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Funeral Services at FTCC: Unique program celebrates 50 years

pexels ellie burgin 3345860Fayetteville Technical Community College is pleased to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the highly successful Funeral Services Education Program.

Since 1974, FTCC has trained students for rewarding careers in the funeral services industry. A great deal has changed in the half-century since those first students entered the program, but the core values of the program remain unchanged. The faculty, staff and students involved with this program are dedicated to helping people through some of the most difficult times most of us will ever experience.

Today, FTCC has the only funeral service program in North Carolina, but students from Richmond, Randolph, Vance Granville and Robeson community colleges now have the ability to earn academic credits from FTCC’s Funeral Service program, thanks to a unique partnership. Students travel from all over the state and the nation to study and learn industry-specific skills under the watchful eye of FTCC’s award-winning faculty—all licensed funeral service professionals. Students enjoy a well-rounded education in history, law, psychology, sociology, ethics, science, and funeral home operations.

Students may pursue the six-semester associate degree in Funeral Service Education, which includes courses in both funeral home operations and embalming sciences, or the three-semester N.C. Funeral Director Diploma Program, which focuses exclusively on funeral directing operations and management.

The majority of the program’s coursework can now be completed online, although some face-to-face coursework is required in embalming, restorative arts, and funeral service tasks. Students who already work in a funeral home may be allowed to complete a work-based learning option in lieu of attending the on-campus embalming lab.

Graduates of the curriculum, upon passing the national exams and completing an internship in a funeral home, will be qualified for employment as embalmers and/or funeral directors. The current median salary for funeral directors in North Carolina is $65,000 per year.

The United States Department of Labor reports strong growth in the Funeral Services industry and good job prospects for new graduates of accredited Funeral Service Education Programs, like the one at FTCC.
When student Nicole Henderson entered the Funeral Services Program at FTCC, she was concerned that she would be unable to balance her duties as a wife, a mother of three children, and a full-time employee. Nicole recently explained that her fears melted away almost instantly when she was greeted with “pure confidence” from her instructors at FTCC.

Nicole says, “I didn’t just earn a degree; I earned a whole new life.” She now enjoys a highly rewarding career as a funeral director at Reeves Funeral Home in Hope Mills. Nicole beams with pride when she calls her former instructors and “they treat me like a colleague.”

Are you ready to reimagine your future? If so, your next chapter starts at FTCC! Please contact us today. FTCC’s Funeral Services Education faculty are eager to help you take the next step on your path to success. The department chair is James Bullard, and he can be reached at bullardja@faytechcc.edu. His office is located at Cumberland Hall, Room 311-B, 2215 Hull Rd. or you can call 910-678-8301.

The full-time faculty includes David Brooks, Trey Herring and Rachel Dinehart, and the adjunct faculty includes David Hall, James Peterson, Patricia Burns, Tawanna Johnson and Ferell Mowell.

"I Love Balloons" opens in Hope Mills

i love balloons opening pictureFayetteville is the proud home of several women-owned businesses. March is Women’s History Month, a perfect time to highlight some of those businesses. Ta’Tianna Bonilla, lovingly known locally as the Balloon Lady and a Spring Lake native, has added herself to the long list of women business owners in the city with the opening of her store. I Love Balloons is located at 2622 Hope Mills Road Suite 112, open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday by Appointment Only.

Normally, balloon art is reserved for special occasions and requires placing an order early. Bonilla is bringing the craft of balloon art to everyday life. The concept is unique and one that she hopes will be successful and provide customers with an experience.

“I wanted to do something outside of the normal. I wanted to display balloon art. You can always run to Party City, Family Dollar, and even Dollar Tree to purchase balloons. We don’t have many places where you can purchase balloon art. I want my customers to feel like they are walking through an exhibit of Balloons. I want to be able to provide more than just a regular helium bundle of balloons. I want you to have an experience,” Bonilla said of why she chose to open her store.

Bonilla has been working with balloons for the majority of her life.

“I’ve literally loved balloons since I was a child. I remember always saying ‘I Love Balloons’ in high school and I had them taped to my bedroom wall. A simple balloon can really change the whole room. Balloons can bring happiness to any situation. No matter the age or gender, balloons will always bring a smile to someone’s face. I love making people happy and bringing smiles. That’s the reason why I picked this field. I love balloons and I know others do too,” she said.

The Balloon Lady didn’t actually get her start until tragedy struck a friend.

She explained, “I was asked to decorate my friend's son's gravesite. He was only 3 years old when he passed. I decided to try this balloon column and at the time it wasn’t the greatest. Everyone loved it! The balloons really brought that family so many smiles just based off that single balloon column. Even during a very sad time, balloons brought joy smiles and comfort.”

