The basketball court at E.E. Smith High School is named in honor of the school’s veteran girls basketball coach, Dee Hardy, for a reason.

Her Smith girls have been frequent visitors to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 4-A playoffs.

Last year, led by current Wake Forest University freshman Alex Scruggs, they made one of the deepest runs in Smith history.

With Scruggs leading the way, Smith went 30-2, falling only to North Raleigh Christian in the John Wall Invitational and Southeast Guilford in the 3-A Eastern Regional finals.
Southeast went on to win the state 3-A championship, beating Cuthbertson 56-49 in the title game.

The bad news for Hardy is the bulk of the talent on that team came from her seniors who are now departed. Along with Scruggs, the losses include players like Daireanna McIntyre, Danielle Tripp and Trinity Dixon.

Scruggs departed E.E. Smith as one of the most decorated players in school history.

She was the Sandhills Athletic Conference Player of the Year for the 2018-19 season.

She led Cumberland County Schools in scoring with 26.2 points per game. She was also its top rebounder at 12.8 rebounds per contest.

While three-point shooting wasn’t her specialty, she still finished fourth in the county in that category with 45 made shots for the season.

She also contributed 3.2 assists per contest.

McIntyre was the team’s No. 2 rebounder behind Scruggs with 6.1 per contest.

But the cupboard won’t be completely bare for Smith. First-team All-Patriot Athletic Conference guard Kendall Macauley is back for Smith, along with honorable mention all-conference swing player Keonna Bryant.

Macauley is the leading returning scoring for the Smith girls, averaging 9.3 points per game last season. Bryant is the No. 2 scorer back from last year’s team with an average of 7.8 points per contest.

“We are looking for big things from them as far as leadership and direction on the court,’’ Hardy said.

Macauley feels she let the seniors down last year, falling just short of making the state title game.

She doesn’t think this year’s team is feeling pressure to duplicate the record of a year ago.

“If we do what we’re supposed to do in practice and execute in games, we’ll be fine,’’ Macauley said.
Macauley said her focus will be to bring energy to the team and play a mentoring role to the younger players.
“I want to make sure I put them in the right direction,’’ Macauley said.

Filling the huge void left by Scruggs will be a challenge, Hardy said. Scruggs, the conference player of the year, led all Cumberland County Schools scorers with 26.2 points per game and a county-best 12.8 points per game.

The job of replacing those points and rebounds will have to be done by a process Hardy describes as by committee.

“We won’t depend on one person to pick up the load,’’ Hardy said. “It’s going to have to be done as a team. We have some young players coming in who have a lot on their shoulders.’’
Hardy said they won’t have the luxury of veterans playing in front of them to allow them time to take advantage of a learning experience.

“They are going to get it right in the face while they are on the court,’’ Hardy said. “That pressure will be on them.’’

One returning player Hardy is counting on is 6-foot junior center Jordan Everett. Everett is rehabbing from a knee injury suffered last year and hopes to return sometime close to the December holiday break.

Smith could use her sooner rather than later because Smith will already be playing conference basketball games Friday, Nov. 22 when it faces old rival Terry Sanford.
“We’re not going to have a lot of time once the season cranks up,’’ she said. “We’ll get hit with everything and put them out there and see what happens.’’

Hardy isn’t sure what to expect from the rest of the Patriot Athletic Conference this season.

She knows Pine Forest lost star Kendal Moore, now a freshman at North Carolina State.

Hardy said she’s always wary of South View and its veteran coach, Brent Barker. “I know everybody has been working hard and it’s going to be a coin toss to see what happens,’’ she said.

She feels Smith has the potential to be in the championship mix but knows that means nothing if the potential isn’t developed.

“Because we’re so young, it’s just talk,’’ she said. “Our key is going to be our chemistry. Of course with every team, defense is an emphasis.’’

Lacking height, Hardy said this Smith team will have to defend, box out and rebound to compete. “We need to get to know each other and trust each other so we’re able to play,’’ Hardy said.

Macauley said the Smith team has much to learn, but Hardy will be a great teacher. “As long as we have her staying on top of us we’ll be fine for the rest of the season,’’ she said.

Picture 1: The basketball court at E.E. Smith is named after Dee Hardy, pictured above.

Picture 2: Kendall Macauley

Moonshine has come to my rescue.

I am always trying to find ways to make North Carolina No. 1 in something important.

Thanks to University of North Carolina at Asheville Professor Daniel Pierce, we have a substantial claim to be No. 1. In his new book, “Tar Heel Lightnin’: How Secret Stills and Fast Cars Made North Carolina the Moonshine Capital of the World,” he asserts that our state is tops in moonshine. He writes, “Indeed, if North Carolina has ever held the distinction of being number one nationally in anything, it is in moonshine production.”

Then, in about 275 pages, showing the long and rich history of the making, sale and consumption of illegal liquor, he shows why and how North Carolina developed its No. 1 connection with what we call moonshine, also known by other names, such as corn liquor, white lighting, blockade, home brew and a host of other terms.

“From the earliest colonial times, farmers, using techniques their families had learned in the British Isles, distilled their corn and fruit into whisky and brandy.”

Until Civil War times, no government restrictions prevented them from making alcoholic beverages to trade or sell. In 1862, the national government passed an excise tax on liquor. After the Civil War, most farmers and other small producers ignored the tax, continued their production and made themselves petty criminals. Federal tax collectors tried to catch these moonshiners and put them out of business and into jail.

