Chatham Crossing.  Joan and I have been honored to do it for 10 years, but it is time for a new team to take charge next year and we will stand by to help. 

As you ring, be sure to dress warmly and wear your Salvation Army smile. Your donation in the kettle, if made by check, will be acknowledged by The Salvation Army for income tax purposes.

Please call Joan and Ken Richardson at 542-2313 to reserve your time to ring the bell. Your Chatham County neighbors need you. New residents, if you have any questions please call us.

Thank you. Joan and Ken Richardson
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AAUW HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

The annual holiday luncheon for AAUW-Chapel Hill Branch will be held at Parizade in Durham on Sunday, December 14, at 1:00 p.m. The luncheon is open to members who may bring spouses, family members, significant others or friends. Entertainment will again be provided by the N.C. High School of Math and Science. The doors will open at noon, and the lunch will be served at or after 1:00 p.m.

Forms for the luncheon are due by November 30. Please call Kay White, 542-1138, or Mary Paterson, 918-3447, at Carol Woods for the forms. The cost is $25 a person. and will include a several entrée  choices. A cash bar is available and parking is free and plentiful.
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UN ASSOCIATION COMMEMORATES HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

2008 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly. Drafted by an international commission chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, it is the world's standard for the rights and freedoms enjoyed by all people everywhere. Its principles underlie many international treaties such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women as well as others. The West Triangle Chapter of the UN Association of the USA commemorates this foundational declaration at its Lunch and Learn meeting on Wednesday, December 17, with a talk by Robin Kirk, Director of the Duke Human Rights Center. Ms. Kirk will propose a human rights agenda for Obama: what Republicans and Democrats can agree on.

The meeting will take place between noon and 2:00 p.m. at the Carolina Meadows retirement community on Whippoorwill Lane in Chapel Hill. Reservations can be made by check for $17.00 to UNAUSA West Triangle Chapter sent to Barbara Rodbell, 404 Carolina Meadows Villa, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. The deadline is Friday, December 12.
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DURHAM CHORALE

The Durham Chorale, directed by Melody Zentner, will present its 22nd  Annual Holiday Concert, “Catch the Holiday Spirit” at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, at the Brumley Performing Arts Building, Durham Academy Lower School, 3501 Ridge Road, Durham.

The tickets are $5 with 25% of the sales being donated to the Urban Ministries of Durham . Tickets may be purchased from Chorale members, at Pearson Music Studios, 3750 Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, or in advance by mail.  Please send your check and request for tickets to The Durham Chorale, P. O. Box 2285, Durham, NC  27702-2285.
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READING TUTORS NEEDED

If you love to read and have an hour a week to spare to help a little six or seven year old child to also learn to love reading, the Pittsboro Elementary School will happily welcome you. Some Fearrington people who do this include Barb Alotis, Margot Bannhardt, Karen Marshall, Carolyn Thomas and Jackie Stempfle.  If interested call the school at 542 3987 and leave your name and number or email Sharon Clapp at sclappAtchatham.k12.nc.us. The children will thank you.
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FEARRINGTON CARES

Providing services for healh, wellness and independent living for the Fearrington community

BALANCE TRAINING CLASSES PLANNED FOR FEBRUARY, 2009

We are teaming with the Duke Center for Living at Galloway Ridge to develop a series of free classes for residents aimed at improving balance. This twice weekly, 12-week program will offer directed exercises using balls, straps, and weights. A physician’s approval form will be required, and participants must be able to walk unassisted in order to enroll. Interested residents should call the FC office (542-6877), mention the class and leave their names and phone numbers. This class will be limited to 20 and we expect a waiting list.
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FEARRINGTON FRIENDS

Beginning in 2009, we want to start a new program called “Fearrington Friends.” We are proposing to match a dependable, trained volunteer with a frail or homebound single or couple.  Your volunteer friend can help with practical household needs such as writing letters, picking up mail, watering plants and running errands.  If interested, call FC at 542-6877, leave your name and phone number, and a professional volunteer will return the call.
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FOOT CARE CLINIC TO RESUME

