NC Governor Roy Cooper once stated, “North Carolina is committed to living up to our responsibility to deliver a quality education to every student in every county.” (NC Gov, 2020).
To help fulfill Governor Cooper’s vision, Fayetteville Technical Community College has joined other community colleges around the state to recruit and prepare highly qualified teachers in every county in North Carolina.
FTCC is thrilled to offer a Residency Licensure Certificate Program. The Residency Licensure Certificate program is designed for college graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and desire to become an elementary education teacher.
The RLCP takes about three years to complete. The program includes 6 courses and 18 hours of study. Learners complete one course per semester while teaching full-time in the classroom. FTCC is currently serving teachers in Cumberland and Wake Counties.
Coursework includes classes in learning theory, instructional/educational technology, diverse learners, school policies and procedures, expectations and responsibilities of educators, teaching strategies/methods for specific content/specialty areas, formative/summative assessment, data-informed practice, and classroom organization/management to enhance learning. These classes, in combination with hands-on experience in the classroom, will provide students with the foundation they need to become successful professional educators.
Through the support of TeachNC, FTCC recently awarded over $17,000 in scholarships to 8 teachers currently teaching in elementary schools.
For admission into the program, the candidate must:
• be a U.S. citizen, or eligible for employment,
• have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher,
• have completed 24 hours of coursework in the requested licensure area or passed the North Carolina State Board of Education required content area examination(s) for the requested licensure area,
• provide a letter of employment or promised placement.
“I am thankful for the support of the (Residency Licensure) teacher program at FTCC because it has allowed me to have a virtual but hands-on experience with our advisor who has weekly check-ins and meetings to review information and encourages us toward our licensure goal,” said Kendall Carter, current student and teacher for Cumberland County Schools.
The key to the future economic and overall success of North Carolina lies in recruiting and retaining quality teachers to cultivate the next generation of North Carolinians. As a teacher, you will make more than a living. You will make a difference.
Are you ready to learn more? Please contact program director Heather Craven in the Education Department at cravenh@faytechcc.edu or call 910-678-9790 for more information.
The Education Department’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is located at Cumberland Hall 302, 2125 Hull Rd.

Calling all Zumba enthusiasts and those who are just curious, it’s the 12th Annual St. Jude Zumbathon. There has been no better excuse to pull out those old leotards than for a good cause with LOTS of dancing. Join local Zumba instructors for 2.5 hours of non-stop DANCING. Although dancing is fun, it is not required, nor is any previous dance training. The fun starts on July 6 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, located at 5766 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15. The day of the event they will be $20 at the door and VIP (which gets you prime Zumba floor space on the first 2-3 rows AND a special gift from St. Jude) are $30. All of the proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research.
Zumbathon is the passion project of local fitness and personal instructor, mother of 3, military wife, and veteran, Natalie Haskell.
“Although I love supporting many charities, my favorite charity is St. Jude. I was honored and blessed to visit the hospital with some of my Zumba friends in 2013. It was an amazing experience. I also host this annual event in Severna Park, Maryland. When the Army moved us there in 2015, I continued the annual event traveling to Fayetteville; and now I travel also to Maryland since moving back in July 2022,” she said. “I decided to do an annual charity event for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in mid-April 2013. I volunteered to do a Relay for Life Flash Mob along with a midnight 1-hr Zumba class, outside of Jack Britt High School. I was honored to lead and be part of such a great cause; It was an AMAZING experience to volunteer and give back to the community.
“It was a mind-blowing experience to also have so much support from my Zumba friends, and the community! While performing a routine, I spotted a little girl between the age of 7-10, in the front row, with no hair and a wrapped purple scarf around her head. She was as happy as can be and smiling from ear to ear while dancing. At that time I thought and promised myself to do a charity event every year in honor of all the children battling cancer, with 100% proceeds for St. Jude's, as a way to give back with something that I truly enjoy doing, dancing! With less than 30 days of planning, I hosted the first annual St. Jude Zumbathon on May 31, 2013. We raised $1,100 for St. Jude. To date, we have raised over $140,000 for the hospital,” Haskell said.
Attendees can look forward to raffles, door prizes and a variety of vendors to shop with or get resources from such as Fit4Life Hope Mills, Isagenix International, Scentsy and Mary Kay. Instructors include some familiar faces such as Raisa Sanabria, Arturo Saldana, Jolecia Purcell, Judy Stephens, Teia Tyler, Jenya E Nguyen, Morgan Jones, Nina Batton, Amy McLeod Brewer, Fanny Loving Zumba®, Devins Nickens, and Sarah Brennan. This year’s event is sponsored by and wouldn’t be possible without, Fit4Life in Hope Mills, Hope Mills Recreation Center, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (raffle prizes), and Corbin Flash Photography and Videography.
Haskell is looking forward to this year’s Zumbathon and the many people and organizations that made it possible.
“A special shout out to the Fayetteville Zumba community for all of their support, Hope Mills Recreation Center for allowing us to use their space to host this most noble cause; also to Corbin Flash for donating his time and great talents for our photos and videos. My dear and sweet friends who have supported this cause and event since our first Zumbathon in 2013, Lynn Cline, Terry Knight, Adilah Khalil-Ullah, and Linda Higgins from Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, and my Maryland friends, Jennie Gaviola, Gwen Coleman and Genny PJ.”

(Photo: Natalie Haskell hosted the 12th Annual Zumbathon in Maryland at the beginning of June. The Fayetteville event will be held July 6. Photo courtesy of Working with Natalie Facebook Page)

Rowan Skate Park Summer Camp is a weekly opportunity for the youth to enhance their skills in action sports like skateboarding, scooter riding, inline skating and BMX starting July 29.
Terry Grimble, owner of Daville Skate Shop and instructor for Rowan Skate Camp, said the camp is for kids who want to learn how to skateboard, scooter ride, inline skate or BMX ride. Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 15.
Grimble said campers must bring their own skateboards, scooters, skates or bikes and safety gear.
Scooters specially made for skate parks will be for purchase. Grimble said this is important because not all store-bought ones are safe for a skate park.
The camp dates are: July 29 through August 2, August 5 through 9, August 12 through 16 and August 19 through 23. The cost is $149 for the week. Campers can do one week or all four weeks.
Payment for camp can be done in person via cash, check or card at Rowan Skate Park or online at https://www.rowanskatepark.com/.
Grimble discussed the purpose of the skate camp.
“Riding skate parks can be intimidating and this camp will help overcome those fears, and get those basics down for their sport,” he said.
For the more advanced students, he wants campers to advance to their next personal skill level.
Grimble said campers will learn how to ride the skateboard, scooter, inline skates or bikes correctly. He said he and his instructor, Mavrick Pitman, will work with individuals on their personal level.
“We both have a passion for action sports,” he said.
On rainy days, video learning will be applied. Campers will watch videos on top professionals in the industry, instructional videos and competition videos.
For the teenagers who are interested in a career in this, Grimble will teach about starting a business, how to host skate events and gain sponsorships.
Rowan Skate Park is a part of Rowan Park in Haymount in Fayetteville. The Daville Skate Shop, located next to the park, has a lounge and snack bar where campers start their day.
Campers will not be traveling for this camp.
Grimble said this skate camp is important because it gets kids started in action sports the right way. He said this allows them to advance their experience.
“Skateboarding is hard, but the rewards are great,” he said. “A lot of students will get on a skateboard and think they’re not meant to be on a skateboard. But once they master a kickflip . . ., it makes you feel like you can accomplish anything after being consistent. It helps them set goals and earn those goals.”
Not New To This, But True to This
Grimble grew up in Fayetteville and has been integral in the skate community over the last 30+ years. He started his first skate park project in 1989, which officially opened in 1993. He’s been a skate instructor since 1993 in Fayetteville. He opened his first store in the area in 1995. Grimble even had a privately owned skate park from 1999 to 2007.
He opened Daville Skate Shop in 2009 and it has expanded into South Carolina as well.
Friends of the Skateparks Foundation is a nonprofit he started in 2013 to help cities establish a skate park for their communities in the Carolinas.
The skate park at Rowan Park opened in 2020, and has seen heavy use since its opening. For more information about the Rowan Skate Park Summer Camp or Daville Skate Shop, visit https://davilleskateshop.com/, www.rowanskatepark.com, or call 910-491-3502.

