February 2, 2012 – Groundhog sees shadow

Although good ol’ groundhog Phil saw his shadow today. It sure feels like an early spring here in Carolina. Today, February 2, is actually my grandfather’s birthday. He would have been 110 years young today. Oh my, how time flies. I can remember sitting on his lap watching TV, taking long walks in the summertime with him side by side and picking blackberries. We all have those special memories that are held dear in our hearts. My Grandpa was a man of few words, but he often said a lot with a sweet smile or stern look. He shared his love of baseball with me as well as a love for Milky Way candy bars and RC Cola, the latter I wish I did not still hold an affection for, but oh well. Happy Birthday Grandpa! I know I was blessed to have you, and I will keep working to make you proud.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

January 26, 2012 – Broadway comes to DPAC

Last night, I was able to see “Memphis” at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Having never seen a Broadway production before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The lights came down, and the show began. I grew up in Memphis, living there for Kindergarten through the fifth grade, so I was excited to see the city come to life onstage. And it did. Set in the 1950s when racism was normal, the music and love story were powerful with amazing vocal and theatrical performances. If you are considering seeing the musical, all I can say is, see it. Enjoy the music and escape to a different time and place for a couple hours. One of the show’s songs reminds us to listen and feel the music of our soul. OutreachNC columnist Jennifer George writes in her Sentimental Journey column in our February issue about listening to the songs and music that make us feel happy. I guarantee the music of “Memphis” did that for me and might just do that for you.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

January 2, 2012 – Dancing our way into 2012

Happy New Year! May 2012 be a healthy, happy and prosperous year for all! It is hard to move into 2012 without reflecting on 2011. OutreachNC has seen a lot of growth, and we look forward to continuing this trend in 2012.

One year ago, we expanded our distribution and magazine coverage into western Wake County and increased our press run to 15,000 copies monthly. That many copies may not sound like a lot to most; however, when boxes are delivered and stacked, it feels like a mountain we climb each month until all are out in racks or on counters and in the hands of our readers. Thank you for reading!

This year editorially, we will embark upon a day trip to a festival or event that might pique your interest and be worth your time. For January, I chose the 21st Annual Big Band & Swing Dance Weekend Jan. 20-22 at Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Photographer Mollie Tobias and I made the trek in December (hence our pose beside the Christmas tree in the Great Hall) to capture the grandeur of the historic inn.

I cannot say enough nice things about the Grove Park. We were treated royally, but all guests receive that same treatment, and those attending the special weekend will also see and hear the Glenn Miller Orchestra, NC Revelers Orchestra and a wartime era show by the USO Liberty Bells. Although the weekend galas require semi-formal attire, dancing shoes are not a must but can complement any outfit.

Besides the fun of yesterday’s music and dancing, the weekend is one of a series of events in the yearlong 70th anniversary celebration and benefitting the USO of North Carolina. It was extraordinary for me to learn and share the good works of the USO of NC and just how important their efforts are to services members in our state.

So pack your dancing shoes and head west for some big band music and swing for a great cause as we kick up our heels and dance our way into 2012. Stay tuned to see where the next event or festival takes us next month…

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 28, 2011 – The perfect Christmas tree…

Having had the chance to visit three area choose and cut Christmas tree farms for my story in December issue, I have learned a lot about Christmas trees. There are many different species some that grow well in our area and others that do not, long needles, short needles and of course, color from blue ice to rich, dark green. When it comes to Christmas trees, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder and is as much a mystery to the farmers when it comes to what tree will bring a smile to customers’ faces or gleam to their eyes.

Braving the beautiful and perhaps unseasonable 70-degree Thanksgiving weekend weather, my best friend and I wandered amongst a picturesque scene of Christmas trees. Laughing, we joked that the perfect tree would speak to us. And what do you know, it finally did.

