While defending our country, veterans faced countless dangers, from permanent hearing loss to traumatic brain injuries.
Still, a more obscure risk serving in the military entails is toxic exposure, which is responsible for crippling diseases among veterans. As a consequence of negligence, the vast majority of military bases nationwide are now contaminated with toxic substances.

The city of Fayetteville is home to over 25,600 veterans, some of whom have been stationed at polluted military bases during active duty.

Established in 1918, the installation is the largest in the country by population, with 43,414 active-duty military personnel training and living there. Today, the military base is known as Fort Liberty, as it had originally been named after a Confederate.

Unfortunately, the environment of the military base is contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” Out of this group of over 9,000 toxic chemicals, PFOA and PFOS are the most harmful, as they have a strong association with cancer.

According to the new safe exposure limits proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of PFOA and PFOS in the environment of Fort Liberty is very high. Specifically, the PFOA level exceeds the maximum limit by 6,400 times, while the PFOS level eclipses the proposed limits by 1,135 times.

These chemicals are emerging contaminants, being able to persist in the environment for over a thousand years. They are challenging to remove from groundwater and soil, even with the most innovative technologies.

A military base with a significantly worse legacy of toxic contamination is Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville. For 34 years during the last century, two of the eight water distribution plants at the facility were heavily contaminated with solvents, including trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride.

As many as one million people lived there while the drinking water was unsafe to consume. PFAS were also lurking in Camp Lejeune’s water in a concentration exceeding the current safe exposure limit by over 2,500 times.

In the past, veterans affected by toxic exposure on military bases had a difficult time obtaining the VA benefits they were entitled to. Today, by virtue of the Honoring Our PACT Act, they have easier access to the healthcare and compensation they deserve.

This bill was signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, the PACT Act is one of the largest health care and benefit expansions in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

The Honoring Our PACT Act extends the VA healthcare eligibility criteria for veterans injured by toxic exposure; adds over 20 new presumptive conditions; and requires the VA to offer a toxic exposure screening to each veteran enrolled in the system.

Under this new law, Fayetteville veterans struggling with diseases caused by toxic exposure on military bases can file for VA disability compensation and receive free healthcare with considerably more ease than in the past.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is also part of the Honoring Our PACT Act, under which everyone who spent time at the military base when the drinking water was contaminated can obtain compensation from the U.S. government.

To learn more about the Honoring Our PACT Act visit https://www.va.gov/

Editor’s note: Jonathan Sharp is Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. The law firm offers assistance to veterans and family members injured by toxic exposure on military installations.

The Defense Department is prioritizing ethical considerations and collaboration in its approach to developing and fielding military applications of artificial intelligence, a top Pentagon technology official said June 15.
Michael C. Horowitz, the director of the emerging capabilities policy office in the office of the undersecretary of defense for policy, underscored the U.S. commitment to leading the international conversation surrounding artificial intelligence during a panel discussion in Washington on setting rules and expectations for emerging technologies in national security.

Underpinning this commitment, Horowitz said, is a comprehensive set of policy decisions within DOD that governs the development and fielding of autonomous weapon systems, ethical artificial intelligence strategy, and the development of responsible artificial intelligence strategy and pathways.

He said U.S. leadership, in codifying these principles, is now driving responsible artificial intelligence policy formulation among international partners.

“If you look at NATO’s ethical AI principles, for example, they’re very similar to the Defense Department’s ethical AI principles and that’s not an accident,” Horowitz said. “It reflects in many ways the sort of common values and perspective on how we’re thinking about... when we would want to use AI and how.”

He said U.S. also led on the international stage by issuing its Political Declaration of Responsible Military use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy in February.

“That’s a set of strong norms that lay out principles of what responsible use looks like that we’re now working to bring other countries on board to endorse since we think that bringing the international community together on this issue, that there is a lot of possibility for cooperation and we want to encourage the rest of the world to take these issues as seriously as the department has,” Horowitz said. “And in looking at our allies and partners, we’re really encouraged by that.”

That commitment to the responsible development of artificial intelligence, and its transparency concerning the development of policy surrounding emerging technologies, is also how the U.S. has distinguished itself from its global competitors, he said.

He said all DOD policy surrounding artificial intelligence and emerging technology is publicly available.

“That’s in contrast to some of the competitors of the United States who are a lot less transparent in what their policies are concerning the development and use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, including autonomous weapons systems,” Horowitz said. “And we think that there’s a real distinction there.”

At the same time, the U.S. has remained committed to being at the leading edge of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, Horowitz said.

He said the rapid advance of the technology has opened up a wide array of use cases for artificial intelligence beyond defense. The U.S. continues to be “an engine of innovation when it comes to AI.”

“The Defense Department does lots and lots of different experimentation with emerging technologies,” Horowitz said. “And we both want to do them in a safe and responsible way, but also want to do them in a way that can push forward the cutting edge and ensure the department has access to the emerging technologies that it needs to stay ahead.”

Start off Independence Week with a bang and a parade in Hope Mills. The city is hosting a day-long event on Saturday, July 1, filled with music and activities that will keep the whole family happy and occupied.

This will be the 41st Annual Town of Hope Mills Independence Day Celebration.

Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with a parade. The parade route will begin at Hope Mills Middle School and will conclude at Rockfish Elementary. The parade will have floats, cars and local businesses and organizations.

Directly following the parade, Independence Celebration in the Park will begin at Hope Mills Municipal Park. There will be fun for people of all ages and special musical performances.

This year, entertainment includes two live musical guests, Krispee Biscuits and Paige King Johnson. Krispee Biscuits is an eclectic electronic duo fresh out of Wilmington, who are equipped with a classically trained violinist and a Future Funk-bred DJ maestro.

“Paige King Johnson is a four-time Carolina Country Music Award winner from Angier. She has shared the stage with many great artists over the years, such as Kane Brown, Joe Nichols, Kylie Morgan, Jimmie Allen, Diamond Rio, Scotty McCreery, Neal McCoy and more,” said Meghan Freeman, Assistant Director Programs and Events for Hope Mills Parks and Recreation.

“The 2023 Independence Day Celebration is much like that of last year’s celebration. Patrons can look forward to an evening filled with food from over 15 food trucks, three local breweries, one local winery, and stilt walkers from Imagine Circus,” Freeman told Up & Coming Weekly.

The Celebration will conclude at 9 p.m. with the annual fireworks display provided by Pyro Shows East Coast.

For those who want to celebrate a little earlier, Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is hosting an Independence Luncheon for those ages 55 and older. The luncheon is on Thursday, June 29 at 11 a.m.

The luncheon will be a fully catered meal with music and dancing. Come and celebrate independence with food, fellowship and fun. There will be door prizes and maybe an extra surprise or two. Tickets are $15 and must be bought beforehand at https://secure.rec1.com/NC/hope-mills-nc/catalog.

For more information about the Independence Day Luncheon or the Independence Celebration on July 1, go to www.townofhopemills.com.

Cape Fear Studios is a nonprofit fine arts organization providing opportunities for visual artists and art patrons to work together in promoting and learning visual arts. It’s mission is to involve, educate and enrich Cumberland County and surrounding communities with the opportunity to create and freely view art.

Cape Fear Studios provides art studios for rent, a gallery for exhibitions of work by member and visiting artists, and classroom space for private lessons, workshops or classes. There is also retail space for visitors to purchase paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery, wood and glass art, and fine jewelry.

Up & Coming Weekly asked two member artists to discuss the latest exhibit which displays work submitted for the Annual 2D Art Competition.
Annette Szcezktek and Rose Kennedy have been members of Cape Fear Studios for over 10 years each and have seen the show grow over time.

