What on earth has happened to our political culture?

Remember stories of Democrats and Republicans in Congress disagreeing on the floor of their respective chambers and then joining each other for dinner with their families? Remember when Joe Biden and John McCain loved each other?

As we say in the South, “them days are gone.” Nowadays, members are more likely to punch each other, or at least give it some thought. This month has been especially embarrassing in the “let’s rumble” department.

It began with a heated exchange between Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin and a Teamster official testifying before a Senate committee. The two men, both of a brawny, macho-man sort, apparently have a history of bad blood between them. What should have been a Q&A between Senator and witness degenerated into a “take-it-outside moment,” with Senator Mullin standing to leave his committee chair and head down toward the witness. That prompted the committee chair, 82-year-old Senator Bernie Sanders, to shout, “Sit down! You are a United States Senator. Act it!” Blessedly, Mullin did as he was told, but the mortifying moment lives forever on the internet.

But wait! There is even more bad blood!

A Tennessee Congressman who vowed to remove former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from the Speaker’s chair accused McCarthy of elbowing him in his kidney while charging through the halls of Congress. McCarthy denied the accusation, but an NPR reporter who was interviewing the Congressman when McCarthy barreled down the hall later tweeted that McCarthy “shoved” the Congressman and that she had “NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill.”

And, there was a Congressional taunt, highly inappropriate but amusing nevertheless. A House committee chair, James Comer, got into a tense exchange with a committee member of the opposite political persuasion. Arguing over President Biden’s finances and the chair’s personal finances, Comer lost his temper, used the word “bull****” in his role as chair, and finished up by yelling at his blue plaid sportscoat-clad Congressional colleague, “You look like a Smurf!”

Of course, the ongoing saga of George Santos continues with shocking revelations from the House Ethics Committee that he used his campaign funds for trips, gambling, fancy shoes, Botox treatments and a membership to a porn website, among other expenses. The report is on top of all the lies the man has told and various swindles he is alleged to have devised.

Really? Is there no shame, even when well-earned?

The United States is now less than a year away from a Presidential election year and all manner of down-ballot contests, and I do not know a single soul who is looking forward to it.

As we consider the candidates we will support, no matter whether we are Democrats, Republicans, or unaffiliateds, please, please, please look for candidates who are reasonable and responsible adults, not hotheaded partisans of any stripe. Look for people who have a demonstrated record of supporting what is best for our community, state, and nation as opposed to a partisan or special interest agenda. Look for people you would feel comfortable visiting your own home in the presence of your own family.

And, yes, I agree that some of this outrageous behavior would be laughable if it were not so terrifying that these are the people in charge of our government.

Are you tired of the same old fast-food options and looking for a new and exciting culinary experience? Look no further than Haymount Truck Stop, where food truck heaven awaits! Haymount Truck Stop, located at 100 Broadfoot Ave in the Haymount neighborhood, opened its doors on Nov. 24th.

This location is sure to transform into a hub for all the food enthusiasts in the area. The Haymount Truck

Stop promises to offer a wide variety of mouth-watering food trucks serving up delicious and unique dishes. With a variety of culinary delights waiting for you, you are going to want to go soon and go often. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.

We had the opportunity to chat with owner Jordan Sherrod about this new venture that is sure to be an unparalleled culinary experience that will leave patrons craving more. Sherrod provided a description of the Haymount Truck Stop, painting a vivid picture of the establishment.

“Haymount Truck Stop is Fayetteville’s premier patio space and Fayetteville’s first and only Food Truck Court. It’s a family friendly establishment with indoor and outdoor bars serving beer, wine, craft cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks,” he said. “We have four slots for food trucks which will be on both a rotating and permanent/semi-permanent basis. The back patio and the arcade lounge are available for party and event reservations.”

From the moment patrons step foot onto the grounds of the Haymount Truck Stop, they are transported into a world of food truck magic. What sets them apart from the average food court is the sheer variety of cuisines they will offer. There will be a mix of local food trucks that people will be familiar with and some newly established or lesser-known trucks.

"We will always be looking for new trucks to showcase," says Sherrod. "We plan to have at least one truck at all times, but I ask people to be patient with us as we get started. Food Trucks plan their schedules months in advance, so it will take us some time to build up a full schedule. The best way to keep up with what's happening at HTS is to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.”

Inside people will discover additional seating and gathering spaces, along with a bar that offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Whether patrons are craving a refreshing local beer, a skillfully crafted cocktail, or a perfectly matched wine, they have it covered.

When people visit Haymount Truck Stop, they’re in for much more than just a delicious meal. This food haven is not just a pit stop, but a place where memories are made and connections are formed. The vibrant atmosphere and sense of community that fills the air create an experience that goes far beyond simply satisfying hunger.

The atmosphere and sense of community will add an extra layer of magic to the experience. Sherrod views the Haymount Truck Stop as a welcoming space for the entire community, regardless of their identity or needs. From families enjoying a leisurely lunch to groups of friends seeking adventure, there's a shared sense of community that fills the air.

“We have an indoor setting that’s perfect for business get-togethers, kids’ parties and birthdays, and we have a large, secluded back patio with a private bar that can handle bigger events. It’s also possible to reserve both spaces and link them together by opening up the garage door that separates the spaces,” he said.

Haymount Truck Stop aims to be a melting pot of flavors, community, and connections. And the venue is pet-friendly!

“We are family friendly. Family-friendly is synonymous with pet-friendly for many of our Haymount neighbors. Many Haymount residents enjoy walking the neighborhood down to the shopping district. We want them to be able to stop by HTS for a drink or a bite to eat even if they have their dog with them,” Sherrod explains.

Sherrod has a fondness for the Haymount area and hopes his establishment adds to an already vibrant neighborhood.

“I hope to bring more foot traffic to the area that will support not only our business, but also the other great businesses in Haymount. Haymount is a great district, and I hope to be another reason people come to Haymount to walk, shop and get a bite to eat.”

If you're ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other, make your way to the Haymount Truck Stop. Whether you're a foodie, an adventurer, or simply someone looking for a memorable dining experience, this venue will not disappoint. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, make new memories, and immerse yourself in the magic that is Haymount Truck Stop.

 

When the decision has been made to sell your business, the next step is perhaps the most crucial of all: determining the value of your business. There are several ways this can be done, but it isn’t an exact science. For that reason, it is essential that you seek out a trained broker to help you determine how much your business is worth.

But don’t expect that broker to tell you everything you want to hear. Their job is to be honest and straightforward. This is to help facilitate the easiest and most profitable outcome for you. Sometimes that may mean hearing some hard truths. For instance, you may find that current market conditions mean your business isn’t worth quite what you thought it would be. It can happen. After all, valuing your business doesn't take in the years of work that you’ve put into it.

No matter what the value of your business turns out to be, an established broker, like the ones at

Transworld Business Advisors of Eastern NC, can help you find ways to improve your business to expediate its sale and provide realistic advice and information about how the sale will go.

Common valuation approaches

What are the most common ways that brokers determine the value of your business? Here are the top approaches:
• Comparing similar businesses in your category and focusing on the business’s specific industry and how it values companies—a market approach.
• Projecting the future earnings of your business and calculating the present value of those earnings or applying a capitalization rate—an income approach
• Calculating the business’s net asset value—an asset approach
• Understanding valuation factors

Not everyone is well versed in the language of business evaluation. Understanding some of the basic terminology can help you when you start the process of determining your business’s value.

To start, tangible assets are assets that have physical substance such as inventory, a building, rolling stock, manufacturing equipment or machinery, and office furniture. The flip side of that, intangible assets include patents, copyright, franchises, goodwill, trademarks, and trade names, as well as any form of digital asset such as software, i.e., things that lack physical substance.

Then there are liabilities. These are the things your company owes like payments to suppliers, salaries and wages, payroll taxes and loans. The measures of a business’s health and performance such as profits, revenue, expenses, or other financial outcomes are the financial metrics.

Finally, business owners need to consider that not all trends are specific to profit. From inflation to recession to the availability of capital, the larger macroeconomics can play a role in what your business will be valued.

Benefits of valuing your business

Even if you aren’t ready to sell, there are many values to knowing the true value of your company.
• Helps you plan for retirement and your exit strategy of how to leave your business.
• Provides time to implement a strategy to improve your company prior to exit.
• Guides you to the best options if you are seeking additional funding.

At Transworld, we have years of experience selling businesses just like yours, and we can provide insight into how to accurately value your business. In fact, we’ve helped business owners sell more than 15,000 businesses, and we have 250-plus offices worldwide with more than 850 brokers. During our 40 years of experience, we have learned that it can take on average nine months to sell your business, but larger deals may require up to a year. Our Business Advisors have the training and know-how to help ensure you get the best deal.

