ellen Debbie is a songwriter with an awesome voice and she lives right here in the Five Oaks Community ~ Live, Original and Acoustic ~
Five Oaks Clubhouse 7pm ~
December 15, 2018 Holiday Luncheon
(Posted by Ellen)
What can we say ~ our Five Oaks Holiday Luncheon at the JB Duke Hotel on Duke Campus was yet another lovely Holiday occasion with a delicious buffet, a Secret Santa that paid for all the drinks, the bartender’s surprise drink, and Christmas Scratch-off Lottery tickets with two winners ($10 & $2). We were in the Barista of the Hotel enjoying a private dining area with an exceptional nice and attentive waiter. Lots of chatting and laughter with good friends and neighbors (with the bonus of meeting a new 4100 Member)! What more could you ask for in this 2018 Holiday Season! Merry Christmas everyone!
Hope to see ya all at our January luncheon! KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE FIVE OAKS EVENT CALENDAR!
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November 17, 2018 Lunch Bunch:
(posted by Ellen)
I may sound like a broken record, and maybe, just maybe, that Irish Coffee was too darn delicious ~ but today’s Luncheon was the *bestest* ever! So much fun, and such lovely people ~ thank you to each and everyone of you. And thank you to one of our new Five Oaks Members who shared her talent with us. I chose the gorgeous Azalea garden, and I love it ~ thank you Lyn. And you’re positively correct ~ “these are life’s special moments in natural, beautiful and spontaneous images”.
https://www.
Five Oaks Holiday Lunch Bunch:
We now have reservations for our ever popular Holiday Luncheon on Saturday December 15th (12:30pm) in the Barista location (no stairs) of the JB Duke Restaurant. I was assured that this area, although *modern* compared to the *traditional* Washington Duke Inn, we would of course, enjoy the usual beauty of holiday decorations ~ poinsettias, wreaths & trees! I was also told that you may order a’ la carte from the luncheon menu, or enjoy their *upscale* luncheon Buffet (with a Chef’s Station). The Buffet is $19.00 per person (with a 19% tip added). The Buffet would be my choice. They will accept separate checks, and we will all be sitting at the same long table (no round tables), with comfortable seating (no high tops, no benches). https://www.jbdukehotel.com/
Circle this enjoyable annual Holiday event to save the date (Dec 15th), and email me now (or whenever) with your RSVP. And please tell me you are *happy*!
RSVP: ellen@fiveoaksclub.com
Ellen Gilmartin, Administrative Assistant
Five Oaks Recreational Assn, Inc.
www.FiveOaksClub.com
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October 24, 2018 Fun Tuesdays
(posted by Ellen)
I had the pleasure of taking part in a *Fun Tuesday* yesterday afternoon at the Clubhouse. Under the direction of Mary, we made the cutest pumpkins (photo attached). I absolutely love them, and my thanks to Mary. I’ve also attached a group photo of some other activities also under the direction of our talented Mary. If you look over that photo you will see: (1) the book *Brooklyn* which is being discussed, and Mary is actually providing the book (on loan); (2) an adorable coaster, and learn how to knit (Mary provides the needles & yard); and (3) those really cute pumpkins ~ so easy!. Last Tuesday they met at the Clubhouse and carpooled to the movie to see *A Star is Born* ~ sorry I missed it. And Tuesday, October 30th ~ a Pot Luck. Family Trees and DNA, and what its all about will be on a future calendar.
You don’t have to be a member of Five Oaks to enjoy this delightful daytime activity; and in fact, you may enjoy yourself so much, you might even consider a membership sometime in the future. We would love to meet you.
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October 2, 2018 Fun & Interesting Tuesdays
(posted by Ellen)
My thanks to Mary for an interesting afternoon at the Clubhouse. We enjoyed our Brown Bag lunch and lots of chatting, followed by the Five Crowns card game (which she taught). I’m looking forward to teaching Five Crowns to my family. 
