Join in on Nov. 16 at Carver Creek State Park - Ramsey Street access (995 McCloskey Rd) for the Red Apple Run! Whether you choose to walk or run in the 5K or 10K events, your participation will directly impact those who rely on Better Health’s mission. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against diabetes and improve health outcomes across our community.
The Red Apple Run for Diabetes is not just an event. It is a vital opportunity to support Better Health, an organization dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare services in Cumberland County. Since its founding in 1958, Better Health has been at the forefront of initiatives that promote diabetes awareness, education, and self-management clinics. They also tackle pressing issues such as childhood obesity prevention and education, ensuring our youth have the resources they need for a healthier future.
Christiana Adeyemi is the Executive Director at Better Health of Cumberland County. She shared that she has been working with Better Health since 2022 and is humbled to work with a great team, and proud to be a part of their legacy of 66 years of excellent service to the citizens of Cumberland County. Adeyemi, a long-term Cumberland County resident and military spouse of 26 years with over 20 years of Non-profit experience, enjoys the reward felt when their services unite communities and help in the fight against diabetes.
Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and understanding its implications is crucial for everyone. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both can manifest at any age and, what’s particularly alarming is the rising incidence of diabetes among children. This trend highlights the urgent need for awareness and education.
At its core, diabetes occurs when glucose levels in the blood become excessively high. If left unmanaged, both types can lead to long-term complications that develop gradually but can ultimately escalate to life-disabling or even life-threatening conditions. That’s why it’s vital to recognize the warning signs early on.
Monitoring your A1C glucose levels is an essential step in managing your health effectively, coupled with a commitment to proper dieting and regular exercise. By being informed and vigilant, you safeguard your health and contribute to a broader culture of awareness around diabetes—one that could save lives in our communities.
In addition to educational programs, Better Health provides essential services like medical equipment loans and emergency medical assistance for critical prescriptions, dental care, vision needs, and even travel assistance. This nonprofit organization relies heavily on the generosity of local foundations and community donors to continue its mission.
Registration will be open until ten minutes before each race starts—8:30 a.m. for the 10K and 8:45 a.m. for the 5K. The races offer scenic running through longleaf pine forests. They are also seeking additional sponsors who can help amplify the efforts. Sponsor donations are: Presenting Sponsor $3000, Big Apple $2000, Apple Pie $1,000, Apple Sauce $500, and Apple Seed $250. Your support directly impacts those living with diabetes in our community.
Awards will be given out for both races: the top three overall finishers (male or female) and the top three in age groups. Come join not only for a run but also as part of something bigger—a movement toward better health for everyone in Cumberland County.
Last year, the event saw nearly 100 participants. This year, they hope to surpass that number. So, get out your running shoes, and if you can't join the race but still want to contribute to this noble cause, please visit their website at https://better-health-of-cumberland-county-inc.networkforgood.com/

The holiday season is frequently regarded as the most joyful and delightful time of the year, filled with celebrations, gatherings, and festive cheer. However, for individuals who are grappling with food insecurity or struggling to find their next meal, this time of year does not evoke the same feelings of joy and happiness. Instead, it can be a period of stress and worry.
Fortunately, there are many resources available in our community that offer vital assistance to those in need, ensuring that everyone can experience some level of comfort during this special season.

Thanksgiving Meals
Rivers International Church
113 Foch St, Fayetteville
910-670-1354
https://www.riverschurchnc.org/
They will be serving a Thanksgiving meal. Call for the exact date and time.

We Are One Big Family
Fayetteville Day Resource Center
128 S King St, Fayetteville
910-708-0205
They will be passing out Thanksgiving meals on November 27 & 28. Call for exact times.

Operation Turkey Fayetteville
682-226-2724
operationturkey.com

Meal Pick Up Locations

FAYETTEVILLE LOCATION: MAIN:
Fayetteville Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association
606 Johnson Street
Fayetteville NC 28304

For those who struggle with transportation or just need a closer location to pick up meals, they offer options through churches and community partnership locations:

Harvest Family Church
6575 Fisher Road
Fayetteville, NC 28304

Cedar Falls Baptist Church
6181 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28311

OTHER LOCATION IN NORTH CAROLINA:

Hoke County Open Door Soup
Kitchen
320 Turnpike Rd
Raeford, NC 28376

Food Pantries
Be sure to call or visit the websites listed for additional information needed like whether you will need to show ID, if a referral is required or if there is a limit on the number of visits.

St. Paul's Full Gospel Food Pantry
602 Mann Street, Fayetteville
910-486-0202
http://stpaulfgbc.org
Food pantry is open on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Charity Church Food Pantry
431 Neville Street, Fayetteville
910-484-8764
http://charity-church.org
Food pantry is open every third Saturday from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Village Baptist Church Food Pantry
555 North Reilly Rd, Fayetteville
910-678-7178
http://thevillagebc.church
Food pantry is open every 3rd Tuesday from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry
1601 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville
910-484-2134
http://www.holytrinityfay.org/serve
The food pantry is open for walk-ins Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Alms House Food Pantry
3909 Ellison Street, Hope Mills
910-425-0902 https://almshousehopemills.com/index.html
The food pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Anderson Creek Community Church
2085 Ray Road, Spring Lake
910-436-0548
http://andersoncreekcommunitychurch.com/ac³-ministry-center
Food pantry is open on Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cruciform Church of Christ
360 Pinetree Lane, Spring Lake
910-447-2767
http://www.cruciformcoc.com/ministries/food-pantry
Food pantry is open twice a month. Call for specific dates.

Operation Blessing of Fayetteville
1337 Ramsey St, Fayetteville
910-483-1119
http://operationblessingfayetteville.com
Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed daily from Noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.

Catholic Charities-Fayetteville & Newton Grove Regional Office
726 Ramsey St, Suites 10 & 11, Fayetteville
910-424-2020 Ext. 2601
http://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/fayetteville-programs
This food pantry operates by curbside pickup on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC
406 Deep Creek Rd, Fayetteville
910-485-6923
https://hungercantwait.org/find-help/find-food/
Second Harvest Food Bank is a collection site where they distribute their food to other charities, churches and food pantries. The link above provides the locations where someone looking for food assistance may find some help.

HAND-EE
12254 Highway 210 South, Spring Lake
910-497-7100
http://hand-ee.org
They have a variety of food distribution and community services. Please call for more details.

Saint Pauls United Methodist Church Food Pantry
406 W. Main Street, Saint Pauls
910-865-4301
https://www.rise4me.com/resources/st-pauls-united-methodist-church-food-pantry/
Food pantry is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month . Please call for information on hours.

Loft Assistance Center
62 Joint Rd, Spring Lake
919-495-1415
Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New Hope Baptist Church
293 Bethel Baptist Rd, Spring Lake
910-497-1033
Food pantry is open the 1st & 3rd Monday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

FTCC Food Pantry
Horace Sisk Building, Rm 708, 2204 Hull Rd, Fayetteville
910-678-0077
This food pantry is only open to FTCC students. The hours are Monday thru Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Beatitude House
102 N. Main St, Spring Lake
910-496-0925
Food pantry is open Thursday & Friday from 10:30 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church
3101 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville
910-484-3340
Food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cliffdale Christian Center
6427 Cliffdale Rd, Fayetteville
910-864-4911
Food pantry is open the third Wednesday of each month. Date may variety around holidays. Call to confirm hours.

Fayetteville Dream Center
336 Ray Ave, Fayetteville
910-568-3897
Food assistance is available on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to Noon.

First Baptist Church
302 Moore St, Fayetteville
910-483-6505
Food bags are available on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Gray's Creek Christian Center
3028 School Rd, Hope Mills
910-485-3005
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until Noon.

Harry Hosier United Methodist
6201 Milford Rd, Fayetteville
910-864-6019
Food pantry is open the 1st & 3rd Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
118 Johnson St, Fayetteville
910-868-2770
Food pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Person Street United Methodist Church
509 Person St, Fayetteville
910-483-4714
Food pantry is open the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Seth's Wish
330 S. Cool Spring St, Fayetteville
910-476-6613
Food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Simon Temple AME Zion Church
441 Donray Dr, Fayetteville
910-867-1183
Food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Matthews United Methodist Church
202 Hope Mills Rd, Fayetteville
910-425-0401
Food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to Noon.

True Vine Ministries
5301 Morganton Rd, Fayetteville
910-867-6762
Food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Church at Cedar Creek
4010 Cedar Creek Rd, Fayetteville
910-483-6895
Food pantry is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Closed on holidays.

Soup Kitchens/Eat-In Programs
Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch
531 Hillsboro St, Fayetteville
910-433-2161
They offer a breakfast program Monday thru Friday starting at 7:30 a.m.

Person Street United Methodist Church
509 Person St, Fayetteville
910-483-4714
Community kitchen is open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Salvation Army
245 Alexander St, Fayetteville
910-483-8119
Lunch daily at 12 p.m.

Seth's Wish
330 S. Cool Spring St, Fayetteville
910-476-6613
Hot meals served Sundays at 1 p.m.

Simon Temple AME Zion Church
5760 Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville
910-867-1182
Breakfast on Saturdays at 7 a.m. 100 plates are distributed into the downtown community. Call for more information.

St. Matthews United Methodist Church
202 Hope Mills Rd, Fayetteville
910-425-0401
Lunch served on the last Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hoke County Open Door Soup Kitchen
308 N. Main St, Raeford
910-875-2111
Open Tuesday & Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Other Resources
Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults
339 Devers St, Fayetteville
910-484-0111
Home delivered meals. Call for more information.

Cumberland County Department of Social Services-
1225 Ramsey St, Fayetteville
910-677-2433
Applications for Food & Nutrition Service Program are accepted Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for more information on requirements.