For a free consultation, contact Ashley Kelsey with Transworld Business Advisors of Eastern NC at 910-302-6447 or email akelsey@tworld.com.

Pink Floyd fans rejoice. Dark Side of the Moon planetarium show is returning to Fayetteville for its 50th anniversary. Originally released in 1973, Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” has become a cult classic over the generations, garnering a new set of fans at the turn of every decade. Introduced to the world in a press conference in the London Planetarium, Dark Side of the Moon has a full circle moment at the Fayetteville State University Planetarium with two dates to catch it: Dec. 1st and Dec. 8th. There will be two showings each day, one at 7 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $10 for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Fayetteville was one of only 100 cities chosen to host the 50th anniversary show. Planetarium Manager and Astronomy Professor Joseph Kabbes, who has seen the show well over 50 times himself, said the show was “created by NSC Creative in conjunction with the band Pink Floyd to celebrate the release of the album in 1973. The album was on the Billboard charts for 984 weeks. This is the only DSotM show sanctioned by Pink Floyd, and we are one of 9 planetariums in the US licensed to offer the show and the only one in the South East US,” he said.

“The show is a stunning sequence of space-related visuals that are choreographed to the music and tell the story of the album. This experience is heightened as we have ten 4K projectors on a 30-foot dome that display more pixels per square inch than any other dome in the world. A 6500-watt sound system provides the audio punch to create an amazing experience," said Kabbes

The show is more than just an experience; it’s a way for the community to ensure the Fayetteville State Planetarium is around for generations to come with the most up-to-date technology. According to Kabbes,

“The revenue from this show has allowed us to upgrade our servers to provide a richer experience for our visitors. We are looking to acquire other full dome shows, such as the award-winning Asteroids: Mission Extreme. In addition to DSotM on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., we offer biweekly science shows on Sat evenings, followed by views through a telescope, weather permitting.”

Fayetteville State Planetarium has the rights to the show until March 2024, so be on the lookout for more show dates in the future.

The show doesn’t stop when Dark Side of the Moon leaves. The planetarium has a full schedule of events for kids and adults alike. Their next big event is the Solar Eclipse Party on April 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will be able to safely view the sun through telescopes. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase solar glasses as well. They will also be taking part in the 2024 NC Science Festival on April 13th by hosting a Rocket and Robots event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..

For more information and to purchase tickets to any of the planetarium events, visit their website https://www.uncfsu.edu/about-fsu/community/planetarium.

Now that the thrill and commotion of Thanksgiving are behind us, it is the perfect moment to pamper yourself with some much-needed self-care before the frenzy of Christmas ensues.

Envision being in the company of friends at the charming NorthSide Holiday Wine & Beer Walk on Thursday, Nov. 30. This event guarantees an unforgettable time brimming with joy, camaraderie, and the enchantment of the holiday season.

It presents an ideal chance to unwind, treat yourself, and fully embrace a delightful adventure.
Raise your complimentary etched wine glass and celebrate the long-awaited comeback of the Holiday Wine & Beer Walk.

This beloved event showcases the exceptional craft offerings and delicious flavors from ScrubOaks Restaurant, Grapes & Hops Wine Shop and Bar, and Heckler Brewing. Could there be a more wonderful way to kick off the holiday season than strolling between these three establishments?

Whether you're a connoisseur or simply enjoy sipping on a refreshing beverage, this event
is not to be missed.

Grapes & Hops, ScrubOaks, and Heckler Brewing have come together to provide you with a delightful opportunity. By using your complimentary engraved wine glass, you can fully relish the flavors of the holiday season. Immerse yourself in an assortment of sparkling wines and seasonal brews paired perfectly with mouthwatering festive starters at any of the three establishments.

This partnership combines the finest aspects of both realms, highlighting the distinct tastes and artistry of these esteemed locations.

But that's not all – the venues have curated an enchanting ambiance to ignite all your senses. As you wander through the event, you'll encounter exquisitely adorned Christmas trees, joyful ornaments, and beloved holiday tunes that will transport you into a world of merriment and joy.

It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones.

Also, as a ticket holder, you're eligible to enter for a chance to win an amazing door prize!

One of the most special aspects of the NorthSide Holiday Wine & Beer Walk on the NorthSide is how it brings the community together and supports the local businesses.

This event is not just about indulging in delicious beverages; it's also about celebrating and supporting the vibrant neighborhood that hosts it. By participating in the NorthSide Holiday Wine & Beer Walk, you are not only treating yourself to a wonderful experience but also contributing to the local economy.

Support small businesses and shop local all year round.

The NorthSide Holiday Wine & Beer Walk will happen on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $37.50 for single tickets and $65 for couple tickets. Tickets can be purchased at any of the participating venues.

If you are looking for a group discount (6 or more) call for pricing at 910-884-3072.

The holiday season is here, and the 1897 Poe House is adorned in its most elegant attire. Step back in time and experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas with "Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House."
The charm and elegance of a bygone era will be on full display from the moment you step through the doors of this beautifully preserved historic home. Each room is adorned with period-appropriate decorations, from twinkling lights to traditional ornaments, and evergreen garlands that fill the air with the scent of the season. The annual "Holiday Jubilee" celebration will transport you to a time when Christmas was truly a grand affair, filled with lavish decorations, festive music and an abundance of joy and merriment.

The 1897 Poe House served as the residence for the E.A. Poe family. E.A. Poe, a prominent local entrepreneur, was the proprietor of the Poe Brick Company.

The construction of the house took place towards the conclusion of the Victorian era. Megan Maxwell, the Education Coordinator at the Poe House from 1897, granted Up and Coming Weekly a special preview of the exquisitely decorated residence as she prepared for the upcoming "Holiday Jubilee" celebration. She also shared her expert knowledge on the customs and traditions of a Victorian Christmas, as well as how the 1897 Poe House incorporates modern elements into these age-old practices.

Maxwell mentioned that the 1897 Poe House has been hosting the "Holiday Jubilee" for a minimum of two decades. It typically takes her approximately one week to prepare and adorn the house for the festive season.

Old-world charm and holiday nostalgia are in every corner. Imagine walking through rooms adorned with lavish decorations, from garlands and wreaths to twinkling lights and ornaments. Victorian Christmas traditions and the elegance of the house intertwine to create a truly magical experience. Feel the magic of the season come alive before your eyes.

The Victorian Era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was influenced by and named after Queen Victoria. She was crowned in England in 1837 and reigned for 64 years.

Queen Victoria's love for Christmas and her desire to create a joyous and festive atmosphere for her family and subjects had a significant impact on the way Christmas was celebrated during her time on the throne.

The Victorian era was a time when Christmas traditions as we know them today began to take shape. It was during this period that many of the customs and practices we associate with the holiday season were established.

Prince Albert, who was originally from Germany, introduced many German Christmas traditions to the royal household. Most notable was a decorated Christmas Tree. In 1848 it was not typical for households to have a Christmas tree.

However, that all changed once pictures of the king and queen’s Christmas tree, appearing in newspapers like the Illustrated London News and magazines like the Ladies Home Journal, were shown decorated with large colorful ornaments, candles and tinsel. The decorations of a Victorian Christmas were lavish and ornate, reflecting the opulence and elegance of the era.

The sight of a beautifully decorated tree, adorned with candles, ornaments and gifts, became a symbol of Christmas joy and abundance.

Natural elements, such as evergreen garlands, mistletoe and holly, also used to decorate the home for Christmas, were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

The Poe House features an elegant tree adorned with the same Victorian charm in the parlor, as well as traditional holiday foliage throughout the entire house.

However, in order to prioritize safety and prevent the attraction of pests, the 1897 Poe House opted for faux greenery instead of live plants. Similarly, a faux evergreen tree with electric lights is used in place of wax candles. This choice not only eliminates the risk of fire hazards but also reduces the need for extensive cleanup that would come with using real greenery.

As a historic house, it is important to consider these factors while still maintaining a festive atmosphere and historical accuracy.

Another type of Christmas tree, inspired by Victorian times, is their scrap ornament tree. During the time, people showcased their creativity by creating unique ornaments to decorate their trees.

During the late 1800s, sheets of die-cuts were available for purchase, either connected with tabs or cut out from Christmas postcards, magazines, and other printed materials.

