January 2021      Volume 40      Number 1

President’s Message

Resolution

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow.” —Albert Einstein

Well, by the time you read this, Santa will have come and gone for another year and the door to 2021 will be creaking open. Some folks will just see a long, dark corridor beyond the door. But wait, there appears to be bright light coming around the edges. The evidence seems clear; human ingenuity and adaptability will defeat the pandemic.

As people have done in the past, many of us will make new year’s resolutions as one way of maintaining some control over the future. Most resolutions tend to lead to disappointment (and subsequent criticism if others know of them). If I make any, I keep them to myself so that I am the only critic, and I tend to give myself a lot of leeway. I am tempted to resolve to swear off every virtue, so that way I succeed when I fail.

Our FHA team of board members and volunteers have done an excellent job in the year past, which presented many important and difficult challenges such as the wastewater management issue. There are always a multitude of challenges large and small and that team is always busy. For 2021, the team resolves to bring that same excellence to meeting its obligations which affect the values of all of us in our village.

Unfortunately, we cannot keep that resolution to ourselves and give ourselves a lot of leeway. In fact, we constantly publish information in the newsletter or in webinars to let people know what the team is doing. That means all of us who live here can be critics. That is as it should be, after all, we are the FHA and the FHA is us. The team of board members and volunteers are drawn from the many talented people who live here. We have term limits, which ensures that as new members come on board, we maintain a broad and varied perspective.

My term ends in November 2021, and my resolution is to let it end with no regrets. Like the old soldier of the ballad, I shall just fade away. I further resolve to write nine more of these presidential columns, even though that may elicit groans from many of you.

What I suggest as a resolution for you all to consider is joining the FHA Team, which depends on volunteers in many, many roles. See the Volunteers Corner in this issue, and in subsequent months, for just a few of the many roles that need to be filled.

—Carl Angel, president@fhaboard.org

From the Editors

Let the Voting Begin for the Newsletter Naming Contest!

Your newsletter staff was pleased to receive a whopping fifty-one suggested names. Through a blind poll, we each rated the submissions individually, the ratings were tallied, and a list from most to least popular was formed. We had a fun time at our November meeting reviewing the options, with each stumping for our personal favorites. And, after lengthy discussion, we ended up choosing our top five vote getters.

Now, readers, it’s time to select your favorite and christen our Fearrington newsletter with an official name. One vote per household so be sure to reach a consensus with housemates. Voting couldn’t be easier—no absentee ballots or standing in line. Just click the Survey Monkey link below and vote your choice between January 1 and Friday, January 15.

https://www.research.net/r/99ZH5Q7

The name with the most votes wins, and we’ll debut the winner later this spring.

Remember, Survey Monkey will accept your household’s vote from January 1 through midnight, January 15.

—Ann Melchior, Newsletter Staff, editors@fearringtonfha.org

From Our FHA Board

Recommendations Concerning the Wearing of Masks

The Health, Safety, and Security Committee met to discuss the issue of wearing masks on Fearrington paths and trails. The following statement represents a consensus of the committee: Warren Ort, Carol Wade, Dr. Art Gerber, Karen Metzguer, Maggie Tunstall, and Gordon Pitz.

CDC’s most recent guidelines for wearing masks dated 12/7/2020 read in part as follows: “People age 2 and older should wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in their household.… A mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing. … Masks may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others, or with other people who live in your household. However, some localities may have mask mandates while out in public and these mandates should always be followed.”

It may be prudent to always carry a mask with you to don in certain situations, such as when two walkers are approaching from opposite directions and one cannot step off the trail to allow the other to pass. An example is Creekwood Trail where some parts do not allow this. Another would be coming upon a friend and stopping to chat for a while or coming upon a person experiencing a medical event.

The concept of wearing masks is not new. Masks have been worn by people in a variety of settings. No, not the eye coverings of the Lone Ranger or Marvel’s Super Heroes, but mouth and nose coverings worn by surgeons, construction and demolition workers, and people in a variety of laboratory settings, among others.