Pumpkin spice, cool temps and … country music? Yes, indeed!
Fall favorites and tantalizing tunes unite in Fayetteville, home to Southeastern North Carolina’s biggest country music showcase. Presented by John Hiester Chrysler Dodge Jeep and John Hiester Chevrolet, the WKML Stars & Guitars Concert comes to the Crown Coliseum for the 12th year on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring a mixture of hitmakers and newcomers to the country music stage, the popular promotion stages five artists in a unique, acoustic setting.
Fans will enjoy a spectacular night of great music, engaging live entertainment, a few surprises and the opportunity to support a good cause. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Here's the lineup for this year’s SOLD-OUT show:
• LOCASH
• Zach Top
• George Birge
• Kameron Marlowe
• Tigirlily Gold
If you can’t pick just one favorite, the good news is you don’t have to! Compliments of The Big 95.7 ‘KML, Today’s Country, and Stars & Guitars’ generous sponsors, Fayetteville gets them all!
Chart toppers, record makers, social media sensations and no strangers to country music fans, these artists have and are making names for themselves across radio and other platforms.
As no one performer headlines, opens or closes the Stars & Guitars show—all the artists are on stage simultaneously and perform individually in rounds—concertgoers experience a true cross-section of talent. The artists sing songs, share stories, tell jokes and wow audiences year after year. The show’s “Unplugged, Unscripted and Unforgettable” tagline best describes the scene.
Beasley Media Group Digital Programming Director and Marketing and Promotions Director Brandon Plotnick explained the “why” behind the WKML Stars & Guitars event.
“The idea here is to celebrate country music with our listeners and market audience. We have a unique position in the industry, and we can put together something with a relatively big-name lineup every year. The affordable show is the biggest country show in our market,” he said.
The concert is also part of the station’s mission to assist St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This is the 38th year WKML and the Beasley Fayetteville team have proudly supported St. Jude's families and children.
This November’s Stars & Guitars concert and the December St. Jude Country Cares, the longest continuous radiothon campaign in the country, are among several ways the company supports this cause.
The station’s listening audience, covering Raleigh to Myrtle Beach and concentrated in Cumberland and Robeson counties, has filled the house for Stars & Guitars for 12 straight years, and this year will be no exception. During the Aug. 30 early pre-sale, available to members of the WKML free All-Access Club, the limited number of tickets sold out in three minutes.
The in-person regular ticket buyers—another sold-out situation—celebrated at the WKML’s Parking Lot Party at the Crown. These sellouts have not prevented fans from winning tickets in several other ways, including Ticket Stop opportunities and online and on-air contests—with chances still remaining.
Three Ticket Stops—chances for YOU to win tickets—remain before the Nov. 11 concert: Nov. 7 at the Holly Day Fair, hosted at the Crown Expo Center, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Nov. 8 at Timely Treasures, 1003 Honeycutt Rd., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Nov. 9 at John Hiester Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Lillington, 940 N. Main St., Lillington, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get all the details, including info on the Grand Prize VIP Experience, featuring front-row tickets, VIP pre-show passes and an autographed poster, at https://wkml.com/listicle/2024-stars-guitars-ticket-stop-calendar/.
Named “country music’s iconic feel-good duo” by PEOPLE, LOCASH, Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, levels big-hit sounds reminiscent of tunes from the 2000s.
Pumping up the crowds with Florida Georgia Line kind of energy, LOCASH has a pop-country feel that gets audiences singing and shouting for more. The circa 2015 band has eight charting singles, two successful albums, nearly 800 million global streams and a history of industry award recognitions. Announcing their 2024 partnership with 44 Farms, LOCASH recently supported Kane Brown’s DRUNK OR DREAMING TOUR.
Stars & Guitars attendees are likely to hear the duo’s smash hits, “I Love This Life,” “One Big Country Song” and “I Know Somebody,” along with other big-name collaborations.
The classic country sounds of Zach Top channels 90s nostalgia that wins with the WKML audience, according to Plotnick. Top released his first radio single, “Sounds Like the Radio,” at the top of 2024 via Leo33; he will join CMA Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, on her “Country’s Cool Again” Tour throughout the year following the release of his debut record, Cold Beer & Country Music. The Sunnyside, WA, native grew up ranching, tending to livestock and playing bluegrass music—the backstory to his love for country music today.
A TikTok sensation after the posting of “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” George Birge is an original songwriter with two records currently on the radio: the chart-topping “Mind on You” and “Cowboy Songs.” Country artist Clay Walker and country rapper Colt Ford, among many others, have recorded Birge’s songs, and Walker even released Birge's co-write “Need a Bar Sometimes” as his new single.
“George Birge has a modern, gritty country feel to his music and is particularly appealing to the 20-something young female audience,” Plotnick said. “He has a Morgan Wallen kind of vibe.”
Kannapolis, North Carolina, native Kameron Marlowe, who formerly rocked Fayetteville’s Dogwood Festival, is happy to return to the city to play Stars & Guitars. Described by Plotnick as an “earthy, sort of alt-country artist with tension and meat behind his music,” Marlowe’s biggest hit, the Platinum-certified single “Giving You Up,” earned over 57 million views on YouTube. He’s also had hits with “Girl on Fire” and this year with Ella Langley on the song “Strangers.” The rising star from Season 15 of The Voice, who grew up singing in church, is currently touring alongside some of country music’s biggest stars. Marlowe is considered one of Nashville’s most exciting emerging voices and songwriters.
The duo Tigirlily Gold—North Dakota sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh—have played music together practically since birth. They officially formed their band in high school and toured the mid-west, selling out amphitheaters across their home state of North Dakota.
Nashville was their next residence, where they earned a weekly spot at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Nashville’s famous lower Broadway. The emotional pop country sounds of Tigirlily Gold propelled the band onto the country scene, where their debut single, “Shoot Tequila,” reached the Top 40 and went viral.
The duo’s hit single, “I Tried A Ring On,” released earlier this year, is currently finding huge airway success. Tigirlily has already debuted on the Grand Ole Opry and the TODAY Show, so why shouldn’t Fayetteville be next?
The 2024 WKML Stars & Guitars concert is a can’t miss! Tap into all your chances to win by tuning into The Big 95.7 and visiting https://wkml.com/.

(Graphics courtesy of Beasley Media Group)

On Nov. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum will host a special event featuring Brad and Jess Halling, founders of BHAWK Whiskey Distillery in Southern Pines. The evening promises an engaging experience with whiskey tastings, appetizers, and a presentation by the Hollings, offering attendees a glimpse into their journey from military service to establishing a premier whiskey brand.
Brad and Jess Halling have deep connections to the Fort Liberty community and the wider military world. Veterans themselves, they are active in veterans' charities and have combined their love for whiskey and their desire to give back to the community through their Southern Pines-based BHAWK Distillery.
The event, designed for whiskey enthusiasts and military community members, will include whiskey tastings accompanied by expertly paired appetizers. In addition to the tastings, Brad and Jess Halling will deliver a presentation highlighting their personal and professional journeys, blending their military backgrounds with their passion for craft whiskey production.
Non museum members can purchase tickets for $75 per person or $125 per couple. Museum Friend Member tickets are $65 per person or $100 per couple. Active-Duty tickets are $50 per person (ID required at the door). You must be 21 or older to attend.
Brad and Jess Halling’s journey to founding BHAWK Whiskey Distillery began with a shared passion for whiskey and wine. Their vision was establishing a community-focused space that blends premium whiskey production with an immersive experience.
While many are familiar with their success in the distillery business, their background in military service is an equally important part of their story.
Brad Halling's distinguished military career spans nearly two decades. Beginning in 1983 with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Brad deployed to Honduras as part of a group of military advisors supporting a now-declassified operation. His time with Special Forces would later take him to Poland with the 10th Special Forces Group and to Berlin.
One of the defining moments of Brad’s career came during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia, when he served as part of Task Force Ranger. Brad fought in what is now regarded as the longest sustained firefight since Vietnam, later depicted in the film Black Hawk Down. During the battle, Brad’s helicopter, Super 62, was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee.
Despite this life-altering injury, Brad remained on active duty, becoming the first above-knee amputee to return to complete military service and ultimately retire from the Army.
After retiring in 2000, Brad pursued a graduate degree in prosthetics and worked in Long Island, where he was present during the 9/11 attacks. This experience prompted him to return to Fort Liberty, where he continued to train Special Operations Soldiers until founding BHAWK Whiskey Distillery.
Jess Halling's military career is also impressive. Enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1991 as a Russian linguist and interrogator, Jess completed her law degree at Hamline University and was commissioned as a Judge Advocate in 1998.
Jess’s Army career included vital roles with the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and Joint Special Operations Command. As a legal advisor, Jess was instrumental in advising senior commanders on national security law and providing legal oversight to deployed Joint Task Forces. She was stationed in Korea, Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan during her military service.
Her dedication to the military extended beyond her legal duties. Jess graduated from both Airborne and Air Assault schools, completing Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion training.
The BHAWK Whiskey Distillery serves as a destination for whiskey lovers and a hub for supporting veteran causes. The Nov. 14 event extends this mission, offering a space for veterans, military members, and civilians to connect and share stories over a glass of world-class whiskey.
Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or want to support a local veteran-owned business, this evening is inspiring and enjoyable. The Hallings’ passion for their craft and community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
Visit the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum website for more information and to register for the event at https://airborne-and-special-operations-museum-foundation.springly.org

North America’s largest touring Nutcracker production will perform at the Crown Complex on Nov. 14 as part of their 32nd annual tour. The group averages 100 performances across North America during the holiday season and has been described by the LA Times as “Disarmingly poetic.”
Such high praise comes as no surprise given the rich history of Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet, reimagined with fresh additions such as acrobatics while still paying homage to the original intent. According to their website, the production is a multicultural masterpiece that “combines the highest caliber ballet with historic international theatrical traditions, 10-foot-tall playful puppets, 9 intricately hand-painted backdrops, and hundreds of exquisite costumes.”
Dan Talmi, Producer of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, says this year will see an incredible international cast featuring dancers from Tokyo and Rome, as well as local dancers from the Blume School of Dance who will participate in the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’s “Dance With Us” program.
Talmi described the Dance With Us program’s mission as giving American children an educational and theatrical opportunity to experience the arts with high-end practitioners from around the world. It begins with professional cast members traveling the U.S. and holding auditions with local studios. The local studios then maintain rehearsals until the day of the show, when local dancers rehearse at the theater with the entire cast and then perform that evening. Their involvement includes participating in traditional backstage preparations like wardrobe, makeup, and hair.
“It’s a big to-do,” Talmi explained.
He said the local dancers play snowflakes and mice in the party scene. These roles complement the professional cast and bring an “incredible energy and vitality” to the stage, according to Talmi. He described it as a “totally unique experience for local American kids” and said that their presence on the stage is “a very cute thing.”
Talmi said he thinks the event is something that can’t be reproduced virtually. “It’s not enough to get it through the screen.” He explained. The show took a two-year hiatus as a result of the Covid pandemic. Still, Talmi said he believed it has survived because people need human connection.
According to him, the production is about family, first memories, and going to the theater with grandparents, parents, and kids.
“The show is just kind of a vessel for that family, American experience."
He said watching the crowd react as the house goes dark and everyone gets excited for what’s to come is “the best feeling,” and added, “We’re just excited to get to production day!”
Viewers who want to extend the magic of watching the show can purchase add-ons with their tickets. Available add-ons include a cookie decorating pre-show experience, photos with a ballerina, and a branded souvenir.
The cookie decorating experience includes a hot chocolate bar with Christmas decor and music, along with supplies to decorate 3 cookies. Photos with a NUTCRACKER! Ballerina will occur before the show, during the intermission, and after the show. Digital, downloadable images will be available within 72 hours. The branded NUTCRACKER! souvenir is an official wooden nutcracker that the website describes as a perfect stocking stuffer. It can be ordered along with tickets and picked up at the show.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is Nov. 14, 7 p.m. at the Crown Complex. Tickets can be purchased at crowncomplexnc.com.

