Our children are the future and it is our duty to love, educate and protect them. During April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, we pay special attention to the problem of child abuse.

Child abuse and neglect reports rose 32 percent during the second half of 2009 in Cumberland County. During a six-month period in 2009, the county Department of Social Services logged reports of 3,647 children who may have been abused or neglected.

Cumberland County Schools, The Child Advocacy Center, the Cumberland County Department of Social Services, Cumberland County Family Court, Cumberland County Partnership for Children, Fort Bragg Army Community Services, Fort Bragg Schools and the Cumberland County Guardian Ad Litem Program are hosting a Break the Chain of Child Abuse ceremony on Thursday, March 25 from 9-10 a.m. at the Crown Coliseum Agri-Expo Center.

“The purpose of this event is to bring together community stakeholders with a passion for decreasing child maltreatment rates in Cumberland County,” said Pamela Story, Cumberland County Schools’ social work coordinator.

The itinerary includes a skit performed by students from the Fuller Performance Learning Center and Judge Elizabeth Keever will read Mayor Tony Chavonne’s proclamation. The culminating activity involves Senator Margaret Dickson leading the students in breaking the chain that symbolizes the need to prevent child abuse in our city.

There will also be displays and opportunities for the students to have their picture taken with local dignitaries. Champion for Children awards will be presented to the professional, volunteer and agency/ group who have gone beyond the call of duty to reduce child abuse in our community. Nominations were provided through community referrals.

“Maltreatment can be physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect,” said Story. “If anyone suspects a child is being abused or neglected please call Child Protective Services at 677-2450.”

Story added that this event promises to be bigger than ever and every Cumberland County school will be represented.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact your child’s school social worker, guidance counselor or Story at 678-2621.

You have but to drive through the quiet roads leading into Southern Pines, N.C., to know that you are entering horse country. The well-tended farms, populated with prime horsefl esh, hearken back to another time, a more genteel time.

It is in this environment that The Stoneybrook Steeplechase was initiated in Southern Pines by Michael G. Walsh in 1949. The race, which saw riders competing across a well-manicured course with numerous obstacles, was held annually in the spring until 1996, with attendance nearing 20,000. After a short hiatus, the race resumed as an annual spring event at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford in 2001. On Saturday, April 3, the tradition will continue as throngs gather for the 59th running of this definitive southern spring ritual.

“It is a true spring tradition in North Carolina,” said Abby Schlicht, the Stoneybrook sales manager. “It is an all day event and there is a big range of people who attend — from people who have been going since the old Stoneybrook races to younger groups who are just getting interested in the races and who enjoy tailgating.”

Whether they are coming for love of the sport, tradition or for fun, Stoneybrook promises to bring all three together for an unforgettable event.

“It’s kind of a big party all day long,” said Schlicht, noting that some people honor the event’s traditions and wear great hats and dress up, while others come more casually.

“We are really working to make it a family event,” she added, noting that a children’s activity area will be set up for this year’s event.

“We are also going to have a party tent with live music all day,” she said. “That will continue on into the evening.”

Of course, the party actually starts earlier in the week at the Casablanca Casino Gala, which will be held at the Members Club at Pinehurst Resort. The semi-formal event is a high-stakes evening of glamour and dancing, all to benefi t the Foundation of FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund and the Carolina Horse Park Foundation.

The evening will include cocktails in “Rick’s Bar,” followed by dinner, dancing and gaming, which includes blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. But don’t worry, it’s all in fun. The highlight of the evening will be a silent auction featuring fabulous vacation getaways including a Cayman Islands condo on a private beach, a home in Twin Rivers, Montana (a true fl y-fi shing mecca), a condo in Beaver Creek, Colo., and an ocean-view home on Bald Head Island, N.C.

Tickets to the event are $150 per person, and can be purchased from the Carolina Horse Park.

Tickets for the race are going fast. Schlicht said, “To date we are a little bit ahead of last year’s sales as far as tickets go, and we’ve sold a lot of tailgate spaces and gala tickets.”

For many in the area, the tailgating is the big draw. Yes, it is a lot like going to a football game, people bring out their grills and picnic baskets, but instead of being in a parking lot, they are right on the rail, where they can see the race while they socialize.

Spaces are still available and can be purchased through the horse park’s Web site at www. carolinahorsepark.com/stoneybrook/ticket-sales. There are many different levels of ticket pricing, along with corporate party tents as well.

It is one of the social events of the year,” said Schlicht. “You don’t want to miss it.”

This is the time of year for change. It’s almost springtime; the grass is getting greener, the days are lasting longer andlife seems to be swirling about everywhere.

This is the time of year when people start venturing out again, because the evening air is warm and inviting. It’s the perfect time to head downtown to Hay Street for Fayetteville’s 4th Fridays.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville has been hosting this celebration of the arts and downtown for quite some time now. Each year seems to get better and better, with more venues and exhibits to experience than the year before. They’re planning on continuing that trend in 2010, with new opportunities at the Arts Council starting on March 26.

If you haven’t been to a 4th Friday celebration, you’re truly missing out on the beautiful and eclectic culture that exists in Fayetteville. There are men and women here from all over the world, and their crafts and talents shine brightly downtown during these exhibitions. As you mingle around, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye, your ear or even your taste buds.

By featuring art in all forms, 4th Fridays offer something for everyone. You’ll come across things like ceramic art pieces by local artist Warner Hyde at Cape Fear Studios, and beautiful beadwork done by Ann Flaherty, at Strung Out on Beads. Catch a demonstration on the making of hammered silver jewelry with Up & Coming Weekly’s own Stephanie Crider at Belle Curve. And don’t miss out on the 10th Annual Cumberland County Schools High School Juried Art Exhibition at the Arts Council.

Once you’re eyes have been filled with the artistry of craft, let your ears be entranced by the liveliness of music. You can feel the soul of Fayetteville as you pass by street performers with tambourines and guitars. You can choose to join in as the crowd sways and dances, or just stop and enjoy the sounds. You might be surprised to find that many venues feature live music on 4th Fridays. Listen to the beats of the Raiford Street Band as they perform at Horne’s Deli Café, or relax with the sophistication of a violin and cello, as Laurel Wachtler and Zack Mae kick off the annual Big Read at the Cumberland County Headquarters Library. March is Women’s History Month, so this 4th Friday City Center Gallery and Books will feature books and art by women. You can groove to live music here as well.

4th Fridays’ celebration of art and downtown can be enjoyed by the entire family. Kids can even get crafty by decorating Easter eggs a little early this year at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum.

Admission is free to all of the 4th Friday venues, and the festivities last from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. As the night comes to a close, don’t leave your taste buds in the dust. Grab a chocolaty delight from one of the bakeries to take home with you, or a warm vanilla latte from Rude Awakenings coffee shop before you head to the car. If you have time, you might want to sit on Pierro’s patio and sip a glass of vino, while Frank Sinatra tunes play in the background, or grab a pint of Filthy Kilt Scotch Ale with your friends at Huske Hardware House. Mark your calendars, because this month’s Fourth Friday is just around the corner. Come and experience Fayetteville like you never have before, as downtown comes to life on March 26.

For more information, visit www. theartscouncil.com.

“We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz …” The children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was originally published in 1900. It made its way to the stage in a matter of a year or so and was made in to the much loved movie, The Wizard of Oz in 1939.

Now this American favorite is making its way to Fayetteville as NETworks presents “The greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz” on March 23 at the Crown Theatre. The show prides itself on great special effects including the infamous tornado that carries Dorothy from herKansashome and over the rainbow to the magical, mystical Land of Oz where she encounters munchkins, fl ying monkeys, and befriends the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow.

Directed by Nigel West and choreographed by Leigh Constantine, the production is art deco through and through, right down to the Technicolor backdrop and elegant costumes designed by Tim McQuillen-Wright.

In an exciting twist, NETworks invited local children to be part of the cast and 12 Fayetteville youngsters will perform as munchkins in the musical, singing memorable and much loved songs like “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead.”

Students from the World of Dance Studio will have the opportunity to gain real-life touring theatre experience. They will discover what it’s like to be part of a professional company, learn choreography by Leigh Constantine and be outfi tted in the costume designs of Tim McQuillen-Wright. Children involved in the production include: Maddie Green, Jacquelyn McGaha, Meghan Flynn, Haley Raper, Elise Mahon, Logan Hallas, Savannah Hicks, Lauren Geske, Tatgiuana Parker, Ella Lewis, Johslynn Ebidag and Nia Manning.

