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  • 18Taryn OConnor Jack Britt copyTaryn O’Connor 

    Jack Britt • Softball • Senior 

    O’Connor has a 4.2 grade point average. She was a member of Jack Britt’s 2018 state 4-A champion fast-pitch softball team. She scored 18 runs for the Buccaneers last season. 

     

     

    19Abby Heitkamp Jack Britt copy

    Abby Heitkamp 

    Jack Britt • Soccer • Senior 

    Heitkamp has a 4.0 grade point average. Last year she was a Sandhills Athletic Conference all-conference selection in soccer. So far this season, she has one goal and one assist for the Buccaneers 

  • 20TSHS BulldogHere are some odds and ends of news from the Cumberland County high school sports scene. 

    Vernon Aldridge, student activities director of Cumberland County Schools, recently released this year’s senior high school football schedule. View it on the page adjoining this one. 

    The biggest news on this year’s schedule is that Terry Sanford will be playing all of its home games this fall at Reid Ross Classical High School’s John Daskal Stadium on Ramsey Street. 

    After years of debating about what to do with Terry Sanford’s huge but aging brick stadium complex, school officials finally decided to tear it down over the summer and start construction on a new facility that won’t be ready until after the 2019 season is over. 

    The Bulldogs will start the 2019 season with three road games and one open date, not playing their first game at Reid Ross until Sept. 20, when they take on Cape Fear. The Bulldogs only play four regular-season games on their temporary field at Reid Ross. Aldridge said when the Bulldogs open their new stadium in 2020 they hope to play seven home games. 

    Elsewhere on the schedule for the other county teams, there are no major surprises. Gray’s Creek has a couple of nonconference meetings with Johnston County teams, South Johnston and West Johnston. Both Douglas Byrd and E.E. Smith will play an old county rival, Lee County. 

    • In other news for Terry Sanford, last week, Bulldog basketball coach Darren Corbett announced on Twitter that he’s headed back to his hometown to coach at Grimsley High School in Greensboro. 

    In just three seasons at Terry Sanford, Corbett compiled a 58-26 overall record, including 34-10 in the Patriot Athletic Conference. 

    He guided Terry Sanford to three consecutive conference tournament championships and one regular-season title. 

    His final Bulldog team compiled a 20-8 record and lost to Durham Hillside in the second round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association basketball playoffs. 

    There is no word yet on how quickly Terry Sanford will begin the search to find Corbett’s replacement. 

    • Reminder: Up & Coming Weekly’sRocket Fizz Scholar Athlete award is open to any senior high athlete in Cumberland County. 

    The minimum requirements are an athlete must be a member in good standing of a varsity athletic team at his or her school and enrolled in grade 9-12. The minimum grade point average to be nominated is 3.2 unweighted. The athlete does not have to be a starter, just a current member of a varsity team. 

    The award will continue until the end of May. To nominate an athlete, confirm the student’s grade point average with the school guidance department. Then email earlucwsports@gmail.com. Include the student’s GPA, sports played this year and year in school. Also include information about any clubs, extracurricular activities or community activities the student is involved with, along with a high-resolution picture of the student taken with a smartphone or digital camera. 

  • 16Cumberland County Schools Football Schedule

  • 15Jeff Nance Grays CreekWhen most people reach career milestones, they take a little time to reflect and celebrate. Not Gray’s Creek High School baseball coach Jeff Nance. When Nance reached the 400th career win in his head coaching career recently, he observed it in an unusual way. He unveiled signs that were placed on the fence at the Gray’s Creek’s baseball field honoring two coaches who made a big impact on his life: Randy Ledford of South View and Brad Barbour of Douglas Byrd, both deceased. 

    Nance said he began planning the recognition a year ago, long before he got his 400th victory. 

    “I grew up watching both of them coach,’’ Nance said. “I played for Brad, (at Byrd and in American Legion baseball, and I coached against Randy. Coach Ledford was such good friends with my brother, Ronnie Luck.” 

    Luck was the former athletic director at South View during Ledford’s tenure as the school’s baseball and football coach. 

    Nance said both men taught him the value of taking good care of baseball facilities. “Coach Ledford and Coach Barbour were meticulous about their fields,’’ Nance said. “They took pride in the small things, cared about how their kids felt when they played. They wanted it to be a good experience.’’ 

    Barbour was like a second father to Nance, picking him up to take him to practice and making sure he and the other players on the team had things they needed like shoes and gloves. “He made it nice for us and he loved us,’’ Nance said. 

    Ledford had a great sense of humor and was as fundamental a baseball coach as they come. “I always loved his baseball signals,’’ Nance said, laughing. “I’ve seen him — when he wanted a guy to steal, he’d shake his head and nod toward second base. When he wanted a pitcher to pick a runner off, he’d just yell, ‘Now!’ He didn’t get complicated with the game. 

    “He really taught fundamentals. He made his kids hustle and play the game the way it was supposed to be played. That’s what I respected about him most.’’ 

    Now, with 28 years as a head coach behind him, 12 at Byrd and the last 16 at Gray’s Creek, it’s obvious Nance is a capable coach, too. 

    “I’ve never dreaded coming to work,’’ he said. “I’ve always enjoyed teaching school and coaching.’’ 

    But he sees the game changing, and not all of it is for the best. “The team concept has kind of gone away,’’ he said. “It’s my at bats, my earned run average, my batting average and all that.’’ 

    He sees benefits in the travel ball explosion that allow more players the chance to play. But there’s a downside. “We’re seeing more arm and overuse injuries,’’ he said. “Kids are specializing and playing so much. 

    “Parents are paying a lot of money to get kids playing time, investing in them to get better.’’ 

    Nance said sometimes when travel ball youngsters arrive on the high school field, they are convinced they’ll be college stars or future major leaguers. “When they get to high school, it seems like the high school coach is the only voice of reason they’ve heard in awhile,” Nance said. 

    He said he’s concerned about some of the changes being discussed in the game at the major league level, including putting in a clock for pitchers to speed up their delivery and talk of moving the pitcher’s mound back further. 

    “I don’t want the game to change,’’ he said. “I want people to respect the game and what it teaches. I hope our kids can look back at our program 20 years down the road and say, ‘we had some coaches at Gray’s Creek that cared more about us and the game.’ “I hope they say, ‘he loved us and taught us about being a better man as well as a baseball player.’’’ 

    Photo: Gray’s Creek baseball coach Jeff Nance

  • Meetings 

    For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. 

    Citizens Academy ProgramTuesday, April 9, 6 p.m., Town Hall 

    Historic Preservation CommissionWednesday, April 10, 5 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building 

    Mayor’s Youth LeadershipMonday, April 15, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building 

    Board of CommissionersMonday, April 15, 7 p.m., Luther Meeting Room 

    Citizens AcademyTuesday, April 16, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building 

    Parks and Recreation Advisory CommitteeMonday, April 22, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building 

    Citizens AcademyTuesday, April 23, 6 p.m., Town Hall 

    Appearance CommissionTuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building 

    Activities 

    Food Truck RodeoThursday, April 4, 5-8 p.m., Town Hall rear parking lot. Enjoy music, an assortment of food trucks, bouncy house and games for kids, and presentations by various public service vendors. 

    Breakfast with the Easter Bunny/Easter egg huntSaturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Hope Mills Recreation Center. Registration for the breakfast is now closed. The Easter egg hunt, however, is free and does not require registration. Call 910-426-4109 for more information. 

    Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Clubat Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237-1240. 

    Promote yourself 

    Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com. 

  • 14RunShineLight, a Fayetteville-based organization that offers services for individuals with autism, will hold its 5K Shine Your Light run and one-mile fun run Saturday, April 27, at Town Hall in Hope Mills. The address is 5776 Rockfish Road. 

    Nikki Creecy, chief executive officer of ShineLight, said the organization is 13 years old and was previously called Genesis, A New Beginning of Fayetteville. 

    “We rebranded in 2014 and decided to specialize in autism,’’ she said. Creecy said the rebranding was done because the majority of people the organization was working with suffered from autism. 

    The services provided to individuals with autism are of a behavioral nature, she said. The services deal with skill development that allows autistic individuals to replace maladaptive behaviors and function in society, the community, at home and in school. 

    Recently, ShineLight has added applied behavior analysis to its services. 

    The run is an annual event that was held in Fayetteville last year. Creecy said it’s held in April because that’s autism awareness month. 

    “It’s all about shining the light on autism and ShineLight, as well, so people will know who we are for the purpose of educating the community,’’ Creecy said. 

    All proceeds from the race will go toward funding the services ShineLight provides. 

    The race is open to both serious runners and to those who just want to get out and support the cause. 

    There will be official timing for those who want to compete. The first 300 finishers will get medals, Creecy said, but there will be separate prizes for the first-, second- and third-place overall finishers. There will also be awards presented in various age groups. 

    In addition to the race, there will be a raffle for wireless ear buds, a Go Pro camera and a Fitbit. Raffle tickets are $1 each, and those buying tickets don’t have to be present to win. 