A variety of options were available including Santa, children, angels, cherubs and flowers. Women's magazines provided instructions on creating ornaments with these die-cuts as well as any other craft scraps one would have around the house. To make ornaments, women or children decorated their die-cut ornaments with materials like wire tinsel, spun glass, colored cellophane, crepe paper and cotton batting.

The 1897 Poe House has a beautifully decorated scrap Christmas tree on the second floor. It showcases many great examples of Victorian creativity and is adorned with the same handmade ornaments you would have seen on the Poe family’s tree back in their time.

During the Victorian era, Christmas dinner was a highly formal event and undoubtedly the most significant meal of the year. The 1897 Poe House dining room will not disappoint in the formal department.

Decked out in evergreen, holly and red ribbon, the table is adorned with the fanciest of dishes, the finest tablecloth and matching silverware. It has a festive and inviting atmosphere ready for a holiday meal.

Maxwell shared with us a Christmas day menu printed in Ladies Home Journal in 1897. The menu started with oysters on the half shell and ended with plum pudding with hard sauce. Fourteen courses, anyone?

If you are looking for a few more tips to have a traditional Victorian Christmas, put your Christmas tree up on Christmas Eve and keep it up until January 6th. Decorate it with popcorn and cranberry garland and ribbon woven through the branches.

Don’t forget the tree topper, an angel, on top. Use lots of natural greenery. Use evergreen garlands, holly, and mistletoe to adorn the walls, mantels, and staircases in your home. If you hang mistletoe, stand underneath it and take a berry off for a kiss. If there are no berries left….no kisses.

The “Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House” will be Dec. 3rd from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a rain-or-shine event. This year's event includes complimentary performances by the Coventry Carolers at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and the Fayetteville Sound Barbershop Chorus at 2, 3 and 4 p.m., who will be presenting beloved holiday songs for guests on the front porch of the Poe House.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are available to participate in photo sessions and share heartwarming Christmas tales. Parents have the opportunity to capture their own cherished moments with Santa, who will be stationed inside the Museum of the Cape Fear.

Some other notable features of this occasion include a live cooking demonstration using the vintage 1902 Glenwood stove, the opportunity to create and keep your very own handmade ornament made from scrap materials, as well as the availability of refreshing cider and delicious cookies.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of holiday traditions, or simply seeking a unique and enchanting experience, the Victorian Christmas celebration at the 1897 Poe House promises to be a memorable event that will transport you to a bygone era of elegance and joy.

If you are unable to attend the “Holiday Jubilee,” the 1897 Poe House will be decorated through January 8 and special costumed tours will be offered on selected dates. Expert docent, Ruth Aldridge, will guide you through the Poe House and help you learn more about Victorian Christmas traditions. Tours will last 45 minutes, and admission is free.

Learn more about the "Holiday Jubilee" and guided holiday tours at https://www.facebook.com/MuseumoftheCapeFear/.

The Blume School of Dance presents The Nutcracker Ballet on Dec. 9 and 10, at the Crown

Coliseum. The Nutcracker Ballet is an adaptation of “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. The choreographed story is based on a revision by Alexander Dumas.

The concise story follows as Clara receives a Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. She falls asleep holding the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker becomes alive and is attacked by the Mouse King and mice.

The Mouse King and the mice overwhelm the Nutcracker. She rescues him from the Mouse King. The mice take the defeated Mouse king away. The Nutcracker becomes a Prince. Clara and the Prince travel to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets.

The Sugar Plum Fairy rewards Clara for vanquishing the Mouse King. Clara experiences a series of celebrations in the form of dances. The finale sees the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier dance a pas de deux. Clara awakens from the dream, holding the Nutcracker.

“This is the fifty-fourth year of producing the nostalgic ballet classic, The Nutcracker,” said Dina Lewis, studio director, Blume School of Dance. “It is always with much excitement and joy when the month of December comes around and the department stores are filled with music from the famous Nutcracker Ballet. Being able to direct the production and see the way the young people mesmerize the crowd is always fulfilling. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a young performer who has worked on the choreography since April come off the stage all smiles.

"Being able to impact the families who attend with a lifelong hopeful memory of the Nutcracker keeps me overjoyed and feeling quite accomplished. Hopefully, I will be around to see it through for quite a few more years.”

Jennifer Shean, parent of Kaelyn Shean shares thoughts about her daughter’s participation in the upcoming performance of The Nutcracker.

“My daughter, Kaelyn Shean, one of the performers with the North Carolina Ballet through Blume School of Dance will be performing as a Soldier in Act I, and a Doll in the Mother Ginger Scene in Act ll.”

“I enjoy The Nutcracker because it is an enchanting Christmas story. Clara overcomes her fear of the Mouse King to save a loved one, her Nutcracker. You feel like you are really on a journey with Clara to the Land of Sweets,” said Kaelyn Shean. “I enjoy dancing in this one because it is the actual choreography and music from the original Nutcracker. It is the closest you can get to dancing the real thing. The Nutcracker symbolizes Christmas. The Nutcracker takes place on Christmas Eve, then the toys came to life. It is basically about the magic of Christmas and believing in things that seem impossible.”

The Blume School of Dance and North Carolina State Ballet are the jewels of Fayetteville’s quality of life organizations.

“This Ballet, The Nutcracker, brings families together to watch and has become peoples’ Christmas tradition. It is a good ballet and people want to keep coming to see it,” said Jennifer Shean.

Experience the magic of The Nutcracker Ballet by the Blume School of Dance, on December 9 and 10, at 3 p.m. The performances will be held at the Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville. The ticket prices are $13.50 for children, $27.50 for military, and $33.50 for adults.

Tickets and The Nutcracker Ballet information is available at Nutcracker, Crown Complex, https://www.crowncomplexnc.com and Blume School of Dance at 910-484-3466.

 

“Education, in every sense, is one of the factors of economic development of all municipalities. No municipality can achieve sustainable growth without substantial investment in public schools,” said Ozturk Ilhan.

Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr. of Cumberland County was honored as the 2024 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. The reward was presented in a collaborative venture of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, North Carolina Superintendents Association, and National School Board Association and sponsored by Scholastic Education.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition, which is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the entire Cumberland County Schools family,” he said. “This award reflects our collective commitment to the success of every student. I am immensely proud of our achievements and look forward to continuing our journey toward educational excellence for all."

Connelly’s public education career includes experience as a special education teacher assistant, teacher, principal, chief of staff and Assistant Superintendent. He began his tenure at Cumberland County Schools in 2018.

There are thirty-four preschools, fifty-four elementary schools, nineteen middle schools and eighteen high schools totaling in 48,860 students in Cumberland County. The high school graduation rate is 86.9, according to U.S. News and World Report.

One of the factors for the award was the Cumberland Commitment Strategic Plan 2026. The strategic plan states that “every student will have equitable access to engaging learning that prepares them to be competitive, collaborative, and successful in our global world.”

The mission statement reads, “Cumberland County Schools will provide a safe, positive, and rigorous learning environment to prepare lifelong learners to reach their full potential.”

The Core Values of the Cumberland County Schools Strategic Plan 2026 are excellence, equity, innovation, integrity, collaboration, and compassion.

The concise priorities and action list are implementing a robust learning environment, recruiting and retaining premier professionals, developing equitable access to human capital, maintaining safe and secure schools, developing behavioral and mental health models, maximizing student graduation rates and building the capacity of schools to serve all students.

The Committed Community action items are developing district-wide family engagement and outreach programs and strengthening community, business, municipal, university and military partnerships.
Public school funding is based on local, state, and federal dollars. These dollars will address students in public schools for sustainable economic growth in Cumberland County.

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is showing a family-themed concert, The Snowman, at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in the Orangery, on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Admission is free. A separate ticket to attend the Holiday Light Show at the Botanical Garden is available for purchase. Go to their website capefearbg.org for pricing.

“The Snowman” is a great holiday story about a young boy who builds a snowman on Christmas Eve that comes to life and takes him to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas.

The 1978 picture book of the same name, written by English illustrator and cartoonist, Raymond Briggs, is a timeless tale that captured the hearts of its readers with its beautiful illustrations and heartwarming narrative. In 1982, the book made its way onto the silver screen, combining animated visuals with a symphonic poem element. The film was accompanied by a mesmerizing musical score composed by Howard Blake, further enhancing the magical atmosphere of this captivating story.