According to a March 2009 review of this production in The New York Times “Though the tornado scene is pretty good, and the Wicked Witch fi reballs are startling, the high point of the stage version of The Wizard of Oz at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden is unexpected. It’s “The Jitterbug,” a colorful, somewhat hallucinogenic dance number in which Dorothy and friends are bitten by bugs that make them dance till they drop (allowing fl ying monkeys to carry them away). The abundance of stage gimmickry is another thing that by sheer contrast makes “The Jitterbug” the play’s best moment. The number has no tricks, just the old-fashioned ingredients: colorful costumes (by Tim McQuillen-Wright), witty choreography (Leigh Constantine) and cool lighting (Bob Bonniol). Works every time.”

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 438-4100.

In today’s society, a lot of the etiquette seen in the Victorian era has been lost and people have strayed from the ideals accepted in that time.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex hopes to remind today’s society of those ideals by holding a Women’s History Month Garden Tea Party at the 1897 Poe House on Saturday, March 20, the fi rst day of Spring.

The party will last from 2 to 4 p.m. and men and women of all ages are invited. The Poe house is located at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex at 801 Arsenal Ave. in Fayetteville.

“We’re super excited about this event!” said Heidi Bleazey, 1897 Poe House education coordinator.

This is the first time the tea party is held in conjunction with Women’s History Month and the tea party will focus on that.

Guests are encouraged to dress in Victorian-era clothing, but it is not required. You can bring a garden hat, a simple blouse with lace or a floral-patterned scarf to add a bit of history to your tea. Guests should also bring their own tea cup and saucer to enjoy hot or iced tea along with scones, jams, cucumber sandwiches and other sweets. Historical recipes will also be available to guests. If you do not have a tea cup and saucer both are available in the Cape Fear Museum’s gift shop or you can bring your own mug.

Carol Fleitz, director of horticulture and facilities at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, is the guest speaker. She will talk about the different varieties of roses, planting, preparation and care for them. Bleazey will also talk about Victorian etiquette including the social customs and practices that strictly defi ned that era.

Bleazy hopes that guests bringing their own tea cup and saucer will help them sit up a little straighter and act a bit more proper in the 1897 Poe House setting. Bleazy said the tea party is perfect for any mother and daughter pair, Girl Scout or Red Hat Society, though men are invited, too.

Bleazy feels that this tea and garden party came at an excellent time with the fi rst day of Spring and the release of Alice in Wonderland, a movie which has a tea party in it.

In case of rain the tea party will be moved inside to the Museum of the Cape Fear. The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville. The historical complex is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $5 and can be paid by cash or check to the Cape Fear Museum. Space is limited and tickets will be sold on a fi rst come, first served basis. Tickets that have not been sold prior to the party will be available at the door.

For more information call 910-486-1330 or visit www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov.

Along the heels of Salvador Dali’s Illustrations of Dante’s Inferno and coinciding perfectly with Tim Burton’s production of Alice in Wonderland, the Fayetteville Museum of Art presents Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Salvador Dali.

Along with the exhibition, the museum has several exciting themed events through out the next several weeks. A boon for the community, the museum staff found this treasure quite by accident, and right here in town, through a private collector.

“We stumbled upon it when we were doing research about his (Dali’s) illustrations of the Divine Comedy,” said Michele Horn, Fayetteville Museum of Art assistant director/curator. “It was certainly interesting and intriguing because the Alice in Wonderland movie was about to premier in theaters. When we were down at the Dali exhibit and were working with collectors, there were a couple of works of Dali’s on loan from some private collections here in Fayetteville. It was brought to our attention that a private collector actually owned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Salvador Dali.”

In keeping with the offbeat nature of both Dali and Alice in Wonderland, the pieces are unframed.

“We are working on creating a method of displaying it so that the work is protected and it is easily viewed by visitors,” said Horn. “But it is gorgeous.”

With 13 pieces, this exhibit is much smaller than the previous Dali showcase.

“It is hard to compete with 100 works,” said Horn. “There are certainly not as many images to see but there are so many layers in this work that you can spend much more time looking at different symbols that Dali used in the work. There is this image of Alice throughout the collection. In each work she is depicted in a silhouette form and she is always holding a jump rope. It is very interesting.”

March 26 and 27, Barnes & Noble is partnering with the museum in hosting a book fair at the Glensford Drive store. Look for characters in costume, art activities and events for the kids and story time all centered around the Wonderland experience.

April 17 at the Fayetteville Museum of Art, on Stamper Road, there will be a Down the Rabbit Hole Event — family style — from 2-5 p.m. Along with face painting and art activities for the kids, Alice and friends will be on hand hosting a tea party. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and be a part of the festivities. Tickets are $10 per child.

Later that evening, from 8-11 p.m. an adult soiree will unfold on the museum grounds. For $45 guests can relive the adventures of their youth with the Wonderland theme.

“Adults have fond childhood memories, Alice in Wonderland was a part of their youth and certainly now looking through the eyes of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp it is bringing that childhood memory back to life,” said Horn. “We have talked to so many folks who are excited about getting dressed up for the event. Having an adult soiree in addition to the the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Salvador Dali, we are also going to have a special exhibit that will open during the adult soiree.”

A group of local artists that call themselves the Outsider Artists are putting together an exhibit that follows this theme of Alice in Wonderland. Area artists in this group will put on an exhibit that evening for folks to see their interpretation of Carrol’s work.

Visitors will see what inspiration the artists gleaned from illustrating or just taking from the subject matter already on display and applying it to their own body of work. Pieces will be shown in various mediums — some are painters, some are photographers, some are mixed-medium professionals and some are sculptors, so there will be a lot of variety.

For more information about any of these events, visit www.fayettevillemuseumart.org or give them a call at 485-5121.

March is turning out to be a month that reminds me time and time again that not only is life short and fl eeting, it can change in an instant. What seems our reality — even our destiny — one moment can be something entirely different in the blink of an eye, perhaps because of some decision or action on our part, but then again, perhaps not.

So far this month, I have attended a bridal shower where the bride, already an enthusiastic and accomplished cook, was almost buried in kitchen gadgets and a baby shower, where the expectant mother received all things blue for her fi rst child which modern technology has revealed will be a son. Both these young women are excited and full of hope for their futures.

Our bride, as do many young women in this military community, came to our country to be with her beau and will marry him in only a few weeks. Her family will come from thousands of miles away, and when the festivities are complete, she and her new husband will settle into married life. For her, it will also be a permanent settling into life in a country far away from her native land and far away from the people and places she knew and loved as she grew up.

Our mother-to-be is thrilled that she and her husband are about to become parents, as are both of their families. What I did not really understand when I fi rst became a mother, and what she may not yet thoroughly grasp, is that being a parent is forever. It is a job, a responsibility, and a labor of sheer love that changes but will continue as long as one draws breath and beyond. My parents have been gone for many years, but I still hear their words in my head and ask myself what they would think about something going on in my life or in the larger world.

Marriages and babies are life-changing, of course, but March has also brought changes as life ends. So far this month, I have been stunned by three passings. One was a friend of long standing with whom I recently made a lunch date for early April. Days later, she was dead, under circumstances no one understands and which have yet to be resolved. I believe there will be answers to the questions surrounding her death, but she is gone nevertheless, leaving her family and friends with a sense of loss and bewilderment and of a life cut short.

The others were acquaintances who died in a car accident on a sunny weekday morning as they went about their daily routines, in the same way you and I drive to our offi ces, to school and run our regular errands. Again, there is the sense of lives ended before they were fi nished.

I cannot help but remember one of the pivotal experiences of my motherhood, the day one of my precious jewel’s arm was pinned under another mother’s car pool vehicle, which had been struck and overturned on the way home from an ordinary school program. His arm was badly injured, but blessedly he recovered.

In the 20 years since that accident, the thought that comes to me time and time again is how very different our lives would have been had it been his head under that van instead of his arm.

I am reminded of the school of 17th century English poetry taught to college English majors, exemplifi ed by the likes of Robert Herrick and Andrew Marvel. Taking a cue from ancient poets, they encourage their readers to “seize the day,” carpe diem in Latin, lest life pass you by before you have a chance to experience all it holds for you. Herrick famously put it this way:

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old Time is still a-fl ying,

And this same fl ower that smiles today

Tomorrow will be dying.”

Amorous college students are fond of sharing this advice with girlfriends in hopes a little affection, and the poets certainly thought of that as well. But the poetic advice and the reality of human life is much broader.

