The Y.E.S., You + Effort = Success, program at FTCC supports male and female students by helping them achieve their educational, personal and professional objectives. The program achieves these objectives by treating each student as a unique individual. Students meet with mentors who help them design an innovative blend of academic enhancement, character development, and leadership training tailored to each student's needs. Every student in the program enjoys numerous benefits including career coaching, academic workshops, team-building events, scholarships, field trips, access to the program’s lounge on campus and much more.
Students in the Y.E.S. program enjoy unique opportunities to escape the classroom and take trips that are both fun and educational. For example, Y.E.S. program students recently partnered with other students from FTCC and from Fayetteville State University to attend the Student Leadership Conference in Selma, Alabama. The five-day trip also included visits to the Jubilee Festival as well as the Intergenerational Hip Hop Summit.
“I had very high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint,” FTCC student Joshua Farley said. “We went to different museums, and we saw just how big of an impact civil rights leaders made back then, especially our ancestors and what they went through.”
The Selma Trip is just one example of activities available to Y.E.S. program students. Read more about this trip at www.faytechcc.edu/blog/ftcc-students-connect-real-world-with-classroom-lessons-on-selma-trip/.]
Jesse Watts, an FTCC student, shared his thoughts about the program: “The Y.E.S. initiative has been a key component in my success at Fayetteville Technical Community College. It has allowed me to fellowship and connect with other male minorities who are looking to better themselves both academically and professionally. It has afforded me the opportunity to be able to exchange ideas or words of encouragement which help groom and mentor other minority males for success. Being a mentor for Y.E.S. initiative has been rewarding. Since becoming a member, I have been able to ensure other young minority men go on to continue their journeys academically at four-year universities or professionally by entering into the workforce. The Y.E.S. initiative is a program well suited for all young minority males. The culture of encouragement and challenge results in growth and overall success.”
The Y.E.S. program is open to all male and female students at FTCC. Participation in the program and all program activities are available free of charge. Are you ready to learn more about the Y.E.S. program?
Contact them today by calling 910-486-3940, emailing Richard McDonald, Program Coordinator, at mcdonalr@fayetechcc.edu, or by visiting the office at 2201 Hull Road, General Classroom Building Room 216. Office hours are held Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(Photo: Students with the Y.E.S. program pose for a photo during a gathering. Photo courtesy of FTCC)

“Every artist was first an amateur” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Cape Fear Studios at 145 Maxwell St. invites the public to the Student Exhibit open until Feb. 25. The Cape Fear Studios Student Exhibit features the artwork, paintings, and drawings of the art students of Cape Fear Studios members. The exhibit hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, the Cape Fear Studios website is www.capefearstudios.com. The Cape Fear Studios member instructors are Rose Kennedy, Sara Jane Lee, and Gene Davis. The featured student artists are Saktish Mandjny, Becky Broadwell, Charlotte Baker, Sue Godwin-Baker, Mary Pat McDonald, Lani Dickey, Ellen Bowman, Rick Booth, Marilynn Winters, Lena Simmons, Sophia Conquest, Vivian Conquest, Carter Patterson, Mikaela West, Daniel Reeves, Jessica Karis, Conner Graybill, Carly Reeves, and Chris Leal.
Georgia O’Keefe, renowned artist, maintained an artist home in Abiquiu, New Mexico with the desert vistas of Ghost Ranch. Charlotte Baker, a student of Rose Kennedy, experienced the location and desert vistas of Ghost Ranch. One of the featured paintings within the Cape Fear Student Show is Abiquiu. She also includes inspiration from a trip to Venice, Italy. The painting is an interplay of light, lines and composition.
Baker shares her views about her painting of Venice and Abiquiu, “I choose to paint from photography, so my work is my original. My husband took the photographs in Venice, Italy. I chose the focus of the light reflecting the sunny day on the architecture of the building and the water. I also visited Abiquiu and painted the view of the Ghost Forest.”
“As one of the instructors at Cape Fear Studios, I am pleased that the studio is featuring our students in an exhibit. I have a wonderful, engaging, and fun group. The artwork hanging on view displays the challenging work and continued studies in a cohesive and beautiful way,” said Kennedy.
Pandora Autry, Cape Fear Studios Board President, shares, “We have a wide range in diversity of our painters here at Cape Fear Studios in age, background, skill, and ethnicity. Our teachers are wonderful in meeting the needs and collaborating with them at their level of skills and interests, helping them to discover their own artistic voice.”
The Cape Fear Studios Student Exhibit is a must-see art show. It is an opportunity to see the emerging mastery of local artists within the Cumberland County and Fayetteville. For more information contact, Cape Fear Studios website, www.capefearstudios.com or call 910-433-2986.

(Photo: Paintings created by student artists hang at the Cape Fear Studios' Student Exhibition. Photo by Lena Simmons)

In his teen years, Isaac Canady lacked excitement about life. He wasn’t depressed, per se, just disinterested and sarcastic. He’d played T-ball for five seasons, and his sister Hannah thought he might find interest in other sports that weren’t mainstream. She found a fencing club in Fayetteville, the All-American Fencing Academy and Canady went, though he hadn’t even been aware that swordplay existed. That year his parents gave him an introductory month’s membership to the club for Christmas. The plan worked; the 15-year-old’s attitude changed. The arcane sport gave Canady something to get excited about. The last two years he’s been a Junior Olympian fencer and he’ll be competing again this year, Feb. 14-17 in Charlotte, NC.
Canady grew up in peaceful, slow-paced St. Pauls, the youngest of four, all of whom were home-schooled. Initially Baptist, the family ended up attending Pentecostal services, and now Canady favors Summit Ministries, which offers a 60-hour apologetics course to help young adults live as Christians and be able to defend their faith. He appreciates the ministry’s emphasis on how to react and respond in the world and how to respectfully debate people. “Nobody ever swayed someone in a shouting match,” he said.
His goal is to mature in his faith and be unified with fellow believers.
Financial advising and architecture, despite the intimidating math, both interest Canady. He’s working toward an “arts to transfer,” as he puts it, so he can apply his earned credits toward whichever major he decides on. Meanwhile, even though Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst is an hour away from both home and the fencing club, God still provides a way for him to train and compete.
The best way to improve your skill as a fencer is to practice what you’ve learned with hours “on the strip,” as fencers say. The second-best way is through private lessons and the third is through classes. Time on the strip, or officially the piste, is not cheap. Coaching normally runs in the $40 to $60 per half-hour range, though some coaches will share their expertise for $25 a half-hour. An All-American Fencing Academy membership includes lessons with Coach Gephard Guevarra.
Swashbuckling, or what most people think of when they think of fencing, is a ridiculous display of theater in the eyes of fencers. Although the movements may be similar, fencing is all about mastering the mind and reactions within the body. It’s imperative to maintain control of the blade. The simpler and more precise a motion, the more points a fencer will inevitably score. Fencing is a highly nuanced game that takes a chess-like mentality to excel at.
Different fencing categories are determined by the sword: foil, sabre (c.q.) or épée. In foil and sabre, rules of attack must be followed. Like a roadway intersection, fencers in those two disciplines must abide by the right or priority of attack. Your blade is also your shield, so you can earn points for a parry of your opponent’s attack if you follow up with a riposte or counterattack. You can also execute a plan of second intention, or feint, to draw a reaction that provides an opening to score.
The foil is the smallest and lightest of the three blade types. The épée is a rapier and heavier, but it too is used in a thrusting motion. For both, a wire is run the length of the blade to a button on the tip. The sabre is a triangular cavalry blade that for fencing is electrified in its entirety, registering both thrusting and slashing motions.
The strip consists of conductive metal floor sections and is approximately 4.9 to 6.6 feet wide and approximately 49 feet long. In foil, the fencer wears a lamé, a metal sleeveless bodysuit that registers contact from a button on the tip of the opponent’s sword. In sabre, the jacket is waist-length and the head is included. In épée, the entire body is targeted.
Canady is coached by All-American Fencing Academy owner Gerhard Guevarra, who fenced on the varsity team for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He trained under fencing master Ron C. Miller, has coached for over 25 years and continues to compete nationally. In 2006 he fenced internationally in the Vancouver World Cup and has won numerous North Carolina Division Championships. Guevarra holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education, exercise and sports science. He served as a U.S. Army Reservist for eight years, wrapping up in 2003, and currently is a school liaison officer on Fort Liberty for the Department of the Army. Of the four children he shares with his wife, Jennifer, two fence and compete nationally.
Canady knows Guevarra teaches for love of the sport and is grateful for learning from someone who is devoted to making fencing a positive experience. Canady also takes lessons from coach David Hadler, an Army captain stationed at Fort Liberty. While earning his BA in international business, Hadler was a Division I NCAA fencer for the University of California at San Diego. He finished 24th out of 69 in the men’s foil competition at the 2017 World University Games in Taipei, Taiwan. He achieved All-American for placing 11th in NCAA championships and was also a Western Fencing Conference Foil Champion. He earned a gold medal in the 2013 and 2014 Pan American Championships, a silver in the team 2014 Junior Olympics and a bronze in the 2016 US National Championships.
Canady appreciates Hadler’s approach to conditioning: long warmups, followed by a long class. He’s also teaching Canady in a different manner, forcing his brain to develop new muscle memories. The challenge is worth it. Canady prays that God will bless him with the financial means to continue fencing and competing seriously at the Junior Olympics. He doesn’t worry, though. He knows that fencing is a generous sport to older competitors, like to the 55-year-old reporter-turned-Olympic-fencer David Wharton. In the end, Canady knows that the point is to share the gospel and glorify God.

