Local author, Dr. Jolene Erlacher, and local minister, Rev. Charles Albright, join Bill Sahadi to discuss topics related to Jolene’s new book, Millennials in Ministry. Generational differences affect us all in our families, schools, businesses, and churches. As Boomers, Xers and Millennials (born 1980-1995) work together and interface with the Silent/Civic generation and the younger Generation Z, the diversity of behaviors and attitudes requires understanding by all. While Boomers may perceive Millennials to be entitled or lack communication skills, Millennials often struggle to understand the values behind Boomer expectations and perspectives. Jolene and Charles (Chae) discuss personal experiences in intergenerational settings and Jolene recommends strategies for leaders, parents, and organizations that address misunderstandings and maximize the strengths of all individuals on intergenerational teams.
The research and stories discussed in Millennials in Ministry look at young adults who pursue church or missions work as a career. In a season when many young adults are choosing to leave the church, why do some choose to pursue ministry as a vocation? Chae shares his story and Jolene discusses her research. How do the vision and values of Millennials for the church and religious institutions differ from older generations? How can those hiring, leading and working with Millennials in ministry encourage and empower them for a future of service? Jolene highlights some of the answers from her research. These are covered in more depth in her book, scheduled for release September 1st, 2014 and available for pre-order on her website at www.leadingtomorrow.org

Dr. Jolene Erlacher founded Leading Tomorrow (www.leadingtomorrow.org) in 2013. She enjoys speaking, training and consulting for churches, schools, businesses and non-profit organizations on generational trends, effective team development and intergenerational leadership. She also works part-time as an instructor at Sandhills Community College.

Jolene’s education background includes a graduate certificate in International Leadership. Her Master’s degree is in English and her doctorate is in Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She has also completed training on the StrengthsFinder assessment through Gallup Consulting and studied freelance writing at the Loft Literary Center.

Jolene lives in Pinehurst, NC with her husband, twin daughters and their dog Rex. She enjoys reading, writing and drinking coffee.

Rev. Charles (Chae) and his wife, Whitney, came to live in Southern Pines to join the ministry of SPUMC from Benson, NC in 2012. Chae is from Bennett, NC, and Whitney is from Robbins, NC. Both Chae and Whitney graduated from North Moore High School in 2005. Chae received his Bachelor of Arts in History from UNC at Chapel Hill in December, 2008. In the fall of 2009, he started at Duke Divinity School, where he received his Masters of Divinity in May of 2012.

Charles has enjoyed taking part in the ministries, either as an intern or staff member, at Pleasant Union UMC in Liberty, NC and Cokesbury UMC in Stedman, NC. Charles has also had experience as a chaplain intern through Wake Med. Both he and Whitney are excited about taking part in the mission and ministry of SPUMC as SPUMC continues to reach out and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills (Habitat), http://www.sandhillshabitat.org is equipped with all the right tools to build a brighter future in Moore County (and beyond), and it’s very evident from the strong executive team that has formed this year.

Listen to the team in the podcast below about their new roles and how excited they are to be part of Habitat in 2014.

This past month, Amie Fraley, started her new role as Executive Director at Habitat.

In her interview, you will get a chance to get to know her and how she got to where she is now. Amie not only talks about how she became connected to this wonderful organization,
but she also explains how Habitat helps our community. She answers the tough questions about what Habitat does to empower the families that are in need and the misconceptions of what it means to be a Habitat homeowner. Habitat strives to give a hand up – not a hand out – to qualified families.

Amie is also joined by her newly appointed Operations Director, Terry Gaar, who goes into great detail about the many branches Habitat has aside from building new homes. This includes land procurement, repairing homes and all the goodies you can find at their ReStores. The ReStore’s director, Kimberly Kinney, also started this year. She is not part of the interview; but we’ve heard she has some great new projects for the ReStore that you will see over the coming months.

Both Amie and Terry also explain all the volunteer options people can sign up for. In addition to volunteering on the construction site, you can also volunteer at the ReStore
in retail and/or volunteer at their reception desk in the main office. There are also many committees that play a role in the success of Habitat from the Board of Directors to their family selection committee.

In the last segment, Amie and Terry are joined by Habitat’s newest member of the team, Danielle Castellino, their new Public Relations and Resource Development Director. She explains the importance of communicating Habitat’s story to the rest of the world and how public relations plays a vital role in creating a two-way conversation with the communities that Habitat serves.

Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills’ mission is to partner with families, volunteers and the community to build houses, communities and future generations. Habitat has built over 200 homes and has repaired approximately 100 homes in Richmond and Moore Counties, since 1988. Over this time, Habitat has housed approximately 225 families in these areas. The hope is to add 11 more families to this total in the 2014-15 fiscal year. As an affiliate branch of Habitat for Humanity International, their work extends internationally to  Zambia and Haiti. Every day, Habitat works to provide safe, decent and affordable housing in the Sandhills area and beyond.