(Photo: Dancers perform in the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet)

Every adult can recall their favorite game and the ribbons they collected by showing their physical eliteness in activities like dodgeball and the three-legged race. Fayetteville NEXT is bringing back the nostalgia with its Adult Field Day event on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Festival Park, downtown. The event is free to the public. Those interested in participating can form a team and pre-register using this link https://bit.ly/48r8t7j
Ten teams will battle it out to be crowned the adult field day champions. Each team must have 5 members and each member must be a least 18 years old. Check-in for teams starts at 10 a.m. Games will be played from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For those not competing there will be other physical activities for attendees. There will be a designated area for yoga courtesy of YogaSix, a boot camp, and dance fitness. Sanji Clyburn and Kids N Sports will be on hand to make sure the kids enjoy themselves and can participate. These activities are also free to the public. DJ Yoda will be on hand to provide the entertainment and keep the energy up for the “athletes” and spectators.
Hosting this inaugural event is Fayetteville’s very own Rock 103 personality, Dominique Womack.
“I was a fan of anything that got me out of Math and Science and anything that started with “Field” which was mainly Field Day and Field Trips! Not to toot my own horn, each year I was super excited to dominate in the egg and potato sack races… [I look forward to] seeing the sense of community through sport and games. Things are dark in the city and we need to watch people work together and laugh. This event will also focus on a passion of mine which is mental health awareness. Mixing laughter, togetherness, and fresh air will give you a recipe for a delicious solid recharge,” Womack said.
This event isn’t just about recreating childhood fun, it’s about overall wellness. Cape Fear Valley, Becoming Counseling Services PLLC (Jessica Jones), Select IV Hydration, Cycle Bar and YogaSix will be vendors at the event.
Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission Vice Chairwoman, L’queitah Miller said, “A Fayetteville NEXT Adult Field Day was an idea of Dymond Spain (Fayetteville NEXT Commissioner). We were attending the Ugly Sweater Social last December at Segra. Dymond, awestruck by the amount of attendees at the event, comes to me and says we should have an Adult Field Day! When she said that, I said that’s it! That is what the city needs, a day of fun, a day to get away and to be amongst friends and colleagues,” Miller said. “Since then, our team has been committed to making this day possible. We want to bring people together for a great cause and allow them to unleash their inner child. We want the public to leave on that day with total holistic wellness: mind, body, and soul.”
No event can happen without food, and this event is no different. Cooler than Cold, Vee’s Seoul Kitchen, Kwons Treats, Savory Southern Cuisine, and Fat Bob’s Taco will be on hand to fuel participants.
Miller is excited about the event and hopes that the community will come out and see what the city has to offer.
“We want to show the young adults what the City of Fayetteville has to offer. We want the young adults to know that we have listened to their ideas. We have collected the data, and the young adults have been consistently sharing that they just want to have a great time just like our surrounding areas. With their support, we can continue to listen to your ideas and make events like this happen as we continue to push our mantra, Stay, Play, in Fay,” she said.
Miller and the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission are excited to welcome the community and appreciate the efforts of those who have made this event possible and free.
“We would like to thank the City of Fayetteville for their support, our liaisons and Assistant City Manager Jodi Phelps and staff, and Fayetteville’s City Council and our liaison Councilman Malik Davis for their support. We would like to thank all our partners, vendors, and followers for making this vision happen.”

With a ceremonial turning of dirt shovels, Cumberland County officially launched construction of the Crown Event Center downtown at 2 p.m., Oct. 25.
The $145 million project is being built on the County Courthouse parking lot on Gillespie Street between the old county courthouse and the current county courthouse. It’s scheduled to open in spring 2027.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Glenn Adams addressed attendees at Friday’s groundbreaking, referencing the milestone in construction of the downtown venue.
“This facility will not only enhance our community’s cultural landscape but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Cumberland County,” Adams said. “We are proud to move forward with a project that reflects the aspirations of our community and positions Cumberland County as a regional leader in the arts and entertainment sector.”
The Event Center is to replace the Crown Arena and Crown Theatre at the Crown Complex on Coliseum Drive off U.S. 301 South and Owen Drive.
The Arena and the Theatre were built in the late 1960s. A county news release says the Event Center is intended to be a multipurpose center for concerts and performances, banquets and conventions, and other activities.
The Event Center will have about 134,000 square feet, with a three-story main event hall for audiences of about 3,000, the news release says, and plans call for a rooftop terrace.
“Equipped with state-of-the-art back-of-house facilities and performer spaces, the center is designed to provide an exceptional experience that will keep both patrons and artists coming back to Cumberland County,” the news release says. “Additionally, there will be several meeting spaces available for use either independently or in conjunction with the other areas in the building.”
The Event Center is being paid for with revenue from Cumberland County’s restaurant food sales tax. Also called a prepared food-and-beverage tax, the county began levying this 1% tax on prepared food and beverages in the 1990s to pay for construction of the Crown Coliseum.
The Event Center has been years in the making, since the county was sued in 2014 under the Americans With Disabilities Act by a woman who used a wheelchair. She said she struggled with getting through doors, reaching her seat, using restrooms and otherwise attending events at the Crown Complex.
The Crown Complex includes the Crown Coliseum, the Crown Expo Center, the Crown Arena, the Crown Ballroom and the Crown Theatre.
To settle the lawsuit, the county commissioners in December 2015 promised to make all the facilities ADA-compliant.
The county made upgrades to the Coliseum, Ballroom and Expo Center to make them more accessible to people with handicaps and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These venues will continue to operate. The commissioners decided to replace the 1960s-era Arena and Theatre with the Event Center with a modern facility.
At the Oct. 25 groundbreaking ceremony, Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe said the venue would provide an important space for actors, musicians and other artists in the area.
“This facility is not just about meeting today’s needs; it’s about anticipating the future as Cumberland County continues to grow,” Keefe said.
Parking lot being erased
With construction of the Event Center, the parking lot in front of the courthouse is shut down. It has been a go-to parking lot — with no charge for parking — for people who visit the courthouse and other nearby county offices, and who patronize downtown businesses and events. The parking lot is to be replaced with a $33 million parking deck that is due to open in spring 2026.
In the meantime, visitors with business at the county courthouse are advised to park at several other parking lots in the vicinity.

(Photo: Cumberland County officially launched construction of the Crown Event Center on Oct. 25. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County)

Psst! Want to hear a Guy Fawkes story? Never heard of him? Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Guy, 36 barrels of gun powder, and a pack of matches. Today’s column will rear its ugly head in print on 6 November.
Coincidentally, this is the day after America voted for President and the day after Guy Fawkes Day in England. As of the writing of this column, nobody knows who will be the next President. When the column appears it remains unlikely anyone will know who the President will be.
America’s post-election days of rage will just be beginning. Perhaps Guy’s experience can offer us some perspective on what to expect. Someone said history doesn’t repeat itself but occasionally rhymes. See rhyme at end of column.
Take a ride in Mr. Peabody’s Way Back Machine to return to 5 November, 1605 when Guy and his buddies were hoping to blow up the British Parliament. 1605 was not a great time to be a Catholic in England.
Queen Elizabeth I had been repressing Catholics by banning them from celebrating mass or getting married in their church. She managed to get herself excommunicated by the Pope for her troubles.
When she died in 1603, King James I took the throne. He was even harder on Catholics than Queen Liz. King Jimmy’s momma, Mary Queen of Scots, was a Catholic. Queen Liz had Mary executed. Jimmy was not a big fan of the Catholic Church.
Guy and his buddies decided it was time for a change. They hatched the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament on its opening day along with King Jimmy and his court. It was like America’s January 6 Protesters on steroids.
The real leader of the Plot was a dude named Robert Catesby. Guy Fawkes gets all the publicity instead. Chalk it up to the vagaries of history. Like Jack Torrance at The Overlook Hotel in “The Shining,” Guy got a job as the caretaker of the cellar located below the House of Lords’ Chamber in Parliament.
The plan was to bring in a bunch of gunpowder to blow Parliament, the King, and the House of Lords into little tiny smithereens. Think of Wile E. Coyote sitting on a giant pile of Acme Brand dynamite. It was to be crude but effective.
The plan was for Guy to light a long fuse to the gunpowder, then high tail it across the River Thames to watch the fireworks from the other side. Chaos would ensue. The government would be emptied of leaders except for tiny chunks of well done royalty. No one would be left in charge.
Guy and his buddies could then start a rebellion to set up a new pro Catholic government. They would kidnap King Jimmy’s daughter Elizabeth and force her to marry an eligible Catholic dude. This would then bring a Catholic King back into power. Seems to be an excellent plan. But to quote Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Unfortunately for Guy, his plan got punched in the face before he could light his fuse. Someone sent an anonymous letter to a Catholic sympathizer warning him to stay away from Opening Day of Parliament.
The King’s men intercepted the letter and figured out there was trouble afoot. The King sent out a SWAT team to search Parliament. When they got to the cellar below the House of Lords, they found Guy sitting with 36 barrels of gunpowder and a pocket full of matches. It is likely Guy said a dirty word when he got caught.
Guy was tried for treason and sentenced to a grisly death by being tortured, then hanged, drawn, and quartered. Legend says that Guy jumped from the gallows to break his neck to avoid the inconvenience of being tied to four horses and having his limbs yanked from his body while still alive.
Parliament declared November 5th to be an annual day of celebration complete with bonfires, fireworks, parades and burning effigies of Guy. The Brits still celebrate it today.
Remember my promise of rhyming history? Forgot it, didn’t you? Little British children for the last 400 plus years celebrate Guy Fawkes Day by chanting: “Remember, remember, the Fifth of November/ Gunpowder treason and plot/ We see no reason/ Why gunpowder treason/ Should ever be forgot.”
Let us hope that America’s Fifth of November will not be quite as memorable as Guy Fawkes Day. A cataclysm by any other name would smell as sweet. Consider Rodney King’s eternal question: “Can’t we all just get along?” The answer is: Probably Not.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

Although our state’s economy has grown faster than the national average over the past decade, not everyone has fared well. Some regions and communities are struggling — a condition now worsened in parts of western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene. Moreover, too many of our fellow North Carolinians lack the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to prosper even in our fastest-growing metros. Much work remains to be done.
Nevertheless, it is important to put such challenges in proper perspective. North Carolina’s problems aren’t structural. We have a wealth of human, cultural, and natural resources. Our policy infrastructure is fundamentally sound. Many other states, and countries around the world, would welcome our problems if they also came with our successes and advantages.
I’m not just talking about places you might normally associate with disadvantage, poverty, and despair. The average North Carolinian is wealthier, and has better prospects, than the average German.
No, I’m serious. According to a recently published study by the European Centre for International Policy Economy, North Carolina’s gross domestic product was approximately $60,000 per resident in 2021. Among the European Union countries with lower GDPs per capita than North Carolina’s were Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, and Spain.
More broadly, reports The Economist, American output per capita is currently about 40% higher than in Canada or western Europe and 60% higher than Japan. That gap between the U.S. and its peers is about twice as large as it was in 1990.
“Since the start of 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s real growth has been 10%, three times the average for the rest of the G7 countries,” the magazine observed. “Among the G20 group, which includes large emerging markets, America is the only one whose output and employment are above pre-pandemic expectations.”
International comparisons of economic output and incomes are, admittedly tricky. Different statistical adjustments for purchasing power will produce different rankings. There are other economic measures that tell a similar story, however. Our homes are quite a bit larger, for example, than is typical in European or East Asian countries. They’re more likely to be air conditioned and contain modern appliances and amenities.
Some years ago, the Pew Research Center compared living standards in the U.S. with those of other developed countries. By German standards, 72% of its residents can be classified as “middle income” — that is, their incomes are between two-thirds and double the median income in Germany — while 18% are classified “lower income,” living on less than two-thirds of the median. By this definition, Americans are less likely to be middle-class, and more likely to be poor, than Germans.
But again, on average, we earn more in real terms (partly because we work more hours, to be fair) and can afford a larger basket of goods and services. When the American income thresholds are applied to Germans, 63% of the latter are middle-income and fully a third are lower-income, a significantly higher share than ours.
None of this is to suggest that we have little of consequence to learn from other countries. Germany has an excellent system of apprenticeships and job-training programs. The education systems of such countries as South Korea and the Netherlands combine high academic standards with significant parental choice and competition, features that we are only now adopting.
Most European countries make extensive use of efficient private owner-operators for seaports, airports, rail lines, and other infrastructure. And a number of countries get a better bang for the buck on their health care expenditures than we do.
I’m all in favor of borrowing good ideas from wherever we can find them. But when it comes to economic performance as a whole, America remains a leader, not a laggard — with its recent growth powered by states such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas that boast many innovative companies and industries, healthy inflows of people and investment, and pro-enterprise policy environments.
For that, and for much else, North Carolinians should be grateful.

