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FALCONBRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS falconbridge.org falconbridgeHOA.org Bridge The July 2020 Message from the Alliance Board WHAT’S HAPPENING JULY 2020 —Walt DeGrange Alliance Co-Chair • Celebrate the 4th Creatively • A Few Small Social Events Held • Silent Walk Against Racism • Pool is OPEN! INSIDE: • Alliance Social Volunteer Needed • Townhome News • New Places to Walk • Pond Algae Prevention Due to changing pandemic orders, social events are a “work in progress” - either virtual, in safe distance mode, or canceled. Every Monday • 10-11:15am GENTLE YOGA - VIA ZOOM [email protected] Sat July 4 HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4th! Tues July 7 • 7:00pm ALLIANCE BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) [email protected] Mon July 20 • 6:00pm FHA BOARD MEETING (VIA ZOOM) [email protected] Watch for updates WOMEN’S COFFEE KLATCH [email protected] Tues July 28 • 6:00pm If Mardi Gras is open BOWLING AT MARDI GRAS [email protected] Canceled until further notice MAH JONGG [email protected] Canceled until further notice BOOK CLUB [email protected] Canceled until further notice 3 RD TUES POKER NIGHT [email protected] Canceled until further notice WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB [email protected] Canceled until further notice TRAVELING PUB [email protected] Over the past few months, events have occurred that have highlighted very important issues in our society. Falconbridge neighbors, like Anne Reminjo, have recommended, par- ticipated in the planning of, and led events such as the Silent Walk Against Systemic Racism held on Saturday, June 27th. This event allowed neigh- bors to walk in concert and make a commitment to call out hate, and take action to stop injustice wherever we see it. I would encourage each of us to get involved. 2020 is an election year, so there has never been a better time to let your local, state, and federal rep- resentatives or candidates know about your thoughts and ideas. Almost all elected officials have an online pres- ence providing an easy way to com- municate with them. The Alliance has received ideas on making changes within the neighbor- hood. Most of these ideas and recom- mendations are not within the scope of the Alliance structure. The Alliance is officially a 501(c)(7) “Social Club” under the Internal Revenue Code. Ac- cording to our bylaws, the Alliance’s mission is “to enhance the quality of life in the entire Falconbridge commu- nity by providing a variety of educa- tional, community service, recreation- al, fraternal and social opportunities and services for its Members for their enhancement, recreation, pleasure...” We perform this mission by sup- porting many activities, events, and Let’s Clarify What the Alliance Can Do groups. We also provide communi- cations for the community with this newsletter, our website, and the an- nual directory. The Alliance Board of Directors has representation from the Boards of both homeowner’s associa- tions (FHA for townhomes and FCA for single-family homes), and partners regularly with the FHA Recreational Facilities Committee (RFC) to hold events. We will ensure that the ideas, requests, or issues we receive are directed to the appropriate organiza- tion, if not within our purview. The Alliance has no authority over the two homeowners associations in Falcon- bridge. The Alliance doesn’t represent Falconbridge outside the community (at any county or state neighbor- hood meetings). If there is something within the Alliance’s responsibility, then we will absolutely address those issues and let everyone know what actions the Board took and why, either through this newsletter or via the monthly meeting minutes. And finally, the weather is hot, and thanks to the dedication of the FHA and RFC in navigating the ever-changing rules and guidance, we are able to use our pool this summer!

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Page 1: Bridge The falconbridgeHOA · bors to walk in concert and make a commitment to call out hate, and take action to stop injustice wherever we see it. I would encourage each of us to

FALCONBRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

falconbridge.orgfalconbridgeHOA.org

BridgeTh

e

July 2020

Message from the Alliance BoardWHAT’S HAPPENING

JULY 2020

—Walt DeGrangeAlliance Co-Chair

• Celebrate the 4th Creatively• A Few Small Social Events Held• Silent Walk Against Racism• Pool is OPEN!

INSIDE: • Alliance Social Volunteer Needed• Townhome News• New Places to Walk• Pond Algae Prevention

Due to changing pandemic orders, social events are a “work in

progress” - either virtual, in safe distance mode, or canceled.