None of us really knows what any day holds for us.

My friend did not know that she and I would never have our lunch together any more than I can be sure that I will arrive safely in Raleigh this week or that you will wake up next Tuesday. Life may be predictable most of the time, but it is ultimately unknowable.

Neither our bride nor our mother-to-be has asked my advice, but if they do I will remind them of the poet’s advice to enjoy and treasure each day as if it were their last, to love their family and friends as if they will not see them again, and to take care of themselves not only for themselves but for those who love, need and depend on them.

Life is indeed a gift.

Carpe diem.

Benefits Agency With Big Dreams

On Saturday, March 27, Fayetteville residents will Dream Big!at the 13th Annual Evening at the Theater. The signature fundraising event benefits Better Health, the first independent non-profit organization in Cumberland County, and will be held at Highland Country Club.

Dream Big!is produced and directed by Cassandra Vallery and features local theater performers Ken Griggs, Greg King, Jenny Beaver and Libby Seymour. Most of the performers have volunteered for the event for several years and are regulars on stage at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.

“I think it’s really remarkable that we are able to put together this caliber of show and they all volunteer their time. Needless to say we couldn’t do it without them,” said Judy Klinck, executive director of Better Health. “They put all of this work into a show that will only be seen one time. But that’s also an incentive for people to come out and see the show.”

The show, Dream Big!, has been created exclusively for this event and is a lively production of song and dance, both dramatic and comedic.

It features favorite Broadway hits such as “Dream the Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha, and other recognizable standards like “Dream” by Johnny Mercer.

“We try to choose stuff that we’ve always wanted to do,” said Vallery, who has produced and directed the show for four years.

“Dream Big! is a cabaret-style show. What that means is it’s an intimate show. It’s not big on props or sound effects, but strictly about the audience and the performers. It’s a special relationship. In a cabaret the material is unique. Each song stands alone. Each is separate and has a different message or story,” she explained.

“I hate to be called the director of the show. A director’s job is 90 percent done in casting. Ninety-fi ve percent of mine is done in asking the right people,” said Vallery. “Libby Seymour (joining the show for the fi rst time) is an actress of the highest level. Jenny is adorable and funny and everyone loves her. The two guys — Ken and Greg — are amazing voices and great people.”

This year the individual acts of the show are pulled together with a common theme, explained Vallery.

“The theme is dream big — I was trying to tie in with what they do so beautifully at Better Health. For an agency like that to succeed you have to see the potential of your community and its people, and really dream big. Having a dream — having a goal — is so important in order to have 52 years of service. Its something I also learned through working at the theatre [CFRT] — it doesn’t come from thinking small — you’ve got to have an idea of something big to reach it.”

Better Health has certainly seen the realization of big dreams. The organization has been serving Cumberland County since 1958 by bridging the gaps in healthcare for under-served, low-income residents. The organization has grown from the initial vision of Ruth Peters, the organization’s founder and fi rst executive director, who housed the organization in her apartment for 25 years.

“Better Health was founded in 1958 on the need for prescription assistance. Even though healthcare has changed a great bit in 52 years, that need is still here. That’s part of our direct aid — the most funding is spent on prescription aid. We also do a lot of help with medical supplies,” explained Klinck.

Better Health has certainly seen the realization of big dreams. The organization has been serving Cumberland County since 1958 by bridging the gaps in healthcare for under-served, low-income residents. In those 52 years, the organization has grown from the initial vision of Ruth Peters, the organization’s founder and fi rst executive director, who housed the organization in her apartment for 25 years, to its move to its own facility on Bragg Boulevard.

“Better Health was founded in 1958 on the need for prescription assistance. Even though healthcare has changed a great bit in 52 years, that need is still here. That’s part of our direct aid — the most funding is spent on prescription aid. We also do a lot of help with medical supplies,” explained Klinck.

In 2009, Better Health provided diabetes education and management to 338 people, fi nancial assistant for medical necessities for 1070 individuals, medical equipment loans to 190 families, and information and referral series to 1,587 residents of Cumberland County.

“We’re best known for our diabetes education programs. We have a seven-week management course — and it’s A to Z. It’s a free class and we have clinics that meet every week where anyone could walk in and be checked and seen by a nurse to check weight, blood pressure, blood glucose. And we screen at those clinics for hypertension and diabetes.”

There is no income qualifi cation for those services. Better Health also has a unique medical equipment loan program. They have commonly used medical equipment that is donated to the organization and then loaned out to people in need.

“We have an exercise class for people with diabetes that is fl ourishing. They have a great time. Exercise is like insulin for people that have diabetes,” continued Klinck. “A few years ago we decided to get into prevention. We use a state program “Eat Smart, Move More.” It’s very informative and entertaining. We’ll present it anyplace there is a group gathered that wants to learn about a healthier lifestyle, such as churches or civic groups.”

Better Health is a United Way partner agency, and also receives funding from individuals and corporate donations. According to Klinck, the organization is almost entirely funded by funds from within Cumberland County. Funds from the Evening at the Theater event go into the general operating fund and are used for all of the organization’s programs.

“We usually raise about $30,000 with this fundraiser. That’s our goal this year, after expenses. At least 200 people will attend the event,” said Klinck.

Reservations for Evening at the Theater are $175 per couple or $100 single. The evening includes beverages and hors d’oeuvres before the show and coffee and dessert following. For reservations or more information, please call Better Health at 483-7534 or go to www.BetterHealthCC.org.

The Cumberland Oratorio Singers (COS), the CANTATE Chamber Choir and St. Patrick Church Parish Choir, under the direction of Stephan Barnicle, will combine their choral talents in a performance of Franz Schubert’s Mass in G and Giovanni Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater as part of the St. Patrick Music for Charity Series on Friday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2844 Village Drive, in Fayetteville.

The mission of the St. Patrick Music for Charity Series is to “provide outstanding musical performances to the Cumberland County community” and “heighten awareness of and raise funds for local charities through the performing arts.”

“The event is the first time that COS will partner with the Music for Charity Series,” said Michael Martin, Artistic Director and Conductor of COS. “It’s a great opportunity to work with Stephan, who is nationally known and an accomplished composer.”

Barnicle, Director of Music Ministry at St. Patrick Catholic Church and Artistic Director for the Music for Charity Series, is equally excited about the concert.

“Both composers were very young when they wrote these pieces,” said Barnicle. “Pergolesi was only 26 when he died. Stabat Mater was one of his later works and is regularly used for devotion of the Stations of the Cross, and we will be performing the piece during Lent. Schubert only lived to 31 and wrote his Mass in G when he was 18. It is very simple and a great piece for choruses to sing. The pieces are very contrasting in style. Pergolesi composed during the baroque period, and Schubert was a master of the early romantic period.”

The CANTATE Chamber Choir will open the evening’s program with Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. COS and the St. Patrick Parish Choir, accompanied by a small string orchestra, will perform Schubert’s Mass in G.

Proceeds from the performance will benefit CONTACT of Fayetteville, Inc., a nonprofit Christian-based 24-hour telephone crisis hotline and referral service. Anne Rogers, Associate Director for Music Ministry at St. Patrick Church and soprano soloist in the concert, volunteered at CONTACT upon first moving to Fayetteville.

“It was one of the most valuable things I’ve ever done,” said Rogers. “It is a very worthy cause.”

The Cumberland Oratorio Singers began in 1991 and currently has 65 members. Supported by the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County through private contributions and grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, the group offers three full-length concerts and a free community Messiah sing each year.

“We have members from all walks of life,” said COS President Mary Potter. “Retirees, senior citizens, students, teachers, doctors, young and old. We pay dues to buy music and raise money from ticket sales and through donations. If you have a love of singing, show up, buy the music, and sing!”

Tickets are available at the door for $12; students are admitted free.

For more information about the concert, call (910) 323-2410, ext. 117 or email arogers@stpatnc. org. For more information on COS, call (910) 822- 4447 or (910) 630-7153.

Kate Gosselin and Pam Anderson are just a couple of the celebrities who are set to wow the nation when the hit show Dancing With the Stars returns to TV.

While names like Val Applewhite, David Hinkamp and Soni Martin might not cause a papparazzi feeding- frenzy like the national stars, they will cause quite a stir locally, as the Women’s Center of Fayetteville asks local celebrities to tap, swing and shake their groove things in the 2nd Annual Dancing With the Fayetteville Stars on March 20 at the Crown Coliseum Expo Center from 5:30-10 p.m.