"The Snowman" continues to be cherished by audiences of all ages, as it transports viewers into a world filled with wonder and imagination. Combining Briggs' delightful storytelling, Blake's evocative music, and the stunning animations, it creates an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Whether you are revisiting this classic tale or discovering it for the first time, "The Snowman" will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Meghan Woolbright is the marketing and office manager at Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. She states that the FSO is committed to offering free admission concerts to the community so all can experience what they offer without cost as a barrier. Generous donations are made by various organizations, by way of gifts, and individuals.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council have been huge supporters in their commitment through donations that has helped FSO continue offering free concerts.
Woolbright loves the work she has committed to do for FSO and feels rewarded when she sees the community come out to support the arts.

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1956, bringing music to the schools and the community by performing educational concerts featuring its own Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra, after-school strings and summer music camps. Their mission is to educate, entertain and inspire the citizens of Cumberland County by offering family-friendly movies and other musical events.

They believe in the arts and what they bring to the community by providing free or low-priced concerts and other events. In addition, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is essential in delivering educational programs for our youths in the arts. Every year, they choose elementary schools in preparation for third-grade students for their upcoming symphony visits. They offer internships to college students and high school mentoring programs.

You can make a donation by visiting their website at www.fayettevilleorchestra.org or by calling 910-433-4690.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, in collaboration with the Cumberland County Schools Office of Indian Education, is hosting its 2nd annual Still Here, Still Native Exhibition.

According to the Arts Council, “This exhibition offers a remarkable glimpse into the rich and diverse art and cultural practices of indigenous tribes hailing from different regions across the vast expanse of North America. Through a captivating blend of original artwork and traditional crafts, this showcase provides an immersive experience that celebrates the unique heritage and traditions of these tribes with great respect and authenticity.”

The exhibition started on Nov. 2 and runs until Dec. 2 with an interactive craft event which includes a local Indigenous Storyteller.

This year’s exhibition includes two interactive art events, Corn Husk Doll Make and Take on Nov. 19, and the Pinecone Patchwork Make and Take on Dec. 2 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Arts Council of Fayetteville, located at 301 Hay St, downtown Fayetteville. This event is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Participants will be learning the history of the Pinecone Quilt.

“This is the second year we’ve brought Still Here, Still Native to the community, and it was really important to everyone involved (myself, the CCS Office of Indian Education, and the Arts Council) to expand on the initial blueprint,” said Savanna Davis, exhibit curator. “We extended the show itself to give folks a chance to come out, and along with that, one of our primary goals was to coordinate relevant programming to run alongside the exhibition… On Dec. 2, we’ll host a second craft session focused on the Lumbee Pinecone Patchwork Quilt. This event will coincide with a storytelling session by the wonderful Ms. Tammie Jump, a local storyteller who will be sharing traditional stories and material culture from the Lumbee Tribe. The pinecone pattern, which was created by Maggie Lowery Locklear in the early 1900s, holds special historical significance as a unique, beautiful, and highly technical contribution to textile artistry.”

The Pinecone Patchwork make-and-take will be led by the Office of Indian Education staff members. According to the organization’s website, “The mission of the Title VI Office of Indian Education (OIE) is to support the efforts of targeted schools to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) so that these students can achieve to the same challenging state standards as all students.”

The organization’s involvement in this event has been imperative to its authenticity, educational value and success. Participants will be guided through the process of making one patchwork square. Anyone who finishes a complete quilt is encouraged to contact the Arts Council of Fayetteville or tag them in pictures on social media. They would love to share with the community.

Davis has enjoyed putting this exhibition together and all the events tied to it.

“Many of the events are ideal for families with littles, but folks of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend! We will also be hosting the final leg of Sandra Whittemore's Indigenous Dress Tour beginning Monday, Nov. 20, so if visitors would like to come in and get some inspiration for their quilt squares, there’s no better time!”

Attendees are encouraged to check out the art exhibit while they are onsite for the craft event. Davis and other staff had taken great care in expanding the exhibit far beyond the walls of the Arts Council building.

“Amidst this cultural exhibition of fine art and regalia, there will also be a resource wall, with QR codes linking to all types of Native-made content — such as books, movies, TV shows, and a podcast — to support other Native artists beyond just the exhibit… Most pieces on display will be for sale, and many prints may be ordered unframed at a reduced price. The exhibition will then remain open to the public during normal gallery hours through Jan. 6, 2024.”

President Biden made Native American Heritage Month official on Oct. 31, 2023, and urged all Americans “to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities”— and the Arts Council has several plans to do just that.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville and the Office of Indian Education are seeking to make that possible for all of Cumberland County residents, young and old.

For more information on the Office of Indian Education, visit the website https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/domain/1611. For more information about upcoming events and exhibits at the Arts Council of Fayetteville, visit their website https://www.theartscouncil.com/.

The three actors sitting around the table at Cape Fear Regional Theatre are a little different than the norm. They laugh, giggle and speak confidently about their characters. When asked what they want to do for a living, two of the three confidently answer "actor" without hesitation. The biggest difference for these particular actors is that their respective ages are eight, nine and eleven. While this is not the typical age line up for actors at the theatre, it is for the annual showing of Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This year is Cape Fear Regional’s 32nd showing.

“I have been doing theatre since I was six,” says Hannah Molina, who plays Beverly in the upcoming Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

This is Hannah’s second year as Beverly in BCPE. She sits, bounces a little in her seat and wears a huge smile when she talks about the show and her character. Across the table from her sits Eddie Pfender, who will be one of the actors playing Charlie in the show. Eddie is self-assured and confident as he speaks about his part. Although he admits he really wanted to play Ollie, he says he is still happy to play Charlie.
“I don’t even care what role I get,” he says. “ … As long as I’m in the play.”

In just a week, these actors will take the stage and watch as the Herman family kids go from being known as the worst kids in town to starring in a church’s Christmas pageant.

“They just destroy the pageant,” Eddie says laughing. “There is a scene where Imogene
sets fire to the church.”

Hannah and Crystina Arnold, who plays a baby angel in the play, smile and nod along as they each try to retell what they think the play is about.

“What is really important about the show is that there is a change in these Hermans … They find so much more than they expected. They find solace in this Christmas story as they learn about Jesus. You see this big change,” Jennifer Sell, the show’s director, says. “It’s their revival story.”

This year, the staff at Cape Fear Regional Theatre decided on four different casts for the production due to the number of kids that came out for auditions. The casts will rotate showings and days.

“Between all four casts we have almost 200 kids,” says Sell. “We had to expand our cast.”

While this is one of the hardest things about the year’s production of BCPE, Sell says it's also one of the best parts as well.

“There are so many kids. You get to work with so many different kids with so many different personalities … they all build their characters and it's really cool to see them come into their own being.”

The productions will run December 2nd through the 17th and include 16 showings for field trips for local schools, which have already sold out and have a long waiting list.

“Each cast is here twice a week for rehearsal,” Sell says. “They each will do one day of school shows and one weekday evening performance and one weekend performance.”

Tickets range between $11 for kids and $16 for adults. There will be a military appreciation night during the first week of the production. For more information visit www.cfrt.org.

“I have Tricare. I don’t need anything else.”

I hear this a lot in Fayetteville and while it is true that “need” doesn’t play a factor, there is a strong consideration for want. Several years ago, Tricare and VA benefits made having Medicare Parts A and B mandatory. Together, they tend to take care of all the medical bills; however, it opens a door to allow people with Tricare or VA benefits to take advantage of the inducements being offered through Medicare Advantage plans.

As discussed in my last article, Medicare Advantage offers many inducements like Dental, Vision, Hearing Aids, transportation, Part B Buybacks, gym memberships, over-the-counter benefits, and more. Tricare and VA recipients are no exception. The medical-only Medicare Advantage plans tend to offer larger part B buyback benefits than the plans that include prescription drug coverage which is perfect for those with Tricare or VA benefits as their drug coverage is already seen to. These MA plans do not affect medical benefits already covered by Tricare or VA Benefits and indeed allow the option of visits to civilian doctors at very low costs.

Retired State Employees can also benefit from MA plans. Currently, state employees have the option of a Blue Cross Blue Shield 70/30 plan or the Humana MAPD plan. In the benefits booklet they receive, it outlines how much better the Humana plan is; however, it leaves out a key component: the BCBSNC 70/30 plan coordinates benefits with both supplements or a medical-only Medicare Advantage plan while the Humana plan does not. Many of the inducements offered in MA plans are not available through the state Humana group plan. Having the state 70/30 plan coordinating with a medical-only MA plan actually provides far superior coverage to just the Humana group Medicare plan as the state generally picks up the copays that the MA plan charges. This combo also gives the inducements that retirees are missing out on.

Retired Federal Employees have their own custom-tailored MA plans as well offered by some carriers. These function a little differently than most MA plans in that they don’t have as many of the same inducements, but they generally pick up all the copays from the federal retiree plan as well as they tend to have some of the richest Part B Buyback benefits.