(Photo: Justin Fox on the scooter at Rowan Skate Park. Fox is a scooter instructor at Rowan. Photo courtesy of Terry Grimble)

Summertime in the city means there is plenty to do and see. No Outsiderz Jeep Club is presenting the inaugural Man 22 Suicide Awareness car, jeep, and bike show on June 30 at Mellow Mushroom, 301 N. McPherson Church Rd, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free to the spectators. For those interested in participating, registration is $30 and can be paid via cash app ($NoOutsiderzJeeps) or by contacting Jill Avila on Facebook or by email at Nooutsiiderz23@gmail.com.
Spectators and participants can look forward to live music and great food. Mellow Mushroom staff will be available inside and outside the show taking orders. Event organizers say there will be a range of trophies presented in various categories for participating cars, jeeps, and bikes.
No Outsiderz Jeep Club is no stranger to putting on a show for a cause. Co-founder Jill Avila is proud of the support they have been able to provide for different organizations near and dear to the club's heart.
“No Outsiderz Jeep Club was founded by three like-minded women Jill Avila, Dr. Stacy Davis, and Teresa Burks. N.O. is a group of talented, strong, women from minority groups who love their jeeps and believe in the importance of community. The combined efforts of our members affords us the opportunity to be a voice for many that feel they do not have a voice while working to improve and support organizations serving within our community. The women within our organization believe it takes a collective to make an impact and we seek to do that by partnering with other organizations to assist them in meeting their goals and
mission,” Avila remarked.
For those unfamiliar, the Man22 Suicide Awareness Run is an annual event hosted by the Through Tragedy Comes Light organization. The run is a combination of a 2.22-mile run and 22 pushups. Proceeds go to nonprofits that focus on suicide prevention and awareness.
The organization's mission is to “bring people together in their time of need to honor the lives of the lost, provide a support network for the survivors, and to reduce the numbers lost because even one a day is too many.” N.O. has been involved with the organization and supported past events.
“N.O. became involved with Through Tragedy Comes Light because they were hosting a Man22 Suicide Awareness Run in which different Jeep Clubs and Car Clubs throughout Fayetteville were tasked with escorting the gold star families to Festival Park. Through Tragedy Comes Light focuses on bringing awareness to fallen veterans, and first responders as well as trying to prevent the rising numbers of suicides amongst veterans. Most of the members of N.O. have either served /or are serving in the military, work for the DOD, or have family members that have served. This movement is near and dear to our hearts, and we will continue to support the cause,” Avila said.
There are only 35 spots available, and the clock is ticking down. Those interested in participating should lock in a spot soon. This event is sure to be a packed one!

For individuals suffering from trauma, a mental or behavioral health disorder or stress-related conditions, Heather Wilkerson of Parkton brings help on four legs.
The licensed clinical social worker and passionate horsewoman is the founder and president of Hope-thru-Horses, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit with the mission to "Share the Healing Power of Horses and Transformative Coaching with the World."
Wilkerson opened Hope-thru-Horses in 2006 to help military members cope with service-related issues but soon expanded her reach to assist children, adolescents and civilian adults.
The therapy teams at Hope-thru-Horses, Inc. use equine-assisted psychotherapy and play therapy to treat sexual trauma, depression, anger management, PTSD, grief, ADHD, anxiety, behavior disorders and other mental or relationship issues.
"We help people solve problems and relationship difficulties using horses," Wilkerson said.
She is a former military spouse who moved to the Cape Fear region with her husband, Chris. Now retired from the Army after 22 years of service, Wilkerson's spouse was the "Texas cowboy" who bought her first horse. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Wilkerson was a Johnny-come-lately to the horse world when she launched Hope-thru-Horses in Lumber Bridge.
When the once city girl, a credentialed public welfare professional with a Master of Social Work and advanced Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association certification, took hold of the reins, she never looked back. Wilkerson moved Hope-thru-Horses to its current 29-acre location, 1860 Armory Road in Parkton, in 2018.
"We really enjoy having clients come to our farm as a way for them to get away, leave the city, leave their problems behind and focus on their relationship with a horse. Then they can practice the skills they learned at home," she said.
Takeaways are improved self-esteem, respect, confidence, social skills, communication skills and a "toolbox" of ways to build healthy relationships, personal awareness and reasonable boundaries.
The Robeson County woman and her staff integrate animals — a menagerie of horses, llamas, donkeys, a miniature mule, dogs, potbellied pigs and parrots— art, sand and various play methods in therapy sessions to assist clients. While Hope-thru-Horses does not offer riding lessons or therapeutic riding, the staff lead clients through experiential activities with their farm animals to help individuals learn the importance of trust, communication, problem-solving and assertiveness.
According to the facility's website, www.hope-thru-horses.com/, equine-assisted therapy is "a team approach that consists of a mental health professional, a horse professional and a horse or horses. The team helps an individual or group learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses.
"The team processes each individual's experience by relating it to their everyday life and service goals. The methodology encompasses the mind, body, and spirit, linking behavior to the mind."
With a deep understanding of military culture and life, Hope-thru-Horses employs the Eagala program to work with military-affiliated clients. Representing a global network of professionals who collaborate and support each other, Eagala is a pioneer of professional standards in the horses for mental health therapy and treatment model. Providing service to active-duty members or veterans, Hope-thru-Horses, Inc. offers eight free sessions for individuals or couples.
Wilkerson also strives to help children and youth who have experienced sexual trauma and other very difficult circumstances. Her work led her to create an interactive workbook entitled "My Very BRAVE Story," a great resource available through Hope-thru-Horses.
Of this success of such programming, Crystal Bennett of the Cumberland County Guardian ad Litem program wrote, "This specialized approach has been effective for many children when traditional outpatient therapy and other interventions have failed to engage them in the therapeutic process."
Hope-thru-Horses other services include Women's Leadership Retreats, designed for small groups of women in caregiving fields, and Organizational Team Building for businesses and organizations to showcase and develop leadership talents and abilities.
Why horses, you may ask? According to https://hthi.us/our-therapies/counseling-psychotherapy/equine-assisted-psychotherapy, "When you learn to trust a large, powerful animal, you experience emotional security and physical safety. Because you experience it, instead of talking about what it might feel like, you can identify that safety and security in your everyday life outside the arena." Learn more at https://hthi.us/.