To sign up to volunteer, donate or hear more about our work and how you can be involved, visit http://www.sandhillshabitat.org for more information.

http://foreproperties.com/mp3/2014/July/ATMC-Habitat-7-28-14.mp3

With the advent of the 2nd edition of Mark! My Words, Dr. Mark Evans joins us to share his take on the state of today’s world against the backdrop of the rich Cultural History of Music, Language, the Arts, Theatre and Films that he is working diligently to communicate to the many generations of people living in our high tech, instant communication world.

In “Mark! My Words,” he explores our nation’s cultural crisis: classical music, jazz, film scores, and the masterpieces of musical theater are in danger of fading into an undeserved oblivion. Students are emerging from school unfamiliar with our nation’s musical heritage. This crisis extends not only to music, but also to an ignorance of good books, art, theater, and films. It is exacerbated by our vanishing history, a decline in language, and a pervasive celebrity culture. Mark! My Words offers a solution through Cultural Conservation and details what we can do as a society and what you can do as an individual to embark on an exciting journey of discovery that can truly impact your daily life.

www.culturalconservation.org

http://foreproperties.com/mp3/2014/July/Mark-Evans-final-7-25-14.mp3

Ed Aswad is an author, commercial, industrial and aerial photographer who has displayed an uncanny knack and zest for reinventing himself. His spirit, humor and candor are great examples of living life to the fullest.

Ed Aswad is joined by Greg Zywocinski, the current Co-President of the Moore County Historical Association to discuss Ed’s new book, 1001 Trivia Questions and Answers of Moore County. info@moorehistory.com.

While observing the vast amount of interesting history and culture in Moore County, as a new comer, Ed was again inspired to author another book. “1001 Trivia Questions and Answers of Moore County”. This book is a handbook of a vast amount of subjects found in Moore County. The book is a must for new comers and locals alike. In fact most locals find information they never knew about Moore County.

The publication makes a terrific gift for any age.

Ed Aswad lived most of his life in up-state New York, while raising his family, and operating a professional photographic studio for 40+ years in Binghamton, NY. He served in the US Army as a photographer stationed in the Hawaiian Islands for three years, and was honorably discharged.

Aswad is an accomplished author of various subjects. Some of his books can be obtained from Arcadia Publishing, local Moore County businesses and the author himself.

Ed has a star on the walk of fame, in Binghamton NY, and has also received the Jefferson Award, for his service in that community.

In 2012 Ed and Shelley moved to Moore County after purchasing a home and property in Vass.

In addition to his many accomplishments, Ed is also an avid collector of antiques – playing cards, model ships, marbles, cameos and many other items too numerous to mention. Ed can be reached at 910-245-2217

1001 Trivia Questions and Answers of Moore County can be purchased at the following locations; Aberdeen- Burneys Hardware, and Aberdeen Florist, Southern Pines locations- Shaw House, The Country Book Shop, Southern Pines Welcome Center , Southern Pines Chiropractic , Prancing Horse Inc., Pinehurst locations- Old Sport & Gallery – Pinehurst Village Book Shop, The Potpourri, Vass locations- Donrovern, Coopers Pharmacy, and BB&T Bank. Also on line www.ebay.com – key in 1001 Trivia Questions and Answers of Moore
County.

Greg Zywocinski is currently the Co-President of the Moore County Historical Association. Members of MCHA, including himself, assisted Ed in the writing of his book, 1001 Trivia Questions and Answers of Moore County. Greg also wrote the forward for the book. In addition to his present position with MCHA, a few of his previous positions include: past president of the Southern Pines Business Association, Chairmen of the SP Appearance Commission and VP of the Sunrise Theater. Greg is a local business man and a passionate 30 year resident of Southern Pines.

http://www.foreproperties.com/mp3/2014/July/ATMC-MooreCountyTrivia-7-11-14.mp3

Well over 40 years ago a hometown paper began in Pinehurst, NC. Under the leadership of Reid and Mary Ann Page, the Pinehurst Gazette, Inc became established in 1973. In seeking to preserve the history of Moore County, to cover local stories, and to feature maps of the area, the Pages invested their time and effort in creating a local icon that has stood the test of time. With a name such as Reid A. Page, becoming a writer was a destiny that prolifically produced Gazettes not only in Pinehurst, but also in Bald Head Island, the Blue Ridge Parkway and all over North Carolina. Over 40 years later, the Pinehurst Gazette remains and continues to enrich our hometown. We hear it time and time again as locals and guests alike share the same story, “The Pinehurst Gazette welcomed me to the area, and my first memories always include the Gazette – it was so unique, informative, entertaining, and those maps helped me find my way around town.”

Over the years, Reid and Mary Ann worked from their home office and even from a RV while producing the Gazettes. From their home in Pinehurst, they covered Moore County procuring advertisements, telling stories, and making their mark on our community. There aren’t many locals who don’t know Mr. Page as once you were privileged with a handshake, he’s a character you won’t soon forget. As time marched on through the stories, time brought along the Page’s retirement. With noble desires of a provider, Reid realized the importance of getting Mary Ann settled and re-united with her family in Winter Park, Florida, and thus a move relocated their belongings. Although a change of address was claimed, home will forever be the Sandhills for Reid as the Page family settled here generations ago as their names on prominent buildings and road signs permanently testify of their heritage.