The high cost of tax-paid liquor made the production of untaxed moonshine more profitable and more prevalent in every part of North Carolina.

The prohibition movement was growing. In 1909, the state implemented statewide prohibition. Then in 1920, national prohibition went into effect.

Pierce says, “Prohibition only increased the market for moonshine in the state and kept the state in the forefront of illegal liquor production nationally through the 1960s.”

As legal liquor became more available, this shine on moonshine dimmed.

Pierce’s great storytelling gifts make his thorough study of moonshine a fun read.

For instance, he gathers short articles on legendary personalities into a hypothetical “North Carolina Moonshine Hall of Fame (and Shame).”

My favorite of Pierce’s Hall of Famers is Percy Flowers. He was born in 1903 and grew up in Johnston County on a farm near the community of Archer Lodge. He left home at 16 to get away from an abusive father. He learned the liquor making craft from an African American expert and parlayed that expertise into a multi-million dollar enterprise. He was an organizer, hiring others to make the moonshine while he managed the distribution.

I first heard of Flowers from Lynwood Parker, owner of the White Swan Bar-B-Que near Smithfield. Flowers once owned the building where White Swan is today. Ever since, I have been eager to learn more about Flowers. Pierce has obliged.

Flowers entered the business about the time the 18th Amendment’s national prohibition began in 1920. He told people he made more money during those prohibition years than any other period of his life.

Pierce writes, “He was successful not only in making a fortune, producing and selling illegal liquor but also, especially given his high profile, in evading law enforcement.”

Flowers is joined in the Hall by famous figures such as Junior Johnson, the legendary race car driver who learned his trade driving moonshine in cars fast enough to evade the revenuers. Others include Rhoda Lowry, the widow of Lumbee hero Henry Berry Lowry and modern media figures, Popcorn Sutton and Jim Tom Hedrick, who had brands of “legal moonshine” named after them.

There is more, so much more. So if you are looking for a Christmas present for a hard-to-give friend or family member, “Tar Heel Lightnin’” could be a good option.

As some of you know, I get packer's anxiety. I travel a lot, but I have a list for my list. Anytime I can simplify my packing and downsize my load is a win.

 When packing, everything has a place, and every place has a purpose for your travels. Space is always a challenge when traveling. Over the last six months, I have been working on reinventing my packing methods. In the past, my packing was a hot mess. Finding what I wanted when I wanted it was often frustrating. While motorcycling, every day you pack and unpack. Being organized makes for less mess and less stress and saves time.

 Packing cubes are one of those things I have found to be great. I have about eight different sizes of cubes for various space limitations. I used to pack my clothes by items. All underwear, socks, etc., were together. Now I pack by the day. The cubes I bought are dual-sided. One side is waterproof, and the other side is vented. This is good for separating dry and wet clothes or dirty and clean clothes.

 Laundry soap bars are a great way to wash your clothes on the road. I know this sounds crazy, but wearing your dirty clothes in the shower and soaping them up is good way to do the laundry after a long day of riding.

 Ziploc bags are great. I have a ton of them in different sizes. I use these for things I need to keep dry, and I can see what is what. I use them to waterproof my wallet to keep it dry while riding through the rain. I use them for my medications. I use heavier bags for my tools so I can quickly find the right tool for the right job.

I have a few small clear cosmetic bags for packing my electronic chargers and cables.

 On one trip, I pulled off from an ATM and did not realize I left my ATM card in the machine until I got to the next gas station. I was in Kansas City and had to borrow some money from a friend to finish the trip. These days, I carry a spare credit card and cash and keep them on the bike, just in case something happens to my wallet, or  I do something stupid like leave my card in an ATM.

As you continue to refine your packing skills, Nirvana is achieved when everything has a place, and every place has a purpose for your travels. If not, you overpacked.

If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, you can contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com. Ride safe!

Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission is North Carolina’s largest independent electricity distribution agency. PWC manages, operates and supervises electric, water and wastewater utilities in Fayetteville. It owns and operates the Butler-Warner Generation Plant, a gas-turbine-based electric generation facility. But Public Works purchases most of its power from energy suppliers, including Duke Energy Progress.

PWC has reached an agreement with Duke Energy that is expected to result in over $300 million in savings for its customers. The new deal modifies the current wholesale power supply agreement, which began in 2012 and runs through June 2042. But PWC has an option to end the agreement in June 2024. Amending the contract early provides both savings and long-term power supply stability for the next 22 years.

The parties expect to submit the revised agreement to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval by February 2020. Through renegotiations, the change is expected to save PWC $313 million. Over the past two years, the commission has examined various options and alternatives for PWC’s power supply after 2024. The amendment to the contract with Duke Energy is the only one that provides PWC and its customer’s savings before July 2024. 

“Long-term power supply is the most significant decision PWC has to make because it is the No. 1 factor in providing our customers reliable electric service at a reasonable cost,” said David Trego, PWC CEO and general manager. “Purchased energy is our largest single expense for PWC, and there are many factors and risks, in addition to cost, that had to be taken into consideration.”

When compared to other options, DEP offered the best combination of competitive rates and low risks, including PWC maintaining the highest level of delivery reliability. Duke Energy agreed to continue giving PWC the same service priority as Duke’s own retail customers. In addition to savings and reliability, the amended agreement allows PWC to promote additional conservation and zero impact on PWC’s bond rating.

