Submitted Comments / Photos Residents and property owners can communicate news, views, comments and photos to the web site by emailing news@fairviewforest.com. Items pertaining to the community — meetings, weather, snow amounts, road conditions, wildlife, and other information pertinent to Fairview Forest — will be posted. Let us hear from you if see "news" or if you have materials for the web site. Postings to this section are arranged with the most current at the top. (Views and comments do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the community at large, FFHA, its officers or board members.)
♦ 1/27/12 — Another Tree Falls Across Roadway
A tree fell across Hickory Forest Road Thursday, January 27th, blocking the roadway until a
team of resident volunteers including Frank Coney, Joe Mason, and Rob Greene
used their chainsaws to clear the tree from the road.
♦ 1/10/12 — Fallen Tree Leaves Mountain in Dark
A tree fell across Fairview Forest Drive just below Weeping Cherry Forest Road late Monday evening, January 9th, causing a power outage on the Mountain. The power company cut the tree clear of the road and power was restored at about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
♦ 1/03/12, 3:30 p.m. — Roads / Snow Report
Fairview Forest Drive is very slick with packed snow and some ice under the snow, especially on the slide area. The S-curve is clear of snow as the wind has swept it off the road surface. Stretches of the main road that are especially slick are from just below Poplar Forest to about 200 feet past Chestnut and most of the steepest section of the slide area. Wright's Cove is in fair condition and Old Fort Road is virtually clear of all snow. Use your four wheel or all wheel drive and snow tires if you have them. Remember to use an emergency cold weather gear and snow boot bag for your vehicle. Frank Coney, Hickory Forest Road
♦ 12/08/11 — Snow Scene Photos
The second measurable snow of the season fell across the Mountain on Wednesday, December 7th, and made for these spectacular photos shared with us by Al Petteway, Prayer Ridge Road.
♦ 11/30/11 — It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... Winter
The first measurable snow of the season fell across the Mountain on Tuesday (11/29). Total snowfall was 1.6 inches (water content 0.14 inches). The rainfall on Monday (11/28) measured 2.92 inches, the largest rainfall total in about a year — since 4.10 inches on November 30, 2010.
Here are photos from the Halloween Party held on October 31st and sponsored by the Clubhouse Crew and volunteers. The scary event was enjoyed by a great turnout of residents and their guests who wore costumes, had fun and ate some very frightening foods. "Everything is perfect including the decorations and food," said one property owner in attendance, "this was outrageous fun!" Another partier commented, "Awesome party!" while another said, "I'm amazed at the decorations and the turnout for this party; it's incredible."
♦ 8/20/11 — Forget the Bears, Pay Attention to This One!
A mountain lion was sighted on Big Flats Mountain on Thursday morning. The upper reaches of Fairview Forest Drive to the cul de sac at the end are favorite walking areas for Prayer Ridge and White Oak residents. But, last Thursday a mountain lion was sighted on the driveway to 680 Fairview Forest Drive. These creatures are predatory and have been known to attack humans, so when walking your favorite pet, carry a big stick and be cautious. (Ronald Roby, Fairview Forest Drive)
♦ 8/16/11 — Marauding Bear
This picture was sent to FairviewForest.com by a resident via cell phone (unfortunately, the sender did not indicate his/her name). As the photo shows... "a little friend in our garbage; his mother wasn't far behind."
♦ 7/20/11 — No More Tennis Court as Fencing Comes Down
After years of debate and discussion as what to do with the tennis court area near the Clubhouse, the fencing has been removed and the tennis court will now only exist as a deteriorating asphalt surface. While there are no immediate plans regarding the court area, it will no longer be the noticeable eye-catching complaint topic that has gone on for years.
Readers' Comments:
7/21/11 — A big "thank you" to Ellen Starkman for getting the ball rolling on this. And thank you to the board for taking action. I look forward to the day when we don't have a new resident at the annual meeting asking, "What can be done about that eyesore of a tennis court?" So, when will the new spa/saloon be built on that spot? Can't wait. (Kathy Zullo, Poplar Forest Road)
♦ 6/1/11 — Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
Some of the inhabitants here on the Mountain are slow moving creatures who need a break when it comes to crossing the roads. Watch for the turtles and other wildlife and give them a break or a little assistance as they make their way across our community roads.
