HELP CHART THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF FEARRINGTON CARES!

In 2007, Fearrington Cares surveyed residents and developed its first strategic plan. Since then, we have accomplished most of that plan’s goals. We have hired an executive director, increased awareness of our programs and services, strengthened fundraising and financial oversight mechanisms, designed a new data base for recording all aspects of FC activities, and reconfigured our building to use the space more effectively. You will see the effects of that plan continue as we bring you new classes and events this fall and a fundraising gala early next year.
We are excited at what we have accomplished, but know that it is now time to plan again for the future. Fearrington continues to grow and change, as do the interests and needs of individual residents. We want Fearrington Cares to continue to support and strengthen the quality of life aspects of Fearrington Village that brought so many of us here to live.
We are now embarking on a new strategic planning process. The first phase of that plan will be a demographic survey so we know who lives here now. Later this month you will receive an invitation to take a very short email survey. Those who do not use email will receive printed copies. In order to have an accurate picture of Fearrington residents, we need to collect data on every household.
We will report the results back to you and will use the information in our planning. It will help us answer questions like: how many young children live here, how many people are staying in their homes after age 80, and how do residents feel about their current health status.
Later in the fall we expect to send out another survey that will ask more specific questions about what you think you might need or want from Fearrington Cares, how you feel about our current programs and services, and any other suggestions you may have. Through this process, we will strongly encourage you to help us develop a vision for the future of Fearrington Cares.
In addition, we are studying what other organizations like us are doing. And since we now have a more accurate way to track use of existing services, we will be reviewing our own activities over the past two years. We expect this research phase to take until the end of this year. After we have analyzed all this data, we will provide other opportunities for you to discuss and help decide the future direction of Fearrington Cares.
We hope you will respond to the first email survey as soon as you receive it. By doing that you will minimize the time that volunteers will need to follow up. If you have any questions, please email me at kayhunt@fearringtoncares.org., or call our Executive Director, Anne Kissel, at 542-6877 weekdays between 9 am and 1 pm.
Many thanks for your continued support!
Kay Hunt, President
Fearrington Cares

VOLUNTEER AS A COMPUTER GURU

We Need YOU! Fearrington Cares services are provided by volunteers who live in the community; neighbors helping neighbors. Currently we are looking for additional volunteers to join the Computer Help Group. This very popular Fearrington Cares service needs folks who are experienced at computer troubleshooting and basic problem solving. If you enjoy helping people remain on good terms with their computers, then please consider joining this group. Call 542.6877 for more information.

ATTENTION: VOLUNTEER DRIVERS!

The driving assignments for the remainder of 2010 have been sent to all volunteers. Please check your dates. If you cannot work your assigned week, please arrange to switch with another volunteer on the schedule or the ‘backup’ list. Let Pat Skiver know about any changes to the schedule at 542.6877 or via email at patskiver@fearringtoncares.org. Remember to pick up and return your driver’s packets at the Fearrington Cares office. And thanks for your help with this important service!

FEARRINGTON CARES SERVICES

Contact the Fearrington Cares office at 542.6877 to learn more about or to request one of these services: Transportation, Handyperson, Computer Help, Fearrington Friends.

EDUCATION SERIES RESUMES

Two great programs are scheduled for this month and a new series will begin in October so mark your calendars for these events. First up is “Update on Vaccinations” set for September 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place. Presented by Shirley Cotten, Registered Nurse with the Chatham County Health Department, this program will review the current recommendations for immunizations for individuals of all ages. From childhood to adulthood, measles to shingles, come learn what vaccinations are needed and at what ages.
On September 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Place, Karen Monaco will present an interactive session on “Redefining Productivity in Retirement.” Whether retired or thinking about retiring, we will look at what gave us satisfaction in our earlier years and how to create activities now that will give us similar good feelings. We will look at our activities and ask ourselves tough questions like: Am I satisfied with how I am spending my time? Do I need to build in more “being” and less “doing” time? Karen Monaco, former national director of tobacco control for the American Lung Association, has spent 30 years dedicated to developing and presenting life-changing adult education programs. She has developed a five-session course entitled “Refirement not Retirement”. Karen has been a member of a support group called “Third Actors” which deals with such issues as redefining productivity, broadening our view of friendship, and handling our evolving roles as parents and caregivers.
Beginning in October, look for programs to help you plan for the challenges of aging with the debut of a new series called Planning for the Next Phases of Life. Topics will include ‘aging in place’ and in-home services; understanding late life developmental changes; leaving your legacy through life review and personal histories; writing condolence notes and obituaries; and information on funeral planning and arrangements.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

Whether you are new to volunteering or are looking for new opportunities, this program can help! Come to “Interested in Volunteering?” on September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Gathering Place. Learn what makes a good volunteer experience and about the many community service options available. In addition to volunteer opportunities with Fearrington Cares, a great new service, Volunteer Connection, developed by Donna Fehrenbach, will also be introduced. This program matches volunteers with non-profit agencies and services in Chatham County and the surrounding area. Donna will be available to meet with individuals to review potential places to volunteer. If you can’t make this program but are interested in volunteer opportunities or in using Volunteer Connects, please call Fearrington Cares at 542.6877 or contact Donna at volconnection@yahoo.com.

FEARRINGTON CARES RESOURCES

Did you know Fearrington Cares has extensive files of information on area providers and services related to independent living? You can access much of this on our website www.fearringtoncares.org or stop by the office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and check out this great resource in files we have on this topic.