“Our Board of Commissioners is very pleased that the leadership team has negotiated a mutually advantageous, long term, energy agreement with Duke Power on behalf of our customers,” said Evelyn Shaw, PWC Chairwoman. “For many years into the future, this agreement will undergird PWC’s goal of reliable, sustainable, low cost energy for our customers.” The terms of the amended agreement run through 2042 and PWC has the option to end the contract in 2032.

In a separate agreement, DEP agreed to continue leasing the Butler-Warner Generation Plant. Under the existing lease contract, Duke Energy allows PWC to operate the plant as needed for $12 million annually. New terms extend the contract through June 2024 for an additional $5 million in PWC revenue. PWC may be able to achieve additional savings beyond 2024 if operational requirements are met. The Public Works Commission provides electric service to more than 82,000 customers in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The local utility is the largest public power provider in the state and the 36th largest in the United States.

We live in a country and world that are in disarray, headed toward certain self-destruction. Our only hope is in turning to God and following the way that he calls us to. Our failure to make this turn is, for the most part, because far too many Christians and Christian churches are failing to act with the boldness necessary to influence such a change of course.

John Charles Ryle was an English evangelical Anglican bishop who lived from 1816 to 1900. In his time, he said something that accurately describes the American Christian condition: “There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough — a cheap Christianity which offends nobody and requires no sacrifice — which costs nothing, and is worth nothing.”

Rectifying this “cheap Christianity” and, thereby, saving this nation — and even the world — from impending doom, requires that a multitude of Christians stand up and demonstrate a kind of boldness that is almost extinct in our nation. It means leading people to unite based on their shared Godly values and beliefs. Coming to this state of being creates an atmosphere where the challenging conditions that divide us can be peacefully and successfully addressed. Essential to this process is the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, I saw an unequivocal real-life demonstration of how this process of gathering around shared Godly values and beliefs can unite people and create an atmosphere where the challenges of our world can be successfully addressed. Making this event happen required tremendous boldness on the part of two Fayetteville pastors. Dr. Jamale Johnson is pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church and Rev. Rob James at First Baptist Church. Mount Sinai is a black congregation while First Baptist is nearly totally white.

Having never met, in the spring of 2019, both pastors agreed to participate in a pulpit exchange that as part of the AsONE Prayer Walk. This is an event where people of various ages, ethnicities, religious denominations and backgrounds gather to walk through downtown, stopping to pray at five designated stations.

When agreeing to participate in the pulpit exchange where one pastor would preach at another’s church, and vice versa, they were fully aware that they would probably be paired with a church where the majority of the people in the congregation were racially different from people of the congregation that they serve. Of the hundreds of pastors in the Fayetteville area, only a handful agreed to participate in this pulpit exchange program. In a time of tremendous racial divide and tension where this threatening condition worsens every day, these pastors exchanged pulpits April 7. Dr. Johnson preached at First Baptist and Rev. James at Mount Sinai. This was boldness in action.

Even bolder was the commitment by these pastors that they would not allow that pulpit exchange to be the end of their efforts to have the two racially different congregations work together. That commitment, that boldness, led to a joint worship service at First Baptist Oct. 20. We worshipped and then had a meal together.

The worship service and meal required cooperative planning by the pastors and members of both churches. The result was amazing participation in these two phases by members of both churches. That participation ran from a combined choir to Scripture reading, prayer, supporting musicians, a children’s sermon, liturgical dance and an offering donated to relief in the Bahamas. Johnson served as the worship leader, and Rev. James preached. Early in the worship service, Johnson invited the congregants to greet one another. Those greetings were genuine. Smiles, hardy handshakes and hugs were all around.

James’ sermon was titled “A New heaven and A New Earth” with Revelation 21:1-4, 22-26 as the Scripture focus. He explained that we live in times of harmful separations, divisions and distinctions driven by tradition, race, culture and even pain. However, when the kingdom comes and the new heaven and new earth (as described by John in Revelation) are in place, these harmful separations will be no more. Nearing the end of his sermon, James said  279 years refers to the combined time that Mount Sinai and First Baptist have served the Fayetteville community: “I don’t think we should wait for the coming of the kingdom to get a glimpse of it right now. And I don’t think we have to. Look around. Look at what’s happening this morning; something that hasn’t happened in 279 years. Two churches, two families of faith praising God together, joining in fellowship, in prayer, in song as one. What we are looking at this morning is a reflection of not just heaven, but of the new heaven and the new earth that God has had in mind from the very beginning of all things.”

In that combined worship service and meal, I saw an atmosphere where the challenging conditions that divide us could be peacefully and successfully addressed. Essential to this process was the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit. Giving life to this atmosphere conducive to societal healing requires a kind of boldness that is extremely rare in our time.
(Segments of this service, along with Rev. Rob James’ sermon, are available for viewing at:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sijb6PfHj0c)

Photos contributed by Paula Young and Anna Brown

For anyone who serves in any branch of the military, their job is a major part of their life; and when service members go overseas, they come back with experiences and stories they need to share, both good and bad, for the sake of their well-being. “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 and 8, will portray some of those experiences in a way never before seen in any production.

For Scott Mann, a veteran, professional speaker and storyteller who was stationed at Fort Bragg, acting and voice classes were ways for him to become more effective on stage. After a coach recommended he write a one-person show about something from the war, he wrote a short script. “My coach said, ‘You know what? That’s a play. You should think about that,’”said Mann. Eventually the idea evolved into a full-length play —“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which three years later, made its way to the stage.