(Photo: The horses on Heather Wilkerson's farm in Parkton are part of an equine therapy program to help those with PTSD, ADHD, grief, anxiety, depression and other issues. Photo courtesy of Hope Thru Horses Facebook page)

Fayetteville’s new Swift Water Rescue Training Facility puts Cumberland County and the Cape Fear region at the forefront of emergency services training and response.
Fayetteville Technical Community College constructed the uniquely equipped indoor facility, the first of its kind on the East Coast and the nation’s second, to provide much-needed swift water rescue training for first responders locally and beyond.
The state-of-the-art complex opened its doors with a ribbon cutting in November 2023 and a grand opening this past January.
The facility contains a 140,000-gallon indoor tank and is the nation’s largest swift water complex. Fathom Tanks of Georgetown, TX, manufactured the tank here and for the training center in Texas, the only other state with an indoor facility.
Equipped with 10 pumps that can flow at up to 7 knots, the tank allows first responders and others to train year-round for rescues in floods, swift water situations and other scenarios. Before the SWRTF’s completion, local emergency personnel had no option but to train outdoors. As FTCC Fire, Technical Rescue & Water Instructor Steve White attests, the SWRTF’s launch has been a real game-changer.
“I, along with instructor Michael Barcia, have been teaching water rescue for 15-plus years … on the Cape Fear River. Now, we have an indoor facility where we can control all the variables. We control the speed of the water, the height of the water, the temperature of the water, we can make it night, we can make it day, I can make it rain, thunderstorm lightning, everything inside this building. I'm not at the mercy of the water level of the Cape Fear River. This facility has revolutionized our training methods and has inspired us to push the boundaries of our teaching.”
The river can be dangerous for the trainers — White, Barcia and a part-time cadre of four additional water rescue instructors — and trainees, but the blue way can also be less than desirable in other ways, as White highlighted with a recent example.
“I just took 14 wildlife officers from the mountains to the coast from North Carolina and did a boat operator class, a kind of a refresher class on boat operations on the Cape Fear River. The only place to get moving water on Cape Fear River is at Lock and Dam number two, just below Elizabethtown. When we went last week, the water was so low that the boat dock was sitting on the ground, and the water was just a foot and a half past that. It was that low. Plus, a seven-foot alligator was sitting down there.”
While the indoor tank may be considered the facility’s greatest attribute, other standout features include:
• Year-round training in clean, filtered water
• Controllable water level, current, flow, direction and temperature
• Ability to train with real submerged vehicles
• Realistic lightning, thunder, rain, police sirens and lights
• Obstacles and rescue challenges, including night rescue simulations.
• Central location along 1-95
Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe weighed in on the SWRTF’s many pluses.
“As a county commissioner, one of the greatest responsibilities is keeping the public safe. Hurricanes Matthew and Florence taught us that being highly trained and prepared is a choice. I said during the storms, ‘The citizens do not blame us for the hurricane; they appreciate the rescue, but we will be judged based on our response and recovery.’ During Hurricane Matthew, there were over 130 water rescues of citizens by first responders. This facility will train first responders from our area and throughout the southeast on the best practices of rescue in swift water and standing water situations.”
Keefe credited Fire Chief Freddy Johnson, Sr., President of the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association, as a catalyst for the center.
Johnson emphasized that the new controlled-and-conditioned facility offers a level of safety that was once unobtainable, providing first responders with the best possible training environment. He worked with officials to build the facility after visiting a similar indoor training facility in Texas a few years ago.
Plans initially called for an 88,000-gallon simulation tank here, but the vision grew following the visit.
“Having a local indoor swift water training complex here in Cumberland County that is one of a kind on the East Coast means that first responders in the area have access to specialized training and certification opportunities,” Johnson said. “This facility plays a crucial role in preparing them to handle swift water emergencies and, ultimately, helps ensure the safety and well-being of the community they serve.”
The facility offers numerous classes during the week and on weekends and has received over 350 students this year. Emergency personnel have come from as far away as the Newport Fire Department in New Jersey to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on the East Coast, plus a group from Kentucky is scheduled for later this year. White said they had trained students from the wildlife division, law enforcement, fire and rescue and all military branches.
The first full week of each month, the SWRTF offers a North Carolina technical rescuer certification class, the most in-demand course it provides. Other classes include basic submerged vehicle rescue, night submerged vehicle rescue, and advanced day and night courses.
The state-of-the-art Swift Water Rescue Training facility is on FTCC’s 30-acre Dr. J. Larry Keen Fire & Rescue Training complex at 775 Tom Starling Road in Fayetteville. It is one of the most recent additions to the circa-2022 campus, which includes a technical rescue facility with a four-story training tower, simulation labs, locker rooms, apparatus bays and offices; an area for trench collapse training and other confined space training; a rappelling tower with zip-line capacity; and a memorial plaza. Two additional burn buildings are currently under construction.
FTCC, the city, state and county are major supporters and funders of the project. The project received its acreage and $10 million from the county, $10 million in state bond money and $20 million from the General Assembly. Once complete, the entire complex is estimated to cost around $47 million.
Johnson expressed gratitude for the Swift Water facility. “I want to thank FTCC, especially Dr. Larry Keen, former FTCC president and visionary leader, who championed the creation of our cutting-edge Swift Water Center and state-of-the-art Regional Fire and Rescue Training Center.
"Today, under the guidance of current President Dr. Mark Sorrells, this one-of-a-kind facility stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence in first responder training. Our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Keen and Dr. Sorrells for their invaluable contributions in ensuring our first responders receive the highest training and certifications.”

(Photo: Fayetteville Technical Community College's Swift Water Training Center is one of two such facilities in the entire country. The facility can provide real-life scenarios with a multitude of different factors to help train fire and rescue teams as well as military personnel. Photos courtesy of FTCC)

Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day in style this year? The Fourth of July is a time for friends, family, fireworks, and fun! If you're looking for the best local events to attend this holiday, look no further. We've put together a guide to help you navigate the festivities and make the most of this patriotic day.

4th at the Fort
• Saturday, June 29 at 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Main Post Parade Field on Ft. Liberty
This year's celebration at Fort Liberty promises to be their biggest event yet. This event is free and open to the public. There will be three different musical performers, the 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band, parachute demonstrations, a flag ceremony, food, fireworks and more.
Event Pass & Parking
If you are not a military ID holder you will need a pass to attend the event. You can obtain event access online through pre-registration using a valid driver's license or state ID at this web address http://liberty.armymwr.com/ or in person at the All-American Visitor Center on the All-American Expressway. You are encouraged to obtain your gate access pass before the event. Waiting until the 29 will most likely leave you in long lines and expected delays in obtaining your pass.
Access the Main Parade Field through All American Main Gate, R. Miller ACP, Long Street ACP or Chicken Road ACP. The main parking for the festival will be at the Womack Army Medical Center. There will also be parking at the Chapel Annex parking lot located across the street from the Main Post Parade Field. See layout of parking areas here: http://liberty.armymwr.com/.
Music Acts
This 4th of July celebration will have not one, not two, but three artists plus the 82nd Rock Band to celebrate with you and all three artists are from three different genres - there will be music for everyone to enjoy! You will be able to enjoy music from Flo Rida, Plain White T's and Maddie & Tae.
Additional Activities
The fun doesn’t stop with the musical acts. Hold your breath as parachutists soar through the sky in heart-pounding free-fall demonstrations by the Golden Knights. Little ones will have a blast in Kiddieland, packed with fun just for them including a number of bouncy houses.
Feel your heart swell with pride during the beloved flag ceremony. The traditional Flag Ceremony will be with a cannon salute representing all 50 states and U.S. territories, Colors of the Major Commands, Major Subordinate Commands, Tenant Units of Fort Liberty, the colors of the United States Army and the flag of the United States of America.
Savor delicious eats and treats from food and beverage vendors. And the grand finale? A dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky!
Time Line of Events
• 3 p.m.- Doors Open (Food vendors and Kiddieland)
• 4:30 p.m.- 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band in concert
• 5 p.m.- Golden Knights parachute demonstration
• 5:30 p.m.- Flag Ceremony
• 6 p.m.- Maddie & Tae in concert
• 7:10 p.m.- Plain White T’s in concert
• 8:30 p.m.- Flo Rida in concert
• 9:45 p.m.- Fireworks
Food Vendors in Attendance
Food vendor menus will be available to view at liberty.armymwr.com later this week.
• Big Erv BBQ and 910 Sweets
• Caroll's Corn Crib
• CocoCrissi Tropical Icees
• D&J Concessions
• D&J Smashers
• D'Seal House Coffee Co
• Donut NV Raleigh
• Food Frenzy
• Fire Grill
• Gnam Gnam Gelato
• Hot Dog Central
• IceQueen's Ice out of Durham
• J&R Concessions
• Kona Ice of the Sandhills
• Party in a Pita
• Poppin Joe's Gourmet Kettle Korn
• Smokey's Grill
• Smoothie Island
• Tiki Grill
• Tropical Island
• Pink Label Bakery
•Beer will be sold by MWR
Planning Ahead
Be aware that pets, alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, and weapons of any kind are not allowed at the event. You can view the complete prohibited items list at liberty.armymwr.com. You are encouraged to plan ahead and check out the prohibited items list and parking layout. Arrive early due to heavy traffic flow. ATMs will be available on-site.
Tents are only permitted if you purchased a space in Tent City (which is now sold out).
Patrons who purchased a tent space will need to show their receipts when entering the field.

