s neighborhood news march 2016 · march 2016 neighborhood news falconbridgealliance.org...
TRANSCRIPT
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSMarch 2016
INSIDE: Yard Sale • Easter Egg Hunt • Golf, Anyone? Yoga • Survey Heads Up • Mah Jongg • Coffee Klatch • Neighbor Profiles
Message from Our President
Falconbridge Future Looks Bright
Each Mon. & Thurs. 1:30pm
MAH JONGG [email protected]
Each Tues. • 1:00pm STUDIO TIME FOR ARTISTSPainting, Mixed Media, Collage
Wed. March 2 • 7:00pm FCA BOARD MEETING
Wed. March 2 • 7:00pm BOOK CLUB
[email protected] (Bill Brown)
Fri. March 4, 18 • 5:30pm TRAVELING PUB
Wed. March 9 • 7:30pm WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB
Thurs. March 10, 249:30am-11:00am
WOMEN’S COFFEE KLATCH [email protected]
Tues. March 15 • 11:30am-2pmSPORTING LIFE CLUB FOR WOMEN & MEN
Pool/Darts/Games @ Bailey’[email protected]
Wed. March 16 • 7:00pm 3rd WED. POKER NIGHT
Tues. March 22 • 6:00pmBOWLING AT MARDI GRAS
Sat. March 26 • 11:00am
EASTER EGG [email protected]
NOTE: Regular scheduling and use of the clubhouse will resume soon!
Spring is right around the corner and there is a lot going on! We have the membership drive (have you paid your dues?), ongoing major Club-house renovations, new yoga classes, pool memberships, fiber communi-cations, completion of the gas-line easement, the process of reimagining Falconbridge, the upcoming polling of single-family homes (see article), Falconbridge Friends taking care of neighbors, all the social activities, and many new neighbors moving in, etc. I’m both excited and exhausted! As all of this unfolds, the board is
committed to being as transparent about its deliberations as possible by publishing monthly summaries of board meetings in the newsletter and posting the budget for the year on the Alliance website. We are an active and close-knit
neighborhood, and the future looks bright with all the momentum and volunteer participation we have. Thank you, everyone.
Clubhouse Renovations UpdateNathan Galie, our neighbor and
contractor, was going along nicely until we ran into a kitchen-cabinet glitch. The cabinet above the refrig-erator was the wrong size and had to be reordered. It won’t be here until March 2, causing a two-week delay in our progress. But, once the replace-ment cabinet arrives, we can assemble the kitchen cabinets, drop in the new flooring, complete what little plumb-
ing and electrical work is necessary, and call for final approval from the city.
The new concrete handicap ramp to the pool patio and the new concrete entry pad at the wall removed due to termites should be completed by the time you read this. The new black picket pool fence at the patio should be in as well.Special thanks to Bolton Anthony
and Bob Baxter for planning and in-stalling the new sound and entertain-ment system in the Clubhouse. The grand reopening, which will take
place after the Clubhouse passes final inspection, is currently scheduled for the weekend of April 16-17.
– John Noble
MARCH
UPCOMING
EVENTS
[Photo by Mike Mayo]
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The Falconbridge Alliance newsletter is distributed
monthly to all Falconbridge Alliance members.
Newsletter Editor: Rae [email protected]
Newsletter Designer: Mia Prior [email protected]
Join Falconbridge
Alliance
● ● News & Events● ● News & Events
Exciting Clubhouse NEWS!
Grand Reopening—April 16-17The grand reopening of the Falconbridge Clubhouse is swiftly approaching. The Recreational Facilities Committee (RFC) and the Alliance are planning to hold an Open House to show the place off the weekend of April 16-17 with bagels and mimosas on Saturday and coffee and doughnuts on Sunday. We hope to have samples of the furniture and fixtures that we’ll need—stackable chairs, tables, dishes, and the like—for contributions and comment.
Consignment Option for Yard Sale—May 14
On Saturday, May 14, we will host a consign-ment sale at the Clubhouse. It will be part of the neighborhood-wide yard sale taking place at the same time. So it’s not too soon to consider all the dust-collecting stuff you’d like to be rid of. And if you don’t want to mess with the aggravation of handling and selling unwanted items your-self, and would like to help the community, we’ll make it as easy for you as possible. Details will follow.
Pool Membership—Sign Up Now
Finally, take a look at that stack of mail you’ve been meaning to look at more closely. You should have received a hand-addressed blue envelope contain-ing information and a membership form for joining the pool this summer. The RCF has been working tirelessly all winter. We have come up with a new installment payment option for the single-family homes, free guest passes, and extended end-of-
summer hours for the dawn-to-dusk swimmers. (We think we’ve solved the problem of the universally reviled padlock, too.) So, join us at the pool for the “Best Summer Ever!”