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

     Wendy Locklear, Coharie Tribe Indian Education Coordinator for Sampson County Schools and tribal member, will give a free presentation on the Coharie tribe from 5:30
p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at the Hope Mills Community Library Meeting and Activity Room, 3411 Golfview Road. Locklear is committed to passing Coharie traditions on to
the next generation. Her son, Caleb, will open and close the event with a hand-drumming song and will demonstrate a traditional dance that tells the story of a deer
hunt. It includes the emotional highs and lows of stalking a deer, taking the shot and giving thanks for the harvest.
 

     The Cohari tribe received state recognition in 1971. North Carolina recognizes seven other tribes: the Eastern Band of Cherokee, which is the only one with federal
recognition; the Lumbee; the Haliwa-Saponi; the Sappony; the Meherrin; the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi; and the Waccamaw Siouan. The Coharie number over
3,000 and are located mainly in Sampson and Harnett counties. Tribal members reside in other counties and states but are required to engage with the community and stay
abreast of tribal news. Within Sampson County, there are four main communities: Shiloh, New Bethel, Antioch and Holly Grove.
 

      The Cohari descend from the Neusiok tribe, which inhabited lands along the Neuse River. Waterways were essential for trade and establishing settlements. One example of
the Coharie’s continued devotion to water is the 2015 effort to reclaim the Coharie River and its connecting tributaries and distributaries. Into the 1980s, beaver populations were controlled by trapping and hunting, and beaver dams collected water that attracted fish, creating excellent fishing areas. As the beaver became overpopulated, the river became clogged, swampy and unusable. Hurricanes added deadfall to the problem. In 2014, the Coharie received a small grant from the North Carolina Forest Service to start a river restoration project. Fifteen volunteers with personal chainsaws spent a collective 500 hours cleaning up the river. Now the Coharie conduct guided kayaking tours along the
4.5-mile stretch of cleared water.
 

     The tribe also places a high value on education. The New Bethel Indian School, established in Sampson County in 1859, was one of the first schools for Native American students in Sampson County. It preceded the East Carolina Indian School by 84 years. The Coharie tribe serves as the Local Educational Agency, meaning it holds legal authority to administer the Indian Education Program for Native American students in Sampson County from pre-kindergarten through high school. The East Carolina Indian School building serves as the current tribal administrative offices at 7531 US Highway 421 N in Clinton. Another tribal building is located in Harnett County at 1934
Arrowhead Road in Dunn.

       Agriculture is another pivotal connection to the land for the Coharie. Community gardens yield fresh produce year-round, and an annual sorghum harvest brings the Coharie and wider community together in the fall. Raised in the heart of Coharie land, the crop is harvested and sourced by the Coharie people with profits going to purchase more seeds and seedlings for the community garden. Sorghum is not only a sweet syrup but its seeds can be ground into a paleo-friendly flour for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The tribe’s powwow is open to the public and held every September. You can see the 600-year-old canoe found in the South River that is housed in the Sampson County tribal center. You’ll also discover a strong quilting tradition among the Coharie culture. To learn more, go to coharietribe.org; to contact or schedule
a presentation with Locklear, email coharieindianeducation@gmail.com.

Come “Jingle and Mingle” at the 57th Annual Holly Day Fair, the area's biggest craft vendor fair, at the Crown Complex from Nov. 7 to 10. The four-day event features 150 vendors from all over the country. After grabbing the iconic “Holly Day Fair bag,” shoppers can roam the rows of handcrafted jewelry, soap, clothing, seasonal decorations, treats, goodies, and local wineries. Some of the vendors that will be at this year’s fair are Salt Soothers, Ztina Boutique LLC, Ornaments R Us, Mike’s Seasonings, Snookie Snookerwitz, Q. Co Candle Company, Rise & Grind Coffees, Nectar of the Vine, Uplift Tees, NUT N BETTER, Duplin Winery, and Fabulous Finds Boutique to name a few.
For those who have been to the Holly Day Fair, the complementary shopping bag is one of the highlights of the shopping experience. Each year's bag matches the theme, making them quite collectible. There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than a trip to the Holly Day Fair.
This year’s schedule has something for everyone. Thursday, Nov. 7 is the official opening and Sip and Shop and Super Shopper Day, from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets for these events can be purchased online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/holly-day-fair-super-shopper-fayetteville-north-carolina-11-07-2024/event/2D006133074BA260. During Super Shopper hours, strollers and rolling carts are NOT allowed in the fair. Sip and Shop tickets are $30 and must be purchased at the Crown Complex Box Office, located at 1960 Coliseum Drive.
General admission starts at noon and the shopping day ends at 8 p.m., tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com/holly-day-fair-general-admission-nov-fayetteville-north-carolina-11-07-2024/event/2D006133049BA0A8.
On Friday, general admission is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., but those looking for a more intimate shopping experience can come out for Ladies Night Out, starting at 8 p.m. Ladies Night Out is a new addition to the Holly Day Fair lineup and has all the makings of a beloved new tradition. Shoppers will enjoy a smaller crowd, entertainment, cocktails and appetizers. This is the perfect opportunity to get your girlfriends together and mark some items off the Christmas list. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Crown Complex Box Office.
Saturday general admission is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday marks the closing of the Holly Day Fair. Doors open at 11 a.m. for shoppers. Sunday is also the day of the cherished Cookies with Clause event, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is an opportunity for the little ones to grab a cookie with the big man himself, Santa.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/holly-day-fair-cookies-with-santa-fayetteville-north-carolina-11-10-2024/event/2D00613ACA54544D.
This annual event is put on by the Junior League of Fayetteville, a local women’s organization whose mission is to “advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.” The Holly Day Fair is the biggest fundraiser for the Junior League of Fayetteville and funds the organization's grants, scholarships, training, and education programs. To learn more about the JLF visit https://www.jlfay.org/.

(Photo: The Junior League has been putting on the Holly Day Fair for 57 years. Photo courtesy of the Holly Day Fair Facebook page)

Hold the axe in your dominant hand. Keep that elbow tight to your side. The axe head should be somewhere behind your ear, as straight on target as possible. Step forward, as naturally as if you’re walking into a room, and use enough force to drive the axe toward the wood target but not so much that you end up putting a twist on the trajectory. If the handle hits the board, take a step back between the throwing lines. If the head hits the board, take a step up. If the head glances off the target, you flicked your wrist. If the head sinks into the wood with a satisfying thunk, then you know you’ve found your groove. Welcome to axe throwing. It’s addictive, and we have two Axes & Armor Hatchet House locations, one in Fayetteville, one in Spring Lake.
General Manager Matt Smith will also show you how to throw underhand. You can try with your thumb on the base of the handle, but he uses a pinching grip with the thumb and middle finger while keeping the index finger down the spine of the handle. Then naturally step forward and throw underhand, releasing when you’re pointing at one of the advertising boards under the target. You can also try throwing two axes at the same time. You’ll learn all of this in your five-minute safety brief. Someone is always present, though, if you need a review or an analysis of your form because your throws keep clattering to the floor.
Bring your date, bring your approximately 7-year-old-or-older child, bring your family, your friends or reserve space for a team-building session with your employees. Prices range from $23 to $26 for one hour, $28 to $31 for one and a half hours, or $33 to $36 for two hours, depending on which time and day of the week you go. Want to try something different? For $5 you can try two throwing stars, two throwing playing cards or, most challenging, one throwing shovel (think entrenching tool). For $10, you can test your skills with a lumberjack axe. Beer, cocktails, soft drinks and snacks are available, or if you’re planning a larger gathering, you can advance-order soda and pizza.
Smith is the ideal host. He knows if a parent, for example, is strapped for time. He’ll make accommodations on the minimum time. If a party overstays the time limit, he’s generous with folks or asks if they’d like to extend for an hour. Of course, if he has people waiting, he can’t extend this courtesy, but he wants everyone to leave happy after their experience. And this truly is a fun and family friendly place. Smith knows not all children are the same, but that as long as he or she can get the axe as far as the target, he can work on form with them. The boards are stenciled with glow-in-the-dark painted targets so that on Friday nights, the lights can be dimmed for a different atmosphere. Your bullseye could be a pumpkin, a heart, a four-leaf clover, depending on the season or holiday.
There are five lanes. If you happen to arrive when all are occupied, you can play a game of chess with the giant set ready to go in the waiting area. Or for $1/game or $5/hour, you can play pool at one of the three tables. No jumping the cue ball. No trick shots with the axes, either. If someone were to get hurt, it would involve extra paperwork, Smith jokes. You will need to sign a waiver by scanning a QR code to bring up the form on your phone. You are also required to wear closed-toe shoes. Now, Smith is a trick thrower and has quite a following on TikTok. He’ll demonstrate a few if you’re interested and then throw his hat on an embedded axe handle for a final flourish.
Smith is a native of Fayetteville. He attempted to enlist in the military right out of high school, but he’s deaf in his right ear. If you happen to call to him for a drink and he’s looking at his phone or otherwise not responding, it’s not because he’s rude or inattentive. Quite the opposite. With a 98-percent loss in that ear, he can’t hear where sounds are coming from, especially if it’s busy. Walk up to the bar or catch his attention visually.
Axe throwing is not all Axes & Armor offers. They have a rage/splatter room. Say, you’re feeling all Jackson Pollock. Whether it’s you by yourself, you and a friend all dressed in white, you and a child, you’re put into a room with tubes of different-colored paint and you can splatter the walls, each other or a canvas to your heart’s content. Canvases can be left to dry and picked up later, but if you don’t pick up your work within a week, it’ll be disposed of or hung up around the hatchet house for decoration. A plastic poncho, gloves and goggles are provided. Prices range from $26 to $41 per person depending on time spent.
Alternatively, if you’re going through a challenging period or are just in the mood to destroy something, you can use the space as a rage room. Tired of your table setting? Throw them against a wall or take a hammer to them. Want to smash a computer, a microwave or something you can carry in? Or need to eliminate that water heater that’s been giving you fits for months? Smith has a dolly. It’s all based on the size of the item and how much time you want to spend letting your aggression out on it. Pricing starts at $16 for 10 minutes with something you bring in yourself. It’s a great business model when you can sell one guy a beer and then sell his empty bottle to another guy to break it, Smith says with a laugh. Ten minutes with 10 empty beer bottles in a colorfully painted room goes for $26. A medium, 15-minute rage costs $41. Large and extra-large rages are also available.
Axes & Armor also has double axe-throwing lanes on wheels. You’ll pay a flat rate of $399 for two hours of throwing time. Each additional hour is $190. If the locale is within 10 miles of the 4005 Raeford Road location, there’s no charge for transport. Outside of that area, mileage rates may apply. This can be a cost-effective alternative for a larger group, and an instructor is present the entire time. For instance, a church reserved the mobile lanes for an event they were hosting for couples.
The Spring Lake location is at 409 N. Bragg Blvd.