Every Monday • 10-11:15amGENTLE YOGA - VIA ZOOM

[email protected]

Sat July 4

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4th!

Tues July 7 • 7:00pm ALLIANCE BOARD MEETING

(VIA ZOOM)[email protected]

Mon July 20 • 6:00pm FHA BOARD MEETING

(VIA ZOOM)[email protected]

Watch for updatesWOMEN’S COFFEE KLATCH

[email protected]

Tues July 28 • 6:00pmIf Mardi Gras is open

BOWLING AT MARDI [email protected]

Canceled until further noticeMAH JONGG

[email protected]

Canceled until further noticeBOOK CLUB

[email protected]

Canceled until further notice 3RD TUES POKER NIGHT

[email protected]

Canceled until further noticeWOMEN’S BOOK [email protected]

Canceled until further notice TRAVELING PUB

[email protected]

Over the past few months, events have occurred that have highlighted very important issues in our society. Falconbridge neighbors, like Anne Reminjo, have recommended, par-ticipated in the planning of, and led events such as the Silent Walk Against Systemic Racism held on Saturday, June 27th. This event allowed neigh-bors to walk in concert and make a commitment to call out hate, and take action to stop injustice wherever we see it. I would encourage each of us to get involved. 2020 is an election year, so there has never been a better time to let your local, state, and federal rep-resentatives or candidates know about your thoughts and ideas. Almost all elected officials have an online pres-ence providing an easy way to com-municate with them.The Alliance has received ideas on

making changes within the neighbor-hood. Most of these ideas and recom-mendations are not within the scope of the Alliance structure. The Alliance is officially a 501(c)(7) “Social Club” under the Internal Revenue Code. Ac-cording to our bylaws, the Alliance’s mission is “to enhance the quality of life in the entire Falconbridge commu-nity by providing a variety of educa-tional, community service, recreation-al, fraternal and social opportunities and services for its Members for their enhancement, recreation, pleasure...”We perform this mission by sup-

porting many activities, events, and

Let’s Clarify What the Alliance Can Dogroups. We also provide communi-cations for the community with this newsletter, our website, and the an-nual directory. The Alliance Board of Directors has representation from the Boards of both homeowner’s associa-tions (FHA for townhomes and FCA for single-family homes), and partners regularly with the FHA Recreational Facilities Committee (RFC) to hold events. We will ensure that the ideas, requests, or issues we receive are directed to the appropriate organiza-tion, if not within our purview. The Alliance has no authority over the two homeowners associations in Falcon-bridge. The Alliance doesn’t represent Falconbridge outside the community (at any county or state neighbor-hood meetings). If there is something within the Alliance’s responsibility, then we will absolutely address those issues and let everyone know what actions the Board took and why, either through this newsletter or via the monthly meeting minutes.And finally, the weather is hot, and

thanks to the dedication of the FHA and RFC in navigating the ever-changing rules and guidance, we are able to use our pool this summer!

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Join Falconbridge Alliance

The Bridge - Falconbridge Neighborhood News is distributed monthly to all Falconbridge

residents as a neighborhood service.

FALCONBRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

falconbridge.orgfalconbridgeHOA.org

Bridge July 2020Th

e

Newsletter Editor:

Marian Cannell • [email protected]

Newsletter Designer:

Mia Prior • [email protected]

● ● News & Events● ● Community News & Events

Would you like to advertise your business or an event in our monthly newsletter? Reasonable rates. Click here for more information.

Letter from the EditorCelebrate July 4th 2020 Creatively

How can you make this Fourth of July special, despite the cancellation of fireworks and parades? I asked around for suggestions and the most popular were: decorating your bikes and riding them around the neigh-borhood with your family; making vanilla ice cream and having it with strawberries and blueberries; choos-ing a special movie to watch instead of fireworks; telling stories of how our families arrived in this country

and why they came; camping out in the back yard and pretending you are at a park; listen to Sousa marches or other patriotic music; play with water balloons, bubble soap, squirt guns, and sprinklers; having watermelon, lemonade, or your favorite adult bev-erage. I’m grateful for the freedom and opportunities I enjoy, especially as I look back on all the changes in my 70+years, and I look forward to another year of working to expand those freedoms to more people.

If you have pictures you would like to share from your creative cele-brations, please send them to me at [email protected] and we will include as many as we can in the next newsletter. Stay safe as you celebrate.

★ ★ ★

Many Thanks to Jim Carroll

Have you had a chance to check out your 2020 Falconbridge Alliance Directory? Here you will find contact information for Alliance Board members and for local, state, and federal representa-tives. Included in the directory are clear descriptions of organizations within Falconbridge, so you can find out who does what. You’ll find con-tact information for your neighbors by street or by last name, so you can connect with others more easily. We are grateful for all the hard work Jim Carroll put into this project. If you are an Alliance member and did not receive your directory, please contact Jim at [email protected]. If you have not yet joined the Alliance, go to this link to join now. You can still get a directory.

The Falconbridge Alliance-spon-sored Coffee Klatch re-emerged in June with a morning outdoor gathering hosted by Rani Cov-ington. Attendees brought chairs and snacks, forming two socially distanced circles in the shade to socialize and enjoy a beautiful summer morning with neighbors.

Coffee Klatch Finds Way to Meet

To join the fun, contact Judy Holland at [email protected].

Bayswater Group Hosts Mini-PubFor the fourth time since the pan-

demic began, a group of neighbors held a properly distanced mini-pub on Bayswater Place. A good time was had by all (affectionately known as the “Bayswater Hill-billies”– all of us live on the hill.) Attending were, BJ Attwood, Ruby Bugg, JB Marr, Richard Perry, Mia

Prior, Stephanie Shipman, Phil Travers (photographer).

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● ● News & Events● ● Community News & Events

Falconbridge Neighbors Walk Against Systemic RacismAs events of the last few months

have shown, many more people are expressing their concern about unac-knowledged racism. Here in Falcon-bridge, a group of neighbors orga-nized a Silent Walk Against Systemic Racism, which was held June 27th. The walk began at Dartford Ct. and

wound through the neighborhood, with groups of people joining as the walk progressed. More that 100 participants of all ages — wearing masks and maintaining recommend-ed distancing — walked silently in solidarity through the streets of Falconbridge, many carrying signs expressing their opinions. When the walk ended at the Clubhouse, people could join an email list, or get re-source information. A Zoom meeting was scheduled for later in the week to allow neighbors to connect further.By coming together through this

event, participants hoped to raise awareness of the challenges people of color face every day and encour-age thoughtful responses and actions from people who don’t face those challenges. “I have found hope and inspiration

in the collective protests around the world,” says neighbor and walk orga-nizer Anne Ruminjo. “The question is

what to do with this awareness of the reality of black people’s lives.” She encourages all of us to educate our children and grandchildren against unconscious racism; to speak out when we see racism at work, school, or on social media; to work with or-ganizations that promote equity and justice; and to vote in local as well as national elections. For more resources or to get in-

volved, go to this link or contact Marese at [email protected].

Photos by Harriet Crisp and Kim Fahs.

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● ● News & Events● ● Community News & Events

Gourmet Dining Group Socializes at Pond Picnic Instead of gathering in someone’s home for dinner, this

month the Gourmet Dining Group held a Picnic by the Pond on Saturday, June 13th. This allowed us to socialize while following safety guidelines. Each person or couple brought their own chairs, masks, picnic dinner, and bev-erages. We set up at least 6 feet apart, but that was close enough to enjoy each other’s company for a few hours. Attendees in the photos include Bobbie and Bob Arm-strong, Paula Clark, Jim Gard, Karen Fitzhugh, Liz Hal-gren, Rosemarie Kitchin, Kay and Mark Nelson, Ann and John Noble, Carolyn Parker, Richard Perry, Mia Prior, Jan Richmond, Ralph Wikstrom, Cheryl Young and Jeff Risse.

—Kay Nelson

● ● Neighbor Services/Aging in Place

If you would like to request help from Falconbridge Friends

or learn more about volunteer opportunities, email [email protected]

or call 919-391-8210.

A Friends co-coordinator will respond within a day or two to messages, which are either requesting help or asking about

volunteer opportunities.

Need Help?

How to Contact Falconbridge Friends

MEDICAL EQUIPMENTavailable for loan to Falconbridge Alliance members through the Falconbridge Friends.