Although storytelling is used in other societies worldwide to help soldiers transition from war to home, that isn’t the case in America. “My transition was very dark,” said Mann. “And it was through storytelling that I healed myself. We don’t teach it... We’re about the only society on the planet that doesn’t. I want storytelling to be at the epicenter of this play.”

Director Ame Livingston agrees. “We don’t hear from our veterans in our country. When they come back, they aren’t encouraged by our country to story tell … (The play) is a beautiful story of the whole family’s sacrifices. It’s all told through love.”

Mann’s intention with the play was twofold. He wants the audience to feel the impact of modern war, regardless of how they feel about the war itself, and he hopes the story will shed light on the war to help people make more informed decisions in the future.

“I really wanted to validate the journey of those who fought and those who stayed home and endured it,” Mann explained. “We really needed a strong connection to the military to give that visceral, emotional feeling — you know, just take all the armor off and just put it out on the stage in a really raw way.”

The story is authentic because while it isn’t all autobiographical, it is all based on true stories. Everyone in the cast and crew has ties to the military. “Last Out” has a cast of four people. Mann is a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Leonard Bruce, a former Green Beret, has been a veteran for over 22 years from the U.S. Army. Bryan Bachman served in the U.S. Army for roughly eight years and spent most of his time at Fort Bragg, as he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Livingston, who has a role in the play in addition to directing, comes from a family with a rich military history.

Kari Ellis, the tour manager, worked as a forensic video specialist for the Fayetteville Police Department and retired last year in April. Her husband served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. “He went overseas and never came back my husband,” Ellis explained. After having a stroke that stole his voice, her husband committed suicide at the end of 2017. After experiencing such an intense trauma, Ellis left Fayetteville and moved to Florida, where Mann urged her to be the tour manager. She is best friends with Mann’s wife. “It’s not in my wheelhouse, but the more I did, the more I felt I had purpose,” Ellis said.

With 2019 coming to a close, Bachman pointed out how long it has been since 9/11.  “We’re handing off this war to our children that we didn’t finish,” he explained. “Right now, in Afghanistan there are men and women who weren’t alive when the towers fell. And that’s hard to just wrap  your head around sometimes,” he explained.
Although the plot depicts military life, Bachman estimates that 75% of the audiences tend to be civilians. “The story is universal. It’s so personal and authentic,” he said.

Based on the population of the United States, 8 million people have post traumatic stress every year, according to the National Center for PTSD. Service members often times face numerous stressors that can lead to post traumatic stress.

As many people know, especially in a community with such a strong military presence, the hardships of war don’t just affect the people serving but their families and friends as well. The production pays tribute to those people and allows them to share their stories through one of their props, the Wall of Honor.

When Mann was serving, he built a wall with a set of shelves in his home. When he returned from the war, he would bring his family trinkets and souvenirs and put them on the shelves as a way to stay connected with his children. The Wall of Honor is featured in the play. Since the play began touring, it has become a trend that gold star families and loved ones of those who served and veterans have given their own trinkets, like dog tags and pictures, for instance, to be used for the wall.  “We put that on the wall with reverence,” said Mann. “It’s grown into this beautiful museum of service and love.”

One thing that stands out to Bruce is how accurately and thoroughly the play showcases a variety of relationships. “You see what people cope with when you’re gone, but then you see the relationships you build with people who are completely different — completely different cultures,” he said. “It’s another great part of the play that resonates with me. Relationships with people that you would not have relationships with otherwise. That stands out to me. It breaks down stereotypes that people might currently have of people they don’t know. Their lives and what everyone wants are very similar across cultures… This play shows those things in a different way.”

Although war and the sacrifice that comes with it is always difficult, “Last Out” offers hope, not only by affirming the stories of service members and their families on stage but by helping its very own audience in the healing process. “Last Out” travels with a licensed psychologist, Diego Hernandez, so that if anyone needs help with their post-traumatic stress, he can treat them in the lobby.  “The big thing that we wanted to do is not just admire the problem,” Bachman said.

“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret” will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Visit http://www.lastoutplay.com/ for more information and to buy tickets.

 Pictured 1, L-R: Scott Mann, Bryan Bachman, Ame Livingston, Lenny Bruce.

Picture 2: The Wall of Honor is prominently displayed as a “museum of service and love.”

For anyone who serves in any branch of the military, their job is a major part of their life; and when service members go overseas, they come back with experiences and stories they need to share, both good and bad, for the sake of their well-being. “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 and 8, will portray some of those experiences in a way never before seen in any production.

For Scott Mann, a veteran, professional speaker and storyteller who was stationed at Fort Bragg, acting and voice classes were ways for him to become more effective on stage. After a coach recommended he write a one-person show about something from the war, he wrote a short script. “My coach said, ‘You know what? That’s a play. You should think about that,’”said Mann. Eventually the idea evolved into a full-length play —“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which three years later, made its way to the stage.

Although storytelling is used in other societies worldwide to help soldiers transition from war to home, that isn’t the case in America. “My transition was very dark,” said Mann. “And it was through storytelling that I healed myself. We don’t teach it... We’re about the only society on the planet that doesn’t. I want storytelling to be at the epicenter of this play.”

Director Ame Livingston agrees. “We don’t hear from our veterans in our country. When they come back, they aren’t encouraged by our country to story tell … (The play) is a beautiful story of the whole family’s sacrifices. It’s all told through love.”

Mann’s intention with the play was twofold. He wants the audience to feel the impact of modern war, regardless of how they feel about the war itself, and he hopes the story will shed light on the war to help people make more informed decisions in the future.