♦ 5/21/11 — Residents Hike Arrowhead Trail
On May 21st, a dozen residents turned out for an escorted trail hike organized by the newly-formed social group in the community. The hikers traversed Arrowhead Trail from the entrance across from Chestnut Forest Road down to Black Oak Forest Road and back. The hike was led by Green Space Committee members Rob Greene and Gary Bolick along with Jeffrey Wasserman. (Photo by Barbara Wasserman)
♦ 5/15/11 — Beauty of Summer
Summer in the forest has its moments of beauty and otherwise.
It all depends on your point of view.
♦ 5/10/11 — Happy Hour
The community social group held its first event on Friday, May 6th. The non-Association gathering was attended by 28 residents who happily chatted with their neighbors here on the Mountain... and posed for the group photo below. The next Happy Hour is planned for Friday, June 24th.
♦ 5/5/11 — Calendar of Events & Meetings
Recently added to the website is a Calendar of Events & Meetings where property owners can quickly see a listing of planned activities in the community. Give it a look-see.
♦ 4/29/11 — Social Group Happy Hour
Barbara and Jeffrey Wasserman, White Oak Forest Road, have formed a non-Association social group for the residents of the community. A questionnaire was available at the Annual Meeting for attendees to express their preferences for activities ranging from happy hours, game nights, escorted hikes and book clubs to talent exhibits, wine tasting, dinners, and garage sales.
The first event, a Happy Hour, is scheduled for Friday, May 6th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Residents interested in attending should contact Barbara Wasserman at bwass78@gmail.com. Everyone is asked to BYOB and bring an appetizer to share. The group will discuss future events, the escorted hike of Arrowhead Trail planned for May 21st, a date for the garage sale, and planning for the Progressive Dinner.
♦ 3/31/11 — Photos from the Mountaintop
Way up here on the top of the mountain, we won't get our Spring flowers for another couple of weeks. But the birds, et. al. are here. These were taken at my deck feeders. Brightly colored songbirds and other migratory birds are expected in a couple of weeks. Don't forget hummingbirds feeders go out by April 1st. (Maggi Zadek White Oak Forest Road)
♦ 3/22/11 — Reminder About Speeds
FairviewForest.com received several photos from property owners following Tuesday's vehicle mishap on Fairview Forest Drive. The accident happened approximately 8:15 a.m. and the vehicle was removed from the main road at 3:30 p.m. The driver escaped with no apparent injuries. No cause for the accident has been disclosed but this accident should serve as a clear message that driving at safe speeds on the Mountain is serious business. Have your vehicle under control — no talking on your cell phone and definitely no texting!
♦ 1/15/2011 — Question and Answer About Chains
How well do they work on front wheel drive cars? Do most residents put on and remove chains in the mailbox area or rather exchange a chained-up vehicle for the non-chained one at the bottom (so as not to be driving with chains on main, cleared roads)? Thank you.
(Rick Johnston, Weeping Cherry Forest Road)
In answer to the question regarding the use of chains on front wheel drive vehicles, I can state unequivocally that they will greatly increase your traction in hard packed snow and ice. On steep grades, however, it is more problematic. It is much more effective to have chains on all four wheels of a four wheel or all wheel drive vehicle. To get up the slide zone hill or the "S-curve", especially after the snow has become hard packed or there is ice present, a 4WD with chains will almost always get you home safely. So far this season, I have been able to go anywhere in the neighborhood, including up a resident's steep driveway in my 4WD Jeep. Having chains on all wheels not only boosts your traction but vastly increases your ability to steer in icy or deep snow conditions. I would recommend not removing chains to drive on cleared roads and then putting them back on to get up Fairview Forest Drive. Far better to put a second car at the bottom or car pool in with a neighbor. It is extremely trying to install chains on the side of the road in the snow when it is in the teens and a winter wind is blowing! I have done this once and that was one time too many! A good source for chains is found on the web at tirechain.com. You MUST have the exact size of your tire to receive the proper fit of your chains. I bought my chains from this site and have been pleased with them. (Frank Coney, Hickory Forest Road)
♦ 1/13/2011 — A Big THANK YOU to everyone involved in keeping us up to date on road conditions. We are all very fortunate to live in this community. Up here at the top of Weeping Cherry, I noticed that more snow was left on the roadbed this time and the road is covered with snow after the plowing. Was this done to protect our roadbed? (Rick Johnston, Weeping Cherry Forest Road)
The vendor changed from using a front-end loader to a plow. This was done primarily because the plow will not damage the road surface as badly. The plow is set to leave a level of snow and not scrape the road. Removing the snow is faster using the plow. (Julian Brinson, FFHA President)
♦ 1/12/2011 — Icy View
Photo by Al Petteway, Prayer Ridge.