Finally, people who are full Medicaid recipients who are also on Medicare are a special class known as dual eligibles. The industry has plans called D-SNP plans with the richest inducements of all, including hundreds of dollars monthly in food benefits. Some companies offer unlimited transportation to medical appointments, the gym, and the grocery store on these plans as well as unlimited dental in addition to all the other traditional MA inducements.

Long story short, if you’re retired and have an employer-provided plan or one of the insurances mentioned already, there are ways to maximize your coverage and added benefits by using Medicare Advantage.

The Up & Coming Weekly is NOT a non-profit news media organization.

It is a 27-year-old weekly com-munity newspaper that has never waivered in its commitment to keep-ing the residents of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community informed, amused, and entertained, with a dedicated staff and excellent contributing writers like Margaret Dickson, Pitt Dickey, Karl Merritt and Dr. Shanessa Fenner who, for de-cades, have been the content foundation of our publication for community news, views, opinions, arts, and entertainment.

And, even though we will contrib-ute to many local non-profit orga-nizations during this current Giving Tuesday campaign, we (U&CW) will not receive any such donations from the community.
Our newspaper was the first to inform Fayetteville residents about the crisis in the newspaper industry and its toll on local newspapers nation-wide. We were also the first to predict the dramatic negative impact the sale of the Fayetteville Observer would have on the community.

Up & Coming Weekly warned everyone on how we would suffer if Cumberland County were allowed to become a “media desert.” To our detriment (meaning our financial risk), we have been continually diligent in trying to prevent this outcome.

Our style of journalism is unique and steeped in the Southern traditions of honesty, integrity and tenac-ity when it comes to principle. Our newspaper has paid a high price for such commitments.

We have been threatened, sued, accused of being racist, and canceled by a “woke” society; however, we are still here.

Our existence gives credence to the adage: “If you do the right things for the right reasons, you never have to apologize.”

Maintaining the confidence and trust of this community is our highest commitment to the citizens of the Fayetteville community, and our commitment stands.

Only the community can support a community newspaper. Again, we are a news media business, NOT a non-profit charity.

Our revenue and total existence de-pend on local sponsors, partners, and advertisers. This being said, Novem-ber is the near-perfect time to ask our loyal U&CW readers for their support in the upcoming years.
You can support the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper in many ways, i.e., market and adver-tise your business or organization, promote your forthcoming event, and invest in a business profile to inform the community of your services.

Of course, you can always send us a check supporting Free Speech, the First Amendment, and the Fourth Estate.

Most importantly, we appreciate you, your friendship, and your readership. All three are greatly appreciated.

Contact me personally if Up & Coming Weekly community news-paper or if I can assist you. We need local businesses and organizations as partners, sponsors, and advertis-ers to keep U&CW newspaper as a FREE and independent local media resource.

You can reach me 24/7 at Bill@upandcomingweekly.com or by calling 910-391-3859 to discuss ways to get involved in ensuring the Up & Coming Weekly newspaper continues serving Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. 

Come one, come all to a Christmas parade of homes. Happening from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9, Greg Floyd and his associates at Floyd Properties hope to bring a wonderful experience through sharing their love of real estate and architecture. The Tour of Homes will be happening in two locations: Fairfield Farms and Turnberry.

“We are hoping this Christmas tour of homes is giving us a chance to showcase these wonderful neighborhoods and great locations with outstanding open and dramatic floorplans, with gourmet kitchens, bathrooms, and unusual and special features. We want as many people in the community as possible to come and explore these homes and understand the capabilities of these homes, and provide a dream home for as many people as we can. This Christmas tour of homes would be a great chance for us to do that,” said Floyd.

The open house Christmas home tour dates are:
•Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.
•Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.
•Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.
•Friday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.
•Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Started in the 1950’s by founder Sonny Floyd, Floyd Properties is a reliable construction contractor and realtor services company that aims at bringing dream homes to life and finding people their forever home. The company has remained a mainstay in residential living for residents of Fayetteville for almost a century.

As they have developed, Sonny Floyd has passed the mantle to his two sons, Greg and Steve Floyd. Each of the two provides their expertise, experience and learning from their father to better help people find a home they’ll love.

For this upcoming Christmas Home Tour, there are going to be ten ready-to-move-in model homes to tour, view, and even buy for open house attendees and prospective buyers. Buyers can look forward to unique floor plans, multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and square footage up to 3,600 square feet.
Floyd Properties has even announced the availability of interest rates as low as 4.5% to entice those who may be wary of the current economic housing market.

The tours provided will have small amenities such as snacks and drinks for those touring the house, and will be guided by associates of Floyd Properties.

This is a perfect opportunity to see the current state of the housing market, shop around for housing options in Fayetteville, and potentially even find a contractor that can develop your ideal home for you if none of the available options suit your needs or tastes.

Being a locally owned and operated business, Floyd Properties has spread its reach throughout Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett and Moore County as a continuing provider of quality homes. Throughout their decades of experience, Sonny, Greg and Steve Floyd have strived to provide an unmatched level of professionalism to their customers and community. Odds are, if you’ve been to a few of the neighborhoods in town, you’ve seen a Floyd Properties home.

Whether your interest is modern decor, seeing the immaculate work of local Fayetteville construction contractors, or shopping for your dream home to set down roots, the Floyd Properties Christmas Tour of Homes is the place to be.

For more information on the tour of homes, buying one of their available ready to move-in homes or setting up an appointment, please visit https://floydproperties.com or call 910-423-6700.

 

In her classic novel Little Women, Louisa May Alcott has her character Margaret gaze bitterly at the family’s frostbitten garden and proclaim that “November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year.”

The protagonist, her sister Jo, offers a pensive reply: “That's the reason I was born in it.”

I don’t see November that way. I’m far from alone. According to a recent survey, it’s January that better deserves Margaret’s disdain. Nearly a third of Americans say it’s their least favorite month. Only 4% picked November.

The latter’s selling points include the lingering beauty of autumn leaves, the poignant solemnity of Veteran’s Day, and, especially, the holiday of Thanksgiving. Its indispensable premise is that, even after a year of mishaps or tragedies, there will always be much to be grateful for — and that the best way to demonstrate that gratitude is to share your time and table with family and friends.

One of the blessings for which we should regularly give thanks is that we live in the United States of America. For all its past sins and present shortcomings, our country remains a marvel, a model, and a miracle.

Our founding principles — freedom, self-government, and equality before the law — set America apart from other nations, even though they were not consistently respected or applied at the time. As Martin Luther King famously put it, the Founders were “signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.” It was that promise that made America exceptional.

November isn’t just home to the Thanksgiving holiday. It contains the anniversaries of many events Americans ought to study and commemorate. On November 15, 1777, the Continental Congress finalized the Articles of Confederation, what might be called the initial “operating system” of the national government. A little over five years later, on November 30, 1782, representatives of Great Britain and the new United States signed a provisional peace treaty that brought hostilities to a close, though the Revolutionary War wasn’t formally ended until the signing of the Treaty of Paris a few months later.
As it happens, some of the greatest musical celebrations of America are also associated with this month.

On November 11, 1938, Kay Smith debuted the Irving Berlin-penned “God Bless America” to her nationwide radio audience. John Phillip Sousa, whose many compositions include “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and the Marine Corps march “Semper Fidelis,” was born in November, as was Aaron Copland, who wrote such now-familiar Americana as “Appalachian Spring” and “Rodeo.”

My historical-fantasy series, the Folklore Cycle, is itself meant partly as an expression of gratitude for our great country. The first novel, Mountain Folk, is set primarily during the 1760s and 1770s. I use a combination of real-life and imaginary characters to depict the American Revolution in all its scope and complexity.

In my novels and short stories, I don’t sugarcoat history. My characters include religious dissenters, Cherokee leaders, and abolitionists such as Sojourner Truth. They are among the American heroes I celebrate, and for whom we should all be grateful this month and every month.

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). Mr. Hood's article has been edited down from the original.

This Week in Fayetteville

November 22-28, 2023

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

INDIGENOUS DRESS TOUR

ARTS COUNCIL OF FAYETTEVILLE

9 a.m.

 

As part of the “Still Here, Still Native" Exhibition*, the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County will be hosting the Indigenous Dress Tour. This tour, organized by April Whittemore Locklear in tribute to her mother, Sandra Whittemore. Thirteen distinct pieces of traditional attire, crafted by Sandra Whittemore throughout the years, will be showcased on mannequins at The Art Center's gallery during regular gallery hours until Dec. 16 (excluding November 23rd and 24th). For more info, visit the Facebook Event Link at https://bit.ly/47roVms or call 910-323-1776.