    There are three entry fees. For the Shine Your Light 5K, the cost is $35. The one-mile Fun Run is $17. Teams of five runners can participate for $30 each. 

    Registration for the race is day-of from 6 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. The 5K race starts at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 8:15 a.m. 

    Sponsorship opportunities are also available. There are five levels of sponsorship, from $5,000 to $250. Each offers combinations of race entries, event T-shirts, logo recognition and vendor space. 

    For those not interested in the sponsorship option, in-kind donations or direct contributions are available. 

    Creecy said volunteers are also welcome to help out, and if any food trucks would like to set up at the race site, they are welcome to contact the ShineLight offices. In order to be assured recognition in printed race materials, sponsors must finalize their deals by April 12. 

    Creecy can be reached at nikki@shine-light. org, 910-323-1335 or in person at the ShineLight office, 203 Rowan St. 

  • 13Vanessa WadeThe first thing Vanessa Wade says about her job as a social worker at Gray’s Creek High School is there’s no such thing as a typical day. 

    “I can start at 8:30 and think I’ve got all day to get this done,’’ she said. “By noon, all of that has gone out of the window. Every day is completely different.’’ 

    Yet in the face of that kind of challenge, Wade is apparently doing her job well. Evidence of that fact came last month when she was named the social worker of the year by Cumberland County Schools. 

    It could be her early life as a self-described Army brat that helps her deal with the variety of situations she has to work with. She lived all over the world, she said, moving about 18 times before landing in Fayetteville in 1994 and spending 14 years with the Department of Social Services. 

    In 2008, she got the call to come to work as the social worker at Gray’s Creek High School, and that’s where she’s been ever since. 

    For those who don’t know exactly what a school social worker does, Wade described it as being like the parent a child doesn’t have. If they do have parents, then she’s the aunt or uncle. 

    “You are there when things are falling apart,’’ Wade said. “You are there when things are great. As a school social worker, you get to deal with the whole realm, the rainbow of kids, high academic to low, high socioeconomic to low.’’ 

    One of Wade’s biggest battles is trying to help students overcome the barriers that prevent them from regular school attendance. 

    This includes a host of issues, such as making sure the students are getting food and have clean clothes to wear. 

    Much of Wade’s job is done on school grounds so she can have regular contact with the students who are in the greatest need. But she also makes regular home visits to deliver food and check on the living conditions of the students under her charge. 

    She said she sees barriers to students getting the education they need that are different from those faced 20 or 30 years ago. 

    She finds many children are forced to become independent quickly because they lack needed support at home. “I think the teenagers need their parents more than ever,’’ Wade said. 

    Despite facing a lot of challenging situations in her work, Wade said she tries to remain as positive as possible when working with young people. “Even though I’m having a rough day, they don’t need to know that,’’ she said. 

    She feels she’s reached a level of peace and is able to provide better service to her students. 

    Wade never went into social work for personal glory, but she calls the award from the county an incredible honor, and she’s proud to be part of a team that extends beyond the walls of Gray’s Creek High School to help the area’s youth. 

    “We have an incredible faith-based community in Gray’s Creek that allows us to be more creative,’’ she said. 

    She praised Rev. Scott McCosh, pastor at nearby Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, for helping with a variety of services and outreach for young people. 

    Wade said if someone gave her control over the purse strings, she’d like to see the schools offer more hands-on training in skills for those young people who aren’t going to enter the military or enroll in college. “For some kids, it’s not in their family culture or mindset, but they will go on to be great kids doing hands-on skills,’’ she said. 

    Wade thanked the staff and administration at Gray’s Creek, her husband, her parents and her son for helping her do the best job she can. 

    “I tell my kids every day, I don’t have a job without you,’’ she said. “I tell them they are never bothering me, and they smile.’’ 

    Photo: Vanessa Wade

  • 12KindnessI miss the Sears store. Not because of the big shoe section or tool department, but because it’s where I learned so much about life. 

    I grew up in a Midwest city at a time when Sears was still Sears & Roebuck, children were bused from one side of town to another to achieve integration in schools and parents allowed their kids to come in fourth without a trophy. I have many fond memories of trips to the local Sears store — a multistory giant with escalators, an amazing toy section and pretty much anything you’d ever think to buy. 

    It’s where I learned the value of a dollar — taught one quarter at a time at the enormous candy counter on the ground floor. With my meager weekly allowance in my pocket, I’d circle the glass island, surveying dozens of options to determine which one was worthy. 

    The attendant probably grew weary of me asking “how much would twenty-five cents get me?” of this selection or that. Though I handled the task like a man on a mission, I was merely a boy on a budget. 

    Of much greater significance than a white paper bag filled with chocolate stars or peanut clusters, though, I can also trace my awareness of human compassion back to that same Sears store in Wichita, Kansas. 

    It happened around the Christmas holiday in the shoe department. I was honestly oblivious to the fact I was being raised in a time of segregation. My father was a Navy veteran. He’d been a corpsman and taught us the value of life without talking about the color of anyone’s skin. My mother was schooled in an institution for the blind. Her friends and coworkers were more likely to bond over ability (and disability) than they were skin color. 

    I preface my story with those facts because what happened in the Sears shoe department that particular wintry day is the first time I recall being aware that I rarely saw black people as a young boy. 

    As I dangled my legs over the chair, waiting for the clerk to return with the shoes I’d chosen, I overheard a black lady and her two young boys discussing the fact they could only afford shoes for one of the boys that day. More than that, I noticed the clerks kept walking past them to help other customers as the mother told the boys, “Be patient, we’ll get our turn.” 

    While it sounded like an otherwise normal conversation, I recall wondering why no one was helping them with their shoes. I wanted to say something. I wanted to do something. I wanted them to get shoes for both boys, and I wanted someone to help them. 

    I walked away from the store that day — shoes in hand — never realizing I’d recall that scene hundreds of times in the years since. I know now I was witnessing discrimination. I know now I was witnessing need. And even as a boy, I was moved. Compassion is in us. We all have the capacity to care. And I pray we learn to exercise that capacity to its fullest. 

  • 11LionWhen Gilbert Theater put together its 2018- 19 season, there was no ulterior motive or special timing involved in the decision to run “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” as the next-to-last show. But now, as the play readies to open April 5 and run through the 21st, Gilbert Theater Artistic Director Matthew Overturf says the timing of this production is perfect. Not only that, it is entertaining and all-inclusive — so bring the whole family. 

    The play, based on the first book in the C.S. Lewis series “The Chronicles of Narnia,” answers the call of the community’s desire for children’s theater. And as Overturf put it, it just seems like the right show for now. 

    “We live in a world where a little bit of fanciful and hope is important,” said Overturf. This play brings hope with its message of good triumphing over evil, but in a fun and quirky way that Overturf describes as “a little off the beaten path.” 

    Directed by Brian Adam Kline, the production tells the story of the four Pevensie siblings, Peter (Adam White), Susan (Helen Steffan), Edmund (Joshua Brunson) and Lucy (Mia Burrachio). 

    It’s set during World War II. The children evacuate from London, England, to the home of Professor Digory Kirke. While there, they discover a passageway to the magical land of Narnia in the back of a wardrobe. In Narnia, the children meet a talking lion named Aslan (Jamal Johnson) and an evil witch (Nicki Hart) — among other colorful characters. 

    “Brian has done work with us before,” said Overturf. “He has a lot of really fantastic experience working with children. … Also, the way he is bringing this story to life is fun and fanciful. He is doing a phenomenal job.” 

    With its cozy space and Off-Broadway feel, the Gilbert turns what some would see as the challenge of bringing a big show to an intimate space into something unique and magical. 

    “We ask the audience to do part of that work,” said Overturf. “In this particular adaptation, you can opt to not even refer to going into the wardrobe. We have kept (that aspect), but it is like the theater itself is the wardrobe. It is like the audience is sitting between the wardrobe door and Narnia.” 

    Overturf added that the battle scenes are interesting and that the final battle is especially fun. He promised that fans of the story will meet all their favorite characters from the book. 

    “If you want a story that will transport you to another place, this story is going to do it,” said Overturf. “If you aren’t familiar (with it), this is the type of show that is accessible to all ages. It deals with classical themes like good versus evil and right and wrong. This has universal themes accessible to anyone.” 

    At the opening night performance, the Gilbert will announce its 2019-20 season. Overturf hinted at a different feel for next season, saying there will be several comedies. 

    The 2018-19 season ends on a serious note with “The Laramie Project,” which runs May 30-June 9. After that, the theater rolls right into summer activities, including the Next Stage summer play fest, which takes place in July. Children’s summer camps fill the calendar as well. 

    “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” runs April 5-21 at Gilbert Theater, which is located at 116 Green St. Call 910-678-7186 or visit www.gilberttheater.com for tickets and information. 

  • 10EITC 2019 Lady logoBill and Betty Brown, owners of the family-friendly Evolution Ink on Cliffdale Road, debuted their free EvolutionInk Tattoo Convention last year. They said the community response exceeded their wildest expectations. This year, April 12-14, the Browns are bringing the convention back — and going all-out to make it a can’t-miss weekend for tattoo-lovers and their families. 

