Newspapers / The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, … / Oct. 3, 1991, edition 1 / Page 9
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under the sun THE BRUNSWICItfeBEACON D THURSDAY. OCTOBER 3. 1991 1 D Holden Beach ? I Manager Enjoys Challenges Of New Job BY DOUG RUITKR Gary Parker enjoys a good challenge ? whether it be on the job or away from the office on a golf course or other field of play. As the new town manager of Molden Reach, Parker is likely to facc many challenges in the weeks and months and years to come. Willi the town looking to improve its recycling pro gram, form a water rescue team and develop a septic tank management program in the near future, Parker has his hands full and wouldn't have it any other way. "The challenge is probably the thing I like about it most," he said in a recent interview. "It stretches you as a person and a professional." Parker, who look over as town manager two months ago, said lite work so far has been stimulating and never boring. "The variety of work you have as a town man ager keeps me interested." Among his favorite duties as manager are budgeting and working with different types of people ? from de velopers and engineers to staff and elected officials. Parker started working at Holdcn Beach Aug. 5 and said he hasn't been around long enough to discuss long term goals. But he said Holdcn Beach has difficult is sues to deal with, just like every other town. If there's a down side to being a town manager, Parker said it's die stress that comes from many people pulling you in different directions and the lack of job security. Parker, hired from a field of about HX) applicants following a six-month search process, is Holden Beach's third town manager since January 1989. The first manager, Gus Ulrich, worked about 20 months before resigning for personal reasons. Blake Proctor served as manager six months before resigning under pressure from the town board. Parker said insecurity is part of the profession no matter where you go. "Any of us would be lying if we said it doesn't remain in the back of our mind," he said. But in most cases, Parker said managers can feel some sense of security. "If you treat people fairly anil with respect and you do your management job well, you don't have to worry about the security aspect." Although he was born in Massachusetts, Parker considers Florida his home suite. His family moved to Fort Lauderdale when he was in the fifth grade, and he graduated from Florida Stale University in 1970. Alter a few years in the social work field, Parker entered the graduate program at N.C. State University in Raleigh, where he received a master's degree in pub lic administration. Parker said intensive study of city government and management at N.C. State redirected his interest away from social work and into die local government field. His first related job was program analyst in the city manager's office in Raleigh. He took his first job as a town manager in Franklinton in 19X1. Parker also has worked as assistant manager in Newington, Conn., and most recently as town manager in Erwin. Parker said he's not a workaholic, but takes his job seriously when he's at the office. "I think it's important to have a balance," he said. Away from the office, Parker enjoys concerts and plays and looks forward to visiting Thalian Hall in GARY PARKER, pictured at the end of Holden Heach Fishing Pier, says he enjoys the challenges he faces s'AfF photo by doug ?urrei as town manager. " The challenge is probably the thing I like about it most. It stretches you as a person and a professional ? Gary Parker Wilmington. Most of the reading he does is work-related. The athletic 44-year-old also likes participating in all types of sports and outdoor activities. Although he hasn't had much time for exercise since moving to the beach, the self-proclaimed "sports nut" enjoys tennis, basketball, football, biking, hiking and golf. "I'm also one of those people who think running is THE CAPE FEAR FOOT CENTER SOUTH UKl'NSWICK ISl-ANIJS MKDICAL PARK IIWV. 17 SOUTH AND UNION I'Kl.MAKV SCHOOL KOAD Professional, Thorough and Gentle Foot Care ?Heel Pain i Heel Spin ?Bunions, Corns, Calluses ?Warts. Ingrown Nails ?Running Sports Injuries Broken Bones ?Diabetic Foot Care / Nail Care ?Alternatives to Surgery ?In-Oft'ice Suruerv ? Insurance Forms f iled lor You '.Most Insurances Accepted ? Blue ( ross Cost\\ isc Provider ? Medicare Assignment Accepted Dr. Gregory Young, DPM By Appointment Only 579-0828 Medical & Surgical Specialist of the Foot and Ankle Daily Luncheon Specials imimian ]gp Sunday Lunch Buffet Relax, we'll do the cooking. 1 1 :30-2 PM Closed Sunday evenings. Seafood ? Sandwich Plates ? Prime Rib Lunch Specials ? Salads ? Carry-Outs HWY. 130 E. SHALLOTTE 754-8168 I IWY. 2 1 I SOI !TI I POUT 457-G588 ihe farthest thing from work," he said. A stress fracture in his left fool kepi him from running at Holden Beach uniil miil-Scptcmbcr. Parker said Holden Beach's llai terrain makes it a gtxxl place to jog. "Between jogging and biking I ought to sec a good bit of the town up close," he said. Parker considers himself a novice golfer, but hasn't had an opportunity to play any of the growing number of local courses. He says driving is the weakest part of his game. "I've sworn 1 have so much trouble with my woods I'm going to ir>' to play an enure IX holes with irons," he said. "I haven't had a chance to try it yet." Since moving to the beach. Parker has been living in an apartment above the police department, just a few hundred feet from his office at town hall. "Commuting has definitely been cut down.'' he says with a smile. "I can just walk out of here and into my house, and I feel safe." Parker said his wife, Wendy, plans to move to Holden Beach in October when she completes a com puter programming job There's a whole new world of savings and financial options out there. Our experienced personnel will steer you right and help you weather unexpected storms. They'll lead you through the unfamiliar waters of these services: ?Interest-earning checking ?Savings accounts ?Certificates of Deposit ?Direct Deposit ?Home mortgages ?Home improvement loans ?Drive-up facilities ?Consumer loans ?Safety deposit boxes ?Traveler's checks ?Investment counseling ?IRAs Don't set off by yourself. Set sail into our offices today. ?V j\ * v ^ f f ? Security SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION iQUli K.illC (M LENDER v > ?Southport 'Leland 'Shallotte -Calabash ?Long Beach 457-5246 371-6546 754-4371 579-3595 278-6022yf
The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, N.C.)
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Oct. 3, 1991, edition 1
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