 

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

THANKSGIVING DAY TURKEY TROT

CLARK PARK NATURE CENTER

8 a.m.

 

It's that time of year once more! Join in the yearly Turkey Trot and canned food collection on Thanksgiving Day to support the Fayetteville Urban Ministry! Shed those additional calories so you can indulge in all the delectable holiday meals! Bring your canned foods and make this a triumphant canned food drive! Visit the event link at https://bit.ly/3QJ5xdw.

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER `24

DIY BLACK FRIDAY KID'S WORKSHOP

BOARD & BRUSH

9 a.m.

 

Looking to do some shopping on Black Friday but not sure what to do with your kids (aged 6-12)? Let them get crafty while you chase down all those ideas. Board & Brush will have a selection of wood projects and totes for the kids to choose from in their gallery. They'll provide lunch and snacks, and of course, there will be ornaments! All the necessary materials will be provided, and their instructors will guide your child step-by-step to create a beautiful decorative piece. Visit https://bit.ly/47jTjPN for more information.

 

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER `24

A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL

PURPLE DOOR PRODUCTIONS

7:30 p.m.

Purple Door Productions introduces a fresh holiday tradition with "A Christmas Carol, the Musical". Join in as the world's most renowned ghost story back to the stage of their Studio Theatre in downtown Lumberton. N.C. playwright Lee Yopp has created a new musical adaptation of Dickens' beloved novel, bringing it to life with exquisite Victorian costumes, enchanting Christmas music, and breathtaking dance sequences, including a mesmerizing Irish Step dance. A talented ensemble of over 20 local performers and singers will breathe new life into traditional songs and carols while remaining true to the essence of Dickens' original story.

Call 910-635-0011or visit  https://bit.ly/3sKb4IS for more info.

 

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

MAKE YOUR OWN BATH SOAKS WORKSHOP

THE DOWNTOWN MARKET OF FAYETTEVILLE

12 p.m.

 

Who doesn't love a homemade gift?  Spend Shop SMALL Saturday supporting a great local business and make your very own bath soaks.  Great to give as a gift (or keep for yourself). The class is $75 and will include: Christmas-themed drinks (alcohol and non) and Christmas charcuterie, all ingredients to make 3 different bath soaks to take home or use for Christmas gifts, and (of course) Christmas cheer, bonding and laughter! Visit https://bit.ly/47ugg2m or call 919 349-6062.

 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

CROSS CREEK MALL

11 a.m.

 

Indulge in the enchantment of the festive season by paying a visit to Santa at Santa's Workshop located within Cross Creek Mall. Craft timeless holiday memories as you capture a photograph with Santa and confide in him your heartfelt holiday desires! While reservations for Santa are recommended, they are not obligatory. Santa will be available daily until Dec. 24th, ensuring every moment is filled with joy and wonder. Visit https://bit.ly/3MLxyQu for more information.

 

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27

FULL MOON MEDITATE & PAINT CLASS

PRIMA ELEMENTS HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER

6 p.m.

 

Now is the moment to articulate your thoughts and release any pent-up emotions. Meditation during the Full moon will serve as a potent means to connect with the radiant energy of the lunar cycle and harness the dynamic force emitted by the moon's illuminating glow. You will concentrate on your breath and purpose.  Afterward, you will dedicate time to transferring your intentions onto a blank canvas. Feel free to bring your own personal yoga mat. $45 Ticket price includes Pressed Juice or Kombucha, snacks and paint materials. This will be a great evening spent with amazing people!  Space is limited and tickets need to be purchased in advance. Visit https://bit.ly/47uh8Ea for more information.

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

FAYETTEVILLE SYMPHONIC BAND'S HOLIDAY CONCERT

METHODIST UNIVERSITY

7:30 p.m.

 

Join in for a unique musical collaboration between the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and The Methodist University Concert Band. Witness an extraordinary performance featuring a repertoire that includes beloved classics like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Blues for Santa," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and many more. Don't miss this special event taking place at Huff Concert Hall, located at Methodist University. This concert is free to attend with no ticket required. For more information, visithttps://bit.ly/49x39iV.

’Tis the Season to Be Jolly, Fayetteville and surrounding areas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year to get in the holiday spirit as Segra Stadium hosts its third annual holiday lights. The event, located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, runs from Friday, Dec. 8th, to Friday, Dec. 23rd. The event is held at Segra Stadium, located at 460 Hay St., home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

Since its start in 2021, this event has drawn crowds with its holiday attractions and festive holiday activities. Kimberly Hackett, who works for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers part-time during the summer as a ticket taker and usher, shared her fantastic experience.

“I attended Holiday Lights for the first-time last year. I was so eager to see the stadium lit up. The event was a great experience, including movies playing on the big screen, a variety of decorative Christmas trees, and looking at the lights on the concourse. The apple cider also made the experience great,” Hackett stated.

Hackett enjoyed the Christmas vibe and looks forward to the new activities planned for this year’s event.
“It was a friendly atmosphere with various activities. The various activities throughout the baseball stadium are a great incentive for everyone, including children, to enjoy. I’m so eager to see the holiday decorations and lights for this year’s event,” she added.

In the stadium, guests can stroll alone among the “tens of thousands” of holiday lights and decorations extending throughout the concourse, the seats, the walk-through area, and the baseball field. Everyone, including your four-legged family members, is welcome to attend this fun-filled event.A holiday market will open throughout the event for patrons to shop for last-minute presents. Patrons can also meet, greet, and snap pictures with Santa Claus and other Christmas theme characters.

Each day will present 16 nights of Christmas themes, providing guests with a fun and festive atmosphere. The event will feature giveaways for the first 400 fans, promotions, a hot cup of cocoa, a movie viewing of The Santa Clauses, food, beverage specials, and much more. Guests can dress up for the occasion on specific theme nights.

Opening night starts on Friday, Dec. 8th, with fireworks starting at 8:15 p.m. The additional Holiday Lights theme nights, which run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., are listed as follows:

• Saturday, Dec. 9th: Woodpecker Snow Globe Giveaway!
• Sunday, Dec. 10th: Elf Night!
• Monday, Dec. 11th: Military Monday
• Tuesday, Dec. 12th: Teacher Tuesday
• Wednesday, Dec. 13th: Waggin’ Wednesday
• Thursday, Dec. 14th: Mele
Kalikimaka
• Friday, Dec. 15th: PJ Party and Movie Night
• Saturday, Dec. 16th: Holiday Market Night
• Sunday, Dec. 17th: Princess Night
• Monday, Dec. 18th: Military Monday
• Tuesday, Dec. 19th: Teacher Tuesday
• Wednesday, December 20th:
Waggin’ Wednesday
• Thursday, Dec. 21st: Ugly Sweater Party
• Friday, Dec. 22nd: Firework Friday
• Saturday, Dec. 23rd: Holiday Lights

The occasion will also showcase the Tree for Charity initiative. This charity initiative is a collaboration project for individuals and groups to partner with 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to decorate a Christmas tree. Throughout the 16-day festival, groups can purchase a single 6-foot tree for $200 through Segra Stadium’s website. The time slots for tree setup are Nov. 29th at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Three nonprofit organizations with the most votes will each receive an incentive award.
Embrace the festive season by purchasing tickets for Fayetteville Holiday Lights by visiting https://www.milb.com/fayetteville or by calling the front office at (910) 339-1989.

Tickets for general admission are now available for $10 for adults and $8 for children aged three to twelve. Day tickets are an additional $2.00 of the general admission price. On Teacher and Military Night, school administrators with a valid school employee card and active duty and retired service members with a valid military ID will receive a $5.00 discount.

*Disclaimer: My apologies to Archie Comic Publications, Inc. There is no connection to their iconic comic book characters, Archie and Jughead, in this editorial. The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of jughead is referenced as a stupid or foolish person. Any content similarities to individuals or groups, living or dead, are purely intentional. (If the shoe fits.....)

I admire Archie Barringer. He loves this community, has a passion for humanity and couldn't care less about being criticized and canceled by a "woke" society.

I have known Archie for over two decades, and he has written several excellent articles for us full of wisdom and spiritual insights. Without a doubt, this retired U.S. Army Chaplain is a man of character, wisdom and fortified convictions who has spent his life serving God and all God's children.