    All weekend at this year’s free event, attendees will enjoy special pricing of $20 off all tattoos and $5 off all piercings. Up to 19 tattoo artists, about 17 in-house and two guest artists, will be present. Evolution Ink’s piercers, master piercer Nick Perron and Lyn Blevins, will also be there. 

    “Most conventions charge $25-$65 for the weekend,” Bill said. “Ours is free. Our motto is, you take that money you’d spend on other conventions and use it on a tattoo or piercing at the EvolutionInk Convention.” 

    For each day someone attends the convention and gets a tattoo or piercing, they’ll be entered into a drawing to win a grand prize of $2,500 worth of custom Evolution ink or a second-place prize of $500 in body piercing. “Nobody has a prize like that,” Bill said. “I wanted to go really big this year. … And it’s not like the North Carolina lottery where your odds are one in a million to win. You have pretty good chances. Someone is going to walk away with a huge prize.” 

    Regardless of the drawing, everyone who gets tattoos or piercings will walk out with a free VIP Swag Bag containing $65 worth of items, including a T-shirt, water bottle, car decal, magnet and future discount cards. 

    Friday afternoon, Jeff Davis from Q98 will DJ a live show on-site. That evening, locally loved and acclaimed band Rivermist will entertain with live music. 

    Saturday afternoon, local celebrity and Army veteran EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder will do a meet-and-greet. Snyder is Fayetteville’s own three-time champion of Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid.” All day, the United Service Organization of North Carolina will have a mobile center set up with tablets, big-screen TVs, video gaming consoles, Wi-Fi and casual seating for service members to enjoy. 

    Babann’s Southern Fried Chicken food truck will be on-site Friday and Saturday afternoons, too. 

    The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will be present selling Woodpeckers clothes, hats and other paraphernalia. That day has not been confirmed yet, the Browns said, but it will likely be Sunday. 

    “Kids and babies are welcome; we’re definitely family-friendly,” Bill added, noting that there will be an outdoor face-painting station set up for children. 

    “It’s going to be the big event in Fayetteville. If we have too many customers on a day and someone can’t stay and get their tattoo or piercing done, we’ll give them a raincheck card. Within three months after that date, they can come back and get that tattoo or piercing and they’ll still get the discount and the Swag Bag.” 

    A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Fort Bragg Fisher House, the Fort Bragg chapter of United Service Organizations of North Carolina, and the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society. Evolution Ink has a heart for giving animals homes and offers a year-round incentive where customers who show their adoption papers for a pet from FAPS, or any local certified shelter, get $50 off their ink. 

    The EvolutionInk Tattoo Convention 2019 runs Friday, April 12, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, April 14, from noon-8 p.m. Evolution Ink is located at 5924 Cliffdale Rd. Visit www.evolutioninkstudio.com or call 910-323-2243 to learn more. 

  • 09TheCakeCape Fear Regional Theatre introduces “The Cake” to the stage April 4-21. “The Cake” tells the story of a Southern belle named Della (Libby McNeill Seymour) who owns a bake shop in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Della’s worldview is brought into question when Jen (Jessica Giannone), the daughter of Della’s deceased best friend, travels from New York to request a cake for her wedding. When Della learns Jen is marrying another woman (Olivia London as Macy), she must choose between her traditional values and the love of an old friend. “The Cake” was written by NBC’s “This Is Us” supervising producer and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alumna Bekah Brunstetter. It is directed by David Hemsley Caldwell. 

    CFRT is one of the first regional theaters to present “The Cake,” which will wrap up its acclaimed off-Broadway run at the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City just a few days prior to its debut in Fayetteville. 

    “The story is so relevant and so timely and also so funny,” said Ashley Owen, marketing director for CFRT. “Today, it’s so easy to (attack) people’s beliefs. This play is the opposite of that — it’s really kind to everyone.” 

    According to the actors, this is a show for all people, but don’t expect to leave without first considering your neighbor’s point of view. “The themes of the show are acceptance, trying to find a middle ground, coming to terms with people who might think differently than you,” said Caldwell. Like Della, who, according to Seymour, must “(think) about alternative points of view in the world,” audience members may experience a shift of perspective. 

    Greg King, who plays Della’s husband, Tim, emphasized this middle ground alongside Caldwell and Seymour. “Everyone that comes to see the show is going to feel that they can identify with an opinion that they see onstage,” he said. 

    Regardless of beliefs, most play-goers will enjoy that “The Cake” is being catered by The Sweet Palette, who will provide cake for the show itself and then for audience members following each performance. London looks forward to the conversations the post-show desserts will accommodate. “(It’s) an opportunity to talk about what they just saw, (which) opens up the opportunity for them to talk about different opinions or a different takeaway,” she said. 

    This “common ground,” according to Giannone, brings people together. “A lot of people like cake no matter what you believe in.” 

    CFRT welcomes service members and their families, along with the public, to its Military Appreciation Night performance Wednesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. Playwright Brunstetter will attend the show and stay afterward for a talk-back with the audience, in which she’ll answer questions about the show and her career. Though military discounts are available for every performance at CFRT, the Military Appreciation Night discount will be 25 percent, the lowest of the year. 

    CFRT is located at 1209 Hay St. For tickets or for more information, contact the box office at 910-323-4233 or visit www.cfrt.org. The performance runs Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with tickets at $25. Preview nights are April 4-6, with tickets at $15. 

  • 08FSOFayetteville Symphony Orchestra will perform “Ode to Joy,” the last concert of its 2018-19 season, Saturday, April 13, at Methodist University. The inspiration for the concert title is Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” which is embedded in the final movement of his last symphony, Symphony No. 9. This symphony, which FSO will perform in its entirety, is considered by many to be one of the greatest works in Western music. Beethoven was the first major composer to include human voice within a symphony. For that reason, this work is sometimes referred to as the “Choral Symphony.” 

    Beethoven composed “Ode to Joy” in 1824. The premiere for this work took place in Vienna May 7, 1824. In an article titled “Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ Lyrics, Translation, and History” at www.thoughtco. com, Aaron M. Green, an expert on classical music and music history, said, “despite its unpracticed and under-rehearsed presentation, the audience was ecstatic. It was the first time Beethoven had appeared onstage in 12 years.” 

    Green continued, “At the end of the performance (though some sources say it could have been after the second movement), it was said that Beethoven continued conducting even though the music had ended. One of the soloists stopped him and turned him around to accept his applause. 

    “The audience was well aware of Beethoven’s health and hearing loss, so in addition to clapping, they threw their hats and scarves in the air so that he could see their overwhelming approval.” 

    Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” lyrics are a slightly modified version of a poem by the same name written by Christoph Freidrich von Schiller in 1785. It is a poem celebrating the unity of mankind. 

    According to Christine Kastner, president and CEO of FSO, “‘Ode to Joy’ is a magnificent choral work, and it’s a great way to end a season. It’s one of those very special experiences.” It was previously performed by FSO in March 2012. 

    Kastner said the vocal parts will be performed by a choir that will include members from several local singing groups. Michael Martin, the choral music director at Methodist University, coordinated the participation of the choirs, including the Cumberland Oratorio Singers and choirs from Campbell University, Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College. 

    There are vocal soloists who will perform along with the choir. Soloists include Erin Murdock, Angela Burns, Melvin Ezzell and Jeffrey Jones. 

    The concert will last approximately two hours, with Symphony No. 9 lasting a little more than 45 minutes. The first half of the concert will introduce other pieces that led Beethoven to develop the Ninth Symphony. 

    According to FSO Music Nerd Joshua Busman, for composers who came after Beethoven, it was not a question of whether or not they would follow in his footsteps but simply how they would do so. He went on to say that the “legacy of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is so long that it extends well into the 20th century.” 

    As one example, he explained that the reason CDs needed to be 120 millimeters across was to allow them to hold approximately 80 minutes of music — which satisfied a mandate to Sony engineers that new audio technology be able to contain the entirety of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on a single disc. 

    FSO will perform “Ode to Joy” Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m., at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall. A Pre-Concert Talk with Busman will begin at 6:45 p.m. To purchase tickets, which range from $10-$26, visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org. 

  • 07Parking Sign 2The question is, will Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball fans know how to get to the new ballpark? “We will absolutely be ready for our first home baseball game on April 18,” said city of Fayetteville spokesman Kevin Arata. 

    He was asked by Up & Coming Weeklyabout plans the city has to accommodate public parking during games at the baseball stadium on Hay Street. “For the April 13th ribbon-cutting event, parking downtown will be free, as with most other past large events downtown,” he said. 

    “Finding public parking is difficult for visitors,” consultant Jon Martens told Fayetteville City Council during the Feb. 4 council work session. He added that making the public aware of available parking is a major challenge that must be undertaken by city government. Martens said many people he spoke with didn’t know there’s a parking garage on Franklin Street — within walking distance of the stadium. 

    For families who don’t know their way around downtown, Martens suggested pole signs with recognizable logos could be used to locate off-street parking lots. The city has the capability of building signs, but at this point they are not in the plan, according to Arata. 