— Mike Mayo and Conni Rivers
Nine-Hole Golf Restarting in March
We plan to play on Thursday, March 17 at Occoneechee in Hill-sborough. After that, we will play every two weeks on dates to be suggested by the group. This group is open to both men and women. The only credentials you need are the desire to have fun and golf! Please contact Jan Rich-mond at [email protected] or 919-408-0444 to reserve your space.
Mermaids Return to Falconbridge
With the opening of pool season, as you can see in your pool-mem-bership mailing, the Mermaids will return for water aerobics this season. Having enjoyed great success in the past two years, we are now offering two classes a week, on Saturdays at 9:00 am and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, for a fee of $100 for 10 weeks. Our instructor is Julia Rose, a certified water aerobics instructor, who has been our instructor since the initia-tion of this activity.This class offers a substantial and
satisfying workout along with the fun and camaraderie of participating with your friends and neighbors. If you are interested, please submit your application and payment as soon as you are able, as space avail-ability in our pool is limited to about 15. Questions can be directed to at [email protected]. Looking forward to a great summer season!
— Paula Clarke
Clubhouse Security
The Recreational Facilities Committee and the Alliance are considering options for a securi-ty system in the new and vastly improved Clubhouse. If you have any suggestions (or warn-ings), please contact Mike Mayo at [email protected].
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● ● News & Events
Our first seated yoga class will be held on Thursday, April 7, in our newly renovated, modern Clubhouse. We will have eight weekly sessions, from 9:00 - 10:00 am, with the last class on May 26. Our teacher is Beth Huf-ner. A Silver Sneakers® certified and experienced yoga teacher, Beth teaches at O2, Carolina Meadows, and the Hillsborough Sportsplex. The cost is $40 for all eight classes, with the size of the class limited only by space requirements in the Clubhouse. There has been a great deal of interest in this class, so
your enrollment cannot be guaranteed until your regis-tration form with fee has been received. This should be a fun and healthy Thursday morning activity. To express interest, get registration forms, or ask
questions, email me at [email protected]. If there is sufficient interest, we will attempt to expand to other days and times.
— Paula Clarke
The Easter Bunny will hide lots of eggs all around the Clubhouse for children aged 10 and younger. Come and have some fun! And please let me know the number and ages of children who will attend, so we can make sure Bunny hides enough eggs. RSVP to 919-490-2080 or [email protected].
- Harriet Crisp
THE EASTER BUNNY IS COMING TO
FALCONBRIDGE!WHEN:
Saturday, March 26, 2016, at 11:00 am
WHERE: Falconbridge Clubhouse
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
AND BE SURE TO RSVP!
Attention: All Parents and Grandparents!
FALCONBRIDGE COMMUNITY YARD SALE SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016—SAVE THE DATE!
Start sorting your treasures for the big day. We will need 25 homes/townhomes participating to make this a go. The deadline to sign up will be one month before the sale, which will have consignment options this year. More information to come, so look for flyers and emails for specifics.
- Harriet Crisp
Brand New Seated Yoga Class—
Sign Up Now!See what the power of TWO
can mean for you!
Robin Hutchison is joining Robbie Davis at Fonville Morisey to serve home buyers and sellers
in Falconbridge with their combined expertise. Together they will harness the power of teamwork
with over 25 years of experience.
The Robbie Davis Team
[email protected] [email protected]
HELLO SPRING!
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Single-family home owners will soon receive an email notice (or hardcopy letter if we don’t have your email address) of a non-binding opinion poll that will help the Fal-conbridge Community Association (FCA) board determine what the community thinks about requiring all single-family property owners to contribute to the costs of operating the FCA by way of a modest annual assessment. Depending in part on the results of this survey, the board will decide whether or not to proceed with such a proposal. When mandatory assessments were
first discussed last year, many home-owners objected to a provision that unpaid assessments would be sub-ject to foreclosure. Since that time, the FCA Board decided to drop that provision; that is, foreclosure will no longer be an option for collecting unpaid assessments under any new proposal. Collection would either be by payment of an annual invoice or by a lien that would accrue and be collected when the property is sold or refinanced.
