VILLAGE VIEW: FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Do you collect quotes? I do. Here is one I’ve been pondering: “One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer, whose life was devoted to humanitarian service, said that. Not everyone can make that kind of commitment, but most of us find time to be of service to others. Fearrington Cares is rich in such folks. I have been amazed at the number of volunteers and the range of ways they help your neighbors and the organization. We are fortunate so many of you have chosen Fearrington Cares as part of your way of being of service. Thank you for all you do!

CIRCLES OF SUPPORT – FEARRINGTON CARES GROUPS

One usually can’t get too far along in life without encountering illness, loss or disability. People find different approaches helpful in these situations. Some have found that being part of a support group can be a very helpful experience in coping with a chronic illness or learning to live with the loss of a loved one. Support groups typically provide a safe place for participants to express their feelings and fears, their questions and needs. Members of a group share similar experiences so they truly know something about how it feels to lose a spouse, or what it is like to live with Parkinson’s disease. Groups are led by a facilitator who may have had similar experiences to the members but who also has the skills and sensitivity to guide the conversations in directions that help all to understand and support each other. Many groups incorporate educational information or even occasional guest speakers into their meetings as well.

Fearrington Cares offers the following opportunities for residents to meet regularly with others and share some of the burdens of these experiences.

• Brain Injury group: for those dealing with conditions related to brain injuries and their caregivers
• Dementia Caregivers group: helps those who care for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia
• Bereavement group: provides
• support for those who have lost a close loved one
• Parkinson’s Disease groups: provides education and support for both patients and
caregivers
• Alcoholics Anonymous: provides support and fellowship for those living with
alcoholism

If you or someone you know in the Village would benefit from joining one of these groups, please contact Fearrington Cares.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN PROGRESS

Our Annual Campaign has been underway since April. Many thanks to those of you who have given so generously. But, we are concerned that we have received contributions from only about 40% of Fearrington households. We need your help. Our hope is that everyone will try to give something. No amount is too small—all contributions are needed and gratefully received. Your participation at any level tells us you appreciate the hundreds of hours that our staff and volunteers devote to supporting the health and well being of everyone living in Fearrington Village.

Please remember, voluntary contributions and volunteer hours are what keep us going. We are not a membership organization – we do not charge people for our services. Our donors are our driving force. The only way YOU can continue to benefit from our services is if “people” contribute. For example, are you aware that the balance classes we have sponsored in
conjunction with Duke Center for Living cost us $100 per person? We initiated this program with the help of an outside grant to get it started. We will not be able to continue these worthwhile classes if the ongoing funds from the community are not there.

Likewise, we pay our nurse, Joyce Baird, to perform many services for us, including foot care clinics, and we pay our excellent support group leaders. You might not need our services now, but will you someday? Can you help keep those services in place for your neighbors who do need them?

Don’t forget it’s easy to give online through our web site. Go to www.fearringtoncares.org. Click on Donate and follow the prompts. We have a long way to go – and thanks again to all who have contributed already.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are as important as donors in the day-to-day running of Fearrington Cares. If you are looking for a rewarding activity, please sign up so that we can get your name in our data base. We need new drivers, more computer help group members, new people willing to be active, enthusiastic committee members, and people with special skills to help us as the need arises. To sign up, stop by the office and pick up a sign-up form, OR go to our web site, above. Click on Volunteer –
Job Possibilities.

NEED A FEARRINGTON FRIEND?

Do you have a neighbor or know someone in Fearrington who hardly ever goes out and seems eager for human contact? may be shy about asking you or someone else to call them just to chat or if they need something. , Fearrington Cares has the solution – the Fearrington Friends Program. can suggest that, besides yourself, there is someone else living in Fearrington who would love to get to know them and check in with them on a regular basis. can they meet that person? they have to do is call Fearrington Cares and say they want information about Fearrington Friends. Program is there for them. All they need to do is call 542-6877.

DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS GROUP

A new group was formed recently to offer support and education for those providing care or who are concerned about someone who is dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or similar
conditions. The group is ably facilitated by volunteers Karen and Fred Schectman; each of whom has a distinguished background in working with groups and individuals.

If you would like to join or want more information, please call Fearrington Cares or plan to attend one of the next meetings. The group meets at the Fearrington Cares office on Wednesdays at 12:30 – 2:00; the summer schedule is July 7th and August 4th

DO YOU KNOW A BYTE FROM A BIT?

Then we need you! The Fearrington Cares Computer Help Group needs to add to its team of volunteers who help neighbors with various computer challenges. Volunteers with solid knowledge of either Mac or PC computer equipment and operations and are able to translate that expertise into practical help will make ideal volunteers for this special service. Interested? Call Anne at Fearrington Cares (542-6877) for more information.