    The city is depending on social media to help visitors find parking lots. Parking locations can be found on the city’s website, Arata said, and by downloading the city of Fayetteville mobile app and clicking “downtown parking” on the menu. 

    “In a nutshell, we know what we have to do for instituting the parking changes recommended. We just need to figure out the specifics of how to do it,” said Arata. 

    City government has received responses “from firms with expertise in this area to address the suggestions received from our consultant on the recent parking study,” Arata added. He said city staff wants to hear how those in the know can provide implementation plans and costs associated with those plans. 

    City Council will eventually make decisions about parking needs. “I believe the city is prepared to meet the parking demand that will be created by the new stadium,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “There are always areas that cannot be fully anticipated, but I have the utmost confidence in our staff to address any issues that may arise.” 

    The Cool Spring Downtown District and the Fayetteville Area System of Transit suggested trollies to shuttle visitors downtown. City traffic engineer Lee Jernigan also liked the idea of shuttle buses. 

    “Park-and-ride shuttles from areas beyond the immediate center city could be adopted,” Jernigan said in October 2018. He stated that additional considerations, such as providing convenient parking for the disabled, “would be available in a month or two.” They were not. 

    “I do have concerns for the elderly and handicapped,” District 2 Fayetteville City Councilman Dan Culliton said at the Feb. 4 council work session. 

    At the same meeting, council members opposed the shuttle trollies and turned down the proposal. Members said they didn’t want to spend tax money for a project that should be offered by private business. 

    The city is spending $40 million to build the minor league stadium. 

  • 06PFC Clifford MillsThe remains of a World War II Indiana paratrooper have been interred in his hometown 75 years after his death. Army Pfc. Clifford M. Mills, then 29, was reported missing in action Oct. 18, 1944, near Wyler and Zyfflich, Germany. He took part in Operation Market Garden, the invasion of the German-occupied Netherlands. 

    Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died in combat. There are 72,742 service members from World War II still unaccounted for. 

    After the war, the Army found no evidence that Mills had survived or been captured. He was from Troy, Indiana, in Perry County, and was a member of the 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. 

    Following the end of hostilities, the American Graves Registration Command of the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps took on the task of investigating and recovering deceased and missing American service members. It recovered thousands of unknown sets of remains. One set, designated Unknown X-2566 Neuville, was recovered from an isolated grave near a downed glider. 

    The remains could not be identified and were buried as an unknown at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Hombourg, Belgium. Following thorough analyses of military records and graves registration documents, which suggested a strong association between X-2566 Neuville and Mills, the remains were disinterred in June 2017 for analysis. 

    To identify the remains, scientists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used dental and anthropological analysis as well as mitochondrial DNA and circumstantial and material evidence. Mills was officially accounted for Jan. 29, 2019, by The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. 

    “That’s when they started the process of trying to get him back to the United States,” said Mills’ niece, who asked that she not be identified by name. “It has been an honor to be able to take care of this and getting Uncle Clifford back to the United States where he belongs.” 

    The remains were returned to Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home in Tell City, the county seat of Perry County, Indiana. His funeral was held there March 30. Burial followed at the Troy City Cemetery. 

    A nine-member 82nd Airborne honor guard traveled from Fort Bragg headquarters to render military funeral honors for Mills. Members of Mills’ family and Nowy van Hedel, a resident of the Netherlands who helped research Mills’ MIA case, were on hand. 

    Researcher van Hedel recently uploaded a video to YouTube showing a U.S. flag ceremony honoring Mills at the Margraten, Netherlands, American Cemetery and Memorial. It is Europe’s third largest war cemetery for unidentified soldiers who died in World War II. More than 8,300 soldiers are buried there. The graves have been adopted by locals, who attend them and lay flowers. 

    Van Hedel concluded a brief recollection of his 12 years of research into Pfc. Clifton Mills with a caption to the memorial video that says: “It took a lot of time, but he will be … buried next to his wife Ethel.” 

    Photo: Pfc. Clifford M. Mills

  • 05bridgeIt has taken local and state officials more than two years to plan, design and figure out how to pay for a new bridge on Louise Street at the main entrance to Hollywood Heights off Skibo Road. The city closed the bridge in January 2017 after a routine inspection found support pillars had deteriorated, making the bridge dangerous. Hurricane Matthew also damaged the bridge in 2016. 

    A groundbreaking for the Louise Street Bridge took place March 25. “We’ve been waiting for this, and it’s time,” said Mary Scott, a neighborhood resident for 45 years. “We appreciate everybody that has been working for us. It is a very happy day.” 

    Residents have had to use the Pritchett Road access point to reach their neighborhood since the main entrance was closed. A federal grant will reimburse the city 80 percent of the $1.8 million project cost. In May 2018, the North Carolina Board of Transportation added the bridge replacement project to its infrastructure improvement program. City Engineer Giselle Rodriguez said officials hope to have the new bridge open by August. 

    Fort Bragg team wins shooting competition 

    The host military gunners took home top prizes last month during the U.S. Army’s International Sniper Competition. Twenty-one teams representing American and European armed services took part in a series of events designed to test competitors in sniper and reconnaissance tactical skills. 

    They competed March 17-22 at Fort Bragg. The top two places went to snipers from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. The Marine Corps team came in third. They not only competed against each other but against time limits. 

    Instructors from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School designed the events to challenge two-person teams in their ability to work together and test their speed and accuracy in various types of environments. 

    Local educator Fields honored 

    The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development selected Dr. Jane Fields, Cumberland County Schools assistant superintendent for secondary education, as a recipient of the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award. This annual award goes to a graduate of the Superintendents’ Association Aspiring Superintendent Program, which is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools. 

    “This is a well-deserved honor for an outstanding educational leader,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr. “Dr. Fields has undoubtedly earned the respect of colleagues, students, staff and parents throughout our school system.” 

    Fields is a product of Cumberland County schools and has worked in the district for 23 years. 

    PWC recognized by United Way 

    The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has been recognized again by United Way of North Carolina as a 2018 recipient of the Spirit of North Carolina Award and the Excellence in Community Spirit Award. “PWC has received the Spirit of North Carolina Award 13 times, and no other organization in the state has achieved this level of excellence,” said Robert Hines, president of the United Way of Cumberland County. 

    Ninety-nine percent of Public Works employees pledged more than $130,000 during the annual United Way campaign. PWC was one of 33 companies that received the Spirit of North Carolina Award and one of just five to receive the Excellence in Community Spirit Award for efforts the judges felt exceeded the Spirit of North Carolina standards. 

    What happened to the Mini Page? 

    Fayetteville ObserverExecutive Editor Matt LeClercq says the newspaper’s Mini Page is no more. “We made the tough decision in January to no longer print the Mini Page on Sundays as a way to cut expenses,” said LeClercq. “Paper is our second biggest expense after people.” 

    He noted that fewer youngsters read printed newspapers these days. The syndicated Mini Page has been around for decades as an educational effort focused on children’s hand-printed pictures, games, trivia and puzzles. Universal Press Syndicate publishes the Mini Page, which is inserted in 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. 

    LeClercq went on to write, “The reality in the news business today is that newspapers will have to continue to look for ways to control or cut expenses related to printing while focusing full-throttle on growing digital readers, subscribers and revenue.” 

    The iconic Easter egg 

    The Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service will offer a Better Living Series workshop, “The Incredible Egg,” April 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cumberland County Agriculture Center, 301 E. Mountain Dr., Fayetteville. Participants will learn about the egg to become “eggsperts.” 

    The workshop will cover egg facts, nutritional information, egg cooking tricks, safe food handling tips and recipes. As a special part of the workshop, participants will create a decoupage egg. 

    For additional information, contact Susan Johnson at 910-321-6860. Or, to view a 2019 Better Living Series schedule and registration forms, visit cumberland.ces.ncsu.edu. 

  • 04HealthcareOver a (just concluded) series of three columns, I contended that thought deprivation has taken a foothold in America. The series examined seven steps employed by power-seeking politicians, and others driven by the same aim, to develop and sustain thought deprivation among people living in America. “Living in America” is used here instead of “American citizens” because the effort even reaches out to noncitizens and illegal migrants. Each column opened with the following statement: 

    “There is a dangerous, but tremendously effective, political approach employed in America. It could be called ‘thought deprivation.’ It’s conditioning people so they do not think with depth regarding the issues that face us as a nation. Sadly, allowing this thought deprivation approach to become routine and embedded in the political process has brought us to a point of real danger in the governing, and very survival, of this nation.” 

    Many actions that should reasonably be taken are not taken. Other actions are taken that adversely impact the well-being of Americans. Finally, gridlock is a frequent consequence of this political approach; nothing is done regarding important matters affecting the people of our country. 

    Examples abound that show how thought deprivation plays out, and so negatively, in American political processes. Among the many examples is what is happening as “Medicare for All” is being discussed and considered in our country. 

    What is presented here is not an argument for or against such a program; it is instead a limited examination of how little depth of thought is being given to this proposal that could dramatically affect American residents for years to come. 

