Geoff Cutler is owner of Cutler Tree LLC in Southern Pines, a full service tree care company. He has worked with trees for both the private homeowner and in the urban landscape for over 35 years. Actively involved in our community, Geoff has served on the boards of Episcopal Day School, Stars Charter School, and was president of the Sandhills Youth Soccer league.
Geoff served on the Weymouth Center Board of Directors and is currently vice president of the Sunrise Theater. Geoff is also past chairman of the Southern Pines Appearance Commission, and member of the commission’s tree committee. Listeners of WEEB may also remember Geoff’s columns in The Pilot, and his “Thoughts From the Manshed” byline in PineStraw Magazine. Geoff is currently on sabbatical from those writing pursuits, but plans to start writing again soon. Geoff lives in Southern Pines with his wife Brooke, a teacher at the O’Neal, and together they brought up two children here in Southern Pines, Will and Whitney.
In addition to Geoff’s overview of our area, since he first came to live here in 1995, Geoff and Steve Leader Adams discuss the possible ramifications revolving around Midland Rd., safety issues and the attempt to find a middle ground by saving the character & ambience of Midland Rd. while increasing traffic safety, as our population increases and our traffic density continues to rise.Cutler Tree can be reached at 910 692-7769.
Tree Pruning – Removal – Stump Grinding – Tree Loss Appraisal & Evaluation – Plant Site Consulting – Planting – Shrub Care – Lightning Strike – Insurance Appraisals
From the founding of Penick Village to the challenges and rewards of today, these three committed individuals, with a combined 55 years of experience, cover the premise and philosophy of this iconic Independent & Assisted living Family based center.
From their website:
Penick Village has a distinct, multi-dimensional approach to keeping our residents healthy and happy. Our vision is based on an uncompromising commitment to deinstitutionalizing the aging experience. What does this mean? In its simplest terms, we strive daily to provide a welcoming home to our residents and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Mission Statement: “We are a family creating a loving community by making each day great for one another.”
As a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, this mission along with our vision of deinstitutionalization, is of great importance to the organization and influences each and every decision made. Both our vision and mission include our residents, their families, and our co-workers while also encompassing all elders in our community.
We’ve recently adapted the philosophy of “Making Today Great,” a mission to encourage our residents and staff everyday to enhance the health and wellbeing of every member of the Penick family through stewardship and service. Around campus you will see employees wearing green buttons as a daily reminder of our heartfelt pledge to our community.
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A CONVERSATION WITH PINECREST SENIOR EMMA GENTRY LANDRY
Katrin Franklin, owner of the Bump & Baby store in the Village and the
President of the PBP, is joined by Potpourri owner & Public Relations person
for the PBP, Bill Wood, & Secretary Crystal Marie-Eads-Brown, owner of
Jacqueline’s Boutique & Marie & Marcel Boutique.
The Village of Pinehurst is highlighted amongst this group of store owners who discuss the vibrant Village environment, the new businesses and the changing demographics. As a group, the PBP reached out to Family Promise as a designated agency they are partnering with this Christmas season.
Executive Director of Family Promise, Susan Bellew speaks about the tenets of Family Promise and the vital services this agency provides.
Emma Gentry is a Pinecrest Senior, Morehead-Cain Scholarship Candidate & #1 Single Tennis player on the Pinecrest team.
She is one of the best and brightest students in Moore County and ample evidence of what a nurturing family and supportive environment can do to make a difference. Emma Gentry is the voice on the well-known Thigpen & Jenkins radio ads on 103.1.
‘Inspirational Thoughts for the Week’. Her heart, her charm, her personality and her zest for living can all be heard in our interview.
Barrett Walker, Exec. Director of the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care, Myron Dice, chairperson of Christmas for Moore (formerly The Empty Stocking Fund), and the Rev. Dr. Paul Murphy of the Trinity Community Outreach Center and the Murphy Family Musical Ensemble gather to discuss the Christmas season and to increase awareness of those not as fortunate as some at this special time of year.
The many agencies in and around Moore County don’t elevate their game at the Christmas season, as their endeavors are a 12 month a year exercise.
The Christmas season is however, a time of giving and hope. We are surrounded by people in Moore County of all types of people of different incomes, different needs and different problems.
A Thanksgiving weekend tradition, Taylor Dance welcomes the holiday season with its magical Nutcracker ballet. Why drive to Charlotte or Raleigh when you can experience a performance of a similar caliber right here at home? It’s the perfect blend of professional artistry with student talent that makes Taylor Dance’s production an unparalleled holiday favorite.