Last year’s event had people talking, and organizers hope this year lives up to the hype as more chatter means more votes and more votes means more money for the Women’s Center to impact the lives of local families through the Lease to Home Program.

Lease to Home is designed to help people transition from homelessness to homeownership. So far, this effort has changed the lives of 33 families, moving them from either shelters or transitional housing or being on the verge of eviction to being property owners. The program includes support, guidance and counseling throughout the process.

In case you missed the event last year, here is how it works: 20 couples made up of local celebrities (in some form or another) will perform. They are working hard to put on a good show, but they are working just as hard to raise money, so they will be out in the community asking for votes (you can vote for them at www.wcof.org). Each vote costs $10.

“It is incredible how hard they work because no one wants to get on stage and do a bad job,” said Teresa Dagaz, The Women’s Center of Fayetteville project director. “They do a phenomenal job dancing and spend lots of time working on their routines, but it is actually about votes. They go out into the community and request votes. We have this thing called vote box, so they get vote boxed ahead of time and then at the event people can purchase votes. It is the only event where the contestants can win by having all of their votes paid for.”

The night of the “competition” will play out much like the TV show — except it will be even better for the audience. There will be a buffet dinner, with two wine tickets and there will be a cash bar as well.

Not only will there be emcees on stage, but there will also be two roaming emcees out in the crowd chatting with the audience. The dancers’ performances will be broadcast on big screens for those not seated near the stage. The three judge format will be the same as the TV show as they provide comedy, critiques and commentary.

“The food will be catered by Center Plate, that is always done by the Crown,” said Dagaz. “Last year the food was absolutely fabulous. We are doing it again at the Crown because they have been exceptional to work with and Moonlight Communications.”

“All of the proceeds go directly to our home program — no administrative costs are taken out it goes just strictly towards Lease to Home to build low to moderate income housing for needy families,” said Dagaz. “It is all worth the work we put into it because we know the end result — everything goes into housing. This is a collaboration with the city, the county, Restore Warehouse and the Women’s Center. It is so great to have all of these resources going back into the community.”

To reserve your ticket, vote or get more info call the Women’s Center of Fayetteville at 323-3377 or visit the Web site at www. wcof.org.

Is there any better feeling than to be able to lend a hand to someone who really needs it — to change a life (or country) for the better because it is the right thing to do? The soldiers of the 82nd’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team know the answer to that question. They have been providing relief to Haiti since a 7.0 earthquake on Jan. 12 reduced a portion of the country to a pile of rubble, affecting millions of people and crippling the Haitian government.

The first paratroopers stepped off the plane on Jan. 15 and got right to work “We’ve done a little bit of everything since we got there,” said 2BCT Public Affairs Officer Capt. Christopher Brautigam. “We started off just handing out food and water and we came in as fast as we possibly could. We treated a lot of people for injuries. If there was anyone still in the rubble, we were going to help as best we could and help the search and rescue teams find those people and get them out.”

Used to taking the lead and doing the heavy lifting in executing their missions, the paratroopers have played a big part in working with other non-governmental agencies to deliver the goods and services that will help in putting the country back together.

“We didn’t actually do the search and rescue. Our goal was to secure areas and provide logistical support for the search and rescue teams because they are really the experts and they’ve done this all over the world,” said Brautigam. “We provided security and gave them room to work and allowed them to go in. In one case though, the White Falcons heard some rumors and had time to get a search and rescue team there and they were actually able to dig through some rubble and help save a guy. It was a really great thing.”

While the 82nd trains hard to be ready for most any mission, it has been a while since they’ve provided disaster relief.

“Most of the brigade are combat veterans and this is definitely different from what we have been doing — but for the most part we have been able to apply the lessons learned, the things that we did while we were in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some of the help that we provided to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and we have been able to apply that here,” said Brautigam. “We were able to use a lot of those lessons in how to help people and how to organize and how to run the logistics of these things to get the most help to the Haitian people as quick as possible. The best thing we were able to provide was the ability to solve problems and to get there quickly with a lot of soldiers and equipment. We were able to get there fast and get right to work. We just go and say ‘Okay, we need to help people’ and everybody fi gures it out with little guidance. Every one of the paratroopers is glad to be helping out.”

Add that All American can-do spirit to the tenacity and scrappiness of the Haitian people and big changes have come quickly to the island, although there is still much to do. When the hard work of soldiers is met with hard work and cooperation from the people, lives are changed. Brautigam was impressed by the Haitians.

“They’ve shown their resilience in so many ways. A few days after the earthquake people — on their own, without any help — were starting to rebuild their homes, or if their home was destroyed they were starting to tear down the homes to see what they could sell for scrap and to see what they could salvage and begin trying to start over. There are countless people who went into their homes, got their things and basically said ‘Okay, I used to run an Internet cafe — that is gone, but I have some of my equipment so I am going to go to one of the camps and set up Internet at one of these camps and get my business restarted till I can get a new house.’ There were guys who were barbers before — they grabbed a couple of their sets of clippers that survived the earthquake and went out and started cutting hair again.”

According to Brautigam, what happened to the Haitian government was the equivalent of our White House, pentagon and five or six of the big federal buildings in Washington, D.C., falling. That would be devastating for any country.

“They are working as best they can out of the facilities they have. We are really working to be a conduit between the government of Haiti, the U.N. troops and the non-governmental organizations... bring it all together, get people to meet face to face, find out where the problems are and to find the best solutions to the problems because at the end of the day, they know that our presence is temporary. NGO’s, (non-government agencies) they are equipped to do this. They are humanitarian aid on the long term and they are positioned and structured better to do that than we are. So we are doing our best to set them up for success — find those places that needed the most help and let them provide that help.”

As conditions improve and plans for redeployment draw closer, the 82nd will once again leave its mark on the pages of history and bring home tales of glory to share with the families.

“They (the soldiers) have seen a lot of devastation and to some extent they will keep some of these memories, but I think for the most part they are going to take back the positive experience we are the 82nd — we were there first and we were able to help in doing something very positive, not only on behalf of ourselves, but as ambassadors for our entire nation,” said Brautigam. "They’ll take that back just like every one of us who have been to Afghanistan and Iraq and we will tell our grand kids we were able to go to Haiti when they had this catastrophe and we were able to help — that is who we are and how we train.”

Addy, Molly, Julie, Josefina and Kaya. No these aren’t the names of the latest girl band, and you won’t fi nd their faces gracing the pages of the tabloids. These are the names of five of the dolls that make up the American Girl Historical Character Line.

These are also the names of girls who have won the hearts of uncounted girls across America who have read the books, bought the dolls and who may just have bought the clothes to match their dolls.

On Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, the American Girl Fashion Show will return to Fayetteville for an event that is sure to delight the hearts of the little girls who collect the storied dolls, and their mothers and grandmothers who remember a simpler time and understand the fascination of these heroines.

The American Girl Fashion Show is an annual event to benefi t the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville. In its third year, the event is made possible through the American Girl Corporation that authorizes the fashion shows to raise funds for nonprofi ts that work directly with children.

Cindy Huguley, one of three co-chairs of the event, explained that the event was brought to the Child Advocacy Board by a former chairman, Beth Perry. “She was aware that the American Girl organization offered an opportunity to non-profi ts that benefi t children,” she explained. “This is a really great event — not only as a fundraiser. The dolls and the stories they represent help to build self-esteem in girls. They read about, and have these dolls, that represent very strong historical fi gures. The whole concept is very wholesome and lets little girls know that it’s okay to play with dolls.”

The American Girl Company only awards regional events, so the show held in Fayetteville will draw people from all over Eastern North Carolina. “It’s a really good event for Fayetteville,” she said. “It will bring families into town from Raleigh to Wilmington. We even have models from as far away as Wake Forest.”

While there are some models from out of the area, the majority of the models will come from Cumberland County. In November and December of 2008, the organization had open calls for models at the Downtown Library and the Hope Mills Library. Girls that fi t into clothes 6X to 10 could tryout to be a model in the show. The co-chairs looked for a very diverse goup of girls.

“We looked for girls who look like the dolls,” explained Huguley.

The historical line includes an African-American doll, Addy; a Native-American doll, Kaya; and a Hispanic doll,Josefi na.

In total, there are 130 models who will work the four shows.

“We wanted to give a lot of little girls the opportunity to participate, so we created four casts,” she continued.

In adddition to modeling on the day of the show, the models have the opportunity to go out into the community to raise funds for the center. Last year’s cast raised in excess of $17,000.