Independence Day Kickoff Celebration
• Saturday, June 29 at 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Hope Mills Municipal Park, Hope Mills
Enjoy live music from the eclectic electronic due from Wilmington: Krispee Biscuits. There will also be 15 food trucks, breweries, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, a mobile rock wall and more. The night will end with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Independence Day Parade
• Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
• Hope Mills
The parade will start at Rockfish Elementary and end at Hope Mills Middle School.
For more information on either of the Hope Mills’ events visit: https://tinyurl.com/mpschrd6

Independence Day Concert
• Thursday, July 4 at 7:15 p.m.
• Festival Park, Downtown Fayetteville
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the City of Fayetteville, and Fayetteville PWC present a free Independence Concert on July 4, at Festival Park in Fayetteville. Immerse yourself in a night of unforgettable performances from the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphonic Band, Cumberland Choral Arts, the soulful vocals of Ayana Washington, and the patriotic pride of the 82nd Airborne Division Band.
Gates open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.. Admission is free, so gather your friends and family for an evening to remember. Savor the flavors of the region from our various food vendors and quench your thirst at the beer tent. The night will end with a dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky!
Please be aware that personal tents, pets, outside food or beverages, or bicycles/scooters are not allowed at the event. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/25xk6y3a

Fun Family 4th of July
• Thursday, July 4 at 5 p.m.
• Aberdeen Town Lake, 342 Lake Park Xing, Aberdeen
Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day and an evening filled with thrilling live performances, a mouth-watering array of food vendors, and the company of your favorite people. Feel the excitement as you settle in with your blankets and lawn chairs, eagerly anticipating one of the region's most dazzling fireworks displays.
Events Timeline:
• Kid Zone: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Free - thanks to Fidelity Bank)
• Band: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m.
Important Note: Please leave your pets, alcoholic beverages, personal fireworks, and coolers at home. For everyone's safety, backpacks will only be permitted after being searched by law enforcement. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/475ybnxk
The Fourth of July is a time to come together with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Whether you're attending a parade, watching fireworks, or enjoying a picnic in the park, there are plenty of ways to join the festivities and make lasting memories.
Take advantage of the local events happening in your area and have a safe and happy Independence Day!

(Photos: Top Photo-Fireworks explode at Fort Liberty during the 2022 4th of July celebration. U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Hill Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs. Bottom Photo-The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra plays during a concert at Festival Park. Photo courtesy of FSO's Facebook page)

As the world moves towards equality and inclusivity, Pride Fest 2024 offers a chance to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. Whether you’re in the closet, out and proud, or an excited ally, Fayetteville Pride’s upcoming Pride Fest is an exciting event for all.
There are many ways to celebrate during the month of June, but Fayetteville’s Pride Fest continues to stand out. This loved event has been hosted for five years and quickly broke attendance records in 2022 with over 6,000 attendants. Pride Fest invites us to see the strength in unity and the beauty in diversity and inclusivity.
Fayetteville Pride is a dedicated group focused on acceptance, unity and advocacy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Aiming to create a safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ members, Fayetteville Pride started as an interest-based meeting back in 2017. The crew quickly evolved from party planners and created a non-profit community-driven organization.
According to its website, fayettevillepride.org, the organization strives to use education, celebrations, and networking to get its message across.
Fayetteville Pride’s objectives are to serve as an educational service for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, advocate within the Fayetteville area, promote full human and civil rights, and create visibility for the community as a whole. They hope to work towards a better and more inclusive future for the LGBTQ+ community, model diversity and inclusion, and produce events that inspire, educate, and celebrate love.
This year’s Pride Fest promises to be an unforgettable event, bringing together all kinds of people to honor the progress made toward equality and inclusivity.
Fayetteville’s Pride Fest will take place on Saturday, June 29 from noon to 6 p.m. at Festival Park (335 Ray Ave). Attendees can find a variety of vendors and a large selection of food trucks sprinkled throughout the park. Look out for vegan and vegetarian options as well as ice cream and shaved ice to cool everyone down. There will be vendors offering resources, handmade crafts and gift items.
Pride Fest is open to all ages and people from all walks of life. Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this festival offers a chance to celebrate love, equality and of course, pride.
Don’t forget about entertainment. Look out for professional impersonators, local vocalists and contests to participate in. Previous participants of Pride Fest will be excited to hear that the pose walk, a contest to see who has the best Vogue-style strut, is back. Do all this and more with a professional DJ playing fun dance music. This year also offers face painting. Don’t forget to bring a chair or umbrella to stay cooled off in the NC heat.
Krystal Maddox, the president of Fayetteville Pride, started out as a volunteer in 2018 after attending the first Pride festival. Maddox worked alongside all sorts of people: professors from Fayetteville State, medical professionals from Cape Fear Valley, local business owners, and members of the local arts community.
“We all saw a need to help our community with resources, allies, and interactions with one another,” Maddox states. She eventually became the entertainment committee chair, then onto a board member, and now the president of Fayetteville Pride.
“We are extremely lucky right now that we have a great team on our board. Our board now represents different aspects of our community in ways it never had before. We have trans women, trans men, gay men and women plus representation of different races. It’s a good mix— plus really good people.”
Maddox continued about how incredible these events are. “By far the best thing about the Festival is the atmosphere and people, not only the LGBTQ+ community but our allies and family members of both.”
While Pride is a time for celebration, it also acts as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance in the world. LGBTQ+ people continue to be criminalized in other countries and outcast in ours. Pride Fest highlights the importance and impact of collective action all while marching, dancing, and learning together. Be a part of the change and show your pride and support through Pride Fest 2024.

(Photo: Attendees to Fayetteville PRIDE's Pride Fest pose for a photo in 2018. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville PRIDE's Facebook Page)

Summer is in full swing and the community is active. The numerous community pools, splash pads and parks are seeing daily traffic, as the summer weather permits, from families, camps, and churches. These amenities provide a cool escape from the Carolina heat. There are 14 free splash pads nestled around Cumberland County for residents to use during the summer season.
Along with the splash pads, there are four community pools: Ronnie “Chase” Chalmers Pool, Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool, Lake Rim Aquatic Center and Westover Aquatic Center. Each of these pools is an affordable way for residents to enjoy the full immersion and enjoyment of a pool. Community pools are not just used by the individual residents, but they are a common place for church and summer camps alike.
The Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation is also responsible for running recreational sports, like baseball and football. Saturdays find most of the local parks full of cars, lawn chairs and cheers. While there is never a shortage of summer camps, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation host budget friendly alternatives to community members, as well as after-school programs.
Fayetteville- Cumberland Parks and Recreation is responsible for all these various community spaces. With the county also boasting nine parks, two trails, and three dog parks, the department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all of them. And with summer 2024 in full swing, the department is already gearing up for an increase in fees for some of its community spaces and programs.
Loren Bymer, director of marketing and communications for the City of Fayetteville, said, “The City of Fayetteville is excited that we have significant interest and participation in all of our Parks and Recreation programs and amenities and have successfully been able to not increase rates since 2015 despite the increase of resident participation each year.
"To continue to keep these services running in an effective manner, there is a need to make a slight increase in the fees to participate to off-set the cost of operations.”
Currently, pool prices for residents are $1 for those ages 12 and under and $2 for those 13 and above and increases slightly for nonresidents. Summer day camps run residents $65 a week and $130 for nonresidents. Registration for sports through the department is $25 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.
Below are the fee increases.
Youth Athletics
• Resident - $40
• Non-Resident - $80
Youth Football
• Resident - $45
• Non-Resident - $90
After-School Programs
• Resident - $140 per month/$40 per week
• Non-Resident - $280 per month/$80 per week
Summer Camp/Playground
Intercession School Workday Camp
• Resident - $18 per day
• Non-Resident - $36 per day
Summer Day Camp
• Resident - $90 per week
• Non-Resident - $180 per week
Summer Day Camp (Pro-rated daily)
• Resident - $18 per day
• Non-Resident - $36 per day
Summer Playground Camp
• Resident - $55 per week
• Non-Resident - $110 per week
Pool Entry Fee
• Resident - $4 for adults, $3 for children
• Non-Resident - $8 for adults, $6 for children