We will resume routine foot care for residents with diabetes, foot problems and those who are unable to perform their own foot care due to physical limitations.  The clinic is intended for basic health care, not those wanting a “pedicure.” Clinics will be held the second Tuesday of each month and the first one will be on Tuesday, January 13, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Appointments are required.  Call 542-6877 to schedule.
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NEW SUPPORT GROUP PROPOSED FOR COMPULSIVE OVEREATERS

There are several independent programs dedicated to helping people who suffer from compulsive overeating.  One is Greysheeters Anonymous, which is based on a 12-step program.  There are no dues or fees, and the only requirement to join is the desire to stop compulsive overeating.  Exploratory meetings will be held in the FC conference room on Wednesday, December 3 at 4:00 p.m., and again on December 16 at 6:00 p.m.  For more information, call Ruth Kreisman at 545-8930, or email her at RuthKATnc.rr.com. 
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THE IDEAL HOLIDAY GIFT

Flavors of Fearrington, a beautiful, full-color cookbook, contains outstanding kitchen-tested recipes from your friends and neighbors and from several Fearrington House Executive Chefs.  Buy it for $30 at the Fearrington Cares office, McIntyre’s or A Southern Season. 
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PHARMACY ASSISTANCE APPRECIATED

Thanks to you, we took five boxes of unused prescription drugs and medical supplies to Chatham Cares Pharmacy for people who do not have the financial resources to purchase the drugs they need.  In addition, donated glucose monitoring supplies and blood pressure machines will be well used by the Senior Center.  We will continue to collect medications and supplies.
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FEARRINGTON CARES CALENDAR
(All meetings will be held in the FC building , unless otherwise noted)

Blood Pressure Clinic:  Every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Grief Support Group:  Every third Friday.   December 19,  from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. 

Parkinson’s Support Group:  Wednesdays, December 3 and 17 at 11:00 a.m. Fearrington Cares office and Gathering Place
AA Meeting:  Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm.

Greysheeters Anonymous:  Thursday, December 4 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m.

Balance Testing/Screening:  Thursday, December 4.   Appointments needed.  Call 542- 6877

Medicare Part D Review:  Monday & Wednesday, December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, and 17.  Appointments needed.

Walking Group:  Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. at 8 a.m.  Meet in front of our building.
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FHA NEWS

MINUTES OF THE FHA ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 16, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Gillian Cell at 5:00 p.m. in The Barn with all Board members in attendance. She thanked all Board members for their hard work in the year past and reminded everyone of the major charges that the FHA had.  These were to enhance property values, preserve the common areas and take care of the health, safety and welfare of the residents.  President Cell said a major accomplishment this year was to engage a management firm which would have responsibility for most of the service groups in the Village.  She indicated that this would provide some economies of scale, provide better services and help with some of the difficult problems faced by the individual service groups.  She also highlighted the survey which had been done earlier in the year and noted that the results are still being analyzed  She also pointed out that the results were shared with R. B. Fitch since some of the concerns were in his area of responsibility.

Ken Talbot, the Vice President, indicated that his responsibilities included oversight of the directory, newsletter and the website.  He also thanked the volunteers who were responsible for efforts in those areas.  Renovations to the management firm’s office and communications setup were Ken’s responsibility.  He also served on the committee which developed the 2009 Budget.

Peter Thomas emphasized his responsibilities dealing with Emergency Preparedness and pointed out that there are some 60 Fearringtonians who have completed CERT training and that activity is being coordinated by Thomas Hauck.  Peter also emphasized the need for residents to make sure that they  were part of the reverse 911 network so that they could be notified in case of a pending emergency which might impact the Village.  Peter Thomas introduced Ray Andrews who will succeed him in the Health, Safety and Security Directorship on the FHA Board.

Walter Jernigan, the Treasurer, reported that things had gone well this past year and that income and expenditures were in balance.  Given the current economic situation he expressed some concern about 2009, but said that the budget has been prepared with a minimum increase in annual dues.