The CDC guidelines emphasize that a mask is not a substitute for social distancing. Masks should still be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after touching or removing a mask. The CDC website has some other very useful information including types of masks and which are recommended and not recommended.

Apart from the inconvenience of wearing a mask, it may cause breathing difficulties while engaging in high intensity activities such as running. The bottom line is that people have to use their best judgement when in the presence of others. Several factors determine the risk of contracting the virus from someone else: distance from others, time spent at that distance, ventilation, humidity, protective barriers, and any existing medical conditions (comorbidities).

An interesting planning exercise is an app developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT): An Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool. “The risk level is the estimated chance that at least one Covid-19 positive individual will be present at an event in a county, given the size of the event.” Chances of exposure change depending on which county you’re in and how large the event. Risk increases with the size of the gathering.

Note from the tool: “You can reduce the risk that one case becomes many by wearing a mask, distancing, and gathering outdoors in smaller groups.”

—Carol Wade, for the Committee

Golf Carts in the Village

Recently, members of the Board have received inquiries about the golf carts that are occasionally being used in the Village. Fearrington was not built with a golf course and, therefore, was never envisioned as a golf cart community. Moreover, it’s important to point out that the roads in Fearrington are state roads. This means that any vehicle being driven on our roads must be licensed by the State of North Carolina, and the drivers of such vehicles must have a NC driver’s license to operate them. Although our covenants are silent with respect to golf carts, drivers must obey all traffic laws.

Wastewater Management Update

2020 has not been a year with a lot of good news, but we are happy to report that on October 20, 2020, ONSWC-Chatham North, LLC (Chatham North) and Old North State Water Company, LLC (ONSWC) filed to withdraw all the applications related to the transfer of the Fearrington Village wastewater system to Chatham North from the docket of the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

In addition, Greg Fitch let us know that, as of January 1, 2021, Fitch Utilities, not Envirolink, will manage the Fearrington Village system. Fitch’s prior operations team, consisting of John Poteat, operator of record, and Ronnie Wright, a longtime Fitch Creations employee, will return to their previous roles. In addition, Fitch Utilities has plans to upgrade and renovate our existing plant in 2021 to help it meet today’s stricter standards for discharge of effluent into Jordan Lake. Moreover, our utility rates will remain the same for now ($259.97/year), and residents will be billed annually, although payment plans can be arranged. All of this is good news.

However, the work of the task force is not done. Our consulting engineer has produced an excellent report for us that looks at the remaining life of the existing plant and questions whether it might make more sense to completely rebuild the plant using one of the many new technologies available today. The report, which can be accessed on the FHA website, takes into account the fact that additional capacity will be needed if Fearrington Village is to continue to grow. But such expansion would have to occur within the basic footprint of our existing plant. It also recommends that any such expansion do everything possible to minimize noise and odors since a number of Fearrington Homes are located in close proximity. We have shared this report with Fitch Creations, and we expect to meet with them and their engineering team early in the new year to discuss possible options.

We also need to be vigilant because we realize that another utility could seek to buy the Fearrington system. We have no objection if Fitch Utilities were to be taken over by a reputable company that could then make the necessary onsite improvements. However, given the scope of development being proposed in the county, we also know that it is possible a provider might once again put forth some type of interconnected system. We want to make sure that the voices of our residents are being heard throughout any such discussions. For these reasons, our task force will continue to meet on a monthly basis, with additional meetings as needed.

—Rose Krasnow, vp@fhaboard.org

Confusion over Envirolink Bill

Most of you have received a final sewer bill from Envirolink, and you may have been confused by the amount. The bill is over 50 percent more than you normally pay.

This does not reflect an increase in fees. Although the bill states that it is for services from November 13 to December 13, the bill actually covers service until the end of December. It is the last bill you will receive from Envirolink. On January 1, service will be taken over by Fitch Utilities (see separate article concerning developments in wastewater service). If you pay by credit card and incur an additional “convenience” fee, it will have increased as well.