Bymer said the increases will likely take place in September, but there is no official date when community members can look for the increase. The increase in fees will be used to maintain the community properties and pay staff. To stay up-to-date, make sure to follow the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Rec on Facebook. The proposed 2025 budgets for the city and county can be found online at
• https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/home/2024/06/06/board-of-commissioners-approves-fiscal-year-2025-budget
• https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/budget-evaluation-4400

(Photo: The Keith Bates, Sr. Pool is one of four pools operated by Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation)

In 2027, Fayetteville will be home to the NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation, and Reconstruction. Construction is underway now for this center of learning that will be pivotal in teaching North Carolinians of all ages about the years before, during, and after the Civil War.
But, don’t call it a museum.
A museum is a collection of artifacts, while this History Center will focus on telling the stories of the people, places and events surrounding the Civil War.
“The mission of the NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction is to tell the stories of ALL North Carolinians and create a comprehensive, fact-based portrait of history that spans the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction periods.” (https://nccivilwarcenter.org/about/about-the-center/)
The History Center will be located at the site of the former Arsenal Park, and will take the place of the Museum of the Cape Fear.
The Arsenal
To get a complete picture of the significance of the location of the NC History Center, we have to go pretty far back in history, to the War of 1812. During that war, the federal government realized that it was ill-equipped to provide weapons and ammunition to protect the entire country. To help remedy that problem, several arsenals were built at strategic locations around the US. Fayetteville’s location on the Cape Fear River and at the crossroads of eight plank roads made it a prime location for one of the arsenals. At its peak, the Fayetteville arsenal produced 500 rifles per month, as well as swords, bayonets, and various forms of artillery, and employed around 2,000 people. In the spring of 1861, the arsenal was seized by the Fayetteville Light Infantry, part of the Confederate army.
On March 11, 1865, Union General Sherman and his troops destroyed the arsenal and all its machinery, in addition to shops, factories, and the Fayetteville Observer, which was a Confederate-leaning publication at the time. The ruins of the Fayetteville Arsenal are still present to this day, as part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex.
The History Center
The idea for a new type of museum came from meetings of local officials and volunteers. This board was awarded a $1 million planning grant from the N.C. General Assembly in 2007. That funding was used to hire groups who had experience starting many prestigious museums around the country, to include the Civil Rights Center in Greensboro. After more than 10 years of planning, research and preparation-which included assessment of existing resources, and gathering community-wide feedback, ground was broken on the History Center in April of 2018.
Progress So Far
Work thus far on the History Center consists of moving three Civil War-era houses to the site and refurbishing them. The three buildings are:
• The Arsenal House will serve as a classroom and distance learning studio for K-12 students, utilizing cutting-edge technology.
• The Culbreth House will become the Center for the Study of the Civil War and Reconstruction in North Carolina and will house the offices for the Center’s Foundation.
• The Davis House will be a support building for the other buildings and areas of the surrounding portion of Arsenal Park.
Work Still Ongoing
In May 2024, construction began on the outdoor pavilion area. This portion of the center will serve as an outdoor classroom and will include boardwalks that will allow visitors to come close to the ruins of the original arsenal without damaging them. It will also include sidewalks connecting various parts of the History Center and restrooms. All of these will be ADA compliant.
Future construction also includes a 60,000-square-foot building that will house large-scale exhibits and an auditorium.
Once construction is complete and the center has opened, it will be owned and operated by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which also operates the NC Zoo, three aquariums, two art museums, two science museums, as well as many other natural and cultural resources.
The Timeline and the Pricetag
Current estimates by the construction project management firm show that the History Center will be complete by the first quarter of 2027. The estimated cost is $84.6 million. So far, the state of North Carolina has provided $69.6 million; $14.1 million from the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County; and the remainder has come from private donations. Between $8-$10 million remains to be raised.
Even before all of that is complete, though, the state of North Carolina will benefit from the History Center. Development of virtual educational tools for use in classrooms across the state is already underway, using scholarship from university professors, as well as input from current K-12 teachers. There is also work to include students in the conversations about teaching and learning this part of our history. The goal is that all NC students will be able to learn from the History Center, even if they cannot visit in person.
Stories
The focus of the NC History Center is stories: telling stories from every angle, from every perspective, the stories of what life was like between 1830 and 1900. Story collection is ongoing. If you or someone you know have any North Carolina-related stories from the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction period, you can share them and they could be included in the Center. Go to nccivilwarcenter.org and click on Story Collection. All stories are vetted by History Center staff. Photos, letters, and any other artifacts you might have are welcome as well. Stories that have already been gathered are available to view and read at the History Center website.
More information about the progress of the History Center, including renderings of the main building, photos and maps of the future site, can be found at nccivilwarcenter.org.

(Photo: A rendering of the possible North Carolina History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation, and Reconstruction on Arsenal Ave. in Fayetteville. Graphic courtesy of NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation, and Reconstruction's Facebook page)

Change of Command, Change of Responsibility brings new Leadership to USACAPOC(A)
Maj. Gen. Isaac Johnson, Jr., commanding general, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), will relinquish command to Brig. Gen. Andrée G. Carter, on Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m. at the Main Post Parade Field, Fort Liberty. Concurrently, outgoing Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Michael A. Rich will change responsibility with CW4, John Harris III.
The U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) is a two-star headquarters providing Army and Joint Forces commanders 76 percent of the Department of Defense civil affairs forces and 63 percent of DoD psychological operations forces.
Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations, and Information Operations Soldiers combine regional and trans-regional expertise, political-military awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills to conduct and support civil-military operations for conventional and special operations forces.
USACAPOC (A) Soldiers are integrated in current global U.S. operations including Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, European, Pacific and Central/South American regions. USACAPOC (A) provides airborne oversight for USARC and is the only strategic CA structure in DoD while supporting the Army and Joint Force with strategic, operational, and tactical level civil affairs operations, psychological operations, and information operations capabilities.
USACAPOC (A) provides a cost-effective solution and enables the supported commander expanded freedom of maneuver in both Combined Arms Maneuver and Wide Area Security missions across the range of Military Operations. USACAPOC (A) CA, PSYOP, and IO forces support Army formations in conventional operations, Irregular Warfare, Theater Security Cooperation, and Stability Operations in support of Geographic Combatant Command requirements. USACAPOC(A) is made up of 96 Army Reserve units across 29 states.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Pope Field Training Annex, Building 372, 504 Virgin Street, Fort Liberty.