Supplies include 2 portable wheelchairs, 5 bedside toilets,4 shower chairs, 1 ice machine, assorted crutches, 3 rolling walkers, 3 fixed walkers,

assortment of braces, 1 bed table

Please contact Claudia Stephens at 919-490-1397 (leave message) or [email protected].

Please leave message and call will be [email protected] ■ 919-323-1151Selling Falconbridge Homes Since 1990

ROBBIE DAVIS JUSTIN BURLESONREALTOR® | PREMIER AGENTS NETWORK

Check out my testimonials on robbiedavisrealtor.com

YOUR HOME WILL SELL FASTER NOW THAN BEFORE COVID!

The amount of homes available for sale is at the lowest levels we’ve seen in a very long time and the interest

rates are also low.

Now is a great time to think about selling your home.Trust your Falconbridge Expert who has been selling homes

for over 30 Years!

Have a safe and fun July 4th!

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● ● News & Events● ● @ The Clubhouse

After more than a month of planning to meet state and local covid-19 restrictions, agency safety guidelines, and neigh-borhood swim needs, our pool finally opened on June 10. THANK YOU to the committee that worked so hard (and still is working) to make this happen; to volunteer Pool Monitors, who insure that important rules are followed; and to the FHA Board, which supports the Monitors. Each is not only your neighbor, but also volunteers their time so that Falconbridge pool members can en-joy this refreshing activity. The pool could not stay open without them.Thanks also to swimmers who are

being considerate of their fellow members by limiting their time in the water, so everyone gets a chance to swim. Because of this, we have not had to institute a sign-up for pool time. Having to manage something like that could mean closing the pool.

Considering the changes, it’s been a pretty smooth couple of weeks. More of you are wearing face coverings (required for anyone 8 years old and above, if not sitting with family or swimming); paying attention to the required capacity rule (only 12 in the pool at one time); and abiding by social distancing markers on the deck and poolside. We arranged the schedule to meet

the needs of all pool members, while keeping within allowed capacity and meeting social distancing require-ments. The “vulnerable/high risk”

swim times have caused a bit of confusion. If you self-iden-tify as being at higher risk of suffering from the effects of covid-19, thus being extremely cautious in protecting yourself these last 3 months, this is the time for you to swim. We allow no other swimmers in the pool area during this time. We then ask that you do not stay on the deck or swim at other than the “vulnerable” time periods.

Since we must limit our pool ca-pacity to 12, we are reviewing guest policies. Watch for this very impor- tant clarification in your email. Guests will still be required to sign a waiver prior to coming to the pool.The key to remaining open is to

continue to be kind and respectful to others – wear your mask, keep your social distance, follow the schedule, and limit your pool time. We can have a more refreshing summer if we all do these things.

—Kim Fahs

Thanks to Volunteers, the Pool Is Open!

Starting in October, the Social Events Advisory Committee needs a new leader. My term expires and I hope you will take the next turn. It’s true we have been unable to have many events we normally host, but we hope covid-19 will fade and that our neigh-borhood creativity will inspire new and different events. SEAC members have been asked to propose ideas for a post-pandemic party that the com-munity can enjoy, once we can safely gather, and will look for ways to encourage safe events until then.While you consider volunteering

to be SEAC Chair, I want to men-tion some of the things I found most enjoyable:

The company. You work with a great team! Social committee members are thoughtful, creative, and experi-enced in planning fun events for the community. We always have fun and great conversations at our monthly meetings.The vibe. You know you are doing things for others that they tell you they enjoyed.The neighbors. You see neighbors visiting with others at the events you have planned and carried out. That’s so rewarding! Plus, you meet and appreciate great neighbors who are willing to stay after an event to help clean up.

The power. Not really, but it is fun to change the marquee in front of the Clubhouse.Now it’s your turn to volunteer.

