https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/


  • 19bTradition features prominently in Holy Week celebrations. The week leading up to Easter Sunday, Holy Week, is a sacred time for faithful Christians. The Stations of the Cross are one of the traditions that many Christians feel bolsters their faith and brings them closer to God.

    What are the Stations of the Cross? According to Catholic Online, the Stations of the Cross are a 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. Each of the 14 stations focus on a specific event of Jesus’ last day.

    Where can the Stations of the Cross be found? Stations of the Cross are typically found in churches. Many times the Stations adorn the interior wall of a church, and Catholic Online notes they’re often depicted using small icons or images.
    Some churches with sizable exterior grounds may arrange larger Stations along footpaths in yards or gardens on the premises.

    When do people pray the Stations of the Cross? Lent is the most common time to pray the Stations of the Cross, and some churches hold weekly prayer sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays during this time of year, often with midday and evening prayer.

    The Stations of the Cross are an important Easter tradition that shed light on Jesus’ resurrection. Individuals interested in praying the Stations of the Cross are urged to contact a
    local church so they can engage in this moving Christian tradition.

    The Stations of the Cross are an important Easter tradition for many Christians. According to Catholic Online, the 14 Stations of the Cross are:

    • 1. Jesus is condemned to death
    • 2. Jesus carries the cross
    • 3. Jesus falls for the first time
    • 4. Jesus meets with His Mother
    • 5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus
      carry the cross
    • 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
    • 7. Jesus falls a second time
    • 8. Jesus meets the women of
      Jerusalem
    • 9. Jesus falls a third time
    • 10. Jesus’ clothes are taken away
    • 11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
    • 12. Jesus dies on the cross
    • 13. The body of Jesus is taken
      down from the cross
    • 14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
  • 19a Easter Sunday is often described as the holiest day on the Christian calendar. A day when Christians across the globe commemorate and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Lenten season of sacrifice.

    Easter Sunday comes on the heels of Holy Week, which is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity. Holy Week consists of various days that have their own special significance in the minds and hearts of Christians.

    Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Trinity College at the University of Melbourne notes that Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where He was greeted with crowds that enthusiastically waved palm branches. In commemoration of that entry and greeting, Christians receive palm branches or palm crosses during Palm Sunday Mass.

    Holy Wednesday Once known as “Spy Wednesday,” Holy Wednesday focuses on the darkness of Holy Week and is meant to symbolize the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples. The religious service of Tenebrae, which is a Latin word meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” is typically observed during Holy Wednesday services.

    Maundy Thursday commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper. The Last Supper is the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles prior to His crucifixion. Christian scriptures indicate that, during the Last Supper, Jesus predicted His betrayal by one of the apostles present at the meal. It was also during the Last Supper when Jesus foretells that Peter will deny knowing Him three times before the next morning. Trinity College notes that Maundy Thursday reminds Christians of the new commandment that Jesus gave His disciples. That commandment was to love others as Jesus has loved them.

    Good Friday commemorates the trial of Jesus, His subsequent sentence of death, His torture, the crucifixion and burial. Non-Christians may wonder why a day commemorating such events would be characterized as “good,” but Trinity College notes that, in this sense, the word “good” is meant to connote something “holy” or “pious.”

    Holy Saturday marks the conclusion of Holy Week. Celebrations of Holy Saturday typically include a late-night Easter Vigil service that involves a liturgy and ultimately the celebration of the Eucharist. The two-part celebration is designed to commemorate the emergence from darkness into the light that is the Eucharist.

    Holy Week is a significant period for Christians across the globe that commemorates many of the events that preceded the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  • 18If you are focusing on a healthy diet, it is hard not to think about sugar. You do not have to cut out sugar altogether. The key to a healthy sugar intake is to know the difference between natural and refined sugar.

    Natural sugar is sugar that occurs in a food source without additives. Naturally recurring sugar is found in food such as dairy products, fruit or carbohydrates. When we think of sugar our first thought includes fruit, but natural sugar occurs in starchy vegetables, brown rice, whole grain pasta and cheese.

    Refined or processed sugar should be limited. It includes sugar-enhanced products such as candy, cookies, sodas and smoothies.

    According to dietary sources, the daily consumption amount of sugar for a 2,000-calorie diet is 37 grams for men and 25 grams for women. This translates into six teaspoons for women and eight for men.

    Added sugar is not in food naturally and is added in products that include soda, yogurt, smoothies, candies and cakes. The problem with added sugar is the increased calories without nutritional benefits. Almost half of the added sugar in the daily diet comes from sweetened beverages, sodas and fruit drinks. Added sugar can also be found in the ingredients on food labels and some of them include brown sugar, corn syrup, sugar, syrup and molasses. Foods with added sugar should be eaten in moderation.

    While sugar is not considered to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), over-consumption of sugar and processed added sugar can add additional caloric intake which contributes to obesity. Obesity is considered a primary risk factor for cancer. There is no evidence that sugar makes cancer cells grow faster. Sugar stimulates the production of fatty acids in the liver. With digestion, fatty acids can contribute to compounds that trigger inflammation. There can be occurrences that cause inflammation such as fatigue, weight gain and body pain to name a few.

    The overabundance of sugar can have long-term effects on the body which can include obesity, tooth decay and diabetes. Tooth decay is frequently caused by sugar because bacteria that cause cavities use sugar as a catalyst. Drinking sugary drinks adds a lot of calories but does not result in feeling full. Candy, cookies, cakes, other processed sweets, and sodas can contain approximately 30 grams of added sugar which is over the recommendation for daily consumption.

    Artificial sweeteners may seem healthier because they do not contain sugar but they are more likely to make you hungrier and eat more throughout the day. The worst artificial sweeteners are sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin because the sugar substitutes are manufactured in a lab. Other sweeteners to avoid include high fructose corn syrup, brown rice syrup and agave.

    The best alternative sweeteners are honey, coconut sugar and maple syrup. Honey is a healthy alternative because the liquid is made from bees visiting flowering plants.

    Raw unpasteurized honey contains trace amounts of B vitamin and the minerals, iron, manganese and potassium.

    Another benefit is that the taste is sweeter with a lesser addition to satisfy the taste buds.

    Maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees and adds antioxidants of trace amounts of manganese and zinc. Coconut sugar is made by boiling down and dehydrating the sap of coconut palm flowers.

    Drinks containing high volumes of sugar are Mountain Dew (20 ounces or 18 and one-half teaspoons of sugar), Icee (74 grams), Coke (65 grams), sweet tea (42 grams).

    Live, love life and enjoy sugar in moderation.

  • 17It can be tempting to think that bugs simply disappear in the cooler months. The truth is that many bug species have evolved to survive all year long, sometimes hiding in the warm nooks and crannies in and around homes. Others go into a hibernation-like state.