(Photo: Canady successfully competed at the Junior Olympics the last two years and will be competing again this February. Photos courtesy of Isaac Canady)

“I want the little people to win,” says Paco Gonzalez, owner of Yellow Crayons. “When I started, it was always about the small guy and the one who couldn’t afford the 25s.”
Gonzalez leans back in his chair for a minute. On his desktop two large monitors sit with a current graphic design project pulled up that he was working on just minutes ago. It’s late on a Friday afternoon but Gonzalez doesn’t seem like he’s going anywhere, anytime soon. His truck is parked out front in his parking spot with a sign his employees gave him just months ago that reads, “Parking for the Boss Man.”
He has big plans for his business Yellow Crayons but nothing concrete.
“I have thought about expansion,” he says smiling. “It’s up in the air. The way this venue has taken me, it's carved its own path in a way.”
Gonzalez says as long as he comes into work and he is happy, he will continue to do it. He began Yellow Crayons in 2017 as a graphics design company. As he mentioned, the company carved its own path. Many of his clients would request small orders for shirts or hats and he would refer out to other businesses as he never set out originally to make those kinds of items. However, there weren't a lot of businesses that could accommodate small orders for smaller businesses. Gonzalez found himself at a fork in the road and with a serious desire to provide good service to small businesses.
“So I said, ‘You know what, I’ll do it myself.’”
He soon found himself needing more space than the rooms he rented in the Metropolitan building. He loved the feel of downtown, the festivals and the foot traffic of Hay Street. So Gonzalez set his eyes on Hay Street specifically and officially opened his first store front for Yellow Crayons in downtown Fayetteville.
“It started going well with the printing,” he says. “ … we started embroidery. That did pretty well. Next thing you know, we are bursting at the seams.”
At the beginning of his business, Gonzalez said it was more like a Build-a-Bear Concept to promotional items. Since then, however, it has really grown but something, he says, hasn't changed.
“I still love focusing on small businesses and up -and-coming businesses and making them successful.”
Gonzalez has a place in his heart for the “little guy” as he identifies with the challenges of trying to make it. Before he began this business, he found himself in several corporate jobs and doing side hustles for graphic design work. When he found out he was having a child, he had to put some things on hold like his graphic design degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He would later pick this back up.
As he often says, for Gonzalez, he’s got to keep growing and he’ll do anything if “the juice is worth the squeeze.” Eventually, he said he knew he had to make some changes and leave his corporate job that had nothing to do with his love for graphic design.
“I thought if I am going to ask everyone to believe in me, I need to put my all into it,” he says leaning back in his chair again. “I’m going to put my all into this. If I fail, I fail … I needed to see if I could make a run for it.”
Gonzalez has been running ever since. Now his business has seven employees and makes more in a day than he ever used to in a week when he started. And it evolves all the time.
“Every year we grow … trying to be the best we can be,” he says. “I try to listen to my customers. If the juice is worth the squeeze, then I pull the trigger.”
Gonzalez, who grew up with only brothers and a single working mom, is now surrounded by females, he says laughing. He has a daughter and a partner at home and at work his “right hand man” is even a woman. That woman happens to be his project manager, Diane Regensburger. Regensburger loves her boss.
“He’s probably the best boss I’ve ever had,” she says, glancing between her purchase orders on her computer and around the store. “He’s fair but he’s firm. He puts out what he expects of you but he gives grace when it’s due.”
One thing Regensburger says Gonzalez really does have is vision and somehow, she says, they come through every time even when she has thought they couldn’t.
“End of the day,” Gonzalez says walking around the store, “it’s all about getting the job done.”
For Gonzalez and his business, that will always be about carving his own path.
Yellow Crayons is open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10:30 to 2 p.m.

(Photo: Paco Gonzalez, owner of Yellow Crayons, believes in providing good service to small businesses. Photo courtesy of Paco Gonazalez)

This week we explore some of the great places to eat on Skibo Road. There is definitely something for every taste bud.

METRO DINER
2132 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
910-493-3560
https://tinyurl.com/42s5fhy2
Metro Diner, a beloved local restaurant chain, serves hearty American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Its traditional favorites are served in a cozy, welcoming environment.

SMOKEY BONES
1891 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-Midnight
910-864-1068
https://tinyurl.com/4d5empu8
As experts in genuine grilled and in-house smoked meats, Smokey Bones excels at offering meat enthusiasts and culinary explorers an extensive selection of bold, flame-crafted specialties and favorites with skill and knowledge that deliver pure dining satisfaction.

BAD DADDY'S BURGER BAR
1800 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-867-4915
https://tinyurl.com/5cps2jvs
Craving a burger with personality? Bad Daddy's Burger Bar delivers exactly that. Featuring a selection of expertly crafted burgers, fresh oversized salads, their signature Bad Ass Margarita, and an impressive array of regional craft beers, this place hits the mark.

EL CAZADOR MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1904 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
910-864-0700
https://elcazadormex.com/
El Cazador takes immense pride in sourcing the freshest, locally grown vegetables for its authentic Mexican dishes. Its commitment to using high-quality, seasonal produce from nearby farms ensures that every meal bursts with vibrant flavors and genuine Mexican taste.

HABIT BURGER & GRILL
2050 SKIBO RD., SUITE 100
Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-500-6730
https://tinyurl.com/35majcbe
Juicy charbroiled burgers crafted from 100% freshly ground premium beef are the highlight here. The menu also features customizable signature sandwiches, crisp garden salads, and delectable frozen dessert treats.

 MISSION BBQ
1932 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sun 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
910-491-9500
https://tinyurl.com/4fnxf6py
A welcoming, family-friendly restaurant specializing in smoky BBQ dishes and traditional comfort sides. The interior showcases a heartfelt collection of memorabilia paying tribute to military personnel and emergency service workers.

LOGAN'S ROADHOUSE
1490 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
901-864-5176
https://tinyurl.com/3zxmrnrk
A casual dining restaurant serving classic American comfort food, including burgers and ribs, alongside creative cocktail selections.

GANGNAM KOREAN BBQ & HOTPOT
1800 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Sun 12 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
910-758-8010
https://gangnambbqhotpot.com/
Korean BBQ with the grill fired up right at your table with all your favorites. Hot Pot allows you to choose your broth, meat and veggies and completely customize your meal. Also available are sushi and drinks like soju, Korean rice wine and bubble tea.

NOODLES AND COMPANY
1926 SKIBO DR.
Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-867-7552
https://tinyurl.com/4zdjpysb
Savor diverse global noodle and pasta specialties, from creamy American mac 'n cheese to authentic Thai stir-fried Pad Thai noodles.

JAPAN EXPRESS
2132 SKIBO RD. #112
Wed & Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
http://japanexpressfayetteville.com/
Presents an extensive selection of genuine Japanese cuisine, featuring classic dishes like Chicken Teriyaki, Hibachi Steak, Tempura Shrimp, and traditional favorites such as Miso Soup and Buffalo Wings.

OLEA MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN
1992 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
910-745-8415
https://oleamediterranean.com/
A vibrant Greek-Mediterranean eatery delivering quick, casual dining with wholesome choices, featuring signature house made spreads and dressings. Enjoy customizable meals through our convenient build-your-own service format.

OLD CHICAGO PIZZA & TAPROOM
2140 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
910-764-0805
https://tinyurl.com/5n8zjc2h
A welcoming, family-oriented dining establishment offering authentic Italian dishes, freshly-baked pizzas, and an extensive selection of domestic and imported beers.

MCALISTER'S DELI
1940 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Thurs 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri & Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-354-1030
https://tinyurl.com/2fz9dfyh
Enjoy their signature handmade sandwiches, crisp garden salads, loaded baked potatoes, and refreshingly delicious Famous Sweet Tea.

MIYABI JAPANESE STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE
1990 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Thurs 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sun 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
910-864-5987
https://www.facebook.com/miyabifay/
Generous servings of expertly prepared hibachi dishes, fresh sushi rolls, and authentic Japanese cuisine, complemented by a diverse selection of sake and beer.

TANDOORI BITES
1916 SKIBO RD., Unit A1
Mon.. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
910-339-2222
https://tandooribites.net/fayetteville/
Premium, top-grade ingredients to prepare authentic and flavorful Indian specialties. Every meal is prepared with precision and meticulous attention. Whether you desire a quick midday meal or relaxed evening dining, this venue offers the ideal setting for genuine Indian food enthusiasts.

MOD PIZZA
1950 SKIBO RD.
Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-354-2607
https://tinyurl.com/3k6t8nue
Visit for a personalized gourmet pizza or salad at any mealtime. Select your toppings from an array of 30+ fresh ingredients. A custom-created pizza is ready in a flash.

MISERY IS ALIVE, MISERY IS ALIVE! OH, This whole house is going to be full of romance, OOOH, I AM GOING TO PUT ON MY LIBERACE RECORDS!