I chose a beautiful Leyland Cypress and watched with glee as Mr. Hall cut it down and carried it to be shaken and netted. I could not wait to get it home. However, the tree stand gave me a run for my money, but even it could not displace the happiness of seeing the perfect tree ready and waiting to be adorned with lights and ornaments. The best part was watching my kitten take part in the decorating and cuddling up for her first Christmas nap underneath it, and one of many to come…

From the OutreachNC family to yours, Merry Christmas!

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

 

November 11, 2011 – Rockettes roll!

Opening night for the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular was last night at the Durham Performing Arts Center, aka DPAC. The ladies kicked off the show’s run in true style. Santa, live animals, a double-decker bus, songs of Christmas and of course, the Rockettes made a more than spectacular show.

I am a bit biased though. After meeting two Rockettes in person, it is hard not to be. They are beautiful ladies of artistry and make the stories of Christmas come alive. It certainly came alive in the eyes of my co-worker’s 4-year-old daughter, Olivia. She sat on the edge of her seat for the entire 2-hour show, her eyes filled with amazement. If only we could all just go back in time and be that enamored. Seeing her reaction to show was priceless and a true treat.

So if you were thinking about going, just go. It was worth the trek from Southern Pines. Summer Renner, the Rockette featured in this month’s magazine, showcased her tremendous skill, talent and lovely smile. Our feature story reminds of the memories the Christmas Spectacular has made on people since the show’s beginnings in the 1930s. It now holds true for me and for one very special little girl. Thank you Summer, and special thanks to the Rockettes for bringing their show to the Triangle for the first time!

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

 

October 30, 2011 – Angels among us…

Caregivers really are the unsung heroes among us. They offer a hand of caring instinctively and selflessly. Nothing reiterated my high regard for these wonderful people of our community like my time spent with the three finalists of Friday night’s 2^nd Annual Moore County Caregiver Awards.

We received over 60 nominations for 39 different caregivers. A line on the nomination form asked the nominator to describe the caregiver being nominated in a single word. Caring. Irreplaceable. Compassionate. Awesome. The list goes on.

A selection committee chose two finalists and the 2011 Caregiver of the Year.  It was my pleasure as one of the sponsors of the event to spend some quality time with these three ladies and get to know them and hear their stories, each different and wonderful.

These three special women, Kimberly Hicks of Vass, Bonnie Brown of Carthage and Brenda “Sunshine” Brown of Pinehurst were overwhelmed, appreciative and felt unworthy of any honors. Their humble spirits always have them putting the needs of others first. What a wonderful world it would be if their spirit of generosity and caring resonated in all of us. They certainly inspired me.

At the ceremony, guest speaker and nationally-known storyteller Mitch Capel said that he tries to do three things every day that help someone else and do them from the heart. These caregivers certainly made me take Capel’s words to heart and inspire me to do more.

The stories of Sunshine, Bonnie and Kim are featured in our November issue. I only hope I was able to do them justice.  And for all of the caregivers among us, for all that you do, Thank you…

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

October 23, 2011 – Bibles in hand

Paula Deen came to Raleigh for her scheduled appearance at Quail Ridge Books last weekend. We made the arrangements and Jessica, editorial assistant for the magazine, even made multiple trips to pre-purchase 10 copies of “Paula Deen’s Cooking Bible” for all of us to secure our signed copies. Since Paula was only allowed to sign 600, we didn’t want to miss out.

Unfortunately, I had already scheduled a trip to the NASCAR race in Charlotte for the weekend, so I wanted to be in two places at one time. Not wanting to disappoint my Dad and our planned excursion, I had to ask a couple of my co-workers to go in my absence.

Of course, there were happy volunteers. Rhonda seen below with Paula) and Kara work for Moore Registry, a sister company to OutreachNC. They are both big Paula fans, too! I owe them special thanks for trekking to Raleigh, carrying a heavy box of 10 cooking bibles and waiting in line to have Paula sign them and the cover of the magazine for us.

They liked Paula before, but now they love her. They had the opportunity to visit with her, give her a magazine and have photos taken. Thank you Paula for your graciousness!

