Interviews with Moore County officials, business owners, non-profits, and anyone that we think can deepen your(and our) understanding of the lovely place we live, Moore County North Carolina.
Frank & Frank learn more about the Boys & Girls Club from Germann Bostic, Teen Center Unit Director, and Darilyn Ruotolo, Juvenile Justice and Volunteer Coordinator. At the Boys & Girls Club, they provide a space for youth to advance themselves through evidence-based curriculum tested on a national scale. The organization operates four locations in the Sandhills. https://sandhillsbgc.org/
Frank & Frank learn more about the League of Women Voters of Moore County from Agnes Gioconda, Vice President for Membership. The League of Women Voters is a national organization founded in 1920. Its mission is to empower voters and defend democracy, primarily through educational efforts. One example of this is the Vote411 website, which they launched in 2006. Their efforts also include voter and policy advocacy on a national level. https://www.lwvmc.org/
Frank & Frank learn more about the Union Station Railroad Museum in Aberdeen from Charlie Zuhone and Bob Martin. Designed by T.B. Creel, Union Station features Victorian architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum exhibits artifacts and memorabilia collected from the community, the Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad Company, and other railroad enterprises that passed through Union Station or operated in the surrounding region. Open by appointment only, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays. 100 East Main Street Aberdeen, NC 28315 Please contact Bob Martin at (910) 757-0161 or Chuck Zuhone at (910) 215-0012 for an appointment.
Frank and Frank learn more about the Enlightening Conversations series from Kim Wade and Jennifer Berk. The series aims to create a space for people to openly and honestly discuss race, racism and perceptions surrounding the topics through 12 open-forum discussions. Contact for registration: tinyurl.com/SFFEC2023 Bob - 910.528.0541 Sandra - 910.692.6252 office@brownsonchurch.org
Frank & Frank learn more about the Moore County Public School System from Superintendent Tim Locklair. They talk about school capacity, the superintendent's role as the chief administrator of the school system and how the state supports Moore County Schools. https://www.ncmcs.org/ Locklair is a native of Moore County, graduated from Pinecrest High School and began his administrative career at Pinecrest as a social studies teacher, football and baseball coach and assistant principal. He returned to Moore County in 2016 as the district
Frank & Frank learn more about the Fair Barn in Pinehurst from Fair Barn Coordinator Holly Neal and Village of Pinehurst Communications Specialist Kristin Bunton. Holly and Kristin talk about the history of the Fair Barn, the kinds of events they host and their grand ideas for what the Village could do in the future.
Frank & Frank learn more about the golf grip industry from Golf Pride President Jamie Ledford. Jamie talks about the history of Golf Pride, their Innovation Center in Pinehurst and how thinking about golf grips differently has led them to become one of the leaders in the world of golf equipment. https://www.golfpride.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about Linden Lodge from Stephanie Brown, Executive Director, and Beth Stevens, Chair of the Board of Directors of Linden Lodge Foundation. The Franks hear about what Linden Lodge does and how they help raise awareness of mental illness. Linden Lodge, located in Moore County, is a residence for housing people with mental illnesses. They work towards ensuring people living with mental illness "reach their full potential." https://lindenlodgenc.org/
Frank & Frank learn more about the MCHA
Frank & Frank learn more about starting and running a bar and and arcade from Ezra Dyer. Ezra talks about the challenges of starting two businesses under one roof, the unique nature of arcade game maintenance, how they came to be in the bar/arcade business, and what Rec Room hopes to add in the coming years. https://recroomsouthernpines.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about realtors' associations and how they guide real estate practices from a national down to our local level. Sandra Barnhardt is the CEO/AE of the Mid Carolina Regional Association of REALTORS (MCRAR). William Bradford is the Shared & Regional Governmental Affairs Director for the NC Association of REALTORS. They talk with Sandra and William about short-term rentals, AI in listings, state regulations, Moore County statistics, affordable housing and more. https://www.mcrar.com/ https://www.ncrealtors.org/
Frank & Frank learn more about the Encore Center from Sarah Lankford. After growing up with a love of and schooling in theater and dance for years, Sarah sustained an injury just before going to Julliard for Master Classes in Musical Theater. She then focused on music
Frank & Frank learn more about horse driving and the Moore County Driving Club. They talk with Keady Cadwell and Aggie Cohen from the Moore County Driving Club. Keady, club secretary, won the FEI Pair Horse division at the 2008 CAI-A Ocala. Aggie is the club vice president. The two talk about the history of driving horses, the club's participation in local parades and their involvement in competitive driving. https://www.moorecountydrivingclub.net/
The Franks learn more about the Moore County Airport from Ron Maness. Now in his fourth term as director, he explains airport operations and how it fits into local government. He was a pilot with the Air Force for ten years, including as a Captain for the inaugural class of the first TOPGUN training wing in California and two years as a pilot for the Air Force precision flight squadron, the Thunderbirds.