County opened cooling stations over weekend
All eight Cumberland County Public Library branch locations serve as cooling stations for residents who do not have access to air conditioning and need a place to get out of the heat, with additional County facilities available.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh forecasted the following heat indexes from the past weekend:
• Saturday, June 22, Heat Index 102 degrees
• Sunday, June 23, Heat Index 102 degrees
• Monday, June 24 Heat Index 104 degrees
Residents who need reprieve from the heat may visit any of the following County locations during regular business hours:
• Library locations are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville, along with Cliffdale, North Regional and Hope Mills branches, are also open Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. To find your nearest library location, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library.
The first-floor lobby of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, located at 1235 Ramsey St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Masks or face coverings are required for individuals experiencing symptoms related to a respiratory illness (COVID-19, RSV, flu).
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services, located at 1225 Ramsey St., will open the auxiliary lobby as a cooling station. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All public lobbies will be available to citizens. Masks or face coverings are required for individuals experiencing symptoms related to a respiratory illness (COVID-19, RSV, flu).
While these locations are always available to the public during operating hours, County officials wish to make the public aware of their availability as cooling stations when conditions warrant.
Extreme heat and humidity significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working outdoors. Cumberland County Emergency Services reminds residents to take precautions during the hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, avoid strenuous work, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Cumberland County Emergency Services is monitoring the heat conditions and is coordinating the opening of County facilities as cooling stations. Stay informed by visiting the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov or County social media pages at facebook.com/CumberlandNC, facebook.com/CumberlandCountyNC911 and twitter.com/CumberlandNC.

County anticipates breaking ground on new Crown Event Center in September
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Crown Event Center Committee gave its approval to allow the project to move into the Construction Document development phase with an anticipated groundbreaking for the new Crown Event Center planned for September 2024.
The approval followed the presentation of updated pricing for the project from the Construction Manager at Risk TA Loving/Metcon. The CMaR conducted pricing on the 100% Design Development documents completed by project architect EwingCole, which were presented to the Committee on May 20 along with updated renderings of the Crown Event Center’s exterior and interior spaces.
Matt DeSilver, Area Manager with MBP Carolinas, which serves as the County’s Owners Representative for the project, shared that the 100% Design Development cost estimate for construction came in just above the Board’s approved construction budget of $117,864,211 at $122,173,918. However, he noted that this estimate includes built-in design escalation costs through the midpoint of construction as well as design contingency.
He said the Project Delivery Team conducted value engineering to bring the estimated construction cost down below the approved budget to $117,194,895. Items that were removed from the estimate as part of the value engineering process included an operable partition in the multipurpose room, interior window blinds, reduction of LED exterior signage and upper-level audience divider curtains in the main event hall. DeSilver said these items will still be priced so they can be included in the project in the event costs ultimately come in lower than the approved budget.
Committee members voted unanimously to approve the 100% design development cost estimate and to authorize the Project Delivery Team to move into construction document development.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners previously approved a total project budget of nearly $145 million in February. DeSilver said the project is still on schedule to break ground in September 2024 with anticipated completion in early 2027. He said next steps for the project will include the development of construction documents and preparation of the early site package.
CMaR hosted an outreach event for subcontractors, suppliers and vendors interested in participating in the Crown Event Center project June 20.
The Crown Event Center Committee is comprised of Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe, who chairs the Committee, Board Chairman Glenn Adams and Commissioner Jeannette Council, along with Cumberland County Civic Center Commission Chairman McBryde Grannis, who serves in an ex officio capacity. The Project Delivery Team is made up of County staff, and staff from the County’s owner’s representative MBP Carolinas, project architect EwingCole, construction manager at Risk TA Loving/Metcon and Crown Complex Manager OakViewGroup.
For more information on the Crown Event Center project, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/crowneventcenter.

(Photo Information-Top Photo: Fort Liberty Sign.  File photo.  Bottom Photo: Graphic courtesy of Crown Event Center)

If you suspect North Carolina’s children are under siege, I agree with you.
First, there is the ongoing and relentless attack on public education by the current brain trust at the North Carolina General Assembly.
Somehow millions of American parents, including an alarming number in our state, have signed on to the notion that public schools are irrevocably broken, despite the reality that almost 9 out of 10 Tar Heel students are indeed in public schools. This belief has given license to a rogue legislature to decrease support to public schools and give tax dollars paid in by you and by me to private, often religious, schools with next-to-no oversight.
Some of this shifting of public funds comes under the banner of “parents’ rights.” Of course, parents have rights but so do everyday, hardworking taxpayers who want and expect public education to give their children, grandchildren, and future North Carolina workforces the tools to make our state’s economy thrive.
Then there is the all-out assault on North Carolina educators, who are leaving their chosen profession in droves. AXIOS reports that 11% of NC teachers bolted during the 2022-2023 school year, up almost 4% from the prior year. Money is certainly part of the departure equation. North Carolina ranks 41st in teacher pay, down from 38th the year before, and 36th the year before that, according to the National Education Association. The World Population Review ranks North Carolina even lower, ahead of only West Virginia, Mississippi, and South Dakota.
Inadequate pay is bad enough, but it is hardly the only issue teachers face. The Assembly, an online, non-profit newsletter, recently ran a piece written by one of those departing teachers, Lisa Williams, now working in the private sector. Williams taught in public high schools for more than 2 decades in Kentucky and New Hanover County, teaching about 3500 students. Salary does not appear to be her major concern. Instead, she wrote this.
“This year, I started carrying a bulletproof backpack to work. I kept my classroom door locked all day….When we were called into lockdowns, I stood behind the classroom door so I could greet anyone who might be on the other side, because, while I might go down, I could buy time for my students to run.”
And, this.
“This year, I worked an average of four hours after school every night and at least 10 hours during weekends….It wasn’t because I enjoyed the work or because I am a perfectionist. It was so I could meet the demands of the local school board policy stating that every paper should be graded within one week of its due date.”
Also, this.
“There’s a mentality surrounding teaching right now that involves gaslighting and misinformation….They ask, Isn’t that what you signed up for? Welcome to the myth of the American teacher. Most of us are not trying to become stumps in exchange for abuse and martyrdom, but at the core of our being, a voice of conviction poses the question we all have to answer: What about the kids?
“Kids are losing the most in the battle over public education.”
How anyone thinks degrading public education is a forward-thinking policy is beyond me. North Carolina valued and protected public education through most of the 20th century but beginning around 2010, we seemed to forget that we all benefit from an educated and productive workforce, and we all suffer when we do not have one.
It becomes a 5-alarm fire when we also realize that United States students lag behind their peers across the developed world. According to PBS, students in 29 other countries have higher math scores than American 15-year-olds and US scores in reading and science rank 20th and 23rd respectively.
Clearly, North Carolina needs to get its education house back in order and fast.

While some economic metrics continue to offer good news to North Carolinians, others point in a different direction. U.S. agricultural exports, for example, fell by $17 billion last year and appear to be on track for another decline of about $8 billion or so this year.
As U.S. Sen. Thomas Tillis and 21 of his colleagues pointed out in a letter to key Biden administration officials, some fluctuations in export markets are inevitable, the result of currency flows and international factors beyond the control of any one country or set of policymakers. But this two-year decline in ag exports sticks out like a sore thumb.
Tillis and the other farm-state senators argued it was “directly attributable to and exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.”
For decades, they pointed out, leaders of both political parties had made it a priority to expand overseas markets for agricultural products and other goods and services.
They “accomplished this feat through negotiations of actual free trade agreements, removal of technical barriers to trade, and holding our trading partners accountable to their commitments,” the senators wrote. They urged U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to pursue a similar course today.
They’re right, of course, but such policies are a hard political sell at the moment. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have a history of indulging populist opposition to trade agreements. Partly following their lead, an increasing number of Democrats and Republicans in Congress seem less inclined to vote for international agreements that lower barriers to our exports abroad (and also, by happy necessity, lower prices for consumers here at home).
Whatever the consequences may be for other sectors of the economy, a continued turn away from free trade will wreak havoc on agriculture, forestry, and related industries that rely heavily on export markets.
According to North Carolina State University economist Mike Walden’s latest analysis, the production and sale of food, fiber, and forestry products generate more than $100 billion in economic impact, accounting for about 16% of our state’s gross domestic product. The sector employs nearly one of every five North Carolina workers.
Our largest ag exports include meats, tobacco, soybeans, grains, and fresh vegetables. North Carolina firms constitute America’s largest exporters of broilers and tobacco. We rank third in pork exports, seventh in cotton and wood-product exports, and ninth in the production of softwood lumber.
The livelihoods of many North Carolinians — and thus the economic and fiscal health of many North Carolina communities — depend on the expansion of international trade, not its contraction.
In an American Enterprise Institute study published last fall, AEI fellows Barry Goodwin and Vincent Smith observed that when the administration of former President Trump imposed tariffs and other restrictions on America’s trading partners, they retaliated by erecting barriers against our exporters. Instead of repealing his predecessor’s policy mistakes, President Biden has doubled down on them.
Chinese restrictions against imports of soybeans and other agricultural products were especially painful. As Goodwin and Smith point out, Washington responded not by ratcheting down trade tensions but instead by doling out federal dollars to agricultural enterprises.
“Many of these subsidies were poorly targeted,” they write, while even deserving farmers would have been better served by restoring their export markets, not paying them subsidies.
Are there legitimate concerns about trading sensitive technologies and defense-related products with the Chinese, the Russians, and others who wish harm on America and our allies? Certainly. Tillis and the other senators aren’t denying the need to take national security into account when fashioning trade policy. What they’re calling for is a default policy of free trade with free people in pretty much anything, along with opening export markets around the world for such products as pork, wood pulp, and soybeans.
That would be good for America. It would be particularly good for North Carolina.