    “Bugs can be a lot smarter and more resilient than you may realize. Even if you don’t see household pests right now, some may still be waiting in your home for those first warm days to signal them to become active, search for food and find a mate,” says Emma Klingman, senior products research at Zevo, a maker of pest control products with naturally-inspired ingredients you can feel good about.

    To prep your home for bug season and outsmart pests, follow these steps:

    Tidy up: Household pests love snacking just as much as people do, but you don’t need to play host to them. After meals, wipe down tables, counters and other kitchen surfaces. Be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum crumbs, as well as mop up to eliminate sticky food residue. Keep a tightly-fitting lid on your garbage bin, and rinse cans and jars before recycling them.

    Be ready: Even an immaculate home will face pest problems at some point. That’s why it is important to have tools on hand to catch a problem early, before it becomes a much bigger one. Some sprays target and shut down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets.

    Likewise, some traps use a UV and blue light system to attract and capture flying insects, and they have a discreet design that can serve as a bouncer at your home’s entry points. It’s also smart to use these traps in potential problem areas, such as near trash cans and fruit bowls and near toilet bowls and drains.

    Safeguard the yard: Defending your yard from pesky pests will not only improve the comfort of your home’s outdoor spaces, it will help prevent insects from finding their way indoors. Be sure to eliminate standing water by properly tending to your lawn and by periodically clearing downspouts of debris. Any water feature in your garden should use running water. If you have a patio or deck, consider screening it in. If you don’t love the look of screened walls, installing ceiling fans can be an effective alternative. Run the fans whenever you entertain to deter unwanted guests, such as mosquitos, from crashing the party.

    Of course, it’s always a good idea to apply bug repellent when spending time outdoors. Find a formula that will be easy to use, such as products with a pump spray, aerosol or lotion options. Many products will offer several hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks and are lightweight, odorless and not sticky.

    For more tips and information, visit https://zevoinsect.com.

    “As we usher in gorgeous spring weather, it can be an especially challenging time of year to keep bugs at bay at home. But with the right tools and strategies, you can help prevent and combat infestations as they arise,” says Klingman.

  • 15b The Easter Bunny has arrived at his Bunny Garden inside Cross Creek Mall. He's dressed in his springtime best and ready to visit with children of all ages.

    Visits with the Bunny are always free. Photo packages are available to choose from should you want a picture to celebrate the season.

    Bunny visitors will also receive a fun coloring sheet perfect for decorating your fridge.

    To make it even more memorable, Cross Creek Mall will host fun weekly garden parties on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. On March 29 wand April 5, visitors can get photos taken with the Easter Bunny, enjoy free face painting, free balloon creations, and meet and greet with some of the Easter Bunny's friends, like Tinkerbell and her fairy friends.

    On April 3, family pets are invited to join Pet Photo Night. From pups to feline friends and everyone in between, the Bunny welcomes all. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
    The Bunny Garden is located inside the Food Court and is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m. Extended hours will be offered on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8. Please note that Cross Creek Mall will be closed on Easter Sunday.

    For more information, visit https://www.crosscreekmall.com/store/easter_bunnys_garden.

  • 15a If you or someone you know is into decked-out motorcycles, memorable entertainment, and good vibes, then you don’t want to miss the Annual Memorial Ride and Dedication Event at the Crown Complex presented by North Carolina Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 15-1.

    The Association consists of members from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Their mission is to support those who have defended our country and our freedoms.

    Members of the NC Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association focus on helping veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter and guidance, or simply saying “Thank You” and “Welcome Home.”

    The Memorial Ride and Dedication Event is a three day event starting on April 7 and ending on April 9. Tickets range from $10-$45.50.

    On the first day of the event, there will be a social from 5 to 9 p.m. following the Marksmen hockey game. On the 8th, there will be an all-day event with a dedication ride (all vehicles welcome to attend) and a small memorial service, Pro Wrestling Matches, and more. Guests can expect to dig in on tasty local food and drinks. There will be a live band, a gift raffle, and a firearms raffle.

    On Sunday, the NC Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will have breakfast, a small worship service, vendors, a bike/vehicle blessing, and, of course, a visit with the Easter Bunny for pictures and egg hunts.

    To purchase tickets, visit http://memorialdedication2023.cvma15-1.net/index.php.

  • 14Easter is steeped in both religious and secular traditions. Each year on Easter Sunday, many families feast on ham or lamb. Hot cross buns may be served as morning treats. And faithful Christians may dress up in their Sunday best to attend religious services.

    Easter egg hunts are another time-honored component of this festive occasion. According to History.com, the Easter bunny and his eggs may initially have been derived from stories about an egg-laying hare introduced to Americans by German settlers during the 1700s. Children would make nests and the hare would leave behind colored eggs.

    Children often relish in the idea of scouring their homes and yards in search of brightly-hued plastic or hard-boiled eggs. A little planning on the part of Easter egg hunt organizers can make this festive tradition even more fun.

    Set the date: If Easter egg hunts are more than just family affairs and involve neighborhood searches or hunts with a close knit group of friends, it may be smart to schedule in the days before Easter. This helps ensure that a good crowd will be available. Hunts on Easter itself may not get as many participants because celebrants could be at church or celebrating privately.

    Gather supplies early. Easter decorations and plastic eggs sell out rather quickly, so it’s wise to stock up on items as soon as they reach store shelves. If you’ll be using real eggs, consider boiling and coloring the eggs in the days before the egg hunt so you won’t feel a time crunch. Simply store the dyed eggs in the refrigerator until ready for use. Color around six to 12 eggs per participant.

    Designate a search area. Aim for a relatively private spot for the egg hunt. A park may seem like a good idea, but people who were not included in the egg count could wander in. If you use a public space, rope off an area where the eggs will be hidden. In addition, have a backup plan if the weather will not cooperate. School gymnasiums, libraries or church recreational centers are some potential indoor options.

    Have pails at the ready. Some children will forget to bring a basket. Therefore, have extra, inexpensive pails or buckets on hand. Sturdy gift bags also work in a pinch.

    Keep ages in mind when hiding eggs. Avoid choosing hiding spots that can be dangerous or prove too difficult for kids to find the eggs. Prior to hiding eggs, count how many you have, which will help to ensure all eggs were actually collected later on. Next, identify hiding spots that will work for various ages. For example, toddlers will need conspicuous spots and older children more challenging nooks and crannies. A map of where every egg is hidden can help as well. Real eggs may not matter outdoors since wildlife could simply dine on any undiscovered eggs. However, plastic eggs are not good for the environment and every attempt should be made to collect them all.

    Send children out in stages. Let the youngest kids go first, and then group each search team by ascending age. This helps make sure the older kids won’t simply snatch up the more easily found eggs.