The FCA board also decided to conduct a non-binding neighbor-hood poll to better understand what homeowners think about being part of the FCA. If community sentiment favors an annual assessment, the board will move forward with ar-rangements necessary to establish it. FCA and Falconbridge Village Asso-ciation (FVA) bylaws would have to be amended, but mandatory assess-ments could not be implemented until individual consent documents were signed by at least two-thirds of all single-family homeowners and then filed with the Durham County Register of Deeds.So, single-family property owners
should be on the lookout for details about the brief, anonymous, and non-binding poll within the next two weeks. Only one response per house-hold will be allowed. Residents for whom we have no email address will receive hard-copy letters with a link to the online poll. Residents without Internet access will be able to take the poll in an anonymous hard-copy format if necessary.Stay tuned!
–Ed Holland
ATTENTION: We Now Have TWO
Primary Election Days!Tuesday, March 15, is still primary
election day in North Carolina. But so is Tuesday, June 7. Because the U.S. Supreme Court re-
fused to stop a lower-court order de-manding North Carolina legislators draw a new congressional-districts map, congressional primary elections for districts with new boundaries will now occur on Tuesday, June 7. But even with U.S. House races delayed, North Carolina’s March 15 primary will be still be held. At that time, voters will cast their ballots for pres-ident, governor, U.S. Senate, and the General Assembly.
On both election days, all Falcon-bridge residents must vote at our main polling location (Precinct: 53-2) atTriangle Church, 5510 Barbee Chapel
Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 between 6:30 am–7:30 pm.
You can also vote early at any of the Early Voting Sites within Durham County from March 3-12 if you were registered by February 19.
–Rae Thompson
Voting Information
● ● News & Events
Coming Soon: Community Poll Regarding Potential Assessments
REMINDER: The Falconbridge Community
Association (FCA) is the
homeowners’ association that
oversees single family homes
and lots in Falconbridge.
The work of the FCA helps
maintain and enhance property
values and community life.
The FCA and the Falconbridge
Village Association (FVA)
comprise the Alliance.
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● ● News & Events
Whether you are new to the neigh-borhood or one of the “pioneers” of our many activities and services like Falconbridge Friends and the PUB, this is the last call to join in the pro-cess of reimagining the future of our already great neighborhood.We are more than half-way through
Phase 1 and have only three more idea-gathering Sunday sessions re-maining—February 28 and March 13 (already booked) and March 27 (still open). Although we will add more sessions if enough of you volunteer, we are targeting the end of March as our finish date for this phase.Participation has been lively, con-
structive, and fun. As the sessions progress, we are putting together an emerging vision of a future Falcon-bridge, with ideas ranging from a “Tiki Bar” at the Clubhouse (a spe-cial prize for guessing who came up with that one) to a childcare network to fresh grocery market in the near-by Falconbridge shopping center. Falconbridgers are NOT in-the-box thinkers!
Phase 2, later this spring, will be-gin with a practical vision statement based on results of the small-group sessions. In a day-long workshop, Phase 1 participants agreeing to continue the process will identify obstacles to achieving the vision and strategies for resolving those issues. The results of the workshop will be reported to the Alliance board and in the newsletter.We are hopeful that the results of
this collaborative process will yield
Reimagining Falconbridge—LAST CALL!
as much benefit to our community as past efforts have. And we are grate-ful to all of you who have taken the time to offer your thoughtful sugges-tions for what might make Falcon-bridge an even better place to live. If you have yet to attend a reimagining session, and want to do so, please contact Marese Casey ASAP at 919-493-3836 or [email protected] to make sure your voice is heard.
–Marese Casey
Session 4 participants, from left to right: Jim Carroll, Nona Saling, Carolyn Parker, Harriet Crisp, Nathan Galie. Session 3 participants, not shown, were Mike Mayo, Karen Blase, Rosemary Hutchinson, Carol Charny, Roger Bernholz, and Mary McClure. [Photo by Rae Thompson]
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. Minutes of the January 5, 2016, meeting were reviewed, amend-ed, and accepted. Committee reports were turned in. The most noteworthy of those was from the Village Neigh-borhood Services, which received an anonymous $1,000 donation. It was given as thanks for the work of about half-a-dozen teams of volunteers.The Architectural Review Commit-
tee has applied for a $500 grant from
Keep Durham Beautiful that may be used for a wooden sign or communal landscaping. Progress was reported on the annual membership campaign and on clubhouse renovations where Bob Baxter donated his time to pre-wire the sound system.
A more detailed version of these and other board minutes will soon be available on the Falconbridge Alliance website. Stay tuned!