The Franks learn more about forest bathing from Lara Beth Jones, OTL, who grew up in Wilmington and worked as a wildland firefighter out west before moving back to North Carolina to become an occupational therapist. She speaks with the Franks about using her experiences and connection with the outdoors to help people by incorporating Nature and Forest Therapy in her occupational therapy practice. Also called "Forest Bathing," Nature and Forest Therapy is an evidence-based framework for accessing the therapeutic benefits of immersion in natural environments. https://www.larabethjones.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about neuropsychology from Dr. Karen Sullivan, owner of the Pinehurst Neuropsychology Brain & Memory Clinic, the I Care For Your Brain brain health education network, and Medical Chief at the Center for Provider Wellbeing through the FirstHealth Foundation. They discuss brain health, our body
Frank & Frank learn more about the NC Board of Transportation from at-large board member Pat Molamphy. He talks about how the DOT prioritizes projects and what we have in the works for District 8 (Moore, Lee, Chatham, Randolph, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke).
Frank & Frank learn more about the FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness from administrative director John Caliri. The FirstHealth gym is a medical fitness center. John explains what that means, the various services they offer, how the center works to promote whole body health, and how their efforts align with FirstHealth's overall goal, which is "to care for people." Learn even more: https://www.firsthealth.org/fitness
Frank & Frank learn more about dog rescues from Jennifer Johnston Chopping, the Founder & President of Caring Hearts for Canines. Jen and her team are passionate animal advocates, and she tells us about the operations at Caring Hearts for Canines, the Character Walk that started in Aberdeen, and what you can do to help. https://caringheartsforcanines.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about Don's work as the mayor of Foxfire Village and how small municipal governments support larger governmental activities. https://www.foxfirenc.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about physical therapy from Jonathan Cole, Clinic Director at Appalachian Physical Therapy in Pinehurst. He talks about PT (physical therapy) as a form of preventative medicine, how their office works with patients and other medical professionals, and gives us some helpful tips to ease physical stress from some everyday activities. https://aptfc.com/location/physical-therapy-pinehurst/ tel:9105198925
Frank & Frank learn more about the Bear Creek Hiking Club and the trails in and around Moore County to commemorate the Year Of The Trail. For more information on the Bear Creek Hiking Club, contact Alan at alangeiger3@gmail.com or 910.638.6958.
Frank & Frank learn more about the security industry from Jason Harpster, General Manager at Central Security Systems in downtown Southern Pines. Jason educates us on the latest in security tech, how alarm types differ, and why their local, family-owned company is distinctive.