    Reward with prizes. Be sure each child has some sort of takeaway prize. However, it’s fine to reward the best egg hunter with a more substantial prize.

    Gather and celebrate. Encourage guests to bring a small dish to contribute. After the hunt, everyone can gather to enjoy some refreshments.

  • 13The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre will be kicking off the third season of the Gates Four Summer Concert Series with a spring preview concert featuring The Highwaymen Live.

    The Highwaymen were an American country music supergroup. The band was comprised of artists Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.

    Between 1985 and 1995, the group recorded three major label albums as The Highwaymen. The group stopped performing in the late 1990s, which inspired tribute bands to start performing.

    The Highwaymen Live travels around the world to give a 90-minute performance featuring some of the classic hits.
    This country music tribute show is full of upbeat, honky-tonk hits like “Ring of Fire,” “On the Road Again” and “Good Ol’ Boys,” the theme song from “The Dukes of Hazzard” television show.

    “This is the biggest show that the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre has ever undertaken and basically it's because of the uniqueness and the quality of the show,” said Bill Bowman, Fayetteville Dinner Theatre producer and Up & Coming Weekly Publisher.

    “What the people can expect is a deep, wonderful, enjoyable time. Listen to the music of three of America’s famous outlaw music legends Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.”

    One of the performers, Mark Gagnon, has ties to Fayetteville. He is a former Airborne Ranger and Special Forces soldier. He was stationed at Fort Bragg in 1990. He retired in 2005 and stayed in the area to raise his family.

    “I’m looking forward to it. That was my home for 30 years, and I only live an hour away. My son that we raised in Fayetteville still lives there because now he's stationed at Fort Bragg. So my son and his wife and my grandchildren... they live in Fayetteville,” Gagnon told Up & Coming Weekly.

    “It started off as an expensive hobby of performing television contests. I was just chasing contests and what have you,” Gagnon said. “And then, in 2008, I segued into performing as Johnny Cash and started getting hired and paid for it.”

    Gagnon joined The Highwaymen Live last year perfomirng as Cash. He says that tribute bands, like The Highwaymen, have a huge interest because seeing these songs performed live is not an experience everyone will have.

    “Well, you have artists such as Johnny Cash or Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley that have passed on. So no one is ever going to see another live performance from some of these people,” Gagnon said. “We are keeping the music alive of these legends from the actual Highwaymen.”

    Gagnon said that at their last concert in California, they performed to a sold-out crowd and have been seeing more sold-out shows.

    “This is a nationally recognized tribute band that has traveled coast to coast. Extremely successful. I have researched them as a matter of fact, I have actually gone and saw the show before I committed to bring it to Fayetteville and it is absolutely amazing. In 10 minutes you will think that you are sitting in the same room with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash or Waylon Jennings. I’m not talking about costumes, wigs and makeup. I’m talking about the real thing,” Bowman said.

    The local band Rivermist will be opening for The Highwaymen. Rivermist has been nominated for a CAMMY (Carolina Beach Music Academy) award in 2022 and was named the 2021 “Vocal Group of the Year” by the CCMA. Rivermist will have a 30-minute acoustic set prior to the main performance.

    “So it’s going to be a big Fayetteville experience. We’re very pleased to be able to present it out at Gates Four Golf & Country Club as part of our Fayetteville Dinner Theatre series,” Bowman said. The Highwaymen shows will serve as the kick-off for this year’s Summer Concert Series.

    General admission starts at $65 a ticket. VIP tickets and tables are available as well. All tickets include the show, heavy hors d’oeuvres, Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery wine and bourbon tasting, and door prizes. There is open seating for the shows. There will be two performances. The first will be on April 7, and the second performance will be on April 8. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The hors d’oeuvres and the wine and bourbon tasting will begin at 6 p.m.

    The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. on both of their respective nights and will be at the Gates Four Ballroom. To buy tickets, and to learn more about the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, go to https://www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/ or call 910-391-3859.

    Summer Concert Series

    This year will mark the third annual Gates Four Summer Concert Series. This series of concerts will present all concerts outdoors at the Gates Four Golf & Country Club Pavilion.
    The Concert Series includes a variety of musical acts, from tribute bands to local original music. The official kickoff to the summer concert series will be on May 12 with Autumn Tyde and Fayetteville Performing Arts Hall of Famer Doyle Wood.

    The confirmed performers for the other concerts for the summer of 2023 include Kids in America June 2, Stephen Freeman as Elvis on July 7, Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot on Aug. 4. Rivermist will finish up the series on Sept. 1.

    Summer Concert Series concerts are free to the public with an option to buy VIP seats.

  • 11bSecretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on March 22 unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families.

    The new plan consists of six additional actions that address essential needs in education, childcare, parental leave and career advancement. The Department of Defense is committed to working with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these measures.

    Secretary Austin is directing the implementation of the following:

    Universal Prekindergarten at DoD Education Activity (DoDEA) Schools: The DoD is collaborating with Congress to secure funding for universal prekindergarten at DoDEA schools. The program is set to undergo a phased implementation over a five-year period, providing high-quality early education for military children.

    Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for Service Members: To alleviate financial pressure on service members with dependents, the DoD will enable access to Dependent Care FSAs, allowing them to set aside up to $5,000 in pretax income through payroll deductions for eligible dependent care expenses.

    New Military Parental Leave Benefits: The DoD is actively promoting new parental leave benefits that provide 12 weeks of paid, non-chargeable leave to service members welcoming a child into their family through birth, adoption, or long-term foster-care placement. This initiative supports the well-being and work-life balance of our military families.

    Improvements to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): The DoD is committed to enhancing the EFMP to better support the unique needs of exceptional military families. Further improvements and streamlined processes will ensure that these families receive the necessary resources and assistance.

    Expanded Spouse Eligibility for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Financial Assistance: To support career advancement for military spouses, eligibility for MyCAA financial assistance will be expanded to E-6 and O-3 ranks. This program provides up to $4,000 in aid for obtaining a license, certificate, or associate degree.

    Portability and Best Practices for Professional Licenses: The DoD will continue efforts to make professional licenses portable for military families, working with states to encourage sharing of licensure best practices and approval of occupational licensure compacts. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to employment for military spouses.

    Secretary Austin is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our military force and their families through these new measures. The DoD will collaborate with Congress and state partners to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing support of these initiatives.

    The memorandum on Strengthening Our Support to Service Members and Their Families can be found at https://media.defense.gov/2023/Mar/22/2003184739/-1/-1/1/strengthening-our-support-to-service-members-and-their-families.PDF.

  • 11aUnited Way of Cumberland County announced March 22 that Fayetteville PWC has been awarded the 2022 Spirit of North Carolina for building momentum and sustainability through engaged leadership and employees.