● ● Message From Our Board
What’s Up?The Alliance board wants you
to know what we discuss and
decide, so here’s a summary
of our February meeting. And
we welcome your attendance
at our monthly meetings, held
on the first Tuesday of every
month. –Alliance Board
Summary of the Falconbridge Alliance Board Meeting, February 2, 2016
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● ● Getting Involved
Great news—so far this year, 175 households have joined the Falcon-bridge Alliance! Have you?If you are reading this, you know
that this monthly newsletter is one of the many Alliance member bene-fits. We send it out to everyone only during the three-month membership drive, so if you haven’t joined by the end of March, this may be the last newsletter you receive this year. Of course, the newsletter is only one
of the many great things about living
in this neighborhood. You can find in these pages all sorts of intriguing opportunities to meet neighbors, join activities, and become involved. And remember, it is your membership fees that fund the newsletter and a vari-ety of neighborhood activities and groups. Your dues also contribute to the Clubhouse renovations and support the aging-in-place activities of the Falconbridge Village Associa-tion. Joining the Alliance indicates your willingness to become an active participant—working to keep this
MAH JONGG: Because the Chinese Said So!
Mah Jongg originated in China and is played through-out Eastern and Southeastern Asia, as well as in some Western countries. In the early 1900s it was introduced in the United States, and in 1935, when “rules” were written and playing cards introduced, the game became known as National Mah Jongg. Similar to rummy, it is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation, yet involves a degree of chance. Thanks to the excellent teaching and enthusiasm of Conni Rivers, Mah Jongg has be-come a regular activity in Falconbridge. Meeting in the Clubhouse on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm, a group of good-humored women challenge each other in the National version of this ancient game. Everyone contributes a dollar to support our love of coffee and snacks, with extra dollars donated to the Clubhouse. We are a kind and gentle group of players and welcome and support new players. We plan to hold classes in June. There will be sessions
available for both brand-new players and those who just need a little refresher. Please email Conni Rivers at [email protected] or Paula Clarke at [email protected] if you’d like to join this fun group and find out exactly what the Chinese said.
— Paula Clarke
More Groups to Consider!As we did last month, we’re profiling some of the many groups and ongoing activities there are to choose from in
Falconbridge. Whether you like big or small gatherings, games or books, there’s a group for you. Try something new this month!
neighborhood a wonderful place to live, and a contributing partner—uniting with others to make it even better. The end of March will be the end of
our active membership campaign. Help us increase membership by encouraging your neighbors to join. And send in your dues today if you haven’t already. Why wait? Member-ship in the Alliance provides connec-tions, access, and influence. So join today! Application on next page.
–James Ashmore
Join the Alliance and Make Sure This Isn’t Your Last Newsletter!
At the front table, L to R: Conni Rivers, Maxine Foster, Marese Casey. At the back table, Two Falconbridgers, Claudia Stevens and Lisa Anthony play with two visiting players. [Photo by Rae Thompson]
More groups on page 8
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2016 Membership Application/Membership Renewal FormANNUAL DUES
Single-family homes: One Person: $50 Two or more: $75
Town homes: One Person: $20 Two or more: $30
Please mail your check along with this form for new and renewal membership (Your information might have changed from last year)
Mail checks to: Falconbridge Alliance, 21 Charrington Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Questions? Contact James Ashmore at 919-699-3263 or [email protected]
Please print clearly—this information will be included in the Neighborhood Directory (provided ONLY to residents who are Alliance members)
Street address
Landline/Home phone
Adult Resident 1:
Name
Cell phone
Adult Resident 2:
Name
Cell phone
Email Amount enclosed (please make membership check payable to Falconbridge Alliance): $____________*
* If you would like to make an additional tax deductible donation for neighborhood improvements or in support of aging-in-place activities, make your check out to the FVA and send it to 21 Charrington Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. Thank you!
Falconbridgealliance.org
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● ● Getting Involved
THE DINING CAR: Great Food, Friends, and Fun!
The Dining Car began about seven years ago as part of the inspiration for a Falconbridge community that would offer multiple social activities. This group meets every other month in members’ homes. Menus are based on member-chosen themes, such as the “Last Dinner on the Titanic” and “Mardi Gras Evening.” Each member or couple brings a specific dish, requested by the hosts who are responsible for the menu planning. The hosts, who rotate every meeting, provide the main course and beverages for the evening.New members are always welcome. Our capacity is
16 people based on the size of members’ homes. New members will be incorporated in the existing group as space becomes available. As interest increases, current Dining Car members will be happy to assist with the formation of a second, or even third, group. We look forward to hearing from you. Please contact Liz Hall-gren at [email protected] or 919-401-9553.