The Gilbert Theater is back with its third show of the season, Misery. Shows run from Jan. 31 to Feb. 16, every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. In celebration of Valentine's Day, early birds are able to grab a special “Misery Loves Company” Valentine's Day package. General admission tickets are still available and can be purchased online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1206175 or the box office.
Originally a book by Stephen King, Misery features a robust deep dive into the main character, Annie. It was truly made famous, infamous, and cemented as a cult classic when its film adaptation was released in 1990. It was directed by Rob Reiner, with King and William Goldman at the helm as writers.
Misery is a tale of obsession, fandom and love. When Annie discovers her favorite author, Paul, clinging for life after a car accident, she decides to take him back to her home to care for him in the deepest and best way she knows possible.
This is a psychological thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The cast has been working hard to bring Goldman’s play adaptation of the film to life on the stage. Familiar Gilbert veterans Deannah Robinson, Claudia Warga-Dean, James Merkle and Kim Butsch will be featured. Directing the ensemble is Robyne Parrish.
Parrish is a seasoned stage thespian and current New York Resident.
“I've been doing theater for forty years, since I was five years old. I'm the former artistic director at the Gilbert from 2012 to 2017. I was here for five years, then I went back to New York, and I've come back almost every year since I've been gone to direct a show. This year it's Misery,” Parrish said.
As a fan of not only the book but also the film featuring the highly talented Kathy Bates and James Caan, Parrish cites the stage adaptation's similarities to the film.
“I would say it's got the bones of the novel, but it's structurally like the film,” she said.
Playing Annie is Deannah Robinson, a long-time Gilbert volunteer, supporter, and stage regular.
“I come here and I either volunteer or I'm performing or I'm helping out backstage. I've been performing, I would say going on 14 years. My first show was A Streetcar Named Desire and I've just been a Gilbert staple ever since then,” she said.
Robinson is a transcriptionist by day and will transform into the manic and passionate Annie. The character is a far cry from her personality, something she looks forward to at this stage in her career, saying, “I think she's very complex. There's a lot to her. And even with what I know about the movie, there's still some stuff I would like to know. You know, I want to dig a little deeper into what her life was like as a kid and, you know, beyond her past as a nurse. I've gotten to that point in acting where I would definitely like to delve into the lives of the characters that I play. It makes it a little easier to really get into the groove of performing,” Robinson said.
Robinson has leaned into this role and truly embraced the energy of Annie.
“[I like] the parts where she's kind of abusive to Paul. I also like the parts where she's very lovey, even though it's very unrequited,” Robinson said.
Robinson leans into the “what if” of the story.
“What if you had the opportunity to have your favorite most beloved celebrity in your home recovering from either a car accident or breaking bones, what would you do? Especially if you're able to take care of them, but at the same time, you're like, ‘oh my God, oh my God, what do I do? I want to show all of my love to them but I don't want to be too overbearing, but at the same time, oh my God, they're in my house and this is crazy.’”
Playing the captive creative Paul is James Merkle, another seasoned thespian and voice-over actor.
“I have been doing theater for probably 35 years. [I] grew up in Germany and was a military brat so [I] came here. I've done theater over there, here, up in Raleigh, and, of course, some films here and there and some voiceover work as well. The first show that I did here was with Lynn in Christmas Carol. One of his Christmas Carol productions,” Merkle said.
Paul has provided Merkle with an opportunity to spread his acting wings and range.
“This character in particular has a lot of things that people can relate to in terms of there's so much going on. I think he's also a very challenging character to portray. I was also drawn to the physicality that is required of this role. Because a lot of my other roles that I have done have not been as physical as this show has been and that's something that I was up for. I wanted that kind of challenge,” Merkle said.
Claudia Warga-Dean is stepping into the role of Sheriff Buster, elevating the role with her background in theater and time on stage and backstage.
“I taught theater arts for nine years. I'm currently a human resources manager and hopefully soon maybe a college administrator of some sort. I've been at the Gilbert since I was 17. My first production was actually in Lynn's backyard and it was the Merchant of Venice. And I've been here ever since and I’m happy to step back in,” Dean said.
She wasn’t deterred from auditioning for the character and has taken the role head-on.
“[Something that] rings true is that there are a lot of tactics that you can play, a lot of ways you can take the characters, a lot of different choices to make, a lot of subtexts. Maybe I know something, but I don't want to give it away. How do I play that? How do I evolve that? Finding my own arc within this? That really draws me. I love stuff like that. It's been fun to have an atmosphere where you're allowed to play and try off-the-wall things,” she said.
Although the role of Sheriff Buster was originally written for a man, Dean’s unique take and grasp of the character made her the perfect choice.
“I think it's important to mention that this is a male-identifying character. But we just thought Claudia was the best choice for what we were looking for. It was not ever in our minds like, that we wanted a female,” Parrish said of Dean’s take on the role.
Rounding out the cast as the announcer and Buster/Annie's understudy is the equally talented Kim Bustch.
“I've been involved in theater for about 44 years. [My] first show was in sixth grade and then I studied theater in college. I did not complete my degree. I got married, had children, and then got involved in church productions, little things like that. And then once they were old enough to self-sustain, I got involved in the Gilbert. Secret Garden was my first show here. And then I’ve been involved in summer plays, summer festivals, a few other shows. COVID hit and I just didn't have time for a while. And now I'm back. I'm excited to be back,” Bustch said.
As the understudy for two roles, her work is double, something that made her nervous but has also allowed her to play with her acting range and stretch her imagination with the characters.
“Just to be able to [play both of these characters] because each of them is such a faceted character. It's [great] to see them put their spin on it. It’s cool and then I'm thinking as the understudy, do I go up and mimic? As long as the character comes across [authentic]. She (Annie) could be serious [and he] has her laughing but then she's like cut and dry. I just think that's fascinating.”
The cast and crew have taken great care to make this small production powerful, the perfect date night for lovers of psychological thrillers and community theater. For more info, call 910-678-7186.

(Top photo: James Merkle plays the roll of Paul, an author who is held captive by Annie. Bottom photo: Deannah Robinson plays Annie, a character obsessed with Paul, and who goes to great lengths to attempt to nurse him back to health. Photos courtesy of Gilbert Theater)

Formerly known as the Bordeaux Dinner Theatre, the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre has been revitalized by Bill Bowman, newspaper publisher of Up & Coming Weekly. This resurgence was hailed as 'Fayetteville’s newest and most unique theater experience.'
Gates Four Country Club, located at 6775 Irongate Drive, is the home of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, and boasts exceptional amenities. These include a first-class restaurant, casual dining at JP’s Bar and Grill, two new USTA tennis courts, and a beautiful 3,600 square-foot outdoor pavilion that seats 250.
Residents and guests can also enjoy a 10-acre Rockfish Park and fitness trails, a spacious picnic area, and an Olympic-size swimming pool, making it the perfect venue for hosting the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre.
FDT offers much more than just great theater performed by talented professional actors. It promises an evening of comprehensive entertainment complete with a Welcome Reception, full-service bar, three-course plated-entree dinner, preshow entertainment and door prizes.
The 5th Annual Gates Four Summer Concert Series is a highlight for the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre. This year, the series features four amazing fun-filled music concerts that bring live entertainment to the Pavilion.
Concert highlights include a Tribute to Local Bands on May 24; Beggars Banquet, a Rolling Stones Tribute band on July 12; and an all-girl AC/DC tribute band, Shoot to Thrill, on August 8.
The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre is thrilled to partner with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for a special event on June 28. This collaboration brings together two of Fayetteville's premier cultural institutions, offering a unique blend of dining and musical entertainment.
At the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam you will immerse yourself in a unique twist on a classic game with Music Bingo. Unlike traditional bingo, where numbers are called out, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's string quartet will play 30-second snippets of various songs. Your task is to recognize the tunes and mark them on your bingo card.
This innovative approach not only tests your musical knowledge but also adds an exciting and interactive element to the evening. It's a delightful way for music lovers of all ages to engage with the performance while enjoying a bit of friendly competition.
Following the excitement of Music Bingo, the string quartet will perform a selection of pop music. The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra brings their exceptional talent to the stage. Known for their captivating performances, the orchestra promises an event filled with beautiful melodies and rich harmonies.
Whether attendees are long-time fans or new to their music, this night is designed to leave a lasting impression. The blend of classical and contemporary pieces ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy, making it a memorable experience.
Proceeds from FDT events are donated to Cumberland County education through the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation (501c3). This foundation provides reading and educational resources for local children, teachers, and parents.
By attending an FDT performance, guests are not only enjoying a night of entertainment but also contributing to the betterment of their community. For more information on up-and-coming events including the 5th Annual Gates Four Summer Concert Series visit the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website: https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/

Fayetteville, like many cities and towns across the country, is home to a military installation, its soldiers, and families.
Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) is the largest military post based on population and size. Among the thousands of individuals stationed here, some bring their military know-how, passions, talents and creativity.
One of those individuals is Lt. Col. Lynette Jones, filmmaker. A Los Angeles native, Jones started her military journey in the ’90s, touring Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. In 2014, Jones decided to take her filmmaking seriously and started creating projects.
Her latest film, Letting Go, will be making its grand premier right here in Fayetteville on Saturday, March 1 at Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with red carpet photos, a sparkling cider toast and light hors d’oeuvres. The attire is formal, and guests are encouraged to dress to impress for the red carpet walk. Filmmaking has played a big part in Jones’ life.
“I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, it’s a way to connect with others and explore the richness of life. I’m fascinated by the human condition, by the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that make us who we are. Through film, I can delve into those experiences, shine a light on them, and share narratives that resonate on a deep, personal level. It’s an art form that allows me to express myself while also creating something meaningful for others," she said.
Jones has been able to balance life as an active-duty officer and filmmaker.
"Balancing active duty and creating a short film has been an exciting journey. It’s taught me how to be very intentional with my time. While being in the military is demanding, I don’t work 24 hours a day, and I usually have weekends off.
"That downtime has become my creative window, allowing me to focus on planning and building my film projects. It’s been rewarding to see how much I can accomplish by making the most of those moments, and it’s a reminder that pursuing your passion is always possible, no matter what the circumstances,” she said.
Letting Go has been a passion project and the accumulation of years for Jones.
“My latest project, Letting Go, is a deeply personal love story that explores the beauty of true love in the midst of pain. It’s a story about connection, resilience, and the difficult choices we sometimes face when we care deeply for someone else.
"The inspiration came from reflecting on how love can flourish even in the hardest moments of life, and I wanted to create something that could resonate with people on a heartfelt level.
"The film was shot over the course of three intense days, which required a lot of careful planning and precise execution to make the most of our time. Having a talented and dedicated team was absolutely key to our success, they brought incredible energy and creativity to the set,” Jones said.
She was hands-on with every part of the filmmaking process, down to casting.
“As for the actors, I was very deliberate in my selection process. I wanted individuals who could bring authenticity and depth to the characters. It wasn’t just about talent but also their ability to connect with the story and embody its emotional core. Seeing everything together was truly rewarding."
Jones isn’t letting her foot off the pedal anytime soon. She recently submitted her film to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration.
Jones takes great pride in this, saying, “Submitting my work to the Academy was both thrilling and humbling.
"It was a long shot, but I genuinely felt my film was good enough to be in the running. While it wasn’t selected, I see it as just one step in a much larger journey. There are so many talented filmmakers out there, and being part of that community is inspiring. I believe in aiming high, and this experience has only fueled my determination to keep growing and creating. Every step, whether big or small, brings me closer to my goals."
Her next project is already in the works.
“My next project is about a group of friends who are blues singers. The movie delves into how good people can get caught up in the world of drugs. It’s a story about life’s challenges and how circumstances often push us to take a deeper look at ourselves.
"Ultimately, it’s a spiritual journey that navigates through pain, bad decisions, and the path to transformation. I’m really excited about this project because it’s raw, and emotional, and carries a message of hope and redemption. It’s still in the early stages, but I can’t wait to bring this story to life,” she said.
Jones is excited about what the future has for her as a filmmaker and appreciates those who have supported her along the way.
“I would like to thank Irene Mink, my second mom. She has been on this journey with me since the beginning and I thank God for her. I would also like to thank my church family from Country Club Christ of Christ. They have been supportive since I came to Fayetteville in 2017.Thank you.”
For tickets to the event, visit jonesygirlproductions.com.