    Fayetteville PWC has modeled a dedication to community service through their fundraising, volunteer and advocacy efforts. This is the 17th year in a row they have received an award for their outstanding dedication to United Way and the community.

    Carolyn Justice–Hinson, the PWC Communications/Community Relations Officer, also won the United Way Community Ambassador award. This is the first year this award has been presented. She received this honor for all the hard work she has dedicated to helping spread United Way’s name and mission not only within her organization but into the community.

    Justice-Hinson currently serves on the board and chaired their Over the Edge fundraiser held on March 11.
    United Way of North Carolina’s annual Spirit of North Carolina Award celebrates organizations and individuals for their exemplary partnership demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building.

    Additionally, organizations focusing on DEI values and individuals who are champions of United Way were also celebrated. United Way of North Carolina recognized 74 winners representing 17 local United Ways at three regional events.

    “The Spirit of North Carolina Awards shine a light on our incredible partners, who are supporting United Way’s work and helping us achieve our goals,” said Melissa Reid, Director of Resource Development for United Way of Cumberland County. “Congratulations to all the winners who have collectively made a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors across the state.”

    Fayetteville PWC and Justice-Hinson were recognized for keeping the spirit of United Way within their organization all year long and not just at campaign time. They run the most successful workplace campaign in the county, they volunteer throughout the year and donate water to events. This year, they even held a meal packing event as their United Way kickoff where they packed 35,000 meal packets which went to help local families.

    “We are honored to have Fayetteville PWC and Carolyn Justice–Hinson as key stakeholders for a shared future where every North Carolinian thrives and reaches their full potential,” said Amy Navejas, Executive Director for United Way of Cumberland County.

    For more information about the Spirit of North Carolina Award and a complete list of winners, visit unitedwaync.org/spirit-north-carolina-award-winners.

    United Way of Cumberland County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. United Way of Cumberland County strives to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health and critical basic needs. At United Way, we recognize that lasting changes are achieved by addressing the underlying causes of problems. United Way partners with other nonprofit agencies to improve lives in Cumberland County.

  • 10Governor Roy Cooper allowed two bills, H.B. 40, Anti-Rioting, and S.B. 53, Hotel Safety, to become law without his signature.

    The Prevent Rioting and Civil Disorder bill would make rioting a felony if it resulted in over $2,500 worth of property damage, involved dangerous weapons or substances, or resulted in someone’s death. It would also make assaulting a police officer or emergency personnel a felony.

    The previous version of the bill was met with strong opposition from Democrats and social justice advocates, who called it racist and intended to muzzle the exercise of First Amendment rights.
    Cooper’s statement in a press release shows that he begrudgingly let it become law.

    “I acknowledge that changes were made to modify this legislation’s effect after my veto of a similar bill last year,” he said. “Property damage and violence are already illegal and my continuing concerns about the erosion of the First Amendment and the disparate impacts on communities of color will prevent me from signing this legislation.”

    All Republicans voted in favor of the bill. In contrast, 16 out of 17 Democratic senators voted against the bill — the sole Democratic senator who supported H.B. 40 was Sen. Mary Wills Bode, D-Granville.
    In the state House, one of the lead sponsors of the bill is Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe. Willingham, a former law enforcement officer, supported the bill despite opposition from most in his party.
    Legislators have renewed their push for the bill this year because of millions of dollars in property damage in Raleigh and across North Carolina during 2020 protests after the death of George Floyd.

    “Nearly three years after violent protests devastated communities and businesses in North Carolina, I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation will finally become law,” said House Speaker Tim Moore in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

    “While the First Amendment guarantees the right to peacefully protest, those who hijack otherwise peaceful demonstrations to cause chaos and destruction in our communities must be held accountable, and law enforcement must have our support to do just that. This bill has had bipartisan support since it was first introduced, and our communities will be safer now that this bill will finally become law,” said Moore.

    Cooper also had mixed feelings about the Hotel Safety bill and explained his reasoning for not signing it.

    “This bill was given broad support in the legislature and there are potential positive modifications being discussed by legislators,” he remarked. “However, safe housing is sometimes only available from temporary shelter such as hotels, and I remain concerned that this bill will legalize unfair treatment for those who need protection, and this will prevent me from signing it.”

    Cooper vetoed similar legislation in 2021. This go around, the House voted 83-29 for the legislation, and it passed in the Senate last month by a 28-16 vote.

    S.B. 53 states that landlord-tenant rules, which make it more difficult to remove an occupant, don’t apply when a person is staying at a hotel, motel, or RV park for fewer than 90 consecutive days.

    The rules normally apply for home and apartment renters, sometimes requiring legal action to complete evictions. The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association also supported the measure.

    Editor's note: Alex Baltzegar contributed to this article.

  • 9aFort Bragg will officially redesignate to Fort Liberty in a ceremony on June 2. The name Liberty honors the heroism, sacrifices, and values of the soldiers, service members, civilians and families who live and serve on the installation. According to a media release, Fort Bragg officials view this as the next chapter in the installation's history and look forward to honoring the stories of military heroes from every generation and walk of life.

    A little over a year ago the community was asked to help find a name that would represent the values and characteristics that would have significance for everyone. Many distinguished members from the surrounding area participated and helped make this decision.

    The name Fort Liberty was not chosen at random. The word conveys the aspiration of all who serve and has special significance to Fort Bragg units and the surrounding community.9b

    For many, the idea that any other name would replace Fort Bragg would mean losing a part of who we have been, who we are, and who we will be in the future when the nation calls.

    Those who served on the Naming Commission for Fort Bragg struggled to agree on one name from the more than 50 Medal of Honor recipients who could capture and encompass the scope and spirit of this installation. Each of them is just as deserving as the other.

    What resonated among the Commission and community members was the desire to name the installation not after a single person, but a value or characteristic that would have significance for everyone.

    A Gold Star mother stood up and said, “We are never going to agree. There are too many people. My son gave his life for liberty.”

    And everyone said … Liberty!

  • 8Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, is more than just a military installation. It is a symbol of pride and heritage for many service members and their families.

    The name Fort Bragg has become a part of the sub-culture in the United States of service members who fought for it, and they see it as a valuable piece of their culture that is being taken away.

    The All-American Division, based at Fort Bragg, is known for its history of overcoming cultural and racial boundaries, transcending history and racism. For those who have served and continue to serve at Fort Bragg, the name has become a symbol of that history and a banner of multi-cultural acceptance across generations.

    While the name Fort Bragg has roots in the history of the Confederacy, it has also taken on a new meaning over time. It has become a part of the military culture, and changing it can feel like erasing a part of that culture. Service members and their families have a real and present connection to the base and the name, and it is important to understand and respect that connection.