“I really wanted to validate the journey of those who fought and those who stayed home and endured it,” Mann explained. “We really needed a strong connection to the military to give that visceral, emotional feeling — you know, just take all the armor off and just put it out on the stage in a really raw way.”

The story is authentic because while it isn’t all autobiographical, it is all based on true stories. Everyone in the cast and crew has ties to the military. “Last Out” has a cast of four people. Mann is a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Leonard Bruce, a former Green Beret, has been a veteran for over 22 years from the U.S. Army. Bryan Bachman served in the U.S. Army for roughly eight years and spent most of his time at Fort Bragg, as he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Livingston, who has a role in the play in addition to directing, comes from a family with a rich military history.

Kari Ellis, the tour manager, worked as a forensic video specialist for the Fayetteville Police Department and retired last year in April. Her husband served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. “He went overseas and never came back my husband,” Ellis explained. After having a stroke that stole his voice, her husband committed suicide at the end of 2017. After experiencing such an intense trauma, Ellis left Fayetteville and moved to Florida, where Mann urged her to be the tour manager. She is best friends with Mann’s wife. “It’s not in my wheelhouse, but the more I did, the more I felt I had purpose,” Ellis said.

With 2019 coming to a close, Bachman pointed out how long it has been since 9/11.  “We’re handing off this war to our children that we didn’t finish,” he explained. “Right now, in Afghanistan there are men and women who weren’t alive when the towers fell. And that’s hard to just wrap  your head around sometimes,” he explained.
Although the plot depicts military life, Bachman estimates that 75% of the audiences tend to be civilians. “The story is universal. It’s so personal and authentic,” he said.

Based on the population of the United States, 8 million people have post traumatic stress every year, according to the National Center for PTSD. Service members often times face numerous stressors that can lead to post traumatic stress.

As many people know, especially in a community with such a strong military presence, the hardships of war don’t just affect the people serving but their families and friends as well. The production pays tribute to those people and allows them to share their stories through one of their props, the Wall of Honor.

When Mann was serving, he built a wall with a set of shelves in his home. When he returned from the war, he would bring his family trinkets and souvenirs and put them on the shelves as a way to stay connected with his children. The Wall of Honor is featured in the play. Since the play began touring, it has become a trend that gold star families and loved ones of those who served and veterans have given their own trinkets, like dog tags and pictures, for instance, to be used for the wall.  “We put that on the wall with reverence,” said Mann. “It’s grown into this beautiful museum of service and love.”

One thing that stands out to Bruce is how accurately and thoroughly the play showcases a variety of relationships. “You see what people cope with when you’re gone, but then you see the relationships you build with people who are completely different — completely different cultures,” he said. “It’s another great part of the play that resonates with me. Relationships with people that you would not have relationships with otherwise. That stands out to me. It breaks down stereotypes that people might currently have of people they don’t know. Their lives and what everyone wants are very similar across cultures… This play shows those things in a different way.”

Although war and the sacrifice that comes with it is always difficult, “Last Out” offers hope, not only by affirming the stories of service members and their families on stage but by helping its very own audience in the healing process. “Last Out” travels with a licensed psychologist, Diego Hernandez, so that if anyone needs help with their post-traumatic stress, he can treat them in the lobby.  “The big thing that we wanted to do is not just admire the problem,” Bachman said.

“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret” will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Visit http://www.lastoutplay.com/ for more information and to buy tickets.

 Pictured 1, L-R: Scott Mann, Bryan Bachman, Ame Livingston, Lenny Bruce.

Picture 2: The Wall of Honor is prominently displayed as a “museum of service and love.”

 Apparently, I'm trying to jump the gun this holiday season. I really  wanted to put up my Christmas decorations early this year.

Typically, we wait until the day after Thanksgiving to deck the halls, but this year, the few days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are cut short because of where Thanksgiving  falls on the calendar. I just feel like I need more time to have a holly, jolly Christmas, which means I needed my tree up yesterday.

But do I really need to have it up early? Why can't I wait just a few more days? It doesn't help that Hobby Lobby, WalMart and even gas stations (bless 'em) had rows of red and green back in August, and my favorite interior design accounts on Instagram posted their holiday décor ideas and their stockings hung by the chimney with care in October. I'm definitely being influenced by a consumer-driven culture. Sometimes we don't even notice it's happening. So, ashamedly yes, Mom, I probably would jump off that proverbial cliff too if everybody else was doing it, especially if it was covered in brightly stringed lights, gingerbread men and Christmas ribbon.

Where does it end, at least when it comes to Christmas? Where do I take control of what I want for my family and not what advertisers and influencers are telling me I need for them?
Putting up the decorations early might not seem like a big deal, but to me, it signifies much more. It signifies my inability to wait patiently. It points to the fact that I have a tendency to overspend on gifts my child won't play with longer than a couple hours, overfill my home with stuff we're just going to donate next year and overthink gift giving to the point that I'm convinced what I have to offer isn't good enough.

When I was little, my thing was Barbie dolls. I always asked for more Barbie everything — dolls, clothes they could wear, cars for them to be pushed around in, accessories, houses, etc. I remember having a few tubs full of this stuff. But I don't remember playing with them. I do remember lining them up. I remember counting them and comparing how many dolls I had to what my friends had. I remember wanting more Barbies, even though I had more than I could count on my fingers and toes combined. I was never satisfied with what I had. I always wanted more.