Archie, like many of us who call Fayetteville home, is frustrated and disappointed at the continued divisiveness in our community that has evolved since the unfortunate death of George Floyd in 2020 and the May 30th riots. That day, a hostile, angry mob terrorized downtown citizens, destroyed personal property and attempted to burn down the Historic Market House while our former Police Chief and Mayor "stood down" watching the lawless acts and failing to serve and protect Fayetteville citizens and their property.

Today, our Fayetteville elected officials continue to "stand down" in initiating the actions that would work to normalize race relations and restore dignity, pride, and honor back to our community.

That is precisely what Archie Barringer attempted to initiate when he addressed the Mayor and City Council requesting that the "Black Lives Do Matter” and “End Racism Now” messages be removed from the downtown monument's circumference.

Like many Fayetteville residents, Archie loves Fayetteville and believes Fayetteville is a community of History, Heroes, and a Hometown Feeling.

However, the message that is broadcasted daily from the Market House sends a consent reminder to residents and guests that we are a city divided.

Archie wants city leaders to remove the words “Black Lives Do Matter” and “End Racism Now.” with an alternate message that is more reflective and representative of our community's diverse population.

I had a personal, heartfelt conversation with Archie about his quest and concluded it was reasonable and practical.

He reminded the Mayor and Council that history cannot be erased or undone, and we must learn from it and move on. He recommends replacing the words with alternate phrasing.

It was a solid, well-thought-out recommendation, and the council extended him the obligatory courtesy of listening to his request. Still, from their responses, you could tell his suggestions fell on deaf ears.

Archie views everybody in the same light. "We are all God's children," he often reminds us. His enthusiasm and motivation come from wanting this community to live up to its status as an All American City and a community of History, Heroes, and Hometown feeling.

Archie Barringer is correct. Removing those words would be a huge step toward bringing the community together.

A community that is becoming more and more divided and culturally insensitive as a result of inept leadership.

We need more people speaking out and letting their feelings be known. We need more Archie Barringers and fewer jugheads.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

*Disclaimer: My apologies to Archie Comic Publications, Inc. There is no connection to their iconic comic book characters, Archie and Jughead, in this editorial.The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of jughead is referenced as a stupid or foolish person. Any content similarities to individuals or groups, living or dead, are purely intentional. (If the shoe fits.....)

 

I admire Archie Barringer. He loves this community, has a passion for humanity and couldn't care less about being criticized and canceled by a "woke" society.

I have known Archie for over two decades, and he has written several excellent articles for us full of wisdom and spiritual insights. Without a doubt, this retired U.S. Army Chaplain is a man of character, wisdom and fortified convictions who has spent his life serving God and all God's children.

Archie, like many of us who call Fayetteville home, is frustrated and disappointed at the continued divisiveness in our community that has evolved since the unfortunate death of George Floyd in 2020 and the May 30th riots. That day, a hostile, angry mob terrorized downtown citizens, destroyed personal property and attempted to burn down the Historic Market House while our former Police Chief and Mayor "stood down" watching the lawless acts and failing to serve and protect Fayetteville citizens and their property.

Today, our Fayetteville elected officials continue to "stand down" in initiating the actions that would work to normalize race relations and restore dignity, pride, and honor back to our community.

That is precisely what Archie Barringer attempted to initiate when he addressed the Mayor and City Council requesting that the "Black Lives Do Matter” and “End Racism Now” messages be removed from the downtown monument's circumference.

Like many Fayetteville residents, Archie loves Fayetteville and believes Fayetteville is a community of History, Heroes, and a Hometown Feeling.

However, the message that is broadcasted daily from the Market House sends a consent reminder to residents and guests that we are a city divided.

Archie wants city leaders to remove the words “Black Lives Do Matter” and “End Racism Now.” with an alternate message that is more reflective and representative of our community's diverse population.

I had a personal, heartfelt conversation with Archie about his quest and concluded it was reasonable and practical.

He reminded the Mayor and Council that history cannot be erased or undone, and we must learn from it and move on. He recommends replacing the words with alternate phrasing.

It was a solid, well-thought-out recommendation, and the council extended him the obligatory courtesy of listening to his request. Still, from their responses, you could tell his suggestions fell on deaf ears.

Archie views everybody in the same light. "We are all God's children," he often reminds us. His enthusiasm and motivation come from wanting this community to live up to its status as an All American City and a community of History, Heroes, and Hometown feeling.

Archie Barringer is correct. Removing those words would be a huge step toward bringing the community together.

A community that is becoming more and more divided and culturally insensitive as a result of inept leadership.

We need more people speaking out and letting their feelings be known. We need more Archie Barringers and fewer jugheads.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, almost! Cold weather, the smell of apple spice and lights!

Christmas lights are a big deal, with elaborate displays popping up all over, attracting crowds by the thousands. For those looking locally, no need to travel outside of Cumberland County to see the best lights in North Carolina.

Sweet Valley Ranch is hosting its 4th Annual Festival of Lights. Located at 2990 Sunnyside School Rd, Sweet Valley Ranch is nestled away in the outskirts of the city, making it the perfect place for a light showcase and family fun. Families will enjoy a full drive-thru light display featuring some of the farm animals and Tiny’s Winter Wonderland, named after the Sweet Valley Ranch mascot, their Brahma bull, Tiny. Owners Fred and Anita Surgeon have added additional holiday treats and surprises to this year’s show.

Mr. Surgeon said, “This year, we’re going to have Santa’s Livestock Barn. Basically, guests will drive in what normally is a hay barn. And this year we are going to bring up some of our special animals. A lot of times when you’re coming through, you don’t get to see all the animals. Here, you will have animals on your left and your right, along with the lights. Some of our animals will have their nice Christmas attire on.”

The drive-thru light display will also feature some fun new additions, according to Mr. Surgeon.

“We are going to have a few characters running around. The Grinch is certainly one of them. We’ll have some elves running around. And that’s another thing we are excited about. When you ride through the festival of lights, and you go to our Nativity scene, you’re not just going to see that Nativity scene represented very well, you’re going to see live animals. You may also see our shepherd down there. We try to incorporate the characters because it’s really fun for the children. You’re riding around and then all of sudden you may see a Star Wars character or the Grinch, or who knows what you’re going to see!”

Directly across the street from the ranch is Tiny’s Winter Wonderland. There, guests will be able to enjoy carnival games and inflatables, take pictures with Santa and buy merchandise from the gift store.
Mr. Surgeon said this year, they have added even more family fun to the area. “

We will be playing a movie. We’ll have a fire pit and s'mores, and there will be no charge for going over there sitting around the fire pit, watching a movie,” he said.

Festival of Lights is a passion project for owners Anita and Fred Surgeon. “We love Christmas. It’s just our favorite holiday. For Anita, it has a really special meaning and we decided that we wanted to put up Christmas lights. And then we realized that we’ve got some beautiful animals and wondered how can we integrate animals into the attraction. That really was the genesis of our Festival of Lights attraction.”
This year’s schedule allows families four weekends and the day after Christmas to come to enjoy all the ranch has to offer during the holiday season.

Nov. 24th, 25th, Dec. 1-2 (Fri & Sat)

Dec. 8th-10th (Fri, Sat & Sun)

Dec. 14th-17th (Thurs-Sun)

Dec. 21st-23rd (Thurs-Sat)

Closed Dec. 24th and 25th

Last Day: Dec. 26th (Tue)

Ticket prices are based on the occupancy of the car.
1 to 3 occupants, adults and children- $10.00/person

4 to 11 occupants- adults and children- $9.00/person

12 or more occupants- adults and children - $8.00/person

Anyone aged 2 and under is free

Once the holiday season is over, Sweet Valley Ranch will be in full swing to prepare for its Spring attraction, Spring Time Adventures! March is the beginning of the spring season on the farm. Guests will be able to enjoy fishing on the farm, guided farm tours, with up-close experiences with the animals, ATVs and go-cart rentals (rentals include ATVs small enough for children aged 4). Guests who rent ATVs and go-carts have access to fun paths within the farm.

Tiny’s World gets a spring makeover with more inflatables added and the playground. June is the launch of Dinosaur World, an ever-growing attraction at Sweet Valley Ranch, that offers animatronic dinosaurs and dino-related children’s activities. Mr. Surgeon promises there will be some fun and exciting new additions for this year’s summer attraction starting in June.

To purchase tickets and learn more about what Sweet Vally Ranch offers, visit their website, www.sweetvallyranchnc.com or follow them on social media.

Coming Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. to the Crown Coliseum, Josh Turner is set to help folks unwind and groove to his newest album and fan favorites. Up and Coming Weekly was able to catch up with Turner before his upcoming performance and ask him about his career in music, performance goals, inspirations and his advice for the next generation of performers and entertainers.