Your committee is waiting.—Linda Sheer, SEAC Chair

Alliance Board Needs Social Volunteer Leader

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FALCONBRIDGE HOMEOWNERS ASSN.

town homeHAPPENINGS

FHA Board

No Meeting

August 2017 July 2020

FHA

Online (Zoom)

Board Meeting

Mon July 20

FALCONBRIDGE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Message from Marese Casey, FHA PRESIDENT

● ● Townhome News

Welcome to July! Our pool is open, giving us a chance to cool off on these unbearable 90-degree days. We really appreciate the positive feedback we have received from the community, who understand that opening was not an easy decision to make. It required an extraordinary amount of time and effort by the RFC, as we adjusted operations to

comply with the rules and restrictions dictated by the pandemic.

CAS ManagementJacob [email protected]

919-403-1400 ext. 1210

Stay Safe

Please continue to protect yourself and your family. As NC opens up it is even more important to be vigilant and use our own common sense.

Townhome Residents Needed for Alliance Board

When a new Alliance Board of Directors is elected in October, we need to have representation from the townhome part of the Falconbridge community.

The Alliance began as an effort to unite the community, especially for social and recreational activities, since financial and ownership struc-tures conspire to divide it. But to make this joint effort work, we need members on the Board from town-homes and single-family homes. If you can spare two hours a month

Upcoming Dates to Remember

FHA Board Meeting July 20 - at 6:00 pm via Zoom

Townhome owners will be able to join the call.

Upcoming Bids and Projects:Jacob Hildebrand, our CAS Community Manag-

er is working with Dick Robinson, our Facilities Chair, Marese Casey and the Board on the follow-ing. Please contact Jacob if you have any questions on facilities:

Painting: RFP was issued for painting and siding replacement at Bayswater 5,6 and 10-13, Tottenham 12-17, and Weybridge 1-4, 16-19 and 21-23. We are in the process of making a decision as to which of the bids – Carrington, Onofrio or CTI – is the best choice for Falcon-bridge.

Roofs: Contract awarded to Onofrio Construction for replacing roofs on Bloomsbury 3,5,7,11,15,19,21,23,29 and 45, and Vauxhall 20-22. We expect to advise homeowners of the start date very soon.

Sidewalks: Preparing the RFP for bids to repair sidewalks damaged on Waltham and Dartford during snow removal in 2017/ 2018.

Drainage: Commissioning a study of community-wide drainage issues from standing water to erosion.

Walls: Preparing the RFP for wall repair and painting on Waltham 1-12, Vauxhall 12-19, Weybridge 13 and 15, Wellesley 4 and the walls related to homes on this year’s painting schedule as enumerated above.

Architectural Guidelines

Jacob distributed the updated and approved Architectural Guidelines and Application to the community. If you did not receive this, then most likely you are not on the database CAS manages, and I would urge you to contact Jacob.

to meet (remotely or in person) and would like to represent the town-home community in these joint efforts, please contact Pam Richey at [email protected].

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● ● On the Pond

It’s that time of year again.Recent rainfall, plenty of sunshine, hot stagnant air,

and a new flock of Canada geese are all providing a perfect witches’ brew for the scummy-looking algae that’s been gracing the Falconbridge Pond this month. What can we do to reduce these unsight-ly seasonal algae blooms and the risk of another catastrophic fish kill, such as we experienced in May 2016?An excess level of phosphorus and nitrogen – the

same elements we use to fertilize our lawns and gar-dens – is the key cause of these problems. We must reduce the amount of these nutrients that enter the pond from its 38-acre drainage area, shown on the accompanying map. All the storm water from lawns, gardens, rooftops, streets, and other paved surfaces in the black-outlined area flows into street drains and ditches leading to the Falconbridge Pond.There’s no guarantee, but we can reduce the risk

of future algae blooms and fish kills by practicing a few precautionary measures in the watershed:✱ Use chemicals cautiously. If you (or your lawn

service) fertilize, please use slow-release prod-ucts, and please use them sparingly. Don’t apply more than necessary, and avoid over-spreading or spraying onto nearby paved surfaces, such as walkways, driveways, or the street.

✱ Don’t mow too close. If your property is locat-ed next to the pond, it’s especially important to maintain a natural – not mowed – vegetated buffer for at least three feet from the shoreline.

✱ Avoid contaminating paving or drains. Never dump or deposit anything in the street drains or town home parking lots. Storm water flowing into the drains receives no treatment, but goes di-rectly to the nearest ditch, swale, or ravine, and, if it’s in the watershed, into the Falconbridge Pond! Used motor oil, anti-freeze, other auto-motive or lawn and garden products should be disposed of properly. Yard waste, such as grass clippings and leaves, should always be placed in the brown barrels provided by the City, or com-posted elsewhere on your property.

Let’s do everything we can to keep all of these things out of the pond!

—Ed Holland

Help Prevent Pond Algae and Fish Kills

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● ● Good To Know

Many people are disappointed that local fireworks displays have been canceled this year because of the covid-19 risks of large gatherings. But be careful if you are thinking of just holding your own display. Fireworks that detonate, explode, spin, and can propel themselves into the air are ille-gal in North Carolina. These include Roman candles, bottle rockets, and firecrackers.

There are some items commonly used in July 4th celebrations that are legal in NC. These include:★ Explosive caps designed to be

fired in toy pistols★ Snake and glow worms composed

of pressed pellets★ Smoke devices consisting of a

tube or sphere that produces white or colored smoke

★ Trick noisemakers, including par-ty poppers, string poppers, snap or drop poppers

★ Wire sparklers or other sparkling devices.

But remember: Sparklers can reach up to 1200 degrees F or more when ignited, hot enough to cause severe skin burns and catch flammable clothing on fire. And sparklers cause about 1400 eye injuries per year, ac-cording to the Society of Eye Physi-cians and Surgeons.The Consumer Products Safety

Commission reports that in a one-year period there were about 900 emergency department-treated fireworks injuries associated with sparklers, about 12 percent of the estimated total fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, spar-klers accounted for half of the total estimated fireworks injuries for that specific age group.

—Marian Cannell

I was unaware that, like surround-ing communities, Durham has year round restrictions on automatic irrigation systems. This is part of an ongoing effort to make the Durham community a more sustainable place to live, according to Durham officials. Irrigation during summer months can increase demand on the treat-ment plants between 20-40%, they report.If you have an automatic irrigation

system, it must have a rain or soil moisture sensor that prevents the sys-tem from operating when it is raining or when there is sufficient soil mois-ture for plant health and survival.

Automatic irrigation systems are not permitted to be in use on Mondays. On Tuesday through Sunday, before 10 am and after 6 pm, you can op-erate your system every other day. If your address is an even number, you can use your irrigation system

on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. Odd number houses can irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. These restrictions do not apply to

washing cars, houses, decks etc. They also do not apply to hand wa-tering, where you are present while you are watering with a hose or con-tainer, or to using water from rain barrels, or to drip irrigation systems.If you are installing a new lawn and

need to irrigate more frequently at the beginning you can apply for a special license at this link.

—Marian Cannell

Durham Works to Conserve Water All Year

Keep Your

Family Safe on the 4th!

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● ● Things to Do

Have you walked holes in your shoes endlessly looping the neighborhood during this 3-month (and counting) lockdown? Are you looking for new, tran-quil places to walk and soothe the soul as we emerge just a bit into the world? Social distancing requires some planning, and trails

are no exception. The more popular in-town trails are apt to be crowded, especially on weekends. Here are a few suggestions of good places to walk, mostly within a 20-30 minute drive from the neighborhood. Move over to the side or re-route a bit to let others pass on narrow trails or bridges, maintaining the 6-foot distancing rules.

Occoneechee Speedway: Not to be confused with the Occoneechee Mountain trail in Hillsborough, this trail traverses land once occupied by the one-mile oval Or-ange/Occoneechee NASCAR Speedway, used until the late 1960’s. The last driver to race there was Richard Petty. There are now terrific walking trails taking you past the remains of buildings, and right through the old stands and racetrack complete with two old rusty car wrecks, then into the woods leading to the Eno River. If you feel like jogging, the speedway is a measured mile, perfect for a run. Dogs also enjoy strolling here, with open spaces as well as trails. It is in Hillsborough, a 25-minute drive.

Triangle Land Conservancy: This group has built many wonderful trails on preserved land, sprinkled throughout Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. The Johnston Mill Preserve, which is off Mt. Sinai Rd north of Chapel Hill, is a nice 2-3 mile walk going along New Hope Creek. It is nicely wooded, and the trail is well maintained. The George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve – also in Orange County – offers several trails. They are level, and easy for older walkers or others averse to steep, chal-lenging climbs. There are ponds, and things to see along the way. You can do a nice 2-mile loop, or more if you are up for it.