Frank & Frank learn more about Moore County Economic Development Partnership, what they do for Moore County businesses and how they support them, and the opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a business here. Partners in Progress President Natalie Hawkins talks about the Iron Horse Industrial Park project and reveals an upcoming re-branding for the organization. https://moorecountyedp.org/
Frank & Frank learn more about Moore County's administrative operations from County Manager Wayne Vest and County Tax Administrator Gary Briggs. They talk about the role county administration plays in day-to-day life for residents, how they assist county commissioners in performing their duties, and some of the difficulties they encounter in their work. We learn a bit about the upcoming tax valuation for 2023, the County Commissioners' Task Forces, and much more. https://www.moorecountync.gov/ PO Box 905, 1 Courthouse Square Carthage, NC 28327 County Admin: 1 (910) 947-6363 County Tax: 1 (910) 947-2255
Frank & Frank learn more about the USGA Green Section from Jordan Booth, Agronomist for the Southeast Region. "The USGA Green Section develops and disseminates sustainable management practices that produce better playing conditions for better golf." They do this through their four core missions: research, course consulting services, education and outreach, and championship agronomy. Jordan studied Turf Grass Management and Science at Clemson University and has his Masters from Virginia Tech. He talks about the unique partnership with Sandhills Community College for their Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program, the work that the USGA does to promote turf grass research and sustainability practices, their advancement of greens measurement technology, and their fieldwork with golf courses around the country. https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care.html
Frank & Frank learn more about the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center from Executive Director Morgan Sills. Morgan has been in the performing arts since he was young and most recently worked in New York City. He brings his expertise to the Sandhills, being appointed in 2021 as Executive Director. Dedicated in 2019, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center (BPAC) is the Sandhills region's newest, most modern, and best-equipped entertainment and event complex. Comprised of five venues (three indoor, two outdoor), thousands of visitors from the Sandhills and beyond flock to BPAC for music, theatre, dance, and comedy performances; lectures; and visual arts exhibits. https://www.sandhillsbpac.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. Leading up to the 100th Anniversary of the Boyd House at the Weymouth Center, Katie Wyatt was named executive director. She embarked on an ambitious goal of 100 events in the 100th year and $1m in fundraising. She discusses some of the history of the center and the Boyd family, events that the Weymouth Center hosts, new programming that they are working on offering, and what may be coming in the future. https://weymouthcenter.org/
Frank & Frank learn more about Evergreen Music Studio and audio engineering from Greg Lawrence, Owner and Teacher. Greg left Moore County 20+ years ago for an audio engineering degree in New York and then to study music in Boston before moving back to NYC to record and play music. The pandemic prompted him and his family to return to Seven Lakes. He records local musicians, teaches private music lessons, primitive music enrichment classes to individuals and homeschoolers, and group classes for the Town of Southern Pines. https://www.evergreenmusic.studio/ greg@evergreenmusic.studio (646)-425-0521
Frank & Frank learn more about the Sandhills Community College Athletics Program from Director Mike Apple. He's been with the college for 12 years, and has seen the Flyers make it to many national tournaments and win 5 titles (2 Basketball and 3 Golf). https://www.sccflyers.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about The Country Bookshop from Kimberly Taws. The Country Bookshop was opened in 1953 and remains a vital part of the Moore County landscape, serving the community from the heart of downtown Southern Pines. They engage with the community to promote the love of reading by being a place of discovery and connection. Last year they brought more than 100 book and author events to our area. Our bookshop is unique even among book stores, as it is owned by The Pilot. 140 NW Broad St. Southern Pines, NC 28387 910.692.3211 thecountrybookshop.biz
Frank & Frank learn more about the government operations for the Town of Aberdeen, NC and the projects that are priorities for Paul Sabiston in his role as Aberdeen's Town Manager. Paul shares with us some of the challenges and opportunities he is excited to see coming to Aberdeen and Moore County in the future. https://www.townofaberdeen.net/ Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to you podcasts. Find more episodes of The Learn Moore Podcast with Frank & Frank and other podcasts from Pilot Radio at https://pilot-radio.com/podcasts/. Thank you for listening.
Frank & Frank learn more about Executive Chef Curt Shelvey, most recently of The Gravy Train food truck, and his decades-long efforts to elevate the culinary scene in Moore County. From his time at the Pinehurst Country Club to Curt's Cucina and now the Gravy Train food truck, he has dedicated his life to creating good food and inspiring, cultivating and supporting a vibrant community of chefs and other culinary industry professionals. https://www.facebook.com/thegravytrainfoodtruck/