Thanks to Kara and Rhonda for being the face of the magazine! These photos are priceless…

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

October 16, 2011 – Race on Jeff!

As a NASCAR fan, I am thrilled that NASCAR Truck Series racing is coming back to Rockingham aka “The Rock” in April 2012. I just returned from a trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a beautiful fall weekend of racing.

My favorite NASCAR driver is 4-time champ Jeff Gordon. I am a big fan. Jeff’s major sponsor this year is AARP and AARP Foundation for the Drive to End Hunger. I attended a fan forum at the Second Harvest Food Bank in downtown Charlotte while I was in town. AARP and Jeff presented a check for $10,000. It is money that the nonprofit can use well to aid local groups that feed the hungry. Jeff greeted several seniors, who have been recipients of food donations. It was moving to watch, especially to see the director of the food bank shed tears in sheer gratitude for the donation.

As much as I love to watch the cars trade paint on the track and see Jeff in victory lane (which has happened three times this year), it is amazing to see the impact made when people join together to support a cause, whatever it may be.

North Carolina ranks 7^th among states for older adult risk of hunger. Since putting this program on track, the Drive to End Hunger has raised funds for over 350,000 meals. May that number keep rising!

And for anyone interested, you can visit the web site at http://drivetoendhunger.org/

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

October 7, 2011 – Now we’re cookin’

We finished distributing all 15,000 copies of the October issue of the magazine this week. Paula Deen being on the cover probably has something to do with them flying off the racks. We were very blessed to have Ms. Deen’s publicist reply directly to our request to share some of her time with us in preparation for a visit to Raleigh and cookbook signing next week.

I love the idea that all we can do is ask, and all they can do is say no. Fortunately, Melanie Coughlin, our fearless freelance writer, is persistent for something she wants, as she is a fan herself of butter and Paula Deen. So we had the honor of having October with an extra special person on our cover. Thank you Paula!

Paula Deen’s Southern Cooking Bible hits bookstore shelves this week. And Paula will grace Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, Friday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. A crowd is expected, so my suggestion is to buy the book early and follow all the rules on the bookstore’s web site, http://www.quailridgebooks.com/event/paula-deen-southern-cooking-queen-bible. OutreachNC owes Quail Ridge a big thank you for helping us facilitate our interview.

I am also happy to say that Whole Foods, both in Raleigh in Cary, are now locations where readers can pick up a copy of our latest issue. That makes it easy to pick up ingredients for one of the recipes in the magazine this month, too.

As the magazine continues to grow and expand, we thank you for taking the time to turn the pages each month. It is our honor to bring you stories and information and one that I never take for granted.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

September 22, 2011 – Kickin’ it up with The Rockettes

Last week, I had some guests drop by the office who caused quite a stir. Two lovely ladies, Alison Paterson and Summer Renner, came by in their full Rockette regalia. I knew I had the appointment but had forgotten to share that information with my co-workers, well except Shawn, my  ad man, who was very sad to be on vacation that day and miss their visit altogether.

I spent more than an hour with Alison and Summer learning about them and their upcoming Christmas Spectacular at the Durham Performing Arts Center in November. Their story will be featured in our November issue of OutreachNC.

The Rockettes are set for 37 shows in 18 days. Summer and Alison are dedicated and living out their dancing dreams reaching the highest echelon of their craft. Their hard work has led them to this point, and they made quite an impression on me. I cannot wait to see the show.

As for Shawn, the ladies were kind enough to sign a photo for him. They gave me a Rockette Christmas ornament, which I cannot wait to hang on the tree, but that would be rushing the season. It is not every day that one meets a Rockette, and I was lucky enough to meet two. Thanks Alison and Summer! Break a leg!

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

September 17, 2011 – Walk with purpose…

A cold rain fell this Saturday morning in Pinehurst, but walkers were not to be deterred. The Alzheimer’s Association hosted their Moore County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Sandhills Community College. Families, friends, co-workers and colleagues representing the majority of those who work in the senior industry came out in full force despite the weather, all in the name of a great cause.

