Category: Community News


  • Introducing Daisha Gaines: Organizer, Coordinator & Lead Facilitator for the March 24th Workshop

    To help our community develop and manage this program, The Countryhouse HOA has recruited an organization development specialist: Daisha Gaines.

    Headshot photograph of Daisha Gaines

    Daisha Gaines
    Organizer, Coordinator & Lead Facilitator for the March 24th Countryhouse HOA Workshop

    Since May 2019, Daisha has been the Organizational Development Manager at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In that role, she develops and improves enterprise-level initiatives by partnering with various departments to assess, research, design, deliver, and evaluate organization development solutions in areas of strategic planning, assessments, change management, team development, performance improvement, team retreats, and leadership development.

    In that role, she also:

    • Serves as the primary point of contact for the Office of Human Resources to conduct in-depth needs assessments to inform the design, delivery, and outcomes of all Organizational Development services
    • Manages leadership development through one-on-one coaching and customized interventions, including 360 feedback and planning
    • Continuously assesses engagements and makes revisions by creating and implementing an electronic training evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of meeting all course objectives and identify ways of enhancing organizational performance

    Daisha is a proactive and dedicated professional who promotes leadership principles focusing on employee development, enhancing morale, boosting personnel retention and productivity rates, and streamlining policies and procedures. With extensive experience in both the corporate sector and non-profit educational institutions, she brings a diverse skill set to any group. She has worked for a Fortune 500 publicly traded corporation and served as a staff and faculty member in a non-profit public educational institution.

    Daisha’s Education

    North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
    Masters, Instructional Technology – Concentration in Business & Industry

    University of North Carolina at Pembroke
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    UNC Pembroke
    Bachelors, Business Management

  • Table Facilitators & Table Reporters for March 24 Workshop

    The following email was sent from the Countryhouse HOA Board of Directors:

    Subject: An Important E-Mail Message From The Countryhouse HOA Board of Directors.

    If you have already signed up to be “Table Facilitator” or “Table Reporter” at Friday’s workshop, Thank You. This is also a reminder we will see you Friday at 8:15 AM at the Gathering Place for Orientation if you have not already received your orientation.

    If you have not already volunteered, let us know if you will be able to volunteer for one role or another in case we need your help on Friday. In all, we need eight volunteers to be “Table Facilitator” and eight volunteers to be “Table Reporter” at Friday’s workshop, and we are missing a few brave folks to fill those roles.

    You are receiving this because you are a board member, committee member, area or block contact at Countryhouse, or you have filled out the volunteer form we sent out recently.

    To make sure we meet, greet, and orient the 16 folks filling those roles on Friday, please send an email with your name and cell phone number to all three of the coordinators.

    Thank you, and best regards,
    The Countryhouse HOA Board of Directors


    The Table Facilitator

    The role of a table facilitator is to guide the group through the process of achieving its objectives, while promoting collaboration, participation, and creativity. Facilitators aim to create a safe and inclusive space where all participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives. The following are some specific tasks and responsibilities:

    1. Setting the stage: The facilitator should introduce themselves, explain the purpose of the workshop, and outline the agenda. They should also establish ground rules and guidelines for participation.
    2. Managing group dynamics: Facilitators should monitor the interactions and behaviors of participants to ensure that everyone is respected and heard. They should encourage active participation and address any conflicts or tensions that may arise.
    3. Encouraging participation: Facilitators should encourage all participants to contribute their ideas and opinions. They may use a variety of techniques, such as asking open-ended questions, brainstorming, humor, and good humor.
    4. Creating a positive environment: Facilitators should create a positive and energizing atmosphere for the workshop. They may use icebreakers, humor, or team-building activities to build rapport among participants.
    5. Providing feedback: Facilitators may provide discreet feedback to participants or presenters to help them improve their performance or contribute more effectively to the workshop.
    6. Focusing on the objectives: Facilitators should keep the workshop focused on its objectives and goals. They should ensure that activities and discussions are relevant and meaningful to the group’s purpose.

    Overall, the role of a table facilitator is to help participants achieve their objectives in a collaborative and productive manner, while promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.