“It’s great that the girls have the opportunity to model, but it’s better that they have the opportunity to help children in need,” she continued. “That’s the underlying point in everything we do at the show.”

Besides getting a chance to see their favorite dolls comes to life, attendees will also have the opportunity to shop for “girly” things in the vendor area and to enjoy a tea party.

The event will be held in the Crown Coliseum Ballroom, with shows at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and a 3 p.m. show on Sunday. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information on the show or tickets, call (910) 486-9700 or visist www. childadvocacycenter.com.

Ah, the glamour of the Academy Awards... does anything compare to the sparkle, so-phistication and pomp and circumstance of the Oscars? While most of us aren’t going to make it to this much-anticipated Hollywood event, several local venues are pulling together to provide an equally high-end, sparkly experience for Fayetteville including paparazzi,frenzied fans and red carpet interviews.

The Arts Council is rolling out the red carpet for a fabulous pre-Oscar party at 7 p.m. on Sunday March 7.

“We have paparazzi and screaming fans... and then we have some ac-tors from the Cape Fear Regional Theater,” said Maureen McKeon, com-munications manager for Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc.

“They are going to be interviewing people on the red carpet, so you walk the red carpet into the party and then we’ll have heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks inside.”

Just like the Academy’s event, come dressed to impress. It is the red carpet after all, and you never know who is watching.

“There is also a costume contest,” said McKeon.“We are encouraging people to come dressed as their favorite movie char-acter, favorite actor or actress or in their Hollywood finest — however they feel they want to come.”

Once inside, plan to bid on any of the several items that will be featured in the silent auction. There will be ev-erything from a trip for four to Disney World to a night-on-the-town pack-age, lunch with the mayor, a teeth whit-ening package, lawn services and more.

Inside the Arts Council there will be a big screen featur-ing Hollywood’s pre-Oscar party as well.

The Academy Awards begin at 8 p.m. (feel free to hang out at the pre-party until 9 p.m. if you like). The Cameo Art House Theatre will be showing the awards in their entirety, so it will be just a few steps down the block to catch the ceremony.

“It is really fun,” said McKeon. “We are going to have dessert and cof-fee available at the Cameo Theatre, too. Last year we had some impromptu things during the commercials — one of our guests (who played Gomer Pyle’s girlfriend on TV)Elizabeth McRae, she got up and sang during one of the commercials. I’m not sure if she is going to do that this year. You just never know what is going to happen.”

The funds raised will benefit the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc.“We have some programs for military fami-lies, and it also benefits the partnership’s Kids Stuff — the children’s area at the Dogwood Festival,” said McKeon.

“It allows us to bring in some really great stuff for children and families. We have some really awesome programs — we pretty much touch every child from birth to five-years-old in Cumberland County in some way.”

Tickets cost $60 per person, $40 for Cameo members, and $100 per couple. Call 867-9700 for reservations. Visit the Web site at www.ccpfc.org for more information.

With the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s season in full swing, the organization is putting the spotlight on Classical Masterpieces during its performance on Saturday, March 13 at 8 p.m. The performance will be held in Reeves Auditorium on the campus of Methodist University.

The fourth performance in the orchestrat’s five concert season, will feature works from three well-known composers: Antonio Vivaldi, Franz Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven. Under the direction of Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, the symphony has a unique performance in store for its audience.

Showcasing the talents of Dr. Timothy Atlman and Dr. Larry Wells, Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets will be one of the highlights of the performance. Concertos for two trumpets were quite popular during the Baroque.The Republic of Venice had long tradition of ceremonial music for brass instruments, especially the trumpet. The instrument in Vivaldi’s time was technically primitive compared to today’s instrument, having no valves or keys to permit the full range of chromatic notes. The composition is bright in character and was probably written for some festive event. It was unknown until its discovery in the 1920s, but it follows the composer’s usual three movement fast-slow-fast format. 

The symphony will also present Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 in B fl at Major. It is also a festive composition that

Haydn’s Symphony No. 88 in G Major is a well-respected piece, and served to give Haydn recognition as one of the most innovative and creative minds of his time. Unlike the other two featured performances, Haydn’s work is initially somber in nature; however, the development becomes increasingly dramatic in mood, and the recapitulation is a re-orchestration of the original material, including a charming flute solo.

If you want to attend the show, there will be free shuttle rides from Highland Presbyterian Church to Methodist University. Tickets for Classical Masterpieces are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and members of the military, $8 for students and Methodist University ID holders are free with their student ID.

On March 7, the symphony will host a special performance at Highland Country Club to announce its next season. The event is open to the public.

For more information on the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, call (910) 433-4690 or visit the Web site at www.fayettevillesymphony.org.

If there is one thing that Fayetteville is not short on, it’s restaurants. With new restaurants opening on a regular basis, you’re sure to have missed out on trying one of them. Well, don’t worry, you have your chance to take a bite out of the city and help two great non-profi ts at Fayetteville’s fi rst every Taste of Fayetteville on March 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m..

The event, sponsored by Cumulus Broadcasting and the Holiday Inn Bordeaux, where the event will be hosted, came about not just as a fun thing to do, but also as an event that will benefi t the community.

“We are going to have a minimum of 24 vendors participating,” said Flo Knight, marketing and promotions director at Cumulus Broadcasting. “The event ends at 3 p.m. Just come to the door, it is free to get in but costs $10 to taste.

”Vote for the vendor who deserves bragging rights as Fayetteville’s best restaurant. There will be awards for fi rst, second and third place.

“It is just something fun to go out and have the community vote on who they like,” said Knight. “It is a small fee but something fun for the community to participate in.

”Each person will receive a punch card that they can fi ll up as they make their way around the room. The cards can then be entered in a drawing for an opportunity to win a $100 dollar gift card from WalMart. You don’t have to purchase a card to enter for the prize drawing.

The restaurants represented include Holiday Inn Bordeaux, Cold Stone Creamery, Big Apple, Subway, Chef Mei, the Doubletree Hotel’s Marquis Bistro, Sherefe Mediterranean Grill and more. There is no theme, as there is a little bit of everything, according to Knight, who promises that you are sure to fi nd something you can enjoy.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to offer a little taste of different things, again it is a taste test. It is not going to be large portions, people will be getting a taste of many different items,” she said.

Proceeds will benefi t the USO and the American Red Cross Highlands Chapter. The USO is a private nonprofi t organization that serves and supports soldiers and their families in a variety of ways. According to the Web site they provide morale and recreation services to 220,000 service members and their families annually.

The American Red Cross Highlands Chapter serves Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and Sampson counties. It offers a wide range of services to the public as well as the military community. Covering everything from disaster services and preparedness, to life guarding and fi rst aid classes to blood drives, the American Red Cross serves the greater Fayetteville community 24/7, 365 days a year.

Attendees can expect some great food, musical entertainment — provided by Chris Hurst — and a chance to help the organizations that help our community. The inaugural Taste of Fayetteville is something that Knight hopes you will not miss.

“We are really excited to have this event, in fact, we plan on having it become an annual event,” she said

.For more information, check out www.q98fm.com.

Monster trucks will roar into the Crown Coliseum on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13 for a jumping, crunching evening of fun.

The shows will feature some of the biggest and best monster trucks on the circuit, including Eliminator, Twisted Dragon, Dragon Fly, Viper and Defender. Additionally the evening will feature an extreme freestyle motorcyle FMX show much like what you see on the X Games and Dew Tours. The riders will jump from ramp to ramp doing tricks more than 60 feet in the air. There will also be an aerial assault acrobatics team featuring back-fl ipping rider Tyler Polk.

If that’s not enough for you, local riders are also invited to bring out their bikes for a “winner take all” competition of humps, bumps and jumps. To participate, pre-register at www.amptour.com. The pit gate will open at 5 p.m.

Fans will also have the opporunity to meet their favorite driver during a pre-show party that begins 90 mintues prior to show time. All ticketholders will be admitted free to the party.

Tickets range in price from $15 to $30, with VIP tickets available. There are also two package deals, with a VIP Party 4 Pack offering three VIP tickets with one free, which offers a $25 savings. The Family Fun Pack allows you to take a family of four out for under $50 and includes two adults reserved seats and two children’s reserved seats.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on both nights, with gates opening 90 minutes earlier for the pre-party.

For more information, visit www.amptours.com or www.atthecrown.