Our group, Team AOS, I am proud to say, was the third largest fundraiser, only topped by Penick Village and St. Joseph of the Pines, both loyal advertisers of OutreachNC. This year, we raised funds by selling Ashe County Cheese, the oldest cheese maker in our great state featured in the magazine in June.

This year’s goal for the Alzheimer’s Association in Moore County was $40,000, and the association had already raised over $30,000 when the walk ended. With more donations to collect, they will undoubtedly reach and hopefully exceed that goal.

I lost my uncle to Alzheimer’s a few years ago. My friend and poet Malaika King Albrecht also lost her mother earlier this year after a long battle. It is a heartbreaking disease to watch; especially for those family and friends seeing the disease progress slowly and steal the life of someone they love.

One speaker today said that she looked forward to a day when walks were no longer held and a cure is found. I look forward to that day, too. Until then, we will walk, rain or shine.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

September 8, 2011 – Faces behind the magazine…

Since we have been printing the magazine for over a year, it occurred to me that the team, that makes OutreachNC what it is, works behind the scenes. The magazine is a labor of love put together each month, but not without the help and support of a dedicated crew. My photo and words kick off each issue to talk about what’s inside, but it takes a village to make sure the pages of the magazine come together each month.

Jessica Bricker is our Editorial Assistant. She splits her time between our Southern Pines and Cary offices and coordinates with columnists, story generation, an ace proofreader and my right hand.

Shawn Buring, Director of Sales, is our main man in the field armed with media kits and a smile as he sells advertising, the driving force behind the magazine.

Susan McKenzie, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, joined our team in February and is diligently promoting OutreachNC. She is my left hand, doing whatever needs to be done usually before I can even think of it.

Individually, they are each Amazing! As a team, they simply Rock!

We also utilize freelance writers Melanie Coughlin and Ann Robson as well as photographer Mollie Tobias.

This dynamic group make putting a magazine together easy. They are the faces behind the pages of the magazine embarking on road trips and sometimes getting lost, battling the weather to get a great photo, meeting people, making calls and making it all come together. I am blessed to be surrounded by such talented and creative people.

We all love what we do! We are always working ahead two months or more in advance to find great stories and information to bring to our readers. And we hope you’ll keep reading!

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

September 1, 2011 – Nominate a Caregiver!

Caregivers are all around us. They are the angels among us. Last year, Aging Outreach Services, our publisher, launched the Moore County Caregiver Awards in an attempt to recognize the selfless efforts of this dedicated group of people within the community. As a sponsor, OutreachNC featured the two finalists and the 2010 Caregiver of the Year in our November issue. I had the opportunity to sit down with three very special ladies, Shirley Hinton of Carthage, Costella Brower of Eagle Springs and Learen Blue Pinebluff and hear their personal stories. None felt that they were deserving of the recognition, because they were simply doing what they love to do – help others. They are amazing women. Their love and warmth is almost tangible.

OutreachNC is happy to once again be a sponsor of this year’s event. Nominations are being accepted now through Friday, Sept. 9. It occurred to me that some consider caregivers as those that care for a sick person. However, caregivers surround us every day. Caregivers are indeed those caring for the sick, but they are also nurses, medical technicians, physicians, nursing assistants, audiologists, care managers, care companions or anyone who goes above and beyond to make sure the needs of another is put above their own. They are also the volunteers like Shirley Hinton, who see someone in need and always lend a hand.

Women, men, paid or volunteer, I am sure you know a caregiver whose kindness has made a difference in your life or that of someone you love. Please join us and our fellow sponsors in acknowledging these deserving caregivers. There is still time. Nominate a caregiver for the 2nd Annual Moore County Caregiver Awards,(Click the link) and help us show caregivers the appreciation they deserve.

To nominate a caregiver online, click the link above or call (910) 692-2434 for more information.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

August 25, 2011 – Congrats Celia!