    The Table Reporter

    The role of a table reporter in a workshop is to record the discussions and ideas generated by the group at their table during a workshop or meeting. The table reporter is responsible for capturing key points, ideas, and recommendations from the group’s discussion and sharing them with the larger group or workshop facilitator. The following are some specific tasks and responsibilities of a table reporter:

    1. Active listening: The table reporter should actively listen to the group’s discussion and as accurately as possible capture the main ideas and points that are being discussed.
    2. Note-taking: The table reporter should take clear and concise notes, using a structured format if possible. They should also ensure that their notes are legible and organized.
    3. Summarizing key points: The table reporter should summarize the key points and ideas generated by the group at their table, and share them with the larger group or workshop facilitator.
    4. Sharing notes: The table reporter should share/review their notes with other members of their table to ensure accuracy and completeness.

    Overall, the role of a table reporter is to help ensure that the ideas and recommendations generated by the group are accurately captured and shared with the larger group or workshop facilitator. This role is important for ensuring that the workshop is productive and that the group’s ideas and recommendations can be used to inform future actions or decisions.

  • Announcing New AudioFetch WiFi Audio Streaming Technology at The Gathering Place

    The Fearrinton Village HOA has installed NEW TECHNOLOGY to enhance your hearing capability at The Gathering Place! AudioFetch WiFi Audio Streaming has been installed to deliver any program at The Gathering Place to your Bluetooth hearing aids or to your headphones or earphones. AudioFetch is the premium solution for local audio to smartphones and tablets over WiFi for unlimited uses. Here’s how to do it:

    1. Download the “AudioFetch” Application from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play Store to your Smart Device: iPhone, iPad, iPod, or any Android Phone or Tablet.

    The app is FREE. Once installed, follow the instruction in the app to activate.

    1. Log in to “The Gathering Place-Guest” network wifi once at The Gathering Place,
    • See WiFi instructions posted on the wall at the front of the Large Room.
    • Open Audio Fetch. It will automatically connect to the AudioFetch system.
    • If you need help doing what is described above, ask the meeting organizers, who will assist you.
    1. Use your Bluetooth Hearing Aids, Headphones, or Earphones to listen to the presentation.

    Make sure to charge your device’s batteries before coming to The Gathering Place. If your Smart Device does not deliver phone calls and music directly to your hearing aids, we suggest that you use Noise Canceling Headphones, Earphones, or AirPods because they will be able to block out unwanted room noise.

    The HOA is listening to you, is excited to bring this upgrade to The Gathering Place, and trusts you will enjoy the added hearing capabilities. We welcome any comments or questions concerning this new feature at av-support@fearringtonfha.org. Thank You!

  • Roofing Project: Community Gathering Invitation, March 24

    Invitation, Format & Objectives

    Invitation

    • A Countryhouse community gathering, open forum, workshops
    • On Friday, March 24, 2023, from 9:30am to Noon
    • At the Gathering Place, in Fearrington Village, NC

    Format

    • Intro, Update & presentation by the President of the HOA, 5 Minutes
    • Guidelines by the Workshop Manager of the HOA, 5 Minutes
    • Update & presentation by The Roofing Committee, 10 Minutes
    • Update & presentation by The Budget Committee, 10 Minutes
    • Eight Round Table Open Forum Work Groups, 50 Minutes
    • Break, Coffee, Beverages, Snacks, PB&J, Cookies & Milk, 10 Minutes
    • Questions & Comments Reports from the Eight Round Tables, 45 Minutes
    • Three Person Panel, Synopsis, Consensus, Issues to Resolve, 15 Minutes

    Objectives, New Paradigms

    • Provide owners an update on the Roof Repair and Replacement program.
    • Provide a summary of the efforts made and work accomplished by the Board, The Roofing Ad Hoc Committee and the Finance & Budget Committee.
    • Discuss the in-depth evaluations done of roof conditions, financial constraints and opportunities, options, and alternatives.
    • Inform the community about the current & upcoming discussions, dialogs,workshops, and encourage owner/stakeholders participation.
    • Encourage community engagement, input, and feedback so each owner can make informed decisions.
    • Achieve a successful outcome through an open, creative, insightful, and successful dialog based on listening to the 200 owner/stakeholders.
    • Develop and implement a frugal, rational, and affordable roof replacement strategy based on needs with community engagement and agreement.