Contentment is a funny thing. We all long for it, but few find it. We all search for it, but few actually stop doing the same things over and over again to break the cycle and get a different result. That's the definition of insanity, right?

What if we worked and waited for good things? What if we only bought what we could afford and didn't start the new year with more debt? What if we focused on memories instead of things? What if we were satisfied with everything we already had, and anything extra was just a bonus? What if we actually thought about the person we were giving a gift to and what they would truly appreciate, instead of grabbing whatever because we feel obligated to have a present for them? What if we decided to not be afraid that our children won't have a good Christmas if they don't get everything on their extremely long Christmas list? What if we didn't do everything because everyone else is doing it?

What if I don't put up my lights until after Thanksgiving?

Alright, I've talked myself into it. I'm waiting. I'm resting. I'm going to be more thoughtful. Maybe this will be the start of something new, a push-back in my spirit that says, “No thanks, that cliff is bright and shiny with all of those Christmas lights, but it looks like a long down. I'm happy with where I am right now.”

Also, check out your favorite Christmas tunes on Christian 105.7 this holiday season. We waited until after Thanksgiving.

There’s something about tradition that causes us to feel at home, even if we’re not in a city that is our original home. The Gilbert Theater understands how important tradition is to the community of Fayetteville and honors this by performing the production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” during the Christmas season. George Bailey’s story has been told on their stage for years, and it’s a production the community of Fayetteville not only anticipates but holds very dear. This year, the show opens Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 22.

This classic film is a timeless story and, according to the play’s director, Nicki Hart, “The Gilbert transforms this beloved film into a beloved stage play. We make it unique, because of our stage and our theater. Our production goes hand-in-hand with the heartfelt quality that our actors bring to the performances every year.”

Hart points out that even though there was a large turn out during the audition process, she had to be mindful of who play the characters of George Bailey and Mary Hatch because as the two main characters, they carry the show. “The audience will see them have moments in their lives of happiness and joy, but also serious struggles. We watch George, who is loved by the town of Bedford Falls, go through such a struggle that he desperately tries to fix his problems himself. He feels the only way out of his problems is to end his own life. But the audience sees that when he calls on a greater force, who shows up in the form of an angel names Clarence, he inadvertently realizes he really does have a wonderful life.”

For returning audiences, they will see a lot of similar qualities from previous years’ performances. However, Assistant Director John Doerner, has the vision to express new ideas within this familiar story line to bring a newness and uniqueness to the production.

In fact, audiences of all ages can look forward to spending a few hours being transported to the town of Bedford Falls by way of the Gilbert Theater. They can look forward to experiencing a wide array of emotions as they watch the actors bring their characters to life in a way that is heartwarming. The story provides a reminder that family isn’t always those we are related to. That prayers matter and miracles happen. And that no matter what we are facing, when we change our perspective, we can truly see that we have a wonderful life.

The Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green St. Performances for “It’s A Wonderful Life” are Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8 and Dec. 20, 21, and 22. Times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There are two student matinees – Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. and Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.. Tickets can be purchased at www.gilberttheater.com. Prices are $16 and $14 for students, military, first responders and seniors. Groups of 10 or more are $10. 

“It’s a Wonderful Life” opens at Gilbert Theater Nov. 29. Pictured above: Laurel Flom as Mary Hatch Bailey, Justin Toyer as George Bailey, Abigayle Hodges as Zuzu Bailey.

Jaysiah Leach

Seventy-First • Football • Junior

Leach has a grade point average of 3.6. In addition to football, he enjoys working out and spending time with his family.

Grafton White

Seventy-First• Soccer/wrestling• Sophomore

White has a grade point average of 3.5. He was a defender for the Falcon soccer team and is gearing up for wrestling competition which begins for the Falcons on Dec. 4 at Overhills.

Coming off a 26-4 season that included a deep run in the state 4-A basketball tournament, Seventy-First boys coach David Simmons knows he’s got a tough act to follow as the 2019-20 season begins this week.

“It was a bittersweet end in Raleigh last year,’’ he said, referring to Seventy-First’s advance to the fourth round of the state playoffs with an 80-71 loss to top East seed and perennial power Raleigh Millbrook.

Two of the top players from last year’s squad graduated, Brion McLaurin and Xzavier Howard.

McLaurin was a two-year starter who led the team in both scoring and rebounding both years.

Howard came on strong at the end of the season.

But Simmons is optimistic about a crop of young frontcourt players arriving who he hopes will quickly mesh with some experienced backcourt players returning.

The key cog in the Falcon program this year appears to be 6-foot senior swingman Alvin Freeman, along with point guard Quiones Clayton. “Alvin is going to be a senior leader along with Quiones,’’ Simmons said. Clayton is the leading returner in assists with 2.0 per game.

“Both those guys are going to help get our young frontcourt up to date,’’ Simmons said.

Two freshmen and a sophomore give the Falcons solid height in the low post.

Freshman Derrick Green, who stands 6-feet-7 and weights 275 pounds, is slated to occupy the post position.

He’ll be joined down low by 6-foot-7, 290-pound sophomore Kaleb Siler and 6-foot-5, 190-pound freshman Cameron Shelton.

Green is the most promising of the trio and has already gotten some college interest Simmons said.

Another promising player in the backcourt who is returning to the Falcon roster following a knee injury two years ago is 5-foot-11, 170 pound senior Isaiah Oratokhai.

“He played as a ninth grader,’’ Simmons said.