Charges for 2021 through Fitch Utilities will be the same as they have been for this year.

—Gordon Pitz, communications@fhaboard.org

Fearrington Community Assessment Survey

On or about November 15 we emailed access to, or hand delivered, 1709 individual resident Fearrington Community Assessment surveys.

When the Survey response period ended on December 8, 900 completed surveys had been returned. This means that 52.7% of Fearrington residents had completed and submitted their individual surveys. This rate of return translates to a 99% confidence limit and a margin of error of 2.25%. In our experience this is an excellent result. If you are one of these respondents, thank you! (Survey responses are anonymous, so we do not know who has completed our community survey.)

The FHA Lifestyle Subcommittee is in the process of analyzing our community’s responses and preparing a summary report. This summary report will address topics that concern most of our residents. Your responses will help our FHA identify priorities and indicate where you would like your resources invested in the community.

In addition to a written report, these findings will be discussed in an FHA Webinar early in the new year and continue a collaborative involvement about our community’s priorities.
Again, a very grateful “thank you” from the Lifestyle Subcommittee for your interest and participation in helping to clarify our community’s future direction.

—Lifestyle Subcommittee, Long Range Planning Committee, FHA Board

 It’s That Time of Year Again

Yes, snow and ice are on the way. The effects we typically experience for portions of each winter remind us of the challenges we face on our 82 village streets and roads.

In most instances following snow and ice, plan on slippery walking and driving conditions for 12 to 48 hours, especially in shaded areas. Being in the South, the warming sun should improve conditions quickly. However, the NCDOT does not consider the public roadways in Fearrington Village to be their first priority, and it could be two to three days before these roads are treated and plowed. FHA does not own or maintain any roads within the village.

If residents leave vehicles parked along the edge of roadways within the village, the road crews will not plow the road. Therefore, for the sake of the neighbors on your street, please do not park your vehicles along the roadway.

For more information, visit the Health, Safety, and Security Information blog.

When driving and walking is hazardous, the best course of action is to stay home, open a good book, have a glass of wine, and wait for conditions to improve. Please have a healthy, safe, and secure holiday season.

—Health, Safety, and Security Committee

Volunteers Corner

Hello, Fearrington.

I am Chris Jaeger, your newly volunteered Social Committee chairman for 2021. The next year has lots of potential to be a great return to social events, and we will be needing volunteers to help get up and running again. It will be a great way for you to get to know your neighbors and help make our community better.

We hope to get The Gathering Place welcome center operating soon. As you may know, it provides you a place to fax and use a copier as well as provide information like newcomers’ packets. With volunteers we had been open on weekday mornings before Covid-19, and we’ll do so again—perhaps starting on a limited schedule.

A big event has been the Easter Egg Hunt. Even though it is an outdoor activity, it may not happen this year. However, there are several other events that traditionally we have sponsored that we plan on continuing. These include Shredding Saturdays, Meet the Board Coffees, Newcomers’ Welcome, and more.

If you have ideas that you think the HOA should consider, send them to me and I will contact you to discuss them in detail. The success of community events depends on our wonderful volunteers, so join the team and find out how much fun we can have. I look forward to hearing from you.

—Chris Jaeger, community@fhaboard.org

Announcements

Fearrington Groups and Organizations

Fearrington Bulls & Bears

The Fearrington Bulls & Bears Investment Club is a group of Fearrington residents who are interested in improving their investment knowledge and capabilities. We meet monthly during non-summer months and communicate regularly through an email exchange group to share information, insights and ideas about investing.

Guests are welcome to participate in group meetings or in our email exchange group to gauge their interest in joining the Club. The next meeting will be held by Zoom on January 8 at 9:30 am.

For more information about the Club, meetings or the exchange, please contact:

Anna Shearer, President, at 703 217 0322 or ashearer1219@gmail.com.