(Image courtesy of Lynette Jones)

Special Event Showtimes:
• Saturday, Feb. 8: 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 12: 7:30 p.m.
Silents Synced is back! Following the success of last year’s Nosferatu paired with Radiohead, this year’s event combines Buster Keaton’s iconic silent film Sherlock Jr. with a modern soundtrack featuring R.E.M.’s Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi.
This groundbreaking series reimagines silent classics with soundtracks from legendary artists like Radiohead, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, and The Pixies. Created by Blue Starlite Drive-in and distributed by CineLife Entertainment, Silents Synced delivers a unique fusion of film and music that offers audiences a fresh reason to head out to the movies.
“Silents Synced has paired Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. with a soundtrack by R.E.M., breathing new life into one of the greatest classic silent films of all time and uniting two art forms,” says James Throssel of the Cameo Art House Theatre. “I hope this pairing makes it more accessible to new and younger audiences who might not typically find themselves enthralled by the idea of a silent film. Whether you’re a film buff, a music enthusiast, or both, nothing brings me more joy than using the Cameo screen to introduce people to the magic of cinema. You can’t get much more magical than a master like Buster Keaton, whose creativity and visual storytelling laid the foundation for modern filmmaking and continues to inspire today.”
Buster Keaton was one of the most iconic figures of silent cinema and remains a towering influence in the world of comedy and film. Known as "The Great Stone Face," Keaton's hallmark was his deadpan expression, even in the face of the most absurd or dangerous situations.
Keaton began his film career in 1917 alongside Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, creating a series of successful comedies before branching out on his own. Known for his technical ingenuity and fearless approach, Keaton performed his own elaborate stunts, often at great personal risk, and became a master of groundbreaking special effects. His most iconic works include The General (1926), a Civil War epic combining action, comedy, and romance; Sherlock Jr. (1924), a surreal comedy about a projectionist who dreams himself into a movie; Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928), featuring his famous falling building stunt; and Seven Chances (1925), a hilarious tale of a man pursued by hundreds of brides.
However, the advent of sound cinema in the late 1920s brought challenges, as signing with MGM in 1928 limited his creative freedom, and his later works lacked the inventiveness of his silent films.
Struggles with alcoholism and personal troubles further contributed to a career decline during the 1930s and 1940s. Still, by the 1950s, Keaton’s career came back to life on television in commercials and the film Sunset Boulevard (1950). His contributions to cinema were recognized with an honorary Oscar in 1959 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Cameo
The Cameo Art House Theatre, founded in 2000, is the perfect venue for this unique event. The building, originally opened in 1914 as The New Dixie, was Fayetteville’s very first movie theater, showcasing silent films during cinema’s golden age.
Over the decades, it transformed into a pool hall and then a record store before being gutted and lovingly restored as the Cameo.
An Invitation to Celebrate the Cameo’s History
Do you have old photos of the Cameo building from its days as The New Dixie, Dixie Billiards or Eddie’s Music Store? Share your photos and stories with them by emailing nasim@cameoarthouse.com
Why Silents Synced?
Silents Synced exemplifies the creativity, DIY ethos and commitment to cinema as an art form. Music fans will go to great lengths for shared experiences. With essential artists like R.E.M., we aim to inspire people to gather in cinemas and invigorate independent theaters with engaging and unique events.
Tickets are on sale now at the Cameo Art House Theatre box office or their website at https://www.cameoarthouse.com/ or call 910-486-6633.

(Image courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)

The Women's Business Center of Fayetteville at the NC Center for Economic Empowerment and Development will be holding their annual HERFayetteville week during the first week of March.
HERFayetteville is a week to celebrate the empowerment of women through mentorship, education, networking and collaboration. HERFayetteville coincides with International Women's Day and Women's History Month.
During this week, the HERPitch competition will take place. This exciting event encourages women entrepreneurs from around the area to pitch their business ideas to community leaders. The best pitch will be awarded up to $10,000 to help fund their small business.
In preparation for the competition, the WBC is holding a series of Pitch Training classes throughout the month of February for those wishing to enter.
The first training will be held Feb. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The class is virtual and free, but registration for the event is required. Register at https://bit.ly/3WyCrBA
Registrants will learn the fundamentals of how to pitch their business, the slides required for the upcoming Pitch event, and insider tips on what to expect from the HERPitch Competition.
The business must be woman owned or offer a product or service specifically for women. Businesses from Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Lee, Moore, Bladen, Robeson, Sampson, Brunswick, Richmond and Scotland counties are all eligible to enter.
A follow up "Pitch 2" will take place on Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This second training will be focused on practicing pitches, receiving personalized feedback, and refining the pitch for the competition.
Danice Langdon will be the instructor for both pitch training events. As the director of the Women's Business Center of CEED, she helps local small business owners realize their full potential. She was published in the International Review of Modern Sociology in the Autumn of 2013, and has an MA in Sociology from Fayetteville State University.
The WBC of CEED is located in downtown Fayetteville, and it is designed to help socially and economically disadvantaged women start or expand small businesses.
For more information regarding WBC, visit https://www.wbcfay.org/

In an innovative effort to bridge health education and community engagement, the Cumberland County Department of Public Health launched the Healthy Conversations program, enlisting local barbers and stylists as advocates for promoting preventive health behaviors. With $134,601 in funding approved by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for the 2023-24 fiscal year, this initiative has already had significant impact in its pilot year.
"Barbers and stylists are trusted community leaders who can have brief, meaningful conversations with their clients about critical health topics," said Tamra Morris, MPH, Deputy Health Director of the Cumberland County Health Department.
A Trusted Chair for Health Advocacy
Barbershops and salons have long served as hubs of community interaction, particularly in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes. Recognizing this, Healthy Conversations trains barbers and stylists to discuss heart health, cancer prevention, and the importance of routine screenings. Participating barbershops include:
• McNeill's Barbershop and Beauty Salon
• Cumberland Awesome Barbershop
• Tru Blendz Barbershop
• Red Carpet Barbershop and Salon
• MM Grooming
• Kut-N-Kalypso, Inc.
Morris emphasized the unique role of barbers, noting, "Barbers in the Healthy Conversations program have become lay leaders and expanded community health advocacy in Cumberland. They can share information on risk factors, symptoms, and how to connect with healthcare providers in a relatable and trusted way."
Breaking Barriers Through Familiar Spaces
The program addresses common barriers to healthcare, including stigma and lack of awareness. By leveraging the casual and comfortable setting of a barbershop chair, conversations about health feel less intimidating.
"There are no expectations set in these discussions," Morris explained. "Clients can simply listen to what the barber shares. The barbers use easy-to-understand, accurate, and actionable information, often aided by educational materials and visual models."
Such approachable methods have led to tangible results, including clients scheduling preventive care appointments and discussing health with their families.”
Measurable Impact
The program's pilot year saw impressive results:
• Ten trained barbers facilitated over 2,000 health-related conversations.
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Month featured a panel discussion that highlighted the program's unique approach. This innovative method of using barbershops as platforms for health education is a refreshing take on community health initiatives. Campaigns such as Go Red for Heart Health and a Colorectal Awareness Month initiative encouraged clients to embrace wellness.
"Healthy Conversations was very successful in its first year," said Morris. "As we move into year two, we are expanding to train 20 barbers and anticipate an even greater impact on the health of the Cumberland community."
The Road Ahead
Building on its early successes, the program aims to broaden its reach and deepen its impact. Morris expressed gratitude for Commissioner Glenn Adams, whose advocacy has been instrumental in the program's success.
"This initiative allows for real connections and reliable linkage to care for clients in our local barber chairs," she said.
As the program gears up for 2025, the community looks forward to more barber-led advocacy efforts that promote preventive care and foster healthier lives in Cumberland County.
For more information about the Healthy Conversations program, contact Carlotta Winston, Public Health Educator II, at cwinston@cumberlandcountync.gov or 910-321-6440.
About Cumberland County Department of Public Health
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, the Cumberland County Department of Public Health offers comprehensive services to address the community's needs. Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth or call 910-433-3600 for details.