— Liz Hallgren
Table set (above) [Photo by Jan Michmond].Mardi Gras Masks (left), Carolyn Parker (center), Bill Brown (right) [Photos by Rosemary Hutchinson]
WOMEN’S COFFEE KLATCH: Often Defying Bad Weather to Get Together!!
The Women’s Coffee Klatch, a casual social gathering for coffee and conversation, has been meeting for several years. It was started by Nancy Laney who wanted an informal way to meet women in the neighborhood who were around during the day. When Nancy moved back to Arizona, Judy Holland took over the coordinating functions for the Klatch (or Klatchettes). We meet from 9:30-11:00 am every other Thursday
morning. Most meetings are at someone’s home, but we also use the Clubhouse at times, since it is accessible for people with disabilities. Coffee is served, of course, along with tea and small snacks. But the main purpose is to have some relaxed time to talk with neighbors in a small, comfortable setting. Our conversations range from neighborhood functions to politics to gardens to pets. If you are interested in participating in a Coffee Klatch,
please contact Judy Holland at [email protected] or 919-489-9809. If many women are interested, we may start a second group, so that each group can stay small and personal.
— Judy Holland
[Photos by Rae Thompson]
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What do you do when you’re told you need surgery and won’t be able to drive afterward while taking pain medication, and you live by yourself? Or if you suddenly find yourself unable to do things around your home? Or if you’re a caregiver who needs a break? And what if you are alone with young children and there is a sudden situation requiring you to leave?
Contact: Paula Clarke (919-489-0133)
Ronit Weingarden (919-489-9975)
Nona Saling (919-419-7888)
They will work to find neighbors who will help you discreetly. You can also get practical support via social visits, and grocery and medicine runs.
P.S. If you need transportation services, go to the Falconbridge website and click on Neighbor
Services to find volunteers.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENTis available for loan to Falconbridge
Alliance members through the
Falconbridge Friends.
Supplies include
walkers,
bedside commodes,
shower chairs,
and more.
Please contact Claudia Stephens at
919-490-1397 or 919-593-5828.
I need help...
You don’t have to cope alone
—just pick up the phone!
● ● Aging in Place
In-Home Senior Careand Friendship
Companionship ♥ Competency ♥ Dependability Transportation
24-Hour Availability ♥ Family Liaison Shopping & Errands
Temporary or Long-term ♥ Overnight Care Personal Care
20+ years of experience providing elder care and friendship, Christina is gifted and tuned to the healthcare, lifestyle and friendship needs of elderly and health-challenged people. She previously owned a home healthcare agency and was Director of Social Services in nursing homes, and blends professional compe-tency and dependability with compassion, caring and friendship. Care that makes a difference in living and happiness!
For more information:Call 919-943-6468 or [email protected]
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Another happy client:
“Wonderful agents to work
with. They are positive and
uplifting with great
follow-through.”
— Patty N., Seller & Buyer
Carol Land & Barry SlobinYour Falconbridge My Dog Tess Team
www.mydogtess.com
Call for free consultationFULL SERVICE, NO SURPRISES – GREAT RESULTS
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● ● New Neighbors
WELCOMEto Falconbridge
Falconbridge welcomes new neighbors with open arms...and lots of information. Members of our townhome and single-family home Welcome Committees visit new arrivals to (1) tell them about the neighborhood and Alliance events, activities, and resources, and (2) get contact information for the Neighborhood Watch and Resident Directory. These visits are also a way for us to learn a little about new folks—from families and pets to hobbies and interests—making it easier for us to connect around shared interests and build new friendships.
WELCOME COMMITTEES If you have new neighbor(s), please let your Welcome Committee
know. And/or join us in greeting new “Falconbridgers” and sharing
information about our community. Contact Michelle Wolff at 919-
401-6609 or [email protected] (for single-family homes)
or Marcia Mayo at 919-908-6984 or [email protected] (for
townhomes).
Julie and Greg YatesStreet Address: 6606 Huntingridge Rd
Telephone: (c) Julie 540-797-6444
(c) Greg 540-588-5089
E-mail: Julie [email protected]
Greg [email protected]
Moved from: Roanoke, VA home in which they lived 34 years
Children: Ruth (Kernersville, N.C.) with two children
David (UK on assignment with the U.S. Air Force)
with two children
Careers: Julie is an application systems analyst at UNC Health Care
Greg is a kitchen and bath design specialist
Interest/Hobbies: Julie • butterflies
Both • photography, walking/hiking, enjoying restaurants
Audrey RogersStreet Address: 26 Bloomsbury Ct.