    The issue of changing the name to Fort Liberty is complex, and it is understandable that some service members and their families may feel a sense of loss or even anger at the change. It is important to listen to their concerns and to acknowledge the significance of the name Fort Bragg to their culture and history. While the change may be considered for progress and growth, it is important to do so in a way that is respectful and considerate of those who have served and continue to serve at the base.

    In conclusion, Fort Bragg has become a symbol of acceptance and pride for many service members and their families, and changing it can feel like erasing a part of their culture. It is important to acknowledge and respect that connection while also recognizing the need for progress and growth. Any change should be done in a way that is respectful and considerate of the military sub-culture and the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve.

  • 6One of the most discriminatory laws on North Carolina’s books is the pistol purchase permit system, which was first implemented in 1919.

    To summarize, before purchasing a handgun in the Tar Heel state, one must first obtain permission from the local sheriff in the form of a pistol purchase permit. Frustratingly, the many who don’t go through this process fail to realize this requirement is entirely redundant and prone to abuse, which is supported by both historical evidence and modern examples.

    Many who oppose the repeal of this permit program no doubt fail to recognize that the background check performed by state sheriffs is completely duplicative, a pro-forma exercise. Even after someone acquires a pistol purchase permit, gun dealers can still perform a background check every single time a transaction is initiated.

    Even more damning, the current permitting law was contrived during one of the most divisive periods in our state, not to mention, the entire South’s history — that being the Jim Crow era. Yes, the permitting system was originally devised to restrict those whom the government did not want to acquire handguns. We even have historical state newspaper clippings from the early 20th century that confirm the overwhelmingly disproportionate number of white to Black applicants who were granted these permits.

    Unfortunately, the purchase permit system is still having a “Jim Crow effect” to this day. According to UNC School of Law’s North Carolina Law Review, Black citizens in one of North Carolina’s largest counties are still denied purchase permits three times more often than white citizens.

    Furthermore, the COVID shutdowns gave anti-gun sheriffs an excuse that made obtaining purchase permits nearly impossible. The delays due to concerns about “stopping the spread” and minimizing large gatherings caused massive backlogs and waits, prompting lawsuits from Gun Owners of America and Grass Roots North Carolina.

    Thankfully, due to the efforts of Tar Heel gun owners and lawmakers dedicated to restoring the rights of their citizens, an end to this duplicative and discriminatory policy is on the horizon.
    With bipartisan support, both chambers of the General Assembly have passed legislation (SB 41) to not only repeal the pistol purchase permit system, but also close a “loophole” for church carry.

    While no law prohibits firearms in houses of worship in North Carolina, many churches also have established private schools on their property. Due to the presence of the school, the entire property is statutorily classified as a “gun-free” zone. SB 41 will close this loophole and restore the right to carry firearms in churches when school is not in session.

    Personally, I am a graduate of a private Christian school, a firearms instructor, and a volunteer church security team member. Keeping churches and schools safe is near and dear to my heart. My experience shows that removing this “defense free” prohibition from churches will make would-be mass shooters think twice before attacking, considering they could meet an armed resistance.

    Ironically, Gov. Roy Cooper, a man who claims to be committed to ending racial discrimination and the remnants of the state’s racist past, is expected to veto S.B. 41, just as he vetoed similar legislation two years ago. Instead of regurgitating the partisan talking points and arguments unsupported by logic and fact, he should save himself more embarrassment and allow S.B. 41 to become law, with or without his signature.

    Regardless of the governor’s final move, lawmakers and activists are confident that the General Assembly is prepared and capable to override a veto on this legislation, and yes, in a bipartisan fashion.
    North Carolina doesn’t need a century-old Jim Crow law still on the books. It’s time for it to go.

    Editor’s note: Jordan Stein is the Southeast Region Director for Gun Owners of America and a certified firearms instructor.

  • 5Earlier this month, Americans — all except for those living in Arizona, Hawaii and several American territories —“leapt forward” an hour in time to follow what we call Daylight Savings Time.

    The rest of us continued doing what we have been doing for almost exactly 105 years. We changed the time of day, and will do so again in the fall, largely to suit commercial interests which may or may not align with our own.

    Benjamin Franklin, a man of both great learning and original ideas, suggested Daylight Savings Time in 1784 as a way to conserve candles for the same reason we turn off lights and appliances we are not using today.

    It was not officially adopted anywhere until the 20th century when parts of Canada and some European nations tried it, and the United States jumped on the bandwagon in 1918.
    The idea was to give people more daylight hours for work, especially farm laborers, and it has since morphed into more daylight time for shopping, golfing and other commercial activities.

    Increasingly, though, we Americans are telling pollsters we have had enough of time changing — that we are no longer interested in “springing forward” or “falling back.” Poll findings differ, of course, but most of them report at least half of us have had enough.

    The problem is that we have not agreed on which time system to adopt and stick to, permanent standard time (known in our neck of the woods Eastern Standard Time or EST) or the relatively newer DST.
    Permanent standard time advocates argue that it is more in synch with natural movements of the sun and with the human body’s inner clock, often referred to as our circadian rhythm. Daylight, they say, wakes us up naturally, and earlier sunset allows us to sleep longer and better. DST, they contend, upends our inner clocks, making us more prone to serious health conditions like obesity, metabolic problems, cardiovascular issues, and depression just to name a few problems no one wants.

    Despite these arguments, permanent DST has its fans, many of whom say such a switch would be a boon to most Americans who are more productive during sunlight. They also promote Franklin’s candle argument, updated to electricity, of course, and contend daylight deters crime and promotes greater road safety.

    As in so many situations, we can find a poll or an argument to support most any point of view, but the reality is no one really knows. What we do know, though, is that Americans are ready to stop time’s semi annual time hopping.

    A number of states have already adopted permanent DST and are awaiting federal blessings. Hawaii, Arizona and several territories are already in permanent standard time, but there is no national consensus.
    If I were Queen of America, I would wave my magic wand, and we would all be on standard time, which appears to be a human construct developed over eons to suit the human body’s need for both sun and rest.

    That said, I could also live with DST if it prevailed.

    Our neighbor, Mexico, saw the light late last year and abandoned DST and all the switching of clocks, apparently saying good riddance.

    The point for me and millions of other Americans is that we pick one system of time for our nation and stick to it. We have had enough springing and falling.

  • 4 No one is more excited about former Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson being named the new Chamber of Commerce president than I. Finally, we will have someone at the helm who knows business but, more importantly, knows the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.

    For far too long, Chamber leadership has focused on social and community-related issues unrelated to the business community. This has caused our Chamber organization to lose credibility, effectiveness, members and money.

    Robertson has an excellent opportunity to turn the Chamber’s sinking ship around and steer it into a port where it can receive much-needed repair and rehabilitation. No doubt, Robertson is qualified and can do the job. Still, it will take dedicated hard work, a competent staff, talented and expert committee volunteers, and an engaged board of directors to convince local business owners that change is coming.

    To this end, Roberston has wasted no time in this quest to rehabilitate the Chamber and make it valuable and relevant to the business community. He is working on shoring up his support staff, including the recent hiring of Chamber veteran Jenny Proctor. Proctor was the Director of Operations at the Chamber for seven years when she left in 2020 to pursue other endeavors. She has returned as Chief Financial Officer to assist Roberston in the Chamber turn-around.

    No doubt about it, Proctor will be a considerable asset since she has Chamber experience and an extensive administrative background, and years of management and accounting expertise.
    Every successful and thriving community has a strong Chamber of Commerce. With the growth we are experiencing in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, we must have an organization that focuses on its members and produces programs, initiatives and events advantageous to Chamber members and supporting sponsors and partners.

    Chamber leadership must have a clear vision of the future and recognize opportunities that will catalyze a vibrant and robust business community. Equally important, an effective and influential Chamber must have the fortitude to represent local businesses and advocate for business-friendly public policies.

    With new leadership and a common sense approach, there may be another opportunity for the Chamber to take advantage of. A week ago, the board of directors of Distinctly Fayetteville, formally known as the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, abruptly disengaged their Interim President and number two staffer.

    The reason for their dismissal is still unclear and may never come to light considering Fayetteville leadership's reluctance and resistance to transparency. Nonetheless, an effective CVB is equally essential to a community as the Chamber of Commerce.

    Our CVB, located on Person Street, is in a high-profile and convenient location, making it recognizable and accessible to visitors, guests and residents. In contrast, our Chamber of Commerce is located in the obscured halls of the Festival Park building on Ray Ave. Its location is neither easily recognizable nor accessible to businesses, visitors, guests and residents.

    This writer believes a Chamber location should be highly visible, easily accessible, and located in the economic hub of the business community. I have heard our Chamber is entertaining moving to the Bronco Square Center on Murchinson Road across from Fayetteville State University. This is a lovely commercial complex, and even though the Chamber would add prestige and credibility to the Center, it fails drastically when fulfilling the Chamber’s mission of serving its business members and residents since that location is neither highly visible, easily recognizable, nor conveniently accessible to businesses, visitors, guests or residents.

    Here comes the opportunity: With all the changes at Distinctly Fayetteville, it would be advantageous to all Fayetteville and Cumberland County concerns if the Chamber of Commerce was housed in the same location as the CVB. From my perspective, it would be a win-win consolidation that would yield many benefits to our community by taking advantage of basic economies of scale.

    Pairing these two organizations would be a tour de force for marketing and promoting the Fayetteville community. It makes sense to take advantage of this opportunity. Then again, traditionally, Fayetteville and Cumberland County leadership seem to “never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”

    Congratulations to Nat Robertson, our new Chamber of Commerce CEO, and to Jenny Proctor, a hearty welcome back. You can count on our support.

    Thanks for reading the Up & Coming Weekly newspaper.

  • vet with cat and dog The Cumberland County Department of Public Health will hold a “Vax Your Pet, Vax Yourself” clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey St.

    Rabies vaccinations will cost $5 per pet. COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be free, according to a county news release.

    Organizations will distribute free items and information about programs and services. The Cumberland County Public Library, Department of Social Services, Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) and the Public Health education team will participate, among others.

    Barber Kings barbershop will offer free haircuts.

    Pre-paid cards worth $10 to grocery and retail stores will be distributed to the first 35 people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, or STD test. In addition, $100 pre-paid cards will be raffled every hour.

    The clinic is sponsored in part by the Cornelia “Neill” Bullock Wilkins Charitable Endowment Fund for Health of the Cumberland Community Foundation.
    North Carolina law requires the owners of dogs and cats over 4 months old to be vaccinated against rabies. The pets must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart, then one vaccination every three years thereafter. Owners are subject to a $100 civil penalty for noncomdpliance.

    Pet owners are asked to keep dogs leashed and cats in separate carriers or boxes or left in a vehicle with the air conditioning on.

    Payment will be by cash only, and exact change of $5 is requested for the vaccination fee.

    Flu and COVID vaccinations

    Flu shots will be free to everyone regardless of insurance status. A registration form and a copy of insurance cards, when applicable, is required. The insurance company will be billed. Children 18 and younger can receive a free flu vaccine.

    The Department of Public Health administers Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations, including monovalent (original) and bivalent (fall boosters) vaccines. Vaccines will be free regardless of insurance status.

    The health department also will offer an express clinic for sexually transmitted disease testing. Confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other STDs will be provided free of charge.

    For more information about Cumberland County Department of Public Health programs, visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/public-health.

  • welcome to Spring Lake The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen will hear a financial report presented by the N.C. Local Government Commission at its work session March 27.
    The meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the Grady Howard Conference Toom of the municipal complex.

    David Erwin, the town’s finance officer and accounting and financial management adviser for the N.C. Department of the State Treasurer, is expected to

    give the financial summary for the period ending Feb. 28.
    The board last received a midyear budget report in January from Erwin that noted higher expenditures attributed to paying contracted financial staff.
    Board members questioned invoices paid for the auditing firm Greg Isley CPA, including mileage, meals and hotel expenses and said the town needs to hire a permanent financial staff.

    Also on the agenda for Monday is a discussion of the per-capita contribution to the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments and the return on that investment.

    The town paid $2,871 for fiscal year 2022-23, which equals 24 cents for every resident, according to the 2010 census population of 11,964.
    Alderwoman Sona Cooper said she added a discussion of those fees to the agenda because the board needs to make sure it is monitoring expenditures across the board.

    On Friday, Cooper said she was not sure if the amount paid was correct and she was considering removing the item from the agenda until there was more information.

    The Mid-Carolina Regional Council offers services to municipalities in Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson counties. Assistance includes management consultation; short-term staffing; budgeting and capital planning assistance; human resources; grants administration; strategic planning and retreats; and training for elected and appointed officials, according to its website.

    The council also offers services for planning, zoning administration, subdivision review, project management and general technical assistance.
    Samantha Wullenwaber, deputy executive director of the council, was the interim town manager of Spring Lake from March to December 2021. She also was the budget officer, finance officer and a secondary check-signer for the town.

    She began working with the Mid-Carolina Regional Council on Dec. 3 and continued serving as interim town manager through an interlocal agreement among the council, the town and the Local Government Commission.

    On March 3, Mid-Carolina submitted a notice of termination of town manager services effective April 3. On March 17, town officials chose to terminate the services early without a public vote.

    Wullenwaber worked with the Local Government Commission as it took financial control of Spring Lake in October 2021 and was lauded in an audit report released the same day she was terminated as providing a more detailed financial report than what the town ultimately submitted.

    The board is also expected to go into closed session on matters of attorney-client privilege and personnel.

    The board also is in the process of interviewing candidates to be a permanent town manager. Fire Chief Jason Williams has served as interim town manager for several months. Williams will return to his job as fire chief after when a town manager is hired.

    Interviews for the job are ongoing.

  • 5 How does this impact you?

    That’s the question I ask myself before considering every bill I introduce, cosponsor, or vote on as your Congressman.

    With our new Republican majority in place, we have hit the ground running this year — and we will not slow down. From stopping soft-on-crime policies, defending the Second Amendment with my Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, protecting our strategic oil reserves, standing up to socialism and the Chinese Communist Party’s use of a spy balloon over U.S. territory, and voting to end COVID-19 vaccine mandates — House Republicans have delivered results for you and families across the country.

    Following a productive work week, I returned to Washington last week where we built on this work with more than a dozen hearings to hold the Biden administration accountable on issues including the origins of COVID-19 and the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    Last week we also advanced my HALT Fentanyl Act, one important stop to keep fentanyl out of our communities and away from our children. The fentanyl crisis has only gotten worse due to the open border policies of the Biden administration, as thousands of pounds of fentanyl continue to pour into our country every month. No parent should have to endure the loss of their child to fentanyl poisoning or overdose, and

    I'm proud to support North Carolinians who turn loss into advocacy, such as Matthew's Choice out of Sanford.

    My bill now advances to the full Energy and Commerce committee before heading to the House floor. With a record amount of drug overdose deaths and fentanyl poisonings occurring right here in North Carolina, putting an end to the lethal amounts of drugs and fentanyl present in our communities is a priority.

    I was also honored to introduce bipartisan legislation to secure a statue of the late Reverend Billy Graham to represent our state. I will continue to work with my colleagues to place this once-in-a-generation faith leader in the U.S. Capitol.

    Last week, I also continued my work to improve our nation’s pandemic preparedness and response. During the last pandemic, our nation learned there are many things we can improve in our preparedness for Public Health Emergencies. Congress has to reauthorize the law that governs our response this fall. As the lead Republican on this effort, I released a Request for Information from stakeholders and citizens across the country on how the U.S. can be better prepared when taking on future emergencies. I look forward to reviewing the information submitted and leading bipartisan discussions of how we can improve our nation’s response efforts.

    To close out the month of February, I introduced a resolution supporting the designation of February 28 as "Rare Disease Day." I have long worked to improve access to treatments and therapies for Americans who are affected by rare diseases.

    Working with my colleagues to advance common sense solutions is part of my commitment to you as your Congressman. I will never stop fighting for you, our community, and our nation.

  • 4Full Disclosure: I'm not a fan of City Councilman Mario Benavente. Over the years, his actions and behavior have defined his persona as a self-indulgent opportunist. Benavente is a remarkably intelligent and knowledgable young man, very capable of analyzing complex situations and articulating them along with common sense solutions. Hopefully, he will use these God-given talents for the greater good of the Fayetteville community.

    I must give credit where credit is due. Benavente’s recent comment about extending the City Council members terms to four years are right on the mark: “It’s crucial that if we want to make such a drastic change to the way that this city operates that it once again goes to the vote of the people and should not rely simply on City Council to benefit themselves by changing the rules to give themselves more time.”

    Journalist Bill Kirby, Jr. and former Councilman Ted Mohn both speak out about the prospect of changing city elected officials' term limits along with the true intentions of District 6 Councilman Derrick Thompson.
    I agree wholeheartedly with Ted Mohn’s assessment of Thompson in his comparison to the late honorable District 6 representative Bill Crisp. Thompson definitely is no Bill Crisp. And, the same can be said of former District 6 representative Chris Davis, who also failed to live up to the reputation of Bill Crisp’s dedication, commitment to duty, and concern for all of Fayetteville’s residents. Both are extreme disappointments.

    Read on. Kirby and Mohn say it best. Enjoy. And, thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.

    Bill Kirby Jr.: City councilman says change in term length is a decision for residents alone

    By Bill Kirby Jr.

    If a new Fayetteville City Council member cannot get up to speed on long-term strategic planning for the city, then that City Council member should not be on the council. But that’s freshman Councilman Derrick Thompson’s position in hoping to change council member terms from two years to staggered four-year terms.

    “I think it’s crucial that if we want to make such a drastic change to the way that this city operates that it once again goes to the vote of the people and should not rely simply on City Council to benefit themselves by changing the rules to give themselves more time,” says Mario Benavente, also a freshman councilman. And well said, councilman.

    Benavente has support from Kathy Keefe Jensen, who says her north Fayetteville residents are fine with two-year terms.

    The council, by vote of Mayor Mitch Colvin, Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Dawkins and council members D.J. Haire, Shakeyla Ingram, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, Brenda McNair, Deno Hondros and Thompson, has called for a public hearing in the council chamber on April 10 to hear how you feel about it.

    A chamber of 15 to 20 people speaking at a public hearing does not speak for this city, and neither does a mayor, a mayor pro tem and six council members. City residents estimated at 208,000 do, and the truth is less than three quarters of them even take the time to vote.
    • • •
    Councilman Derrick Thompson says he is not a “politician” and only trying to save the city money and do what is best for the city when it comes to staggered, four-year council terms. Former council member Ted Mohn begs to differ, and the former mayor pro tem doesn’t mince his words.

    Ted Mohn Begs to Differ

    “Derrick Thompson is nothing like a Bill Crisp in D6,” Mohn says in an email referencing the late District 6 councilman who served six two-year council terms before stepping down in 2017 because of declining health.

    “Derrick Thompson appears simply as an arrogant, self-serving politician. Bill Crisp was often quoted saying that while he was elected in District 6, his beat was the entire city of Fayetteville. Derrick Thompson is a typical politician pandering to his specific council district. Derrick Thompson's narrow-minded views of not wanting this on the ballot is a total disgrace to Bill Crisp's legacy.”

    Those who agree with Thompson, you can be assured, would beg to differ with Mohn. William Crisp died at age 81 on July 28, 2021.

    Editor’s note: Bill Kirby’s column appeared on www.cityviewnc.com/ March 17. For background on the proposal to extend City Council term limits, read the article written by CityView Today's Ben Sessoms in the March 15 issue of Up & Coming Weekly or online at https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/local-news-briefs/9614-city-council-sets-public-hearing-on-extending-length-of-election-terms.

  • 8“What about the children?”