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His latest books, Mountain Folk and Forest Folk, combine epic fantasy with early American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Hurricanes pose significant challenges. Such challenges are considerably less difficult when business owners and families prepare for hurricane season in advance.
A proactive approach to hurricane season can minimize the effects of these powerful storms, which can cause potentially costly property damage. Such preparation also reduces the likelihood that individuals will be involved in accidents and/or suffer injuries.
Hurricane season is here, so now is a great time for business owners and families to prepare for the months ahead.
Evacuation plan
Coastal regions tend to bear the brunt of damage caused by hurricanes, so anyone working and living in such areas should have a well-developed evacuation plan in place as hurricane season begins.
Lifelong residents of coastal regions most often affected by hurricanes, which in the United States includes Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and Louisiana as well as other areas along the Atlantic coast, no doubt have evacuation plans in place already.
However, it's a good idea to go over such plans with employees and family members at the start of each new hurricane season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Eastern Pacific season begins roughly two weeks earlier and ends at the same time.
Make a list of accessible hotels and shelters where you can go should you need to evacuate, and make sure everyone has a hard copy of that list.
Keeping the list on a smartphone notes app can be helpful, but hard copies are vital, as access to mobile networks or even electricity to keep phones charged is not guaranteed during hurricanes. Detailed information about routes to take to get to safety and a prearranged place to meet if evacuated is also vital.
Supplies
The Insurance Information Institute notes that, when hurricanes are in the forecast and warnings are issued, it's not uncommon for residents of areas in the eye of the storm to rush to stores to purchase supplies. A proactive approach to hurricane preparation can help people avoid that mad rush. The III recommends people stock up on certain supplies in advance of hurricane season. Such supplies include:
• Extra batteries
• Candles or lamps with fuel
• Matches, which should be kept in a part of the home that's likely to remain accessible and dry
• Materials and tools for emergency home repairs, such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, and other tools
• Prescription drugs
• A three-day supply of drinking water
• Food that you don t have to refrigerate or cook
• First aid supplies
• A portable NOAA weather radio
• A wrench and other basic tools
• A flashlight
Property
It's also wise for business owners and homeowners in coastal areas to take an annual inventory of their belongings in advance of hurricane season.
The III notes that such an inventory, which should include a list of possessions and their respective values, can speed up the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes and prove helpful if business owners or homeowners apply for disaster aid.
Hurricane season is coming. That means now is the time to prepare businesses and homes for the challenges that hurricanes can leave in their wake.

Get ready baseball fans, because USA Baseball is making a triumphant return to Segra Stadium this summer! That's right, mark your calendars for June 29, because it's going to be a night filled with excitement and thrilling matchups.
This game will feature the USA Collegiate National Team vs. Chinese Taipei as Game 1 of the 21st USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series. Team USA and Chinese Taipei will resume a series that started in 1987. It's going to be an epic showdown between two talented teams, showcasing the very best of baseball on a global scale.
The Collegiate National Team International Friendship Series roster will be led by Alabama State’s José Vázquez. The three-time SWAC Coach of the Year was an assistant coach for Team USA last summer and guided Alabama State to the NCAA tournament in 2022. He has over 20 years of college baseball coaching experience, starting as a graduate assistant at Bethune-Cookman in 2003.
Vázquez took over the Hornets’ program in 2017 and has achieved a winning record every season, including a 41-win season in 2023.
The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team consists of the best non-draft-eligible college baseball players in the nation.
The summer season kicks off with the Collegiate National Team Training Camp from June 25 to June 28, where over 50 players will compete in a two-game intrasquad series before the final 28-man roster is revealed on June 29.
The remaining five-game series will take place at different venues across North Carolina, including Cary, Greensboro and Kannapolis.
Tickets for the Friendship Series at Segra Stadium can be purchased at https://www.milb.com/fayetteville/community/specialevents. There will be post-game fireworks for this event.
Get ready to witness some high-stakes baseball action at Segra Stadium this summer. Whether you're a die-hard fan or want to simply enjoy a good game, this event promises to deliver thrills, excitement, and a true display of talent on the field.
Let's come together to support these incredible athletes as they represent their countries and showcase the very best of baseball.

(Photo: Hamilton, a player for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, bats during a game in 2022 at Segra Stadium. Segra will be hosting the USA Collegiate National Team vs. Chinese Taipei in game 1 of the 21st International Friendship series. File photo)

The Cameo Art House Theatre will host a special night dedicated to short films on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m., showcasing the work of local filmmakers. This event, called Local Shorts at the Cameo and sponsored by a generous grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the creativity and talent within our community.
The event will feature a diverse range of genres and styles, offering something for every movie enthusiast. From poignant dramas to light-hearted comedies, thought-provoking dramas, thrillers and the experimental, the lineup aims to highlight the depth and variety of local filmmaking talent. The event provides a platform for new voices to be heard.
The main event of the evening is the screening of "Hood," a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Directed by Brian Adam Kline, the organizer of the event, "Hood" offers a fresh and new perspective on the well-known story, blending suspense and thrills with a unique twist. Kline, who earned an Artists Mini-Grant from the Arts Council to support this event, is the Theatre and Film teacher at the Capitol Encore Academy High School in downtown Fayetteville. Kline worked at the Cameo between 2009-2016 before becoming a teacher.
“It was some of the best times of my life and I really loved being surrounded by film and people that talked about film all the time,” he said.
In addition to "Hood," Brian Adam Kline has three other films included in the film block:
• "Live Vid": A Covid quarantine story about a husband and wife getting on each other's last nerve. This film captures the universal experience of lockdown tensions with humor and chills.
• "What If I Were You?": This award-winning film follows two octogenarian actresses still trying to make it big in New York City. Their journey is both heartwarming and inspiring, highlighting the relentless pursuit of dreams regardless of age.
• "Love & Coffee": A tale of two siblings discussing the meaning of love over a cup of coffee. This film explores the complexities of familial relationships and the different perspectives on love.
Other local films in the block include:
• "Eternal Now" by James Throssel: A visually captivating exploration of the concept of time and existence.
• "It's April 10th" by Judson Clark: A poignant story reflecting on significant life events that happen on this date.
• "Mmm Ahh Ohh" by Michele Falls: A whimsical and artistic short capturing the essence of human expression through sounds.
• "Readily Available Personal Computing" by Charles Hildreth: A humorous take on the evolution and impact of personal computing in modern life.
"It was important to me to show my own short films the same night, but to also support others in our diverse local filmmaking community and I’m proud to say that we are paying the filmmakers a small stipend for their work. Part of the Arts Council grant pays for that," said Kline.
"This night is a testament to the talent that is right here in Fayetteville. I believe in the local arts, especially filmmaking. Just as we have amazing theater companies, galleries, a symphony and dance studios, local film needs to be spotlighted more.”
The Cameo Art House Theatre, known for its commitment to independent and arthouse cinema, is the perfect venue for this event. Located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, the theater offers a local, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for experiencing the unique storytelling of short films.
In addition to the film screenings, attendees will have the chance to engage with the filmmakers during a Q&A session following the presentations. This interactive component allows the audience to gain deeper insights into the creative process and the stories behind the films.
Tickets for Local Shorts at the Cameo are available for purchase at the Cameo Art House Theatre's box office and on their website at https://www.cameoarthouse.com/. Kline said tickets are going fast.
The organizers hope to make Local Shorts at the Cameo an annual event, providing a "local only" night for Fayetteville region filmmakers.
"This is just the beginning," Kline said. "Not only do I want to show my own films every year, I aim to create an annual tradition that celebrates our local talent and gives filmmakers a dedicated platform to share their stories with the community. And we encourage local filmmakers to try out their films with an audience before showing it at festivals like Fayetteville’s Indigo Moon Film Festival.”
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, through its support of this event, continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering local arts and culture. Their grant has made it possible for Brian Adam Kline and The Cameo Art House Theatre to bring this exciting event to life.