Cumberland County is one of 14 community teams selected to participate in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Our State, Our Homes program, an initiative of the Carolina Across 100 program. Announced Wednesday, Jan. 22, the program aims to help improve access to and availability of affordable housing options in the state.
Cumberland County joins 22 counties grouped into teams with other localities to collaborate on addressing affordable housing challenges. Team 10 includes Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson counties.
The program brings together a diverse group of local stakeholders —including business leaders, civic organizations, education institutions, nonprofit and faith-based groups, and government officials—providing the necessary tools and resources to assess local housing needs and create sustainable, community-driven solutions.
“The Our State, Our Homes program presents an invaluable opportunity for Cumberland County to engage with our regional partners and learn from statewide housing experts,” said Interim Community Development Director Tye Vaught. “The rising challenges of affordable housing affect us all, and we are committed to developing innovative strategies that improve access to housing for our residents and ensure long-term economic growth and stability in our community.”
The program’s launch comes at a critical time as nearly one-third of households in North Carolina are considered “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend over 30% of their income on housing. This issue not only limits families’ economic mobility but also hinders the ability of communities to attract and retain employers and workers, further impacting local economies and public health.
The selected counties represent urban, suburban and rural areas across the state facing a myriad of housing challenges including population growth, aging housing infrastructure, environmental hazards and rising construction costs. Over the next 18 months, participating communities will gain a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of local housing issues and develop high-impact solutions that are tailored to their unique needs.
The program also provides participating counties with ongoing coaching, technical assistance, and the chance to engage with a network of peers, national experts and state leaders to strengthen their affordable housing strategies.
Our State, Our Homes is part of the broader Carolina Across 100 initiative, which seeks to build sustainable, community-driven recovery efforts in all 100 North Carolina counties. The initiative is supported by the University of North Carolina School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative and is funded by the Office of the Chancellor and private foundations. For more information, visit ncimpact.org.

Have you ever wondered what Bitcoin is? Where it came from? Where it is going? Is it too late to buy some before it collapses? You have come to the right place. The Brothers Grimm explained it all in their story “The Donkey Cabbage.” No need to pay a broker to obtain Bitcoins. All you need is a Magic Wishing Cloak and willingness to swallow the heart of a bird. Intrigued on how to get rich quickly? Keep reading.
Once upon a time a young man went out into the forest to go hunting. He came across an old woman who was weak and hungry. She asked for spare change which he gave her. In return, she told him to look for a tree with nine birds fussing over a cloak. She said: “Shoot into the middle of the birds. They will drop the cloak and one will fall dead. Cut the bird open and eat its heart. Make a wish and the cloak will take you anywhere. The bird’s heart will create a gold coin under your pillow each night.” The Hunter did so, getting the cloak and a growing pile of gold. (Author’s note: This is where Bitcoin comes from- magic money from a dead bird’s heart.)
When the Hunter had a big pile of coins he decided to see the world. He came on a castle where he met a witch and her beautiful daughter. The witch knew about the heart of gold and wanted it. Naturally, the Hunter became besotted, falling in love with her daughter. The witch made a potion and forced her daughter to get the Hunter to drink it. After drinking it, he became sick, vomited out the bird’s heart, and passed out. The girl washed off the heart and ate it.
Getting daily gold Bitcoins wasn’t enough for the witch. She wanted the Wishing Cloak too. She made her daughter pretend sadness. The Hunter asked her what was wrong. She told him she wished for the jewels on Mount Garnet but it was too far away to get them. The Hunter wrapped both of them in the Wishing Cloak and away they went to Mount Garnet. Unfortunately, the witch put a spell on the Hunter causing him to fall asleep on the mountain. Daughter gathered up a passel of jewels, wrapped herself in the cloak, and wished herself back to the castle. The Hunter woke up alone. He realized he had been betrayed by a woman. This was the only known time a man has ever been fooled by a female.
The Hunter climbed to the top of the mountain. He rode a cloud back to a garden near the castle. There were two kinds of cabbage in the garden, pointy and round. He ate the pointy cabbage and turned into a donkey. He then ate the round cabbage and turned back into himself. He took both cabbages with him and went to the castle. He told the witch the pointy cabbage was delicious. The witch and daughter ate it. Both turned into donkeys. Happy with his revenge, the Hunter gave the donkeys to a miller, conditioned on the miller beating the old donkey 3 times a day and never beating the younger donkey.
The Miller did as he was told. The Hunter went to live in the castle. Eventually, the miller came to the castle with the younger donkey. The old donkey had died and the young donkey wouldn’t work. The Hunter took back the younger donkey and gave her the round cabbage. She turned back into the beautiful girl. She apologized for tricking the Hunter, explaining her Mom made her do it. The Hunter, being still in love with her, forgave her. Men are dolts. She offered to take a magic potion to vomit up the bird heart so the Hunter could eat it to get the Bitcoins for himself. He refused because he wanted to marry her. Once wed, all the coins would be marital property anyway. They got married shortly afterward and lived very happily until they died.
Now you know where Bitcoins come from. A witch’s daughter near the Chinese Garnet Mountain swallowed a bird’s heart to produce the first Bitcoins. Bitcoin alleged “experts” tell a science fairy tale about Bitcoins coming from mining blockchains, whatever that is. Their explanation is hooey. The truth is, Bitcoins are magic. They are created in the Cloud due to herds of witches’ daughters ingesting bird hearts. Bitcoins will only crash if we run out of witches’ daughters. Feel free to invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Everyone seems to be very excited about what the New Year will bring. I sure am, especially if our elected officials follow their promises of cooperation and work together for a better, more secure, and prosperous America.
Over the last two decades, America's two-party political system has deteriorated practically beyond recognition. Gradually, our government's responsibilities and loyalties to the American people have shifted to the political parties at all levels, national and local.
We must get our government back on the right track of being responsive to the people at all government levels, not to themselves. This writer believes binary thinking has plagued and infected all levels of the political process.
For those unfamiliar with binary thinking, it's "black or white" thinking that involves categorizing ideas, people, and situations into two distinct opposite groups where compromise is absent. This thinking only acknowledges two non-compromising possibilities and seldom produces positive results, with no results in many cases.
It also dramatically increases the chances of misjudging a person's true character.
As an example of binary thinking, sometimes, we use a single issue or trait of a person to write that person off. Perfect examples are "all Republicans are evil right-wing fanatics," or "all Democrats are progressive left-wing extremists."
This is not the case. People and issues are sometimes highly complex, and we need to take the time to listen, understand, and respect their perspectives. This is the opposite of binary thinking. People are different, and they have different views and insights.
As Americans, we should be more tolerant and respectful and never end up hating someone just because they don't think like we do. Just because we may feel someone's views on a particular issue or subject are terrible doesn't mean that person is terrible. All of us have different ideologies.
Just because your ideology doesn't mirror someone else's doesn't mean that person is not worthy of your friendship and respect. We must get away from this "all or nothing" mindset to benefit from all citizens' ideas, innovations, and knowledge.
Historically, this kind of "binary thinking" has plagued the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County over the past five decades, hindering growth and prosperity, fostering poor (and sometimes corrupt) leadership, and keeping the entire Fayetteville/Cumberland County community from reaching its full potential.
Fayetteville and Cumberland County need more "critical thinking." Both have significant challenges that can be dealt with swiftly and effectively if the two governing bodies collaborate harmoniously, sharing ideas, solutions, and resources that serve and benefit all citizens.
An added benefit from this positive and cooperative relationship would be it would radiate out to all citizens. Fayetteville is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
However, I have heard people say, "Fayetteville is its own worst enemy" way too many times. I believe that is caused primarily by two things: One: Binary thinking. We must be more tolerant and respectful of other people's views and opinions and not judge their worth on one issue or viewpoint.
Two: Fayetteville and Cumberland County do an abysmal job telling their story. We do not promote our community, local amenities, achievements, or accomplishments, nor do we celebrate our quality of life. As a result, we let others set our narrative with only negative news reaching the ears of residents and visitors. Up & Coming Weekly has been working to combat this, but we cannot do it alone.
Let this be the year our City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County elected officials and staff exert effort to stifle binary thinking and work together to face this growing community's challenges.
We are off to a great start.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly, Fayetteville and Cumberland County's community newspaper.

As celebrations gear up across Cumberland County for Black History Month, the Arts Council opens The Seed and The Sower on Jan. 24. The exhibit centers on strength and generational connection through works by Black female artists.
The Seed and The Sower was an idea that came to curator Teresa Bone through her connection to her own ancestry. After the passing of her paternal grandmother, Bone found herself considering which of her own traits came from the woman she knew as a young girl.
Bone started her art journey in her youth, so processing bigger questions about lineage and life came more easily through art.
“In the last several years, my work as an artist and as a curator isn’t just about things being pretty (though I’d still like to think what I produce is nice to look at),” remarked Bone about the exhibit. “The heart of my work now is about narratives. It’s about stories. What is the message that I am trying to convey?”
Despite the personal origins of the show, Bone wants viewers to feel connected to the work and each other.
“This show is focused on familial narratives, but in a larger view, our lives have an effect on every person we meet,” said Bone. “Those who came before us (family, mentors, teachers, friends), left an impact on our lives, and we- in turn, will leave our own impact on others.”
Bone is excited to see how artists interpret this theme of interconnectedness and hopes the exhibit shows a broad spectrum of work. The exhibit reflects a national juried art call inviting 2D and 3D works from artists from across the US. The call particularly encouraged art from Black female artists, asking for a “multi-layered study of time, connections, and heritage as seen specifically through the lens of Black women’s eyes.”
According to a 2022 study done by the Burns Halperin Report, Black female artists represent 0.5% of collected holdings in the largest American art museums. The Arts Council hopes to address some of this disparity by supporting The Seed and The Sower. The opening reception on January 24 will further celebrate the role of Black female artists with performances from musicians and poets.
The performances are curated by the local nonprofit Book Black Women whose mission is to celebrate, amplify, and empower Black women in the arts and creative industries.
For curator Teresa Bone, the exhibit evokes a look at a generational timescale.
“This cycle never ends. ‘The Seed’ will always eventually become ‘the Sower’, and the descendent will one day be the ancestor. We should all be mindful of what we ‘sow.’”
The Seed and the Sower will be on display in the Arts Council’s gallery until Feb. 28 with a free Opening Reception on Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow the organization @artscouncilfay on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and/or YouTube.

(Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland county)

The Brazilian political biographical drama I’m Still Here (Portuguese: Ainda Estou Aqui), directed by Walter Salles, is set to premiere at the Cameo Art House Theatre on Feb. 7. This 2024 release has already garnered international acclaim, including a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for Fernanda Torres and a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 2015 memoir, the film chronicles the life of his mother Eunice Paiva. With a screenplay by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, I’m Still Here brings an intimate and harrowing chapter of Brazilian history to the screen, resonating with audiences worldwide.
A Story of Courage and Loss
In 1970, former congressman Rubens Paiva returns to Rio de Janeiro after six years of self-exile following the revocation of his tenure during the 1964 Brazilian coup d’état. Settling into an idyllic home near Leblon Beach with his wife Eunice (played by Torres and Fernanda Montenegro) and their five children, Paiva resumes his civil career while quietly supporting expatriates.
Amidst rising political tensions sparked by the kidnapping of the Swiss ambassador by far-left revolutionary movements, Paiva’s home is raided by the military in January 1971. He is arrested and subsequently disappears. Eunice, refusing to stay silent, publicly demands answers, leading to her own arrest and 12 days of torture. Their teenage daughter, Eliana, is also imprisoned, though she is released after 24 hours. The family’s persistence in seeking justice ignites moderate media outrage, but Eunice presses on.
A Critical and Commercial Success
Since its premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where it won Best Screenplay, I’m Still Here has achieved remarkable success, grossing $11.3 million on a $1.5 million budget. It has been recognized among the National Board of Review’s Top 5 International Films of 2024 and has advanced to the December shortlist for the 97th Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film.
Despite facing an attempted boycott by Brazil’s far-right, the film has resonated deeply with
audiences, further cementing its place in modern cinema.
Brazil’s Alarming Pattern of Police Violence
The issues explored in I’m Still Here remain disturbingly relevant today. Alarmingly, individuals of African descent are three times more likely to become victims of this violence than their white counterparts. The UN has noted that these acts of brutality are not isolated incidents but form an “alarming pattern” that has deeply eroded public trust in law enforcement, especially among marginalized communities. Most homes have high walls with barbed wire or glass on tops and eclectic fences; all added in the time of military dictatorship.
This erosion of trust was echoed by a personal experience I had during one of my many visits to Brazil. I’ve been there over a dozen times and witnessed firsthand the fear that permeates interactions with police. Unlike in the U.S., Brazilian police are heavily militarized, routinely carrying large firearms and traveling in groups of three or four. I once saw a routine traffic stop for speeding in which all four officers approached the driver with their guns drawn as usual protocol.
A Brazilian friend of mine recently lost his uncle to police violence in December. Homeless and struggling with addiction, his uncle’s death remains shrouded in unclear circumstances. He was Afro-Brazilian. Such incidents highlight the immunity that Brazilian police enjoy, as they are rarely, if ever, held accountable for their actions.
Why I’m Still Here Matters
This film is not only a powerful tribute to those who fought for justice during Brazil’s darkest years but also a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked government power. As Brazil faces increasing political instability and growing concerns over authoritarianism, I’m Still Here is a chillingly relevant reflection of how history can repeat itself.
According to the United Nations, since 2019, Brazil has seen a rise in aggressive and militarized policing, particularly under far-right leadership. In Rio de Janeiro alone, police killed 1,810 people that year — an average of five deaths per day. The Brazilian police kill an average of 17 people per day.
“In 2024, the Military Police in Brazil killed 6,296 people, equivalent to eight times the rate of people killed by police in the United States. The overwhelming majority of these victims are Black, poor, young, male, non-educated, and living in urban peripheries," reports North American Congress on Latin America.
Why is a movie that takes place in the ‘70s so relevant and still so urgent in 2024? Isn't this movie about a distant past, that of a former military regime that a democratic regime has replaced? On paper, yes, however… The military police in Brazil and its actions show us a brutal reality — Brazil has not overcome its dictatorial past since the current police force is a kind of an abomination in the current democratic world. Even though Brazil has a civil police force, the military police do the vast majority of police operations on the streets and among the civilians.
The militaries are still dangerously present amongst the civilian Brazilian population, constantly acting aggressively and lethally in the country, under the warfare mentality of the military period — which is not a practice in the vast majority of countries worldwide.
CNN Brasil featured, the very month the movie came out, the military police videotaped, throwing a man off a bridge. Police said it was an exception because the police officer was “mentally unstable at the time”.
Brazil’s Heart and Spirit
Despite rising violence towards certain groups in Brazil, the country is still a land of breathtaking beauty, vibrant culture, and deeply rooted values. Its people are known for their warmth, love of life, and the importance they place on family. From the rich flavors of feijoada and pão de queijo to the rhythmic beats of samba and the stunning landscapes of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil is a country that celebrates resilience and connection.
Don’t Miss I’m Still Here
Tickets for I’m Still Here are now available at the Cameo Art House Theatre. The film begins its run on February 7th and offers a rare opportunity to experience a globally acclaimed masterpiece that shines a light on Brazil’s fight for justice and human rights.

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)

Who is the most famous North Carolinian today?
If you check the latest edition of the World Almanac as I do this time every year, you will find a list of “Famous North Carolinians.”
That list includes the following people, but not today’s most famous person from our state.
Read over the names on the World Almanac list and then I will tell you today’s most famous person: David Brinkley, Shirley Caesar, John Coltrane, Stephen Curry, Rick Dees, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, Dale Earnhardt Sr., John Edwards, Ava Gardner, Richard Jordan Gatling, Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, O. Henry, Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Michael Jordan, William Rufus King, Charles Kuralt, Meadowlark Lemon, Dolley Madison, Thelonious Monk, Edward R. Murrow, Richard Petty, James K. Polk, Charlie Rose, Carl Sandburg, Enos Slaughter, Dean Smith, James Taylor, Thomas Wolfe.
But that list does not include the North Carolinian most talked about across the world recently: a man who grew up in the Tally Ho community of Granville County.
On Christmas Day 2021 a $10 billion giant telescope to replace the aging Hubble scope was launched from French Guiana.
The launch was successful, and the device has unfolded its antenna, mirror, and tennis-court-sized sunshield, as it moved toward a final orbit.
The Hubble, at work for more than 30 years, was named for Edwin Powell Hubble, an American astronomer who died in 1953. He was an important astronomer whose work provided evidence that the universe is expanding.
The new observatory-telescope is about 100 times more sensitive than the Hubble. As described by Dennis Overbye in the Oct. 20, 2021, edition of The New York Times, “Orbiting the sun a million miles from Earth, it will be capable of bringing into focus the earliest stars and galaxies in the universe and closely inspecting the atmospheres of nearby exoplanets for signs of life or habitability.”
So, what does all this have to do with Granville County and the most talked-about North Carolinian?
The new telescope is named the James Webb Space Telescope. Like the Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, or Webb Telescope, or simply the Webb, will be in almost every news story about space exploration for many years. Every young person studying astronomy or reading about space will see his name. It will be everywhere.
Why is this critical device named for Webb?
Lewis Bowling, who, like Webb grew up working in the tobacco fields and barns of Granville County, explained in his column in the December 30, 2021, edition of the Oxford Public Ledger, Granville County’s twice-weekly newspaper.
“James Webb, who grew up in the sticks like me, surrounded by great big fields of tobacco was the man most responsible for leading us to the moon.
"Let me clarify something: James Webb was born in Tally Ho near Stem, so he was a country boy like me, but obviously a lot smarter. Webb knew and worked for several presidents and was the National Aeronautics and Space Administration director under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. As former North Carolina Congressman L. H. Fountain once said, ‘for the first time since the beginning of the world there are now footprints on the moon, and the major share of credit goes to a distinguished son of Granville County, James E. Webb.’”
I wrote that I would bet that there will be a new entry in the latest World Almanac’s list of “Famous North Carolinians.”
I believed the new entry would be James Webb from Tally Ho.
But Webb has still not yet made the World Almanac’s list.
I will be looking for Webb’s name when the 2026 World Almanac comes out next fall hoping that its editors do not again forget to add James Webb to their list.