Looking at the whole county, Simmons thinks Seventy-First will be like many other teams this season as local basketball has hit a cycle where a new crop of players is arriving at multiple schools.

“You want to have some veterans,’’ Simmons said. “I’m hoping and praying our backcourt and their leadership will help our young guys. If the young guys follow the leadership of Alvin and the rest of the seniors we should be okay.’’
Freeman said he and fellow senior Clayton both enter the season hungry after failing to reach the state 4-A championship game last season.

He agrees with Simmons that rapid development of the big but young frontcourt will be key for the Falcons.

“I want to be a vocal leader on and off the court,’’ he said, “make some shots and get my team more involved.’’

With all that size down low, Freeman thinks the Falcons will take a different approach on offense this season.

“Last year we were fast-paced,’’ Freeman said. “This year we’ll grind it out on defense, grind it out on rebounds and pound it inside.’’

Freeman expects the Falcons will find some challenges again within the Sandhills Athletic Conference.

“Richmond Senior has a couple of good players they’re waiting on to come out from football,’’ he said. “Jack Britt has a good team and Pinecrest has the same guards.
“It will probably be the same kind of conference. I think we just need to try to feed the paint and make some more shots.’’

Pictured from top to bottom: Alvin Freeman, David Simmons

Paige Cameron

Cape Fear • Tennis• Senior

Cameron has a grade point average of 4.63. She is active in the Harvard Model Congress, Health Occupations Students of America, the Science Olympiad and the Environmental Club. She is a volunteer at the hospital, pet daycare, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and at the Cape Fear tennis camp.

Toni Blackwell

Cape Fear• Golf/softball• Senior

Blackwell has a 4.57 grade point average. She finished third in this year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3-A golf tournament. She’s active in the Student Government Association, Fayetteville Technical Community College High School Connections and the school mentor program. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and a graduation marshal. She’s also active in her church.

Editor’s note: In the spirit of the holidays, Publisher Bill Bowman yields his space to Stephanie Crider. The following publisher’s note originally ran in 2016.

Community and giving back are consistent themes in this publication. Time and again and without fail, our community steps up to care for its own, to solve problems, to get things done. We take care of each other when things get hard.

Unfortunately, it is not enough to say “Well done,” and move along because there will always be someone in need, someone who, despite their best effort, can’t make ends meet, can’t provide for their family, can’t take care of themselves.
This time of year, social media is filled with posts about how thankful, lucky and blessed people are. And that is a wonderful thing. It’s good to count our blessings and be mindful of how much we have and how fortunate we are.

There are still people in this community and all across this country who are not so fortunate. And organizations this time of year often struggle to meet the needs of those they serve.

If you are able and it is in your heart, consider giving back this holiday season. It doesn’t take much to change someone’s life. While the holidays are supposed to be a happy time of year, many struggle mightily with things like loneliness and depression during November and December. Take a few moments, call or check in on a friend/acquaintance/office mate/neighbor and let them know you are thinking about them. Or take them to lunch or for coffee or just spend a few minutes letting them know you care.

If time is something you don’t have or you are unable to “sponsor” someone this season, consider supporting one of the many organizations dedicated to helping this community. Drop some money in one of the red Salvation Army kettles. They feed the homeless, while providing a job for the bell ringers, typically lower income.

Write a check to one of the many nonprofits in the area. Places like the CARE Clinic and Better Health offer health-related services to the community at little or no cost.
Or volunteer. Not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Operation Inasmuch, Catholic Charities, the Dream Center, the Child Advocacy Center, the Guardian ad litem program and other organizations are always looking for help.

Drop off some nonperishable food items like canned goods, dried beans, soup mixes or the like at one of the food banks. Second Harvest Food Bank is always accepting donations, but there are other organizations that have food pantries, too. Donate toiletries or hygiene items at one of the many local shelters. Things like a package of socks, a hat and a scarf or a gently used coat mean everything when you need them and don’t have them.

Donate a toy at one of the many toy drop-offs. Toys for Tots is just one way. Support a local toy run that many local motorcycle clubs sponsor this time of year. Many organizations have Angel trees that make it easy to give a child
a Merry Christmas. Some organizations that support children in our community are the Girls and Boys Club, Fayetteville Urban Ministry and Falcon Children’s Home.

Giving back during this stressful time of year doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money, and it can change someone’s life — including yours.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

There is something about a good adventure. As the adventure unfolds, you find yourself participating in an experience that will be yours forever. The congregation of the Camp Ground Methodist Church sets out to guide you through a Christmas adventure with its 2nd Annual Festival of Trees in the historic Owen Chapel Dec. 6 and 7.

The chapel is transformed into a melodious visual representation of the theme, “There’s a Song in the Air.” Not only will attendees see the extraordinarily adorned trees, but they’ll hear the specifically chosen song — and see it, too. Chairperson and event organizer Sandy Holland said, “There are 11 trees throughout the historic Owen’s Chapel, and each one has a musical theme.”

Guests are encouraged to fully participate in the experience by bringing an ornament or something that is related and relevant to the theme of the tree. It truly is designed to be an interactive, festive experience.

“Guests will enter into the chapel and be given a bulletin to explain why the particular music was chosen for each tree. While it is a self-guided tour, there are a few people standing throughout the chapel welcoming them and available if they have any questions,” Holland said.

There are two dates for the event. Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. On the first evening, guests will be greeted by the adorable voices of the 4- and 5-year-olds, who attend preschool at the church, as they perform Christmas carols. After the tour, people will be directed to the fellowship hall to enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, coffee and a visit with Santa.