    Let’s start the examination with how little residents know about Medicare for All. This from an article by Katie Mahoney titled “‘Medicare for All’ isn’t the Health Care Reform Americans Want, Poll Finds.” 

    “Many Americans don’t understand what Medicare for All is, and when they do, they don’t like it, a Morning Consult poll commissioned by the U.S. Chamber found. 

    “The poll found only four-in-ten (41%) knew much about Medicare for All. When asked, most voters believe it is a system that ensures that all Americans have access to health care services and insurance through a mix of private health care and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.’ 

    “Fewer than one-in-five voters polled could identify it as ‘a government-run health care system, financed by taxpayers that provides essential health care to all Americans and eliminates private health insurance plans, including those provided by employers. 

    When asked if they support just such a program, only 44% supported the idea.” 

    A reasonable question is, how can it be that people know very little about Medicare for All? One reason is that most media have joined forces with the effort to develop and sustain thought deprivation. They simply do not aim to explain issues in detail, and coverage is, most often, slanted to support a particular position regarding an issue. I watch a lot of news and commentary. It disgusts me that most offerings are very short, timewise, on a topic and almost totally devoid of serious, honest analysis of facts. 

    Possibly more disturbing is that politicians and others involved in seeking to gain and hold power are even guiltier of the failing ascribed to media in the preceding paragraph. Any time I hear a member of this group give a straight answer to a question that calls for actually informing the electorate, I am surprised beyond description. 

    A case-in-point came when the following happened during an interview of presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., as reported in an article by Grace Sparks titled “Majority favor ‘Medicare for All,’ but with a catch.” 

    “Harris spoke in Iowa on Monday about embracing Medicare for All, even though in most instances it means eliminating private insurance. When pressed by CNN’s Jake Tapper on whether that means eliminating private insurance, the senator from California answered affirmatively, saying she would be OK with cutting insurers out of the mix.” 

    Note that Harris had to be pressed for an answer, but did, in fact, answer. This kind of avoidance by power-seekers results in the public allowing governmental actions that do not serve the best interest of, or show fairness toward, all Americans. 

    However, the approach survives and is far too successful because there is deprivation of thought. 

    One would also think that cost should be a pressing question from the public in reference to Medicare for All. In that regard, consider the following from an article by Jennifer Earl titled “How much would ‘Medicare for All’ cost? Democrats’ health care plan explained.” 

    “Several independent studies have estimated that government spending on health care would increase dramatically, in the range of about $25 trillion to $35 trillion or more over a 10-year period. Specifically, a study released over the summer by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University estimated it would cost $32.6 trillion — $3.26 trillion per year — over 10 years. For comparison, the federal budget proposal for the fiscal year 2019 was $4.4 trillion, the Congressional Budget Office states. 

    “Sanders blasted the Mercatus Center’s analysis as ‘grossly misleading and biased.’ 

    “‘If every major country on earth can guarantee health care to all, and achieve better health outcomes while spending substantially less per capita than we do, it is absurd for anyone to suggest that the United States cannot do the same,’ Sanders replied, arguing on his website that his plan would cost about $1.38 trillion per year. ‘This grossly misleading and biased report is the Koch brothers’ response to the growing support in our country for a Medicare for all program.’” 

    Sen. Bernie Sanders’ response assumes that America would do a program similar to the other countries, to which he makes a general reference. My research indicates what he and others seem to be proposing is not done by any of the countries viewed as somewhat successful in assuring health care for all citizens. 

    I hold it is very safe to say that nobody has a good idea as to what Medicare for All would cost. It even appears there is not consensus on what the program would offer or how it would work. However, it is a fact that taxes would increase for some American citizens. 

    Interestingly, support for the concept is strong— that is, until people get informed. The following information, from Kaiser Family Foundation Tracking Poll, conducted Jan. 9-14, 2019, appears in an article by Jane Sarasohn-Kahn titled “Americans Are Warming to Universal Health Care, Kaiser Poll Finds”: 

    “Would you favor or oppose a national Medicare for All plan if you heard that it would do the following? 

    “Guarantee health insurance as a right for all Americans — 71% favor/27% oppose 

    “Eliminate all health insurance premiums and reduce out-of-pocket health care costs for most Americans — 67% favor/30% oppose 

    “Eliminate private health insurance companies — 37% favor/58% oppose 

    “Require most Americans to pay more in taxes — 37% favor/60% oppose 

    “Threaten the current Medicare program — 32% favor/60% oppose 

    “Lead to delays in people getting some medical tests and treatments — 26% favor/70% oppose.” 

    As people get more informed regarding Medicare for All, or any issue of importance, interest elevates, and critical thinking happens. 

    This is not an outcome that serves the aims of power-seekers well. Thought deprivation is, therefore, a primary strategy. In general, we permit the deprivation to work. 

    It results in and allows for manipulation of citizens — of how they vote, of what they protest, of what they demand or expect from government and so forth. 

    If we in America do not immediately break free of imposed thought deprivation, not only will current generations suffer harsh consequences. We will impose insurmountable challenges on generations yet unborn. 

  • 03MargI saw it on the news and then read about it online, and I still could not believe it: A United States senator addressing his colleagues in that august and historic chamber, bizarrely suggesting that the only thing needed to combat climate change is for Americans to “fall in love” and have “more babies.” 

    Say what?!?! 

    Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, took to the floor to lambast the House climate change proposal called the Green New Deal with images of Ronald Reagan riding a dinosaur while wielding a machine gun, along with another of Luke Skywalker of “Star Wars” fame. Lee’s idea seems to have been to slam the Green New Deal as if it were as silly as his photoshopped pictures. Said Lee, “Climate change is not a joke, but the Green New Deal … is the legislative equivalent of Austin Powers’ Dr. Evil demanding sharks with frickin’ lasers on their heads.” 

    And where did love and more babies come in? 

    Lee told his colleagues that “more babies will mean forward-looking adults, the sort we need to tackle long-term, large-scale problems.” He concluded his remarks grandly by suggesting that the solution to every problem is to “fall in love, get married and have some kids.” 

    I wonder if he includes overpopulation in his list of big challenges. 

    Green New Deal supporter Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., voiced the thoughts of many when she tweeted, “If this guy can be Senator, you can do anything.” 

    ******************** 

    Many of us know people struggling with opioid addiction, either personally or because someone we love has been upended by it, leaving family members reeling in his or her wake. In my age bracket, I see grandparents who thought their childrearing responsibilities were over doing it all a second time with grandchildren whose parents’ addictions wipe out everything else. 

    There are few pretty pictures in the opioid epidemic still raging throughout the United States, including North Carolina. It’s killed 200,000 over the last two decades. 

    Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, has just settled a case brought by the state of Oklahoma for a whopping $270 million. Speculation is that Purdue decided it was better to pay up than to expose themselves to a televised trial with release of damaging in-house information, which could result in an astronomical jury award. Purdue is also said to be exploring bankruptcy restructuring to insulate itself, at least temporarily, from large judgments. 

    Whatever happens with Purdue and other opioid makers, and whatever damages paid, the reality is that no amount of money can bring back loved ones who overdosed or who are lost to their addictions. It will be generations before the scourge of opioid addiction is over. 

    ******************** 

    Are you wondering what to give your children that will last a lifetime? 

    How about good manners? 

    Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette, which teaches manners at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, says etiquette can be taught as soon as a child can speak and that table manners should begin in the high chair. Meier’s top 20 etiquette rules include: 

    Use please and thank you every day. 

    Hold silverware correctly. 

    Chew with your mouth closed. 

    Remember, no elbows on the table … ever. 

    Learn how to write a thank you note. 

    Introduce yourself properly. 

    Always knock on a door before opening it. 

    Don’t point or stare. 

    Always cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. 

    Know how to invite someone to join a group if he or she is alone. 

    The true meaning of etiquette is always to show respect and kindness to everyone around you. 

    Hear, hear, parents — and good luck! 

  • 02PubpenPICWho would have thought the integrity and competency levels of the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners would fall lower than Hope Mills Lake’s levels? Neither is moving the community forward, and residents are not pleased at all. 

    It’s an understatement to say that Hope Mills residents are agitated over the way the board has treated the town’s beloved mayor, Jackie Warner, and at the prospect of having to lower the water level of the lake to finish construction of the bulkhead. 

    In the case of the bulkhead, residents feel this work could have, and should have, been planned, scheduled and finished in the winter months — not during the spring and summer season, when residents anticipate enjoying the lake most. Citizens are pointing the finger at the commissioners’ lack of vision and poor planning, their penchant for micromanaging staff and their reluctance to allow town employees to do their job. 

    The board is unable to focus on the issues and priorities of the town because of their obsession with unseating and displacing Warner by stripping her of responsibilities. A well-orchestrated conspiracy to render her ineffective by making her appear careless, unapproachable and defiant is in full swing. However, as the warm weather and sunny summer days approach, Hope Mills residents are realizing it is not the mayor who has delayed progress on construction of the bulkhead, the kayak launch, the handicap ramp and the steps in the swimming area. 