Editor’s note: D.G. Martin, a retired lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

(This artist's rendition of the James Webb Space Telescope shows the telescope after being launched into space in 2022. The telescope has since transmitted images of multiple galaxies and star systems. Image courtesy of NASA-GSFC, Adriana M. Gutierrez,CI Lab, James Webb Space Telescope website)

Winter white, elegance, and lunch with a purpose are the perfect way to spend a Saturday. The Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links Friendship Luncheon is the opportunity to do all three. Marking the 26th year of the annual event, this year is set to be the personification of sophistication. This year’s luncheon is Saturday, Feb. 1st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shabaine Farms and Event Center, 469 Posey Farm Rd, Raeford.
Attendees will immerse themselves in the ambiance of Shabaine Farms, from the marble flooring to the grand staircase. A perfect backdrop to this year’s luncheon theme, “Growing Our Legacy.” Setting the mood and tantalizing the eardrum, will be the always entertaining Book Black Women. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle, featuring one-of-a-kind, must-have prizes. The Friendship Luncheon is one of the biggest events bringing awareness to heart health. It also serves a larger purpose. The Friendship Luncheon is an opportunity to bring professional Black women together for a powerful and meaningful event, that will expand their network through connection and friendship. It's an opportunity for women to dress to impress and learn more about what the Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links is about, and their impact on the community.
“This signature event not only strengthens bonds of friendship but also raises awareness of heart health within our community,” member DeSandra Washington said. Tickets to the luncheon can be purchased through a member of the Fayetteville chapter.
The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer service nonprofit organization for professional Black (of African descent) women. Under the dictum, “Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service,” the Fayetteville chapter was founded on February 11, 1951, by founding members Elizabeth Cameron, Ebbie Dorsay, Inez Ealey, Candice Johnson, Evelyn Groves, Juanita Lewis, Hilda Porter, Geneva Robinson, Beulah Quick, and Jessye Vick and was the 32nd incorporated national chapter.
As an organization founded for Black women, during a time when the rights of Black Americans were limited, The Links, Inc's importance in the communities that started chapters has always been vital. It has filled resource gaps and provided opportunities to youth. The organization has grown substantially since its inception in 1946, from national to international. The Fayetteville Chapter is currently one of 299 chapters in 41 states across the United States, Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. The Links, Incorporated was founded on the premise of being an organization “...committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Our core values are friendship, integrity, honesty, service, commitment, family relationships, courage, respect for self and others, legacy, confidentiality, responsibility, and accountability.”
The chapter focuses on three areas of service: The Arts, Service to Youth, and National Trends and Services with a focus on health. Their signature green and white colors can be found at any event they are supporting or hosting, with smiles on their faces. To learn more about the Fayetteville Chapter of NC Links visit the website at https://www.fayettevillenclinks.org/.

(The Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links will gather together for their 26th annual Friendship Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links Facebook page)

Lunar New Year, also known as the 'Spring Festival,' is the most important traditional festival in China. The celebration marks the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, combining elements from both the Gregorian and lunar-solar systems.
The festival has a history spanning thousands of years, rich with myths and legends. One popular story involves the mythical beast Nian, who would terrorize villages until he was scared away by loud noises, bright lights, and the color red—practices still prevalent in today's celebrations.
The Year of the Snake is one of the twelve zodiac cycles in the Chinese calendar, embodying traits such as wisdom, intuition, and elegance. Those born under this sign are often seen as intelligent and enigmatic, possessing a magnetic charm that draws people in.
In 2025, the Year of the Snake begins on Jan. 29. This period is anticipated to bring transformation and new opportunities, making it a significant time for reflection and growth. Understanding these cultural nuances can help brands align their messaging with the hopes and aspirations of consumers during this auspicious period.
Lunar New Year is celebrated with a variety of vibrant traditions and customs. These include family reunions, festive meals, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money, which symbolize good luck and prosperity. Additionally, lion dances, fireworks, and the decoration of homes with red lanterns and couplets are common practices.
Preparations for the Lunar New Year begin well in advance, with families cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. This practice is known as 'sweeping the dust.'
Homes are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and longevity. The color red is predominant as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad fortune.
Food plays a central role in the celebrations, with dishes like dumplings, rice cakes, and fish symbolizing wealth, unity, and abundance. These age-old traditions not only foster a sense of community but also serve to honor ancestors and
welcome new beginnings.
Other traditional foods include Niangao (glutinous rice cake) for higher income or position, and Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) which signify family unity and togetherness.
Numerous customs and activities are observed during the Lunar New Year. Lion and dragon dances are performed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. These lively performances are accompanied by the sound of drums, gongs, and cymbals.
While many traditional practices remain, the Lunar New Year has also evolved with modern times. In urban areas, it's common to see grand fireworks displays and large-scale public events.
The festival has a global impact, with celebrations taking place in Chinatowns and Asian communities worldwide. This cultural diffusion helps to spread the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year, making it a truly global celebration.

Hold your breath.
Make a wish.
Count to three.
Enter into a world of pure imagination.
This is the world that the folks at Cape Fear Regional Theatre create — one that will bring imagination and magic onto the stage with a little boy, his grandpa Joe and the chocolate factory. And of course, it must include the zany, possibly half-insane, chocolate maker with his iconic blonde curls and candy inventions that only exist in kids’ wildest dreams.
In just a couple of weeks, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory will hit the stage at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. This production, like some of the others done by Cape Fear Regional Theatre with many children in the show, will include two casts of child actors — an Oompa and a Loompa cast. This means that the show officially has two Charlie Buckets — Cameron Lewis and Noé Cangas.
The boys jump on a quick video call to discuss their character — a quick step out in the middle of their studies to discuss their passion.
“I used to read the book all the time,” Cangas says smiling.
For Cangas, this role has quickly become one of his favorites. Charlie is a kid, he says, who keeps things light despite having a relatively sad life. Lewis shares this love and take on Charlie.
“I’m so excited. It’s the first Broadway show I ever saw,” Lewis says. “... Charlie is a difficult character. He's very hard to play."
The two boys are traveling more than an hour to rehearsal after school and will alternate nights to play their roles. They both said they find that time is helpful in getting homework done. They also find the time in between scenes during rehearsal. While the kids alternate for the shows, the adult actors in the show will remain the same throughout the entire run of the production. Working with them, Lewis says, is one of the best parts of playing in a production like this.
“It’s so fun doing scenes with them,” he says. “They are professional, and they’ve been doing so much stuff.”
For Lewis, this includes Joshua Morgan, who plays Willy Wonka and who is also a dead ringer for the blonde, curly-haired, zany Wonka that Gene Wilder brought to life on the big screen. When he took the role, Morgan said he started by asking himself, “Who is Wonka?”
“It’s Wonka, right?” he said. “It has its own cultural and creative backing.”
Morgan and Marc De La Concha, the show's director and Education Director at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, had many conversations about the characterization of the iconic character. Morgan said they talked about what defines Wonka.
“We were most attracted by what Gene Wilder did,” he said.
When asked about how the scenes are going and how that character has developed in the rehearsals so far, Morgan, in a true Wonka-like voice and energy, laughs.
“It’s still the beginning!”
De La Concha, a bright personality unto himself, smiles at this and nods. He says there’s so much learning along the way for him and the cast and their new space.
“It’s about bringing the magic into that space,” De La Concha says. “We also have a really good company of actors that make that magic.”
Among those actors is Steve McCoy, who plays the lovable Grandpa Joe. Even outside of his wardrobe and rehearsals, McCoy wears a large smile across his face. He has a bright energy about him.
“I love this guy,” he exclaims. “I know him so well.”
And that he does. He portrayed Grandpa Joe for three years on a traveling production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Like the character he is playing, McCoy seems to always have a positive spin on things.
“The play is about imagination and integrity and honesty and just being a really good person,” he says. “If you are a good person with integrity, something wonderful is going to happen to you.”
McCoy says he loves performing with the child actors in this production. The two Charlie Buckets, he says, bring “an incredible aspect” to their characters. And as far as his character goes, McCoy says, he just has to think and embody his own father.
“He reminds me of my dad now,” McCoy laughs. “The way he speaks — gruff and off the cuff but ends it with a really nice thing.”
Using his imagination for the character doesn’t hurt either, he admits. Although the book is catering to children’s imaginations, the show, McCoy says, is for ages 9 to 99.
“Everyone finds something they love about it,” Ashley Owen, Marketing Director for Cape Fear Regional Theatre, agrees.
The production will include around 24 songs in total including all of those from the Gene Wilder version of the movie as well as others. Each character will have a song to tell the audience who they are before they get to the factory. There are 31 actors in total in the show including each youth cast which has seven kids each.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will run from Jan. 30 to Feb. 23 at Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s temporary space at 1707 Owen Drive. Tickets will range from $19 to $37 to include some “bedtime friendly” shows, a military appreciation night and teacher appreciation night. For more information visit www.cfrt.org.

(Photo: Cameron Lewis, left, and Noé Cangas play Charlie Bucket, the main character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The kids rotate shows throughout the run of the production. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