Ballet is really hard and most people underestimate the physical and mental stamina it takes. There are a lot of kids out there that truly love to dance but are unwilling to accept the “consequences” that come with it. When you are training seven days a week, participating in full day rehearsals on the weekends, perform in multiple productions throughout the year, and spend your summers in a ballet studio, it can limit one’s ability to adequately nurture relationships. She has shed a few people along the way. Some of those relationships I mourn every day. Some, I count as a blessing that they are no longer there. Don’t get me wrong, there have been times that even I asked her to pull back to no avail. Asking her to stop dancing is like asking her to stop breathing.
About two years ago we made significant changes and we found Gary and Rita Taylor. Gary is an artist genius and an incredible ballet teacher. Rita is a powerhouse. Gary and Rita, their son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Julie, Elizabeth and Christine Fowle and the entire Winston Salem Festival Ballet, High Point Ballet, and Taylor Dance faculty, staff and families took my children in and have nurtured and loved them so much over the last two years. The girls have grown personally and technically by leaps and bounds.
Yes, I am proud, but more than anything I am grateful. I am grateful for wonderful people that love my kids, inspire them, and want to see them succeed at something they love as much as they love to breathe.
I am thankful for my village. They are a group of funny, strong, intelligent, and confident women who not only celebrate their own children’s accomplishments but also support and encourage other children as well.
I am grateful for the professional dancers that the girls work with and learn from. They provide a healthy dose of inspiration and they are positive role models that bring both fun and professionalism to the studio and to the stages in which they so beautifully grace.
-Dana Costanza (mother of Mary & Sarah Costanza)
Some of the talking points these young ladies and Artistic Director Gary Taylor cover are:
Choreography for the show-All aspects of the performance are choreographed by Gary. He is a nationally renowned choreographer and has been recognized as such by various awards
The scenery or set for The Nutcracker. Valued at over $200,000 and designed by Howard Jones, the internationally renowned Director of Scenic Art and Scene Painting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, the hand-painted set of “Gary Taylor’s Nutcracker” is visually stunning. Complemented by exquisitely detailed period costumes designed by Executive Director, Rita Taylor, and original choreography by award-winning Artistic Director, Gary Taylor, the entire show is a feast for the eyes.
Costuming-All costuming is professional created
Faculty at Taylor Dance-All of our faculty are conservatory trained professional dancers who are for the most part still performing.
Lighting Designers are from New York.
Hidden meanings in The Nutcracker
Preparation for the show from the Dancer’s perspective
Dancers talk about work/school balance and the rigors of a pre-professional ballet program.
Dancers can speak about what it is like to work with the professional dancers that teach them, dance with them and mentor them daily.
Opportunities for the dancers after their graduation from the pre-professional program. Where do they go from here?
About Artistic Director – Gary Taylor
Meet Gary Taylor, the Artistic Director of Taylor Dance, High Point Ballet, and Winston-Salem Festival Ballet:
Gary is recognized for his mastery of original works, innovative choreography, partnering, instruction, and performance. Some of his
choreographic awards and recognitions include:
Regional Dance America (RDA) National Choreographic Award, for “Dreams” (1999)
Outstanding North Carolina Teacher in Performing Arts (1999) by University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Regional Dance America (RDA) National Choreographic Commission Award for “Temptation” (2004)
Regional Dance of America (RDA) Choreographic Recognition Award for “Angels” (2006)
Regional Dance America (RDA) National Festival (2008) Original Ballet, “Last Breath,” performed at the Benedum Theatre in Pittsburg, PA at the National RDA Festival
“Last Breath” featured in the February 2008 edition of Pointe Magazine
Adjudicator for RDA Northeast & Mid States Festival held in Pittsburgh, PA (2011)
Director of the RDA National Choreography Intensive (2010-Present)
Despite his impressive reputation, Gary can still be found in the studio daily, working with our Level 1 students on pointe and partnering, overseeing weekend rehearsals, and even making cameo appearances in “The Nutcracker.”
The original choreography in Gary Taylor’s “Nutcracker” has been refined over thirty years of performances and is a treat for every member of your family. Buy your tickets now by visiting our Facebook page from your desktop or laptop and clicking on “Buy Tickets” on the left menu. If you’re on mobile, then just visit this link:
