https://www.upandcomingweekly.com/


  • The Carolina Country Music Association is hosting the two-day North Carolina Songwriters Festival in Fayetteville May 6 through 7.

    Known as the “Longest Songwriter Pub Crawl” in North Carolina, the festival features the independent singer-songwriters behind some of country music’s greatest hits.

    Unique in that it’s not housed at a single venue, the event encourages those in attendance to sample the wares and listen to music at several different locations.

    Starting at 6 p.m. on May 6, the festival, which will take place at around a dozen different venues across Fayetteville and surrounding areas, is a way for fans to interact with independent singers and songwriters up close.

    Venues familiar to locals, such as Dirtbag Ales, Fayetteville Bakery and Café, Dirty Whiskey Cocktail Bar, and their newest venue Gates Four Golf and County Club are free and open to the public. However, some private events will come at a cost.

    19 Host of Carolina Country on 100.1 WFAY in Fayetteville, and Executive Director of the Carolina Country Music Association, Christy ‘Sweet Tea” Andrulonis, sees the festival as an excellent opportunity for everyone involved.

    “This festival is a way to promote independent artists and draw the community into multiple venues,” she said. “Live music will be happening all over the city, bringing people together.”

    The festival will feature acoustic music and allow singer-songwriters to share the stories behind their greatest hits before they play.
    Some venues will feature one artist, while others will have as many as four performers on stage at a time in a round table discussion of their work.

    While there will be several indie artists who have submitted applications to be a part of this event, the festival is a draw for some big names in the industry. Damien Horne, a North Carolina native and member of the MuzikMafia, will be in attendance to share his music and his story with festivalgoers.

    According to their online bio, Carolina Country Music Association is “an industry trade group for singers, songwriters, musicians and country music fans.” In addition to “sharing the stories of the Carolinas,” the organization prides itself on being the most prominent supporter of independent singers and songwriters with roots in the Carolinas.

    North Carolina shares a long, rich history with country music and has had a significant impact on the genre over the last 90 years or so. Industry legends such as George Hamilton IV and Randy Travis call North Carolina home. This festival is an opportunity to bring exposure to the great artists of Carolina yet to be discovered.

    When the festival is over, Andrulonis hopes attendees will leave with a greater appreciation of these indie artists and the incredible work they do to bring music into people’s lives.

    “I hope they leave with an understanding of just how important it is to support local art and music. There’s much more going on behind the scenes of your favorite No. 1 song on the radio. There’s so much more than meets the eye.”

    For more information and a complete list of artists and venues, visit www.carolinacountrymusicassociation.org/ncsongwritersfestival.

  • 18 Each year, with the exception of 2020, the CARE Clinic hosts Toast of the Town at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. May 5 will mark the twenty-second Toast of the Town. This fundraiser is vital to The CARE Clinic, which offers health care to support local individuals who have no insurance and are in a low-income bracket. The clinic does not receive any government funding and is run solely through donations, grants and fundraising. Monthly costs to keep the organization running are approximately $55,000. The CARE Clinic has seen a marked increase in the need for the type of services they provides since the start of the pandemic.

    The CARE Clinic is hoping the community will show up in numbers to support their vital mission.

    “We are expecting between 300 to 400 attendees,” explained Tara Martin, CARE Clinic development and marketing director.

    Martin is new to the organization and is particularly excited about the chance to interface with the local community.

    “I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with our supporters and sponsors face-to-face. Since I just started working with the clinic in November, this is my first major in-person event as development director. I will get to finally put faces to the names I have been learning over the past six months,” Martin said.

    Held at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Toast of the Town will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a night out in the gardens with hors d’ oeuvres and desserts from Two Brothers Catering to snack on. Wines, beers, ales, spirits and hand-rolled cigars from Anstead’s will also be available.

    The event is being supported by and features a selection of local small businesses.

    “Wine will be provided by Johnson Brothers Mutual Distributing and served by Leclair’s General Store. Our breweries will include Bright Light Brewing Company, Mash House Brewing and Dirtbag Ales. The Spirits will be provided by Cape Fear Distillery. Lastly, the cigars will be provided by Anstead’s Tobacco Company,” Martin told Up & Coming Weekly.

    The CARE Clinic will run a virtual Silent Auction featuring priceless baskets donated by businesses from all around North Carolina and there will be travel experiences to the castles of Ireland, the Greek Islands, Costa Rica and more. In addition to the silent auction, event organizers will be running a 50/50 raffle.

    “The winner of the drawing will walk away with half of the money raised from raffle ticket sales. We have already begun selling tickets as a lead-up to the event. The pot is currently up to $1600 — that means whoever wins that night is guaranteed to receive at least $800,” Martin said on April 29.

    Tickets are available for $100 until Wednesday, May 4 at 5 p.m. After that time, tickets will be $125. For more information, visit www.toastofthetownfay.com or call the clinic at 910-485-0555.

    Drinking and tobacco are not all that is offered; there is something for everyone.

    “This event will be so much fun. If someone is on the fence about coming, I invite you to still come on out for a night of socializing. Even for those who do not drink, there is still a lot for this event to offer,” Martin said.

     

  • 17 Nothing says “summer is on the way,” quite like Cinco De Mayo.

    The festive holiday is an excellent opportunity to gather with friends, eat good food and play a few rounds of charity golf if the Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce has anything to say about it.
    On May 5, at Gates Four Golf and Country Club, the Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce will host
    its Annual Cinco De Mayo GolfTournament.

    A long-standing event within the community, the golf tournament is a popular fundraising opportunity for the people of Hope Mills and surrounding areas.

    “The objective of this event is multi-purpose,” says Lisa Bastic-Penardo, treasurer, Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce.

    “The tournament raises funds for the Chamber of Commerce and a local non-profit. This year we’ve partnered with United Way, so a portion of the proceeds will support that organization and its various projects.”

    The Golf Tournament Committee made up of Connie Rushing, Nolan Clark, Brenda Seay and Bastic-Penardo, has been busy planning the event since last September, working hard to get everything just right.

    “We wanted to continue the tradition of the golf tournament,” Bastic-Penardo said. “Our Chamber is blessed to have such like-minded people working together to make everything a success. It’s a lot of work, but it’s always worth it in the end.”

    “The tournament has been going on around twenty years — It’s been around here a lot longer than me,” she said.

    As the town of Hope Mills prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary and the chamber its 30th, the tournament is one of the community’s oldest and most memorable events.

    Just right for Cinco De Mayo, this year’s theme is Tacos & Margaritas and evokes the sense of fun Bastic-Penardo hopes everyone will take away from the event.

    Participants can sign up as a team of four or as individuals with a cost of $100 per player.

    Registration for the tournament begins at noon with a shotgun starting at 1 p.m. Awards and dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
    Those participating will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a four-person captain’s choice format and unlimited range balls before the tournament begins.
    Additionally, the admission cost covers a cart, green fee, boxed lunch and a taco & margarita dinner buffet.

    The tournament will also feature several contests to heighten the sense of fun. Awards for first and worst, closest to the pin and longest drive are all up for grabs for those daring to show off their golf skills.

    For those lacking in the aforementioned golf skills, there’s no need to worry — all skill levels are welcome.

    “Everybody is invited to come,” says Bastic-Penardo. “It will be a great day for anyone who wants to have a good time, relax with other like-minded people, and enjoy a little family-friendly competition.”
    Gates Four Golf and Country Club is located at 6775 Irongate Drive in Fayetteville.
    For more information about the tournament, visit the event website at www.visitfayettevillenc.com/event/cinco-de-mayo-charity-golf-tournament/17588/.

  • 15 The Crown Theatre will present its 84th season of Community Concerts featuring the Oak Ridge Boys Friday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m.

    In a musical career that has spanned over three decades, the quartet has broken the mold for classic country music. The band members are William Lee Golden, baritone; Richard Sterban, bass; Joe Bonsall, tenor; and Duane Allen, lead vocals.

    Their music is universal, and they are currently in overdrive touring for their 150-day-long “Front Porch Singin’ Tour.”

    “At the concert, there are some things that are very obvious, and you are going to hear me sing ‘Giddy up omm poppa mow mow’ because that song is the law,” said Richard Sterban.

    “It is quite an interesting story how the song “Elvira” came about,” he said.

    Last year was the 40th anniversary of their signature song, “Elvira,” and the band is celebrating it. A gentleman named Dallas Frazier wrote the song. Several years ago, Frazier was driving home from a recording session in East Nashville, and he saw a street sign that said Elvira Street.

    He pulled up to the street sign and wrote on a piece of paper, “Elvira, Elvira, my heart is on fire for Elvira.”

    Then he wrote the “Giddy up omm poppa mow mow” part because that imitated the bumps on the road, the potholes on Elvira Street. When he got home, he finished the song and wrote the verses about a woman so that the music would make more sense, but the song’s original inspiration came from a street sign in East Nashville.

    “I’ve talked to a lot of songwriters, and they have told me that you never know where the inspiration to write a song is going to come from,” Sterban said. “So that is the story about the song that most people do not know.”

    Some of their chart-topping hits are “Elvira,” “Thank God for Kids,” “Just A Little Talk With Jesus,” “Come On In,” “Bobbie Sue” and these hits propelled them to sell over 41 million albums, have over 30 top ten hits and more than a dozen national number one singles.

    “We will perform a lot of our hits, and our most requested song is “Thank God for Kids,” Sterban said. “William Lee Golden, the guy with the long beard in our group, does a good job of interpreting those lyrics and communicating it to the audience.”

    The group can glide across musical genres as they have recorded both country and gospel hits.

    “We make our living singing country music, but we all grew up singing gospel music, and we love it,” Sterban said. “We are also excited about our latest album, ‘The Oak Ridge Boys Front Porch Singin’ and it is very inspirational music, and a lot of it is gospel, but there are some new country songs on it.”

    He added, “All of the songs are very meaningful, and it really is the kind of music that we need to hear right now with all of the things that are going on in the world today.”
    Oak Ridge Boys recorded their latest album in a very informal manner. The group walked into the recording studio in Nashville, and their producer, Dave Cobb, asked the question, “Fellas, if you guys were on the bus and you were getting ready for a show, what would you sing?”

    The lead singer, Allen, immediately began singing an old spiritual called “Swing Down Chariot.”
    The other members joined in and started harmonizing with him. This is a song they have known for years and had never recorded.

    “Dave told us to get to the microphones immediately to record the song,” Sterban said. “We sang the song, and we were probably in the studio for less than an hour, and it was a done deal.”
    Sterban added, “I think this is a great example of how this album was recorded in an unstructured setting of four guys harmonizing together.”

    Their hardcore fans affectionately call them “The Oaks,” and over the years, they have become known for their Christmas music. “We have eight Christmas albums, and for over 30 years, we have done a great Christmas tour on the road, and it is the biggest part of our year,” Sterban said. “We do our Christmas Show every night from Thanksgiving up until Christmas Eve night except Tuesdays, and it is a great family show.”

    Their musical awards include the Country Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, five Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, four Academy of Country Music Awards, four Country Music Association Awards, 11 Dove Awards, five Billboard Awards, eight Cashbox Awards, they are members of the Grand Ole Opry and many more.
    Sterban has been in the music industry for decades and has some valuable advice for young aspiring bands.

    “This is a very competitive business, and a lot of young acts try to make it, and only a handful really do make it,” he said. “My advice is to decide what you want to do, work on your craft, sing every chance that you get, strive to become the best performer that you can possibly become and never slough off because you never know who will be listening.”

    With so many accolades and accomplishments under their belt, the Oak Ridge Boys have no plans on retiring anytime soon.

    “For the next few years at least, we are going to keep doing what we love doing, and that’s recording, traveling and taking our music live to our fans,” Sterban said. “Come out and join us for a night of good music and family entertainment because we are so happy to be back on stage working again.”

    For ticket information, visit www.capefeartix.com.

  • 11 The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity was recently awarded a $5 million grant from American author and philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. The grant is part of a $436 million donation to 83 U.S. Habitat affiliates, including eight in North Carolina.

    The FAHFH branch covers Cumberland, Bladen and Sampson counties. The grant will allow them to continue their work in those locations and expand into Robeson County.

    The organization has been around since 1988, but they have made significant progress in providing affordable housing more recently.

    “In the last 34 years, we’ve built a little over 200 homes, but 25% of those homes have been built in the last three years,” said CEO Ron Gunter. “As you’re well aware, we had Hurricanes Matthew and Florence that came through, and for about four years there, we didn’t build a single home. We did nothing but repairs for homes and mainly have had homeowners that [whose homes] were built in lower-lying areas of the city.”

    In 2019, FAHFH began construction on a community of 47 homes called Oak Ridge Estate. Nine homeowners are local veterans, and 15 of the families were impacted by hurricanes.

    “We’ll be finishing up Oak Ridge in June and begin moving to another part of town with more construction to build clusters of homes, anywhere from five to seven to eight homes at a time, hoping to facilitate change and strengthen and revitalize those parts of the community and the neighborhood,” he said. “Our goal is to build as many homes as we can in affordable housing.”

    FAHFH helps low-income families become homeowners, but they provide more than just a house. They also offer courses to help families with the challenges of homeownership.

    They have 35 online and in-person classes covering banking, insurance and home repair from experts who volunteer time.

    “We try to have a holistic approach to our homeowners,” he said. “We want to help them not only get into their homes but stay in their homes.”

    When someone qualifies for a home, they must commit 300 sweat equity hours. These volunteer hours combine classroom instruction, working on their future home or volunteering at ReStore, Habitat’s home improvement store.

    Gunter has seen firsthand the dedication and hard work the families put into securing their homes. He recalled the emotional move-in day for a single mom of three who went through chemotherapy while still contributing her sweat equity hours to construct her house.

    “To watch tears flow from her face and say, ‘I’m not going to move anymore,’” he said. “That’s why we do what we do. That’s the full payment for us. We get to stand and dedicate that home, commit that home, give them the key. And they’re now the homeowner that makes all the difference in the world.”

    The FAHFH has 14 employees covering everything from community relations to family services to finances. They also have five employees at the local ReStore. They consider themselves a small but mighty team that works well together for the greater good.

    “That’s one thing that’s very important: there are no ‘lone rangers’ in the Fayetteville area Habitat. We’re all part of the team, and it takes all of us working together (and it’s a lot of hard work), but it’s a great team,” Gunter said. “They all step up to do whatever’s needed to get the job done.”

    The team will commemorate the completion of Oak Ridge Estates with a fundraising event, Framing the Future, on June 26. They will also be honoring Gunter on his retirement and welcoming a new CEO, Brandon Price, their current compliance and advocacy officer.

    “We want to celebrate the amazing work that Ron has done in the past three years with Oak Ridge and his retirement,” said FAHFH Director of Marketing April De Leon. “And everybody that’s worked with us in the past three years, all of our vendors that have helped construct the homes [are] invited … we’re inviting the city out to celebrate all the good work that’s been done in Cumberland County.”

    Framing the Future will be held June 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sweet Valley Ranch, 2990 Sunnyside School Road. Tickets are $100 for individuals, and sponsor tables for eight or more are still available.

    Visit www.fayettevillenchabitat.org to learn more about the organization and upcoming events.

  • 10 If there is one thing North Carolina’s Mother of Year award winner, Demetria Davis, is, it’s busy. Mama Dee, as those around her call her, finds the time to talk about herself late at night — after the dinner is made, kids are in bed and all the tasks that fall on a mother are done.

    “Sometimes, you have to carve it out and make time,” she said.

    Davis grew up in Fayetteville and ran track at Terry Sanford. After high school, Davis continued to run track in college in South Carolina. She secured an endorsement from Nike and traveled the world running for the U.S. She ended up taking home a medal at the world championships in 2003. Suddenly, her days as a track star came to an end.

    “I ended up getting injured. It went kind of downhill from there. I soon after met my husband. We got married, had kids. We started doing ministry together,” Davis said.

    Davis described this evolution as natural and spoke about it with a loving tone. In 2012, Davis and her husband moved back to Fayetteville and started their ministry in North Carolina. Being both a mom of five children and a minister kept her busy. Davis said she has many “kids” in the community. Everyone loves “Mama Dee,” as one kid coined Davis many years ago.

    She said she never intended to be nominated for Mother of the Year. An outing at a pageant led another attendee to nominate Davis for the Mother of the Year Award.

    “She said just from spending time with me, she really loved my spirit. It was definitely different. I cried. There’s so many wonderful mothers out there,” Davis said.

    For Davis, it is an honor to represent North Carolina and all the mothers in the state. But despite the title, Davis says she doesn’t have all the answers as a mom. Mother of the Year does not equal perfection. Like most moms, she was afraid of making mistakes with her children.

    “They see everything you do. One of the most challenging things is being who God wanted me to be for them. You learn every day how to be a mother. Sometimes you are walking your way blindly,” she said.
    Davis has found that mothering isn’t limited to the kids she “birthed.” Mothering, for her, extended to those kids in the community that look to her for advice and bonding. She became “attached” to many kids in the community. She’s taken kids in and even had some stay with her during Christmas time.

    “You end up being a mother to kids that don’t have that at home. That was unexpected. It’s amazing.”

    Her kids are also involved in sports and often bring friends home. It has become a hang-out of sorts for teenagers. Davis has two other boys right now that she says feel like her kids. She met both through her and her husband’s ministry efforts. She says her love for God and her family is her biggest passion, and it becomes easy to serve people through it.

    “We love serving people. I love my family. I love being able to make them happy.”

    For Mama Dee, serving her family and others includes great meals at home and catering on the weekends. Cooking is another passion for Davis. She believes that service to others can sometimes come from serving food and cooking.

    “Whatever it is, I’m cooking, I am putting my all into it,” she said.

    Mama Dee recently became a grandmother. Her daughter had a baby last year. She gives the same advice to her daughter about being a mother. She tells her that she will make mistakes and not to get upset at herself.

    For Davis, every day is a new opportunity to learn as parents. Davis does have some advice for other new moms as well.

    “Be your authentic you. You are exactly who God created you to be. Sometimes we lose track of that, but once we get back on track and be who he wanted us to be, it’s well worth it.”

  • The Cumberland County Department of Public Health is giving away free mosquito insecticide to Cumberland County residents while supplies last. The Mosquito Dunks product is a biological pest control agent that kills mosquito larvae. It is non-toxic to fish, birds, wildlife and pets.

    Residents can pick up a two-month supply in the Environmental Health section of the third floor of the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    The product is placed in water, where it floats. It will be effective for 30 days in standing water and covers 100 square feet of surface. It can be used in areas where standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

    The active ingredient is bacillus thuringiensis. Printed instructions are available.

    West Nile virus, La Crosse and Eastern equine encephalitis are the most reported mosquito-borne illnesses that can be acquired in North Carolina.
    In addition to mosquito dunks, citizens can use other mosquito control methods, including the “tip and toss” method. Tip over any containers that have standing water and replace water in bird baths weekly.

    Other ways to prevent mosquito bites are:
    •Keep children’s wading pools empty or stored on
    their side when not in use.
    •Use insect repellent containing DEET when out
    doors, which also repels ticks.
    •Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn
    when mosquitoes are most active or stay indoors
    during these hours.
    •Make sure your windows and doors have good
    screens to keep mosquitoes out.

  • 9a Spc. Luis Herrera, 23, of Marion, North Carolina, died April 28, from injuries sustained in a military vehicle accident while conducting routine military training on Fort Bragg.

    “Our thoughts and prayers, along with the Paratroopers of ‘Geronimo’ 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, are with Spc. Herrera’s wife and loved ones as we mourn the loss of Luis,” said Capt. Daigoroh Abreu, his company commander.

    “Big Lou’s’ presence was a gift to us all, and his radiant smile brought warmth to all who knew him.”
    Spc. Herrera was assigned to Raider Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

    “Spc. Herrera was an exceptional paratrooper and an engaged friend to all those who knew him. Luis was a soldier’s soldier who always led by example and never missed a chance to leave a positive impact on those around him,” said Col. Theodore Kleisner, commander of 1st BCT.

    “Our brigade was made better by the selfless service of Spc. Herrera. The leaders and paratroopers of 1st Brigade Combat Team are committed to ensuring every resource is available to his family and peers to help them through this difficult time.”

    The 2-501st PIR will host a memorial for Spc. Herrera in the coming weeks.

    Spc. Herrera enlisted into the U.S. Army in 2017, as an Infantryman, and served two deployments to Kuwait.

    His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.

    Spc. Herrera is survived by his wife, parents, family and friends.

    Three additional soldiers were involved in the military vehicle accident.

    One soldier was treated at Womack Army Medical Center and released. The other two soldiers were admitted for treatment and observation.

    The circumstances surrounding the military vehicle accident are under investigation.

  • 7 Hey, you! Yeah, you, the one holding this issue of Up & Coming Weekly in your soon-to-be ink-stained hands. Astrologically speaking, troubles are heading your way. Consider this column a warning. A word to the wise, so to speak. Do not make any major decisions in the next couple of weeks.

    To quote the greatest astrologer of our times, Creedence Clearwater’s John Fogerty, “I see a bad moon a-rising/ I see trouble on the way/ I see earthquakes and lightning/ I see bad times today.”

    Beware, Mercury is about to slide into retrograde. Right now, you are probably asking yourself, “Self, what is Mercury in Retrograde, and why should I care?”

    Fortunately, for both the readers of this column, Mr. Science has the answer. Nothing less than The Wall Street Journal had a front-page article on the effects of Mercury in retrograde written by their crack astrology reporter Stephanie Lai. If The Wall Street Journal says it, I believe it, and that settles it.

    Today, Mr. Science will examine astronomy and its ugly cousin, astrology. Trigger warning: If you believe in science or astrology, do not read this column as it contains potentially disturbing content that may be disconcerting to sensitive souls. Go to your safe place and have a cookie instead. Throw away this paper and begin whimpering.

    Mercury in retrograde occurs when Mercury seems to reverse its orbit and move backward in relation to the Earth. While Mercury doesn’t really go backward to Earthlings, it appears to do so. It turns out appearances can be deceiving. When Merc (as his friends call Mercury) goes into retrograde, bad luck peaks on Earth. We are about to enter a Merc in retrograde phase in the dangerous period between May 10 and June 2. If you don’t floss the teeth you want to keep during that period, your friends will call you Gummy.

    Ms. Lai’s article cited a number of Earthlings who had bad experiences in prior retrograde periods who blamed their ill fortunes not on the Bossa Nova but on retrograde. The financially prudent thing to do is to postpone trips, decisions and gambling junkets during retrograde. To be extra safe during retrograde, follow Larry David’s advice in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” go to bed, pull the quilt over your head and sob quietly until retrograde passes you by.

    What do you get when you mix astrology and medical science? Take a look. Back in medieval times (not the one at Myrtle Beach) but rather the 14th Century, Europe and Asia played host to the bubonic plague. The Black Death ultimately killed about a third of Europe’s population. A bad time was had by all. French King Phillip VI wanted to know what was causing this disaster, so he appointed the best and brightest minds at the University of Paris in 1348 to cipher out the cause. And cipher they did, producing “A New Study,” which pinned down the cause of the plague.

    Forty-nine of the smartest doctors of their time put on their thinking hats to discover the origin of the Black Death. They were able to pinpoint the creation of the Black Death in their official report, the “Paris Consilium.”

    And wasn’t that a dainty dish to set before the King? They found the Black Death was born on March 20, 1345, when there was “a triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the 40th degree of Aquarius.” If you can’t trust the finest medical minds of the time, who can you trust?

    Medical science and astrology were joined at the hip during the medieval period, as shown by the University of Paris report. To be a great doctor, you also had to be a great astrologer. Medical science was written in the stars. Despite the best efforts of the 49 Parisian docs, it later turned out that the cause of the bubonic plague was a nasty bacteria called yersinia pestis, which spread by fleas jumping off the bodies of dead rats. The infected fleas then chowed down on human hosts, giving them the plague resulting in an early exit from the land of the living. A little ivermectin would have been helpful back then.

    So, with retrograde on the near horizon, what can we expect next? The early victims of retrograde appear to be the demise of CNN+, the Russians’ planned four-day war in Ukraine and Twitter’s battle with Elon Musk.

    Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of Mercury? As the Former Guy would say, “Stay tuned.”

    Have we learned anything today? Alas. Once again, not so much. This column is really a waste of your time. Creedence Clearwater tried to warn us about Merc in Retrograde when they sang: “I hear hurricanes a-blowing/ I know the end is coming soon/ I fear rivers overflowing/ I hear the voice of rage and ruin.”

    Moral: If you are not going to hide under a quilt until Mercury in retrograde passes, at least carry an umbrella. As the Morton Salt Girl says: “When it rains, it pours.”

  • I’m a conservative without a conversion story. Plenty of others have such a tale — they read a certain book, had a certain teacher or somehow became disenchanted with their previous, left-leaning views.

    If the conversion happened as adults, after first being politically active as a progressive, socialist or communist, they were called neoconservatives. One of the most prominent, Irving Kristol, famously defined a neoconservative as “a liberal who has been mugged by reality” and a neoliberal as “a liberal who got mugged by reality but has not pressed charges.”

    I only got mugged once, while working as a magazine reporter in Washington, and I was already a conservative. It was an attempted mugging, actually, because I happened to be carrying a synthesizer in a heavy case, it proved to be a handy weapon to swing, and the would-be mugger was stoned out of his mind.

    But Kristol wasn’t really talking about crime as a political issue, of course, although the rise of criminality and social disorder during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s was a factor that propelled some Americans into the modern conservative movement. What bound the disparate elements of that movement together was the existence of critically important and inescapable realities — such as what the free-market economist Thomas Sowell later described as the “constrained vision” of human nature, as distinguishable from the “unconstrained vision” of would-be social engineers.

    Both here in North Carolina and around the country, the modern conservative movement is an alliance of what used to be called traditionalism and what used to be called liberalism.

    Traditionalists believed there are fundamental truths and virtues, either revealed by God or confirmed by millennia of human history, that ought to guide human action.

    Classical liberals didn’t necessarily disagree with that premise, actually. But they elevated the principle of freedom to the top of the list — the right of individuals to make decisions for themselves above the power of the state to take their property and control their lives.

    Traditionalists valued freedom, as well, but observed that individuals aren’t born as human atoms who later, voluntarily, form human molecules. We are born into families and communities, and thus into a thick and complex web of social obligations. Many traditionalists, then, defined freedom in communitarian terms, as “ordered liberty.” Classical liberals emphasized the right of the individual to make decisions, even if the results dismayed their neighbors or injured themselves.

    When cultural critics, libertarians and anti-communists forged the modern conservative movement in America during the 20th century, they were reacting to the threatening rise of populism, progressivism and socialism.

    It was a case of longtime rivals, traditionalists and classical liberals, forming first an alliance of mutual need and then, through fits and starts, forging a more systematic integration of their ideas.

    The result wasn’t a catechism. It was and remains messy and incomplete. There are areas of disagreement and differences in emphasis. But the various strands of modern conservatism have enough in common to work together — and what they have in common, for the most part, is a belief that governmental power should be minimized so that freedom can be maximized.

    Why? Because it is in the nature of humans to thrive, in the long run, when they are free to make their own decisions, rather than being compelled to comply with some central plan. The empirical evidence for this proposition is massive and constantly growing.

    For example, a peer-reviewed study by North Dakota State University economist Jeremy Jackson employed the Frasier Institute’s Economic Freedom of North America Index and a set of survey data on life satisfaction.

    All other things being equal, states with lower taxes, smaller budgets, and fewer regulations had a higher share of happy residents than did those with expansive, expensive governments.

    My conservative colleagues and I here in North Carolina fight for freedom not as an abstraction but as a practical tool for promoting opportunity, progress, happiness and virtue. And we welcome converts to the cause.

  • 4After attending the recent municipal forums, listening to the candidates on the radio and reading their social media posts, I can honestly and confidently make several assessments. For the most part, these candidates are honest, hard-working, and good-intentioned Fayetteville citizens with deep concerns for our city. Otherwise, they would not be seeking public office.

    However, I question the motives of several of the newbies and a few incumbents who are vying for reelection. The current configuration of districts in our city council does not allow for a cohesive community vision. After all, because of how the nine Fayetteville municipal districts are determined, it fosters an environment that encourages, protects, and disguises laziness, neglect of responsibilities, and gross incompetence while restricting our voice in local government. For more information on this issue visit, www.voteyesfayetteville.com.

    If history and past performance are indications of future leadership expectations, then why would anyone think these dysfunctional, uncooperative and uninformed city council placeholders would perform any differently if reelected? Tisha Waddell resigned her position in District 3 on November 9, 2022 after realizing, among other things, that it was impossible to work and achieve anything for the citizens of Fayetteville in such a hostile, dysfunctional environment. She resigned after realizing there was no path forward to improve or influence change for honest and transparent governance for all Fayetteville residents.

    As we listen to these political wannabes, everyone seems to tout public safety, the unhoused, storm water, infrastructure and the need to make Fayetteville a cleaner and more attractive business-friendly city. All spewing words without substance that go primarily unchallenged by the general public. These are ambiguous talking points and sound bites void of remedies, solutions, or plans to move our city forward. They do not reflect a working knowledge of how the city government operates.

    The Fayetteville Can Do BETTER campaign, funded by donations collected from citizens who want a better Fayetteville, will run through the General election on Nov. 8. The campaign has two primary objectives: To remind and encourage people to vote in the upcoming elections and let the current city-elected officials know that we see and experience what they chose to ignore every day in our city.

    Up & Coming Weekly is accepting contributions to the ad campaign and photos highlighting issues in our city from the community. Please email me directly at bill@upandcomingweekly.com or send them direct to Fayetteville Can Do BETTER c/o Up & Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan St., Fayetteville, N.C., 28301.

    Fayetteville is a fabulous community with great potential for a bright and prosperous future, but only if we can elect leaders with integrity and a strong work ethic. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.
    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 12 With the return of a full-blown Fayetteville Dogwood Festival just behind us, it’s easy to tell Spring has sprung in North Carolina. Let the outdoor everything begin!

    No better way to forget the weirdest summers ever than to simply glance at what lies ahead and make new memories as we embrace all we can. April will go out in a glorious glow as Israel Houghton, Hezekiah Walker and Fred Hammond bring their Festival of Praise to the Crown Coliseum for an amazing night of Gospel music. The month of May holds plenty of promise for us all.

    The annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5, unites people of faith and gives us an opportunity to come together as friends and neighbors, seeking God and the best way forward for our communities near and far. That same day, Fayetteville’s Festival Park will come alive with touring and Christian recording artists Seventh Day Slumber. As they crisscross the country on their “Death by Admiration Tour,” the band promises a high-energy evening of music meant to turn more than just heads.

    The lyrics of their songs, and the message they bring on and off stage are meant to turn both hearts and minds to a future none of us control. The free concert includes tour mates Decyfer Down, Spoken and Amongst the Giants at Festival Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

    Fayetteville Dinner Theatre keeps the summer fun happening again this year with their Gates Four Summer Concert Series. After an exciting kickoff in April, the musical pump is primed and ready to deliver some of the most loved hits of the 70s and 80s with a tribute to the rocking female sister act, Heart, during a lively show on Friday, May 6. There’s an incredible lineup all summer long, making it completely worth being on the mailing list for all they’re bringing to the community indoors and out.

    All of these events provide a perfect backdrop and opportunities to get together as we warm up for summer. In just a few short weeks, we’ll celebrate Memorial Day.

    Our high school seniors will move their tassels from right to left as they cross the stage and receive their diplomas at Cumberland County’s Crown Coliseum. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a flight across the country, or some of the best local entertainment ever assembled, I hope this will be a summer to remember for all the right reasons. Celebrate life, celebrate family, and celebrate the return of the most exciting season in North Carolina!

    C’mon Summer … you are welcome here!

  • 3 One-Stop Early Voting in Cumberland County for the primary election begins Thursday, April 28 and runs through Saturday, May 14.

    The races on the Cumberland County ballot will include the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, N.C. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and the Fayetteville City primary.

    There will be seven locations people can vote during Early Voting:

    • Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers St., Fayetteville
    • Cliffdale Recreation Center, 6404 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville
    • College Lakes Recreation Center, 4945 Rosehill Road, Fayetteville
    • East Regional Library, 4809 Clinton Road, Fayetteville
    • J.D. Pone Recreation Center, 2964 School Road, Hope Mills
    • Smith Recreation Center, 1520 Slater Ave., Fayetteville
    • Stoney Point Recreation Center, 7411 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills

    Early Voting hours during the weekdays are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Saturdays, April 30 and May 14, hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, May 1, hours are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Residents may register and vote at any one-stop early voting location. When you check in to vote at an early voting site, you may update your name or address within the same county if necessary. Individuals who are not registered to vote in a county may register and immediately vote at that same site. The voter must prove their residence by showing any of the following documents with their current name and address: North Carolina driver’s license, other photo identification issued by a government agency, a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing the voter’s name and address, OR a current college/university photo identification card paired with proof of campus habitation.

    Curbside voting will be available at all voting sites for those who cannot enter the polling location due to age or physical disability. Voting sites have designated parking indicating curbside voting and an alert system that will notify the election officials. An election official will come to the vehicle to obtain the voter’s name and address. Before a ballot is issued, the voter must swear an oath affirming their qualification to use curbside voting.

    The last day to request an absentee ballot is May 10. The final day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot will be May 17 at 5 p.m. at the Board of Elections office. Absentee ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by May 17, and the Board of Elections must receive them no later than May 20.

    On entering the voting place, voters can give their name, address and party to the election officials. If they are correctly registered, they will be given a ballot to take to the voting booth.

    Unaffiliated voters may choose the Democratic or Republican ballot or, if available, a nonpartisan ballot. Registered Libertarians may only vote on a nonpartisan ballot if available in their jurisdiction since there are no primary contests for that party.

    If precinct officials cannot locate a registration record, voters may be asked to vote on a provisional ballot.

    The primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 17.

    If no state or federal candidate reaches the total necessary to become the nominee in a contest on the ballot in the May primary, a second primary may be held on July 26. The General Election for the City of Fayetteville will be held on July 26.

    For more information about how to vote and to check your voter registration status, or to see which precinct/district you will be voting for, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/election-group/elections.

  • 11 Daily we are inundated with a barrage of advertisements that target how we look and ways to look better. The fitness industry reaches into our wallets frequently with ads for weight loss, gyms, equipment, dieting, supplements, clothing and tech-related items. It is a billion-dollar industry. One of the primary reasons people join a fitness center is to tone up, lose weight, build muscle and improve health and well-being.

    Fitness centers are not the only resources the consumer seeks for health and well-being; companies promote well-being and diversified products directed toward the consumer. Did you know that rapid weight loss commercials are at least 57% of media advertisements? In some cases, weight-loss ads claim that you can lose eight to ten pounds per week with their products.

    The diet industry takes in about sixty billion dollars per year, and the sad part is the failure rate averages about 90% for participants. The reason is that there is no long-term sustainability. Minerals, botanicals, vitamins and supplements are another huge industry with average spending of thirty-five billion. Millennials spend significant money each year on vitamins and supplements, including protein shakes and vitamins, averaging $56 to $80 per month.

    It is not uncommon to see ads targeting the miraculous results of taking vitamins and supplements. As of 2022, there are over a hundred thousand fitness and health clubs in the U.S. Before the pandemic, more than sixty-two million people visited health clubs with an average attendance of 108 days per year. Twenty-four-hour fitness is the largest privately held chain in the U.S., with more than 400 clubs. The most expensive gym in the U.S. is EXOS, costing thirty thousand dollars per year, located in Phoenix, Arizona.

    The average cost of a gym membership is $58, $78 for higher-end gyms, but it can vary depending on the size of a city. Budget-friendly gyms include Planet Fitness, Golds Gym and L.A. Fitness.

    Before joining a gym, one of the top considerations is location, followed by equipment, value, cleanliness, amenities, group fitness classes and atmosphere. The online virtual fitness industry is a rising star due to the pandemic. The availability of apps and smart devices for home workouts and mobility are skyrocketing the market to an expected 79 billion dollars by 2026.

    A mounting 14.5 billion dollars was spent on exercise equipment in 2020, with aerobic and exercise equipment being popular items for the home offering cardio and resistance training. Today’s home gym comprises more than dumbbells and a pull-up bar with the convenience of working out safely at home.

    Popular items such as the Nordic Trac, Peloton Bike, vertical climbers, smart home gyms and Mirror Pro have found their way into homes. Technology also prevails with home exercise equipment, apps, smartwatches and tracking devices to monitor our exercise progress.

    Finally, the apparel industry, which includes shoes and clothing, generated 167 billion in sales in 2018 and is expected to reach a global market of 248 billion by 2026. The amount of revenue that the fitness industry takes in is mind-boggling, and now I can see why so much advertising targets this market. As a final footnote, North Carolina ranks 30 in the U.S., with 76.9% of residents who exercise.

    The number one state is Colorado, with 83.8%. The U.S., Germany and the United Kingdom have the highest number of fitness club memberships.

  • 6 Brian Harlan Brooks leans forward against the table. He’s passionate about the storytelling process, but more than that, he’s passionate about his most recent artistic effort. It holds a special place for him.

    “The color is a metaphor for what’s inside of everybody that often gets ignored,” he clasps his hand together and continues. “The color purple represents a part of every human that we don’t acknowledge. We don’t understand its brilliance. That idea of purple — being the essence of the people is my favorite character. It’s the intangible.”

    Brooks is directing “The Color Purple” at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, debuting in May.

    Just two days into rehearsals, Brooks sits beside Amitria Fanae and Toneisha Harris, who play Celie and Shug Avery, respectively. The three laugh and joke but ultimately become deeply engrossed in each other’s inspirational words, nodding along as the others talk. This story means a lot to each of them. They all recount the ways it has touched them.

    “The color purple is not a major color. It’s something that you have to create from other colors. I think it’s so important in life. Our lives are made up of pieces that we take from so many other things, and it helps us to discover who we are,” Harris said.

    Harris plays the “sexy, fierce” but equally “broken and fragile” Shug Avery. Harris said she went to her closet upon receiving the role and wondered what could help her embody the character best; in the end, she felt that embodying the authenticity of Shug was the true journey into the character and the key to successfully playing this part. It was a sentiment that Fanae shared.

    “Even if this story was not a story I could connect with personally, it’s someone else’s story. I owe it to the writer and the individual’s whose story it might be, to tell the truth,” Fanae said.

    The musical is based upon the book by Alice Walker, “The Color Purple.” It tells a story about a Black woman, Celie, who is often abused by the men in her life and surrounded by other Black women in her community going through some of the same struggles. It is a story about resilience. It is a story about love. While the subject matter might be tough at times, the actors want it also to give a message of hope to the audience.

    “I’m hoping that telling this story today, it’ll help someone know they don’t have to stay in a story like that. It’s not pretty at all. It’s very ugly. Art is the imitation of life. There’s a journey through it,” Harris said. “That’s what I hope that we can accomplish.”

    The story, Brooks said, “balances the sublime and the disgusting” but the message of hope is always there. The joy is laced throughout the story. The belief in self, he said, was in the story from the beginning. For Brooks and the other actors, purple itself is a journey inside oneself — one the audience can take as well.

    “My favorite words [in this play] are God is inside you and everything else,” Brooks said. “It allows you to understand the ‘it’ you are looking for is a part of you. Purple is an inward journey. When you are looking outside of yourself, you’ll never find it … I think it’s a message that can change people just from hearing it.”

    “The Color Purple” debuts May 5 and runs through May 29. Tickets are on sale at Cfrt.org. Military appreciation night will be May 11 and teacher appreciation night will be May 13. The musical is rated M for mature.

  • 10 Cape Fear Studios opened its seventh annual Alpha Romeo Tango art show with a reception and awards ceremony on April 21. The exhibition features work from active and retired military and their families. The exhibit will run through May 24. The exhibition opened with a People’s Choice Award, with the first, second and third places chosen by gallery visitors. State Rep. John Szoka, a graduate of West Point and an Army veteran, announced the winners.

    “As a supporter of the arts, I’m delighted to have been asked to be the speaker at this special exhibit,” said Szoka. “Art can be an important activity for the individuals and the families of those who have served in the armed forces, as it promotes camaraderie and encourages healing throughout the community.”

    The first-place winner was Sandra Ross for her oil painting “Foxy.” Second place was awarded to Lani Dickey for her painting “Grace Marsh.” Third place was given to Annette Szczektek for her piece “Chinese Lantern.”

    Alpha Romeo Tango represents the letters in the word “art” in the military phonetic alphabet, a system of words used in place of letters when communicating via radio.

    “Seven years ago, I was a new member at the Cape Fear Studios, and they wanted to do something to highlight and showcase the artwork of local military-affiliated artists,” said Steve Opet, Cape Fear Studios board president.

    “The artwork itself does not have to be military-themed,” he said. “The show is open to active duty, army reserve, National Guard, retirees, veterans, their spouses and all branches.”

    Opet joined the military after going to art school, so he has always considered himself an artist. Many of the people who enter the show have had an interest in art, but he discovered that some use their creativity as a form of therapy to help with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. Several years ago, Opet saw an entry that stuck with him. The entry was from an Army Special Forces veteran who struggled with alcoholism due to PTSD.

    “His piece (was) a 3-D piece: a whiskey bottle being shattered by a rifle bullet,” he said. “It represented his battle with alcoholism because of PTSD. He credited most of his recovery from discovering his artistic ability and being an artist.”

    Cape Fear Studios is a non-profit arts organization in downtown Fayetteville. They have a main gallery and retail space with paintings, photography, sculptures, pottery, woodwork and more. They also offer classes to adults and children in the community.

    “As our statement says, we’re into bringing the arts and the art experience to our local community. We encourage people to come down and visit,” said Opet. “Some people (are) intimidated about an art gallery. You don’t have to buy (anything); we just are happy that people come in and look at all the art.”

    The Alpha Romeo Tango exhibition will be open for public viewing through May 24. The gallery, which is located at 148 Maxwell St., is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.capefearstudios.com for more information.

  • 4 Antiquing and thrifting have always been Sherri Coultrup’s passion, even when working in consulting and marketing research. She decided to sell her items online through eBay and Poshmark and continued traveling and finding new and unique items.

    “I travel internationally, and just going to the Murano factory in Italy to get Murano Glass is exciting,” Coultrup said.

    “It’s just something that I really enjoy doing. A hobby and a pastime became my passion. So my passion is now going to be my store.”

    Her store, The Piccadilly Circus, is named after one of London’s most popular tourist destinations.
    Coultrup says she decided on this name as her Piccadilly Circus will be a unique shopping destination for Fayetteville locals.

    “We’re going to give you wine or water and then cookies and sweets to try to show you how much we care, not only about you as a person, but you as a consumer and for you to actually enjoy your time there instead of being rushed in and rushed out,” Coultrup said.

    Every item in Coultrup’s shop has been personally chosen by her. Her inventory and selection of merchandise will change daily, giving visitors, guests, and customers a unique shopping adventure and experience every time they enter the shop.

    “I hope they enjoy treasures as much as I love finding them. Everybody needs a new, unique treasure in their life.” Coultrup told Up & Coming Weekly.

    “I went out of my way to procure things for the store that I normally would not, like porcelain and a lot of ceramics and homemade pottery, which a lot of people really enjoy... I went out of my way to make sure that we have unique items,” she said. “They’re one-of-a-kind items.”

    She also wants to make the store accessible to everyone so anyone going in can find something they are interested in.

    She will be working with five local vendors to bring in unique items that she may not be familiar with — for example, military memorabilia and furniture.

    Opening the store has been a challenge for Coultrup because of the pandemic and supply shortages. She says they should have opened last year, but construction and getting permits took longer.

    “They have done a fantastic job gutting the building and completely redid it. So it’s brand new. Everything is brand-spanking new.”

    The store will be located at 2828 Raeford Road in the remodeled former location of Sheree’s Wine Shop.

    The soft opening of the store will be on May 2. The Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting will be on May 19 at 5 p.m.
    The Grand Opening will feature giveaways, door prizes, food and drinks, and elected officials will be there.

    More information about hours and the store can be found at www.fayettevillepiccadillycircus.com/.

  • 9 The Fort Bragg Fair will return to the area on Wednesday, April 27. It will be the first time the event has been held since 2019. The fair, a long-running staple for the Fort Bragg community, had been put on hold for two years due to Covid restrictions. However, the fair is back this year and looks to welcome upwards of 30,000 people throughout the event.

    “We get a good crowd, and it’s a great event because it’s open to not just Fort Bragg but the surrounding communities that we try to be involved with,” said Jennifer Fayson, special events coordinator, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

    This year’s fair boasts 28 rides, including the Zipper, a Ferris Wheel, and special rides for younger children. Twenty-five vendors and concession stands will be on hand with fares such as funnel cakes, fried Oreos and loaded french fries.

    “Our entire office is most excited about the fair food; we are looking forward to our funnel cakes around here,” Fayson said.

    The fair will run from April 27 to May 8 at the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds on Bragg Boulevard. Gates open at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the fair costs $16 for the general public and $14 for military and DoD civilians, Monday through Friday. The fair costs $21 for the general public and $19 for military and DoD civilians on Saturdays and Sundays. Children under 36 inches are free.

    Admission includes all rides and entertainment throughout the event, although concessions are an additional fee. Mothers will be able to attend the fair for free on Mother’s Day, May 8. Mothers must be accompanied by
    a child 17 years old or younger to receive the discount. Civilians coming to the fair can park along Bragg Blvd, heading toward Stryker Golf Course. DoD cardholders will be asked to park along Watson Street on Fort Bragg. Parking is free.

    “We do encourage that if you have a DoD ID card, come park on base because parking on Bragg Blvd. will be limited,” Fayson said. “Fort Bragg, in general, is really excited about the fair because this is our chance to get back to that word, normalcy. With the covid restrictions lessened, we are able to [hold the fair],” said Sharilyn Wells, media relations, Fort Bragg Public Affairs Office.

    No outside food or beverages are allowed at the fair. For more information and a list of prohibited items, visit https:// bragg.armymwr.com/calendar/ event/23406.

  • 1 This past Thursday, April 21, we were fortunate to host the April Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club. Up & Coming Weekly has been a Chamber of Commerce member and advocate for twenty-six years and sponsoring this event for over fifteen years. It’s always been a fun, enjoyable and worthwhile experience. This year the timing was nearly perfect. After two years of COVID restrictions, local economic and entrepreneurial opportunities are abundant. Organizations like the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and established businesses like ours are vitally important to new business development and ultimate success. The Coffee Club is only one example of how our chamber offers value to its members.

    Thursday’s event was graciously hosted by Chamber Board Chairwoman Tammy Thurman, the community relations director for Piedmont Natural Gas. Also in attendance were several other members of their board, though not nearly the attendance you would expect from an organization with twenty-plus board members; members of the business community charged with providing leadership, vision and guidance to this fast-growing business community.

    The chamber’s mission statement outlines its purpose: “Our organization serves as a catalyst in growing a healthy business community through our advocacy of business-friendly public policy, fostering of diverse, innovative business initiatives, and delivering valuable programs and services to our members — all made possible through strong collaborative partnerships.”

    Well, then, they need to get started because much work needs to be done in these areas. And, if the enthusiasm and organization of this last event is any indication of things to come, then I commend Thurman and the few notable board members who took the time to attend: the effervescent Master of Ceremony Gary Rogers, Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Scott Pence, Public Works Commission CEO Elaina Ball, Interim President of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Randy Fiveash, and Robert Van Geons of Fayetteville/Cumberland County Economic Development. A scant sampling of the prestigious board charged with the mission statement quoted above.

    Chamber leadership, direction, vision and support are vital for nurturing new businesses and assisting existing businesses in taking advantage of economic opportunities. Thriving and growing communities all have strong and established chambers. And all influential chambers have talented, dedicated leadership with business savvy, vision and respectability. These chambers have little or no dependency on local government agencies for funding. Strong chambers are self-supporting, utilizing local partnerships, effective fundraisers and maintaining a committed and loyal membership base. A strong chamber is best achieved by providing value to the members. Creating value and loyalty is accomplished by setting a good example, being a staunch and vocal supporter, and advocating for all local businesses and organizations.

    For whatever reasons, our Chamber of Commerce has sidelined itself during the past several years, becoming irrelevant to the business community by not getting involved and failing to take a stand on important issues that impact local businesses, chamber members and the community. However, I see this changing for the better. This year we see new faces and personalities on the board. Stepping up are experienced leaders who understand business and, more importantly, the uniqueness of this community and the need to be informed and involved with important issues that affect business and economic growth.

    They understand that the chamber serves all businesses in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

    It is my hope that they realize and take seriously that Fayetteville and Cumberland County are unique, with business and community environments far different from other cities and towns across the country. To be successful here and to effect positive change, one must recognize and understand the nuances of this community. An effective chamber understands the community’s diversity.

    They know our media (or lack of) impacts businesses; we must stay informed on important issues related to our businesses. They need to know about Fort Bragg’s economic impact on our community and how military turnover influences almost every aspect of our lives.

    Yes, Fayetteville and Cumberland County need a strong chamber. This is a fabulous community with amazing opportunities. With a new chamber board recently installed, I hope we will see an aggressive future vision.

    Thurman gets it, and so do the board members who attended the Coffee Club last Thursday. Let’s hope the rest of the board will follow suit.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 7 Holly Whitley may not have set out to be a legend in Fayetteville when she bought a bar and named it Legend’s Pub, but she certainly has become one. Her giving nature and willingness to help friends is well-known in Fayetteville and among the readers of the Up & Coming Weekly.

    Whitley bought Legend’s in 1996 with several years of bar management under her belt. She took her father’s advice that she was not just buying a building; she was buying good faith that people would come through the doors. She has built its reputation as a place where everyone is welcome, and it is more than just a bar to its regulars — it is a home away from home.

    You may not find Whitley behind the bar anymore, but her passion for her business can be felt throughout the pub. She honors people they have lost over the years with a memorial wall of pictures of family and friends. She also recognizes the many active-duty military and veterans in the area by proudly flying a U.S. flag outside and displaying a huge wooden American flag inside the bar, complete with painted stars and stripes.

    “The customers will say ‘hi’ as soon as you walk up on the deck,” she said. “It’s a very welcoming atmosphere..”

    Her good faith in the Fayetteville community has paid off, not only for her business but for the people she has helped over the years with her annual Spring Fling fundraiser. The event started in the 1980s when Whitley and a group of good friends who called themselves the Gypsy Women had get-togethers in her home.

    “When I bought the bar, we decided to have Spring Fling (there),” said Whitley. “A friend of ours had gotten in a motorcycle accident, so we just said (let’s) do it as a benefit.”

    Spring Fling has grown from a small private event to a community benefit that has helped hundreds of people and organizations in Cumberland County over the last 26 years and raised an estimated half a million dollars.

    In the early days, she was surprised by the amount the community chipped in each year. As the event became more popular, the amount they raised doubled and then tripled annually. She credits its success to people who offer to help organize it and the people who come to support it.

    “We’re just a little dive bar on the Boulevard that’s got a big heart for our community,” she said. “I have people that have literally supported every event every year that I do it. It’s something that people have found to be very proud of to be a part of.”

    This year’s Spring Fling is for Whitley’s good friend Emma Roberts, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The event will be held Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 and will have something for everyone.

    A pre-party pool tournament will kick off the event Friday, with registration starting at 7 p.m. Players can compete for $10.

    The next day, participants can join the poker run, where motorcycles (and other vehicles) will head around town from one stop to the next to pick up one playing card to create their hand. Participants can ride and play for $10. There will be a pig pickin’ and auction after the poker run.

    The fundraiser will wrap up with a bike show Sunday afternoon. Onlookers can pay $1 a vote for their favorite ride, and the bike with the most votes is deemed best of show. The money collected from all three events and the auction will go towards this year’s beneficiary.

    She believes everyone should give back what they receive, and her customers and friends seem to agree. They always step up to help organize events, whether cooking for the crowd, setting up tables and chairs or participating in the activities. She knows she can count on them.

    “They walk through the door,” she said. “And they say, ‘What can I do to help?’”

    The Spring Fling is one of many events she holds throughout the year. If there is a holiday, Whitley has probably turned it into a fundraiser, or at least a special “fun day” for her regulars.

    She has also held baby showers and weddings at the bar to help celebrate her friends’ milestones. She says people will bring in their children or grandchildren when they turn 21 to have their first beer at Legend’s.

    Raised in the mountains of western North Carolina, Whitley may not be a Fayetteville native, but she has made it a home for herself and many in the community.

    “We’re very family-oriented,” she said. “Sometimes you are born into a family, and sometimes you go out make your own.”

    Take part in the Spring Fling by stopping by Legend’s Pub at 4626 Bragg Blvd. from April 29 to May 1. You can follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/legendspub910.

  • On face value, our Cumberland County Senate District 19 democratic primary election between Senator Kirk deViere and challenger Val Applewhite is pretty boring minus a few misleading mailers and radio ads. Kirk and Val have similar campaign platforms just like most democrats running for State of NC senate seats. They both support increased teacher pay, Medicaid expansion, clean water, supporting military veterans, affordable housing, affordable wages and the list goes on.

    The main differences I see between Kirk and Val for the upcoming democratic primary election are one is a man, one is a woman; one is white and one is black. One is a seasoned State Senator and the other is trying to become a State Senator.

    I served with Kirk and Val on the Fayetteville City Council and consider them friends. Both are extremely intelligent, came prepared to every council meeting and truly cared about Fayetteville citizens. I am not personally endorsing either of them. Kirk and Val both have NC Senate campaign sites and I recommend you review them at www.kirkdeviere.com/ and www.valapplewhitencsenate.com/.

    2B

    I did find a few differences between Kirk and Val's voting records within archived city council meeting minutes. In 2012, Val voted four times against a voter bond referendum for Parks and Recreation projects.

    2A From what I remember, Val was against the bond referendum because city staff was not forthcoming with the “all-in cost” for the bond referendum including interest costs for borrowing the money. This item reemerged in 2015, and Kirk voted yes to allow the voters of Fayetteville to decide if they want to fund General Obligation Bonds for additional parks and recreation facilities. Voters overwhelmingly approved borrowing the money in a vote of 21,323 in favor to 14,785 against.

    Back in 2012 and 2013, Fayetteville was going through the Driving While Black discussions. Part of that discussion was to ask the NC General Assembly to authorize Fayetteville to form a Citizen Review Board. The first step was to adopt a formal resolution and prepare a city ordinance creating the CRB. Val voted against the creation of the CRB in November 2012 and January 2013.

    The CRB came back to council’s attention in 2020 and 2021 from concerned citizens. City council reached out to our local delegation in Raleigh. Kirk introduced Senate Bills 291 and 682 to authorize cities to establish a CRB. Senate Bill 291 was only for Fayetteville while Senate Bill 682 was broader to include all cities in North Carolina.

    These bills are still stuck in the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate. Senate Bill 291 can still come back this summer during our General Assembly’s short session should our city council be unanimous on this item and ask our local delegation to once again push for its passage.

    Kirk and Val both ran for the Mayor of Fayetteville position twice and lost twice. Val lost her bids for Mayor in 2013 and 2015. Kirk lost his bids for Mayor in 2013 and 2017.

    Kirk moved on and won the NC State Senate District 19 position in 2018 and 2020.

    Both Kirk and Val are great citizens for putting their names on the 2022 democratic primary ballot. Both were successful members of the Fayetteville City Council and have voting records to examine.

    Val voted to support our new multi-model center in downtown. Kirk voted to support our new baseball stadium.

    Early voting begins April 28 and primary election day is May 17. Please get to know Kirk and Val before you vote if you’re voting in the democratic primary election.

  • 5 Cora’s Community Foundation is hosting “The Rollout,” an event that seeks to bring local and state politicians together with their constituents for a night of skating and fun.

    “The Roll Out” will be held Tuesday, May 3, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Round-A-Bout Skating Center.

    “This event is an open invitation to all candidates, no matter their affiliation, to come under one roof and interface with the public. We want people to be able to put a face to the names on the ballot,” said Rakeem “Keem” Jones, Cora’s Community Foundation’s co-founder and executive director.

    “The Roll Out” is part of an initiative to engage more voters aged 18 to 35 to register 1000 new voters.

    “I want to engage the area where people don’t go. We already know where the voters are, so I want to engage the young dude from Murchison Road who maybe doesn’t know the importance of voting in local elections or voting at all,” Jones told Up & Coming Weekly.

    “Now that I know how voting affects us, I want to be a bridge between candidates and the community in a setting not so formal. It’s hard to skate in a suit and tie,” he joked.

    There won’t be any speeches on the night of “The Roll Out,” nor any big political ideas or agendas. Candidates will have on nametags and are encouraged to meet and engage in fellowship with potential voters.

    “So far, the response from candidates has been great,” Jones stated. Any candidate interested can participate in this event.

    “I want people to take away knowledge of the people they’re voting for instead of voting for the sign they see the most. I want people to ask the questions that help them make a more informed decision,” Jones said.

    Though Cora’s Community Foundation does not endorse any particular candidate, Jones speaks a great deal about accountability when it comes to politics.

    “If you don’t know who you’re voting for, you don’t know who to hold accountable,” he said. “You don’t have to be rude, but you can be informed and push back where it matters. This event is about bringing power back to the people.”

    “The Roll Out’s” mission is two-fold. Along with the candidate meet and greet, the event also hopes to bring some awareness to the rising violence in Fayetteville.
    Co-founder of Heal the Ville, Demetria Murphy, will attend to spread her message of peace and healing for the city.
    Jones, whose sister was murdered in 2019, feels strongly about this message and is always eager to partner with those who seek to uplift the community.

    Getting his start in social activism by leading a protest on Scarborough Road in 2020, Jones felt compelled to do more for the city of Fayetteville.
    Jones founded Cora’s Community Foundation in 2021 along with his fiance Grace Pelt, Alexis McLaurin and Shea and Christian Mosely.

    Cora’s Community Foundation, named after Jones’ late mother, Cora Denise Jones, is a grassroots organization dedicated to addressing systemic inequalities and providing solutions that benefit everyone.
    Since forming in May of last year, the Foundation has led or participated in several outreach projects that directly empower, support or celebrate the people of Fayetteville.

    Teaming up with big names in the community, such as Grammy-nominated Fayetteville rapper, Morray, celebrity barber Vic Blends, and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, to name a few, Cora’s Foundation has wasted little time in getting to work for its community, serving thousands thus far.
    Jones is hopeful that the “The Roll Out” event will be equally beneficial to the community.

    “Everyone likes to skate, and everyone likes to eat,” Jones said. “We want people to come out and have a good time, good food and a good vibe. We want people to get to know each other in a family-friendly atmosphere.”

    Round-A-Bout Skating Center is located at Eutaw Shopping Center at 880 Elm St.

    For more information, contact CCF at 910-709-0826 or corascommunityfoundation@gmail.com.

  • 8Heart Breaker, a Heart and Led Zeppelin tribute band, will play at Gates Four Golf and Country Club Pavilion on May 6. This event will be the second in the Summer Concert Series held at Gates Four. The band is led by Staci McBeth and Joan Burton and plays venues up and down the East Coast. Last summer, they were part of a concert series held at Rock’n On the River on Person Street.

    “These two girls look and sound like Heart; they are unbelievable. This crowd is going to be set back by this great band,” said Greg Adair, one of the organizers for the Summer Concert Series.

    The Summer Concert Series has grown in popularity as the music scene around Fayetteville has developed. This year, organizers added a sixth concert to the schedule.

    “The whole concept of the concert series is to create a quality entertainment venue on that side of the county, the Hope Mills area,” said Bill Bowman, publisher, Up & Coming Weekly. Bowman is also a sponsor of the event.

    Jackie Warner, the mayor of Hope Mills, attended last month’s concert and told Adair how much she enjoyed the event.

    “These bands coming up will knock your socks off,” said Adair. “You’ll think, ‘oh wow, I’m sitting here listening to Heart, or Lynyrd Skynyrd,’ or ‘I’m sitting here listening to AC/DC’.”

    “There are so many really good bands going out there this year; it’s just phenomenal,” he said. “To be able to have a quality concert in a classy environment like Gates Four is wonderful,” he added. “The bands appreciate the atmosphere as well.”

    Heart Breaker won’t be the only musical act to take the stage. As a unique concept, the concert will open with a local, up-and-coming singer/songwriter chosen every month before the show.

    “The acts are chosen from a singer/songwriter event held every month at the Fayetteville Bakery and Cafe,” said Bowman. “It’s to give these young singer/songwriters an opportunity to perform in front of a good audience in association with a great band.”

    The concert will conclude with an after-party at the Sand Trap, a bar on Perdue Street in Fayetteville. The opening act from the concert will perform at the afterparty as well.

    “The whole evening is centered around fun, good music, contributing to the community and giving young artists a chance to be seen,” said Bowman.

    The concert will be free to attend for lawn seating. VIP tickets can be purchased for table seating within the pavilion itself. A single-seat VIP ticket is $38. An all-inclusive VIP ticket is $68 and includes food and beverages.
    Part of the event proceeds go to the Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation, which provides education and reading resources to elementary-aged school children in Cumberland County.

    “One of the reasons we are able to keep the concert series free is because of our sponsors who are helping fund all these quality bands,” said Bowman. “Our Title Sponsors are J. Dowdy from All American Homes and Kim Evers from OVM Financial. Without their help, it wouldn’t be possible.”
    For more information and tickets to the event, visit https://www.fayettevilledinnertheatre

Latest Articles

  • Gallery 208: Beyond Surface: Abstractions by Kellie Perkins
  • Kindah Temple No. 62 hosts annual Spring Ceremonial
  • FTCC Foundation invests in students’ futures
  • Unique Easter traditions from around the globe
  • Flawless Touch Detailing celebrates new location
  • CFRT: The Play That Goes Wrong...Again
Up & Coming Weekly Calendar
  

Advertise Your Event:

 

Login/Subscribe