When asked what makes this show special Szcezktek says, “All of the artists that are part of the show have to be jurored in. Meaning they have to go through a judged selection process, competing with hundreds of other applicants from all over the country.”

The 2D Competition displays 39 works of art from artists in eight states from California to New York. The exhibit features 2D art in many techniques and styles. The exhibit was judged by North Carolina watercolorist Russell Jewell, an internationally acclaimed watercolor artist.

Visiting the 2D Competition exhibit is a chance to explore the facility. If you’ve never been to Cape Fear Studios, you’re in for a treat. The studio space is covered with art from several mediums. The work is custom-made and local.

“We are the only place I know of locally where you can find everything in here is original art. It's unique, one of a kind,” Kennedy said.
The Annual 2D Competition exhibit will be on display through July 25. Cape Fear Studios is located at 148 Maxwell Street. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about Cape Fear Studios or the 2D Art Competition exhibit, visit www.capefearstudios.com or call 910-433-2896.

North Carolinians are by now accustomed to seeing our state score well on national rankings of economic performance, cost of living, quality of life and other measures. But a new study from the foundation arm of the National Taxpayers Union ranks North Carolina a dismal 42nd.

No, there was no overnight tax increase while you were sleeping. The study in question examines how state tax codes treat traveling professionals and remote workers. Ours treats them poorly.
Unless you make speeches, play professional sports, or consult for a living, you may not be aware that state governments routinely tax non-residents for even small amounts of income earned within their jurisdictions.

If you live in Raleigh but conduct a week-long seminar in Charleston for some of your South Carolina clients, you are obligated to pay South Carolina taxes on your seminar income.

Ditto if you live in Norfolk but do a short job in Elizabeth City. You’re supposed to pay North Carolina taxes on what you’re paid for that job.
The concern here isn’t so much about double taxation — the U.S. Supreme Court held years ago that multiple states aren’t supposed to tax the same stream of income — as it is about administrative complexity and simple fairness.

If you only perform work in a state for a short time, you impose few burdens on that state’s infrastructure and other public services. And unless you command a very high wage, the amount of tax collected from you is too small to justify the paperwork burden on you and your employer.

Naturally, if you regularly commute across state lines for work, say from Rock Hill to your job in Charlotte, these arguments don’t really apply. It is reasonable to require you to pay taxes to North Carolina, and for your employer to withhold those taxes on your behalf.

But it turns out that most states, including our own, do little to distinguish between these very different cases.

Maine is one exemption. Unless you work at least 12 days there, earning at least $3,000, you aren’t required to pay income taxes in Maine. Our neighboring state of Georgia is another. It uses a wage threshold of $5,000 or 5% of your total income, whichever is lower.

Another way to reduce the administrative burden on employers and employees is for states to negotiate tax-reciprocity agreements in which each agrees to tax only the incomes of residents.

North Carolina offers no such relief. That’s why we rank so poorly on the National Taxpayer Union’s Remote Obligations and Mobility (ROAM) Index.

All other things being equal, we make it unnecessarily cumbersome for companies to do business here if they hire out-of-state workers for short periods.
The tax treatment of cross-border income was always a thorny issue. The post-COVID explosion in telecommuting has dramatically increased its salience, however. Millions more Americans now work from home much or all the time, sometimes deriving income from multiple employers or jurisdictions.

“States cannot keep their heads in the sand and pretend that the economy is not changing,” says Andrew Wilford, who developed the ROAM Index. “Rules that once affected small subsets of mobile workers are increasingly becoming relevant to broader swaths of workers across many industries.”

Wilford recommends that North Carolina establish a fixed threshold for filing and withholding — 30 days is his “gold standard” — and that we negotiate reciprocal agreements with neighboring states.
These steps would elevate us to the top tier of states on the index. That’s where North Carolina belongs.

Editor's note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His latest books, Mountain Folk and Forest Folk, combine epic fantasy with early American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Studies have shown that men have historically been less likely to report mental health issues than women.

Lower rates of self-reporting among men may be attributable to a number of factors, including the stigma that’s still attached to the issue of mental health. Mental health issues can affect all aspects of a person’s life, and if left untreated, these issues can have grave consequences.

Men are not immune to those consequences. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates age-adjusted suicide rates are substantially higher among men than women. Among men, that rate is 14 per 100,000, which is more than twice as high as the rate among women (6.1 per 100,000).

There’s no formula to identify which men will develop a mental health issue or which condition they might experience. But it’s worth noting some of the more common mental health issues, and equally important that all men recognize these issues can affect any man at any time.

Anxiety: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that anxiety disorders affect roughly 20% of the adult population in the United States each year.

Anxiety is an umbrella term that alludes to a number of issues that each produce their own symptoms and side effects, but the DHHS notes that anxiety disorders are marked by feelings of fear and uncertainty that interfere with everyday activities. These feelings persist for six months or more and can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse and depression.

Depression: The World Health Organization reports that roughly 5% of the global adult population suffers from depression.

Depression is more than the feelings of sadness that everyone experiences from time to time. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression produces persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or an “empty” mood. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism are some additional characteristics of depression.

It’s important to recognize that these symptoms must be persistent. Symptoms that persist for at least two weeks and interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study,and eat may indicate major depression, while less severe symptoms that last for at least two years suggest the presence of persistent depressive disorder.

Substance Use Disorder: The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics has identified substance use disorder as a public health emergency. Statistics support that assertion, as data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates more than 20 million Americans ages 12 and over are affected by a substance use disorder.

Though anyone, including children, can develop substance use disorder, a 2016 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicated that men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than women.

The National Institutes of Health notes that substance use disorder affects a person’s brain and behavior, which makes them incapable of controlling their use of substances, including medication and alcohol.

Men are no less vulnerable to mental health issues than women. The NIMH urges individuals in crisis or people who suspect someone is in crisis to call 911 or to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
More information about mental health can be found at nimh.nih.gov.

Oscar Solis, Jr. is a retired U.S. Marine who doesn’t like celebrating the Fourth of July.

“I’m very honored by the intent, but it’s the celebration behind it — the fireworks, the large crowds — that’s a bit much for me,” the Afghanistan and Iraq War veteran explained.

Solis is not alone. Every year the nation celebrates its independence with fireworks. What some don’t realize is that these colorful celebrations of American freedom can seriously impact the veterans who defended it.

“As beautiful as they are, the sounds, smells and shock waves of fireworks can be triggering for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD,” said Annie Tang, staff psychologist at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois.

“These can bring up emotional and physiological reactions, and bring up trauma memories from the past, which can bring up intense anxiety and fear.”

Tang explained that the brain is very good at pairing things, especially threat. Combat veterans and those who worked in combat zones can pair threat with whatever was in that environment, including things they saw, heard or smelled.

These pairings can continue after returning to civilian life. So, when fireworks or other loud noises occur, a veteran’s brain can feel in danger.

“That’s absolutely me,” said Solis. “It’s like an animalistic brain. It’s a lot of negative things you associate with that makes you hesitant to do everything.”

Although time and treatment have helped with coping, Solis still prefers to stick to his regular schedule during the holiday.

“I really struggled for a long time. I took a bad turn initially when I first got out. Over the past few years or so, it’s gotten better. Now I can manage,” he explained. “But I stay in; my routine is everything. I stick to my routine.”

According to Tang, avoiding the holiday is a common way of coping with the stress Independence Day can bring but may not benefit someone long-term.

“In our society and military culture, veterans are taught to avoid,” Tang explained. “How many times has a veteran heard ‘suck it up?’ In an immediate threat, [avoidance] can help, but in civilian life, it can really affect many veterans.”

Tang has treated veterans at Hines VA since 2013 and recommends five things to help veterans cope with triggers.

• 1. Avoid avoidance. Avoidance can be a short-term fix, but it tends to worsen the problem over time. It’s helpful to confront safe triggers you’ve wanted to avoid gradually. Some Veterans may need help from a mental health professional.
• 2. Remind yourself where you are and what is happening around you. Repeating simple reminders, like ‘this is not a combat zone,’ and ‘these are only fireworks’ can help reset the brain during a PTSD trigger.
• 3. Change the body’s temperature. Safely lowering body temperatures can quickly remind someone where they are and help quell PTSD triggers. Veterans can take a cold shower, or use an ice pack, ice cubes, frozen vegetable packs or splash cold water.
• 4. Schedule meaningful activities you enjoy. Planning self-care can boost your mood, which can offset the overall impact of stress triggers.
• 5. Prioritize your mental health and seek treatment. VA offers support and care through evidence-based treatments for PTSD, stress and anxiety. VA also offers the PTSD Coach Mobile App that provides information and coping skills to help manage anxiety or distress. To schedule an appointment with Hines VA Trauma Services, call 708-202-4668.

“It’s not always easy, but I cannot emphasize enough that help is out there, and it can help people regain their lives,” said Tang.

This year will be the 11th Independence Day since Solis returned from his last combat deployment in Afghanistan. Like most Independence Days since returning, he plans to spend it away from celebrations and large gatherings.

“The fear, the pain — it hurts, but you have to accept it and work through it,” said Solis “It’s the only way I can keep growing.”

Editor’s note: Matthew Moeller is a Public Affairs Officer at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois This article is a reprint from www.va.gov/

Child Nutrition Service’s Summer Meals Program is providing free meals to children 18 years and younger at elementary schools and recreational centers throughout the county through July 27.

The program is free for children and no sign-up is needed. The meals are served on a first come first served basis and must be eaten on-site.

Families are encouraged to stop by designated locations Monday through Thursday.

Participating elementary schools serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Serving times vary at recreation centers around the county.

For a detailed list of locations and times, visit https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/Page/8195

Shane Wilson has been a full-time resident in Fayetteville since moving to the city in 2014. After almost a decade here, he calls the Can-Do City his home. Wilson is a professor in the English department at Fayetteville Technical Community College and is active in the local arts scene.

“It’s nice that there’s a space here for artists where artists and artists of all varieties like visual arts, poets, all that. It’s been, I think, really nice to be able to be a part of a community like that,” Wilson said.

Wilson has published two novels so far, “A Year Since the Rain” and “The Smoke in His Eyes.” The novels are part of Wilson’s “World of Muses.” They aren’t sequels to each other, they are stand alone novels, but they both take place in the same world.

“The world feels pretty much like our world. It’s not set in sort of like middle earth, fantastical ideas. There are no elves and things like that. It’s mostly just regular people and regular places. But there are these magical people in the world. It’s like a reimagining of Greek muses, is how I’m explaining it. It’s called The World of Muses. These people are brought up in a school where they’re taught how to inspire people to change or grow, and all of the users have their different focuses,” Wilson said while describing his series of novels.

His book, “The Smoke in His Eyes,” won two awards at the Spring 2022 edition of The BookFest’s Book Awards. It received second place for Contemporary Fantasy, and third place for Coming-of-Age Literary Fiction .

He suggests people read his second novel, “The Smoke in His Eyes,” before “A Year Since the Rain,” in order to fully immerse in the world, but they can be read in any order.

His upcoming novel, “The Woman with a Thousand Faces,” is the final post-apocalyptic chapter of this world.

The novel follows newspaper reporter Sean Forrester, who was convinced that Troy Gideon, the CEO of Pure Elemental, had nefarious plans for the top-secret Project Skylight. He needed only to find proof. But that was before a globally cataclysmic event, and Forrester lost everyone he ever loved in an instant. He is alive, emotionally traumatized, and questioning everything he can remember.
He ends up staying with a woman he doesn’t know. She’s a muse and is able to access Sean’s past if he wants. That’s where the bulk of the story takes place.

“It’s a post-apocalyptic, dystopian kind of world that the novel opens up into a sort of on the other side of some globally cataclysmic event. Even though it’s post-apocalyptic and dystopian, it breaks that tradition from a lot of those kinds of stories because it’s not exploring the entire world. It really is just focused in on these two characters that are locked inside of this house to try to stay safe because they don’t really know what’s going on,” Wilson told Up & Coming Weekly.

The inspiration for the story came from a memorable night of talking and drinking with a close friend from college.

“I had one of those nights where you get a couple of bottles of wine, and you just like hash out your entire life story with somebody,” Wilson said.

Despite the book sounding like it was written during or after the COVID pandemic with its theme of locking down and being stuck in a house with someone, Wilson wrote this well before mandates and masks.

However, Wilson did say that during COVID, he started to write more short-form escapist stories.

The book, “The Woman with a Thousand Faces,” is expected to be published on July 20.

There are no scheduled events at this time, but Wilson expects to do local signings and readings, as well as digital conversations when the book is released. Wilson’s books are available on Amazon. For more information about Wilson and his previous works, go to https://www.shanewilsonauthor.com/

Golf courses are serene settings that allow people to enjoy the great outdoors while simultaneously engaging in the thrill of competition. Those factors undoubtedly motivate people to hit the links and play a round of golf, which remains a wildly popular sport.

In fact, a recent report from the National Golf Foundation found that roughly 119 million people followed golf on television or online, read about the game, or listened to a golf-related podcast in 2022.

Golf can certainly be a fun sport to follow, but it’s just as fun to play. Golf is a challenging sport, and it can be especially difficult for newcomers. Patience is paramount when learning to play golf, and the following are some additional strategies beginners can keep in mind as they learn to golf.

Work with a pro. Golf pros at local courses or even private coaches typically have extensive experience teaching the game. That experience is invaluable.

Beginners can learn the basics from a seasoned pro, who can instruct students on fundamentals such as stance, grip and swing so they enjoy their first round that much more.

Purchase a good set of clubs. The right clubs can make the game that much easier. Adults who are not sure if they want to fully commit to playing can get by with secondhand clubs, while parents can do the same as they try to teach their children the game. Once a commitment has been made, a new set of custom fitted clubs can be a worthy investment that lets golfers take their game to the next level.

Using clubs that are too small or too large can affect performance, as can other factors like grip size. Custom fitted clubs can be expensive, so beginners may want to wait until they catch the golfing bug before they make such an investment on the sport.

Golf with a friend. The buddy system makes numerous recreational activities more fun, and golf is no exception. Beginners can ask a friend who already plays to tag along, but it also can be fun to learn the sport alongside another novice.

Friends with experience may be willing to offer some tips to becoming a better player. Two beginners can share a few laughs as they navigate their way through rounds that might end up well over par.

Choose the right courses. Certain courses are more challenging than others. Par-3 courses can be perfect for beginners because they include only par 3 holes, which feature shorter distances from tee to cup and tend to be flatter and easier for novices. Par-3 courses also tend to be just nine holes, which can be ideal for beginners.

When playing a traditional course, beginners can look for one with a reputation for being less challenging so they are not discouraged by their final scores.

Millions of people enjoy playing the game of golf. As beginners introduce themselves to the game, they can keep various strategies in mind to ensure their day on the links is fun and fruitful.

There are plenty of things to do in and around Fayetteville on the 4th of July. The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra presents the annual Independence Concert & Fireworks at Festival Park. Special guests include the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band. This patriotic event is free.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:15p.m. There will be food and drink vendors and a children’s play area. Personal tents, pets, bicycles and scooters are prohibited.

For those looking for a relaxing spot as the sun starts going down, head on over to the Cool Spring Downtown District’s block party taking place on Maxwell Street.

The July 4th FAYcation celebration runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and will have a little something for everyone. There will be local DJs, a beer garden, BBQ from local vendors, yard games, water fun and much more.

The FAYcation block party will feature DJ Kool.

The event is free to attend, but guests can register at www.eventbrite.com/e/july-4th-faycation-tickets-638893817607

This Cool Spring Downtown District block party comes on the heels of their successful Juneteenth Jubilee, which saw an estimated 28,000 visitors during the weekend.

Director of Special Projects Ashanti Bennett says these events benefit the city by attracting visitors and new business.

“It’s the economic growth that’s making downtown stronger,” Bennett said. “We’re working hard to get rid of vacancies so that... there’s something to do all the time in downtown, which is something we’re pretty proud of. These days... You gotta plan your nights out in advance because there is a lot going on all of the time.”

Most people know that routine exercise does a body good. While it may not require a degree from medical school to know that exercise can be a great way to lose weight and reduce risk for various illnesses, there’s even more beneficial side effects of regular exercise that might surprise even the most ardent fitness enthusiasts.

Exercise produces positive psychological benefits. WebMD notes that there are several psychological benefits of routine exercise. Those benefits occur because exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are hormones that interact with receptors in the brain that reduce a person’s perception of pain. Some additional psychological benefits of exercise include stress reduction and prevention of anxiety and depression.

Exercise can improve your social life. WebMD also notes that routine exercise can improve self-esteem, which can make it easier for people to connect with others. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Sports

Economics concluded that participation in sports activities can induce prosocial behaviors.

Though participation in sports is often promoted as a great way for kids to make new friends, the social aspect of exercise and sports participation is no less beneficial for adults.

Regular exercise can benefit your career. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Labor Research linked regular exercise with an annual wage increase between six and 10%. Researchers found that moderate exercise yields a positive earnings effect, but individuals who exercised frequently had even higher wage increases.

Exercise can benefit long-term cognitive health. Though the reasons remain unclear, there seems to be a link between regular physical activity and long-term cognitive health. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that regular exercise can positively influence cognitive ability, reduce the rate of cognitive aging and lower the risk for certain dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Many people feel a significant sense of accomplishment by the end of a vigorous workout. Such feelings could grow even more profound when individuals recognize the many lesser known benefits of breaking a sweat.

Fourth of July is all about celebrating independence and what it means to have freedoms of democracy and liberty. What better place to celebrate liberty than Fort Liberty?

The annual Fourth of July celebration on the military installation will kick off at 3 p.m. at Fort Liberty’s Parade Field.
The 82nd All-American Rock Band will start performing at 4:45 p.m. The Golden Knights will be flying in with a demonstration at 5:45 p.m. The Flag Ceremony and the National Anthem will be performed shortly afterward.

This year’s entertainment will feature Gavin DeGraw from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and headliner Sheryl Crow starts at 8:30 p.m.

DeGraw is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame with his song “I Don’t Want to Be” from his debut album “Chariot.” The song became the main theme song for drama series “One Tree Hill.”

Other notable singles from his debut album were “Chariot” and “Follow Through.” DeGraw’s duet with Colbie Caillat on “We Both Know” for the 2013 film Safe Haven received a Grammy Award nomination.

Crow is a 2023 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee. Crow released her 1993 debut album, “Tuesday Night Music Club” — an album that resulted in three of her nine Grammy Awards, including Best Female Rock Vocal and Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do.” Crow produced and played several of the instruments on her 1996 self-titled sophomore album, which was another commercial hit and won two additional Grammy Awards.

Her success continued into the 2000s with Platinum albums “C’mon, C’mon” and “Wildflower” and Gold-certified “Detours.”

Those who want to set up a tent can reserve a spot through the MWR Family Programs website. Tent City rentals are exclusive to DOD ID card holders. Tent City registrations are available on a first come, first serve basis. Tent spots are available for $25, provided you bring your own tent.

Register online using the at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/ website. If you have any questions, call 910-396-7060. Guests can bring their own food, non-alcoholic drinks and ice. Pets, glass bottles and grills are not allowed. There will be food and drink vendors on site as well.

The night will conclude with a fabulous fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. While this event is open to the public, non-DoD cardholders are encouraged to obtain a 30-day pass at the All American Visitor Center at 3550 All American Freeway before the event to avoid delays at the gate on the day of the event.

For information, visit https://liberty.armymwr.com/calendar/event/4th-fort-celebration/5952266/23521

Greg Adair, event coordinator for the Gates Four Summer Concert Series, has one rule for booking talent. He won’t take a look at press kits. He needs to see what he is really going to experience.

“I go find them on Youtube from someone’s iPhone. If they are good there, that’s when I will start booking them.”

This is exactly how Adair found Stephen Freeman. Freeman is all over Youtube. Freeman is a touring Elvis tribute artist and musician and has been for more than 20 years. “He favors him. He has the moves of him. He sings like him,” Adair said.

Freeman will be the upcoming headliner of the Gates Four Summer Concert Series show on July 7 called “Cash and The King.”

His dark locks fall across his forehead as he struts onto the stage. In each video, you can see the different open-chested, bell-bottomed suits with all the embellishments. The King is back, even if only for a night.

Freeman’s performance is as much focused on showmanship as it is his vocal talents. His long pointed chops angle across his face as he takes the center stage in a white, embellished suit with a large gold adorned belt.

There’s little introduction from Freeman. Instead, he jumps straight into the vocals of “Burning Love.” His legs start shaking with the beat as he moves his hands about, displaying large golden rings typical of the King at this era.

“He is absolutely phenomenal,” said Bill Bowman, the event organizer and publisher of Up & Coming Weekly.

Opening for Freeman at Gates Four will be Mark Gagnon who performs as Johnny Cash. According to Freeman, Gagnon too, sounds and looks a lot like his idol, Johnny Cash. Bowman says these kind of shows with “high” level talent brings a different level of entertainment to the Hope Mills community.

“This is going to be a Las Vegas type show — we have a full band, backup singers and lights... The format itself lends itself to a unique theatrical experience,” Bowman said.

As for Freeman, his start did not include touring as Elvis and proudly displaying his chest in open studded suits in Las Vegas style shows. In fact, he began a career as a police officer in 1993 and did a small event at a friend’s wedding in 1998. By 2002, Freeman left the force and was focusing full time on Elvis.

Elvis was always his favorite musician. He says he spent his years growing up watching his performances and the changes in Elvis that happened from the 1950s to 1970s.
Freeman has been swinging with the King so long, he doesn’t have to do as much practicing anymore to keep the moves down. As far as nerves, they’ve left the building, too.

“I love performing with my band and look forward to working to make the fans happy and doing our small part to keep his memory and legacy alive for future generations,” Freeman said.

He plans to do just that. Gagnon and Freeman have performed together many times and say the duo goes really well together.

“We like to keep the show light and fun with humor and commitment to paying tribute to these legends to the best of our ability,” Freeman said. “Forget your troubles and pains for a couple of hours and just simply enjoy the fellowship of others who enjoy the incredible music.”

The doors for the show will open at 5:30 p.m. on July 7 with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Gates Four Country Club Ballroom. This event will be ticketed with tickets priced from $75-95 including food and wine tasting for the event.

There is a discount available for seniors and military both active duty and retired.

Tickets may go fast as Bowman says they expect to sell out.

For more information about the show visit www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.comor call Bowman at 910-391-3859.