“There’s a whole lotta crankiness going on,” as Jerry Lee Lewis once almost sang. Everywhere you look the crabbiness ofLucy Van Pelt from Peanuts has taken root in the body politic. It’s not just the Republicans versus the Democrats for breakfast any more. Americans are atomizing into tribal warfare like Afghan tribes. Factions of the Republicans hate each other with a hatred both true and pure, as shown by the booing of Ron Paul as the winner of the straw poll at the CPAC convention. The Democrats are equally at odds with themselves over everything. As Rodney King once asked in a different context, “Can’t we all just get along?” At this point, the answer seems to be a resounding, “Nope.”

Fortunately, Time magazine’s cover just sported a picture of Washington, D.C., frozen in a chunk of ice as a place where nothing gets done anymore due to partisan poopyheadedness. Let us consider for a moment a few of Robert Frost’s lines on this subject from his ditty, Fire and Ice. Ol’ Bob, while writing about the end of the world, said: “But if it had to perish twice/ I think I know enough of hate/ To say that for destruction ice/ Is also great/ And would suffi ce.” Bob’s poem brings up the global-warming issue, which itself opens up even more cracks in the thin ice of civility that used to bind us together as a nation.

If you paid much attention to the news, you might begin to feel less than optimistic about the future of the country. However I take comfort in the proven theory that by the time a trend becomes a cover story on Time magazine, the trend is almost over. Now that the winter of Washington’s discontent in an ice cube story has run in Time magazine, can a Spring of reconciliation be far behind?

What we need now is something to ameliorate the angst that affl icts America. Fortunately we’ll soon have just the ticket to ride out of our slough of despondency. Yep, Big Pharmaceutical is about to release another super drug to fi ll up the psychic pot holes on the road to happiness in the early 21st century. The Acme Drug Cartel is about to release the latest cure for what ails us: Vicodin for the Soul. Vicodin for the Soul works by cauterizing the Spite Center in the Medulla Oblongata of the soul. It’s a theological/political lobotomy for the masses. Prepare to be mellowed out and love your enemies. You will cooperate with people you previously could not stand. Nancy Pelosi will link arms and sing Kumbaya with Glen Beck. Tea Baggers and Acorners will intermarry and reproduce.

Vicodin for the Soul is a new wonder drug that is going to make us all love each other. Faster than a speeding Thorazine tablet. More powerful than a case of Abilify. Able to paper over towering political differences in a single dosage. Look up in the sky! It’s a feathered dinosaur! It’s Balloon boy! It’s Vicodin for the Soul! Yes, it’s Vicodin for the Soul, a strange visitor from a Chinese Petri dish that came to your local pharmacy with powers and abilities far beyond those of mere commercial mode altering drugs. Vicodin for the Soul can change the course of political philosophies, bend frozen opinions with only 500 milligrams three times a day; and when, disguised as Diet Soda, a mild mannered drink in a great metropolitan pharmaceutical store chain, fi ghts the never ending battle for political placidity, the appearance of justice and the American way.

Vicodin for the Soul transmogrifi es the human Spite Center into the gentleness of a barrel of fl uffy kittens on a Spring morn. Political crankiness will be eliminated by better living through chemistry. Your soul will be at peace. Flo the grinning brain dead sales lady for the car insurance company is on Vicodin for the Soul. With regular daily usage of Vicodin for the Soul, political arch enemies can become as happy together as Flo and the guy who wants to buy car insurance. Don’t you want to be as happy as Flo? Don’t you want to love your enemies?

With industrial strength Vicodin for the Soul replacing fl uoride in America’s water systems, the entire country will be just as blissfully zoned out as the couples who sit around all day in bath tubs at the beach in the Cialis commercials. Sink yourself into happiness. Empty your mind and fl ood your brain with love. Buy Vicodin for the Soul, a couple of hot tubs and never think again. You’ll be glad you did.

Ah, the glamour of the Academy Awards... does anything compare to the sparkle, so-phistication and pomp and circumstance of the Oscars? While most of us aren’t going to make it to this much-anticipated Hollywood event, several local venues are pulling together to provide an equally high-end, sparkly experience for Fayetteville including paparazzi,frenzied fans and red carpet interviews.

The Arts Council is rolling out the red carpet for a fabulous pre-Oscar party at 7 p.m. on Sunday March 7.

“We have paparazzi and screaming fans... and then we have some ac-tors from the Cape Fear Regional Theater,” said Maureen McKeon, com-munications manager for Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc.

“They are going to be interviewing people on the red carpet, so you walk the red carpet into the party and then we’ll have heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks inside.

”Just like the Academy’s event, come dressed to impress. It is the red carpet after all, and you never know who is watching

.“There is also a costume contest,” said McKeon.“We are encouraging people to come dressed as their favorite movie char-acter, favorite actor or actress or in their Hollywood finest — however they feel they want to come.

”Once inside, plan to bid on any of the several items that will be featured in the silent auction. There will be ev-erything from a trip for four to Disney World to a night-on-the-town pack-age, lunch with the mayor, a teeth whit-ening package, lawn services and more.

Inside the Arts Council there will be a big screen featur-ing Hollywood’s pre-Oscar party as well.

The Academy Awards begin at 8 p.m. (feel free to hang out at the pre-party until 9 p.m. if you like). The Cameo Art House Theatre will be showing the awards in their entirety, so it will be just a few steps down the block to catch the ceremony.

“It is really fun,” said McKeon. “We are going to have dessert and cof-fee available at the Cameo Theatre, too. Last year we had some impromptu things during the commercials — one of our guests (who played Gomer Pyle’s girlfriend on TV)Elizabeth McRae, she got up and sang during one of the commercials. I’m not sure if she is going to do that this year. You just never know what is going to happen.

”The funds raised will benefit the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Inc.“We have some programs for military fami-lies, and it also benefits the partnership’s Kids Stuff — the children’s area at the Dogwood Festival,” said McKeon.

“It allows us to bring in some really great stuff for children and families. We have some really awesome programs — we pretty much touch every child from birth to five-years-old in Cumberland County in some way.

”Tickets cost $60 per person, $40 for Cameo members, and $100 per couple. Call 867-9700 for reservations. Visit the Web site at www.ccpfc.org for more information.

Every morning while in garrison, the soldiers of Fort Bragg hit the streets. They run miles and miles. And when they are deployed, they exchange their tennis shoes for boots and instead of the safe run along Gruber Road, they climb through mountain passes and pound streets littered with IEDs. To show its support for these troops, the USO of North Carolina Fort Bragg Center is hosting its 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Run for the Troops on March 6 at Fayetteville Technical Community College. They are asking the community to put on their running shoes to do more than just raise funds for the troops. They want the event to truly show the community’s love and support for its troops. Participants will walk or run in honor and memory of service men and women.

There were more than 400 participants who helped raise more than $12,000 for the first walk/run. With such a great outcome last year, the goal is to double the number of participants and funds raised. All proceeds go to the Fort Bragg USO’s facility and outreach programs.

The local organization sends care packages to service members while they are deployed overseas. It also gives rack pack items, which are basic necessity items that are already waiting for service members in their rooms so they have the essentials they need after they return from deployment. With those special programs and so much more that is offered by the nonprofi t organization, it’s important for the community to participate in events and fundraisers. Volunteers are always welcome.

There will be fun for all ages in addition to the main walk/run event. Participants can rest legs and relax backs in massage chairs that will be in service. Some will leave with more than their free T-shirt as they win prizes from drawings. The children will appreciate the delicious snow cones, exciting activities and friendly clowns that will be on hand for entertainment. Enjoy the refreshments and warm interaction with other supporters of service men and women.

“Valley Auto World and quite a few businesses in the community already support the USO of N.C. at Fort Bragg and this is such a big event, we couldn’t do it without them,” says USCNCFB Center Director, Hoku Hobbs. “Last year was a huge success and we want another great turnout to benefi t the troops and families of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. The proceeds go towards our outreach programs and maintaining our 4,200 square foot facilities that have recreational equipment, computers with Internet access, free wifi and other services. It’s really a home-away-fromhome and everything is free for our patrons who are usually single soldiers who live in surrounding barracks.”

There are several ways to show support. Register online for $20 adult, $12 for participants under the age of 16. Those unable to make it out on race day can still show support by donating $20 and the event T-shirt will be sent by mail. Others can register at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the walk/ run. The race starts on Hull Road at Parking Lot #5, on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College. The race starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. so put the baby in the stroller, dress comfortably, don’t forget the camera and come out to support local troops.

Sunday afternoon I sat through the fi nal performance of Peter Pan at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. It was my fi fth or sixth viewing of the musical, and I remained as enchanted throughout the performance as I was the first time.