Eno River State Park: The Pump Station Trail is our favorite walk. It is about 1.5 miles, and fairly level. It leads to a wonderful place along the Eno where the old Durham water plant used to be. There you will find inter-esting brick structures to explore, and a large clearer area

next to it where we have seen folks wading in the water and stringing up hammocks to relax. Best to do this one on a weekday, when fewer people will be out.

Duke Forest: There are numerous trails on Duke Forest lands open for public hiking. Check the website below for good information on those trails. They are likely to have fewer hikers than the better-known trails. Happy hiking!

—Mia Prior

Occoneechee Speedway flag stand in background, and vintage rusted racecar. [photo by Richard Perry]

Here are websites with all the details you need to get there, and what to expect:

Occoneechee Speedway

Triangle Land Conservancy

Eno River State Park

Duke Forest

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● ● Nature News

As Falconbridge celebrates the “strength through diversity” of our community we can equally celebrate a diversity of biological variety (crit-ters) and botanical species (plants), as they are essential components for a sustainable, healthy natural environ-ment. When we take time to observe the natural world around us, we see how it changes – sometimes dramat-ically – over time. Things bloom, get eaten, grow, die, travel – never a dull moment!

This area of N.C. has a unique and rich natural environmental, hosting both northern and southern plants, animals, birds, butterflies, and other species. There is a strong symbiosis between plants and animals/insects, in terms of food sources, that non-na-tive plants can’t fulfill. We can each make a significant contribution to the

health of the natural environment in Falconbridge and showcase the year-round natural beauty, by reducing lawn size and using more plants that are native to the southeast. Doing something as easy as planting a new

native/pollinator plant or keeping a clean birdbath can make a big differ-ence.John Noble has had great luck with

“lawn” areas made of Dutch white clover. It’s an important pollinator plant, has long lasting white flowers, self-fertilizes and he only mows it once a year!If you want a little inspiration be-

yond your neighbor’s yard, check out the website for the Chatham Mills “Pollinator Paradise” Garden nearby in Pittsboro. Debbie Roos, of the Cha-tham County Cooperative Extension

service, has created a demonstration garden that features over 220 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, and 85% of them are native to North Carolina! Call (919) 542-8202 to check the visitor hours.You may be surprised by the diver-

sity of animals in the neighborhood (beyond rabbits and squirrels). Jim and Barb Carroll’s home backs up to the natural area owned by the Army Corps of Engineers. On Jim’s webcam, they have observed many remarkable visitors – opossum, raccoons, wild turkeys, foxes, coyote, beavers, river otters, and a pileated woodpecker!

Biodiversity begins at home – may you enjoy expanding your awareness and appreciation for everyone and everything in our community and natural environment.

—Catherine Alguire

Celebrate Diversity!

A red Bee Balm by the pond shore flutters bril-liantly to wave in pollinators.

Clover lawn helps you and your environment.

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● ● Board Reports

Board action and discussion included the following:■ Discussed new Falconbridge directory, which Alliance

members have now received. Expressed appreciation for Jim Carroll’s work in producing this, and Steph-anie Curtis’ contribution in coordinating with Jim on making sure all members get their copy.

■ Social Events Advisory Committee reports no events are currently scheduled. Several groups have held socially distanced outdoor events. Discussed need to recruit new SEAC Chair for the next fiscal year, start-ing in October.

■ Deferred action on updated website until more volun-teer time is available to coordinate it.

■ Agreed to postpone further discussion of any Alli-ance-sponsored Community Yard Sale until after Octo-ber, with a 2021 possible date.

■ Walt DeGrange reported on the Idea Database. Some activity is currently taking place on the composting idea.

■ Deferred until July further discussion of which 1099 tax forms the Alliance is responsible for, so the treasur-er will be present.

■ Received the updated wording from the FHA for the Clubhouse Agreement between the Alliance and the FHA. Walt DeGrange will sign this final revision and Stephanie Curtis will send a check for the agreed- upon amount for 2020 maintenance and utilities.