(Photo: Take an easy stride as you throw. General Manager Matt Smith is demonstrating a double-handed overhead grip, an alternative if one-handed isn’t working for you. Photos by Erin C. Heal)

The North Carolina Fall Home Expo will soon open for visitors interested in all things home improvement. Nov. 15-17 will see vendors congregate at the Crown Complex with home, outdoor living, beauty, decor, DIY, and many more categories of services and products.
Sol Lee, Senior Marketing Manager at Nationwide Expos, says this is one of 150 shows they host annually across 13 states, and one of two hosted annually in Fayetteville. The event allows visitors to see products firsthand and talk face-to-face with various home improvement specialists, who can field inquiries and assist attendees in their shopping and observation.
Based on past events, Sol thinks they could see attendance upwards of 2,500 people. He says not only homeowners, but contractors and other craftspeople show up to claim the exclusive offers and deals promoted by vendors, get quotes, and book services.
While some of the services offered will include current trends such as solar power, home automation and security, visitors will also see standard offerings and have the opportunity to test tried-and-true products such as mattresses or look for the best countertop for their kitchen.. “Whatever you're looking for your home, we typically have it,” Lee explained. Many vendors also host giveaways and share free samples.
According to northcarolinahomeexpo.com, the event provides visitors with an opportunity to check out the latest trends, meet with local and national vendors, get new ideas, and save thousands of dollars on services, all while increasing the value of their homes. This includes anything from complete home renovations to improvements to just gathering inspiration.
“It’s time and convenience and price,” Lee said of what makes the event attractive. Having so many vendors under one roof saves visitors time and money as they compare and contrast services. He said they typically see visitors spend anywhere from one to several hours in the Expo, observing the offerings and connecting with vendors.
A full vendor list has not been made public yet, but Lee shared that among many unannounced vendors, the following will be present: Homefix Custom Remodeling, an exterior home remodeling company serving Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina; Lifetime Green Coatings that provides eco-friendly basecoats for garage and other floors; and Mighty Dog Roofing, a roofing, window, and gutter contractor.
The North Carolina Home Expo is free and open to the public. The North Carolina Home Expo Facebook page recommends visitors come prepared to encounter traffic and dress comfortably for weather conditions and walking. They also recommend planning ahead by setting a budget, saving inspiration from Pinterest and other social networks, and scouting vendors on the website once published. Visitors will be greeted by Nationwide Expo staff before entering, and can take all the time they need to browse.
The vendor space will be open Friday, Nov. 15 from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Crown Complex is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr, Fayetteville.
North Carolina Home Expo hosts two annual events in Fayetteville. The Spring Expo will be held March 14-16.

(Photo: A vendor at a Nationwide Expo talks to attendees.  Photo courtesy of Nationwide Expos)

Cumberland County is home to Fort Liberty, one of the largest military bases in the world and the biggest base, by population in the nation. The military’s presence can be seen and felt throughout the community literally, from the booms of training to the large veteran population adding to the increase in small businesses. For the past year, Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine has been telling the stories of our veterans, sharing their resilience and ingenuity.
Every issue features veterans who are making waves, starting businesses, writing books, creating art, and doing work for the veteran community and beyond. Its mission “Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine is dedicated to presenting stories and articles that highlight the experiences of veterans and the military community. We carelessly curate our content to provide readers with a comprehensive and engaging reading experience. Our diverse team of writers provides a range of perspectives and expertise, offering unique insights into what it means to live on the battlefield.”
To celebrate a year of storytelling, Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine is hosting The Year of Greatness: 1st Annual Gathering and Networking Event on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sip Room located downtown at 106 Hay Street. This is a perfect opportunity to meet veterans who have been featured in the magazine, mingle with other local veterans, eat good food, and network. The guest speaker for the event is Andrea Ebanks-Joyner (CW4, Retired), who was on the cover of the inaugural issue. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3YzzNNn.
Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine was created by Laura Kandewen, an army vet and the current Editor-in-Chief.
“I am a retired Army veteran with 22 years of active duty service. Eight years into my military journey, I was notified of my deployment to Iraq alongside fellow unit members. I dedicated my service to my country until I retired in 2018 from my last duty station at Ft. Knox, Kentucky,” Kandewen said. “Additionally, I am a published author with books available on Amazon, and I recently launched my magazine, Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine.”
The past year has been an amazing journey for Kandewen and her team, highlighting the stories of their fellow veteran and the amazing work they are doing after service. The stories have chronicled the challenges, the successes, and everything in between for those who have transitioned into civilian life. Kandewen had a vision for the magazine and marking the inaugural year is an exciting time.
“The vision was to experience the lives of veterans and the military community through Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine. Our publication is dedicated to presenting stories and articles highlighting their experiences, offering unique insights into what it means to live on their battlefields. Throughout the past year, we have shared numerous tales of resilience, mission drivers, and unique individuals living purposeful lives on their battlefields. There has also been doubt and uncertainty as to the direction and level of growth, but I kept going,” Kandwen said.
For more information on Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine, follow them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555155537544 and the latest issue at https://battlefieldlifestyle.com/.

(Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine is a veteran lifestyle publication in the Fayetteville area. Photo courtesy of Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine's Facebook page)

This month’s Dining Guide features great places to eat in the Haymount area and Fort Bragg Road. Lots of fine and fun dining!

LATITUDE 35 BAR & GRILL
1217 HAY STREET
Tues. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wed. & Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. 11:30 a.m.-Midnight
Sat. 9 a.m.-Midnight
Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-485-4777
https://tinyurl.com/yc2m6aeb
Latitude 35 is a cozy spot offering traditional US fare & drinks, with live tunes & outdoor seats in warm months. Weekend brunch is a must-try experience.

HAYMOUNT TRUCK STOP
100 BROADFOOFT AVE
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-Midnight
Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
472-210-3250
https://www.haymounttruckstop.com/
Outside the venue, discover various food trucks and ample seating options. Inside offers more places to sit and a top-notch bar. The outside back area provides a space for children and animals to enjoy themselves.

DISTRICT HOUSE OF TAPS
1240 FORT BRAGG RD
Tues.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. 4 p.m.-Midnight
Sat. Noon-Midnight
Sun Noon-8 p.m.
910-491-6737
https://www.districthouseoftaps.com/
Alongside their extensive selection of appetizers and reimagined classic American dishes, you'll find 40 self-pour taps featuring tasty beers, wines, and ciders to enjoy.

MILLER'S BREW
COFFEE SHOP
1401 MORGANTON RD
Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
910-500-3098
https://millerscrew.com/millers-brew-coffee-shop
Grab a delicious cup of coffee, smoothie or milkshake. Don't for get to grab some pastries and cookies as well.

DHANS KITCHEN
115 OAKRIDGE AVE
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-578-8754
Get a taste of the Caribbean with their menu featuring popular street foods from Trinidad and Tobago. Don’t miss out on the weekly specials.

LECLAIR'S GENERAL STORE
1212 FORT BRAGG RD
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
910-491-1060
https://leclairsgeneralstore.com/
It is worth the visit to just see the eclectic mix of art, antiques, craft beer and fine wine. Grab some coffee, pastry or specialty groceries and then purse their awesome collection.

 ARCHIVES
723 W Rowan St
Wed. & Thurs. 6 p.m.-Midnight
Fri. 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sat. 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
910-339-0178
This speakeasy style bar, located in the former Fowlers location, is serving up a variety of classic cocktails.

THE BARBEQUE HUT
2802 FORT BRAGG RD
Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
910-485-5390
Craving BBQ? This spot's got you covered for lunch or dinner meals. Generous servings that won't break the bank.

H8TERS
2926 C FORT BRAGG RD
Mon.-Sun. Noon-2 a.m.
910-835-5881
https://h8ters.com/
H8TERS is a Southern-style eatery and watering hole offering zesty Cajun cuisine and warm hospitality in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere.

New restaurants that have opened recently.

YUMMY BOWL
155 N. McPherson Church Rd
eatyummybowl.com/location/fayetteville/
Formally the home to Joe's Crab Shack, 155 N. McPherson Church Rd will soon be home to Yummy Bowl. This will be its first North Carolina located and will offer Asian cuisine such as sushi, ramen and stir-fry. Check back with the website listed above for opening date and hours of operation.

CULVER’S
3320 S. Peak Drive, Hope Mills
Mon.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-317-3414
culvers.com/restaurants/hope-mills-s-peak-dr
Culver's, originating in Sauk City, Wisconsin, serves up burgers, frozen custard, sandwiches and more with a friendly smile and excellent customer service. Don't miss the Flavor of the Day-a new frozen custard flavor featured every day.

KPOT KOREAN BBQ & HOT POT
419 CROSS CREEK MALL
Mon.-Sun. Noon-10:30 p.m.
472-202-1535
https://thekpot.com/location/fayetteville-cross-creek/
This eatery offers unlimited dining, blending Chinese hot pot with Korean BBQ styles. It's a shared meal experience. Guests gather around tables featuring central grills where various meats are prepared. Additional burners are there for pots of soup or vegetables to simmer. A bar holds salad, sauces and fruit.

KISSOUL
419 CROSS CREEK MAL
Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
910-229-6321
https://www.kissoul.com/
Kissoul offers delectable frozen treats, crispy egg waffles, and unique beverages including bubble tea. They promise "a dessert for every mood."

TOUCHDOWN WINGS
3440 RAMSEY ST
https://www.touchdownwings.com/findus
This Georgia-based chain is expanding to North Carolina. Offering 30 different flavors in both traditional and boneless. Other items on the menu include hamburgers, Philly cheesesteak, salad, seafood and more. Be sure to follow the link above for opening information and hours of operation.

LA PATRONA BAR & GRILL
3041 N MAIN ST, HOPE MILLS
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-Midnight
Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-500-3830
Relocated from Lumberton and now Hope Mills' newest authentic Mexican bar and grill. Go for the great food and don’t skip on the awe-inspiring drinks.

KUSINERA FILIPINO CUISINE
3047 LEGION RD
Tues. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wed.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
kusinerafilipino@gmail.com
https://tinyurl.com/muynm8hy
Formerly the seafood restaurant Crab Du Jour, this venue is serving up Filipino favorites like lumpia, fried spring rolls and much more flavorful food.

BREAKFAST WITH TIFFANY
229 HAY ST
Mon.-Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
910-491-0074
The sole all-day breakfast eatery in Downtown Fayetteville offering breakfast all day long. Enjoy classics like chicken and waffles, hot cakes and French toast.

POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP
2171 ROCK MERRITT AVE, FORT LIBERTY
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
910-229-3288
https://www.potbelly.com/
Vintage-inspired sandwich chain famous for customizable toasted sandwiches, salads and baked goods.