Mary has scheduled a different fun and interesting activity for each Tuesday, and is open to any suggestions for future Tuesdays. If you’re home during the day, this is a Five Oaks event for you ~ join us!
REVIEW ALL TUESDAYS’ ACTIVITIES
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September 15, 2018 Lunch Bunch
(posted by Ellen)
The Cheesecake factory with more than 250 menu items and more that 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts on the menu, there is something for everyone. As usual, we had a nice crowd that attended, and the highlight of the afternoon was a Show n’Tell which was very enjoyable. So much so, we are doing it again for our October Lunch Bunch.
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August 18, 2018 Lunch Bunch
(posted by Ellen)
The Margaritas were so so good ~ and *freshly squeezed*. And the newly opened Monterrey Mexican Restaurant in Rams Plaza was a good pick and a hit with the crowd. Thanks to Ashley and Candy for all their help, and
to Rita for all the great pictures taken through the years (one attached here).
Really good conversation, as well as interesting information, when a suggestion was thrown out there; “Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know”. Thank you all – so enjoyable!
Stay tuned, The Cheesecake Factory is a possibility for our September 15th luncheon. You don’t want to miss this one!
Please please leave a *Comment* (scroll way down), and include your preference for future Lunch Bunch venues.
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July 21, 2018 Lunch Bunch
(posted by Ellen)
Thank you all! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy my time with my neighbors and friends the third Saturday of every month! The conversation, the laughter and just all round pleasantry is so enjoyable. It’s such a great opportunity to meet and chat with old and new friends. You are special group of people ~~ and again, thank you all for sharing yet another Saturday afternoon with me.
Please feel free to leave a *Comment* below, and include your preference for a future Lunch Bunch venue!
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July 4, 2018
(posted by Ellen)
Two (2) great reasons to celebrate this past Wednesday. We celebrated our Country’s 247th birthday, and our Five Oaks Stingray Swim Team two years in row – undefeated. Our July 4th celebration was a huge success with a big Member turnout!!
To Lina and Cheryl, (Team Reps), to Josh, and to all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication in putting this day together – thank you ~ thank you! And go Stingrays!
A good time was had by all! 
2006. 2007. 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 2018 TEAM PHOTOS
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June 25, 2018 Bunco:
(posted by Ellen)
OMG ~ Last night’s Bunco game (June 25) at the Clubhouse was a wonderful fun evening! We met so many delightful new neighbors, and welcomed back many of our long time players. It didn’t take long for the game to be off and running – despite having so many Newbies. And, we had some really nice door prizes thanks to Caroline and her Mom. Thank you so much Ladies ~ it was such an enjoyable evening, and a pleasure meeting you all. We hope to see you at our next Bunco night on July 30th (7pm), and again and again every last Monday of the month thereafter. Always check the Five Oaks website (Calendar of Events) to confirm Bunco, as well as the many other events that we enjoy here in our Five Oaks Community. FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Ellen Gilmartin, Administrative Assistant
Five Oaks Recreational Association, Inc
June 16, 2018 Lunch Bunch:
(posted by Pixie)
My husband Bob and I attended today’s lunch bunch at NAMU at Straw Valley in Durham. We absolutely loved it! The food was extraordinary. Well prepared, fresh and nicely presented. Most of us had something different and were equally pleased. The wait staff were very helpful. Having to order at their serving bar was very helpful. It gave us opportunity to have all questions answered. All in all, a great afternoon!!
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May 28, 2018 Memorial Day Celebration (1:30pm)
Although the weather was sortof yucky, our Pool Memorial Celebration was very enjoyable. There was a people count of approximately forty (40); half adults and half kids. The slide was a hit, the soda dive was fun, and Pizza and Ice Cream served. And at this hour, there were actually quite a few in the pool. If anyone should have a photo of today’s event, please send it, so it may be included here. ***************************************************************************************************************
May 19, 2018 Lunch Bunch:
The location, the food, the presentation, and the comradeship all blended together for yet another enjoyable Five Oaks Lunch Bunch at the Fusion Fish in Chapel Hill. We welcomed a new 4100 Neighbor; said *hello* to a few who had moved away, (so glad they keep coming back); some who returned from vacation or illness, and of course, our long time Lunch Bunchers. Thank you Ladies & Gents for a fun afternoon! FULL CALENDAR OF FIVE OAKS EVENTS
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FREE YOGA SERIES
Posted by Chris (dated 6/4/2018)
Yoga in the Clubhouse has been a wonderful addition to the offerings in Five Oaks for the last month. Classes have been well attended with 5-15 students practicing per class. We have been exploring proper alignment in basic yoga poses, slowly building our practice, and incorporating some meditation techniques each week.