■ Continued discussion of ways to recruit more Board members from townhomes.

■ Decided there was no requirement for a financial audit at this time.

■ Acknowledged a donation to PORCH of Durham in honor of the Falconbridge Mask Makers community efforts.

■ Discussed possibilities that neighborhood institutions such as the listserv and neighborhood watch could lead to racial profiling. We have not seen any sign of this, but will focus on clear and positive communica-tions to be sure we are being inclusive and welcoming to all members of our community.

■ Next Board Meeting is on Tuesday, July 7th at 7 pm, via Zoom.

Minutes are available here. For further details contact Walt DeGrange [email protected] or Pam Richey [email protected].

Summary of June 2, 2020 Board Meeting

Lilies blooming on Falconbridge Rd.

You can have an ad in your monthly neighborhood newsletter for very reasonable

rates. Promote your business or an event to our neighborhood, and support this

newsletter too.

If you or someone you know would like to place an ad, please contact:

Mia Prior at [email protected]

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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• Receive discounts on some Alliance-sponsored

classes and events• 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

• Ensure the continued growth of programs and activites to enhance the lives of all Falconbridge residents

2019-2020 Falconbridge FHA Board of Directors (Townhomes)

OFFICERS

Marese Casey, President • [email protected] • 919-817-3218 Naveed Moeed, Secretary & Communications • [email protected] • 919-203-8709 AT LARGE MEMBERS

BJ Attwood • [email protected] • 804-869-7806

Ruby Bugg • [email protected] • 919-210-0016

Kim Fahs, Pool, Landscaping and Clubhouse • [email protected] • 423-834-1120

Howard Goldberg, Treasurer • [email protected] • 518-878-9296 Dick Robinson • Facilities Committee • [email protected] • 919-493-4230

Shirley Sennhauser • [email protected] • 919-545-0511

Pete Waggoner, Architectural Review • [email protected] • 919-408-0144

2019-2020 Falconbridge Alliance Board of Directors

Walt DeGrange (SF), Co-Chair • [email protected] • 919-442-8164

Pam Richey (TH), Co-Chair • [email protected] • 919-641-8525

Stephanie Curtis, Treasurer • [email protected]

Sara Morris, Secretary • [email protected] • 203-214-1529

Pamela Lothspeich • [email protected] • 919-548-0766

BJ Attwood • [email protected] • 804-869-7806

Linda Sheer • Social Chair - [email protected] • 919-636-1825

Marian Cannell • [email protected] • 919-452-5439

2019-2020 FCA Board of Directors

Walt DeGrange, President • [email protected] • 919-442-8164

Linda Sheer, Secretary • [email protected] • 919-636-1825

Pamela Lothspeich • [email protected] • 919-548-0766

SF=Single-Family home TH=Townhome

BOOK CLUB* Ronit Weingarden [email protected] GAME NIGHT GROUP* Barb Carroll [email protected]

GOURMET DINING GROUP* Carolyn Parker [email protected] &

Karen Fitzhugh [email protected]

MAH JONGG* Lawrence Proctor [email protected]

MARDI GRAS BOWLING Lawrence Proctor [email protected] OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GROUP* JB Marr [email protected]

PICKLEBALL BJ Attwood [email protected] STUDIO TIME FOR ARTISTS* Ann Noble [email protected]

THIRD TUESDAY POKER* John Noble [email protected]

TRAVELING PUB Barb Carroll [email protected]

WINE TASTING GROUP* Jim Carroll & [email protected]

Bob Jackson

WOMEN’S COFFEE KLATCH* Judy Holland [email protected]

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB* Michelle Wolff [email protected]

* Must be a member of the Alliance to participate

FALCONBRIDGE ALLIANCE-SPONSORED SOCIAL GROUPS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/153955664771981/

(Falconbridge Families Facebook)

www.falconbridge.org

Falconbridge Alliance[Constantly being improved,

an increasingly vital source of information – progressive and

historical. Do visit often.]

FalconbridgeHOA.org

(Townhomes)

groups.yahoo.com/groups/FalconbridgeAlliance

(Listserv)

Falconbridgehoa.org/pool.htm

(Pool and Clubhouse)