“It’s a really great time for the music business post COVID,” said Adair, “And that is going to be a really great show.”

Many adults nearing retirement age count down the days until they can bid adieu to the daily tasks of commuting and working so they can enjoy much more time for recreation, travel or whatever they aspire to do.
As enticing as unending free time may seem, some retirees find it is not ideal to be entirely free from the responsibility of working.

As current seniors can attest, inflation can drive up the costs of living. Seniors who were once able to afford a certain retirement lifestyle may no longer enjoy that hard-earned luxury.

Others may miss the daily opportunities to socialize that working provides, or the way problem-solving on the job stimulates the brain.

But even retirees who miss working may not be ready to return to the workforce full-time. That can make part-time employment an ideal fit for mature workers.
Here’s a look at some part-time positions that could be a good fit for older adults reentering the workforce.

Retail sales associate

Working in retail opens seniors up to a wide array of responsibilities and scenarios. Jobs may include greeting customers, making sales, putting out inventory, and helping customers select merchandise.
Being personable and having good customer service skills are necessary traits to have when working in retail. Many stores offer part-time employees flexible hours so schedules can be customized.

Consultant

Retirees who loved their job but wanted to spend less time doing it can return as consultants. According to The Balance: Money, individuals often find they earn more per hour working as consultants than they did as full-time staff members. Consulting is a way to share expertise and experience without making a full-time
commitment.

Customer service representative

A customer service representative is tasked with helping customers solve problems and ensuring customer satisfaction.
He or she may work at a traditional office or store location, or answer calls and resolve issues from home.

School positions

Retirees may want to consider jobs working in schools or in related capacities. Driving a school bus is an option if people are willing to undergo the proper training and licensing to operate this type of vehicle.
Seniors also may consider working as lunchroom aides or lunch service providers, crossing guards, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals in the classroom.
School employees will only work a few hours during the day. They’ll also enjoy many holidays off as well as summer vacations.

Receptionist

Receptionists greet patients or customers in office settings. According to AARP, they are the welcoming faces of organizations. Answering phones and light clerical work also may be required of receptionists.
Those who want to work off-peak hours can think about working nights and weekends in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.
Seniors have many different options if they decide they want to return to the workforce in a part-time capacity.

Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations. Festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties, and continue late at night after fireworks shows that light up the night sky. Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and busy nature of July 4th parties, including furry members of the family.

Animal control services often report an increase in lost animals between July 4th and July 6th. That’s because the excitement of the holiday puts pets out of their comfort zones.
Pet owners should take heed of the many ways to keep their pets safe during the festivities.

Update identification. Be sure prior to any July 4th events that pets are wearing collars with current identification information. If an address or phone number has changed since the last time you updated microchip records, be sure to check the account is current.

Be careful with alcoholic drinks. Party hosts typically serve beer, wine and cocktails. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets, says the ASPCA. Animals can become very intoxicated, severely depressed or go into comas if they drink alcohol. Keep spirited drinks well out of reach.

Check with the vet. Many pets are prone to anxiety from loud noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, and lots of commotion — something that occurs in spades come July 4th. Some veterinarians recommend a small course of anti-anxiety medication or a sedative to help pets cope with the stimuli.

Create a quiet space. Allow pets to ride out the day in their comfortable, quiet and cozy retreats. If necessary, create a space in an interior room. Cover the pet crate with a blanket and offer favorite toys or bedding to create a soothing environment.

Place notes on doors and gates. While it’s best to keep pets in a locked room away from the fray, some pets like to socialize with guests and are not bothered by noises. However, alert guests with notes posted on doors and fence gates to check to make sure pets are not trying to escape behind them. All doors should be closed firmly when entering or exiting.

Pick up debris. Firework debris can rain down on properties even if you were not shooting off the fireworks. Curious pets may pick it up or eat it, which runs the risk of an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage. Check your yard before letting pets out to play.

Keep an eye on the grill. Pets can be opportunists, and those burgers and chicken drumsticks smell delicious to pets. Pets that get too close to the grill can become injured. And if pets eat leftovers, they may end up with digestive distress or even be poisoned by foods that are toxic to cats and dogs.

Pets need to be protected during summertime parties like Independence Day celebrations.

Few summertime holidays elicit as much excitement as the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day. Each year, family, friends and revelers anticipate the arrival of the holiday so they can host barbecues, enjoy the sun, listen to their favorite summertime tunes, and commemorate the freedoms afforded by the monumental events that led to the holiday’s establishment.

Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1941, but July 4th has stood as the birth of American independence for much longer. July 4th marks a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. The colonies were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. “Taxation without representation” became a battle cry and was one of several grievances the colonists had with Great Britain.

Conflict between the colonies had been going on for at least a year before the colonies convened in Philadelphia in June of 1776, says Military.com.
On July 1, 1776, delegates from the original 13 colonies, making up the Second Continental Congress, met to vote on Richard Henry Lee’s motion for independence.

After some deliberation, on July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted 12 to 1 in favor of independence from England. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer of the declaration writing committee charged with putting the colonies’ sentiments into words.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia was one of the first people to present a resolution for American independence, and his commentary was the impetus for the formal Declaration of Independence. A total of 86 changes were made to Jefferson’s original draft until the final version was adopted. The signing of the document helped to solidify independence, and eventually lead to the formation of the United States of America.

A total of 56 delegates signed the document. Although John Hancock’s signature is the largest, it did not hold more weight than the other signatures. Rather, rumor has it, Hancock signed it so large so that the “fat, old King could read it without his spectacles.” However, the National Archives says it was also customary that, since Hancock was the president of the Continental Congress, he be the first person to sign the document centered below the text.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence on July 6, 1776. The first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square on July 8, 1776.

Getting to know the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is the formal document that served as the signatory colonies’ statement that they were now “free and independent States.” It also indicates the founding principles of the United States of America and is a vital document in American history.

In recognition of the original 13 colonies, here are 13 details regarding the Declaration of Independence.

• 1. The drafted document was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, two days after freedom from Britain was approved. However, most delegates signed the document on August 2, 1776, while others signed on a later date. John Dickinson and Robert R. Livingston never signed the Declaration of Independence.
• 2. While Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, it was carefully reviewed and modified by other members of the Continental Congress, notably John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
• 3. John Dunlap was the official printer of Congress at the time. He worked all night and into the morning of July 5 to produce the large, single-sided sheet, known as a broadside. About 200 copies of Dunlap’s broadside were made.
• 4. The University of Virginia owns two copies of a rare early printing of the Declaration. It is on display in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. It is believed the copy once belonged to George Washington.
• 5. The original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence has been lost.
• 6. Benjamin Franklin, George Read, Roger Sherman, Robert Morris, George Clymer, and James Wilson signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• 7. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were hidden at Fort Knox during World War II, two weeks after Pearl Harbor was attacked.
• 8. Despite what the movie “National Treasure” will have one believe, the message on the back of the document is visible and reads “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.”
• 9. Richard Stockton, a lawyer from New Jersey, was a signer of the Declaration who later recanted his support of the American revolution. He subsequently swore his allegiance to King George III after being captured by the British.
• 10. In 1989, an original Dunlap Broadside was found hidden behind a picture a Philadelphia man bought at a flea market for $4. It later sold for $8.1 million. Ultimately, 26 copies of the original prints have been found.
• 11. The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4th, even though independence was accepted on July 2nd. The one-year anniversary of Independence Day and the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence slipped the minds of Congress in 1777. When they remembered it was July 3rd, they planned a last-minute celebration on July 4th, and each year thereafter.
• 12. Early on, not everyone in America was supportive of the Declaration of Independence. Partisan politics led to discord. Federalist John Adams was feuding with Republicans and Thomas Jefferson. The anniversary date of the signing was not widely celebrated until the Federalists were no longer involved in politics.
• 13. John Trumbull’s painting “Declaration of Independence,” which was made into a lithograph replica by Ralph Trembly, hangs in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. It is a fictional depiction of the five-man drafting committee presenting their draft to Congress, and not the signing. The painting shows 42 of the 56 signees, since Trumbull couldn’t get likenesses of all involved. The men featured in the painting were never all in the room at the same time during the Declaration’s debate and signing.