Turner, born in Hannah, South Carolina, has spent the last 27 years perfecting his craft as an entertainer.
He remembers growing up and watching Johnny Cash's recorded performances and being inspired by the craftsmanship and heart behind Cash's music. Moments like this, along with his deep roots in his faith, have guided Turner throughout his career in the music industry.

When asked how his relationship with God has affected his career trajectory, Turner had this to say.

"Well, I've definitely faced my challenges as far as that goes. I had a lot of people early on in my career that really tried to influence me to do different things that I wasn't comfortable with or didn't agree with. It's something I had to learn at an early age; that I was either going to let these people tell me what to do and push me around, or I was going to stand my ground and stand up for what I believe in,” he said.
“It's a double-edged sword, because of me standing up for what I believe in, I've missed out on a lot of success, and I'm okay with that. I don't look back and regret that I missed out on certain things because of my values."

Turner believes people like him in the music industry need to exist; those who stand up for what they believe in and won't compromise on their morals to achieve success.

Turner mentioned how glad he was to have learned those lessons earlier in his career rather than later. In a time where more and more musicians and artists are practically required to conform to industry standards and algorithm-focused content to succeed, Josh Turner and his purist approach to music is a refreshing breeze cutting through the stale and stagnant air like a guitar chord in an empty bar.
Having started out in his early 20s, Turner also has a unique perspective as a performer who has been active in the music industry for twenty-two years. U&CW was interested to know what Turner's advice would be for upcoming artists hoping to break through and excel in the industry today.

Thankfully, Turner, touting years of experience, was more than happy to oblige. Speaking on staying true to oneself and striving to succeed in a business so cutthroat and tumultuous, Turner stated,

"Johnny Cash had a song talking about how people are so heavenly-minded that they're no earthly good. I tell my boys this all the time too, just because you're a Christian or true believer, doesn't mean you don't live in a world where there's brokenness, where there's sin, and where there's people struggling,” he said.

“When Jesus came to earth, he dealt with those same kinds of people, but he loved and forgave them. He wasn't afraid to get near those people. I tell my boys that, and would recommend to younger artists who are believers to realize that hey, going out into the music business into the world is not going to be sunshine and roses every day. You're going to have to fight and stand your ground. You're going to have to be resilient and you're going to have to do it with a smile on your face. Let people see the Lord in you."

U&CW next wanted to know how Turner stayed inspired and continued creating throughout his career.

"I've never stopped being a fan,” Turner said.

“I think when people get into the music business and stop being a fan, then it just becomes a business. Just somebody's spirit, their creativity, is enough for me. I don't try to manufacture anything. I continue to be a fan and love music. I continue to go back to what got me into music, to begin with, and look at things through a fan's eyes. I try to let things happen naturally. I don't force anything. That's the key to creativity; letting things happen naturally."

When asked about his favorite song, Turner initially couldn't answer easily but settled for Keith Whitley's "I'm No Stranger To The Rain" because of what it means to him.
Turner mentioned he personally related to the narrative of enduring the hardships of life and persevering in spite of them.

Through it all Josh Turner has remained a creative voice with the purpose of inspiring others, alleviating the stresses of daily life and spreading the love and kindness he's experienced in his life.
Turner will be performing at the Crown Coliseum on Dec. 2. Prepare for fan favorites, songs from his new album and special guest Jared Harder.

"When people show up to a show of mine; when they spend their hard-earned money and take time out of their weekly schedule to come to my shows, I don't take that for granted. I'm very thankful that they would show up. I want them to feel better after they leave my show than before they got there,” Turner said.

For more information on this event, how to buy tickets and other upcoming shows like it, go to https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/josh-turner-with-special-guest-jared-harder or https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/all.

Pickleball is a racket/paddle ball sport that includes the infusion of other sports such as tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

The sport can be played indoors or out with two to four players. Solid paddles are the requirement for playing the sport with plastic balls with holes. It is a popular game for all ages and a great sport for social engagement.

The idea for Pickleball was derived in 1965 when Washington State congressman, Joel Pritchard and a business friend became inspired to create a sport the family could play. Pritchard’s property had a badminton court, but he did not want to play a badminton game and improvised with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

 

He lowered the net and adjusted the rules and the sport of pickleball was born. Pickleball has evolved from a game played with handmade equipment and improvised rules to a sport that is now recognized as a popular activity in the US and Canada. The sport has captured the attention of millions of players in America.

There are many health benefits associated with playing pickleball and it is not defined as an aerobic sport but a sport with a moderate intensity that aids in burning calories. It is recommended for all ages but suggested for older adults who may have less mobility and stamina because of the size of the court.

Moderate exercise can help with the reduction of cholesterol levels and lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. Activity can also help in the lowering of blood pressure and increased cardiovascular endurance. The movement can help improve mobility, balance, and range of motion. The sport does not move as quickly as tennis, which allows for better mobility and form.

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court which is twenty by forty-four feet. The net is three feet high at the sideline and thirty-four inches at the center. There can be two to four players and each player takes a stand position to the right and left of the center line. The players hit two types of shots.

Groundstrokes hit off the base from the baseline and valleys are hit out of the air closer to the net. The game rules can be a little complex but once you learn the rules of the game it can be a fun and
social sport.

The main muscles involved in pickleball include the deltoids, biceps, triceps and lats. Muscles engaged in the lower body are the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves. Agility, speed and balance are one of the great benefits of pickleball. In the beginning, your muscles will get sore from playing with the combination of movements. Sore muscles are common with engaging in a new activity. Sore muscles are called DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) anywhere from one to several days afterward.
Exercises to consider for training can include lunges which improve your balance and stability. Pushups which can be done against a wall, counter, or on the floor, and planks that engage your core muscles and improve stability. There can be injuries associated with any sport and pickleball injuries include shoulder and muscle strain and twisted ankles from turns. With any new sport, it is advised to seek medical advice if you are under the care of a physician.

Additionally, if a person has cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions a release from a physician may be advised before signing up for a course. Pickleball is popular in the Fayetteville area. Fourteen courts are presently scattered around Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Eastover, and Southern Pines. Check local listings for courses and times.

Live love life and pickleball.

Twinkling lights, Santa, and the lighting of the Garrison Christmas Tree are all staples of the Annual Ft. Liberty Christmas Tree Lighting, the start of the holiday season for soldiers and their families. This year’s free holiday kickoff is on Nov. 30 at the Main Post Parade Field at Fort Liberty from 4 to 8 p.m. with plenty of family fun planned for the evening.

Families will enjoy holiday music, movies and A Winter Wonderland Station, which will feature inflatables and other fun for the kids. Kids will also be able to enjoy a ride on the trackless train, a letter to Santa writing station, and of course, the topping on the fruit cake, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m.. and will be available for the rest of the event. Food vendors will also be on sight to feed the masses. American Cravings is just one of the local food trucks that will be present at the tree lighting. Specializing in American favorites like hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tacos.

Amanda Cahill, Special Events Coordinator, Directorate Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said, “The tree lighting is a special night that kicks off the holiday season here at Fort Liberty. The community comes together to share some cheer as we reflect on the hard work of the soldiers and families who give so much to the country. It’s a festive and exciting event…Fort Liberty Family of the Year will be announced and they, along with the XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General will pull the switch to light up the tree. The tree itself is decorated with lights and ornaments that include patches from the units based here at Fort Liberty.”

This event is open to the public. Civilians wishing to take part in this free event should get their visitor passes early. Passes can be picked up from the Visitors Center at All American Gate, every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No event at Fort Liberty would be complete without a parachute demonstration from the Golden Knights. Founded in 1959 to compete against the Soviet Union, the Golden Knights always wow the crowd with their synchronized high-flying shows. Since their inception, The Golden Knights have earned over 3,800 medals in competitions and broken 348 World Records. Truly, they are a parachuting and skydiving phenomenon. They are long-time supporters of the event and always put on a great show.

Gracing the stage on the ground again this year will be the now globally recognized and popular, 82nd Airborne Division Chorus. The acapella group consists of members of the U.S. Army and is currently a viral phenomenon. The chorus is coming in hot off the America’s Got Talent stage and the Today show, to come home and serenade the crowd, allowing the community to hear those magnetic voices live. This will be a performance that shouldn’t be missed.

For more information and/or updates on food vendors, make sure to follow the event page on Facebook, Fort Liberty Annual TreeLighting, or visit https://liberty.armymwr.com/calendar/event/6649.