On the second evening, Saturday, Dec. 7, when the tour has ended at 6 p.m., the evening isn’t over yet. Attendees will be directed into the fellowship hall for a celebration of love, community and food. This is the second year for the church to host a Moravian Love Feast, a traditional Methodist gathering. According to Holland, “This is a communal meal that’s goal is to bind the community together. It is a free event for all, whether you purchased a ticket for the festival of trees or not.”

On both nights, the  congregation at the Campground Methodist Church hope guests will create memories and that their hearts will be filled with the joy of the season and the love of community. As they depart from their time at the church, attendees will be handed an advent booklet with a devotional written by members of the Campground Methodist congregation.

Tickets can be purchased at the Camp Ground Methodist Church office on Campground Road, Fredrick’s Hair Salon on Sycamore Dairy Road across from CarMax or the Ritz Salon on Raeford Road. Call Sandy Holland at 910-867-9436 or 910-308-6112 for additional information. Children under the age of 11 are free.

All proceeds go to maintain Owen Chapel, which has been a place of worship for the Methodist church since the 1840s. The church is located at 4625 Campground Road.

Sweet Tea Shakespeare presents “Behold: A Folk Christmas Cantata” Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Methodist University at 7 p.m. The remaining shows are for Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14  and will take place at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 7 p.m.

“Our annual Christmas concert returns with a splash of honey, featuring the familiar gospel music that is always at the heart of ‘Behold,’” said Jennifer Pommerenke, master of disposition and order at Sweet Tea Shakespeare. “Our 2019 offering includes a special focus on the Mary story and the women of Sweet Tea Shakespeare, but dudes are around too.”

Pommerenke added it tells the Old and New Testament stories with simplicity and grace during this time of joy and reflection. “Behold’s” reputation as a stirring and heartfelt Christmastime celebration always holds true for this warm and comforting seasonal blend.

The concert features community and company members who are musicians and singers ranging from school-aged children to adults. Jacob French is the music director, and Jeremy Fiebig  will direct the tone and vision of “Behold.”
“The musical selections are from Andrew Peterson’s ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ as well as a few pieces that reflect on the Mary story,” said Pommerenke. “There will be a handful of songs we’ve never included in ‘Behold’ before, and we are really looking forward to bringing them to the community.”

The event is a celebration of the winter season and an evening of communion meant to warm hearts and focus minds on Advent and Christmas. “This is a beautiful event with a tremendous heart  for what this season means, and it’s a time to reflect on the year behind and the year ahead,” said Pommerenke. “It’s a time to be with loved ones and a time to slow down and really remember what  is important to us all.”

Sweet Tea Shakespeare is a nonprofit theater company and training ground inspired by Shakespeare and the early modern period in its spirit and operations. Its mission is to gather a diverse community around a common table to delight in the magic of story, song and stagecraft.

Preshow music begins at 6:15 p.m. and will be provided by local choirs, musicians, friends and community groups.

“It is a magical time for families, friends and the community to gather for merriment and reflection,” said Pommerenke. “We look forward to seeing everyone at the concert.”

Ticket cost is pay what you will $10 -$50. Tea, beer, wine and signature cocktails will be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.sweetteashakespeare.com or call 910-420-4383.

It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, football season is wrapping up, and people are preparing their homes and stomachs for the festivities of the holiday season. Part of the tradition of American Thanksgiving is the spirit of service. One of the most effective ways for people to give back during the holiday season is to donate to a local food bank. In the U.S. alone in 2015, nearly one in eight households suffered from food insecurity. In the military services, some young families depend on food stamps to get by. 

A new food pantry serving lower-ranking soldiers and their families is up and running at Fort Bragg just in time for the holidays. The pantry, designed to provide families with free, nonperishable food items, is operated by the Armed Services YMCA, said Michelle Baumgarten, associate executive director of the YMCA.

Families needing additional assistance are referred to their unit’s chaplain or Army Community Service for financial planning and budgeting classes, Baumgarten added. “This came about as people expressed a need for food support.”
Fort Bragg’s Religious Services Office provides financial support through chaplains assigned to specific units — typically by providing commissary gift cards to families in need. Baumgarten said families with unexpected, special needs are among those the YMCA’s food pantry was established to serve. “That’s what we’re here for,” she said.

The partnership is also beneficial to the Religious Services Office, said Lt. Col. Jeff Masengale, Fort Bragg’s deputy garrison chaplain.

The pantry is open to any active duty soldier, military family member and veterans. It runs on an honor system, with no rules on what families can help themselves to. Information is private and is not available to the chain of command. Baumgarten said the only things that are tracked are how many pounds of food go out the door and how many times a person uses the food pantry.

A young military spouse whose husband is a private first class is typical of those in need. She asked that her name not be used. The young parents have two children, ages two and 16-months-old. “Honestly … it saved me like almost half of the items that I needed to get from the commissary.” 

Baumgarten credited the North Post Commissary with helping to initially stock the food pantry. The commissary provides weekly donations and serves as a collection point for monetary donations.

Those wanting to help can also host food drives or drop off donations or dry goods at the YMCA’s food pantry. Donations should be nonperishable, unexpired and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as diapers, razors and shaving cream are accepted. Popular items include baby food, formula and canned tuna and chicken. The food pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Fort Bragg YMCA building 2-2411 off Rodney Trail. Those wanting to visit, provide a donation or volunteer can call 910-436-0500.