FREDDY’S FROZEN
CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS
2860 HOPE MILLS RD
Mon.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-861-0801
https://tinyurl.com/yrcupx3y
This is Freddy's second location and will be making the same delicious steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, and frozen custard as their original location at 4825 Ramsey Street.

Veterans Day holds a profound place in the hearts of Americans as a time to honor and remember those who have served in the military.
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, symbolizing the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front.
In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress amended the holiday’s name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. Since then, November 11 has been a day to recognize and thank military veterans for their service.
Veterans Day is celebrated in various ways across the United States. Many communities host parades, ceremonies, and other events to honor veterans. Schools and businesses may also participate in activities that educate about the contributions and sacrifices of military personnel.
In addition to public ceremonies, many people observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to reflect on the service of veterans. Some organizations and businesses offer special discounts and deals to veterans as a token of appreciation for their service.
Veterans Day and Memorial Day are both federal holidays in the United States that honor military personnel, but they serve different purposes. Veterans Day, observed on November 11, honors all military veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, specifically honors those who have died in military service to the country. While Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, Memorial Day is a somber remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
There are many ways to honor and show appreciation for veterans. One way is by attending or participating in Veterans Day events and parades. Another way is by volunteering with organizations that support veterans and their families, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the American Legion.
Individuals can also show support by simply thanking veterans for their service, donating to veteran-focused charities, or advocating for policies that benefit veterans. Additionally, businesses can offer discounts or special services to veterans as a gesture of gratitude.
LOCAL EVENTS
There are a number of outstanding community events scheduled to celebrate and pay tribute to our military this Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.
Downtown Fayetteville
https://tinyurl.com/2p9pjpkc
The Veterans Day parade serves as a wonderful opportunity for the community to unite in gratitude for the active-duty soldiers stationed at Fort Liberty and the numerous Veterans and Veterans groups residing in
Cumberland County.
This year's theme, "Native Americans Who Served," honors the significant contributions of Indigenous Veterans. Native American veterans have played a pivotal role in the defense of the United States, showcasing immense bravery and dedication.
Native Americans have a long and distinguished history of military service in the United States. From the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts, Indigenous peoples have consistently stepped forward to serve their country and brought unique skills and perspectives to the military. Their contributions have been crucial in many battles and have helped shape the outcome of key military engagements.
Numerous Native American veterans have achieved significant milestones and earned commendations for their service. One notable figure is Ira Hayes, a Pima Native American who was one of the six Marines who famously raised the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. His act of bravery has been immortalized in one of the most iconic photographs of the war.
Another prominent Native American veteran is Lori Piestewa, a Hopi soldier who became the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military. Her sacrifice is a poignant reminder of the contributions and sacrifices made by Indigenous service members.
The parade will proceed through Downtown Fayetteville, stretching along Hay Street from Cool Springs Street to Pittman Street. Participants will be able to see many soldiers from Fort Liberty, the 82nd Band and Chorus, portable artillery units, JROTC cadets, high school marching bands, and various veteran organizations during the parade.

Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey-Salute to Service
Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m.
Crown Complex
1960 Coliseum Dr
https://tinyurl.com/2mxnrf9f
Catch a game of hockey with the Fayetteville Marksmen and their Salute to Service Sunday presented by Soldiers First Real Estate, LLC. This game will feature specialty uniforms and will be an opportunity to thank, honor, and remember local military heroes and their families. Through the Seats for Service program, active-duty service persons and their families receive complimentary tickets to this game courtesy of sponsoring partners.

Honoring Heroes Veterans Day Tribute
Friday, Nov. 8 at 8:30 a.m.
New Century Middle School, 1577 Union Church Rd, Cameron
https://tinyurl.com/47xn6pta

Families of all veterans and active duty military are invited to New Century Middle School to attend a community tribute program honoring military service. RSVP by November 6 by calling 910-947-1301.

Veterans Day Event & Art Mural Unveiling
Friday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m.
Spring Lake Town Hall, 300 Ruth St, Spring Lake
https://tinyurl.com/bdzz8dvm
Join the Town of Spring Lake for a special event honoring our veterans, along with the exciting unveiling of a new art mural. This memorable occasion will take place on Friday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. The mural unveiling will occur at the Stitch-In-Time building, which is conveniently located at 412 S. Main Street.

Operation Market Garden Remembrance
Monday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.
82nd Airborne Museum, Building C-6841 Ardennes St, Fort Liberty
910-432-3443
On Veterans Day, the 82nd Airborne Division Museum is hosting a special exhibit on Operation Market Garden, a key offensive during WWII. Operation Market Garden was one of the most ambitious and controversial Allied offensives of World War II, aiming to hasten the end of the conflict by seizing key bridges in the Netherlands.
Operation Market Garden was conceived by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery as a bold plan to outflank the German Siegfried Line and break into northern Germany. The operation aimed to seize a series of strategically important bridges in the Netherlands, enabling Allied forces to cross the Rhine River and advance into the heart of Germany.
The plan was divided into two distinct parts: 'Market,' involving airborne forces to capture the bridges, and 'Garden,' a ground offensive to link up with the airborne troops. The objective was to create a rapid and unbroken advance through the Netherlands, hopefully ending the war by Christmas 1944.

Veterans Day Ceremony
Monday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m.
Hope Mills Parks & Recreation, 5766 Rockfish Rd, Hope Mills
https://tinyurl.com/2769my4t
Join in for the Hope Mills Parks & Recreation's Annual Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony, a heartfelt event dedicated to honoring our brave Community Veterans. This ceremony pays tribute to the sacrifices made by these heroes and their families, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our great Nation. The ceremony will commence promptly at 3 p.m. Following the event, everyone can come enjoy refreshments inside the Hope Mills Recreation Center.

2024 Field of Honor
Open Until November 11
U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum,
100 Bragg Blvd
910-643-2778
The 17th Annual Field of Honor is a powerful tribute. Every flag carries its own unique tale and features a label that names both the sponsor and the individual being honored. This dynamic showcase of bravery soars as a patriotic salute to the resilience and solidarity of Americans, paying homage to those presently serving, those who have served, and the brave souls who have given their lives for our country's safety and liberty.

VETERANS DAY DEALS
Duck Donuts - Get a cigar, coffee, and donut for $1, on Nov. 11 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
IHOP -Free red, white and blueberry pancakes to veterans and active-duty on Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse -Free meal or meal voucher for active and retired military and current military veterans on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special menu to choose from.
Applebees -Free meal from a select menu to veterans and active-duty on Nov. 11. Dine-in only.
Starbucks -Free 12 oz hot or iced coffee for veterans, military members and their spouses on Nov. 11.
Chili’s - Free meal to veterans and active duty on Nov. 11. From a select menu and for dine-in only.
Krispy Kreme -Free doughnut and small coffee for veterans and active military on Nov. 11.
Hooters -Free entree to veterans and active-duty on Nov. 11.

VETERAN RESOURCES

Veterans on Medicare 101
Monday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m.
Oak Street Health, 103 Country Club Drive
https://tinyurl.com/mr274326
This is a free educational seminar for veterans already enrolled in Medicare Part A & B and would like to know how their veterans’ benefits will work alongside Medicare. They will also help you navigate Medicare terminology to ensure you are aware of your options, can make the most of your benefits and ensure you are fully covered. RSVP to secure your spot. Light refreshments will be served.

Veteran Resume Workshop & Networking Event
Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.
Gaston Brewing Restaurant, 124 Hay Street
https://tinyurl.com/32mva8x4
This is a free event for learning, networking, and career development specifically tailored for veterans. Get valuable tips and resources for crafting a resume that will stand out and highlight your unique skills and experiences.

(Photo: Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters at Fort Liberty, N.C., march down Hay Street in a previous Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade. The parade featured USARC, the 82nd Airborne Division, high school Junior ROTC, high school marching bands and veterans from past wars. U.S. Army photo by Timothy L. Hale/Released)

Fayetteville Urban Ministry Incorporated is celebrating 50 years of being a staple in the community at their gala Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
“Being that we have been in the community for 50 years, there have been a lot of folks that have been there for us to help us survive and make it,” said Johnny Wilson, CEO and president of Fayetteville Urban Ministry. “Urban Ministry got its start in 1974 and was basically just street ministry serving out of the basement of Hay Street United Methodist Church.”
He added, “There were some founding board members who came together and wanted to take it to another level by establishing Fayetteville Urban Ministry as a true nonprofit organization and after that, the organization started to branch out.”
The first initial program for Fayetteville Urban Ministry was Emergency Assistance that assisted individuals with food and clothing. Through the years, they added on additional programs such as Adult Literacy and Education Center, Find-A-Friend and the Nehemiah Project.
“I came along in 1999, and now all four of the programs have been truly modernized,” said Wilson. “We are doing a lot more things differently and for example, emergency assistance which specializes in food and clothing, now has a huge-sized clothing closet and a huge-sized food pantry for people to shop in.”
Wilson added that they also support folks with financial support by helping to pay the rent, utilities, mortgage, emergency hotel stay and more.
The Find-A-Friend program has its own facility on the same street as the main site.
“The community backed us really hard to build a brand-new facility back in 2018, and now we are able to serve at risk and court-involved kids,” said Wilson. “Our adult literacy program involves GED preparation, job resume building, ESL classes, help individuals obtain their US citizenship and it has truly blown up and evolved.”
The Nehemiah Project brings houses up to great living conditions for individuals with our partnership with the City of Fayetteville.
“We can repair HVACS, roofs, and plumbing to bring that house up to living conditions as long as the individual lives within the city limits,” said Wilson. “So collectively, all four of those programs serve well over 15,000 individuals throughout Cumberland County at 100% free of cost.”
The gala has an Old Hollywood theme and the menu features heavy hors d’ oeuvres, meatballs, cheeses, desserts and beverages sponsored by Healy Wholesale.
“The program will consist of several individuals who will share their stories about their partnerships with Fayetteville Urban Ministry and there will be a special surprise guest,” said Wilson. “We will also talk about the journey of Fayetteville Urban Ministry, where we came from, where we are and where we are going.”
He added, “Our goal is to net gain more than $75,000 so that we can do some infrastructure repairs on our parking lot, roof, baseboards and painting at our main site that has been standing for 26 years.”
Wilson’s “why” is quite simple when it comes to helping others.
“I aspire to be everything that I did not have,” said Wilson. “I want to be a resource to any and everyone.”
Wilson recently received the Key to the City of Fayetteville and the Sullivan Award from Methodist University which is recognition of an individual who has given most of their life to humanitarian efforts. “It was really a huge achievement for me and Mary Holmes, President/CEO for Cumberland Community Foundation, to receive this award which is really remarkable and totally unexpected,” said Wilson.
“We are looking forward to our gala so come out and join us for an evening to remember.”
Tickets cost $150 per person, with a discount for two tickets for $250. Sponsorships are available.
To purchase a ticket visit https://www.fayurbmin.org/ or call (910) 483- 5944.