Leaving home was hard enough for the Pages, but to leave their beloved life’s work behind was almost too much to bear. Too much a local landmark to neglect the rest of the story, the Pages were determined to find the Gazette’s new owners who needed to call Moore home, be invested in family, and love this land just as much as they did. The next chapter for the Gazette became the perfect match for the Sykes family.

In January 2012, the purchase was official as the Gazette found new owners in the hearts and home of Brian and Rebekah Sykes. Already invested as local business owners, settled in raising our family here, and totally invested, the Sykes are proud to call Moore County home.

The transition of ownership was a smooth one as the community whole-heartedly welcomed the fresh face of the Gazette, businesses remained faithful with their advertising, and locals responded with eager anticipation of the next issue. As we immersed ourselves into the newspaper business, we got to know our community better by meeting the business owners, interviewing the neighbors, and visiting all of the neighborhoods. Sharing the love of our community made our “job” fascinating as we couldn’t learn enough; we figure maybe we’ll have another 40 years to cover Moore.

Centered around the family, each family member participates in several ways as the responsibilities are delegated. Brian and I handle the ad sales, interviews, and layout as our children orchestrate the Community Kids pages and support the business meetings with their presence and Gazette deliveries with their outstretched arms. During our discussions over dinner and walks around town, we brainstorm; our family is totally immersed together in the Gazette on a daily basis.

Although the Gazette is family-owned and operated, our community shares the page as well. The Gazette involves the entire spectrum of our community through the businesses who advertise with us. Our advertisers cover the southern end of the county from Pinebluff through Aberdeen, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines, all the way through Carthage to the northern tip ending in Robbins. From Seven Lakes to Cameron and every town in between, we have the county covered. With Gazette deliveries made at each advertising business, including the local post offices, libraries, and village halls, there are many opportunities to find the newest issue. Gazettes are available free of charge as the advertisers make this possible through their ad support. We are very thankful for our advertisers who make it all happen, and in each issue, we introduce a local business owner. In telling their stories, we encourage local networking as readers gain new friendships and learn new places to shop.

We also cover the county through our contributors who are uniquely connected here with their families, friends, and careers. Their columns provide timely, useful advice, and you can keep up with your favorite contributor in each Gazette. No matter your interest, we feature topics from golf, to gardening, to home, and everything in between. Working in tandem with our contributors, we are a team! Our regular contributors include:

• George Nick Hunt, native of Moore, Veteran, Retired from Hughes Aircraft Co, – Tales of Moore.
• Eric Alpenfels, Director of Golf Instruction/Golf Academy at the Pinehurst Resort – Tee Time.
• Mary Beth Voelker, writer, mother, cook, gardener, crafter transplant to Moore – Home Sweet Southern Home.
• Wesley May, Retired Navy Pilot, Commanding Naval Officer stationed in Iceland and Guam, actively pursuing his bucket list while fellowshipping at Trinity Christian Fellowship and involved in Moore TEA Citizens – Let Freedom Ring.
• Joshua Peede, SCC Landscape Gardening Graduate and present Crew Manager and Design Specialist – Home Grown.
• Shannon Carey, Wake Forest Graduate and resident of Pinehurst – The Open Book.
• Katherine Smith, a native and student at Appalachian, writer and contributor to several publications – Through the Muscadine.
• And last but certainly not least, our most prolific contributor Mr. Larry Steven Crain. Retired from a career as a carpet industry designer and colorist for over 38 years, Southern Pines resident Crain is a freelance writer, artist, illustrator. You can find his writings and illustrations sprinkled throughout.

Other features not mentioned above include Neighborhood Watch that highlights locals out and about, Family Fun which presents pertinent, usually entertaining stories of family life, Health and Fitness covering all things health, the Puzzled? page custom-created by Brian, and Giving Back. The Giving Back feature is the heart of the paper for sure as we highlight a local organization who is helping the locals. As we tell their story, we also give back financially as our way of saying, “Thanks!” Neighbors helping neighbors is what it’s all about!

Just as varied as our contributors, each issue presents a unique variety of topics for our readers’ enjoyment. A local Gazette fan recently told us, “My favorite aspect of the Gazette is that you never know what you will find inside each new issue. The surprise is delightful!” There’s no doubt about it, you just never know what to expect, and that’s what has kept our readers coming back for decades.

The future of the Gazette shines more brilliantly than ever before as we honor our heritage, preserve local history, and engage our future as we endear the children through the Community Kids feature. As Rudyard Kipling so eloquently said, ““If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” As we concur, we continue to tell the incredible stories of our amazing locals who make Moore County the best place to live! We are family. We are local. We are preserving our hometown one story at a time with the Pinehurst Gazette, Inc.

Thanks for being part of our story.
From our home to yours,
The Sykes family
Owners of the Pinehurst Gazette, Inc

http://www.foreproperties.com/mp3/2014/June/ATMC-Pinehurst-Gazette-6-25-14.mp3