Telephone: (h) 919-973-1399
(c) 919-621-8083
E-mail: [email protected]
Moved from: Downing Creek
Children: Daughter and son-in-law (Karin and David Kolen-
berg) live in Falconbridge.
Son and his wife are in Raleigh.
Granddaughter Rachael lives in Wisconsin, teaches
barre method and manages studio.
Granddaughter Dana lives in Chapel Hill and will
graduate high school this year
Pets: Doesn’t have one, but shares Diego (a Shitzu with
a mind of his own) with Karin and David
Career: RetiredInterest/Hobbies: Knitting, word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, travel
Jennifer Roth and Jack KnakeStreet Address: 3 Wellesley Place
Telephone: (c) Jennifer 619-694-7062
(c) Jack 262-617-1567
E-mail: Jennifer [email protected]
Jack [email protected]
Moved from: Jennifer from San Diego, CA. and
Jack from Pewaukee, WI
Careers: Jennifer works as an educator for the VA
Hospital
Jack is a truck driver
Interest/Hobbies: Jack enjoys fishing and riding motorcycles
CHANCE made us neighbors, CHOICE made us friends.
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● ● Home & Garden
Chips from a Cracked Pot—LITERALLYTruly, this past cold snap cracked
my pot! I did what the experts said and watered the plants in the clay pots well. Guess what? When water freezes in a clay pot, it forces its way out and, if there is no way, an escape crack is made. In addition to buying a new pot(s), we may be buying new plants that could not take the really cold temps.Don’t be hasty, though, to throw out
or cut back; give the plant a chance to recover. Use the time to browse cata-logs, take soil samples (turn them in at the Totten Center at UNC Botanical Garden), think about preparation for next winter, and maybe MULCH! It is a good time, after a rain, to check the premises for standing water:
Those storage pots? Container saucers? You know the drill.If you do find you have a low
spot where water seems to stay long enough to grow algae, think about a rain garden. There has been plenty of research and plenty of Internet information about them. Doesn’t have to happen overnight, but getting a start will take away one more potential mosquito-breeding place.But what about trees, you ask?
When is the best time to plant a tree? About 20 years ago is one answer; planting a tree now is an investment in the future of our whole communi-ty and a sure sign of optimism. (City of Durham can become a “Tree City”
with a little help from residents.) Think about some of the under-uti-lized trees such as Smoke tree (Coti-nus), Magnolia, Carpinus, and my favorite, Zelkova (always makes me think of an old movie). Do your research, both on the probable site for the tree, then which tree—right place, right plant. Diversifying the trees in our urban forest will benefit us all—fewer pests, fewer diseases, more beauty!
— Mary McClure
So, here are a couple of neighborly reminders:
It’s Your Neighborhood!
• On-Street ParkingIt’s right there in our single-family
home covenants, so please read it and heed it: “Overnight on-street parking of lot owners’ and residents’ vehicles shall be limited to one week unless a request is made for a temporary extension and approved by the Fal-conbridge Community Association Board.”
— Ed Holland
• Dog-WalkersPlease be sure to pick
up your pooch’s poop—it’s the neighborly thing to do. (And please don’t put your pooch’s poop pouch in someone else’s curbside garbage can without their per-mission!)
The To Do List
- Laugh
- Sing
- Read under a tree
- Count your blessings
- Hope
- Hug your little ones
- «Walk barefoot in the
grass
- Give thanks
- Love
- Keep on loving
- Take deep breaths
- Jump in
real^
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● ● Home & Garden
Besides, wouldn’t the more logical name have been “Forest Glen”?
–Jim Carroll
What Street Do I Live On?I was a bit confused when I opened my property tax notice and found that the city had mailed the notice to a slightly different address than the one describing my property:
Determined to learn the correct spelling of my street, I walked up to the street sign at the corner and confirmed that there are really two Rs in “Forrest.”
But then I noticed the other street sign:
I walked home struggling to decide which spelling was correct. One “R” or two?
Then I read the next street sign and completely gave up the pursuit of truth.
6731 GLEN FOREST DR
6731 GLEN FORREST DR
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● ● Getting to Know YouEditor’s Note: This section, previously home to “How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?” will now offer short profiles of various Falconbridgers from time to time. You can nominate one of your neighbors (or yourself) by contacting Rae Thompson at [email protected].