The city of Fayetteville is cordially invited to attend a regency era dance workshop hosted by the incomparable Charles Steplively on Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Hay Street United Methodist Church gym.
Steplively will be joined by members of the Lafayette Society to teach these dances to the public in an effort to help bring the authenticity of time period dances to the National Celebration of the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in March 2025. The March celebration will include the Lafayette Bicentennial Ball, and organizers hope the ball will be a place to showcase the dancing the Marquis de Lafayette would have experienced during his time in Fayetteville in 1825.
“The idea for the workshop came about because we thought since the dances are so different from modern dances, it would make the ball more enjoyable if you had previous exposure to English Country Dances,” said Sylvia Bisbee, an organizer for the dance event.
“English Country Dances are great, because you get to dance with people. You are part of something, and it is such a blast. It is always great to see people enjoying themselves and so many times, at first people are like, ‘I don't know how to dance,’ and we always tell them, if you can walk, you can dance. And it really is true,” she said. “English Country Dancing does not have difficult steps you have to learn. If you can walk forwards, backwards and sideways you are qualified. Well, and sometimes there is also a little clap involved and a turn.”
Jeremy Gershman, a dance master who goes by the pseudonym “Charles Steplively,” will be coming down from Virginia to help teach the dances.
“The dance class was the idea of the dance master, Mr. Steplively. The idea is to teach the dances we’ll perform at the ball and to generate interest in attending the ball. I’m sure they didn’t have a class back in the day but they already knew the dances,” said Janelle Prement, co-chair in charge of the Lafayette Farewell Tour Ball. “Personally, I’m looking forward to celebrate with people that enjoy lessons from history and appreciate the historical presence of Lafayette.”
The dance workshop is not a one-off; other dance workshops will be held until the Bicentennial Ball in March to help keep the dances fresh in people’s minds.
“We plan on having additional workshops for free between the November workshop and the ball in March, just to keep the dances in the muscle memory. We will be opening these practices up to anyone who is interested. This will also be in conjunction with the Bridgerton Youth Ball the library is planning in March,” said Bisbee.
Bisbee is a passionate dancer. While she is not part of the Lafayette Society, she jumped at the chance to help the group organize dancing lessons for the people of Fayetteville.
“I met Hank [Parfitt] because we started dancing at the Dickens Festival many years ago. By ‘we,’ I mean myself and my beautiful dance sisters Michele, Katie and Amanda. So, when the subject of a ball came up, I said count me in and so did the rest of the gang. They will also be helping with the additional workshops we plan,” she said. “I absolutely love to dance and learning new dances is always a plus.”
Bisbee is excited to be a part of the ball in March, and expressed her hopes that attendees will show up dressed to impress.
“It is so much fun when everyone shows up all dressed up. These days, this is rare. So, part of the ball is also to show off your beautiful gown and also enjoy all the other beautiful gowns and see the gentlemen in their handsome suits. This creates a special and magical atmosphere,” she said.
Tickets to this first workshop are $20 a person and can be purchased at https://www.lafayettesociety.org/the-grand-tour-bicentennial/. For those who have already purchased tickets to the Bicentennial Ball, the workshop is free of charge by visiting the link above.

Get ready, Fayetteville…something fabulous is coming to Seabrook Auditorium in November! Fayetteville State University’s Department of Performing and Fine Arts presents the smash hit musical Kinky Boots Nov. 14-17. This high-energy musical about the power of friendship, compassion, and collaboration is sure to have you dancing in the aisle.
What do you get when a pop icon and two Broadway legends put their heads together? You get the Tony-award winning Best Musical called Kinky Boots. The musical features 16 original songs by the incomparable Cyndi Lauper, dialogue written by theatre legend Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. When it debuted on Broadway in April of 2013, it was an instant hit, and for good reason.
Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie and Lola’s unlikely friendship. Charlie, a young man with sights set on a life in the big city, finds himself suddenly thrust into the role of saving his father’s struggling shoe factory.
He meets Lola, a drag performer, and learns about the common struggle she has to find shoes that are sturdy and well-made while also being flashy and fabulous. The unlikely duo put their heads together, along with the folks in the factory, to create a line of sturdy stilettos, specifically made for drag queens.
It is a funny, high-energy show with moments that are tender and moving as well.
The story shines a spotlight on the need for compassion, for understanding, and being one’s true, authentic self.
The theme of collaboration that is so prominent in Kinky Boots is a significant part of the Fayetteville State University production of this hit musical. The production is a collaboration between the Theatre, Dance, and Music departments of the university and features students from FSU, a few Early College high school students, and even one alumnus. Theatre professors Jeremy Fiebig and Evan Bridenstine are working together to co-direct the production, with technical leadership in scenic and lighting design by FSU Theatre Professor Dave Griffie.
Through funding provided by a Kenan Charitable Trust award, they are also able to collaborate with local professionals who are providing support with music, choreography, fight work, stage management, set construction and painting, and more.
Fiebig explained that in their usual productions, they might be able to hire one or two local professionals to consult and assist with the show; but for Kinky Boots, there are nearly a dozen people from the local arts community contributing. Not only does that provide a wealth of experience for the students involved, it is a unique and important networking opportunity for those aspiring performers.
Proceeds from the show will help fund FSU students' participation in the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival-the world's largest arts festival. The Fringe Festival is an annual multi-week celebration of theatre and arts in Edinburgh, Scotland; some say it is like the Olympics for the performing arts. The Festival features the International College Theatre Festival, an opportunity for students from colleges and universities all over the world to come together and perform.
Plans are for the contingent from Fayetteville State to write and produce an original, world-premiere play at the 2025 Fringe Festival.
Such an experience is rare and incredibly valuable for the students who will participate. Such an experience is rare and incredibly valuable for the students who will participate.
It will allow people from all over the world to get a glimpse into the talent and creativity happening in Fayetteville. Funding such an endeavor is a daunting task but every ticket sold to see Kinky Boots helps them get closer to that goal. Audiences can even look forward to a couple of “Easter egg” moments in the show that pay homage to the world-renowned festival and FSU’s participation in it.
In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, there will be additional opportunities at the performances for patrons to contribute to the FSU at Fringe Fund.
Patrons should be aware that the show contains some mature content, including discussions of gender identity, adult language, and some suggestive material.
Tickets are on sale now; visit https://www.uncfsu.edu/fsu-presents-kinky-boots and scroll to the bottom of the page for a link to purchase tickets. Admission is free for FSU students.

(Graphic courtesy of Fayetteville State University)

Employment Source, a local affiliate of ServiceSource, is preparing to host its first-ever “Art Therapy for Community Inclusion Day” on Nov. 14, thanks in part to a generous $7,200 grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., aims to showcase the impact of art therapy on individuals with disabilities by offering them a platform to display their creative works and engage with the broader community.
Tara Brisson Hinton, Director of Regional Philanthropy, Employment Source, explained that this is the second year the Arts Council has supported its program through its Project Support and Mini-Grants initiative.
“The Cumberland Community Foundation was the first to provide funding for our Community Inclusion Day Program for adults with disabilities here at Employment Source and Friendship House Fayetteville Residents. This opportunity is now funded again by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County for the second year in a row,” Hinton shared.
According to Hinton, the funds are being used to hire Yael Divon, a certified art therapist who provides weekly art therapy projects for over 30 individuals.
“The grant helps us cover not only the therapist’s services but also the materials for the projects, which have been vital to our Bloom program,” Hinton said.
The Bloom program allows artisans with disabilities to create handcrafted items, including greeting cards, shirts, candles, soap, and jewelry. These items are available for purchase at Employment Source, local farmers markets, and community festivals, with the proceeds going directly to the artisans.
Art Therapy as a Bridge to Inclusion
Employment Source’s art therapy program promotes inclusion by giving individuals with disabilities a creative outlet to express themselves and interact with their community. Hinton emphasized the importance of this approach, noting that art therapy provides more than just an opportunity for creative expression.
“Art therapy allows participants to practice motor skills, eye-hand coordination, spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and self-expression,” Hinton explained. The impact of these sessions will be on full display during the upcoming “Thankful for Art” showcase on Nov. 14, where the public is invited to view the artwork and engage in conversations with the artists.
“This is the first time we are hosting this event, and we’re excited for the community to see the incredible work our participants have created,” she said.
Hinton also noted that the participants have embraced opportunities to engage with the public at summer markets and festivals, where they sell their Bloom products.
“These events have provided our participants with a chance to meet community members, share their experiences, and have conversations about the art and the Bloom items they’ve made,” she said.
Partnerships That Drive Success
The success of Employment Source’s programs would not be possible without strong community partnerships. Hinton emphasized her gratitude for the support from organizations such as the Cumberland Community Foundation, United Way of Cumberland County, and the City of Fayetteville.
“We’ve built strong partnerships with local organizations, churches like Snyder Baptist and Lebanon Baptist, and other groups like the YMCA and Cape Fear Botanical Garden,” she said. These collaborations provide additional resources, volunteers, and opportunities for Employment Source to expand its reach and impact.
One of the most valued partnerships, Hinton mentioned, is with the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
“Their continued support has been instrumental in allowing us to grow our art therapy offerings and increase the visibility of our participants’ talents,” she said.
Transforming Lives Through Art
Art therapy has become a highlight for the individuals at Employment Source, many of whom look forward to Wednesdays when Devon leads the weekly sessions. “Wednesday is our art therapy day, and it’s the most popular day of the week,” Hinton said with a smile. “When Yael walks in, everyone cheers. It’s become something they all look forward to.”
Hinton shared a success story about one of the participants, who has both intellectual and developmental disabilities and is non-verbal.
“Through art therapy, this individual found a way to express themselves that didn’t require words,” Hinton explained. “Every week, they present their work to the class, and their joy and pride are contagious. These moments remind us why this program is so important.”
For Hinton, the value of art therapy goes beyond creativity. It offers a way for individuals with disabilities to build confidence and develop skills to assist them in other areas of life, including employment. “Art therapy is a fun way to get into the minds and hearts of these incredible individuals, and it plays a significant role in their personal growth,” she said.
Looking to the Future
Hinton is optimistic about the future of Employment Source’s creative therapy programs. Beyond art therapy, the organization offers other forms of expressive therapy, including dance classes at the YMCA, horticulture programs at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and pet therapy through the Love on a Leash program.
“We are always looking for new ways to expand our offerings and provide more opportunities for our participants to grow and engage with the community,” Hinton said.
One growth area is the organization’s technology lab, funded by a grant from the Longleaf Fund. The lab offers developmental programs aimed at improving communication and promoting independence.
“We’re planning to upgrade our technology to keep up with the rapid changes in the digital world,” Hinton noted. “This will allow our participants to build skills crucial in today’s workforce.”
Additionally, Hinton sees the Bloom product line expanding to more locations and events throughout the community.
“We’re excited about the future of Bloom and how we can continue to showcase the talents of our participants in new and meaningful ways,” she said.
As Employment Source grows its programs, Hinton remains deeply grateful for the volunteers and partners who have contributed to the organization’s success.
“We’re so fortunate to have people like Brucie Tria, who drives from Raleigh every Friday to teach financial literacy and other activities,” she said. “Our volunteers are vital to what we do, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
For more information about the upcoming “Art Therapy for Community Inclusion Day” or to RSVP, email CommunityNC@employmentsource.org. You can also contact Tara Brisson Hinton at tara.hinton@employmentsource.org or 910-850-8068.