I read the news today via Facebook that North Carolina author Celia Rivenbark had made the New York Times bestseller list. Celia was our cover story this month, and this accomplishment was one of her goals that we chatted about when we had the honor of meeting her at her Wilmington home in July.

Congrats Celia from your fan club at OutreachNC!

If you have not had the pleasure of reading any of Celia’s work, I highly recommend it, if you like to laugh. Her humor is laugh out loud funny. Her latest book, “You Don’t Sweat Much For A Girl” debuted this month.

Last week, Melanie Coughlin, a freelance writer for the magazine and friend, accompanied me to Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh for Celia’s book signing.

Celia greeted a packed house. She read hilarious excerpts from the new book, including one on yoga that is included in our August issue. Melanie and I are fans, so we enjoyed every story, her quick wit and crowd interaction.

We waited in a very well organized signing line. And while in line, we met and had a great conversation with two other women in line talking about the latest books and movies. When we reached the table, Celia greeted us warmly, joked with us and signed everything we had brought along, copies of the magazine, which now hangs proudly in our office. Of course, the Snickers martinis afterward were just icing on the cake of a great girls’ night out.

Celia is a Southern gem, and what a priceless gift she gives to her readers. Laughter can never be overrated. The New York Times is lucky to have such a Southern Belle!

P.S. If you would like  to meet Celia Rivenbark, her next book signing and reading in our area will be at McIntyre’s Books at Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

August 18, 2011 – Goodnight News Hound…

This week I lost my furry best friend, Brinkley. The story entitled “Puppy love for all ages” in this month’s issue of the magazine means even more to me now, as I too have an enduring love for my pets.

Brinkley was 10, a senior in dog years with his share of arthritis and “old dog warts” as the vet always called them. Somehow knowing that he lived a good life cannot easily mend a broken heart, but I am so thankful to have had him in my life.

The same week that I took a job in Southern Pines in May 2003 to launch Sandhills Business Times, a monthly business journal, this small hunting beagle wandered up to my house. His sad brown eyes instantly captured my heart. He was actually named for the dog in the movie, “You’ve Got Mail,” but since I was in the newspaper business, most thought it was a tribute to newsman David Brinkley. It was actually just the only name he would answer to. No matter really, he was my buddy, my ‘news hound,’ making the trek to work with me occasionally for those long production days of laying out a newspaper.

In 2008, my next job took Brinkley and I to Oriental, N.C, a tiny town on the coast where the sailboats outnumber the people. The Pamlico News gained a graphic designer but also a greeter for walk-in customers to the weekly paper. As a perk of the job, he accompanied all of my co-workers to the kitchen for lunch breaks, too, not to mention all the petting and belly rubs.

When I took a leap of faith in 2009 and decided to launch a new weekly newspaper that covered Pamlico County, Brinkley was an instant mascot and the official News Hound of The County Compass at my office in Bayboro.

And when it was time to begin work on OutreachNC last year, Brinkley was still by my side and ready to return to the Sandhills. Feeling like he had served his time in the workforce, I left him home to enjoy his retirement years with plenty of lazy days and long naps on the couch.

Brinkley, I miss you. I miss your happy prancing for treats, wet kisses and even your snoring. I always swore it could peel paint off walls, but what I would give to hear it now and have it lull me to sleep.

Every news hound has to sign off…Goodnight buddy, I will love you forever.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

 

 

 

August 11, 2011 – No rain on my Mayberry parade…

It is not everyday that you get to hang out with Barney Fife or walk the streets of Mayberry. Actor David Browning travels the country making people laugh, as he becomes the Mayberry deputy, live and in color, writing citations and just being “Barney.”

David has a specialty painted golf cart -complete with siren- that he uses to make grand entrances. It is a staple of the upcoming Mayberry Days parade in Mt. Airy in September.

In Mt. Airy, Main Street is lined with visitors with big smiles as they enjoy stepping back in time to those simpler days with the characters they know so well: Andy, Opie, Aunt Bea, Floyd, Otis, Goober, Emmett and well, of course, Deputy Barney Fife.