    The consensus is that Commissioners Meg Larson, Mike Mitchell, Jerry Legge and Jessie Bellflowers have needlessly caused these delays because of their obsession with micromanaging and controlling every detail of the project. 

    It is the same kind of attention on the wrong things that allowed art sculptures created by students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to disappear from the Hope Mills landscape. As a result, residents are disappointed, students lose an opportunity, Hope Mills fails to move forward culturally, and future expectations of growth and economic prosperity dissipate — along with the lake’s water levels. 

    Unfortunately, it gets crazier. 

    The recent situation concerning the town losing its art sculptures because of a failure to renew the agreement is the near-perfect example of the misplaced priorities of most Hope Mills elected officials and their reluctance to take responsibility for their actions — or in this case, their inaction. 

    Larson, Mitchell, Legge and Bellflowers called a special meeting of the board for March 25 to discuss and explain the breakdown in communications with UNC-P professor Adam Walls that had resulted in the loss of the art sculptures from Municipal Park. They also discussed an Up & Coming Weeklyarticle published March 20, written by our writer and Hope Mills correspondent Earl Vaughan Jr., concerning the sculptures. 

    While the meeting was scheduled on the pretense of discussing the disappearing UNC-P art sculptures, as well as the disparaging media coverage, it was revealed to be an excuse to create another event to degrade and embarrass Warner. 

    Additionally, it was an attempt to discredit Up & Coming Weekly: both me (Bill Bowman) as the publisher and our writer Earl Vaughan Jr. 

    Four of the board members arrived with a written resolution to cast a public vote of “No Confidence” against Warner. Mission accomplished — while uninformed Hope Mills citizens are left scratching their heads and wondering what the heck is going on. 

    Those four elected officials got their way; they have the votes. That’s the way the system works. Only Commissioner Pat Edwards had the determination and intestinal fortitude to speak her mind and call out the entire process for what it was — wrong. Even as the pressure mounts, she remains the lone holdout, refusing to accept the “destroy Warner at all costs” doctrine. 

    No doubt, Edwards finds encouragement and strength in the fact that she speaks not for hundreds but thousands of Hope Mills residents who want more and expect more from their town leadership and elected officials. Specifically, the truth. 

    Here is the truth about this situation. By reading on, you can begin to understand what’s going on and get the information you need to make intelligent, responsible and informed decisions about the future of the Hope Mills community. 

    What follows in italics is the kind of information you will only get in this publication and on Hopemills.net. Both are free with open access to the public. We recommend you subscribe to both. 

    The special meeting was held March 25 on the pretense of finding out what happened to the art sculptures and why they were being removed and to discuss Earl Vaughan Jr.’s March 20 article in Up & Coming Weekly. 

    Not true. 

    The real purpose was to present a resolution of “No Confidence” on Warner. The board had no intention of hearing the truth about the matter. If they wanted the truth, they would have invited and/or spoken with Walls, the UNC-P professor who was interviewed for the article; Up & Coming Weekly writer Earl Vaughan Jr., the author of the article; HopeMills.net author Elizabeth Blevins; and me (Bowman), the owner and publisher of Up & Coming Weekly. None of us were invited to attend the special meeting nor reached out to for clarification and productive discussion. 

    However, I showed up and sat there, in the second row, while they slandered me and questioned the integrity of my newspaper. I sat quietly through the barrage of insults and accusations, thinking that they would eventually call on me to respond to the charges and accusations. They did not. They ignored me — as well as the truth. 

    Bellflowers read out loud a paragraph that was said to be from our “deplorable” article. But, interestingly enough, you won’t be able to find the things he read aloud anywhere in the actual article that was published. 

    Next, Legge read a resolution obviously composed by Mitchell and Larson. It was a collection of inaccurate statements and proof that the board members had no interest in learning the truth — only in placing blame. 

    Mitchell, Larson, Legge and Bellflowers voted for the resolution. Edwards voted against it. 

    Here is their resolution. It puts on full display how the board is spending its time rather than securing our art, taking care of the Hope Mills Lake projects, securing commerce and creating economic vitality for Hope Mills — think back to the Lone Survivor Foundation situation. 

    1 - Whereas the Hope Mills Town Board appreciates and supports the cultural arts within our community. 

    Not true.The very board members who voted for this resolution were so uninterested in the single example of art in Hope Mills that they didn’t even notice as it disappeared. 

    Less than two weeks ago, Community Development Planner Chancer McLaughlin requested that the board provide a letter of approval to include in an art grants application. He explained the letter wasn’t required but would be appreciated. The board grilled him for more than 20 minutes before reluctantly agreeing to produce the letter. 

    2 - Whereas the Hope Mills Town Board believes it is important for elected officials to act in an honest, ethical and transparent manner for the citizens we serve. 

    Not true.Mitchell has a longstanding habit of posting questionable comments on his social media. He’s violated the constitutional rights of Hope Mills citizens who spoke against him by blocking them from his social media accounts, and he sent an email to the town manager indicating he didn’t want any member of the staff or the Board of Commissioners to attend a political rally. 

    It’s illegal to prevent members of the staff from attending political events. 

    3 - Whereas it is important for our citizens to trust information that is shared by our town leaders. 

    Trust is important, but the commissioners are not conducting themselves in a way that earns this trust. 

    As one example, Larson continues to share the PWC surveys, which PWC Chief Operations Officer Mick Noland condemned as outdated and irrelevant in July 2018. 

    4 - Whereas it is important for the elected to work together and share information that is important to the smooth operation of the town. 

    This is true, but there isn’t a single example of Larson, Legge or Mitchell having done this. 

    5 - Whereas Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner had knowledge of the time sensitive deadline of the Art in the Park agreement with a local university and did not immediately direct the matter to the town manager, who is responsible for the daily operations of the town. 

    Not true.The emails provided by the commissioners prove Warner contacted Town Manager Melissa Adams Aug. 22, 2018, the very day the UNC-P professor contacted her regarding the contract. 

    6 - Whereas Mayor Jackie Warner knowingly withheld the information concerning the time sensitive deadline of the Art in the Park agreement from the board of commissioners. 

    Not true.Every member of this board was present March 19, 2018, and again May 21, 2018, when the sculptures — and specifically, the deadline for renewing the sculptures — were discussed. This information is annotated in the official minutes from those meetings. 

    7 - Whereas Mayor Jackie Warner shared information about the art in the park agreement with the reporter from a local publication without ever bringing the matter before the board. 

    Not true.The responsibility of keeping the board updated on current issues belongs to the staff — not the mayor. Warner and the staff were searching for solutions to the problem; the board was not. 

    8 - Whereas the resulting article from the information shared by Mayor Jackie Warner cast aspersions upon our community and board and was unsettling to a local university, a resident and his students. 

    Not true.The article did not harm the professor, the university or the students. There was one comment in the article that casts doubt on the integrity of the board. It presented the opinion of a citizen — who is 100 percent entitled to his opinion. And while members of the board have reached out to him and claim he never made the comment, article author Earl Vaughan Jr. and Up & Coming Weekly stand by the integrity of the interview and the article. 

    9 - Whereas March 19, 2019, Mayor Jackie Warner shared the article to her official Mayor of Hope Mills Facebook page without any clarification to the readers. 

    True. However, if this justifies a censure, then Mitchell and Larson should be censured as well. They’ve both made a habit of sharing articles that are embarrassing to the town — and specifically to Warner — from another publication. In fact, Mitchell shared an article of questionable content March 27, two days after censuring the mayor for doing the same. 

    10 - Whereas Mayor Jackie Warner has shown a pattern of withholding information from her fellow board members and knowingly sharing misinformation through both social media and in public forum. 

    Not true.This is a thinly veiled reference to Larson’s belief that Warner was privy to more information about an offer from Lone Survivor Foundation than Warner shared with the board. 

    Warner has clarified her responses to their inquiries for 10 months, and the board is funding a formal investigation into the situation. The investigator has not returned his findings, so it’s premature to levy this accusation against the mayor. 

    11 - Whereas Mayor Jackie Warner has been counseled numerous times about such behavior as it misleads the public and is an abuse of her position. 

    Not true.This is another reference to Larson’s misguided belief that Warner colluded with executives of Lone Survivor Foundation. While Larson has attempted to counsel the mayor, it was an abuse of her position to do so. 

    Be it resolved that Mayor Jackie Warner knew about the time sensitive deadline of the Art in the Park agreement. Mayor Warner failed to immediately inform the town manager and never informed the Board, which contributed in part to the loss in art. 

    Not true.Warner knew about the time-sensitive deadline, as did the entire board. They were officially notified on two separate occasions — and it’s a matter of public record. She did immediately inform the town manager. This was established by the same commissioners who wrote the resolution when they provided the correspondence between the professor and staff members and the mayor. 

    Be it resolved that the Hope Mills town Board of Commissioners casts a vote of No Confidence in Mayor Jackie Warner and her ability to effectively work with the elected Board to serve in the capacity as mayor of Hope Mills. 

    It’s ironic that while the commissioners were drafting this resolution to embarrass the mayor, she was actively seeking a solution to the Art in the Park dilemma. And while they failed to prove any of their points, she succeeded in securing more art for our community. 

    Up & Coming Weeklystaff have repeatedly reached out to the Board of Commissioners and extended open invitations for them to comment, respond, clarify or rebut anything we print in our publication. To date, no one has taken us up on that offer. 

    When Mitchell was asked to comment on a Hope Mills issue, he said he was “too busy.” 

    Larson, when asked to comment on a local Hope Mills community event, responded with “I don’t participate with the Up & Coming Weekly.” 

    I again extend the invitation to Commissioners Mitchell, Larson, Legge, Bellflowers, Edwards and Mayor Jackie Warner. 

    Just remember, at Up & Coming Weeklycommunity newspaper, if you write it, you own it. That is why our name and photos are on every article. 

    Elizabeth Blevins and I thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly

    Photo: Mayor Jackie Warner

  • 01coverUAC040319001Anticipation for the return of baseball to Fayetteville has been steadily building for more than a year. That wait is finally coming to an end. As announced last November, the team has a name: The Fayetteville Woodpeckers. As of this month, they’ve got a place to play: the brand-new Segra Stadium in downtown Fayetteville. And in the coming weeks, they’ve got two big kick-off events: A chance to check out the new stadium April 13, followed by the Woodpeckers’ first home game April 18. Get ready for a shift in this community that’s something to cheer about — and maybe celebrate with a hot dog and cold beverage. 

    Fayetteville Fans First Look: Saturday, April 13 

    The public is invited to explore downtown’s new $40 million Segra Stadium at a free unveiling and ribbon-cutting event, dubbed Fayetteville Fans First Look, from noon-3 p.m. The stadium features natural grass, a 360-degree concourse, a 25-by-70-foot LED scoreboard, six luxury suites, four field boxes, a premium club level, an outdoor party deck, a kids zone and a seating capacity of 4,700. 

    The city of Fayetteville, owner of the ballpark, collaborated with the Woodpeckers to create and organize this event. “We are the lead (on this event), just as the Woodpeckers are the lead for the opening game,” said Kevin Arata, communications director for the city of Fayetteville. 

    “We want to show off this great new stadium that we’ve built. We’ll have volunteers from around the city in place to point people in the directions of where they can go and what they can see.” 

    Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin will kick things off at noon with a ribbon-cutting followed by brief remarks. 

    Then, Arata said, attendees will be able to go into the batting cages and locker and equipment rooms, along with the concession areas, the outfield bar, the kids zone, the clubhouse area and more. 

    “For those of us, like myself, who are not clubhouse ticket-holders or box ticket-holders, this will be a chance to get up in those areas and see them firsthand,” he said. “This will be a looksee that people won’t otherwise get. It’s not often that you get to go into the locker room of a minor league baseball stadium.” 

    Mark Zarthar, president of the Woodpeckers, described the Fayetteville Fans First Look as an open house of sorts. Visitors will get to sample a variety of food and beverage options that will be offered at the ballpark on game days, too, he said. 

    “Our right field bar is our most prominent concession area; it’s called Healy’s,” Zarthar said. “We’ll have a variety of food and beverages out there, including 24 different draft beers on tap, as well as corn hole, foosball and big-screen TVs. We’ll have a stage with live music and lounge furniture. That’s going to be the coolest party area at the ballpark. It will be open on game days as well as some non-game days.” 

    He described left field as being the family- and kid-friendly area. Along the first baseline and third baseline will be the rest of the concession options. “We will have a home plate bar that focuses on a variety of craft beer,” he said. “We will also have... options such as barbecue, burgers and Mexican, and a variety of other cuisines.” 

    The Woodpeckers drew upon local inspiration in creating themes for and naming the different food areas. For example, the station behind home plate is called 82nd and Hay. Sherwood Steaks is named after Sherwood H. Hallman, a World War II veteran who received a Medal of Honor. “He’s an example of someone who is relevant to Fort Bragg,” Zarthar said. 

    The right field bar, Healy’s, is named for John “Mac” Healy, local owner of Healy Wholesale Company. “(Healy Wholesale Company) played a prominent role in our stadium being developed and bringing to life the beer concept at the ballpark,” Zarthar said. 

    The Fayetteville Woodpeckers retail store will also debut at the First Look. Zarthar said it is one of the largest stores of its kind in minor league baseball, based on square footage. “You’ll be able to purchase merchandise as well as tickets at the Fans First Look,” he said. “There will be a variety of hat concepts, replica jerseys, T-shirts, golf polos, fishing shirts — anything you can imagine, we will have.” 

    First Woodpeckers home game: Thursday, April 18 

    At 7 p.m., Thursday, April 18, the sun will begin to set — but downtown Fayetteville will be lit up with bright stadium lights and filled with fans ready to cheer their team on. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will take on the Carolina Mudcats for their first home game of the season. 

    The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are the Class A Advanced minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros, the 2017 major league baseball World Series champion. The Woodpeckers spent their last two seasons playing as the Buies Creek Astros in Campbell University’s Jim Perry Stadium, and their transition to Fayetteville brings professional baseball back to town for the first time in 17 years. 

    The last minor league baseball presence here was the South Atlantic League’s Cape Fear Crocs, which moved to Lakewood, New Jersey, following the 2000 season. 

    The Woodpeckers’ new moniker was chosen by Fayetteville citizens via a “Name the Team” contest launched in April 2017 that was followed by an invitation to vote on a favorite out of the top five entries. The Woodpeckers beat out the other top four name suggestions: Fatbacks, Fly Traps, Jumpers and Wood Dogs. 

    And now that the Woodpeckers are here, they’re here to stay. The Astros signed a 30-year lease, indicating their investment in the long-term success of Fayetteville. “We are here; we’re committed,” said Zarthar. “It’s not necessarily just about baseball. It’s about providing a shot in the arm for downtown Fayetteville.” 

    Said Fayetteville City Councilman William “Bill” Crisp, “(In) 30 years, we can expect the Astros to be interwoven into the fabric of Fayetteville’s economic development.” 

    March 20, the team announced details of its official team charity, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund, and its associated Fayetteville Community Leaders Program. The FCLP, functioning at the core of the charity fund, will help guide the team’s investment of time, energy and resources in the areas of supporting local youth sports and military service members and their families. 

    Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fund plans involve investing more than $100,000 into the community this season. Projects include replacing the Massey Hill Buddy Baseball Program field, which was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew; sponsoring 15 youth baseball and softball teams across all seven Fayetteville Parks and Recreation youth sports zones; and partnering with the military nonprofit Rick’s Place to, among other things, send 50 military children to summer camp. 

    “The Astros are a very successful major league baseball business,” Crisp said. “However, when you examine how they mesh in communities where they have minor league teams, you will find they are not solely about making money, but they give back to the communities. 

    “They could have imported someone to head their community relations, but they hired a local lady, Victoria Huggins. (She) is local, and I remind you she was/is Miss North Carolina for last year.” 

    “The other thing to point out,” said Arata, “is there are only 70 home games across the entire year. The rest of those days, (the stadium) is open for other events. The opportunities for what you can do in the stadium are kind of endless.” 

    He added that the stadium’s and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ presence have already acted as an incentive for other businesses and entities to invest in this community. He listed the decision of private investor Jordan Jones to revive the historic but previously dilapidated Prince Charles Hotel as a prime example. 

    Ticket prices to Fayetteville Woodpeckers games start at $9, which Arata pointed out is comparable to the cost of a movie ticket. “This is about involving all of the community,” Zarthar said. “We wanted to … ensure that as many people can afford to attend a game as possible.” 

    Zarthar suggested that fans follow the Woodpeckers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date and involved. Visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com for a full 2019-20 schedule, to purchase tickets and to learn more. 

  • 15wrestlingHere is the Patriot Athletic All-Conference wrestling team based on results of the conference tournament and selections by the coaches. 

    Coach of the Year:Heath Wilson, Cape Fear; Brian Olson, Overhills 

    Wrestler of the Year:Dallas Wilson, Cape Fear 

    106 — First team:Max Brewster, South View 

    Second team:Jabrial Crudup, Douglas Byrd 

    113 — First team:Ryan Delaney, South View 

    Second team:Dylan Ramer, Gray’s Creek 

    120 — First team:Pierre Young, Terry Sanford 

    Second team:William Talbert, Westover 

    126 — First team:Tristen Chapman, Cape Fear 

    Second team:Kevin Brewington, South View 

    132 — First team:Lyell Canady, Westover 

    Second team:Gavin Moses, Pine Forest 

    138— First team:Dallas Wilson, Cape Fear 

    Second team:Frankie Manglona, Westover 

    145 — First team:Jeremiah Smith, Cape Fear 

    Second team:Tremaine Jackson, South View 

    152 — First team:Zachary Pranka, Terry Sanford 

    Second team:Jaleel Parks, Cape Fear 

    160 — First team:Jalen Keith, Gray’s Creek 

    Second team:Woodson Young, Cape Fear 

    170 — First team:Jared Barbour, Cape Fear 

    Second team:Xavier Hamilton, Gray’s Creek 

    182 — First team:Kevin Pate, Cape Fear 

    Second team:Andrew Bond, Overhills 

    195 — First team:Arden Billington, Douglas Byrd 

    Second team:Austin Hunt, Cape Fear 

    220 — First team:Ray Dixon, Douglas Byrd 

    Second team:Nick Minacapelli, Cape Fear 

    285 — First team:Garrett Crockett, Gray’s Creek 

    Second team:Zion McEachin, Douglas Byrd 

    Photo: L-R: Dallas Wilson, Jared Barbour 

  • 17Abby CarsonAbigail Carson 

    Terry Sanford • Indoor and outdoor track • Junior 

    Carson has a 4.13 grade point average. She is a three-year starter and a member of National Honor Society. She currently holds the girls record at Terry Sanford in the shot put for both the indoor and outdoor teams. She also volunteers with her travel track team around the community. 

    18Jasmine GiacomucciJasmine Giacomucci 

    Terry Sanford • Outdoor track • Junior 

    Giacomucci has a 3.58 grade point average. She is a three-year starter. She has served as a cheerleader and with the marching band for the past three years. She is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and works with the GEMS of Delta Sigma Theta volunteering in the community. 

  • Meetings 

    For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. 

    Festival CommitteeMonday, April 1, 6 p.m., Town Hall 

    Board of CommissionersMonday, April 1, 7 p.m., Luther Board Room, Town Hall 

    Citizens Academy ProgramTuesday, April 9, 6 p.m., Town Hall 

    Historic Preservation CommissionWednesday, April 10, 5 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building 

    Activities 

    Food Truck RodeoThursday, April 4, 5-8 p.m., Town Hall rear parking lot. Enjoy music, an assortment of food trucks, bouncy house and games for kids, and presentations by various public service vendors. 

    Breakfast with the Easter Bunny/Easter egg huntSaturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Hope Mills Recreation Center. Tickets are $6. Final day to purchase tickets is Monday, April 1. Call 910-426-4109 to reserve your spot. Easter egg hunt follows Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and is free. 

    Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Clubat Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237-1240. 

    Promote yourself 

    Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com. 

  • 05Gen Michael GarrettRecently promoted U.S. Army Gen. Michael X. Garrett has assumed command of Forces Command at Fort Bragg. Gen. Mark A. Milley, chief of staff of the Army, hosted the assumption of command ceremony March 21. 

    Garrett commanded U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, before being assigned to Forces Command. FORSCOM is the largest organization in the Army and is responsible for ensuring combat soldiers are trained and prepared to deploy. It includes more than 750,000 active-duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers. 

    Garrett is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati. He received his commission as an infantry officer following his graduation in 1984. In a 2010 profile for Xavier Magazine, Garrett noted he was the first member of his family to graduate from college. 

    His previous assignments include command of the 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He was named to lead U.S. Army CENTCOM in 2015. 

    Garrett replaces FORSCOM’s acting commander, Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson. Her next assignment has not been made public. 

    Two fatal motorcycle crashes on the same day 

    A pair of recent Fayetteville traffic fatalities were tragically similar but had different outcomes. Both accidents involved motorcycles. Both mishaps occurred on Sunday, March 10. 

    A Fort Bragg soldier, Patrick A. McDill, 22, died when his motorcycle was struck on Yadkin Road near Horseshoe Road by Jasmyne Russell-Dicker, 24, of Sanford. She was charged with felony death by motor vehicle, driving while impaired and making an unsafe movement causing injury to a motorcyclist. Russell-Dicker was released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond. 

    The other crash took place on Bingham Drive at the intersection of Lakeridge Drive. Neron R. Pratt, 34, of Saint Pauls, who was operating a motorcycle, was pronounced dead on the scene by medical personnel. City police said the driver of the sedan that struck him, Fayetteville native Wendy S. Sutton, 28, did not sustain serious injuries, but her mother, Doris B. Sutton, 47, also of Fayetteville, was hospitalized. 

    Wendy Sutton faces felony charges of hit-and-run driving causing injury, misdemeanor death by vehicle, driving with a revoked license and making an unsafe movement. She is being held on $100,000 secured bond. 

    “It’s definitely something the magistrate’s office would have to answer for,” said police spokesman Sgt. Shawn Strepay when asked about the difference in bonds given the drivers. 

    Heroism awards celebrates first responders 

    The Greater Fayetteville Chamber announces People’s Choice Awards to be presented at the second annual Public Safety Valor Awards program on June 25, 2019. This event is presented by Highland Construction and Restoration and Manna Church to show community appreciation to first responders in the city and county and at Fort Bragg. The breakfast event will be from 7:30- 9:30 a.m. at Manna Church, 5117 Cliffdale Rd. 

    The general public may nominate first responders who have been observed in action during the period from April 2018 through March 2019. 

    Nominees must be currently employed by an emergency response agency and working in Cumberland County. Applications can be obtained on the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s website, www.faybiz.com, under Events-Valor Awards. They are due by April 1. 

    Additional nominees will be chosen by the chiefs or agency heads of law enforcement, fire/ rescue, and emergency management agencies serving Cumberland County. 

    There are three major awards: Certificate of Merit for outstanding work benefitting the department, Lifesaving Award in which personnel put their own safety at risk to save the life of another, and the prestigious Valor Award for incidents in which acts of heroism were performed under extreme risk. 

    The public is invited to attend — tickets are $25 and are available online at www.faybiz.com. 

    The first ‘Occasion’ 

    “Trauma: A Concert and Reflections” will take place April 17 at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1601 Raeford Rd. in Fayetteville, and on April 19 at 7 p.m. at Hugger Mugger Brewing, 229 Wicker St., Sanford. The “Occasion” will include folk music, drinks, visual aids and alone time with a handful of new best friends or strangers. The “Occasion” costs nothing. 

    “We’re okay with sitting with grief and anger and sadness for a moment,” said Jeremy Fiebig, an organizer of the group. “This first event is a concert that looks at mourning, trauma, broken spirits and the like. It’s meant to be a kind of church service, but where the point is not to uplift, but to sit with tough stuff like loss and heartbreak.” 

    The event is described as “not for the squeamish or for children, as we will be looking tough stuff square in the face,” Fiebig added. 

    Photo: Gen. Michael Garrett

  • 08UPC America ArtistGerry Buckley and Dewey Bunnell, the duo behind hit folk-rock band America, have thrilled music lovers nationwide for nearly 50 years. To finish off Community Concerts’ 83rd season, America will perform at the Crown Coliseum on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. 

    Buckley, Bunnell and former band member Dan Peek met in London in the 1960s. The trio formed their chart-topping group shortly after graduating high school and have since released 11 hits and six Gold or Platinum albums. 

    Today, America is comprised of just Buckley and Bunnell, but it is still going strong. According to Michael Fleishman, Community Concert attractions director, audiences can expect “hit after hit after hit” at the April 4 show. “It’s a really interesting group (with) a really interesting sound,” Fleishman said. “They’re not just well-known in this country, but worldwide.” 

    Hits such as “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man” and “A Horse with No Name” gave America its reputation as a rock standard. Fleishman is excited to welcome such a well-known band to the stage. “If you’ve been on the planet any length of time, you’ve heard these songs … every single one of them,” he said. “These are classic rock songs, and it’s a group we’ve never had before … one we’ve looked at several times.” 

    From winning a Grammy award for best new artist in 1973 to being inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2006, it’s no wonder the band is so highly sought after. America has collaborated with the Beatles’ George Martin, Toto’s Jeff Porcaro, the Eagles’ Timothy B. Schmit and more. 

    A short ceremony commemorating the newest inductee into the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame will precede America’s performance at the Crown. “Community Concerts is the creator and the producer of the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame,” Fleishman said. “It’s going into its 12th year, (and has) done nothing but grow in stature and popularity over the years.” 

    The Hall of Fame was designed to honor those that have brought musical distinction to this community, said Fleishman. Members include local citizens as well as national celebrities, such as Randy Boone. The organization continues to add to their number every year. 

    “We’ve honored music teachers, people from the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, churches for what they have done musically and for children, the Cape Fear Oratorio Singer and the 82nd Airborne Chorus for all they’ve done,” Fleishman said. 

    Known as Fayetteville’s oldest art organization, Community Concerts has lived up to its name for 83 years. “We try very hard to put the ‘community’ in Community Concerts,” said Fleishman. “(We’ve) done a lot over the years showcasing local artists onstage in combo with the artist.” 

    Community Concerts has a heart not only for aspiring musicians but also for children of all backgrounds. “We showcase kids onstage — we had a local choir in combo as backup for one of the songs for Foreigner, a school onstage as backup for Gladys Knight, and Voices of the Heart (performed).” 

    The April 4 concert will also include an announcement of this year’s recipient of Community Concert’s annual music scholarship, awarded to rising college freshmen in the community who display musical excellence. 

    The Crown Complex is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit community-concerts.com/2018/08/13/america. 

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