(Photo: Participants in art therapy provided by Employment Service make tie dye t shirts. Employment Service recently received a grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to hire Yael Divon, a certified art therapist who provides weekly art therapy projects for 30 individuals in the program. Photo courtesy of Tara Hinton, Director of Regional Philanthropy, Employment Source)

The building, gutted. The roof, collapsed. Rubbish spilled from the gaping windows, a grim testament to the fire’s destructive power.
Early Monday afternoon, though the flames had been extinguished, visible damage from the fire that decimated Kinlaw’s Supermarket Saturday night remained. Much of the building was reduced to rubble — a charred shell of the bustling meat market that has been a staple of east Fayetteville for years.
For more than four decades, Kinlaw’s Supermarket, located on Sapona Road in east Fayetteville, has been feeding the Fayetteville community and supplying fresh meat to customers and catering services to local businesses.
Tommy Kinlaw and his brother Bobby founded the meat market in 1979, and expanded the business to include a restaurant a few years later, Kinlaw’s Welcome Grill. Kinlaw said the restaurant serves about 6,000 people a week, despite only being open for two meals a day and being closed on weekends.
The weekend fire, which lasted several hours Oct. 19, was caused by an electrical short in the building, Kinlaw said. The fire ultimately required about 2 million gallons of water to extinguish. Fire crews dumped about 4,000 gallons a minute for the first eight hours, through Saturday night and into Sunday morning, Kinlaw said. The Fayetteville Fire Department finished work at about 1 p.m. Sunday, he said. No one was injured from the fire.
Kinlaw said he had been “anxious at first,” about the fire — which news had woken him up after about an hour and a half of sleep — but felt reassured by the love and support the store has since received from the community and a large group of loyal customers. Kinlaw’s son, Travis Kinlaw, runs the day-to-day operations at the store.
“We had to cut the phone off in my son’s pocket, my one that runs the store over here, Travis, he was getting 28 texts a minute and he couldn’t handle it because there was so many people wanting to talk to him,” Tommy Kinlaw told CityView. “He just had to stop it for a little bit because there are so many decisions that are critical to this moment.”

Strong community support
A few long-time shoppers dropped in and out of the parking lot across the street from Kinlaw’s on Oct. 21, taking pictures of the building ruins. One woman told CityView she had shopped at Kinlaw’s for 40 years, and couldn’t believe what she’d seen on the news earlier that Monday morning — she had to come out to see it herself.
A longtime employee, Jack Muzquiz, pointed out the various pieces of black debris from the fire in the parking lot: a charred onion, a tin can, a plastic bottle, even a Kinlaw’s business card on the ground.
Other passersby who identified themselves as friends and family of the Kinlaw’s stopped by to offer condolences. Adding to the scene on Monday, city contractors, who were performing routine road maintenance unrelated to the fire, sprayed a tack coat onto Sapona Road, the same street where Kinlaw’s is located. Waylon Nobles, an engineering inspector for the city who happened to be overseeing the roadwork, told CityView he had done some concrete projects for the Kinlaw’s over the years, and described them as “really good people.” Nobles said he had been a regular shopper at the market, too.
“It’s a shame it happened,” he said, gazing at the large pile of rubble and blackened walls of the former meat market. “It’s very sad. I hope they rebuild because they did a lot for this community right here. Gave a lot of people jobs.”
“Your heart sank when you saw it,” Nobles added.
Kinlaw’s is known for providing employment opportunities for those with no other place to turn, such as former prisoners looking for jobs and to re-enter the community. The business also regularly feeds people who cannot afford food, according to Kinlaw and community members.
“We feed a lot of people, and sometimes we have to feed people that can’t feed themselves,” Kinlaw told CityView.
That also includes strangers. Kinlaw said, the business was able to put together a feast for the family of a woman with intestinal cancer. The woman has four children, he said. Her friend had reached out to Kinlaw’s and asked if they could help provide a meal, Kinlaw said.
“We did it the other night and all the children and the grandparents just broke down and cried,” Kinlaw said. “They said, ‘[We] couldn’t believe anybody loves us so much.’ We don’t know them. They don’t know us. But they ate a great supper.”
The show must go on
Kinlaw’s is not wasting any time getting back to business as usual.
“We’ve got a total plan already in place,” Kinlaw told CityView on Monday.
Kinlaw said the restaurant, spared by the fire, opened for business on Oct. 22 but he estimates the grocery store will not be open again until next August. The business has already found a builder, Kinlaw said, and they expect to complete the project in 10 to 11 months. Now, Kinlaw is waiting on the business’s insurance company to give the go-ahead to start the rebuilding process.
Kinlaw said his family plans to rebuild the market in the same location, with the hope of expanding it to be closer to the restaurant by purchasing the vacant building that currently separates the market and the restaurant.
“And we’re making a personal offer on that … building right between us that’s been vacant for years and it needs to be torn down,” Kinlaw said. “But I would like to put the store there and then we’d have the whole place to park. But we’ve got a lot of things going on. It’s happening really fast.”
Kinlaw, a deeply religious man, turned to his faith in the wake of the destruction. He said he had woken up early that Monday morning, at 3:30 a.m., with a message from God about his family’s troubles in the form of a psalm.
Standing in the parking lot of the restaurant Monday, he pulled out his Bible from his truck, an old-fashioned copy, bound in leather, and read the scripture aloud. He recited Psalm 41:1–3, verses describing how God blesses and protects those who are kind to the poor.
“But my word confirmed the fact that he’s going to take care of it,” Kinlaw said. “The song … ‘He’s got the whole world in his hand. He’s got me and you, too.’ I believe that with all my heart.”

The Public Works Commission plans to build its third solar farm by its sewer treatment plant in Grays Creek near Rockfish Creek and the Cape Fear River.
The PWC’s board voted unanimously on Wednesday to hire River City Construction of Washington, North Carolina, to build the farm for $6.49 million. River City was one of four companies that bid on the project, according to agenda materials from Wednesday’s meeting.
The bid is now subject to final approval by the Fayetteville City Council. The city owns the PWC.
The 4.875-megawatt Rockfish Solar Utility Station is to be built off N.C. 87 South on Tracy Hall Road next to the Rockfish Creek Water Reclamation Facility — a sewer treatment plant near where Rockfish Creek enters the Cape Fear River, according to PWC bid materials.
The total budget to build and open the Rockfish Solar Utility Station is $8.95 million, PWC spokesman Gavin MacRoberts told CityView. It’s expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026, he said.
Growing solar capabilities
The Rockfish solar farm is part of a larger effort by the PWC to expand its solar generation operations. The PWC has one farm, and including the Rockfish farm it plans to build three more.
Here are the details on the other solar farms, from the PWC’s website and provided by MacRoberts:
• Community Solar/Battery Storage. The PWC’s first solar farm opened in 2019 next to the natural gas powered Butler-Warner Generation Plant in the Eastover area. It generates up to 1 megawatt. The PWC plans to expand this farm. The size and date of the expansion are not yet determined.
• Gillespie Solar Photovoltaic Utility Station. This $3.4 million, 1.9-megawatt solar farm will be the PWC’s second solar farm. It is under construction at 3858 Gillespie St., where the Sally Hills Farms horse stable used to be in the Southview area between the Fayetteville Regional Airport and Hope Mills. It’s due to open in early 2025.
• Carvers Falls Road. “Engineering is underway for an additional solar farm off Carvers Falls Road,” MacRoberts said. This is on the north side of Fayetteville off Ramsey Street near Interstate 295. Construction is to start after the Rockfish solar farm is complete. It will be the PWC’s fourth solar farm. The estimated cost has not yet been determined.
The PWC provides electricity to customers in and around Fayetteville. It buys most of its power at a wholesale price from Duke Energy Progress. Its natural gas Butler-Warner plant is only activated during periods of peak demand and generates electricity for Duke during those periods, officials have said.
The existing solar farm by the Butler-Warner plant supplies power to the PWC’s customers, not Duke, MacRoberts said, as will the new farms.

Over the next couple of years, you’ll hear a great deal about the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding.
In July 2026, Americans will cheer the semiquincentennial — best add that word to your spelling list — of the Declaration of Independence. Even before that, however, we’ll witness other semiquincentennial celebrations: of the April 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord that ignited the Revolutionary War, of the June 1775 battle of Bunker Hill that forced the British to take the rebellion more seriously, and of battles of Moore’s Creek Bridge here in North Carolina (February 1776) and Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina (June 1776) that, together, frustrated Britain’s original scheme for subduing the southern colonies.
These and many other consequential battles preceding the Declaration of Independence deserve commemoration. I plan to do my part with a series of columns on the Carolinas’ contributions to the war effort.
But as John Adams memorably argued in a letter written nearly two decades after his presidential term, the American Revolution didn’t start with a musket shot.
“The Revolution was effected before the war commenced,” Adams observed. “The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people.”
Quite so. That’s why we don’t mark Independence Day as September 3, 1783, when British and American diplomats signed the Treaty of Paris that officially brought the Revolutionary War to a close.
Nor do we date the country’s start as October 19, 1781, when General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington at Yorktown.
Americans had to win a war to secure their independence, yes. But they were already a self-governing people before the war’s end. Indeed, they were a self-governing people even before the Continental Congress voted in 1776 to approve the Declaration of Independence produced by its brilliant drafting committee of Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
Among the intellectual battles that produced the American Revolution so described by John Adams, that revolution of hearts and minds, was an event that occurred right here in North Carolina 250 years ago during the week of Oct. 23. And the revolutionaries who won it wore no blue uniforms and carried no muskets.
The ladies of Edenton wore dresses.
On October 25, 1774, Penelope Barker called together 50 other female residents of the colony’s former capital on the Albemarle Sound. They met in the home of Elizabeth King to discuss the work of North Carolina’s First Provincial Congress, which had met in August in New Bern, and America’s First Continental Congress, which had just concluded its session in Philadelphia.
Both congresses had opted to use economic means, not military means, to compel the British Parliament to remove its tax on tea.
The fundamental issue wasn’t financial. Americans were, relatively speaking, lightly taxed. But they insisted the power to tax lay with their own colonial legislatures, not with Parliament. Allowing faraway politicians to levy taxes to fund royal governors would make Americans vassals, not citizens.
Penelope Barker and her friends agreed. At what came to be called the “Edenton Tea Party,” they pledged not to purchase tea or other goods from Britain until it rescinded its illegal dictates. The women were “determined to give memorable proof of their patriotism,” calling it a duty “not only to our near and dear connections” but “to ourselves.”
This was one of the first political events led by American women — and it was far from play-acting. There was real danger. Penelope’s husband Thomas Barker was in London at the time, serving as essentially North Carolina’s lobbyist to the British government.
Other signatories’ husbands played key roles in public affairs on both sides of the Atlantic. Over the ensuing months, the cauldrons of revolution churned, bubbled, then boiled over. When war broke out, Thomas Barker fled to France, only managing to return to Penelope in 1778.
So, let’s all raise a toast to the ladies who met in Edenton 250 years ago to strike a blow for liberty. Just don’t toast them with tea.

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

(Photo: A memorial bronze teapot in Edenton, NC commemorates the 51 women who protested the British Tea Tax. This was different than the Boston Tea Party in that the protestors in Edenton refused to purchase tea and other British goods.... And they were all women. Photo by Alyson Hansen)