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(a work in progress)
Congratulations to our Stingray Swim Team, Representatives, Coaches and Parent ~ this is the second year in a row that we have gone undefeated! We are so proud of our thirty-six (36) Families, fifty-four (54) Swimmers, and four (4) Coaches. Hats off for a job well done!
We’re looking for Swim Team Group photos from other years:
SEND STINGRAY GROUP PHOTOS HERE
(work in progress)
Sad Story w/Happy Ending: A little pooch was found tied up in a Five Oaks backyard ~ abandoned! It was discovered a resident moved out and left this cutie without water or food for nine days. She was in poor shape, and picked up by the Shelter. But after she got a full workup and found to be adoptable, our long time residents, Hugh and Kay Bailey, brought her home, and named her *Maya*. Maya had several loving years with the Baileys before she passed. Maya will always be remembered by the many Five Oaks people who loved her.
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In the Fall of 2013, I would see a Neighbor quite often carrying a rather large turtle to a grassy area and put her down; and again, picking her up and putting her down – and again and again. Although the Lake was sort-of close by, it could not be seen from where she was standing. Out of curiosity, I stopped one day and asked the Neighbor if the turtle was her pet, and why continually up and down, up and down? She explained to me that she volunteered her services to rescuing and rehabilitating turtles. She then went on to introduce me to the turtle, *Nancy Reagan*, who was looking rather poorly at the time. She had been hit by a car, and her once thick shell, was not looking very healthy. The Neighbor brought the turtle home for a little R&R, and part of her ritual with Nancy was to get her outside for her daily exercise. She certainly got that exercise, cause every time the Neighbor put her down, Nancy would scoot her way (as only a turtle could scoot) in the direction of the Lake. Nancy had a purpose! I was told, at a much later date, that Nancy was back to her ole turtlely self – and finally enjoying her life in a body water somewhere (posted by Ellen 5/14/2018) WANNA MEET *NANCY REAGAN*?
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If you see anything amiss on this page or any page of the website; or have any suggestions, a pooch you would like to honor or a Five Oaks story that should be told, or just say something nice, please feel free to leave a Comment (scroll way down below). Can’t guarantee anything, but sure will give it a shot.
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Sweet sweet Chester: Chester was one of the very few *first* visitors to our Dog Park back in August of 2004. Chester has long since passed, but he will always be remembered by the beautiful red Camillia bush to the left of the park’s entrance gate (planted in his memory). When it bloomed this year (2018), it was so sweet and gorgeous, and so was he!
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Jimmy, Johnny & Beau
WARNING: THIS WILL BRING TEARS!
A very *quick* video of Logan & friend Binky: Oh how I wish I would have taken more! MaryBinkyLogan
Bunco dates back to the late 1800’s, and was played by groups of women, school children and couples. The old fashioned game of the future is becoming ever more popular at parties, social events, and new groups are popping up across the country.
This progressive dice game, under its original name of 8-Dice Cloth was played in England during the 18th century. It was unknown in the United States until 1855, when it was introduced into San Francisco during the Gold Rush by a crooked gambler. This shady character, traveling from the East to West coast had made many stops in route to the California gold fields. He also made various changes to the gambling game he called Banco. After a few years. the game and activity was re-christened Bunco or Bunko. During this same period, a Spanish card game, Banco, and its Mexican derivative, Monte, were also introduced to the to the population of San Francisco. Bunco dice and Bunco cards were combined to form a more efficient method of separating the hardworking citizens from their money at numerous gambling locations, These locations were known as Bunco parlors. Hence, the word Bunco came to be a general term that applied to all scams, swindling and confidence games. After the Civil War and into the turn of the century, Bunco flourished as the population grew and the economy recovered. Between 1870 and 1880, in virtually every large city in the country, Bunco-Banco games were in operation. Some Bunco locations were furnished elaborately while others resembled professional offices.