The Tokay Senior Fitness Center, located at 328 Hamilton Street, Fayetteville, is the premier destination for seniors looking to take control of their health and wellness. Unlike other senior centers, the Tokay Center focuses on providing top-notch fitness and health resources.
Tana Coleman is the Supervisor at the center and shares health benefits offered to seniors. “Our center is unique and different from the other three senior centers in the FCPR system. Everything that we do is health/fitness related. We have free weights and offer a variety of fitness classes. With six treadmills and ellipticals, five bikes, and a full line of Nautilus strength training machines - our seniors have easy access to everything they need to get fit and stay healthy. In addition, we have certified CPR technicians and nutrition and health education classes.”
The center offers equipment and classes tailored specifically for the 55+ crowd. So, no matter your fitness level or health goals, the Tokay Senior Fitness Center has something to offer. To manage your diabetes, improve your heart health, or shed a few unwanted pounds, this center is the perfect place to start. But don't just take their word for it - come in, set up an equipment orientation, and experience the difference for yourself.
At the center, you'll find an array of offerings tailored to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Their Yoga classes twice a week will help improve mood, muscle tone, and posture. Get your groove on in the energetic Zumba sessions. "Bingo with a twist" exercise class is a guaranteed good time, complete with the chance to win prizes.
If you love table tennis, bring a friend on the 1st Monday of each month. Tables, paddles, and balls await you! The fun continues with kettlebells, chair aerobics, line dancing, and stretch classes. The options are endless. And it doesn't stop there. The center regularly hosts special events, so check their website or join the email list to stay in the loop.
The center truly cares about health. There are nurses on site to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels and weigh-ins free of charge. Check their website for additional information and special events at https://www.fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/tokay-senior-fitness-center or call 910-433-1547.

Spring Lake Recreation and Senior Center, located at 245 Ruth Street, Spring Lake, offers a variety of programs for children, adults, and seniors.
If you are an active senior, the center boasts a diverse lineup of recreational pursuits. From the ever-popular bingo and pokeno games to the soothing art of crocheting, there's something to pique everyone's interest.
Kristine Schara, the Supervisor at the center, shares how she started her career at the center, “After years of working in an office environment, I relocated and lived in close proximity to the center. Drawn to the quarter-mile outdoor walking trail nearby, I often saw seniors utilizing this space. Through countless enlightening conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the struggles they face - feelings of isolation, technological disconnection, a need for socialization, and local resources. During one of these encounters, a senior mentioned an open position at the community center, encouraging me to consider a career change. Heeding their advice, I embarked on a new journey. One that has since become my forever job. Working within the walls of this vibrant community hub has allowed me to witness the transformative power of connection, empowerment, and belonging.”
For those who love crafts, the center has a sewing room, and for those who are passionate about crocheting, attendees can join a group to share their work and expertise - it may lead to teaching others interested in picking up the craft.
The monthly potlucks and Fellowship Fridays provide opportunities for residents to connect, share a meal, and forge new friendships. Also, the center organizes group outings to the Omni Theatre, where members can enjoy discounted movie tickets and the camaraderie of their peers.
Moreover, the center's offerings extend beyond just leisure activities. It also serves as a hub for important health screenings and information, with regular diabetes testing and dementia assessments available by appointment. This commitment to the well-being of its members is a testament to the center's dedication to the community.
The community center is a beacon of hope, providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all ages to come together, learn, grow, and support one another. It is a testament to the power of community.
Check their website for times and dates for all activities and special events at https://www.fcpr.us/facilities/spring-lake-recreation-center or call 910-433-1547.

(Photo: A senior works out on one of the many machines available to seniors at the Tokay Senior Fitness Center. Photo courtesy of Tokay Senior Fitness Center.)

On March 28, 30 members of the Cumberland Choral Arts traveled from Fayetteville to Munich, Germany. From there, they spent the next week touring significant musical locations in Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague, learning and performing.
Dr. Michael Martin, Artistic Director for Cumberland Choral Arts, had taken other choirs that he’s led on trips to New York and other countries, so he knew the potential benefits for the performers. When the opportunity arose for the current choir to embark on an overseas adventure, there was no doubt that they would jump at the chance.
In the first portion of the tour, the group spent time in Austria, primarily in Salzburg and Vienna. This part of Europe is where prolific composers lived, worked, and performed: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Bruckner, and more. Martin describes Vienna as a city of musicians, with people playing music on every corner.
The group visited St. Florian monastery, which hosts an extensive exhibit on the work of composer Anton Bruckner. While there, the group performed a brief impromptu concert. They also visited the palace of Eisenstadt just outside of Vienna. The palace was home to Prince Joseph of the Esterhazy family, who contracted composer Joseph Haydn. The palace was the composer’s home for nearly 40 years. The tour of the palace taught that people who worked for the royal family were treated and paid well, and they were very loyal to their employers.
There was a day trip to the spa town of Baden, just south of Vienna, where Beethoven spent many of his summers. Residents of the town today are proud of the connection to the famous composer, but evidently, that wasn’t always the case; in Beethoven’s later years as his hearing declined, his playing and swearing got louder, causing his neighbors to resent his presence. Some of the group also went on a “Sound of Music” tour, learning about the real Von Trapp family that inspired the famous musical play and film.
The St. Leonhard chapel in Salzburg was another highlight. This chapel was where the song “Silent Night” was composed and originally performed. After learning about the men who wrote the song and how it was inspired, the group sang the song in the place where it was first sung.
After soaking up the music and history in and around Vienna, the tour continued to Prague. Prague has similar historical and current significance when it comes to music. Many prolific composers also worked and performed in Prague, and the city is still considered to be a city of music.
The group performed 4 planned concerts but also sang 3 impromptu performances. The performances were well-attended and well-received. Audiences were eager to hear the musicians and appreciated their artistry.
Martin, President Sandy Cage, and the entire board of the Cumberland Choral Arts hope that the Spring 2024 tour was just the first of many such opportunities for the organization. Martin states, “If there is anything that is the solution to the problems of this world, it’s getting to know each other.”
The chance to travel to another part of the world and interact with the people there was a unique lesson in how we are all more similar than we may seem from a distance. Martin states that everywhere they went, people were kind, helpful, and eager to share their love of music.
The 2024-2025 season of Cumberland Choral Arts kicks off in August. The upcoming season will include a June trip to New York City and a performance at Carnegie Hall, which will feature Martin as guest conductor for one piece. Anyone interested in singing with the choir can find more information at their website,
www.cumberlandchoralarts.org.

(Photo: Members of Cumberland Choral Arts pose during a walk in Prague on their European Tour)