There are big plans for I Love Balloons. Bonilla, a faithful Christian and proud member of True Vine Ministries, has faith that her business is destined to prosper and as a savvy business owner, has a plan for the expansion of the business.

“The long-term goal for my business is to become a balloon distributor. Within the next 3 to 5 years, I would love to have a warehouse and we can distribute balloons throughout the whole world. I want to be able to set my family up for generational wealth. My family has been the backbone of my business … Mom, Xavier, Corrisa, Chisa, Angel, Ebony … When other balloon artists think of balloons for their business I want them to think of my company. I’m 35 so I know I won’t be able to twist balloons for the rest of my life but I can be the balloon plug worldwide,” she said. For now, The Balloon Lady is excited about stepping into a brick-and-mortar and serving a community she cares for.

“Being a woman in business is absolutely amazing. I took my leap of faith and left my job 3 years ago this July. I remember talking to some of my higher-ups and explaining what I wanted to do. I know they thought ‘this lady is crazy leaving her job to do balloons!’ So to open my store was a dream. I can’t even to begin to explain. I’m a black woman from Spring Lake who went to Spring Lake Middle School and I own a balloon shop. I have clients that range from the single mother doing their children’s first birthday parties to Mr. Rick Hendricks's automotive corporate location in Charlotte, North Carolina. God has been absolutely amazing when it comes to blessing this Christian woman-owned business,” Bonilla said.
For more information on I Love Balloons visit their Facebook page,

https://www.facebook.com/BalloonLadyTati, and remember “There’s always an occasion to order balloons.”

Soldiers compete in Philip A. Connelly Awards

20240305 0644020On March 5th, Fort Liberty's Provider's Cafe took part in the Philip A. Connelly army-wide competition between dining facilities.

Every day, their team of 92G (Cook and Culinary) soldiers prepared and honed their teamwork, talents, and organization in preparation for Tuesday's competition. Beginning at 5 a.m., the soldiers arrived and began their preparation for the day's event. Shortly after, Sgt. First Class Brown ran the troops through their morning formation and gave them an inspiring speech about their dedication, efforts thus far, and drive to prove that they were the best 92G the Army had to offer.

"I want them to enjoy themselves. This is their profession; this is what they do. This is culinary arts. It is an opportunity to show what they can do. But for them, it's just another day. They are always putting their best foot forward trying to be the best version of themselves and improve,” said Lt. Vuylsteke.

The morning started with breakfast and it was truly something to see. Fresh squeezed juice from pineapples, celery, and cucumbers was made available to all soldiers at the beginning of the line going through the facility. The well-known omelet station, scratch-made biscuits and carbs were at the beginning as is common in “warrior restaurants,” as they are coming to be called.
However, these were different.

Time, care and effort went into every step of the process the team at the Provider's Cafe took to ensure the highest quality food was made available to the soldiers who would be eating there.

Throughout the line, talk of their highly regarded French toast was abundant. There were sweet potato pancakes, fresh fruits, fresh yogurts, and a variety of cereals also present that far outdid the standard at most other warrior restaurants throughout the Army.

The shift lead and first cook of the team, Staff Sgt. Johnson and Sgt. McCrae, attributed their continual success to their communication and effective teamwork that ensured every member of their team knew their jobs and how to execute their roles. Their success depended on them supporting one another throughout the competition and daily process.

"Teamwork and making sure everyone did their jobs, but also picking each other up and helping," said Sgt. McCrae on his perspective on their what has led them to their current reputation for excellence. "But we do that on the daily. We came together and worked together to achieve that goal."

Lunchtime was where the team was able to really shine. The main courses being prime rib and fresh grilled chicken, the team outdid themselves in both their preparation and presentation of the menu items for that day's meal.

The item that stole the show was undoubtedly the red velvet cake made by Spc. De La Cruz. The dessert item was so delicious, even the competition graders couldn't help but have another piece.

Overall, the team of 92G at the Provider's Cafe excelled in their craft and was able to provide the highest quality of service and nutrition available to the soldiers who chose to eat there. This standard is one they exemplify daily, and their achievement as one of six finalists in the competition is evidence of that.

The winner won't be announced until later; however, they will be strong contenders for first place amongst the entire Army for their commitment to the tenets of the military, and their dedication to their craft as culinary artists.