Fearrington Democratic Club

The Fearrington Democratic Club is happy to resume monthly programs (via Zoom) in January. Our timely topic on January 26th at 7 pm is “The Road Ahead: More Gerrymandering or Redistricting Reform?” Our speaker is Dr. Jennifer Bremer, a policy analyst, researcher, and economist with over 35 years’ experience in the United States and more than 30 other countries. In 2018, she led a study team examining alternative approaches to redistricting reform under consideration in states that, like North Carolina, do not have citizen-initiated referendum, which led to the formulation of five principles for reasonable redistricting reform as a sound basis for redistricting reform in North Carolina. She currently focuses on public governance reform in North Carolina, where she serves as a member of the board of the League of Women Voters of North Carolina and leads the League’s Statewide Redistricting Reform Team.

Click here to register and get the Zoom link.

Fearrington Garden Club

On January 19, at 3 pm, the Garden Club will offer members a virtual presentation by the North Carolina Botanical Garden, a unit of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Alan Weakley will discuss the NCBG publication, Wildflowers of the Atlantic Southeast, which he co-authored. Dr. Weakley is a plant taxonomist, community ecologist, and conservationist specializing in the southeastern United States. Since 2002, he has served as director of the UNC Herbarium. Members: watch for the email that contains the Zoom link to the live program.

Despite this year’s limited club activities, we hope everyone will renew their membership. Your dues enable the club to fulfill our mission of supporting the horticulture program at Chatham Central High. Please take your $15 (per member) check to the Garden Club’s mailbox in the Swim & Croquet kiosk. The membership form can be found in the Groups Portal.

Fearrington Genealogy Group

Tuesday, January 12, 3:00 pm, Zoom teleconference
Program details will be emailed to members around the first of January. Newcomers welcome: Contact Linda Grimm at 919-533-6296 for details about participating in this event.

Fearrington Republican Club

Your Fearrington Republican Club is still here and alive. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy New Year. With all the changing edicts from NC government officials we do not know when we will be able to have a meeting at the Gathering Place. 2021 is a non-election year and we would meet the 4th Wednesday which is January 27, 2021. We will keep you informed by email if and when we will be allowed to have a meeting. Our email is frc-nc@hotmail.com and Fearrington Republican club also has a web page on the FHA website.

Fearrington Swim & Croquet Club

Our virtual Annual Membership meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2021, 4 pm to 5 pm. By January 11, 2021, an e-blast from postmaster@esoftplanner.com containing a ballot and details about our board election will be sent to members. Members may print the ballot or pick up a ballot at the Swim & Croquet kiosk. Please return your ballot to the Swim & Croquet box at the kiosk by January 15, 2021. A separate email with a Zoom link will be sent before the meeting.

Contact us at fearringtonswimcroquet@gmail.com with any questions you may have. We’re looking forward to communicating with you using the chat function on Zoom!

Fearrington Village Singers Bob Maars on Guitars and Rock and Roll
Thursday, January 21, 4 pm

Join us on Zoom as Fearrington Village Singer’s own Bob Maarschalkerweerd talks about his guitar collection and professional connection with rock and roll. Back by request after appearing on the Dec 3rd FVS Holiday Variety Show, Bob demonstrates his guitars’ sounds and tones and talks about his years on the stage as an instrumentalist and singer in Gilbert and Sullivan and on Broadway. Find the Zoom link at fearringtonvillagesingers.org.

Women of Fearrington

Ever wonder what happens to your recycling? Shannon Culpepper, County Recycling Education Specialist, will speak at our January Webinar, rescheduled to January 27 to avoid conflict with Inauguration Day. Register here for the link.

How about some socially distanced hot chocolate? The event will be held January 12 on a member’s screened porch. Register online.

Masked holiday marketeers
Photo by Ed Lallo

The WoF Holiday Bakery & Market generated an amazing $5,427 for our grant program, which targets the needs of women and children in Chatham County. Fifty-one volunteers and ninety-three customers made this the most successful Holiday Market ever! Many thanks to everyone.

We’re also sending out a huge “thank you” to all who ordered a toy on Amazon or dropped one off for delivery to the Chatham County Department of Social Services. They were overwhelmed by the response! Many Chatham children in need will have a wonderful holiday this year. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

WoF toy drive boxes
Photo by Chatham County DSS

WoF toy drive boxes
Photo by Chatham County DSS

Chatham County Agencies

Chatham Connecting

Happy 2021! Even with Covid-19 still a part of our lives, the New Year offers many opportunities to get involved with one of the many non-governmental organizations or official Chatham County programs in need of volunteers. Fearrington Village is a charity-friendly community so if you’ve been thinking of getting involved but don’t know where to start, try looking at the Chatham Connecting website, www.chathamconnecting.org. There you’ll find lots of information about the missions of over 100 non-profit organizations and official Chatham County programs. There is something for everyone no matter your interest. Your financial, time, or material donation lets your neighbors in need know that they are not forgotten during this especially difficult winter. Chatham Connecting is a volunteer-run organization that puts those in need together with those who can help. Please be part of the effort, as it’s a great way to start the New Year.

Continuing Education Opportunities

OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University

A yearlong educational community on the Duke campus as well as other venues—including Galloway Ridge—is now on Zoom. Courses cover history, literature, natural or social sciences, art, music, drama, and current events. Winter registration: January 26-27. Term starts February 15. For class descriptions
and registration, go to learnmore.Duke.edu/olli. For questions, call Warren Ort, 919-533-6597.

The Fearrington Cares Center Will Be Closed January 18.

The Fearrington Cares Center will be closed for appointments and the staff will be off on Monday, January 18, for a national day of service honoring the life of Martin Luther King.

Zoom Movement Classes, Support Groups, and Education Program Links Are on Our Website www.fearringtoncares.org.

Occasionally Zoom program IDs and passwords will change; if you have saved a link it may eventually become inactive. Use the links on our website for a quick, current connection to all Zoom programs. If you would like to practice a Zoom connection and meeting, email info@fearringtoncares.org and we will set that up.

Oh, My Aching Shoulder!

Thursday, January 14, 7:00 pm via Zoom

You may never be Tommy John or even get that reference (according to Casey Stengel, you could look it up). Of course, these days you could Google Tommy John and Casey Stengel. In any case, arms and shoulders can be sources of aches and pains for athletes and pseudo-athletes. The Zoom Education Committee is happy to host a presentation by Dr. Louis Almekinders, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder disorders. This program will cover common issues such as rotator cuff and biceps tendon problems, shoulder arthritis, and frozen shoulder. Dr. Almekinders will include common symptoms and basic initial treatment as well as some discussion of surgical treatment.

Dr. Almekinders is a native of the Netherlands who completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery and a research fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. In 1989 he joined the faculty of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the ensuing 14 years, he worked as a team physician for the varsity athletic teams and became a tenured, full professor. In 2003, he moved back to Duke University to start the North Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic and is currently a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Introduction to Breath Meditation

Thursday, January 28, 1:30 pm via Zoom

This program will introduce SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) Breath Meditation, a set of breathing techniques that can help foster serenity. Every emotion has a specific breathing pattern, so learning to focus on and control the breath can help us manage our mind and emotions. The rhythmic breathing patterns of SKY Breath Meditation can lead the practitioner toward a state of deep meditative relaxation, reducing anxiety, anger, insomnia, and depression.

Lee Farrow, based in Mountain View, CA, and the daughter of a Fearrington resident, will lead the program. She will offer demonstration and coaching as well as findings from scientific research related to the technique’s effectiveness. Lee became a certified instructor for The Art of Living Foundation in 1997. She currently supports caregivers, military families, and her local community by teaching meditation and SKY Breathing for Kaiser Permanente and Project Welcome Home Troops.