During the 1880’s, and into the mid 1890’s, Bunco was played in Texas & Oklahoma, through Kansas & Missouri, in towns and cities along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and from New York to the Great Lakes states. Through the Victorian era and prior to WW1, Bunco had achieved permanent placement as a traditional family or parlor game, promoting social interaction. During this period, Bunco groups, consisting of 8-12 people and as many as 20 people enjoyed an evening of food, drink, conversation, and friendly competition. During Prohibition and the roaring 20’s, the infamous Bunco gambling parlors resurfaced in various regions of the US. The most notorious speak-eases and Bunco dice parlors were located in and around Chicago, Illinois, The term “Bunco Squad” referred to the detectives who raided these establishments!
After Prohibition, Bunco group activity declined in the major cities of the country, but spread to the suburbs as housing development and migratory population expanded nationally. Not much was heard about Bunco activity from 1940-1980 (WW1, Korea, Vietnam). Since the early 1980’s Bunco activity has increased due to a combination of circumstances; a return to traditional family values, a sense of neighborhood and community and, the desire and need for social interaction. Traditionally most Bunco groups consist of 12 players (usually groups of women & occasionally couples). Kids are even beginning to play at parties and other social events. Playing Bunco is great way to maintain relationships and make new friends.
Sweet Martha! Former Swim Team Member & former Coach; former Swim Team Counselor for years.
(a talented, happy, sad, but so powerful life story)
Stefan has been a long time resident of our Five Oaks Community. He is a wonderful talented individual with a powerful life story. Through the years, I have enjoyed his many jokes, and have had the pleasure of listening to this talented sweet guy!
(hover n’click)
THIS IS A LIFE STORY YOU MUST SEE!
Thank you Stefan for sharing; and our thanks to Rosann for bringing this wonderful story to our attention!
Please feel free to leave a *Comment* below!
(provided by Judy, a long time Resident of Five Oaks)
Dated June 2, 2018
Hungarian Festival @ Five Oaks Clubhouse
The Hungarian Club of the Triangle has been meeting at the Five Oaks Clubhouse for over fifteen (15) years. The first Hungarian Festival was held at the Clubhouse in 2012, and an invitation extended to the Five Oaks Community. The decorations and the fine art pieces are put together by the Hungarian Folk, and authentic Hungarian dishes are prepared and served. Beautiful traditional decorations are created and demonstrated by these amazingly talented people. Needless to say, it has been a great success!
In later years, the Five Oaks Community has had the opportunity to enjoy this lovely traditional event on a few occasions. This year we have good news. The Festival is now scheduled for November 4, 2018 at the Clubhouse. Don’t miss this fun event. Join us!
(Information provided by four long time Butternut Road Homeowners)
(Rosan, Marylu Dow & David)
(Message posted by Rosan – Dated May 30, 2018)
In the Beginning:
Bobby Roberts and his brother were the original developers of Five Oaks—the plan was to have townhouses/condo, smaller garden or patio homes, and larger single family homes all in the Five Oaks development. In 1974, the 4100 townhomes were constructed and furnished models helped potential buyers decide which townhouse they were interested in buying. The first single family houses on Butternut Road were shells under construction and unfinished until Rosan bought her house in Fall of 1974 and she moved into the house in early 1975. The developers had their architect design four houses and after building one would reverse the plan so that the four designs appeared to be eight different houses—the designs are quintessential 1970s architecture.
