Category Archives: gv Photo Essay

A Beautiful Day In The Park

A beautiful February day is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the natural assets found within the Governors Village community greenspace. Here are some images from Governors Park this morning.

Click on any image below to view the photographs in a larger format.

Magnolia stellata (star magnolia)?, SE of tennis court

Weeping Willow

Pansies

Govenors Park Pond, NE bank

Magnificent Old Trees

Moss and Seedpods

Mossy Hill

Govenors Park Pond, South bank

Native Cedars

Native Cedars and Pines

Govenors Park Pond, SW bank

Fun At 2012 Seventh Annual Firemen’s Breakfast, 5K Race and Kids Triathlon

In the early morning light of Saturday, May 12, 2012, fire trucks pulled into the pool parking lot. Large coffee urns were switched on in the pool house kitchen. A large, excited group of residents and friends of the Governors Village community gathered near the pool entrance.

Everyone was up early to participate in the annual Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast, 5K Race and Kids Triathlon. This is the seventh year the Governors Village Social Committee has held this event to mark the opening of the pool season and to raise funds for the Chatham County Fire Department.

5K and Kids Triathlon

Dan Hirschman organized the 5K Race which drew 70 running or walking participants, some pushing baby strollers.

Ralph Howard was the Kids Triathlon coordinator with help from Jenny O’Brien and Jackie Moll.

The day’s weather was perfect for the races. Although the water temperature in the pool may have been a bit brisk, the triathlon entrants were undeterred.

Participants were greeted at the Finish Line with boisterous celebration and the runners smiled broadly in appreciation. Race results for both the 5K and the triathlon are attached below.

Pancake Breakfast

Volunteers prepared a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit salad, which was served by the attending firemen and their spouses.

Cooking pancakes Saturday were Social Committee members Barbara McCullen, Jo Watta, Mary Anne Hutton, Linda Kreiter, and Terry Landers with able assistance from Mary Roederer.

Among the community’s younger residents who pitched in this year was Olivia Draper, who oversaw the beverage table operations where coffee and juice were served. Valuable help also came from Andrew Conte and his friend, Jeff.

Chatham County Fire Department

Governors Village is grateful to the Fire Department for their help in staging this event. Residents climbed aboard the fire trucks, picked up safety tips and shared photo ops with the the firemen. Chief John Strowd and a large group of the firemen had to leave the event to attend to a structure fire, an unfortunate incident, but one that underscores the seriousness of the fire department’s mission.

Deputy Chief Mark Riggsbee watched and smiled appreciatively as a fireman’s boot filled with donations from residents for the Chatham County Fire Department.

The final tally will be announced later in the week, but early estimates are that Governors Village raised over $3,000 this year. Funds from last year’s event went toward purchasing a defibrillator and a gas detector.

Support From Area Businesses

Governors Village acknowledges generous contributions from business sponsors. Social Committee Chair Dominique Gignac reported, “We have had the most donations ever for the breakfast! We have been blown away by the generosity of the local businesses especially Domicile Realty, Subway and Governors Pharmacy. Also Fleet Feet Sports in Carrboro has been extremely generous in supporting the race.” The complete list of sponsors is attached below.

The Usual Suspects

Particular thanks go to Dominique and the members of the Social Committee who, along with many of their spouses, worked countless hours to make this event a success. Recreation Committee Chair Barry Bassett also helped out tirelessly. Barry and members of the Recreation Committee have done a great job getting the pool ready for opening day.

Ted Smith, photographer for the Communications Committee, captured some great images showing the morning’s competitions, fellowship, smiles and fun. View the complete photo gallery from this event.

Thanks also to the many Governors Village community residents who supported the the Firemen’s Breakfast through their participation and generous donations.

Attachments
2012 5K Race Results (PDF)
2012 Kids Triathlon Results (PDF)
2012 Business Sponsors (PDF)

Sunny Skies For 2012 Governors Village Annual Egg Hunt

Ted Smith and Dominique Gignac contributed to this article.
Photos credits: Ted Smith, Communication Committee photographer.
There are five sets of images in this article organized by topic. Click on each gallery to view at a larger size.

On Saturday morning, April 7, 2012, residents gathered at Meadow Park under clear blue skies for the annual Governors Village Easter Egg Hunt and Fundraiser for the Chatham County Rescue (CARE). Sponsored by the Social Committee, this is the first of four major community social events each year.

Though the field was thickly covered with brightly colored eggs, the children had no trouble completing the transfer from ground to basket in record time. Cupcakes and candy were delicious rewards.

Covering the day’s events for the Communications committee was photographer Ted Smith, who was surprised at how quickly the egg hunt itself played out. Ted said he suddenly found himself “behind the ‘hunters.’ Next time, I’ll know to get in front.”

: Time to RSVP for the egg hunt

Thanks to great planning by the Social Committee members there was plenty to do before the actual egg hunt took place. Of course the Easter Bunny was present. This bunny was very energetic, spending time with all the children, leading them in games and patiently posing for pictures.

And who knew? The Easter Bunny is also a resident of the Park! Dominique Gignac, Social Committee Chair, pointed out the costume is new and was purchased this year, so the community will no longer need to borrow one each year.

Continuing a long-time tradition the Easter Egg Hunt started off Saturday with neighbors and their canine pals participating in a Dog Parade.

The Dog Parade was a fitting activity that matched the day’s theme of bringing attention to the work done by CARE of finding loving owners for pets who need them. Helping to get out the message were Mia, Mollie, Liam and Boomer—four dogs brought over by CARE.

A new segment this year featured stories, songs and games with storyteller and Park resident, Mary Shaver. Everyone agreed Mary came well-prepared and did a fantastic job engaging and entertaining her audience.

Congratulations and thanks to the Social Committee and to all participants for this fun morning in Meadow Park.

Contact:
Dominique Gignac, Social Committee Co-chair – dgignac at earthlink.net, 968-6933

Foggy Morning Walk

Spring formally arrived last week in the wee hours of Tuesday, March 20, 1:14 a.m. EDT. This short photo essay is from an early morning walk on Thursday around the main loop in Governors Park. What do you see on your walks?