Brain injury awareness month: Warning signs of concussion

pexels anna shvets 4226119No athlete, professional or amateur or otherwise, is immune from injury. Most athletes recognize the risk for injury is always present, but the thrill of competition and challenging oneself physically is enough to relegate injury concerns to the back burner.

Sports injuries may be part of the competitive athletics equation, but that does not make them any easier to handle when they occur. One of the more serious injuries that can occur when playing sports does not involve fractures or sprains. Concussions are brain injuries that can cause temporary loss of normal brain function. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and learning the signs of concussions can save lives.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that concussions are caused by direct trauma to the head. Potential causes of such trauma can be a fall or a blow to the head. Involvement in a motor vehicle accident also can cause concussion.

Concussions affect non-athletes as well as athletes, which is important for people from all walks of life to recognize. However, athletes who compete in contact sports like football, ice hockey, rugby, and soccer should be especially mindful of concussions.

That's because contact sports tend to have the highest concussion rates. Concussion rates can be hard to tabulate, as many athletes may suffer mild concussions and never report any issues to parents or coaches.

However, a 2019 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that, between the 2013-14 and 2017-18 school years, the three sports with the highest concussion rates were boys' football, girls' soccer and boys' ice hockey. Of course, adult athletes also can suffer concussions, which underscores how important it is that all individuals, and especially athletes competing in contact sports, learn to recognize the symptoms of a concussion.

With that in mind, the AANS notes these are some common symptoms of concussion:
• Confusion
• Headache
• Vision disturbances (double or blurry vision)
• Dizziness or imbalance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Memory loss
• Ringing ears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of smell or taste
• Trouble falling asleep

Concussions should be taken seriously, and it's important to note that most people fully recover after a concussion. However, the AANS urges people to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms have not gone away within 10 to 14 days. In addition, certain situations that can arise after suffering a concussion should be brought to the attention of a physician. Such situations include:

• Headache worsens or does not go away
• Speech is slurred, and feelings of weakness, numbness or decreased coordination present
• Significant nausea or repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
•Inability to wake up
• Symptoms worsen at any time
• History of multiple concussions

Concussions are serious brain injuries that should not be taken lightly. Athletes and parents of young athletes should discuss concussion prevention strategies with coaches and report any issues to a physician immediately.

More information about concussions can be found at aans.org.

Disability support services help students achieve educational goals

pexels marcus aurelius 4064229The friendly and caring staff members of the Disability Support Services office at Fayetteville Technical Community College are eager to provide students with the services they need to achieve their educational and career goals.

The Disability Support Services office supports FTCC’s commitment to the equality of educational opportunities for qualified students and provides academic and technology resources to support student success while pursuing academic goals. Support services are provided for all registered students (day, evening, and online) with physical, psychological, or learning disabilities.
Student Testimonial

Chris Clark joined the U. S. Army in 2004. He became a parachute rigger and a member of the Golden Knights, the Army’s elite parachute team. Chris’s military career came to a tragic end when he suffered from a double parachute failure, which made him an incomplete paraplegic. At FTCC, Chris found a welcoming family who helped him overcome the challenges of learning to weld, while confined to a wheelchair.

“If I needed something, all I had to do was ask,” Chris said. When asked what he would say to other disabled people who are considering taking classes at FTCC, Chris indicated that “there’s no reason not to” enroll. Despite his disability, Chris thoroughly enjoys his time at the college. “The instructors are totally open,” he said. “They don’t treat me any differently than anyone else. They joke with me like they do with everyone else.”

The FTCC Disability Support Services office helps countless students including Chris, and they are eager to help you, too.

Services include, but are not limited to:
• Working with instructors to ensure that they understand each student’s unique needs
• Helping students obtain alternative-format textbooks
• Requesting an interpreter to help students with communication
• Providing students with one-on-one study and strategy sessions
• Facilitating student testing accommodations

Are you ready to get started? If so, please begin by completing the intake form on the website and submit your supporting documentation. After the staff receives your documentation, they will review your materials, and a friendly disability support expert will contact you if there are any questions.

Would you like to know more? If so, please contact the FTCC Disability Support Services office today. At FTCC, we are eager to help you achieve your goals. Students are currently registering for spring 8-week classes, which begin March 14. Registration for summer and fall classes will be occurring soon. With tremendous resources, such as the Disability Support Services, to help students make the most of their learning experience, FTCC can help you reimagine your future. Your next chapter starts here!

Visit the Disability Support Services at Tony Rand Student Center Room 127, 2201 Hull Rd., Fayetteville or call 910-678-8559. Dr. Casey Groover can be reached via email at
ada@faytechcc.edu. For more information, visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/accessibility/

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