Long Time Residents:
Only two of the original owners of houses still live on Butternut Road—Mary Jane and Rosan. Many long-time residents still reside on Butternut—parents of young children when they bought their homes and now they are grandparents. In 1975 the pine trees in Rosan’s front yard only came to the roof line – now they are huge!
Security Guard Booth:
With all the construction going on in 1974, the developers installed a security guard booth and gate at the entrance to the development to prevent construction equipment and materials from being stolen and which were removed once the Roberts Brothers were gone.
In 1974:
The 11 miles of I-40 (from 15-501 to joining I-40 going to Raleigh) had not been built and land was vacant between East Gate Shopping Center and the Five Oaks development. Utility lines were buried and all homes were electric until gas lines were installed several years later. Water was furnished by the City of Durham and residents were billed at the outside-city rates. Residents had private garbage pick-up twice a week but there was no recycling or yard waste pick-up. The original developers turned Five Oaks Drive, Butternut Road and Pine Cone over to the State and thus the homeowners have never been responsible for repairs or repaving of these streets. For some reason the streets for the town houses were not turned over to the State of North Carolina and therefore the homeowners (HOA) are responsible for the repairing and maintenance of their streets. A tertiary sewage treatment plant was built into the development and the treated sewage discharged into the holding pond (a.k.a. “lake”). Once the City annexed Five Oaks the sewage treatment plant was abandoned but the building is still present at the back of the property.
Recreational Assn:
Townhouse and condo owners are required to join the Five Oaks Recreational Assn. and once the developers were gone, the Board of Directors of each HOA became responsible for decision-making, assessments for repairs, etc. A swimming pool with lifeguards and tennis courts with a tennis pro on site were early amenities for the Members, and although initially for only the residents of the Five Oaks development and their guests, membership was later opened to others outside the Five Oaks community, including the Butternut Road homeowners.
Moving of Clubhouse:
The Clubhouse had to be moved when the 11 miles of I-40 connecting 15-501 to the I-40 corridor to Raleigh was under construction due to requirement for a noise buffer between residential areas and an Interstate highway. The original location of the Clubhouse did not allow for sufficient noise abatement from I-40 traffic and was moved a short distance.
Annexation:
For the first decade, the Five Oaks development was unincorporated within Durham County. The Durham County Sheriff’s Office provided police protection with the Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department providing fire service and a volunteer E.M.T. service. Duke Power (a.k.a. Duke Energy) installed and maintained the street lights. Both Chapel Hill and the City of Durham sought to annex Five Oaks for the revenue. Residents addressed the City Council asserting that they did not want nor need to be annexed into either Chapel Hill or Durham City since they had all of the services they needed and it would mean doubling property taxes for the Five Oaks residents. Unfortunately, the N.C. General Assembly passed a statute that enabled municipalities to annex areas without the consent of affected residents. Five Oaks was annexed into the City of Durham and went on City Water and Sewage treatment, fire, E.M.T. and police protection as well as the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, and solid waste pick-up changed to weekly.
The Five Oaks “Lake”
(a.k.a. tertiary sewage treatment holding pond):
The lake has been periodically stocked with fish and people did fish in the small “lake”. It has had to be drained on several occasions due to beavers building dams and causing problems. Muskrats may also have been burrowing into the soil under the lake; at least one beaver has been spotted in the lake lately. The pond has to be drained slowly, the debris from the aquatic rodents removed and then the pond allowed to refill from rain water. Geese are attracted to the lake and no longer migrate becoming year round pond residents. Loss of habitat in Durham county for wild life has resulted in a herd of small white-tailed deer in the development and we also have a mated pair of Red Shouldered hawks year round.
Speed bumps:
The design of the original speed bumps on Clubhouse Drive were the raised Five Oaks logo in concrete that spanned across the street but they had to be removed due to constant complaints regarding tire and front-end alignment damage caused by these creative speed bumps.
Note f/Ellen: Our thanks to the four long time Butternut Rd residents for their help in preserving the history of our lovely Community.
Note f/Ellen: It is no longer necessary to stock the Lake with fish, and fishing is enjoyed, but on the Clubhouse side only.