    Why Attend?

    The purpose of this event is threefold: to update you on the progress of the Roofing Committee, to discuss the financial solutions we are investigating, and to seek your guidance as we finalize options. After a presentation by the President, and the Chairs of the Roofing and Budget committees, here are some of the key questions & issues we will be addressing:

    • Do you believe that roof replacement is the top priority for the community?
    • Do you believe that affordability should be a major consideration in any roof replacement proposal? How do you define ‘affordable’?
    • Are there specific worries or concerns relative to your own current situation that are causing vou the most stress or anxiety?
    • What would be the most effective and convenient way for us to maintain regular contact and keep you updated on the progress or developments of this project moving forward?

    Thank you for your time, attention, and participation.

    Please consider wearing a mask at Countyhouse community gatherings as a precaution to help ensure the well-being of elderly or immunocompromised residents.

    Thank you!

  • Roof Repair and Replacement Update

    The following letter was sent to community members from HOA President, Larry Hicks:

    Greetings neighbors!

    In response to last summer’s concern of the initial roof funding proposal, your Board has opted for an alternative approach. This ‘revenue-based’ approach includes an in-depth assessment of roof conditions, plus a detailed exploration of financial constraints, options, and alternatives. With community engagement and agreement, the goal is to develop and implement an affordable roof replacement strategy.

    In November, your Board charged two committees, the Roofing Ad Ho Committee and the Finance Committee, with this effort. The work of both committees has been making great progress. We have been keeping the community informed and engaged through updates at your monthly Board meetings. These updates are available in each month’s Meeting Minutes. Those in attendance at these meeting will note that they have been provided opportunities to ask questions and offer input and feedback as the discussion advances.

    We are now at a critical point in our discussions and decisions, and we encourage your continued engagement.

    We wish to provide a summary of our efforts to date and have a community dialog on how we bring this to successful fruition. You will be receiving additional information on this important discussion, and I ask that you consider participating. In the end, the direction that we will take will be informed by and agreed upon by the community.

    Please Participate, Make a Difference

    On behalf of the entire Countryhouse Board of Directors, we are looking forward to an open, creative, insightful, and successful conversation.

    I hope to see you there.

    Larry Hicks, President
    Countrvhouse HOA

    HOLD THE DATE: Friday, March 24, 2023, 9:30 – noon, Gathering Place

  • Countryhouse Close Ambassadors

    The Eleven Countryhouse Close Ambassadors are the vital link between our Fearrington Village Countryhouse community and the organizations responsible for its development and management. This role entails effective communication, relationship-building with stakeholders, advocacy for all parties, outreach to diverse groups, event coordination, problem-solving, and community development support.

    Communication: Ambassadors relay information between the organizations and
    community members, communicating their needs and concerns.

    Relationship Building: Ambassadors build strong relationships with community leaders, owners, renters, the HOA Board, Committees, Close Contacts, and
    Captains.

    Advocacy: Ambassadors advocate for the people and organizations within the
    community, promoting their interests and finding common ground.

    Outreach: Ambassadors reach out to diverse groups within the community and
    bridge gaps between them and the organization.

    Event Coordination: Ambassadors organize events that bring together the
    organization and the community.

    Problem-Solving: Ambassadors identify issues and problems in the community
    and work with the organization to find solutions.

    Community Development: Ambassadors support community growth by identifying opportunities and working with the organization to contribute to the
    community’s well-being.

    A Countryhouse Close Ambassador builds relationships, advocates for the community, helps coordinate events, solve problems, and supports community development. By fostering positive relationships and communication among all parties, they make a positive contribution to our Fearrington Village Countryhouse community.

    Map showing Countryhouse kiosk locations

    Map of Countryhouse Closes

    The Eleven Countryhouse Closes are:

    • Baneberry Close
    • Beechmast
    • Brampton Close
    • Crossvine Close
    • Linden Close
    • Lyndfield Close
    • Sycamore Close
    • Weymouth Close,
    • Whisperwood Close
    • Wintercrest East
    • Wintercrest West

    If you would like to volunteer to be a Countryhouse Close Ambassador, please contact: Tom O’Connell at (561) 901-5994.

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