♦ 1/12/2011 — Wednesday: On the Roads Again
Top photos taken on Wednesday afternoon along the main road in Fairview Forest;
bottom two pictures were taken on Chestnut Forest Road. (Photos: Terry Price)
♦ 1/12/2011 — Another Day, Another Snowfall
The upside (besides the magical beauty of all this snow on our mountain and in our forests) is that I have never seen so many Winter birds since moving here 10 years ago. The woodpeckers are so much fun to watch that I am glad I bought extra suet blocks just for them. I cannot believe that our mountain community has gotten 43" of snow already. (Maggi Zadek, White Oak Forest Road)
♦ 1/11/2011, 3:30 p.m. — Views on the Main Road
Above photos taken on Tuesday afternoon along the main road in Fairview Forest. (Photos by Richard Koeneman, Chestnut Forest Road)
♦ 1/11/2011, 12 Noon — Cats Gone Up the Mountain
Good noonish! A snowplow just went around the ice curve going up. One earlier traveler this morning has been a white pickup truck who went down
about two hours ago. He sported all four chains and drove at a slow, steady pace. I heard no slipping or sliding. The pickups that I have seen going down have all had beds full of snow. I wonder if that extra weight helps their stability? (Maggie Meister, Fairview Forest Drive)
♦ 1/11/2011 — Snowy Views
Our cameras at FairviewForest.com snapped these photos this morning of the wintry views
from the Mountain.
♦ 1/10/2011 — Snow, Snow, Snow
Just measured the depth of snow on my deck. It totaled 13.5 inches. I feel as if I am living in a
Currier and Ives landscape. I am loving it! Hot cocoa with marshmallows, a roaring fire, good music,
four adorable dogs, eight singing parakeets and Susan Wilson's cat, Smudge, as an overnight guest until
the snow melts.... Am keeping all of the nine outdoor bird feeders filled as well as providing suet cakes.
Watching all of the winter birds is a special treat, especially for my camera. I may be snowed in, but
I sure am content. (Maggi Zadek, White Oak Forest Road)
♦ 1/10/2011 — Weeping Cherry Report
Rick Johnston reports, "Top of Weeping Cherry with average of 8 inches accumlation measured
in 5-6 locations. Here's my photo of our driveway. HELP!!!!" :)
♦ 1/10/2011 — Monday on Upper Fairview Forest Drive
Photos taken by Jim Call, resident on upper Fairview Forest Drive, shows the Monday morning
snowfall on the deck at his house.
♦ 1/9/2011 — Sunday on the "S-Curve"
Photos show views of the "S-curve" below Rock Springs Road on Sunday, January 9th, late afternoon.
Photos by Maggie and Lee, Fairview Forest Drive.
♦ 1/8/2011 — Sunday, January 9th
Photos show views along Fairview Forest Drive below the "S-curve" on Sunday, January 9th,
late-morning to mid-day. Photos by FairviewForest.com
♦ 1/8/2011 — Mountain Snow Pictures
Above photos courtesy of Al Petteway, Prayer Ridge, show an early morning view from the Mountain
and on the right panel is a picture of his dog, Buki, checking out the snow depth along White Oak
Forest Road. Photo, right bottom, is Sammy, proud snowy pup of Maggi Zadek, White Oak Forest Road.
♦ 1/8/2011 — First Snow of 2011
Four-to-five inches of snow fell across Fairview Forest on January 7th. These photos were taken
mid-morning Saturday, January 8th. Top left photo, Wright's Cove Road; top right photos,
Fairview Forest Drive below Chestnut Forest Road. Bottom pictures are at the entrance and
parking area. (Photos by Terry Price, Chestnut Forest Road) Click here to view Views, Comments, and Photos for 2010