Frank & Frank learn more about Red's Corner and the Pony Espresso from owner/operator Rachel Jurgens. Rachel shares the vision that inspired Red's Corner and a little of her history and goals for the future at the Red's Corner property. The Franks also learn a little about the similar reasons behind the Pony Espresso and Red's Corner. https://www.redscornersp.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about the Episcopal Thrift Shop in downtown Southern Pines from Chair Lucie Saylor and Treasurer Ron Saylor. The thrift shop has been serving Moore County for 90 years, and donates the proceeds of sales in the shop to serve those in need in our county. https://emmanuelthriftshop.weebly.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html https://www.facebook.com/people/Emmanuel-Thrift-Shop/100063695107108/ 177 North East Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC
Frank & Frank learn more about the Southern Pines Land and Housing Trust, West Southern Pines and the structures and land recently purchased by the trust to continue the original vision in maintaining community-based traditions while creating opportunities for economic growth for the citizens of West Southern Pines and surrounding areas. https://www.splandandhousingtrust.org/ info@splandandhousingtrust.org
Frank & Frank learn more about what a registrar does for the citizens of Moore County and how the office of the Moore County Register of Deeds operates. The Register of Deeds serves as legal custodian of all real estate and vital records for Moore County; our mission is to protect, preserve, provide access, maintain accuracy and the integrity of all public records for which we are legally entrusted. https://www.moorecountync.gov/register-of-deeds P.O. Box 1210, Carthage, NC 28327 (910) 947-6370
Frank & Frank learn more about the North Carolina Pottery Center from Executive Director Lindsey Lambert. He talks to the Franks about what the Center offers and the work they do to promote understanding of the history of and the current state of ceramics in North Carolina. http://ncpotterycenter.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ncpotterycenter info@ncpotterycenter.org 336-873-8430
Frank & Frank learn more about the County Extension program and the services and support they offer farmers in Moore County. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians. The cooperative extension service is a part of the US Dept of Agriculture and became a way for federal and state agencies to extend their research, support, and participation into local communities across the country. https://moore.ces.ncsu.edu/ (910) 947-3188 Moore County Center: 707 Pinehurst Ave Carthage, NC 28327
Frank & Frank learn more about town management from Southern Pines Town Manager Reagan Parsons. They discuss his time as a manager here in Moore County, what a town manager does, and some of the current projects in Southern Pines that require input from a town manger. https://www.southernpines.net/
Frank & Frank learn more about historic preservation in the sandhills with Leslie Brians of The Pines Preservation Guild. The guild aims to serve tradespeople who practice historically accurate construction techniques and connect them with people or businesses who are hoping to renovate or repurpose buildings while maintaining character. https://www.pinespreservation.org/ hello@pinespreservation.org Leslie references two books if you would like to do further research about historic preservation. A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester https://www.thecountrybookshop.biz/book/9780375710827 Historic Preservation by Norman Tyler, PhD, FAICP, Ilene R. Tyler, FAIA, FAPT, Ted J. Ligibel, PhD https://www.thecountrybookshop.biz/book/9780393712971
Frank & Frank learn more about Women of the Pines, their history, and what they do in Moore County. Women of the Pines works with established charities to provide assistance to those in need in our area. https://womenofthepines.org/ For membership inquiries, please contact Barbara Summers: barbub5@gmail.com
Frank & Frank learn more about Malcom Blue Farm and the history of the farm and what the town does for the farm. https://townofaberdeen.net/pview.aspx?id=3520&catid=29 Jordan Yount 910.944.4574 jyount@townofaberdeen.net Bob Martin 910.757.0161
Frank & Frank learn more about Sandhills Community College and what they do from Dr. John Dempsey. Frank & Frank also ask Dr. Dempsey about his time as President of SCC upon announcement of his retirement. https://www.sandhills.edu/ Sandhills Community College 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 910.692.6185
Frank & Frank learn more about Sandhills Community College's Workforce Development and Continuing Education department, how they work with the community, and what they do for the students, prospective students, and those who are hoping to further their skills. https://www.sandhills.edu/continuing-education/ 910.692.6185 800.338.3944 Sandhills Community College 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 https://www.sandhills.edu/
Frank & Frank learn more about Family Promise of Moore County and the work that they do for families experiencing homelessness or financial stress in Moore County. http://fpofmc.org/ 910.944.7149
Frank & Frank learn more about the Moore County CVB with Phil Werz, the President/CEO of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area CVB. https://www.homeofgolf.com/ 155 W. New York Avenue, Suite 300 Southern Pines, NC 28387
Frank & Frank learn more about the Southern Pines Brewing Company. Micah shares the origin story, the passion behind the project, and some of his plans for the future. https://southernpinesbrewing.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about the Tufts Family, Pinehurst, and the Archives in the Given Memorial Library in Pinehurst. https://www.vopnc.org/our-government/advanced-components/library-home/tufts-archives https://www.vopnc.org/our-government/library-home Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. For information, call (910) 295-3642.
Frank & Frank learn more about Casino Guitars what they do and how they get the goods. https://www.casinoguitars.com/
Frank & Frank learn more about the Sandhills Farm to Table Cooperative, how they operate, and the work they do connecting local produce to our community. https://www.sandhillsfarm2table.com/ Here's some more on what a GAP Certification entails: https://globalanimalpartnership.org/certification