Sparking Possibilities for Your New Year Ahead

Fridays, January 29, February 5 and 12, 1:30 pm via Zoom

Next year promises to be filled with dips, bumps, and curves! It will certainly be different from 2020! You may find yourself feeling a bit muddled, disconnected, or even stuck, as you face the new year ahead.

Join us for this three-week Zoom series to explore, clarify, and spark possibilities on your path forward in 2021. Over the course of three one-hour sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to rekindle your personal set of strengths and apply down-to-earth tips and tools for living your best life going forward. Mark your calendar for all three sessions: Fridays 1:30-2:30 pm, January 29, February 5, and February 12.

Each individual lively session combines a “lecturette” with time for guided self-reflection, fun exercises, and focused discussion. This course is taught by Vicki Field who has designed and led a wide range of workshops in her professional life and as a resident here at Fearrington Village over the past seven years.

A Shout Out to Our Medicare Part D Volunteers!

A big “Thank You” to John Sullivan and Judy Fitzgerald who this year volunteered over 84 hours to assist residents with their Medicare Part D selections. While we know not everyone reviews their drug program during open enrollment, we celebrate the thousands of dollars this important annual review saves every year for residents who participate. Together, Judy and John provided 68 plan reviews, and collectively, those Villagers will save over $36,000 on Medicare Part D plans in 2021! If you have Plan D coverage, it’s hard to think of a good reason not to review it every year when open enrollment comes around.

Medical Equipment Loans (and More!)

Fearrington Cares has medical equipment on loan for short-term use. You may need equipment temporarily following surgery or during rehabilitation. You may also just want to “try out” a walker or cane to see if is helpful before making a purchase. You may need a wheelchair when someone is visiting for a week or weekend or to take a friend out to dinner, to a museum, or to a ballgame. (Eventually, we will be doing all those things again!) We have the following to loan:

 Commodes
 Crutches/canes
 Shower benches
 Walkers
 Wheelchairs

We also have a short list of equipment that residents have in their homes and are willing to lend to fellow residents. This includes equipment for young ones such as booster seats, Pack ‘n Plays, toys, and the like that can be lent on a short- term basis.

And We Need Equipment!

Our equipment stash exists due to the generosity of Fearringtonians. If you have something that is no longer needed but might be of assistance to others, please donate it to Fearrington Cares. Also, if you have equipment that you are willing to lend on a temporary basis, please notify us (919-542-6877) and we will add your listing. People are always searching for things like blow-up mattresses and necessities for young visitors (we’re not old but honestly most of us will not fit into a Pack ‘n Play). As always, we’re just neighbors helping neighbors!

Covid-19 Information

Fearrington Cares maintains a website with county, state, and national information about the pandemic and the virus: fearringtoncares.org/resources/covid-19-coronavirus-current-information/.

Fearrington Directory Changes

Welcome to Our New Residents!

The following persons have been added to the Fearrington Village Directory between November 15 and December 14:

Are you a new resident? Be sure to register on our FHA community website. Doing so will give you full access to website features and allow you to be added to our resident directory. Log on to FearringtonFHA.org and on the top menu click on “Directory.” Then, in the drop-down menus click first on “New Resident” then “List Me in the Directory.”

Are you an existing resident whose contact information has changed? Don’t forget to update your listing on the FearringtonFHA.org web site. On the landing page, click on the Directory tab on the top menu and then on Update Preferences on the drop-down menu. When you update your contact information online, the updates will be included in the FHA Directory & Handbook printed in January each year. Stay in touch with your fellow residents by keeping your contact information current.

Calendar for January 2021

Fearrington Village clubs and groups will be meeting on these dates. Events are usually held at The Gathering Place unless stated otherwise. However, The Gathering Place is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Therefore, if you have questions, be sure to check with the person or web page listed in the “Contact” column for the most up-to-date information.