State

The State We 're In Would You Like Fries With That? McDonald's and Hardee’s prob¬ ably have nothing to worry about, but the competition for drive-through business on the Outer Banks just got a bit tougher. Thai’s because North Carolina's only drive-through window for travel infor¬ mation opened late last year in Manteo. Operated by the Dare County Tourist Bureau, the drive-up window allows vis¬ itors to get information on the area quickly and easily. "We realize that leisure time is valu¬ able.” says Rebecca Moore, tourism director for the Bureau. "When folks reach the Outer Banks they are eager to start enjoying our beautiful beaches, his¬ toric sites or water sports. Now informa¬ tion is available without leaving the car." The Dare County Tourist Bureau, the promotional and marketing arm for North Carolina’s Outer Banks, recently moved its administrative headquarters to a building formerly operated by a bank. Instead of remodeling, officials agreed to keep the former teller window as a service to visitors. “We feel our information is almost as valuable as cash withdrawals." Moore says. "Of course, we make lots of deposits for our visitors with our hospitality.” Information available through the window includes a vacation guide, fish¬ ing brochure, information on state and national parks, historic sites and out¬ door recreational activities such as wind¬ surfing and hang gliding. Also, a guide to enjoying the Outer Banks during fall and winter was made- available for the first time last October. The brochure includes information on events and festivals, as well as getaway packages offered by area hotels and real estate offices. The bureau's drive-through window is located on Roanoke Island along U.S. 64 in Manteo. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on weekends during the summer. Wheeler Now On Board At N.C. Museum of Art The North Carolina Museum of Art has a new director. Dr. Lawrence J. Wheeler, an alum¬ nus of Pfeiffer College in Miscn- heimer. was recently selected from among dozens of applicants to fill the post. He has been on the job since October. "We are very excited about the new perspectives that Larry will bring to the Museum of Art, “ says North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Sec¬ retary Betty Ray McCain. "His recent experience at the Cleveland Museum of Art anti his long-standing ties with North Carolina make him the ideal candidate for the job." Since 1985, Wheeler has been the assistant director anti director of de¬ velopment at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where he planned and managed all museum fund-raising, marketing, special events, membership activities anti government affairs. Wheeler was previously the deputy secretary of the North Carolina Depart¬ ment of Cultural Resources from 1977 Dr. Ixmrence Wheeler to 1985. He was instrumental in that job in the grand opening of the new North Carolina Museum of Art build¬ ing in 1983 and in establishing a board of trustees. He has also worked with the North Carolina Symphony as director of audience development, the North Carolina Bicentennial Commission as director of community programs and as an assistant professor of history at Pfeiffer College. “We conducted a vigorous nation¬ wide search and arc fortunate to find such a dynamic leader." says Terry San¬ ford. chairman of the Museum of Art’s board of trustees. “With the construc¬ tion of our landmark Museum Park Theater, the North Carolina Museum of Art is prepared for dramatic expan¬ sion in the 21st century and Larry is just the man to take us there." At the Cleveland Museum of Art, Wheeler was credited with increasing the unrestricted annual operating sup- port from $-100,000 to $2.5 million. In his time there, he more than doubled the membership base, secured more than $5 million in corporate under¬ writers and marketing for 21 exhibi¬ tions and obtained more than S5.5 mil¬ lion in new foundation and govern¬ ment grants. Also, Wheeler developed the Museum's first curatorial chair, two endowed galleries and added $15 mil¬ lion to the endowment. The 50-year-old Wheeler was born in Lakeland, Florida. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in his¬ tory and French from Pfeiffer College in 1965 and received his master's degree and Ph.D. in European Histo¬ ry from the University of Georgia in 1969 and 1972. respectively. The North Carolina Museum of Art began a national search for a new director when its former head. Richard Schneidcrman, resigned in November 1993. N С Mukuii ol An b> Bill Gijr The State/Jaiuary 1995