Harriet McGraw noted that revised procedures had been developed for covenant concerns and that a new form was available for individuals requesting permission to engage in activity which required approval. She pointed out that such procedures are now in conformity with the North Carolina Planned Community Act.  She also noted that as more and more concern about becoming “green” develops, an examination of covenant language may be necessary.

Carol-Ann Greenslade reported that power washing of kiosks is scheduled, and one has already been done.  The fixing of pot holes is also on the agenda. Among the major accomplishments this year has been the development of trails and the creation of a map of the trails. Beautification of trail sides has already begun and will be continued.

Lowell Kennedy reported that the renovation of the kitchen at the Gathering Place is now completed and that a floor had been laid in the attic.  Work is also in progress to upgrade the Business office and the Board is looking at the upgrading of the audio-visual system.

Barbara Thompson noted that she has reviewed the materials that go into the Newcomers Packet. She recently held a meeting of block captains which was well attended.  At that meeting topics such as the green scene were discussed as well as issues dealing with the health, welfare and safety of the community.  Barbara also noted the success of the Easter egg hunt as well as the continued work of the Highway Cleanup group responsible for the section of 15-501 from Mt. Gilead Road to Jack Bennett Road.  The October Newcomers Fair was also noted along with the once-a-month coffee hour in the Gathering Place designed to provide a place for neighbors to meet and socialize.

John Hammond pointed to the success of Langdon and Bradford Place residents in preventing the access by an estimated 1000 additional cars on South Langdon and Millcroft related to the proposed access to the McLean property. John also indicated that Briar Chapel will present an update on their plans at the open meeting of our Board in January.  Residents were urged to attend that meeting as well as to be vigilant about the various developments that are taking place since the Village’s protection is dependent on the Commissioners and the County Zoning and Planning Office.

Gail Mazzucco reported on the results of the election.  She indicated that the quorum requirement had been met; we needed 115 and 161 ballots had been cast. Peter Thomas was elected President, Ken Talbot Vice President, Walter Jernigan Treasurer and Leonard Kreisman Secretary.  In addition, new members of the Nominating Committee were also elected.

President Cell then introduced Judd Barrett who represents HRW, the new management company.  He described the company and its mission and also indicated that he is a resident of the Village and has a special interest in seeing that things go well.

The meeting was then opened to comments and questions from residents.  Tom Hauck spoke on behalf of Stan Pomeranz who is interested in the establishment of a dog park.  R.B. Fitch has expressed interest and has committed both land and funds to the endeavor.  The hope is to establish an operation much like Swim and Croquet. Another resident raised the question about whether or not it was time to reconsider annexation since with the impending census in 2010 Chapel Hill might be able to incorporate FV. John Hammond indicated that it might be time to reexamine the issue. Another resident raised concerns about the safety of mail in the Smokehouse kiosk since the door is not always secure. The issue will be investigated.  Still another question was raised about criminal activity in the Village and Peter indicated that there had been only three incidents this year,  two of which involved soliciting and another a break-in.  In the case of the break-in the suspects have been apprehended and will stand trial.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:35PM

Leonard T. Kreisman Secretary
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2009 HANDBOOK & DIRECTORY COMING – UPDATES NEEDED!!

I've begun working on the 2009 FHA Handbook & Directory, which will come out in mid February.  A proof of the directory sections will be available in the FHA Hospitality Center from January 2 until the 15th.  I encourage residents, whether owners or renters, to stop by during office hours (weekdays 9:30 a.m. to noon) to check their listing for accuracy especially if they were not in the 2008 directory or if their listing has changed during the year.  The online directory at the FHA website is kept up to date and residents can check their listing there as well. Service Group boards, Area Captains and organization heads should also make certain that I have their current information.

All corrections and new listings can be submitted by completing an information sheet at the FHA office, by sending an e-mail to: joannenmikeAThotmail.com, or by calling me at 542-4414.  Please feel free to call with any questions or suggestions for improving the directory or the handbook.

Thanks for your assistance. Mike Cotter, Directory Editor
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SECURITY COMMITTEE TIPS

During his presentations on safety and security several weeks ago, Lt. Maynor from the Sheriff’s Department noted statistics which reflect that during a weak/bad economy home break-ins and burglaries tend to increase.  The current economic downdraft may likely increase the likelihood that our village could be targeted by criminals.  In addition, holiday periods are usually times when neighborhoods experience an increase in criminal activity.  While security should always be of concern, we should be even more keenly aware that this season is a period of increased risk.  During the past several weeks, on at least two occasions, neighbors have been approached by “door-to-door salesfolk” either soliciting donations or claiming to be selling goods.  Please be aware that legitimate fund raisers do not solicit door to door.  If anyone should experience this, please phone the Sheriff’s Department at 542-2911.

If you’re concerned about someone possibly gaining entrance to your home by kicking in the front door, here’s a possible solution:  Replace the ¾ inch screws in the strike plate with 2 or 3 inch screws.  This will make kicking in your door infinitely more difficult.  You could do the same with the screws which secure the deadbolt lock in your door.  Longer screws will withstand multiple kicks much better than the shorter ¾ inch screws.

One last suggestion:  Please insure that your house number is clearly visible from the street.  Emergency personnel cannot help you if they cannot find your home.  In addition, for those of you who live in sections of the village which have alleyways for your garages, you might consider placing your house number over the entrance of your garage in addition to the one on the front of your home.

Doug McAllister, Security Committee
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FEARRINGTON GREEN SCENE

Join us on Tuesday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. in the Gathering Place.  Our speaker will be Phyllis Smith, Cooperative Extension Agent, with a Chatham County program, Looking for Ways to Reduce Your Home Energy Costs?  By attending this program, you may qualify for a low-cost professional Home Energy Audit to discover reasonable repairs to cut heating and cooling bills.

Green Scene is also supporting the long-time effort to bring public transportation to Fearrington Village.  We are excited about the public hearing to discuss a new bus route to be implemented by Chapel Hill Transit from downtown Chapel Hill to downtown Pittsboro.  Please come to the hearing to express your interest in a stop in Fearrington: Public Transportation Public Hearing 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December. 4 in the Pittsboro Ag Bldg. Auditorium. We would like to hear your comments, questions and ideas about having a bus stop here in our Village.   Contact Ann Deupree at 542-4507 or anndeupreeATalumni.duke.edu.
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GATHERING PLACE KITCHEN NEEDS YOUR HELP

The two, 30 cup West Bend aluminum coffee urns are missing from the kitchen. If anyone knows their whereabouts would they please let Lowell Kennedy or Carol Kurtz know. It is possible that caterers for functions in the last few months may have inadvertently removed the urns. Would those of you that had catered functions please check with your caterers and advise Lowell Kennedy, 542-1563, or Carol Kurtz, 542-3582.  Thank you for your help.
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LOST AND FOUND ITEMS  LOOKING FOR OWNERS!

This is the last call for people to come to the FHA Hospitality and Service Center to see if one of youritems is in our collection of coats, jackets, umbrellas, tote bags, and assorted miscellany. In January unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
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NEWSLETTER-CALENDAR EDITORS

Mary Hammond
545-2026 Fax: same
prinnyATmindspring.com

Dinah McAllister
542-4414
dinahATnc.rr.com

Dinah McAllister edited this issue. Mary Hammond will edit the January  issue.  The deadline is Monday, December 15.

Directory Editor; Print and Website Version

Michael Cotter
542-4414
joannenmikeAThotmail.com

Newsletter Printing Team

Paul Niederer, Chair
Ron Davis, Marybeth Hauck, David Hess, Joan Hill, Wally Hill, Carol Kurtz, Ronnie Lynton, Faye Van Oyen, Julie Smith, Phil Smith
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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 email and can easily redirect items if necessary, but it is best to check above 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. Newsletter submissions must be on full sheets of paper to avoid getting lost. Typed items are preferred – in upper and lower case. Please avoid caps, boldface and italics.
 

Submissions are limited to 200 words but may be further edited for space requirements. The length of  official FHA submissions is not restricted. Formatting is at the editors' discretion.

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