The community is rallying in preparation for extensive celebrations surrounding the Bicentennial anniversary of Revolutionary War General, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour of America. Lafayette’s original tour spanned 1824-1825 and took him through various cities in 24 states, including Fayetteville. A series of celebrations held on March 4 and 5, as well as preceding events, will give community members the chance to follow in Lafayette’s footsteps.
In February of 2022, under the direction of Hank Parfitt who serves as Chair, a planning committee was formed to plan the Bicentennial Celebration. Parfitt said much of the first year was spent team-building, inviting community members to participate, and building a framework for upcoming events. They’re basing the reenactment of events off a contemporaneous report of Lafayette’s visit to Fayetteville published in the Carolina Observer, now the Fayetteville Observer, that described Lafayette’s time in the city.
Currently, Parfitt says there are nearly 20 organizations involved in the committee, including individuals from the city and county government, local art museums, and historical organizations. “It represents a wide cross-section of the city,” Parfitt explained.
He said the committee also spent time making sure that the celebration was beneficial for all the organizations involved and aligned with their particular vision.
“As you can imagine, there's a lot of work in that,” he shared.
As a Frenchman who fought in an American uniform, Lafayette was the last surviving American Major General of the Revolutionary War. Fayetteville was the only namesake city he visited during his final tour. Parfitt noted that the tour took place during a time of deep division.
“The nation was deeply divided over the economy, over the issue of slavery, and there were political problems with the election of 1824.”
Yet, Lafayette was universally admired despite the vitriol, and it’s estimated that 6 million of the then 9.5 million American population saw Lafayette during his tour.
According to Parfitt, Lafayette was grieved that the country he helped found on the basis of equality and freedom was enslaving a large percentage of its inhabitants. He became a great supporter of emancipation.
“He was a shining light of liberty and national self-determination,” Parfitt explained.
The upcoming Fayetteville celebrations organized by the Lafayette Society are part of “Lafayette 200,” a 13-month long, 24-state-wide Bicentennial celebration organized by The American Friends of Lafayette. According to their website, the AFL is a historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Lafayette and to the study of his life and times in America and France.
Together with the American Friends of Lafayette, Fayetteville is one of many principal cities Lafayette visited that are taking the opportunity to host a celebration.
“It is a celebration of our community's history and serves as a reminder of the ideals that Lafayette stood for, which are still so relevant today, such as justice and freedom,” said Anna Meyer, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
Meyer is one of several sub-committee chairs helping coordinate upcoming events as part of the planning committee. She is focusing on marketing the events and coordinating a dinner-theater performance. She described an abundance of community collaborations behind-the-scenes working to bring the events together.
“The celebration is truly community-centric, and many people have stepped up to make it possible.”
Parfitt shared that organizations and institutions involved in the planning committee include the Lafayette Society, Fayetteville Museum of History, Museum of the Cape Fear, The Arts Council, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, The Gilbert Theater, Cumberland County Library, Distinctly Fayetteville (Convention and Visitors Bureau), Sons of the American Revolution - Marquis de Lafayette Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution - Liberty Point and Col. Robert Rowan Chapters, Colonial Dames, The Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Methodist University, Cumberland County, City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County Schools.
They’re working together to coordinate a series of ticketed and free events including Regency-era dance workshops by Charles Steplively (Jeremy Gershman), a Lafayette Lecture by Dr. Lloyd Kramer, and eventually the two-day celebration on March 4 and 5 which will include the following events: Mini Tours of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory and Carriage, Lafayette’s Procession and Welcome, Explore Lafayette’s Legacy in Fayetteville, Farewell Tour Ball, and Farewell Tour Dinner with live music and theater-in-the-round.
Parfitt said that the committee members are outstanding, with groups such as the Colonial Dames handling the Farewell Tour Dinner and the Daughters of the American Revolution handling the Farewell Tour Ball.
“Each individual event now has a strong co-chair in charge who shares the vision and has the determination to accomplish the mission,” he said.
Meyer encouraged community members to join in the festivities and said she thought it would be a “memorable celebration.”
Parfitt lauded the committee and anticipated the same.
“They’re doing a really fantastic job to make sure this is an event that our city can be proud of.” Learn more at lafayettesociety.org

(Photo: The Fayetteville Independent LIght Infantry will be part of the celebrations for the Bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette's return to Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of the Lafayette Society)

On Feb. 15 at the Crown Expo Center, The Partnership for Children of Cumberland County will host Little Land: Big Play for Families. The event is free and open to families of all ages. It begins at 10 a.m. and the first 300 kids through the door will receive a free superhero cape. Little Land is a chance for families to have an opportunity for the kids to be kids, while the parents learn about resources and services available in our community. The target audience is families with kids under 5 years old, but kids of all ages are welcome to come and play.
What is Little Land?
In March of 2020, the Partnership for Children set out to create an event for families to play and learn; to connect with resources in the local community, as well as allow kids to be kids. To that end, they hosted the first Little Land event. On that Saturday, over 1100 people came to the Crown Expo Center to play. Shortly after that, the world shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, a repeat event was not feasible until 2023. In spring of that year, more than 1100 kids and their adults came out to play. In 2024, the number topped 1500. Not only was the turn-out great, but the response indicated a resounding success as well: 93% of those surveyed said they would come again.
What to expect?
When families arrive at this year’s Little Land, they will be able to walk a red carpet, and the first 300 kids will receive a free superhero cape. Once inside, let the play commence! Kids can play at Jumbo Land, an inflatable obstacle course; there will even be tot-sized Jumbo Land for the smaller tots. There will be Safety Land, where kids can meet real-life police officers and firefighters while their parents have the chance to learn about car seat installation, bike helmets, and other safety concerns; they will even be conducting car seat checks to ensure proper installation.
There will be booths for various agencies, services, and resources so families know what is available to them in the community. Most booths will have free, hands-on activities for kids and families. The Fayetteville Pickleball Club will have a court for people to play and learn about the game of pickleball.
New this year is Sensory Land: a separate space, sponsored by Caring Hearts Behavioral Services. This will be a quieter place for kids with sensory sensitivities, or anyone who just needs a little break from the noise and activity of the main play area. There will be hands-on activities, story time with the Cumberland County Library, and other sensory-friendly recreation.
Also new this year is the NC Zoo. Representatives from the zoo will be on hand with information about the zoo and to answer questions about animals. There may even be an animal ambassador from the zoo at the event.
There may be some cost associated with certain activities, and there will be food for sale, but most will be free for all those attending. According to Sharon Moyer, Community Engagement Administrator, it will be feasible for families to attend the event, participate fully, and leave without having spent any money.
What is CCPFC?
Cumberland County’s Partnership for Children is an agency that serves families with children from birth until 5 years old.
“Our priorities are to provide services and supports that Advance the Well‑being of Children, Strengthen the Early Care Early Education System, and Empower Families.” (from https://ccpfc.org/about-pfc/) The services they provide and resources they connect to are abundant and focus primarily on child and parent wellness, safety, and Kindergarten readiness. Just some of the organizations they partner with include: Dolly Parton’s Imagination library; which provides registered children with one free book per month from birth until they turn 5; Fayetteville Technical Community College and their Parents for Higher Ed program-which helps parents overcome barriers to achieving a college degree; and Head Start-a program in North Carolina which provides free pre-K schooling to eligible children. The organization can connect parents with services ranging from postpartum mental health and nursing support to car seat safety, to finding childcare.
Moyer said, “If we don’t offer the service, we can help connect you with someone who does.”
As the old saying goes: it takes a village to raise a child; the CCPFC can help you find the members of your village.
The Little Land: Big Play for Families event is an opportunity for kids to have fun, play, learn, and just be kids, while their parents play with them but also learn about important, helpful resources they may not otherwise be aware of. While admission and most activities are free of charge for all attendees, there will be opportunities to donate to the organization; all money raised at the event will directly support the services of CCPFC.
Would you like to help make Little Land 2025 a success? CCPFC is still looking for volunteers. Reach out to 910-867-9700 for more information and to volunteer at the event.

Charles Anthony Pittman, one of the two men who pleaded guilty to setting fire to Fayetteville’s Market House during a protest in May 2020, lost his appeal of his conviction.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Monday that the case against him stands.
Pittman, 37, was released from federal prison in March of last year, the Bureau of Prisons website says. Co-defendant Andrew Salvarani Garcia-Smith, 36, was released in November 2022.
Protest turned into looting
Pittman and Garcia-Smith set fire to the Market House on May 30, 2020, a Saturday, amid a George Floyd protest against police violence that escalated into instances of vandalism downtown, then widespread looting across the city.
Floyd, originally from Fayetteville, had been killed five days prior in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by a police officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck while pinning him to the ground and kept kneeling on Floyd’s neck after Floyd fell unconscious. The officer was later convicted of murder.
The Market House, which is city property, has been a center of controversy for decades. According to historians, it was built in the 1830s as a place for the general sales of goods. It was also a site where enslaved people were sold before the Civil War, an aspect of its past that has led some people to call for its demolition.
“As recorded by several media outlets, Pittman carried a gasoline container to the second story of the Market House and waived [SIC] it to the crowd before pouring gasoline onto the floor inside. As the gasoline-soaked area caught ablaze, a City of Fayetteville employee saw Pittman run out of the building,” says a news release published in November 2020 by the United States Attorney Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“Investigators discovered the identity of Garcia-Smith after a social media post went viral,” the news release says. “As reported by local and national media outlets, the video showed Garcia-Smith picking up a bottle filled with flammable liquids and throwing it into the Market House. The liquid spilled back onto Garcia-Smith, setting his clothes and hair on fire. Investigators found Garcia-Smith in a local burn center, where Garcia-Smith admitted to being the individual in the video.”
The fire produced smoke and flames, but the sprinkler system activated and put it out. Water poured from the building through the evening.
Later that night, people spread across Fayetteville and began looting. They broke into the J.C. Penney at Cross Creek Mall, a Walmart and other stores.
The Fayetteville Police Department had officers surrounding the downtown area and near the stores that were being looted. But the department initially held back on clearing the downtown streets or stopping the looters. Officers had seen firearms among people in the crowds, and the police chief was trying to prevent conflicts that could result in deaths, according to a report issued in February 2022 by the Police Executive Resource Forum.
In the end, no one was killed. Only two were hurt, and one of the two was Garcia-Smith with his self-inflicted injuries.
Guilty pleas, and appeal
Court records say Pittman pleaded guilty in 2020 to maliciously damaging by fire a building that is receiving federal financial assistance, aiding and abetting a federal crime, and inciting a riot. He was sentenced in July 2022 to five years in prison, three years of parole, and ordered to pay $55,524.84 in restitution.
Garcia-Smith pleaded guilty in 2020 to maliciously damaging by fire a building that is receiving federal financial assistance, aiding and abetting a federal crime. He was sentenced in June 2021 to 27 months in prison followed by three years of probation.
Pittman appealed his case, but only on the charges related to setting the fire, not the charge of inciting a riot.

Up & Coming Weekly Editor's note: This article has been trimmed for space. To read the full version, visit https://bit.ly/3DUN5w7