The Gathering Place

FHA Index

THE
GATHERING
PLACE

Rules and Regulations for Use

Please contact the key person (click here) the day before you are to pick up the key for your event to ensure she is available. If not, you can call one of the other key people listed to let you gain access.

1. Any group or organization based in Fearrington including any business with a branch office in Fearrington may use the Gathering Place, provided that the event is limited to, and is open to, all Fearrington residents, by paying the user fee as specified below and by signing the Gathering Place rental agreement. If a group uses the Gathering Place on a regular basis, i.e., weekly, monthly, or occasionally, they must pay a $50.00 deposit. The Fearrington Homeowners Association (FHA) shall retain the security deposit until the club, organization, or business no longer uses the Gathering Place. Fees for using the Gathering Place on a regular basis per use are:

Large Room	$18
Small Room	$15

For Fearrington organizations that reserve the Gathering Place for an entire day, including the evening, the fee will be $36 for the large room and $24 for the small room.

Individuals and groups may use the Gathering Place on a one-time basis also. The fees, payable in advance, are:

Social events given by Fearrington organizations and businesses*	$200
Private parties given by Fearrington residents*	$ 275
Private use of the small room	$ 133
Exhibition fee*	$ 133
Memorial service for a Fearrington resident	$ 0
First two exploratory meetings of residents prior to the formal organization of a club, organization, or service group	$ 0

*The customary coffee, punch, soda, or cookies following an organization meeting is not a party. When a group that meets regularly in the Gathering Place gives a party, possibly but not necessarily, at a different time from its usual meeting, where alcohol and/or food is served, such as wine, hors d'oeuvres, casseroles, etc., it is an organization party, even if a brief business meeting is held. An event given by an individual or group that does not routinely meet in the Gathering Place would be regarded as a private party. A reception to open an art exhibit will be charged an exhibition fee.

2. Any Fearrington resident may host one meeting per year of any organization, to which he or she belongs, at the Gathering Place. Such a gathering shall be defined as a private party and requires payment of a $275 fee.

3. General invitations may not be issued to the public (nonresidents of Fearrington) to a meeting or function at the Gathering Place. Such invitations include those made in the media, and/or by signs, posters, or oral announcements at a forum or gathering. Issuance of public invitations shall be grounds for cancellation of the rental agreement, forfeiture of a user fee that has been paid, and forfeiture of the right to use the Gathering Place for as long as the Gathering Place committee deems appropriate.

Exceptions to this rule are:

A. The Gathering Place may be used as a polling place. Political signs for candidates on the ballot may be placed at the entry driveway on Election Day only and shall be removed after the polls close.

B. The Gathering Place may be used for support groups (sponsored and under the auspices of the Fearrington Cares organization) by residents and invited nonresident guests.

The FHA Board of Directors will determine future exceptions.

4. The Gathering Place may not be used:

A. By those businesses, groups, clubs or organizations, including commercial, charitable, political or religious organizations based outside Fearrington, except as provided in Paragraph 1, even though some of their members or employees may be residents of Fearrington.

B. By any individual resident or Fearrington-based business for profit-making purposes, other than as incidental to the sale of products described in the exhibitors’ agreement. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the use of the Gathering Place by FHA for fund raising purposes on behalf of the Gathering Place, or the sale of items following a presentation in which such items were displayed and described regardless of whether such presentation was made by a Fearrington resident or an invited outside speaker.

The FHA Board must approve each and every exception to this regulation.

5. Conduct within the Gathering Place:

A. Excessive noise or any acts that unreasonably interfere with the rights, safety, comfort, or convenience of other residents in the community, should be avoided. The premises may not be used for any unlawful purpose.

B. The use of alcoholic beverages must be in accordance with state and local laws. Compliance is the sole responsibility of the person or organization sponsoring the event, and responsibility is acknowledged by signing the Gathering Place Rules and Regulations Serving of Alcoholic Beverages.

C. Groups including persons less than 21 years of age must be supervised by two adults for each ten persons under 21.

D. No smoking is permitted in the Gathering Place at any time.

E. No animals other than guide dogs for the blind are permitted in the building.

The Rules and Regulations were approved by the Board of Directors of the FHA on October 10, 1996, amended on November 3, 2000, on September 4, 2001, on January 8, 2002, and on June 9, 2008, and shall be applicable to all new contracts for private parties or meetings effective immediately. The Board of Directors of FHA reserves the right to modify them as appropriate.