If you are a fan of The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry, you won’t want to miss our September issue of OutreachNC.

Of course, the day of our visit, rain poured down. It was hard to complain, since we are in need of rain. And it is just hard to complain at all while in Mayberry. Folks are just too friendly. Hugs replace handshakes, and it is hard not to grin; I know I kept mine on all day. My partner-in-crime and photographer Mollie Tobias, braved the rain to take some great shots as well as having me pose for some in the downpour. A fellow tourist even offered to take Mollie’s and my picture together in-between rainstorms. People are nicer in North Carolina, although I am probably biased, but they sure are nice in Mayberry, well, Mt. Airy. We could not let some precipitation rain on our day in Mayberry.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

August 4, 2011 – Stay cool and keep reading…

It is hot out there. The OutreachNC team just finished up distributing the August issue. With nine counties and over 600 places to drop off magazines, it is a feat for a small crew. We divide and conquer.

There is not a month that passes —and they pass quickly doing a monthly publication— which I do not hear a story or a kind word about the magazine while we are out and about. I love to drop them off in waiting rooms and turn around to see copies open and people already reading.

I have had several readers mention loving the recipes, so if you do, the August issue offers a special treat. Aside from the Cooking Simple recipe, you will find three amazing recipes from the bed and breakfasts we visited with in Southern Pines, Asheville and Pittsboro.

I made a successful attempt at the Orange-Stuffed French Toast shared by Emily McIntosh of A Bed of Roses in Asheville. Although it was not as beautifully presented as hers, it was easy to make and simply delicious.

We hope you are staying cool and finding a nice shady spot to sit and read the latest issue.

—Carrie Frye, Editor

July 29, 2011 – Star-struck…

Last night, a dream came true. It was a typical Thursday, except for the fact that it was a month in the making.

The July issue’s feature story was Amy Grant, someone who for most needs no introduction and for me, is someone I deeply admire. I am a fan. Her music fills my iPod and my soul.

When I realized the interview would come to fruition, I was nervous. After all, it is not every day that one gets to talk with Amy Grant. Our interview was scheduled for a specific date and time. I was told I would receive around 15 minutes. I would make it work, and I pondered the right questions that could be answered in the given timeframe to make for a good story. I made a list. I talked it over with my team. It would all be fine.

Then the morning of my scheduled interview, my cell phone rang as I sat at my desk. I recognized the 615 area code and made a quick assumption that perhaps it was “Amy’s people” calling me. Except a very familiar voice on the other end asked if I was Carrie, and said, “Hey, this is Amy Grant.”

Yes… I almost dropped the phone. I quickly composed myself and listened. She had a slight schedule conflict, and one of those mornings we all have when life happens. So, we planned our conversation for later that afternoon. Her kind voice calmed me. When we did talk, she generously gave me an hour of her time and shared some amazing stories and a small glimpse into her life, music, of course, but real life…what a gift!

This is a gift I receive from all the people I am blessed to interview. It is an honor to be able to tell people’s stories. It is not something I ever want to take for granted with my only desire being that I can make the people come to life within words and pages of the magazine.

I did share the story with Amy before we went to press for her approval, which she freely gave. Magazines were printed and distributed, and I also purchased tickets to the July 28 concert in Cary for a group of us, which would complete a wonderful circle of events I had never anticipated.

Amy made it possible for Mollie Tobias, OutreachNC’s freelance photographer, and myself, to have media passes for the concert, which included a meet and greet as well as listening to sound check prior to the concert. Amazing! It is a fan’s dream come true.

Afterwards, Mollie and I gathered for the meet and greet session. This is when I learned that talking on the phone, e-mails and texts have nothing on face-to-face contact.

I was able to meet Amy, shake her hand, have her sign a magazine and have a photo taken. I am positive that I said nothing articulate at all. I was star-struck. I was just a fan soaking it all in. I may never stop smiling.

Thank you, Amy!

—Carrie Frye, Editor