While there were professionals carrying three of the lead roles, the rest of the cast was rounded out with community children and high school students. As the Littlest Burton was among the cast, I had the opportunity to see how much work went into put together a production of this scale. I can tell you, it was grinding. Rehearsals started on Jan. 2 and ran all the way through to the show’s opening at the end of the month. The average rehearsal was four hours – longer in the days leading up to the opening.

Did I mention those rehearsals happened after school? These students, ages 8 and up, carried not only their school work but the grueling schedule of rehearsals as well. Some of the students were also involved in the theatre’s upcoming production of Les Miserables. They were doing double duty.

As a mother, I was very concerned about the impact of the schedule on my son’s school performance. We were, after all, doing homework on the way to the theatre and getting up early in the morning to complete what was left undone. I imagine that was the case with all of the students in the cast.

I had the opportunity to talk with Bo Thorp, the theatre’s artistic director about the subject. Thorp, who has a passion for children, noted that children involved in the arts tend to do better in school. They learn to balance their creative time with their academic time, and the time spent pursuing the arts actually makes them better students. She noted that one of the students who was pulling double duty on both plays had recently told her he made the A Honor Roll.

Her experience with the success of children in the theatre is not an anomaly. A recent Harris Poll shows a positive association of music with lifelong educational attainment and higher income. Nearly nine in ten people (88 percent) with post graduate degrees participated in music education. Further, 83 percent of those with incomes higher than $150,000 or more participated in music.

“Research confirms that music education at an early age greatly increases the likelihood that a child will grow up to seek higher education and ultimately earn a higher salary,” said Dr. John Mahlmann, executive director of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. “While music clearly corresponds to higher performing students and adults, student access to music education has dropped about 20 percent in recent years, thanks in large part to the constraints of the No Child Left Behind Act.”

Other studies show the value of music programs to our future generations:

• Students in top quality music programs scored 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math on standardized tests mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act (University of Kansas)

• In 2006, SAT takers with coursework in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 43 points higher on the math portion (The College Board, Profi le of College-Bound Seniors National Report for 2006)

While schools across the nation are cutting music and arts programs from their daily schedule, in Cumberland County, we are blessed to have institutions like the CFRT, Snyder Music Academy, the Kidsville Kids, the Arts Council and the Fayetteville Museum of Art that work daily to bring arts education to our county’s children.

From personal experience, I know that incorporating music and the arts helps a child’s development. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Benchmark Testing was conducted in the Cumberland County Schools during the opening week of Peter Pan. We were in rehearsal until 11 p.m. that week, and I knew my son was tired. I was really worried about his performance on the test. When scores came out this month, I was overwhelmed. My son, who is dyslexic, scored 20 percent higher than the county average in reading and held his own in math.

There is a place for music and art in our children’s lives. It’s up to us as a community to make sure it stays there.

Dig out that rattail comb and old can of Aqua Net®, and make sure every hair is teased and plastered in place for the Broadway show performance of Hairspray, coming to the Crown Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. as part of the Community Concerts of Fayetteville series.

Based on the New Line Cinema fi lm written and directed by John Waters, Hairspray is set in Baltimore in 1962. Big-hearted Tracy Turnblad just wants to dance. After winning a spot on the local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show, plus-size Tracy with her big hair Twists, Watusis and Swims into celebrity status as she wins the heart of teen idol Link Larkin, integrates a TV show –– and overthrows the current teen queen’s reign.

Hairspray, big on fun, music and choreography, was a smash hit, winning eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and spending more than six record-breaking years on Broadway.

“Hairspray coming to Fayetteville is such a great opportunity for our community,” said Kathy McKnight, vice president of marketing for the all-volunteer, nonprofit Community Concerts, Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization “whose sole mission is to bring the finest in top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville.” “This presentation is absolutely what the Community Concerts of Fayetteville organization is all about! Bringing productions like this only enhances our cultural credibility as an excellent community to live, work and play in,” continued McKnight. “We’re very excited to be partnering with Community Concerts,” said Natalie Lewis, marketing and promotions manager for the Crown Center. “This is a top-of-the-line Broadway show.”

Or as ‘60s icon Ed Sullivan might have put it, Hairspray is “…a really big shew!” Tickets are $20-$34 and may be purchased at the Crown Center Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

For more information, contact Community Concerts at (910) 323- 1991 or the Crown Center at (910) 438-4100.

When it comes to splendor, excitement, edge-of-your seat anticipation and downright giddiness, not much beats the circus. The crowds, the lights, the music, the clowns, acrobats, trapeze artists and large beasts mixed with some peanuts, cotton candy and a medley of other bad-for-you-yetdelicious treats can be darn near close to heaven for the audience — young and old alike.

On Feb. 25 the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® will roll into town to put Illuscination in the center ring.

“It is a little different than a traditional circus,” said Director of Marketing and Sales at the Crown, Frank Zaccaro. “We have the gold version coming in and I know that Ringling Bros. is doing something really special with this version.”

One of the main differences is that each ticket purchase includes a preview hour.

“People can come and meet the performers, learn to juggle, walk on the low wire and try on circus costumes that have been used in other shows,” said Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey® Production Manager Jason Gibson. “It really is fun to watch people interact with the performers and then just light up when they see them later performing in the ring.”

This particular production is called Illuscination, and like the name implies, there is a magical experience for all who enter the arena. Forget the trapeze, David DaVinci attempts a daring escape from a straight jacket while dangling above a den of lions. His act includes 10 colorful winged assistants — a Toucan, an African Grey, Cockatoos and Macaws. Magic and drama are front and center when DaVinci steps into the ring.d

“DaVinci is our illusionist and he weaves his magic act throughout the entire show,” said Gibson. “Most illusionists perform with people sitting in front of them, but David works with people watching him from every angle. It is quite amazing to see him in action.”

What circus would be complete without the splendor of the wild, primal power tamed, or at least trained, and on display? There will be performing elephants, lions (including a magnificent, white male lion) and ponies, and even house cats – all expertly trained and ready to entertain and amuse the audience.

“The male lion knows he is glorious, too,” said Gibson. “You can hear the crowd gasp when he walks in because they’ve never seen anything like him — and he really responds to that.”

Ahh, bring in the clowns. As part of their routine, Trio Caveagna use trumpets and saxophones to bring oomph to their act. While they still hold true to the wackiness of classical clowning, look for a modern kick to it, too. This award winning act has won the Bronze Medal in the 2004 Passauer Festival and a Bronze and Silver Medal at the 2005 and 2006 Festival International de Namur.

We’ve all seen tight rope walkers, but Francleib Rodrigues takes it to a whole new level when he walks upside down in his aerial foot loop act. No nets. No harnesses. Just an inverted hop skip and a jump, so to speak, across the ceiling.

“You really have to be here,” said Zaccaro of the Illuscination tour. “It’s an experience that they (the public) can’t miss. If you love the traditional circus, this will be all that and then some.”

The hour before the show is Gibson’s favorite part of each performance, because he loves to watch people have fun talking to the performers. He said there really isn’t a part of the show that he doesn’t thoroughly enjoy. In fact, he cautions, “Be sure to get your cotton candy and popcorn before the show starts because once the performance begins, things just don’t slow down.”

While the acts named above are just a small peek at what is in store, Gibson hopes that folks will remember that it is all put together with them, the audience, in mind. “We make our living making people smile. It is the best job in the world,” said Gibson. “This show really is for kids of all ages. Our show is about giving people a wonderful experience that they will remember forever.”

The show runs through Feb. 28. For more information and ticket prices, contact the Crown Box Offi ce at 438-4100 or visit the Web site at www. atthecrown.com or tickets are also available at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets..

Spring — sunshine, warmer weather and that mile-long to do list. Whether it is the fl ower beds that need some love, the deck that could use some refortifi cation or that cabinet that needs refacing, the Carolina Home & Garden Show offers inspiration, ideas and endless possibilities for turning your home or garden into the retreat you crave. With about 175 booths and 85 vendors, daydreamers and do-it-yourselfers alike will fi nd something to get excited about at the Crown Center Feb. 26-28.

Special guest Roy Underhill, of the PBS series The Woodwright’s Shop, will be speaking several times on Saturday.

“He is going to do three 30 minute demos working exclusively with vintage hand tools,” said Natalie Woodbury, Home Builders Association of Fayetteville executive offi cer. “When he is not on stage he’ll have a display where people can come and talk to him.