Robert KintzFrom Ballet Dancer to Computer Guy
Robert Kintz is a multi talented neighbor who has had a varied career. With a degree in music and a major in voice from Rutgers Universi-ty, his passion has long been centered in the arts—acting, singing, and ballet. He started at an early age working in a theater on the tech-nical side, which led to his acting in commu-nity and professional theater in New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and at PlayMakers Repertory Company at UNC. Later he decided he needed more movement capabilities and trained in ballet and dance, teaching at the Hartford Ballet. This path led to his owning a ballet school and training professional dancers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Teaching dance turned out to be very re-warding for Robert and, in fact, he became interested in
teaching any skill. At one time he even wanted to be a golf-teaching pro, but didn’t quite achieve that ambition. When Robert decided to change careers (maybe his
knees were troubling him?), he started working seri-ously with computers in Florida. When he and Debbie Balsamo moved to the area, Robert got a job working with computers at UNC in various capacities, where he stayed for 16 years. He recently retired from UNC and had his left knee fixed! Currently a member of our Alliance board, Robert
manages the directory, listserv, website, and other IT functions. He and Debbie enjoy living in Falconbridge, meeting residents at the Pubs, walking in the neighbor-
Mary McClureWoman of Many Talents and Interests After graduating
from St. Louis Univer-sity in physics, math, and philosophy, Mary McClure went to work for the U.S. Aeronau-tical Chart and Infor-mation Center as a geodesist (someone who measures the earth to determine the exact coordinates of any point). There she met her husband and soon started a family. They moved around because of her husband’s job and spent some years in Brazil and France, then chose North Carolina as “home.” Hardly a “stay at home mum,” Mary kept busy while
her children were growing up. She helped start a youth soccer program for 600 children aged 6-18 in Maryland— organizing teams, coaching, and setting up training for referees and coaches. She also coached soccer in Maryland, and later in North
Carolina. Over the years, Mary has volunteered for the League of Women Voters and Cub Scouts, served on Cary’s Appearance Commission and homeowners’ associations in Governors Club and Falconbridge, rep-resented Chatham County on a regional transportation committee, sat on commercial real estate committees, and was curator of the White Garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum.
After her children were grown, Mary became a realtor and specialized in land deals in two states. She quali-fied as a Certified Commercial and Investment Member of Realtors and also trained with the National Trust for Historic Preservation for Real Estate Agents. To feed her
Mary McClure continued on page 14Robert Kintz continued on page 14
This path led to his owning a ballet school and training professional dancers in Wilkes-
Barre, Pennsylvania.
Hardly a “stay at home mum,” Mary kept busy while her children were growing up.
14
● ● Neighborhood Watch
We have, happily, not much hard news to report from the Neighbor-hood Watch. The New Year’s Eve situation involving a young man seen loitering around the Clubhouse and swigging from a brown paper bag has been resolved.
IRS telephone scam An amateurish telephone scam has
resurfaced, however. In this one, a recorded message claims to be from the IRS and angrily threatens a fine. It also made the rounds late last year. A variation involves the Treasury Department. In both cases, the scam-mers are able to make their telephone numbers appear to be genuine on caller ID, but the message itself is so ham-fisted very few people will be fooled. This one is more annoyance than threat. If you receive one of these calls and are moved to report it, go to click here.
No Bad News Is Good NewsBe watchful of workers
A more serious matter is the large number of workers who have been
in the neighborhood recently. With the gas-pipeline replacement and cable installation, we’ve had more than our share of outsiders spend-ing long hours working here every day. Doubtless, more than 99 per-cent of them are simply doing the jobs they’ve been hired to do, but their numbers also provide cover for guys who are looking for easier, quicker sources of income by casing houses for break-ins. So, as always, pay attention to anyone who seems
too interested in your comings and goings.
PAC-3 electionsFinally, the February PAC-3 (Part-
ners Against Crime) meeting was “Coffee With Council” where mem-bers of the Durham City Council fielded questions from residents on everything from the judicial system to tree planting to zoning. It was in-structive. At the next meeting on Sat-urday, March 12, new officers will be nominated and elected. The positions that are coming open are Co-Facilita-tor, Secretary, and two Members-at-Large. If any Falconbridge residents are interested, contact Mike Mayo at [email protected] for more information.
— Mike Mayo
hood, and playing in the golf group. He also enjoys read-ing, action movies, and cooking and has recently taken up baking. Being with the grandchildren and extended family is especially enjoyable. Robert is most proud of having been able to give work
and support people in the arts. Do say “Hello” to him when you see him in the neighborhood.
