January and the New Year are here. The season of cold is also bearing down on us, hence the familiar saying that winter is for the birds. In that spirit, we visit the North Carolina Zoo and the animals of the Rocky Coast, namely the seabirds and seals (seen above) and learn about them, their habitat and volunteer opportunities at the zoo.

This month, we embark on our first 2012 excursion learning about events we hope you will find worth your time. With that in mind, we head to Asheville and the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa for the 21st annual Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend where dancing shoes don’t miss a beat of the Glenn Miller Orchestra along with a special performance of the USO Liberty Bells in honor of the 70th anniversary of the USO of North Carolina.

In the spirit of good music, we visit with the North Carolina Symphony and take a look at concerts for 2012.

Our new series entitled Carolina Conversations allows us to set a spell with someone who makes our state a wonderful place to live. WRAL news anchor Bill Leslie joins us to kick it off.

Some other well-known faces are also making appearances at Owens Auditorium in Pinehurst. Hollywood’s Tab Hunter graces the stage in the play “Love Letters,” and “M*A*S*H” actor Jamie Farr stars in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” We had the chance to catch up with both to learn more about their winter productions.

Aging is another production we all must deal with as we take a look at the growing aging population in our state.

One Laurinburg couple makes aging seem timeless as they celebrate 65 years with their family furniture business.

At the ripe old age of 75, one 1937 fire engine found its way back to the Pinehurst Fire Department. Out of retirement, “Annabelle” is back on the job with community programs but in need of a facelift, so we’ll share the community effort sparked by her return.

Lastly, January 23 has one sweet celebration in National Pie Day, so we meet some expert pie makers among us.

Until next month…

—Carrie Frye, Editor