”Underhill is not the only dynamic presentation planned for the three-day event. George Quigley will speak on green landscaping while Shauna Haslem will cover vegetable gardening. The lovely Camellia will have its day in the sun when Jim Darden delivers a 30 minute demonstration.

Roger Mercer will be on hand as well, hosting a question and answer session about gardening. Other topics will include container gardening and gardening for kids.

Woodbury is excited about the vendors this year and the wide range of services they offer.

“We’ve got everything from cooking items to gutters to exterminators to carpet and landscaping,” she explained.

As in past years, each day has a theme. Friday, Piedmont Natural Gas is sponsoring Go Green Day. Saturday is Kids Day and will be sponsored by Fayetteville PWC. Military Day falls on Sunday and is sponsored by Weaver Homes.

“Saturday we will have a jump castle for the children and two sessions of kid’s gardening,” said Woodbury, adding that “The Weaver Homes booth will be handing out food vendor coupons to military ID card holders on Sunday.

”There will be musical entertainment by the John Parson Band and the Northwood Temple Senior Band as well, which is an addition from last years booths. Even the vendors will have their own treat to look forward to this year. The Kidsville Kids will be performing at an after hours event on Friday, Feb., 26

.“The Kidsville Kids represent Kidsville News! in promoting the values that the publication stands for — literacy, developing talents and achieving goals,” said Kidsville Kids director Joy Cogswell.

“We’ll be performing a good variety of pieces for the vendors... we’re doing ragtime, rock-n-roll and a patriotic piece, too.”

Look for door prizes and handouts galore throughout the weekend.

Woodbury noted that one of the bigger prizes is a $2,000 landscaping make-over from Green Biz.

“Something people need to know is that this is a great opportunity because all of these wonderful businesses will be under one roof,” said Woodbury. “You don’t have to go from place to place looking for different items and there really is something for everyone in the seminars we have planned with these experts talking about so many different topics.”

Friday, the doors open at noon and close at 6 p.m. Saturday, the show is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $6 at the door. Visit www.carolinahomeandgardenshow.com for presentation details and more information on the vendors or give the Home Builders Association of Fayetteville Inc. a call at 826-0648.

So now that the Super Bowl is over, what are you going to do? The quarterback for the New Orleans Saints went to Disney World. Instead of going to Disney World, I went to South of the Border. It’s the world’s greatest roadside attraction. The quiet artistry and subtle delights of S.O.B. can never be visited too often.

I made the visit to learn what new and exciting Chinese products are being hawked in Dillon. The fi ne variety of novelty items on display at S.O.B. continues to amaze. However, I am concerned with the lack of tourists frequenting the premises. In a nutshell, the place was a ghost town. The Great Recession has cut deeply into the number of travelers stopping at S.O.B’s Sombrero Room. For a buck you can write your name on a cut out paper sombrero to staple on the wall like the Paleolithic cave dwellers in Lascaux, France. Having your name stapled to the ceiling of the Sombrero room is a form of immortality.

Take some money to S.O.B. soon or it will be as much a thing of the past as the Toyota. The must see sites are the Emporium which has cool novelty items and Fort Pedro which sells the most excellent fi reworks in North America. There were two sales people in the Emporium and I was the only customer during my 20 minute visit. A large box of fake doggy doo is the fi rst thing that greets you when you walk in the door. Apparently the demand for fake doggy doo is down and supply is up. If you need a set of shot glasses held up by plaster alligators, S.O.B. is the place for you.

A flock of ceramic chickens stands watch above the “lovely to look at, delightful to hold, but if you break it, consider it sold” sign. One can never have too many ceramic chickens. The Wee Willie Squirter urinating dolls are still on sale. You can buy an entire village of 10” tall artifi cial Mexican peasants for only $6.95 each. A pack of drunken Chihuahuas nestled next to a tequila bottle was available.

The black velvet art collection is the ne plus ultra of velvet classicism. Black velvet Native Americans, howling wolves, elephants, soaring eagles and pitt bulls are yours for a mere swipe of the Master Card. Wooden back scratchers with life like fi ngers abound for only $1.50. Every size of fake snake known to man can be purchased. Coconut head pirates that shiver your timbers patrol above the raunchily risque Horny Hillbilly in the adult section of the store. I bought three Pedros on a stick for only $1.Next stop was Fort Pedro which has enough fi reworks to destroy all of Iran’s enriched uranium in one afternoon. I am a real fan of the names given to fi reworks. Fireworks are a manly item designed to explode in a shower of sparks and make manly noises like the aftermath of a Super Burrito meal. The “Really Bad Momma” package has a crazed mother talking on the phone with two screaming infants. You can take Momma home for only $35.95 and “shoot fl aming balls” at anyone you like. The Big Bang collection is a six foot tall box of fi reworks that sells for a cool $699.95. It contains artillery shells with comet tails, festival balls and purple shooting stars. A bargain at twice the price.

The TNT Bruno collection boasts maximum powder allowed by law. Who could resist the Pyromaniac selection in its 4 foot tall box with the politically correct “Cave buster” rockets to blow up the al-Qaeda terrorist on your block? There are still many New Millennium Y2K Celebration boxes for sale for $137 each. Guess Y2K didn’t come in with as big a bang as S.O.B. had hoped.

You can write gunpowder Haiku with the names of the fireworks: “Hicktown Heaven/ Unleash the Beast/ Twinkling Bees/ Almost Illegal/ Bone Breaker/ Take Cover/ Wake the Neighbors/ Red, White and Boom/ The Annihilator/ Glorious Crazy Explosion/ Fountain Supreme Delirium” Words to live by. The Fourth of July cannot come soon enough.

My favorite was the Pirate Skull collection of crackling comets which noted “For best view face this side towards spectators.” Those instructions were ambiguous. If you pointed that side towards the spectators, did that mean that the spectators would get the best view of the explosions or the guy lighting the fi reworks would get the best view of the crackling comets slicing through the crowd of panicking spectators? As the King of Siam once said, “It is a puzzlement.”

Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the play. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, you’ll love, love, love the Gilbert Theater’s production of Playballs.

It’s a comedy based on the real-life story of Pam Postema, a woman struggling to make it as a professional umpire in the good ‘ol boy’s world of baseball. You’ll come to find that, although most umps can call a clean game, it gets pretty grimy behind the scenes. Director Peter Bonilla, who also stars in the play, had his work cut out for him with a small cast of only three people. He rose to that challenge victoriously though, and rocked the stage with clever lines and a no-holds barred approach to the story.

In the opening scenes we meet the fi ctional version of Postema, Lucy Posner, played by Claudia Warga. Warga brings Posner to life with perfection. She’s stubborn, determined, and beyond anything else, she knows what she wants. She wants to offi ciate in the major leagues, not as the fi rst woman umpire, but simply as an umpire. There are plenty of people to stand in her way though, and Posner has to learn how to take it like a man when things don’t go her way. Her ability to do this is obvious, when she puts her foot down on Mr. Yoblinski, played by Jules Forde, who has denied her acceptance into the all-male umpiring school based on her gender alone. She lets him have it in a heated argument, and stands her ground until he folds. He wants to know one thing when she’s done telling him a thing or two though, so he asks “Where’d you learn to swear like that?” Posner replies bluntly, “My mother.” This was the fi rst of many laughs as she coolly battles against sexist heckles and declares “I don’t cry. I just get pissed off.”

My hat is off to Warga, who never took a single break during the production, didn’t miss a line, or even stutter a word. She wasn’t alone up there though, and many of the lines that had the crowd roaring with laughter were delivered by Bonilla and Forde.

Bonilla is hilarious as Candie, a male chauvinist dirtball, who seems to speak without even knowing what’s going to come out of his mouth. Bonilla plays many parts on stage, from a foul-mouthed coach to the likeable Mr. Leary, and each one is equally as entertaining as the last.

Forde showcases his comedic abilities too, as he plays several roles throughout the production. He’ll make you laugh as an out-of-shape umpire who can barely do three jumping jacks, and then crack you up as a Don Juan-type catcher with a bad mustache, who relentlessly and unsuccessfully hits on Posner.

The three stars of this show bring endless energy, and masterful acting to the stage. You’ll fi nd yourself rooting for Posner, as if she’s the home team, by the end of the play and wishing it could go into extra innings. If you don’t mind a little bit of (alright a lot of) inappropriate language, and you’re looking for something fun to do, make your way downtown to the Gilbert Theater. You’ll love everything from the amazing local talent, to the complimentary cake after the show. Trust me Fayetteville; you don’t want to miss this.