— Rosemary A. Hutchinson
interest in horticulture, Mary took classes at NC State, becoming a Certified Plant Professional in the NC Nurs-erymen and Landscape Contractors Association. She’s now a member of the Native Plant Society, the Piedmont Chapter of the National Rock Garden Society, UNC Botantical Garden, and the Raulston Arboretum.Mary was drawn to Falconbridge’s mature landscaping
and its location. She enjoys the community spirit of the Traveling Pub and different interest groups. She loves to travel and is both passionate and proud of her family of three children and three grandchildren.
— Rosemary A. Hutchinson
● ● Getting to Know You
Mary McClure continued from page 13Robert Kintz continued from page 13
FRIENDSHIP IS BORN AT THAT MOMENT WHEN ONE PERSON SAYS TO ANOTHER, “WHAT? YOU TOO?
I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE.”
15
● ● Calendar & Contacts
Falconbridge Calendar : March 2016
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 CLUBHOUSECLOSED FORRENOVATIONS*
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
ALLIANCE BOARD MEETING 7:00pm
ARTISTS STUDIO1:00pm
ARTISTS STUDIO1:00pm
COFFEE KLATCH9:30-11:30am
COFFEE KLATCH9:30-11:30am
BOOK CLUB7:00pm
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB 7:30pm
SPORTING LIFE11:30am-2:00pm
POKER NIGHT7:00pm
ALLIANCE-SPONSORED SOCIAL GROUPS FOR ALL NEIGHBORS:
MARDI GRAS BOWLING Lawrence Proctor: [email protected]
SPORTING LIFE CLUB Guy Hickey: [email protected]
TRAVELING PUB Barb Carroll: [email protected]
FOR ALLIANCE MEMBERS:
BOOK CLUB* Ronit Weingarden: [email protected] / Bill Brown: 919-493-8296
GAME NIGHT GROUP* Barb Carroll: [email protected]
MAH JONGG* Paula Clarke: [email protected]
STUDIO TIME FOR ARTISTS* Ann Noble: [email protected]
THIRD WEDNESDAY POKER* John Noble: [email protected]
WOMEN’S COFFEE KLATCH* Judy Holland: [email protected]
FOR SPECIFIC CLUB/GROUP MEMBERS (size/space constraints: additional chapters possible):
DINING CAR CLUB* Liz Hallgren: [email protected]
WINE TASTING GROUP* Ron Hutchinson: [email protected]
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB Michelle Wolff: [email protected]
* Must be a member of the Alliance to participate
TRAVELING PUB5:30-7:30pm
NOTE: Regular scheduling and use of the clubhouse
will resume soon.
BOWLING6:00pm
ARTISTS STUDIO1:00pm
TRAVELING PUB5:30-7:30pm
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
MAH JONGG 1:30pm
ARTISTS STUDIO1:00pm
EASTER EGG HUNT11:00amClubhouse
Falconbridge Alliance21 CharringtonChapel Hill, NC 27517
WEB ACCESS
WHY JOIN THE ALLIANCE?
With your Alliance Membership you can:• Stay up to date on neighborhood news with our
newsletter and website• Share information with your neighbors via our listserv• Look up a neighbor in our Falconbridge directory• Meet your neighbors at our numerous social events • Pursue interests with a variety of sponsored social groups• Participate in special members-only events• Feel more secure with our Neighborhood Watch • Be reassured that trained neighborhood volunteers can
help your family with transportation, meals, and other services if you have a short-term health or other crisis
www.falconbridgealliance.org
(Falconbridge Alliance) – [Constantly being improved, an increasingly vital source of information
– progressive and historical. Do visit often.]
FalconbridgeHOA.org (Townhomes)
groups.yahoo.com/group/falconbridge (Listserv)
www.Falconbridgehoa.org/pool.htm (Pool and Clubhouse)
2016 Falconbridge Alliance Board of DirectorsJohn Noble, President, • [email protected] • 770-313-0194
Mike Mayo, Vice President, Communications, Neighborhood Watch • [email protected] • 973-722-4772
Karin Kolenberg, Secretary • [email protected] • 919-357-6007
Roger Bernholz, Treasurer, Finance • [email protected] • 919-937-9802
Jamie Ashmore, Membership, Fundraising • [email protected] • 919-806-0730
Harriet Crisp, Social Events • [email protected] • 919-490-2080
Ed Holland, Architecture & Landscaping Review • [email protected] • 919-489-9809
Robert Kintz, Information Technology, Member Directory, Website • [email protected] • 919-932-7849 Ralph Wikstrom, Neighbor Services • [email protected] • 919-408-0444
CLICK HERE TO JOIN TODAYSingle-family homes = $50/year, $75 (2 or more)
Townhomes = $20/year, $30 (2 or more)