The Declaration of Independence is a key document in American history, and its words and spirit are celebrated each Independence Day.

Looking for a fun local activity for your young athlete this summer?

The professional Fayetteville Fury Soccer team is partnering with Hope Mills Parks and Recreation to host Summer Youth Soccer Camps. The camps are for girls and boys ages 5 to 11 and take place June 26 to 30 and July 24 to 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Summer Youth Soccer Camps will be held at Gary Dove Memorial Building at Brower Park, located at 5763 Rockfish Road in Hope Mills. Registration is required for camp participation.

The Youth Soccer Camps will provide a holistic learning experience complete with skill building, structured training and fun activities based on a curriculum by Fayetteville Fury. The Professional Head Coach and General Manager, Al Florez, of the Fury’s soccer team will be coaching each session.

Each camper will receive a personalized assessment and valuable training from professional players and the head coach. The overall goal of the camp curriculum is to improve each player’s soccer proficiency in the key areas of dribbling, passing, shooting, defending and goal keeping.

The camp hosts request each player bring soccer cleats, shin guards, a refillable water bottle, and a light snack. For drop-off and pick-up, enter the Rockfish Elementary parking lot. The building is to the far left of the parking lot next to the ball fields.

The camp costs $100 per participant, and parents can register players today at https://www.townofhopemills.com/1579/Youth-Soccer-Camp-by-Fayetteville-Fury. There are limited spots with each camp hosting only 40 participants.

For more information, call 910- 426-4109 or visit the Town of Hope Mills website. Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is a city department providing public places and activities for health and well-being to people of all ages in Hope Mills and Cumberland County.

The Fayetteville Fury is a professional indoor soccer team dedicated to the personal development of the players and to the growth of soccer among the youth.

Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be.

All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods.

Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their appreciation for local farmers.

Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market. Farmers markets are many foodies’ favorite places, but they aren’t exclusive to individuals with a passion for food.
Everyone needs to eat, so why not eat foods grown locally, which are generally more fresh and appetizing than imported fruits and vegetables sold at chain grocery stores?
Even individuals who don’t typically eat fresh fruit and vegetables can find something delectable at a local farmers market, where anything from homemade tomato sauces to locally raised fresh beef and pork might be on sale.

Order directly from local farms. Some farmers have embraced the e-commerce revolution and begun selling the foods they grow to consumers via their own websites. Research local farms and determine if it’s possible to buy directly from them.

Farms may offer delivery or pick-up, and consumers can enjoy fresh foods even more knowing that they helped farmers earn higher profits by buying directly from them.

Check labels before buying in local grocery stores. Packaging labels will indicate where fruits and vegetables came from. When possible, choose items produced by local farmers. This may include fruits, vegetables, meat, pork, or even desserts like pies.

Locally produced foods often taste more fresh than items sent from distant farms, and consumers will feel better knowing they helped to support local farmers.

Spread the word. Get the word out after a satisfying experience with local farms and farmers.

Whether it's buying food from farms or taking advantage of family days that let kids enjoy a day on the farm, sharing positive experiences via social media or word-of-mouth can be a great way to inspire your neighbors to support local farmers as well.

Consumers can do much to support hardworking local farmers. In addition to feeling good about supporting their rural neighbors, consumers also might feel good when they sit down and enjoy a meal featuring locally grown, fresh foods.

Olsen Orthodontics will host their inaugural Summer Fest at their facility to help raise funds for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina on June 30.

“This will be our very first Summer Fest! We wanted to kick off the summer with some fun for our patients, family, friends, or really anyone interested in taking a shot at dunking one of our doctors in the dunk tank,” said Samantha Wells, organizer of Summer Fest.

The Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that has served 34 counties in North Carolina since 1980. It is an affiliate member of Feeding America. They have partnered with shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries and other organizations.

The reason the orthodontics office is hosting the event and donating to the food bank is because they believe in kindness.

“It’s one of our core values that you will find in our waiting area in our office. We try to spread kindness whenever and wherever we can, so we decided a food bank would be a great place to send the funds we raise — now that school is no longer in session,” Wells said.

She added that without school, families may be in need for breakfast and lunch. She said their thought was to help increase the supplies for the summer.
Summer Fest has no cost to get in, but she said for those interested, donations for the food bank will be welcomed.

The food bank’s website said that every $10 donated provides 50 meals. The Food Bank accepts food and non-food essentials such as cleaning items, hygiene items or paper products.

“Donations alone won’t be the only source of raising money; as we will have Sunset Slush and a food truck on site that will potentially be donating a portion of their proceeds,” she said. “We also have raffles with some fantastic prizes you can win — such as a gift certificate for a massage from Renaissance Day Spa and free Invisalign treatment with us!”

She said raffle tickets will range from $5-$25 depending on the prize. They are available for purchase on the day of the event.
Summer Fest will take place at 4116 Raeford Road from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 30.

For more information on the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, visit https://foodbankcenc.org/

Cumberland County Schools announced that kids age 18 and under can enjoy lunch at no cost through the Summer Meals 2023 program. The program runs through July 27 and no sign-up is needed.Families are encouraged to stop by designated locations Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The meals must be eaten on-site. A detailed list of serving locations and times can be found at https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/Page/8195

PrideFest is an all-day family-friendly event that will feature music, vendors, drag shows and other entertainment. The festival is being hosted by Fayetteville PRIDE, a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization.

Fayetteville PRIDE holds monthly support meetings for the community, a book club, a Youth Empowerment Group, and works with local charities. Their mission is to instill pride, celebrate unity, and embrace diversity and inclusiveness in the LGBTQ+ community and allies. It provides a support network and educational advocacy group dedicated to increasing awareness and acceptance.

Earlier this month, the Human Rights Campaign issued its first-ever national state of emergency for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The announcement came after “an unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in 2023,” according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Fayetteville scored a 41 on the HRC’s 2022 Municipal Equality Index. The index is an evaluation of the city’s laws and policies, and an examination of how inclusive city services are of LGBTQ+ people.
According to the HRC, some high-scoring cities may not feel truly welcoming for all LGBTQ+ people, and some low-scoring cities may feel more welcoming than their policies might reflect.

"We want our community to know that even in an environment of increased anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, Fayetteville PRIDE is working hard to instill pride, celebrate unity, and embrace diversity and inclusiveness in our LGBTQ+ community. We are dedicated to increasing awareness and acceptance and providing a safe space for the community to come together, be themselves and feel loved,” Katrinna Marsden, president of Fayetteville PRIDE, told Up & Coming Weekly.

PrideFest is their biggest fundraising and community event for Fayetteville PRIDE. Last year’s festival brought over 6,000 festival attendees, 100 vendors and 100 volunteers, according to Fayetteville PRIDE.

This year’s PrideFest will feature three hour-long drag performances, including a special hour of empowerment performances. However, the Raeford Flowers’ PrideFest Stage will also be used for contests, giveaways and music for dancing.

Approximately 100 different vendors will also be at the event, representing nonprofits, community organizations, businesses and hand-made crafters. There will also be 10 food trucks on site.

The community art project this year are take-home keychains that you can make yourself. There will be other crafts available that visitors can make to show your PRIDE year-round. There will also be a giant magnetic poetry wall to express yourself.

Additions to this year’s PrideFest include a teen’s area and an expanded kid’s area. The teen’s area will be sponsored by Xscape Factor. The kid’s area will have games, water features, entertainment and crafts sponsored by Array Magazine.

The festival is free to attend. It is suggested you bring your own water bottles, sunblock and folding chairs. Pets, backpacks, coolers and weapons will not be allowed in Festival Park.
The event will start at 12 p.m. and end at Festival Park at 6 p.m. If you still want to continue to celebrate Pride into the night, there will be a free movie showing of “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” at the Cameo Art House Theatre at 8 p.m. Best costume or drag is encouraged. The movie is rated R.

For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.fayettevillepride.org/

Mark the calendar, grab your tickets, and get gussied up in boots, bling and blue jeans because you are cordially invited to the Special Forces Charitable Trust Second annual Denim & Diamonds gala. This premiere charity event will take place on June 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Carolina Barn. The rustic, yet elegant and beautiful venue is located at 7765 McCormick Bridge Road in Spring Lake.

Up & Coming Weekly caught up with Sierra Cortez, the event manager, to discuss the motivation and mission behind the Denim & Diamonds gala.

Mrs. Cortez said, “The mission of SCFT is to enrich the strong family bonds and support all programs that enrich the well-being of the Green Beret community. SCFT is all about supporting the family and events like Denim & Diamonds help raise the necessary funds to financially and professionally enhance the command's family resiliency initiatives.”

During our conversation she referred to the Green Berets as the “quiet professionals.”

We asked Mrs. Cortez to elaborate, “Being a spouse of a Green Beret I know first-hand the sacrifice my husband makes to protect America’s interests. So, when he’s not on a mission in some obscure location, he prioritizes family and plays an integral part in the community.”

Cortez directed me to a quote on the SCFT website that says, “The strongest people make time to help others, even when they are struggling themselves.”

According to the SCFT website, there are currently seven Special Forces Groups, two of which are National Guard Special Forces, which are headquartered in seven states: Washington, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, Utah and Alabama. The National Guard Special Forces Groups also have subordinate units in 17 states. Special Forces units are also located in Okinawa, Japan, and Stuttgart, Germany.

As we talked in jest about rhinestone studded jeans that would make even Elvis envious, I asked what can we expect at the Denim & Diamonds gala? This high-energy, jeans-preferred affair will bring together philanthropists, patriots, and purpose-driven partiers, for an evening of fun which funds an amazing mission. From line dancing to boot-scoot boogying with Green Berets, this gala will have the whole town talking.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/denim-diamonds-tickets-630899446227. Besides having the time of your life, the perks for purchasing a ticket includes enjoying casual and delicious bites from Two Brothers Catering. Then enter into the enchanting “Bar-Garden” featuring sips from such establishments as the Southern Pines Brewing Company, Weldon Mills Distillery, Charlie Mikes Pub, Hatchet Brewing Company, Bell Tree Tavern, Adams Beverages of North Carolina, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.

Entertainment for the evening will include live music and dancing with Trey Friddle and his band, silent auction Items, the famous Bling-Ring Raffle and much more. For more information on Trey Fiddle, visit https://treyfriddle.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available at https://revenue-usa.keela.co/denim-and-diamonds-2023 What better way to bolster local roots than to sponsor an evening amongst neighbors and fellow patriots. Sponsorship levels range from $2,500 to $10,000.

Feelin’ Fancy? Diamond VIP tables are available for guests who want to grab your best denim-dressed buds and dance the night away.

Upcoming SFCT Events In North Carolina

The 4th annual SFCT Celebrity | Green Beret Tactical Challenge will be held on Dec.13 to 14 on Fort Liberty’s Range 37. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for teams from the U.S. Army Special Forces and the national celebrity communities to unite and compete in precision marksman skills, tactical movement and physical endurance.

SFCT’s Inaugural Golf Tournament Carolina Trace information will be posted on https://www.specialforcescharitabletrust.org/events#calendar-2ce3dff7-de22-42c5-84dd-4f48e7daf700-event-c86e4970-a2d6-4998-ade1-44193537f277

The SFCT office in Southern Pines is located at 677 S Bennett Street. They serve the greater Fort Liberty area with a heavy presence in Moore County. Any sponsorship or donations made to the Special Forces Charitable Trust goes toward supporting families, raising awareness and uplifting the Green Beret community.

For more information, visit https://specialforcescharitabletrust.kindful.com

Are you ready for an incredible new theatre season? We certainly are! Cape Fear Regional Theatre is thrilled to announce their lineup for 2023-2024. This new season will be an exciting one, as CFRT has selected an array of shows that are sure to delight theatre lovers from all walks of life.

CFRT has a long-standing reputation for delivering quality theater productions and the upcoming season is no exception. The plays selected are sure to be filled with laughter, heartwarming moments and unforgettable performances.

“This was a fun and also a very complicated season to plan,” said Ella Wrenn, CFRT Managing Director. “We want this season to be gangbusters. We want everyone to find something that they’re excited about or better yet for everyone to be excited about everything.”

Wrenn goes on to say “Because we are on the cusp of the Capital Campaign, this is the year that we really wanted to celebrate what the building has offered to Fayetteville for the last 62 years and also be looking forward into what the next chapter of CFRT is and what live theatre in Fayetteville might look like.”

The Capital Campaign is the theater’s plan for major renovations and expansion of the current space. Phase 1, which has been completed, was to renovate the auditorium. Phase 2 will be a much larger under-taking and will force CFRT to put on productions off-site since they do not plan on putting a hold on anything during the construction period.

Wrenn feels that operating through a pandemic has helped them put a “guidebook” together of how to put on productions successfully off-site.

“We internally understand what that looks like, what it feels like and how much work it requires. And perhaps even better our audience understands what that looks like and what that feels like. And they know they are still going to have a fantastic time and a fantastic experience.”

The hope is that Phase 2 will be completed by Fall 2025. Theme nights and special events pre-show are also in the works for the new season. Up & Coming Weekly pressed Ashley Owen, the Marketing Director of CFRT, for the inside scoop and she did say this about “Addams Family: A New Musical”—“I will say I already know, I don’t know what it is going to look like, but we will be doing Wednesday’s Wednesdays. I don’t know what that means yet. But I know that’s going to happen.”

More will be planned for each show as the time for them to open gets closer, usually four to six weeks before opening night. More collaborations with local businesses are also in the works (like Sip Room & District House of Taps were featured in the lobby before “Jelly’s Last Jam”).

“We love a wine tasting. We love a costume party. We love a popcorn bar … We couldn’t do any of that without our community partners.”

The 2023-2034 Season

“The Play That Goes Wrong” (Sept. 7 to 24) Your funny bone will be tickled with this hilarious whodunit from the creators of some of Broadway’s funniest shows! Witness the chaos unfold on the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s production of ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor.’ It’s a 1920s whodunit where everything goes wrong, from unconscious leading ladies to corpses that can’t seem to play dead. This side-splitting production will have you laughing until you cry!

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the actors keep going, and their attempts to reach the final bow have amused audiences worldwide. Drawing inspiration from Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, it’s no surprise that this Olivier Award-winning production will keep you in stitches.

“Addams Family: A New Musical” (Oct. 19 to Nov. 5) The Addams Family is a hilarious treat that celebrates the peculiarities present in every household. The story follows the tale of Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness who has grown up and found love in a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. However, her parents have never met him, and she begs her father Gomez Addams to keep it a secret from her mother Morticia.

What ensues is a night of revelry and chaos as the family hosts a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents, and things will never be the same again. Audiences will be entertained and delighted by this original story that explores the dynamics of family with a twist.

Inside Scoop: CFRT Artistic Director Mary Kate Burke will be directing this one with Tyce Diorio from “So You Think You Can Dance” doing the choreography. And look forward to CFRT’s very own Marc de la Concha as Gomez!

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (Dec. 2 to 17) A staple in the CFRT season, this production is a community favorite. Adapted from a popular Young Adult novel, this play has a fantastic cast of characters, both young and old.

Classic Christmas tunes, heart-warming storytelling and plenty of hilarious moments will make this play your new holiday favorite (if it isn’t already).

“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (Jan. 25 to Feb. 18, 2024) Embark on a magical journey as you witness the timeless allure of the classic fairy tale brought to life by the brilliant minds of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Their signature originality, charm and elegance will leave you spellbound.

This version of the show was last seen on Broadway in 2013 and is the perfect blend of fairy-tale romance, captivating stage transformations, and iconic elements such as the pumpkin and glass slippers.
This Tony-nominated Broadway rendition is perfect for viewers of all ages, so gather the family and prepare to be captivated. You're in for an enchanting treat with this spectacular production, so get ready to have a ball!

“King Liz” (March 21 to April 07, 2024) Meet Liz Rico, a sports agent who’s dominating the industry with her elite client roster and impressive wealth. But as a woman in a man’s world, she’s had to work twice as hard to maintain her position at the top. Her ultimate goal is to take over the agency she’s helped build.

This is where Freddie Luna comes in, a high school basketball superstar with a troubled past. Liz knows that she has what it takes to guide this talented but volatile young star to success, and in doing so, elevate her own career to new heights. But the question is, what sacrifices will she have to make along the way?

“Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy” (May 2 to 26, 2024) When Deloris Van Cartier, the queen of disco, witnesses a murder, she is placed in protective custody in an unlikely hideout — a convent!

Pretending to be a nun, she quickly realizes that the strict rules and the uptight Mother Superior are not her cup of tea. However, with her exceptional disco moves and singing skills, she transforms the choir and breathes new life into the church and the community.

Unfortunately, her newfound popularity exposes her true identity, leading the gang to pursue her. But, Deloris has a secret weapon — her newly formed sisterhood and their unbreakable bond.

Season ticket Flex Passes are on sale now and offer up to a 30% discount. For more information visit the CFRT website at: https://www.cfrt.org/

Three Entertaining Shows at CFRT’s Theatre Summer Camp
Before CRFT kicks off the new season in September they have a busy summer ahead with their education department. Three different summer camps with three different age groups, shows and scheduled performances.

Mary Kate Burke (Artistic Director), Marc de la Concha (Education Director) and Jennifer Sell (Education Associate) are all involved with choosing the summer camp shows for the kids.

“The Adventure of Our Lives, So Far!” (Ages 6-9) is a brand new musical, created exclusively for the CFRT Summer Camp.

Each year CFRT commissions writers to produce a play that allows each child to have an “acting part.” The younger campers get to experience what it is like to be a part of our production, “Theater 101,” as they learn the fundamentals of being on stage, learning to speak in front of an audience along with acting, singing and dancing.

The musical is about a team of youthful archeologists who stumble upon a rare and mystical object, which transports them through time. As they journey through the ages, they discover that they may have taken on more than they can handle. However, with some assistance from newfound companions, they embark on a mission to find their way back home.

“Aladdin Jr.” (Ages 10-14) is picked for this age group for the fact that it can accommodate 45 to 50 kids that attend the camp and has enough name recognition that kids of this age are excited to engage and participate.

“Aladdin Jr.” is about Aladdin and his three pals — Babkak, Omar and Kassim. They are struggling to make ends meet until Aladdin stumbles upon a magic lamp with a Genie inside who could grant three wishes. Determined to impress Princess Jasmine, Aladdin sets out on a journey that challenges his principles and courage. This fresh retelling of the classic tale features enhanced characters, original songs and more excitement.

“Sister Act” (Ages 15-19) summer camp is where a more professional environment is established and campers get a sense of what would be expected from them in a professional theater setting. They rehearse their show for three to four weeks from 6 to 10 p.m. both as actors on stage and as the production’s crew.

Get ready to groove with Deloris Van Cartier, the disco diva who finds herself in a convent after witnessing a murder. As she takes on the challenge of adapting to the strict lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior, Deloris uses her incredible singing talent and unique disco moves to breathe new life into the church and its community.

All of these great shows are open to the public. To learn more about attending the shows please visit: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36634

The month of June has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some from June 1923 that helped to shape the world.

•The Polo Grounds in New York City hosts a boxing match between Frenchman Eugène Criqui and Johnny Kilbane on June 2. Among those in attendance to see Criqui knock out Kilbane in the sixth round is New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth, who arrived after a game at Yankee Stadium earlier in the day.

•On June 4, 16 men begin what becomes a 2,000-mile voyage in a single lifeboat after they are forced to abandon the British cargo ship Trevessa as it begins to sink in the Indian Ocean.

•The Soviet Army defeats what is left of the White Army near Okhotsk on June 6, ending what proves to be the last major battle of the Russian Civil War.

•On June 8, a bill is passed in the British House of Commons granting women the right to divorce their husbands on the grounds of infidelity without having to prove cruelty or desertion.

•Bulgarian Prime Minister Aleksandar Stamboliyski is toppled June 9 in a bloodless coup orchestrated by a private organization of reserve officers.
Stamboliyski survived the coup long enough to flee to his home village of Slavovitsa, but he is ultimately killed on June 14 by members of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, a group that had attempted to assassinate him four months earlier.

•Legendary actor Lon Chaney gets the girl in “The Shock,” an American silent film released on June 10. Though Chaney often played characters who did not get the girl, “The Shock” ends with Chaney’s character, gangster Wilse Dilling, beginning a new life with Gertrude, whose freedom is assured thanks to a timely earthquake.

•On June 12, magician Horace Goldin is granted a patent for the popular illusion of sawing a woman in half. Goldin would go on to perform for U.S. Presidents Harding and Wilson and King Edward VII of Britain.

•Lou Gehrig makes his debut for the New York Yankees on June 15. Gehrig replaces first baseman Wally Pipp in the ninth inning, though this was not the most notable time Gehrig replaced Pipp. That would occur nearly two years later on June 2, 1925, when Gehrig started at first base and took over for the slumping Pipp.
Though the moment Gehrig replaced Pipp in the starting lineup is often remembered as the start of Gehrig’s consecutive games streak that would ultimately last nearly 14 years, the streak actually began a day earlier when the man eventually nicknamed “The Iron Horse” pinch hit for Pee-Wee Wanninger in the eighth inning.

•Scores of people cross the border from Northern Ireland into the neighboring Irish Free State on June 17 as a ban on Sunday alcohol sales goes into effect in the former locale.

•The popular newspaper comic strip “Moon Mullins” debuts on June 19. Created by cartoonist Frank Willard, the strip ran until June 2, 1991. It depicts the lives of diverse characters who reside in a boarding house.

•United States President Warren G. Harding departs Washington, D.C., on June 20 to begin a cross-country speaking tour. President Harding would never return to the nation’s capital, dying unexpectedly of a heart attack on August 2 in San Francisco.
Though Harding’s term in office was fraught with scandal, including Teapot Dome, Harding embraced technology and was sensitive to the plights of minorities and women.

•Turkey holds the first general elections in the nation’s history on June 28, following the 1919 — 1923 War of Independence.