    This was arguably the most frequently posed question by critics in the years prior to state-level marijuana legalization. Many legalization opponents presumed that legalizing cannabis for adults would lead to an increase in marijuana use among teens. But 10 years following the first states’ decisions to legalize, data conclusively shows that these fears were unfounded.
    For example, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that the percentage of high schoolers who report having used cannabis over the past 30 days actually fell from 23% in 2011 to 16% in 2021.

    Likewise, the percentage of teens who acknowledge having ever tried cannabis has similarly declined. These downward trends coincide with the period when over 20 U.S. states legalized cannabis use by adults.
    Those states have experienced similar declines in underage use. According to the findings of a 2020 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, the adoption of state-level legalization laws “predicted a small significant decline in the level of marijuana use among [youth] users.”

    Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics similarly concluded: “Marijuana use among youth may actually decline after legalization for recreational purposes,” since “it is more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana as drug dealers are replaced by licensed dispensaries that require proof of age.”

    In fact, data from California, Colorado, and other legal states confirms that licensed cannabis retailers seldom if ever sell marijuana products to customers who lack proper ID.
    Data published last year in the Journal of Safety Research reported that in California, where the adult-use market has been legally regulated since 2016, “there was 100% compliance with the ID policy to keep underage patrons from purchasing marijuana directly from licensed outlets.”

    In short, states’ real-world experience with marijuana legalization affirms that these policies can be implemented in a way that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.

    That’s one among many of the reasons why public support for adult-use cannabis legalization has risen dramatically over the past decade and remains at record highs.

    To date, not a single state that has implemented legalization has reversed course. That’s because these policies are working largely as politicians and voters intended — and because they are preferable to marijuana prohibition.

    Ultimately, common sense regulation allowing for the legal, licensed commercial production and sale of cannabis best addresses adult consumers’ demand while keeping marijuana products largely out of the hands of young people.

    By contrast, the continued criminalization of cannabis only compounds the public safety risks posed to young people and others by the unregulated marketplace.

    Editor’s note: Paul Armentano is the Deputy Director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and the co-author of the book "Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?" This op-ed was released by OtherWords.org, run by the Institute for Policy Studies.

  • 9EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation at a press conference in Wilmington on March 14. The regulation applies to six PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) also known as “forever chemicals” that can be found in drinking water.

    Regan told a crowd at UNC Wilmington, “EPA is proposing the first ever national standard to protect communities from PFAS in drinking water.”

    The proposed plan, which won’t be completed until later this year, will have the largest impact on public water utilities. Utilities will be required to constantly monitor for the six PFAS which include PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants, and PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and GenX as a mixture. Notifications to the public of PFAS levels and a reduction of contamination if levels exceed the standards are also required.
    NCDEQ Secretary Elizabeth Biser who also spoke at the announcement noted that the North Carolina DEQ Action Strategy for PFAS which was released in June of last year has the department already working on PFAS contamination with water utilities and municipalities.

    “The state is taking a whole department approach for PFAS. Under our Action Strategy, our approach is to research, regulate, or remediate,” Biser said. “We focus on protecting communities through research and identifying where PFAS contamination exists.”

    North Carolina was at the center of national attention in 2017 when the Wilmington Star-News ran a story about GenX in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin. GenX is a chemical used to make Teflon, firefighting foam, solar panels, and other products according to a report from the John Locke Foundation. The chemical made its way into the Cape Fear River in Bladen County at the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant.

    EPA Compound Chat

    “Dr. Knappe, an engineering professor at North Carolina State, and his students were conducting water sampling in the Cape Fear River when they discovered the presence of a toxic chemical compound known as GenX,” EPA Administrator Regan continued. “Chemours, a chemical manufacturing company in Fayetteville, had been deliberately polluting the air and water with these chemicals for decades.”

    Unlike prior advisories from EPA about PFAS and drinking water, the new proposed regulations come with enforceable metrics.

    “EPA is proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water,” Regan said.
    Currently, each state is left to handle its own regulations and enforcement. In North Carolina, DEQ has a consent order with Chemours and Cape Fear River Watch which requires the chemical maker to reduce their PFAS emission by 99.9%.

    “Long-term exposure to certain types of PFAS have been linked to serious illnesses, including cancer, liver damage, and high cholesterol,” Regan said. However, the health effects of PFAS are still largely unknown.

    “We anticipate that when fully implemented, this rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS related illnesses.,” Regan said.

    A public hearing on the proposed rule is set for May 4. The public comment period will open following the proposed rule publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be provided at that time at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114.

  • 17An annual wellness exam with a health care provider is important for everyone, but especially for older adults. As we age, we are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna Medicare.

    An annual wellness exam can help detect potential health issues early so they can be addressed before they worsen, he added.

    “By meeting with your primary care provider early in the year, you can highlight the things that are important to you, and work together to develop a plan for your care for the year ahead,” Sobel said.
    A number of annual check-ups are available at no extra cost to those with Medicare. They include a “Welcome to Medicare” visit for customers who have just reached Medicare eligibility and an “Annual Wellness Exam” for existing customers. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer more extensive annual visits at no extra cost.

    Each annual exam may be a little different. Regardless of the type, Sobel offers the following tips to ensure you get the most from your visit.
    Prepare. Before you go, write down anything you’d like to discuss with your health care provider, including changes to your health over the past year. Bring your prescription and over-the-counter medications with you. Ask plenty of questions and take notes. You might even want to take along a family member, trusted friend or caregiver to ensure you understand everything your provider has shared.

    Be open and honest. It’s tempting to make things look rosier than they are when talking to your health care provider, but minimizing what you are feeling can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or prescription. Speak openly about unhealthy habits, like smoking or lack of exercise. Being honest is the only way your health care provider can help you reach your goals.

    Mind mental health. Your emotional health impacts your physical health. Many people think depression is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. Treatments, such as talk therapy, medication or both, may be covered by Medicare.

    Monitor medications. Adults age 65 and older tend to take more medications than other age groups, increasing the risk for adverse reactions, such as cognitive impairment and falls. It’s a good idea to take your medications to your annual wellness exam and discuss any potential problems or side effects you’re experiencing. Don’t forget about over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements you take.

    Schedule screenings and get vaccines. There are a number of important health screenings and vaccines that you may need depending on your age and gender, such as colon cancer screening, bone density test, mammogram, flu shot or COVID-19 immunization. Ask your provider about the screenings and vaccines you’ve had already and schedule any you need as soon as possible. You may even be able to do that before you leave the office.

    Also, don’t forget to visit your eye doctor and dentist. These visits are covered by many Medicare Advantage plans as well. Find out more at www.cignamedicare.com.

    “You wouldn’t drive your vehicle without proper preventive maintenance, so please don’t ignore preventive maintenance for your most prized possession — your health,” Sobel said. “An annual wellness exam is a great place to start!”

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